NewLens Challenge: Days 17-21

Proverbs 31:10-12 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.

Marriage

Day 17 Today our goal is to not argue or "go against" what our husband says or does. I do not mean this in a doormat sense, but a much more valuable sense in that we are working to build in leadership to our husbands. Without even thinking we can often be discouraging with our words or questions, so let us keep quiet and think much before we speak much.

Day 18 Do you have a decision to make? Seek your husband's guidance. This may be something you already do, so maybe find something that isn't BIG and ask him what he thinks would be best for you to do. Our husbands feel respected and trusted when we express that we value their opinion of how we spend our time.

Day 19 Ask your husband what he would like you to accomplish with the children today? Is there a project you can all work on to help him at the house, a verse he would like them to learn, something he has been asking you do? Maybe it is even find out about registration for t-ball. Just purpose to seek his parental leadership and follow-through.

Day 20 If it's possible, plan to take lunch for your husband at his workplace today and have the kids make special cards for him. Be a winsome example of a wife who honors and does her husband good. This is not to be prideful, but to publically show your love for him. This gives others the opportunity to witness God at work in a marriage relationship, because they see something that looks different from what the world offers. If not, then plan a special meal for him and still have cards ready!

Day 21 Find 6 different times today to say, "I love you for....." (Example: I love you for working hard to provide for us. I love you for taking time to spend with our children.)

Proverbs 31:26-28 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

Motherhood

Day 17 Find a new way to say "no"....meaning, try not to say "NO" to your kids toda. I realize this is difficult, but even if you just pick 1 or 2 things you usually just say "no" to it will be great! (Example: "No, we are not going on a bike ride right now." Exchanged for: "I know that a bike ride would be so fun. Right now, we need to focus on our chores and rest time. We will see if we have time later this afternoon.") I really feel that this helps validate our children's desires as important. We do want them to know that their ideas are important to us, but we must communicate that to them!

Day 18 Purpose to not say "just a minute" to your children. Our goal is not to make our home child-centered, but not to appear too busy or distracted to meet their needs. Most things seem urgent to the small child, so help them feel that they are important to you, by addressing things as quickly as possible. They will see our willingness and feel a certain kind of love in having you not put them off. This take good judgement on our part. I am not saying drop everything, but at least find a proactive way to have them wait. (Yes, let me put this one dish away.) (Honey, I would love to come right away, can you use your words and tell me why, I am in the middle of making dinner) Take some time with older children to ask them about something specific they would like your help with or would like help in accomplishing over the next week or so.

Day 19 Make applesause with your kids today and color it a fun color! Here is a simple recipe.

Day 20 Talk to your children about how dad is the head of the home and why you are taking lunch or making cards for him. Ask them what they love most about daddy and write some of those things down on their cards. Build into your children a high respect for dad's leadership. If you have older children perhaps they can write a note to thank their dad for his leadership in some way they are appreciative.

Day 21 Get a piece of paper and some stickers, then let your kids know you are on the hunt for acts of kindness today. Each time you see one, you will stick a sticker on the page. Let them know the goal is to fill up the whole page! Maybe even draw a heart and fill up the heart. Share with them that kindness comes from the heart and is really wanting what is best for someone else. You share or do something that will benefit them more than yourself. And, that your heart is very happy when it is kind! Challenge older children to find ways to purpose to be kind today to the their siblings, a friend or family.