And to the unmarried...

My recent post was to wives, but I don't want to leave out my amazing friends who are not yet married. Marriage is NOT the point of our lives - Jesus is. (Both the married and unmarried seasons should point to Him!)

So if you are unmarried... go to Girl Talk for some encouragement today in this area. And use your "Valentine's Day" (or March 8, who cares what day?) to creatively plan to serve and bless others around you, too. Again, try to remove the focus from yourself and the creeping "why me?" thoughts. Who can you bless today?

And you can do it on a low budget too... babysitting is a great example!

Don't Let Money Hold You Back!

For the wives -
I think Valentine's is a great time to show your husband how much you love him. And, if you think that Valentine's is way overrated, commercialized and dumb, you are probably right. So, pick another day (Feb. 19 will work just fine, for example) and get to planning.

And, don't let money hold you back. I racked my brain this year trying to think of something fun to do that's virtually free, and I came up with something. It's been a really fun project. (Dustin's not a huge blogger, but just in case he checks, I'd better be stealthy, which adds to the fun element...)

What's my point? Well, here's the deal. I think that sometimes we women can get too me-centered. We want our husbands to surprise and romance us. (And sometimes they do, and sometimes maybe they don't.) We get expectations in our head and wonder what he will say or do to wow us (not just on Valentine's). But, we need to get others-focused, even in our homes. And it can be super fun! So, this year... don't think of yourself, just start scheming - how can you show your husband that you are crazy about him? How can you make him thrilled that he married you? How can you encourage him spiritually? How can you surprise him in the midst of a busy work week?

And don't worry about you. Don't CARE if he forgets. Don't fret if he's not romantic or full of surprises. You just do your part and love him well. Husbands are a blessing. Can you imagine your life without him?

If you have more ideas (especially low-budget ones), do share in my comment section. :)

A Peek Into My Day With 14 Boys

Funny conversation to recap:

Me (spoken kindly, I hope): “You know, (Boy 1). I’ve figured you out. Some people are morning birds and some are night owls, but you are like an afternoon Tigger, you are so bouncy after lunch! What's the deal?”

Boy 1 (bouncing): Yea! I'm Tigger! I love him!

Boy 2: Well, I’m a morning Pooh.

Boy 2 turns red and everyone laughs. Reality hits him that he REALLY just said he was a morning poo….

Hysterical laughs in Room 406.

Be Still!

Yesterday, we sang Be Still My Soul and then today I saw it on a friend's blog. Below, I have copied the words she posted from the hymn. It is a comfort as we approach Dustin's graduation and think ahead to many changes that await us and some that we await. He faithful will remain!

Be still my soul; the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief and pain.
Trust in thy God to order and provide;
Through every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still my soul, thy Best & Heavenly Friend
Through trying times leads to a joyful end.

Be still my soul; thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake
What once was mystery shall be bright at last.
Be still my soul; the wind and waves still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below

Be still my soul, when dearest friends depart
And all is darkened by the rain of tears,
Then you will know the love of our Lord’s heart
He’ll come to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief, and fears are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still my soul: when change and tears are past
One day, we’ll meet our Jesus, safe at last.