Journaling

What have I been up to since my last post?

taking son to get his wisdom teeth out, starting to exercise to my new Zhumba Wii, making lots of roasts with mashed potatoes and gravy, doing bookkeeping for our businesses, writing out lessons for my children, teaching them some, chauffeuring to dance and piano lessons, finishing the new book by Beverly Lewis, bought Ree Drummond's new cookbook and love story (thought that would be a great read over Valentine's Day), washing dishes, taming the never-ending laundry pile, feeding our Golden, going out to dinner with friends, making tea to stay warm, loving the bright snowy outside, doctor appointments, dentist appointments (oh I hope that I do not need a root canal!), hosting football parties, scrap booking with my daughter, visiting my aunt (who is more of a sister), preparing lessons-again, getting my son's portfolio ready for his graduation, more bookkeeping- constant bookkeeping, date with my husband tonight!

The usual daily stuff, LIFE stuff...so I have not been writing....think that I will try something new...I will try journaling something, anything to get myself to blog consistently. Only do not hold me to it! Well, your input probably would motivate me!

I think about writing...but life is happening always and I do not always stop to ponder and cement my thoughts into black-and-white. Well, feeble start this is; but I will try.

Appropriate quote from my daily calendar:

"What you will do maters. All you need is to do it." -Judy Grahn

Glorius Sun

This is a re-post, but still gives encourages me....hope it will you.

I sat early morning meditating, praying, thinking on His majesty. Just then a brilliant beam of gold glow shone through the window over the top of the loveseat where I was sitting and targeted my eyes. I turned to the source to see the sun beaming horizontally toward me from over the crest of the mountains. It was as though He was saying, "Just as My eye is on the sparrow-understand, I SEE you." My prayers presently seemed to travel directly to the throne room. And yet not need to travel at all because He is here.

After writing this I look again outside. The golden glow is rising, now softening its brilliance to meld into the now lightened blue sky. These are the only colors of this wintry palette except for my husband's vintage red Ford truck, adding to the poetry of the scene. The trees, bushes, and houses are all a monochrome color of dark umbers. Everything is coated with fresh white, powdery snow which arrived for a visit last night. The sun beams reflect in a snowflake here and there like shiny crystals in a beach of sand.

It is calm.

It is peaceful.

The silent song resonates to my soul, "I am here watching over you." I eat of this spiritual manna.

I am full and content.
I am ready for this day.

"A Public Day of Thanksgivng"

I am thankful that I live in a country in which its Founding Fathers led the people in the worship and honor of our Creator. Read George Washington's "Proclamation for a National Thanksgiving"....http://wilstar.com/holidays/wash_thanks.html Oh that once again we would experience America's leaders offering unadulterated credence in the One True Christian God. That we would render service to "that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, of that will be".

"Then do not grasp the stars, but do life's plain, common work as it comes, certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things of life."

~Robert L. Stevenson

I like to grasp for the stars. To aquire beyond myself. To strive after more than just myself. To touch what seems impossible. And yet admittedly....isn't life almost entirely made up of small moments? ordinary tasks, usual routines?

I read the above quote as I was preparing refreshments for our LOV bible study. I thought, "How appropriate!" The smell of pumpkin cookies baking, the creamy texture of the dip, the light of an Autumn colored candle, the sounds of praise coming from a favorite CD, prayers being offered up for the ladies that I would fellowship with later in the evening.

"THIS is the sweetness of life."

What is the common work that you will be laboring at today? the daily duties? Will you be changing dirty diapers? making lunch for your children? ironing shirts for your husband? typing the papers up for your boss? Are you considering the service of those duties as the "sweetness of life"? Content in your moment of NOW?

Words of JOY

Words. They speak to us every which way we look. Shouting announcements of horror, tales of despair, messages of hope and joy. I choose to read the messages of hope and joy.

I love words and their power to transform our minds. That is the reason that I strategically place words in my home- for myself, my family, and visitors. -messages of life and joy. Being a visual person I prefer the words to be placed in a pretty format. When Dayspring offered the attendees at The Relevant conference three of their items if we would only write about them on our blogs, I chose those below.

I am so excited for the month of December; I am poised at the starting lane ready to take off towards the Christmas season as soon as the heralding fire of the day after Thanksgiving blasts! The linens read "Jesus is the gift". How fitting is that? In my kitchen is a shelf on which four baskets sit. Every season I change the tea towels that are covering (the "stuff" in them) with appropriate colored ones. These pretty tea towels and oven mitts will decorate my kitchen perfectly for the Christmas season. My daughter has been writing the scriptures that we are memorizing on the ceramic message board. I love the vintage look and neutral color of it; it will be a permanent fixture in our kitchen.

Dayspring is like-minded in my view of words. They have many more beautiful products with that same intention of bringing beauty and words of joy to you and your home. Visit their store and see for yourself. Dayspring.com

Melodic Adulation

Was it just yesterday that I read "the roar of many waters...peals of thunder" praising our God? Last night I had the great pleasure of attending a choir concert performing Handel's "Messiah". The quaint, cozy chapel housing embellished carved wood buttresses and gilded religious embellishments was the perfect setting. I drank in the music like water to a thirsty soul- it was aesthetic, cultural, and spiritual.

Then the melodies, harmonies, and everything in between the weaving notes rose to the apex; it was time for the "Hallelujah" chorus. As per tradition for the last almost 270 years, the audience rose to our feet. The singing parts rolled upon each other as the euphonious sound filled space of the chapel with moving song. It is said that when Handel wrote this chorus heaven itself was opened for his view; I say, "How could it not have been?" That melodic heralding of praise to our Lord invigorates the mind and heart and body; I wanted to shout, "Yes! Kings of Kings and Lord of Lords! And He shall reign forever!".

And this was the sounds from only twenty-five chorus members! I thought of the verse that I read yesterday morning and I imagined throngs of heavenly hosts and throngs of saints gathered around the throne giving adulation as "waves of mighty waters and peals of thunder"! Hallelujah!

These thoughts lift my spirits with hope and expectancy. What a wonderful way for the Christmas season to dawn.

The roar of many waters and peals of thinder....

This morning I read something that stirred my spirit so much I wanted to start shouting and dancing....I want to share it with you too so as you carpool your kids today, wash dirty dishes, and fold clean underwear, your heart and mind will be transpired with lofty dreams of bliss~

"Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,
'Hallelujah! for the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and exult and give Him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and His Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure'- for the linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.
And the angel said to me, 'Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.' And he said to me, 'These are the true words of God." -Revelation 19:6-9

Have you been invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb? Are you an excited betrothed bride waiting expectantly for our Bridegroom? Imagine, Beloved, the day of the Great Feast when we with the multitudes as vast as the grains of sand raise our voices as the roar of many rushing, crashing waves in exultation of our Lord! Blessed be that day which may come sooner than we think. Let us live purposefully and expectantly today...

Lessons for Life

In lessons with my girls (I use the word "lessons" instead of home-schooling) I have them memorizing verses. I choose the verses that form the foundations of our faith or character issues that we need to work on. Considering the attitudes that have been visiting our home when correction is taking place, I chose this verse for this week.

"My son (daughter) despise not the chastening of the Lord;
neither be weary of His correction:
For whom the Lord loveth He correcteth;
even as a father a son in whom he delighteth."
-Proverbs 3:11-12 KJ

"That's so good!", I thought. My children need to understand that I correct them because I love them. I am not "being mean"; I have their best interest at heart- their characters. Immediately I felt the Holy Spirit whisper, "And you need to know that too."

Oh! How I enjoy thinking that I am beyond needing correction! That I am already spiritually mature. How arrogant. My eyes are not focused on my Most Holy God when I have such-self righteous thoughts. But gently, as a Father with his daughter that he delights in, chastens and corrects me. He points me to the right persective.

I revel in the truth that He delights in me!

Yet again as I teach my children I myself am being taught.

Is there something that you are in the place of being the teacher and the student right now? Share it with me....

In the NOW

Hello dear Ladies Of Virtue! The autumn air is cold and crisp. Leaves twirl their last dance to the ground as I am reminded of the fast flipping pages of the calendar. Thanksgiving day is in three short weeks and Christmas- yes, CHRISTMAS- in about seven! (Not soon enough for my girls). With the days whirling by us let us take today and pause in the moment of NOW. Let us therefore live TODAY with purpose of mind and passion of heart. That is the by-line of
Ladies Of Virtue- pursuing biblical femininity with purpose and passion. In the soon future I plan to write more of LOV's heart. For today (I remind myself) focus on the moments, the minutes, the hours, that make today- TODAY- with conscious attention, being present in the now and having the understanding that our most blessed Savior is ever with us. Enjoy your DAY.

Arise from bed

The day after I come home from the Relevant Conference. Can I get out of bed? Can I place my feet on the floor and move towards my life? Why is it so hard for me? "Nicol, people are depending on you. Your family, your children need you to pray the prayers that you utter while everyone else is still asleep."

Faithless thoughts tumble to the forefront of my mind, "But does it matter?"

"Your son drove himself to church yesterday."

"He DID, didn't he?" I have been praying for him and, "Yes!- He went to church yesterday." That is evidence that my Father hears- He really hears! And now that I think of it. Just last week I prayed that God would show me one- just one- sign for good to encourage me. And that was it- a clear sign .

So I do have reason to rise out of bed. I have a necessity to put my feet on the floor. It is imperative that I awaken with purpose in my soul because others are depending on me. Others need my prayers. Others lives are changed because I connect with Holy Spirit on their behalf. And so with these thoughts I push away the warm, cozy covers and rise into the crisp cool air with purpose....

Creating....

I have been thinking that to be authentic I need more alone time. Time to meditate, ponder, time to create...Oh, if I could just get up early (and not need a nap Later)! Father, show me how and when I can make time to create and write...

New Beginnings

Hello Ladies, Today is a great day for "New Beginnings" because this is the day the Lord has made! He makes all things new and all old things are passed away. (1Corinthians 5:17) Today live- in the moment...stop the busy activity and focus on ONE thing at a time-maybe it is the glass that you are washing, the shirt that you are folding, or looking into the eyes of your child while they excitedly express their thoughts to you.

Concerning "Fit for Life"- forget yesterday...and be filled today with God's Holy Spirit.

A Glorious Spring morning it is! The Lord could not have given us a more beautiful day to welcome in Spring; the birds are chirping, the air crisp full of sunshine and blue skies. If you read my last entry you would think that this weather is typical for central PA, but that could not be farthest from the truth. Gray days are all too common, so this splendid string of sunshine is like "Miracle Grow" on our souls!

Some of you will be beginning the "Fit for Life" Weight Loss Bible Study Devotional. Great timing to get started. Spring has a way of refreshing and rejuvenating our souls for new beginnnings and change. I wanted to give you a platform where you could comment and share your experiences. Knowing there are others going through a similar journey is great encouragement. So please let us know how you are doing.

If you would like to preview "Fit for Life" link to LadiesOfVirtueOnline.org Scroll down and on the left of the page is the "Fit for Life" link.

~Blessings, Nicol

I awoke with the sun shining brightly through my bedroom curtains. The long missed rays of light beckoned me to rise and enjoy the new day. They also held a bold promise of soon-coming Spring. So here I am moments later writing in my sun room (what better place for today?) writing sweets thoughts of new beginnings.

If you live most anywhere in the US you have experienced more snow this winter than many winters combined. In PA where I call home we have not seen this much snow lasting this long for a decade, a decade before that, and then when I was a child. From November until today it seems as though we have not seen the earth beneath the white blanket. Now let me assure you that I LOVE WINTER. I love snow. The crisp freezing air makes me enjoy a latte or hot tea even more. I love to bake and bake in the winter warming my kitchen with delicious aromas. I love to snuggle by the fire...BUT, I must say that I am craving Spring. And I did not even realize it until just now. I think that it is the sunshine that I miss and the green. Not having to be concerned with everyone bundling up in layers and also be mindful of the many family's boots lying in the kitchen with snow melting on the floor.

Maybe it is change that I want. I have always admired people who live very consistent ordinary lives with quite content hearts. Not that my life is NOT ordinary or routine, but I always seek change of some kind to flavor up my days. Some people just do not NEED that and I admire that. But I DO. Whether I am changing rugs and curtains to reflect the colors of the seasons or planning a little travel excursion, these small changes keep me quite content.

Thank God- He is both consistent and offers change though He Himself does not change.
Daniel said, "Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are His: and He changeth the time and the seasons..." (Daniel 2:21 KJ)

And another promise: "While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease." (Genesis 8:22) The promise of Spring.

He is so faithful. He washes our sins as white as snow and gives us new life in Him just as the new green sprigs of grass grow from the wet, black earth.

I am enjoying winter now- My girls and I are reading Laura Ingalls Wilder's "The Long Winter" so I want to finish it before Spring! But I am certainly looking forward with hope for Spring. I thank Him for new beginnings, even this morning He has made all things new.

"This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The Lord's loving kindnesses indeed never cease for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness." Lam.21-23 NAS)

Enjoy what may be the last of the snowflakes and look for the daffodils to burst forth soon!

New Year Begins

Well, I did it. I (almost) completely UN-decorated my house yesterday in 10 hours. If you know me (and my home) I LOVE to decorate...Christmas being the most beloved holiday. All knickknacks, pictures, even dish towels are taken down and replaced with themed versions of Christmas bliss...This year my family had a wonderfully full and quiet holiday. Yesterday was one of the days of the year that I dread...The end of the festivities and the time to take everything down. It is not so much I mind that everything looks stark and bare as some people do; I have come to enjoy the bareness of my walls and shelves as a calming break to rejuvenate my mind for the upcoming year. It is simply the work and temporary mess that I dislike. Yesterday I armed myself in body and spirit for the task that lay ahead. Out came the sweeper (to suck up all of those pine needles and Styrofoam pieced that break off from packaging), bucket full of soapy, hot water to wipe down the areas not dusted after swags have been lying on them for a month, turned on some instrumental tunes and pured myself some Diet Coke with lots of ice in an elegant crystal glass. I was ready! Ten hours later, twenty totes and 10 garbage bags all of the decorations are safely packed away until the Christmas season comes next year. Thankfully, I have two strong teenage sons who help with carrying all that to the third floor. I did not get to the wreaths hanging outside on the house windows. The temperature today compares with the Arctic so that will have to wait for a thaw!

I feel wonderful! A task accomplished and accomplished well.

Choosing to Rejoice

Day 34 of "The Love Dare"- As you can see my calendar is WAY different from the norm. Instead of reading and applying the book daily with its end at Day 40, I take about a week. When did I begin this venture? February! Wow! Well, let us just sat that I am making Love last! (:

"Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth." -1Cor.13:6

I am reminded that I am one of the most influential people in my husband's life. How have I been using that influence? That is sobering. I can be provoking my husband to godliness or the flesh.

Presently, my husband is without work. He has been for quite awhile, but it has just been these last few weeks that worry has been trying to usurp both of our peaceful mindsets. Reading this entry this morning, I am exhorted to consciously NOT voice worries which would only barrage him with more attacks. I will choose to focus on his growth in godliness and rejoice with him in that.

The word "rejoices" in the 1Cor. scripture above means to be absolutely thrilled and expressively showing it. Tonight when we are on our "date" I will share my enthusiasm about is gathering our family to have church in our home recently. I am thankful for his thoughtfulness in preparation for this time and his taking responsibility in his leadership of the home.

Yes, I am consciously choosing to lift up my husband today toward godliness, not voicing innuendos about our savings, bills, future!, etc.

The Lord's ways are not ours. I tend to think that if I just "let him know" how things are or what I am thinking then THAT will be a motivator to him. NOT! From relational experience I have learned that my "subtle" remarks would just tear him down. So I shall with the Lord's help be an encouragement today. And is it not true that if we "seek first the kingdom of God all these things shall be added unto us"?

Thank you Father.

Is there an issue that you are wanting to consistently bring up to your husband, but in your heart you know that you needn't and shouldn't? Maybe take a different approach, like focusing on his godly growth and rejoicing in it?

The sun is just beginning to down behind the mountain. I am sitting in my livingroom. From where I sit on my couch I can see the magnolia tree in our back yard bursting with huge light and dark pink blossoms. From the opposite window lime green buds are spattered on the tree branches. Spring has sprung at last!

Amidst the joyful, hopeful, welcoming signs of the season, plans and activities flourish in my mind as well. Busy, busy, busy. My husband has been talking to me about four (yes, you read that right) four large business ventures he is pursuing which beckon him to travel twice out of state in May. He just returned from a trip to Texas where he drove over 3,000 miles in eight days. One of the trips in May would offer he and I nice time away for a few days. I am looking forward to that. Hilton Head, South Carolina. It is supposed to be just beautiful.

Besides the business activity, (My part in that is to be the wise wife who plays a sound-board to my husband's creative mind.) there is the end of the schooling year. As a homeschooling Mom I am getting the children's portfolios ready for their evaluation. If any of you reside in PA you know what a large chore this can be! But apart from wrapping up THIS year's lessons, I have to think and plan for NEXT year as well. Our co-op has begun to schedule next year's classes, we are having a used book sale next week so I need to go through my coopey-hole full of boxes of books and see what I will need for next year and what I can get rid of, then I am happily attending our state's homeschool convention next month as well.

This weekend is a BIG weekend. I am taking my daughter on our Mother-and-daughter trip to be the first of many. Our time out of town is for the purpose of talking about the coming of age issues. Did any of your mothers let you know about the birds and bees or did you find out another way? I DO remember a book that my mother handed me. My girlfriends in turn devoured each page of that book giggling the entire time. But mostly my girlfriends and I educated ourselves about puberty and s-x. Oh, yes, how can I forget the film in 5th grade? How embarrassing. Yes, that is ONE reason we home educate our children. I want to be the one who educates my daughter about life, love, and s-x, not an ungodly, immoral government worker. I have only briefly mentioned to my daughter the true intent of our special time together. We will also be attending a professional ballet production of Cinderella. So the trip is bound to have many wonderful memories. Have you and your daughter spent a "Purity Weekend" together? I would love to hear about it.

So...where was I? Oh, babbling I think, of all of the activity....maybe I just needed to write some of these things down to bring clarity to my mind....for I do feel better! Please do not think that I am posting to the world about how busy I AM...what a bore. I do not want to do that. Rather, I am just thinking aloud...."How do other women do all they need to do?" I just mentioned some of the bigger things I am involved in right now....but there are hundreds of little things (like cleaning up after the two new parakeets I got! baking chocolate chip cookies, folding clothes) that I do every day....and other big things, like planning the Maidens Of Virtue club I am hosting this summer for young ladies.... perhaps that is why I am always voicing to myself and others about resting, meditating, simplifying, prioritizing.... We have just one chance to go through this life. The sign in my bathroom reminds me of this, "Life is not a dresss rehearsal. Live like it!"

So as I am blogging...I am exhorting myself to pray about everything, trust in Him and He will guide my steps and bring it to pass. We just read this tonight after supper- Proverbs 3:5-6. I have time to do what He wants of me....and doing so with peace and joy I can sing, "There is a joy in the journey!"

Meeting All My Needs and Desires

It has been many years since I have learned the life-changing truth that my husband cannot meet all of my needs...The need for happiness, security, purpose, value, peace, and contentment. I have learned and continue to experience, "My God shall supply all (my) needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Phillipians 4:19) He is the perfect Lover of my soul. Relieving my husband of this role, which employed an endeavor impossible to actualize, changed my marriage. I could then begin to ENJOY my husband, not focusing on his short comings in meeting my needs. Really, if every woman could "get" this, I think that our culture would be elevated! How many marriages are stressed because the wife unconsciously or not manipulates her husband to get him to meet her needs and ends up angry and frustrated.

However, after reading and pondering Day 21 in The Love Dare, I became aware of present desires that I have for my husband to fulfill. I want more- more depth of love in our relationship, more intimacy, more comraderie. Are these desires wrong or misplaced? In this case, no, I do not think so. I did not endeavor to take the "Dare" because my marriage was bad or falling apart. Rather, I wanted more! to have the ultimate marriage experience on this earth and I would do my utmost to make that happen! I felt a push to strive to have an exceptional marriage as a testimony of God's handiwork and for my pleasure and satisfaction! But what about just having a "good marriage" to a "good man"? What is wrong with that? Is that not enough? My husband is thoughtful, loving, a great provider, friend, and a wonderful father. I sense the Holy Spirit leading me to gain a new perspective. One that confidently knows that all of my needs are met through Christ Jesus, and enjoys my marriage completely at this moment, accepts my husband at this moment.

Will I stop praying that our hearts would continue to bond and experience the depth, breadth, and height of the love of God? No. But my intent is to pray and live from the postition that we are "joint heirs of the grace of life". (1Peter 3:7) If today is as good as my marriage ever gets, I will be most blessed. And I do have a great marriage now!

How about you ? What is your perspective today?

side note from the last entry: I did talk with my husband about the dreams he has....In his short and simple way he responded, "Oh, I don't know." So I am doing the investigating on my own....currently my file on him contains his new business interests. His thoughts and time have been comsumed so I am purposing to take interest in them myself so that we can share in it together.

Love Seeks to Know

If you are wondering if I have given up "The Dare". I have not. But what is written to be accomplished in one day, I seem to be taking a week!

Today, Day 18, I am to plan a delicious, quiet meal just for the two of us with the intention of getting to know my husband better. Don't I know him already after 18 years of marriage? That did cross my mind until I read some of the suggested questions to ask him.

"What do you enjoy the most about your life right now?"
"What are some things that you've always wanted to do but have not had the oppurtunity yet?"
"What three things would you like to do before this year passes?"

I could give an educated, understanding guess of what my husband's answers would be, but I am not definately sure that would be right. So while, I do not see the possibility of us having a quite- just the two of us- dinner at home in the next week; I do intend to discover more about my husband.

And there IS more to know. Who really knows the depths of a man's soul except the Spirit? But love draws out the "deep water". (Proverbs 20:5) So today, this week, seek to understand and know your husband more deeply. Intimacy will only deepen.

His Answer-

For those of you who read my last entry- I DID ask my husband that very day...I was not purposefully procrastinating posting the information; my daughter got the stomach flu and I was nursing her for three days....so, this is how it went.

"Honey, in your most gentlest way, could you tell me three things that I do that irritate you?" (I added the part about the special delivery of the answer.)

"Well, Honey, uh, I don't know....your questions. Yes! you unceasing questions!"

How about that? NOT the answer (s) I thought I would get!

Did I learn anything from his answer? I DO remember my Mother always telling me that asking questions was a hallmark of my personality. I think of it as "inquisitive". So in my defense I could say that it is just part of my personality to be curious. However, I am learning to stop and ask myself before I ask a question, "Do I really need to know this information? Is it something that concerns me?" Hopefully this mental guard will keep my curiosity in tow. Most of the time his mind is preoccupied with business and I do not want to overtax him with needless questions. I want him to share information with me of his own volition. I want to be wise and use my words in the choicest of ways. Will we not be brought into judgement for every idle word? (Matthew 12:36) Ouch.

Another scripture comes to mind..."If anyone thinks himself to be religious and does not bridle his tongue but deludes his own heart, this person's religion is vain. -James 1:26. Before my husband gave me this insight about myself, I would have read this scripture and thought, "Yes, I need to watch what I say." My thoughts about this exhortaion would have been more general in nature. But at the moment I cannot help but think that I need to be more aware of my words (or questions) concerning my curiosities. Visualize a show horse that is in training. Overall the horse may seem to walk and gallop smoothly but every now and then he kicks his right leg out too far, not keeping cadence. This small quirk mars his complete performance. The trainer needs to bridle this horse every time the horse seems close to kicking out that right leg until after much practice the horse gives up the tendency. That is how I feel right now about this. I need to bridle my questions. Stop and ask myself if the situation involves me or is it a matter that I do not need to concern myself with or my husband's energies and time.

I have asked since if my husband would name two more. I am patiently awaiting his anwer! Soon enough he will let me know!

Oh wait! This morning he was agravated when he went to grab his nutritional supplements out of the cupboard; MY bottles fell out. "Toppled over" as he put it. I did not say anything when he had taken over the first shelf where I had had mine. I thought I was serving him even as I moved my supplements to the second shelf...I guess that I did not move all of them.

This is an exact example of how I think that I am serving my husband (Even in those seemingly small areas that he would not notice my proactive action to arrange the situation for his benefit.) and yet something was still undone! And he noticed! My reaction is anger and pride. I was mad that my fault was pointed out instead of my self-sacrifice being appreciated. Which is really pride. "Love is not self-seeking." Was I just seeking to be found a virtuous wife or was my action from a heart to please the Lord who sees all things?

The supplement example may seem small and insignificant to you. But isn't it the small irritations that we let grow into huge annoyances? And aren't the small things important to the Lord? He said that even if we give ONE cup of water in HIs name we would not go without reward. He DOES see and care about all things.

I ask Him for grace and a pure heart to love and serve husband.