Prayer for Our Husbands

I preference this blog post by stating that I indeed have my hubby's permission to share this story.  You see, my life is an open book on this blog.  I share my deepest emotions, moments of excruciating pain and of awe-inspiring joy, and photos of the ones I love the most.  I pray that through honestly sharing my life with you all, the tears, the joys, the anxious moments, and more, that I am able to make a positive impact in this dark world.  But if any of you know my wonderful husband, Travis, it's a bit of a different story.  He's a quiet guy who's just fine listening to conversations rather than joining in.  He's very reflective and likes to think things through before expressing his opinions.  He's the type who will answer questions honestly if you ask, but he won't necessarily just come out and start a conversation about too much, especially his emotions.  I wouldn't want Travis to be any other way, but I felt the need to let my readers know that he has given me permission to share this with you all.

Travis has been a Church attender since he was a little guy.  His Mom made sure that he knew Jesus, and I respect my Mother-in-law so much for the emphasis she placed on that as Travis grew up.  But he hasn't always been the most open about his walk with Christ.  I'm kind-of ashamed to say this, but we weren't the type of dating couple that did Bible Studies together and had deep conversations about God.  We've both had our individual relationships with Christ, but he's generally not too willing to talk about his faith, especially outside of Bible study or with his buddies. 

Travis is a servant, though, and has served communion for a couple years at our church and is always willing to help whenever needed.  This year, he was voted onto our church's Board as a Deacon.  He's only served a couple months in this way, but was asked to give the communion meditation this past Sunday.  The week before, he reminded me that he had to do it and I told him to let me know if he needed any help.  We didn't talk about it again until Saturday night, when I asked him if he had anything prepared.  He said "Yes, but you'll hear it when everyone else does."  I was nervous Sunday morning, as I didn't know what he had prepared.  All I could do was pray that God give him the words. 

As Travis walked up to the platform and took the covers off the communion trays, I was frozen in disbelieve that my husband was giving a meditation in front of people.  This is the man who a few years ago wouldn't even pray in Bible Study.  But there he was, standing at the front of the church.  He started off by preferencing that he's a little nervous because this is the first time he's given the meditation.  He went on to share the story of how he was talking to the guys at work about how he was asked to give the communion meditation at church.  A young co-worker of his, who's new to his faith and a baby in Christ, said he was surprised to discover that Travis was a believer.  He said that he would have never guessed that Travis went to Church.  Travis shared with the congregation how this really hit him and made him realize how little he shares his walk with Christ.  The men he spends 40+ hours with each week, some weeks more time with than his family, didn't even know that he was a Christ-follower.  Travis said he was really using this as a wake-up call, and challenged us to do so as well. 

Some of us live in such a way that those around us wouldn't separate us as Christians.  Some of us proclaim the name of Christ loudly, and then choose behaviors that make others question whether being a Christ-follower even matters.  I pray that his story makes as much of an impact on you as it did to me. 

My husband's words shook my core.  You see, I have been whispering quiet prayers to God for Travis for many years; prayers for his choices and actions, for his patience, for his career, and for his faith-walk.  I am overjoyed to see such honest and open words pour from his mouth.  And I pray that his faith in and relationship with Christ only continues to deepen.  Prayer matters, ladies, and I challenge you tonight to say a quick prayer for your husband.  Be his helper.  Forgive him.  Live in purity and faith so much that they are won over to Christ because of it (1 Peter 3:2). 

Wives, please join me tonight as we pray for our husbands:

Lord God, I come to you tonight in prayer for the man whom I was created for- as you said woman is made from the rib of the man.  I pray that I am the best helper I can be for him, as you created me to serve in this way.  I thank you for a husband who will love me even as Christ loved the church.  Father, you said that the head of every man is Christ, and tonight I pray that my husband give control of his life to you.  Lord, I pray that he be a godly leader in our family and lead our children to you.  I thank you for all the things my husband does to make our home stable and safe.  I pray that you give him knowledge, wisdom, and strength so that he can make godly choices in our home and in his workplace.  Silence all other voices in his mind, and his social circle that would tear him down and please give him confidence and boldness in you Lord. Let him be a man of influence for you, dear God.  Help him to be a light in this dark world.  Again, I thank you for my husband.  I ask all these things in Jesus' Holy name.  Amen. 

Dear Travis

Dear Travis,

I am so glad that God brought us together, over eight years ago!  We've been through so much since you asked me back in 2005 if I would "go to prom and maybe, uh, date."  I am so proud to be married to you; I truly admire your loyalty, strength, and humor.  You are able to weather even the worst of storms like a rock, holding your composure and patience.  I am so proud of how you have handled my health difficulties.  You've been right by my side the whole time, nursing me back to health.  When we took our vows three years ago, I know that you truly meant the "in sickness and health" part of them!  I want to thank you for being so loyal and strong!  You work so hard to provide for our family.  And even though I often complain about you not spending as much uninterrupted time with Lucas and I as I would prefer, I am so fortunate that you are such a hard worker!  You also have an amazing way of making me laugh, even when I'm trying hard to have a lousy day.  Your wittiness and crazy sense of humor brighten each day.  You're also the best daddy in the world.  You have such patience and grace with Lucas and I love how you are teaching him to treat me with respect.  I know this will carry over into his dating relationships.  I'm proud that you are so excited to teach him how to fix things, handle money, and love Jesus.  I know that with him having a dad so involved and loving, Lucas will turn out wonderfully.  I just hope one day he becomes as great of a man as you are!

Thank you for loving me, Travis.  I thank God daily for placing you in my life.  I love you!

Alicia

30 Days of Thanksgiving, Day 2

Today, I am so mindful of what an awesome husband I have been blessed with.  For those of you who do not know, Travis and I work right across the street from each other.  And lunchtime is a real bonding time for us; we purchase lunches every Monday and then spend the rest of the week's lunch breaks chowing down while trying to get some meaningful (and sometimes hilarious) conversation in.  Today, we worked on some of our vinyl business to-do's and had a great time going to Hobby Lobby and eating at KFC!  Woohoo!  I am so thankful  for our lunchtimes together! 

2012 Goals

1. Meet with God. Pray more. Study more.
2. Do Dave Ramsey's baby steps.
3. Make 'dating' Travis and priority.
4. Snuggle often with Lucas.
5. Take more pictures of Lucas and I.
6. Be a great friend to Danielle.
7. Make changes, not excuses.
8. Have fun. Smile lots. <3

We Were Missing Daddy..

Yesterday while at work, Lucas and I were missing Daddy.  So we text him some pictures to let him know how much we love him... :)  It wasn't a huge things, but I think it really meant a lot to him that I thought about him during the day and took the time to be silly and fun. 

Dad and Son

Travis and I are participating in a group Bible study- The 5 Love Languages of Children.  Last night, we had our study and although I am glad we are taking the course, I feel like it is just proving that being a parent is hard work and we can easily screw up our children. ;)  Last night, we talked a great deal about the importance of a present dad.  Dads are called by God to be the spiritual leader in their household, be positive examples for their children {especially their sons}, and to speak their children's love language.  I was blown away by Travis last night, as he spoke up quite a few times last night during the study to give examples and to voice his opinion.  I am so thankful that God put him in my life.  He is growing and maturing each day and it is so wonderful to hear him speak on parenting issues.  He is such an extremely amazing dad and I know this skill will only deepen as Lucas gets older.  He knows the importance of him being active in Lucas' childhood and I am so excited to see him wrestle with Lucas on the living room floor, take him to races and teach him how to fix cars, and guide him into a successful adulthood.  I am so proud that I am his wife and that he is Lucas' dad.  He's a wonderful husband but an even better father! 

Travis' Race Helmet

I'm SO proud of my hubby!  He's an auto body painter and has been learning how to airbrush and do other things to helmets.  Here is the second helmet he's done:

10 Reasons I'm Thankful

10.  Although they can be a pain at times, having a pet is a great pleasure.  I know that Daisy will never tell my secrets, will cuddle with me when I'm upset, and will love me even when I am not deserving.  I am thankful for all of the wonderful co-explorers, best buds, dreamers, and cuddle buddies that I have had over the years, especially our Daisy Girl. 
9. I am thankful for free speech.  I am able to read, write, and talk about issues that people in some other countries are not able to.  I thank God for making our great nation one that allows freedom of speech and individualism.
8. I have the opportunity to learn in a school setting. Years ago, women may not have had this chance and I am grateful for my education.
7. My hearing may not be the best, but I am able to hear my loved ones voices and the encouraging music that uplifts my soul. 
6. Although I had a rough childhood, it shaped me into the woman I am today.  I would not take back having an alcoholic father, seeing drug abuse first-hand, or witnessing violence in my home.  I am now able to relate to and be an example for young people who are also facing these issues.  I am thankful that God granted me these experiences in order to accomplish His work now. 
5. I have my health- a properly beating heart, hands that work well, a brain that is analytical, and legs that move efficiently.
4. Despite being strapped for cash at times, we have a roof over our heads, food on our table, a warm bed to fall into at night, vehicles to drive, jobs to go to, running water in our home, and many other items that some would consider 'luxuries."  I am thankful that we are blessed in such ways. 
3. My family may be overwhelming and critical at times, but I am so grateful for their encouragement, love, and support.  My family attended just about every game, concert, and event that I ever participated in, cheering me on despite all odds.  And they continue to be by my side every step of the way and make me proud to be a part of my family.  I am also thankful that I have a healthy baby boy to guide and protect. 
2. God gave me a loving man to protect, direct, encourage, and love me.  He loves me, his son, his family, and his community.  I am thankful that I was given Travis to be my life partner! 
1. I am saved.  Ephesians 2:8 says "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."  I am so thankful that I will spend eternity with my Maker, Savior, Best Friend, Counselor, Father, and Lord. 

I love You, Travis

You work hard all day, painting cars while cheering up your coworkers.  You work hard to provide me with all I need.  You call me during the day just because you know I like it when you do.  You are passionate about our marriage and are willing to work hard to make it succeed.  You always encourage me, even when my plans and ideas are silly.  You love God.  You look forward to being a great dad and teaching Lucas about how to be a good man.  You laugh at me and get me to laughing at myself.  You paint my toenails because I'm too fat to bend over.  :)  You try your best to understand me.  You're sympathetic when I've had a bad day and are always willing to listen to me vent.  You never quit anything you have started.  You look for the positive in everything and everyone.  You never judge others based on first impressions.  You come home after long days at work and work some more on our house and lawn. 

Travis, I am SO proud to be your wife!  Thank you for all you do!  I LOVE YOU! <3

Today...

Outside my window: The neighbor's fencing laying against my fence.  We have a new neighbor fixing up the house next to ours.  He's a strange man and even has a huge metal spider laying outside.  Weird!  It's a beautiful day, though; The sun is shining and birds are chirping.  I love the thought of summer!

I am thinking: I need to get in the shower.  Lately, I have been absolutely exhausted and have really enjoyed sleeping in.  So here I am at 2:30 in the afternoon, still in my pajamas and unshowered, working from home.

I am thankful for: My loving, supportive husband.  I was so terribly cranky last night and Travis knew it right away.  He snuggled with me and allowed me to fall asleep really early.  Thanks hunny!  <3


I am creating: A list of pages that will be in Lucas' scrapbook.  I plan to buy some items this weekend to start the scrapbook next week!  I will hopefully have it all put together so all I have to do when he is born is stick pictures in it. 

I am going: We are completely out of food in our house!  :)  Hopefully I will be going grocery shopping tonight with the hubby! 


I am hoping: I am hoping that I can find motivation to get stuff done next week.  Like I said before, I have been super tired over the past couple of days and therefore haven't gotten too much accomplished.  After my blood glucose test yesterday, my stomach felt yucky and all I could manage to do was take a nap and lounge around.  Please pray for God to give me strength and motivation! 

Around the house: Our house is more of a disaster than I have ever seen it!  The living room has lathe and plaster chunks covering the floors and there is dust everywhere.  I need to be patient, though.  I know it will come together sooner or later!  :)

A few plans for the weekend: Tomorrow I am going yardsaling in the morning with Mom and Grandma, we are celebrating Grandpa Pence's birthday in the afternoon and are going to the Avon races in the evening.  Hopefully rain doesn't disrupt our plans!  Sunday is Memorial Day so we are going to Aunt Molly's for supper!  Busy but relaxing weekend.

Day 14

Challenge: A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.

That has got to be my hubby!  :)  Travis is my encourager, lover, and best friend.  When I have a bad day, he's the one I want to hold me and to tell me that all will be okay.  When I'm complaining, he always finds a way to cheer me up.  Trav has a way of keeping life fun and spontaneous, complementing my often boring and structured way of life.  He is the best husband a woman could ask for- always thinking about my needs and what he can do to make my life better.  I am excited to see him hold our baby, because I know that he will be the most fun and loving dad in the whole world!  I am so glad that God placed Travis in my life and could not imagine life without him!  :)