Elizabeth George's Blog, page 48
February 8, 2018
Valentine’s Day Gift Idea
Are you looking for a Valentine’s Day gift for your husband? How about committing to these three things? They can make a big difference in your marriage!
Compliment Instead of Complain
It’s easy to get wrapped up in frustration over what our husband doesn’t do, rather than focusing on all he does do, isn’t it? The next time we’re tempted to complain about our husband’s lack of time or help, let’s instead thank him for a specific way he’s blessed our family. To do this, we’ll need to keep our eyes and ears—and heart!— open so we catch the ways that he expresses his love.
Care about His Day
A gracious way to begin each day is to simply ask our husband:
What can I do for you today?
What can I do to help you make better use of your time today?
Then we standby with our day planner, a willing heart to schedule his needs into our day, and a prayer to help in the ways he sees he can best be helped.
Consider Love and Respect
There are so many ways we can show our love and respect to our husband. Consider keeping this list (and adding your own) handy as a reminder:
Turn our attention away from our phone and computer and onto our husband
Actively listen without interrupting
Ask him to do something instead of demanding or telling him
Use gentle tones and sweet words
Lift him up instead of putting him down in conversations with others
RESPOND
Dear Lord, how can I express my love to my husband today? Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES
Order our Valentines Day Special, 20% off ($21.73) now through February 14 only:
THREE (3) hardcopy books—
A Couple After God’s Own Heart
15 Verses to Pray for Your Husband
Encouraging Words for a Woman After God’s Own Heart
PLUS a FREE 15-page devotional PDF (How to be a Closer Couple) and a beautiful Love Never Fails screensaver!
REFLECT
“It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” (Genesis 2:18)
Print this card out to give to your husband on Valentine’s Day!
REMEMBER
As you love your husband, you love God as well.
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Read Valentine’s Day Gift Idea on Elizabeth & Jim George.
February 6, 2018
Dreading Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is next week. Are you dreading seeing friends’ social media posts of bouquets and chocolates, knowing that your husband probably won’t offer such sweet gestures? More than candies and flowers, this holiday can deliver expectations (and disappointment) we have of our significant others.
Here’s an idea … let’s take the pressure off and plan our own celebration. Jesus said to do good for others without expecting to get anything back, and He tells us in John 13:34, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” What does this kind of love look like? Well, it is a sacrifice of self, which includes our expectations. This can be hard as it’s opposite of how our natural mind (and desires) works.
This kind of love involves effort, not merely emotion. It requires action, not just feeling. Such love comes from God and leads us to being content: “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). Contentment is not based on circumstances, but on the person of Christ. Because we possess all the treasures found in Him, we have all we need. When we learn this type of contentment, it’ll guide our expectations and works.
So let’s put this love into action! Think of something you and your husband both enjoyed in the past and then try to recreate it. It doesn’t have to be dinner and roses. It can be tennis, watching a movie, cooking, whatever. We can keep sweet memories alive ourselves without depending on our husband to come up with a plan. Then, Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, and date nights will be filled with joyful anticipation and without disappointing expectations.
RESPOND
Lord, I acknowledge my expectations and ask for Your forgiveness for resenting my reality. Instead of idly waiting for my desires to materialize, help me proactively make plans that bless my marriage. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES
Order our Valentine’s Day Special, 20% off ($21.73) now through February 14 only:
THREE (3) hardcopy books—
A Couple After God’s Own Heart
15 Verses to Pray for Your Husband
Encouraging Words for a Woman After God’s Own Heart
PLUS a FREE 15-page devotional PDF (How to be a Closer Couple) and a beautiful Love Never Fails screensaver!
REFLECT
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
I’ll decide now that it is okay to celebrate Valentine’s Day or our anniversary on another date, when it’s most convenient for everyone’s schedule. It’s not the date that’s important; it’s the celebration of another year of marriage and love that’s important.
REMEMBER
“O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be loved as to love.” ~St. Assisi
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Read Dreading Valentine’s Day on Elizabeth & Jim George.
February 1, 2018
Lonelier than Ever
Have you ever found yourself thinking, “I thought being married meant having a companion, but I feel lonelier now than I ever did before”?
Loneliness is an issue most women struggle with, married or not. We’ll spend days alone … nights alone … even seasons alone. Husbands will travel, kids will start school and activities, friends will move, loved ones will pass. In these times of transition, solitude, and loneliness, we must lean on our relationship with God.
Before King David took the throne, he was a shepherd boy. His long days were spent in the fields with sheep—and with the Lord. How did he pass the lonely hours? David tended his flock, praised the Lord, and prayed to God (see 1 Samuel 17). He cultivated a firm knowledge of God’s powerful presence. This closeness to God helped David view his days of solitude differently—and accurately.
The same is true for you! As you run errands, do laundry, drive carpool, put in the hours at your job … remember to spend time with God through prayer. When you eat dinner alone or watch a movie by yourself, redirect your thoughts to God’s Word. When you’re close to Him, spending time in His Word, you see your situation clearly: God is there—with you, for you—to comfort you.
Physical solitude can be discouraging. When everyone else has left, let’s recall that God promises He will never leave us. And He does not break His promises. Pray for and cultivate a sense of God’s presence through prayer, worship, and reading God’s Word.
RESPOND
Dear Lord, when I feel distant from others, please draw me to Your presence. Thank You for being the one constant in my life. I trust that You are with me and will comfort me with Your faithful love. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES
What God Wants to Do for You shares 24 sure promises from the Bible that show just how much God loves us. God has given us many promises tailored perfectly to our needs—learn how to call upon them with this wonderful resource.
REFLECT
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
Who do I know that is in a similar stage of life as I am? How can I reach out to her to share God’s comfort and ease both of our loneliness?
REMEMBER
When everyone else has left, God promises He will never leave.
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Read Lonelier than Ever on Elizabeth & Jim George.
January 30, 2018
When You’re Not Sure How to Parent
I was a new mom when I accepted Christ as my Savior. My heart and mind were full of questions about how to teach my daughters about the God and His Word. One day as I read my Bible, my eyes landed on Deuteronomy 6:5-7. God amazed me by showing me His guidelines in three verses for raising my little ones. I read those verses so many times I finally memorized them.
Have you had days when you’ve wondered what in the world you’re doing as a mom? Take heart! God goes straight to the heart of the matter and packed these verse with clear communication to us parents. The first step? We must love God first. Why? Because we become what we love.
This is the reason Scripture instructs us straightforward about where we are to place our love. And not just some of it. The Lord goes further and demands all of our love. God wants us to love Him with every breath, thought, emotion and passion, and choice we make. He wants us to think of Him first and to desire to please Him above all else. And He desires for our love to be intense and complete
I’m sure you’ve people say, “There is no love like a parent’s love.” If you’re a mom or dad, you know this is true! From the moment a parent knows they have a baby on the way, all of our prayers, thoughts, and goals are channeled toward our little one. This tiny being completely consumes and preoccupies our time.
Now put the strength of this love into your love for God. This is how much God wants us to focus on Him … even more! The more we love Him, the more you and I will know about love. This will allow us to know how to love. The more we know how to love, the better you and I will love our own children. And this, by God’s grace, will make you a parent who can raise a son or daughter after God’s own heart.
A PRAYER TO PRAY
Dear Lord, You are the best Father, and I long to follow Your example of selfless love. I commit to loving You most so that I can love my child best. Amen.
MORE ENCOURAGEMENT
A Mom After God’s Own Heart offers moms practical advice and real-life suggestions for helping children, no matter what their ages, to incorporate God into daily life.
REFLECTION
“You shall love the lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. And you shall teach them…” (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)
How does the command, “love the Lord your God with all your heart” simplify the many parenting concerns that I have?
REMEMBER
When all your love centers on God, and when you follow Him with all your heart, you will qualify to lead your children to follow God too!
Read When You’re Not Sure How to Parent on Elizabeth & Jim George.
January 25, 2018
How to Make the Best Choice
Perhaps you’ve heard this little rhyme about making a choice: Good, better, best, never let it rest, until your good is better, and your better is best.
When I lived in Los Angeles, I spent a lot of time in traffic. For years, I tuned in to easy-listening music on the radio. It seemed like a good choice as I passed my time in the car. After a while, I moved up the “better” scale, and I made a change to Christian worship. As time went by, I opted to listen to sermons. Then it hit me—why not listen to the Bible? Finally, one day I turned off everything and landed on what for me was the best choice for my car time—memorizing Scripture. Good to better to best!
God promises us in His Word that His ways are the best for us. In following Him and His ways, our devotion to Him naturally deepens. We can know His ways and choose what is best by following Mary’s example when, instead of being too busy with life, she instead chose to be still and to be present with Jesus. “And Jesus, answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But, one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.'” (Luke 10:42)
When I was a new Christian, a more spiritually-mature woman shared how she spent her mornings after her husband left for work. She could have done anything she wanted—watched TV, hopped on the computer, chatted with friends—but she opted to pick up her Bible and have her quiet time. This woman paid close attention to what was good, better, and best, and made the best choice.
Let’s not miss out on God’s best due to choosing the mediocre or okay. Each moment and each decision in your day, ask for God’s help to choose beyond the better choice to what is best!
A PRAYER TO PRAY
Dear Lord, Your ways are the best ways. I want to follow them all the days of my life. Amen.
MORE ENCOURAGEMENT
Proverbs for a Woman’s Day gives you a clear view of the right path as you follow God’s wisdom found in the book of Proverbs. Are you stressed out by your responsibilities? At a crossroads in your life? Wondering what to do about a complicated relationship? Pick up a copy of this book today!
REFLECTION
“And Jesus, answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But, one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.'” (Luke 10:42)
Does my schedule make room for spending time in God’s Word and in prayer?
REMEMBER
Consider these words of wisdom as you plan your day: “Daily I live with [one] fear—a healthy fear—that I will miss something God has for me in this life. And it is mind-expanding to contemplate all that He wants me to have. I don’t want to be robbed of even one of God’s riches by not taking time to let Him invade my life. By not listening to what He is telling me. By allowing the routine, pressing matters of my minutes to bankrupt me of time for the most exciting, most fulfilling relationship in life.” (Carole Mayhall)
Read How to Make the Best Choice on Elizabeth & Jim George.
January 23, 2018
You are Beautiful
Every woman wants to be thought of as beautiful. We’ve all tried different products, haircuts, and clothes to enhance our physical beauty. But, did you know God has a prescription for the kind of beauty that He esteems? Proverbs 31:30 describes a woman of such a beauty, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Here is great news: inner beauty is attainable for every woman.
It’s generally agreed on by most scholars that Proverbs 31 reflects a wise mother’s instruction to her son, Lemuel—who would one day become a king—on the virtues of a godly woman. This ode of praise for a virtuous woman became God’s outline of feminine character.
These words or instructions aren’t merely a man expressing some personal and unrealistic fantasy. True, it’s thought that King Lemuel wrote the words down, but he was simply repeating a female’s opinion of true beauty! Such woman-to-woman instruction about a beautiful-in-God’s-eyes woman encourages and inspires me.
This mother begins with a question—”Who can find a virtuous woman?” (Proverbs 31:10). Hopefully we can answer that question by saying, “Here I am!” You see, you and I can be this woman. God’s Word gives examples of many virtuous women: He points us to Ruth, who was “a virtuous woman” (Ruth 3:11); Mary, the mother of Jesus; Phoebe and Lydia, women who helped Paul and served the early church; and many more examples! Each woman feared the Lord and was truly beautiful from the inside out.
A virtuous woman is rare—a distinct, exceptional, treasure—but according to God, the Author of all beauty, you and I can become one. You and I can be beautiful in His eyes!
A PRAYER TO PRAY
Dear Lord, Your Word is clear about what true beauty is—to love and revere You. Help me be a woman of virtue … a woman who is beautiful in Your eyes. Amen.
MORE ENCOURAGEMENT
Beautiful in God’s Eyes shares more insights about how God defines beauty and reveals His plan for a woman’s success.
REFLECTION
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)
What has been my impression when I’ve heard about or read the Proverbs 31 woman? Do I long to be a virtuous woman?
REMEMBER
Beauty is more than skin deep. It starts in the heart and works outward.
Read You are Beautiful on Elizabeth & Jim George.
January 18, 2018
God’s Purpose for You
Knowing your purpose as a Christian woman is important. To drift aimlessly through your precious days is tiresome, frustrating, and unrewarding. It would be a great tragedy to wake up one day and realize all you could have accomplished if you had focused on some worthy goals along the way.
But so many voices shout at us and suggest innumerous goals for us. How are we to pursue our purpose if we can’t pinpoint it? If we read it, God’s Word will rise above the clamor and give us the answer. And here’s amazing news … God doesn’t ask a thousand or even a hundred things of His women.
The Lord asks us to focus on a mere 10 things. These will help us pursue His purpose for us—to love Him and others, to serve people, and to reflect Him. Let’s take a quick look at this list in Titus 2:3-5 for the essentials on which to focus our time and energies. We are to be:
Godly in our behavior.
Kind and truthful in our speech.
Self-controlled and disiplined.
Devoted wives to our husband.
Devoted moms to our kids.
Wise in our actions.
Pure on the outside and inside.
Focused on the management of our home.
Good to all we meet.
A teacher of good things.
It’s liberating to know and pursue your purpose in life. Are you already living out your purpose? If so, continue to focus your time and energies on it. If not, spend time examining Jesus’ life. Now that you know this list, His purpose for you is not as mysterious as you may have thought.
Pay close attention to His focus and confidence as He lived God’s purpose on a daily basis. Notice how He fixed His gaze on God’s plan for Him. And be encouraged! As a woman who is seeking God’s plan, you are already evidencing purpose. You are reflecting Jesus as you live out His instructions to “seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33).
A PRAYER TO PRAY
Dear Lord, You are so gracious to give Your children a purpose in life. Help me fulfill it by loving You and others by living out this list from Titus. Amen.
MORE ENCOURAGEMENT
In Proverbs for a Woman’s Day, Elizabeth George takes you on a journey through the 31 chapters of Proverbs, which cover the matters closest to your heart. Don’t guess about the next step and hope for the best. Get a clear view of the right path as you follow God’s wisdom through this book!
REFLECTION
“Seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33).
Of the 10 items on the list from Titus, which ones am I already pursuing? Which ones do I need to begin pursuing?
REMEMBER
God’s purpose for us—to love Him and others, to serve people, and to reflect Him.
Read God’s Purpose for You on Elizabeth & Jim George.
January 16, 2018
Teen Tuesday: Dating “A-List”
The choices you make about dating will be some of the most important ones you make in your life. That’s why you should make plans now for when you may date in the future. Wait to date until you’re ready to look for a life partner. But until then, let’s do some homework.
Make a list of ideal qualities for your future spouse.
You can find these in the Bible. God’s Word has a lot to say about a godly woman’s character (see Proverbs 31).
And about a godly guy’s character (1 Timothy 6:11). Take your time to read and study these biblical standards.
Next, ask for God’s help to allow you to spot these qualities
in the lives of the girls or guys in your church or youth group.
And last, remember to ask for your parents’ advice.
Then, with all this input, make your “A list” of things you’d like in a person you will date.
Keep your list handy when you’re ready to date. Refer back to your list when you start the dating process, when you meet someone, and when you think you’re in love. These godly standards will be a useful guide for choosing the right person to date.
Meanwhile, while you are waiting and looking, prepare yourself to match the qualities on your list. Allow God to work on your godly characteristics. And remember to be patient …some qualities take years to develop.
A PRAYER TO PRAY
Dear Lord, please help me control my personal purity. Give me wisdom to do what is necessary to keep myself pure in body, soul, mind, and spirit. I will wait patiently wait for Your best to arrive. Amen.
MORE ENCOURAGEMENT
If you wish to encourage your son or daughter about additional teen-life issues, you will find a great resource in A Young Woman’s Guide to Making Right Choices or A Young Man’s Guide to Making Right Choices.
REFLECTION
“… pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11b)
Teens: What’s on my “A-List” of dating qualities?
Parents: What qualities do I desire the most in the person my teen will date? Have I shared these qualities with my teen?
REMEMBER
Godly standards are a useful guide for choosing the right person to date.
Read Teen Tuesday: Dating “A-List” on Elizabeth & Jim George.
January 11, 2018
Giving Generously
“Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.” (Luke 6:30)
My husband, Jim, has given away our cars, our groceries, our money, his clothes, and our home to be used by others when we are away! He follows Jesus’ command to give to everyone (Luke 6:30), hoping for nothing in return (Luke 6:35). Giving generously can be difficult though, can’t it? Especially when God calls us to give in the generous way He does. He even gives to those who are unthankful and evil … and expects us to do the same (verse 35)!
I’m learning to be more generous and to care for others by giving (verse 38). One woman who truly inspired me is my friend Billie. While Jim and I lived as missionaries in Singapore, Billie and her husband came for a visit. As we shopped the port harbor and street vendors, my friend bought two of everything—and then she gifted me the second of each (batik clothes, Christmas ornaments, dinnerware) before she left! What an unexpected delight.
You and I may not give away cars, clothing, or china every day. But we can give joy to others by giving what we have generously. Here are a few ideas:
Determine to withhold nothing—Proverbs 3:27 tells us, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so.” What is “in the power of your hand”? Think non-tangible items for a moment … perhaps encouragement, a note of thanks, being kind, a helpful deed, or a note of appreciation. These are just a few of the good things we can choose to share.
Become a generous soul—Give both material and non-material blessings bountifully, cheerfully, above and beyond (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)! Here’s motivation for you: “The generous soul will be made rich.” (Proverbs 11:25) Becoming a “generous soul” can be a process, but it’s worth it.
Give of yourself—Your presence alone can be a source of comfort. Don’t worry if you don’t have the right words to say or the perfect scripture to share. In many situations, your touch can bring far more comfort than words. Keep these in mind: a smile, warm question, gentle touch, tender hug, and use of a person’s name.
By God’s blessing, I’ve grown to enjoy giving. A simple way that helped me is by regularly asking God, “Who can I give to that is in need? How can I bless others with the blessings You’ve given me?” Financial giving was part of the answer, but my giving went beyond money. It touched every part of my soul and possessions. You and I have groceries in our cupboards, clothes someone else could wear, baby items a mother may need, encouraging books to edify others. By God’s grace and transforming power, He can give us open and generous hearts to meet the needs of those around us.
A Prayer to Pray
Dear Lord, thank You for Your Word that shows me how to give without holding back. Please forgive me for the times I withhold my blessings from those on need. Show me how to grow in generosity. Amen.
For More Encouragement
A Woman After God’s Own Heart helps you experience real peace and joy as you follow God in every area of your life–and become a woman after His heart. With warmth and grace, Elizabeth shares practical, scriptural insights in this helpful book on how you can pursue God’s priorities.
Reflection
Who has the Lord put in my path that I can give to today who is in need?
Remember
Give both material and non-material blessings bountifully, cheerfully, above and beyond (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)!
Read Giving Generously on Elizabeth & Jim George.
January 9, 2018
Unmet Expectations
“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
When I was a young mother, I strived to “train a child in the way he should go,” so that, “when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). A decade later, however, the expectations I’d had for my kids weren’t coming to fruition. Angry, I said to God, “This isn’t the way it’s supposed to be for my family! I did just like the Smith family, but I’m getting different results!
Like a child who doesn’t get her way, I threw a spiritual tantrum. I used my time and energy arguing with and battling against God. Then one day, in between my rantings, I took time to listen to what God seemed to be saying. “But, this is the way it is. What are you going to do with the way it really is?” I realized I had to quit fussing, embrace my present, and quit denying the reality that was before me. After all, it wasn’t helping me, my kids, or my marriage.
You see, because of my unmet expectations, I had been postponing doing anything to improve the situation. Since I didn’t like what was on my plate, I decided not to deal with the circumstances. The truth was that as long as I maintained that attitude—as long as I didn’t accept reality—no progress or change could take place.
Maybe you struggle with unmet expectations too. One of the most common areas of disappointment for women is in our marriages. It’s oftentimes difficult to face the less-than-desired reality in them. For most of us, our fantasies, expectations, and dreams about what marriage will be are usually different from the day-to-day realities of married life.
So, the questions that face our unmet expectations are:
What am I going to do about the way it is?
What solution or plan does God want me to pursue as a remedy?
You see, once we accept our reality, we can then use our time and energy to make it better. So, challenge yourself today to acknowledge unmet expectations. Then, accept what is real and commit to trust that God oversees and has overseen every detail of your life —your singleness, your marriage, your family, your job, your every circumstance. This will guide you to act on what is true and real (Philippians 4:8), rather than resent reality and idly wait for fantasies to magically materialize.
A Prayer to Pray
Dear Lord, with a heart full of faith and hope, and with You by my side, I will let go of unmet expectations. By Your great grace, I’ll trust that my circumstances are for my good and Your glory. And through Your strength, I’ll pursue wisdom to make needed changes. Amen.
More Encouragement
You will find more about God’s wonderful character in Loving God with All Your Mind.
Reflection
What action am I postponing by denying the reality of a specific circumstance in my life? When have I faced reality and positively changed the situation that was holding me back?
Remember
God oversees and has overseen every detail of your life —your singleness, your marriage, your family, your job, your every circumstance.
Read Unmet Expectations on Elizabeth & Jim George.
