Kathi Lipp's Blog, page 119
February 10, 2013
The Husband Project Challenge Day 1: A Treat Just for Him
Today’s Project: Get a food treat for him that he’s not required to share with you or any other family member.
It’s time to think about food, glorious food.
My husband goes positively bonkers over a candy called Cherry Sours. As a leftover from his Florida childhood (from, what I can tell, was spent largely at Walt Disney World) he was first introduced to this candy and has great memories associated with them. The candy in question is a little red sugar ball – and my guy is desperately, inexplicably in love with mass quantities of them.
Which totally confounds me. They taste like the stuff your dental hygienist uses to rinse your mouth out after a particularly painful and thorough cleaning.
But, he loves ‘em, so I search for Cherry Sours whenever I can. They can be hard to locate, so when I do, I try to stock up, without Roger knowing.
When he’s having a rough time at work or I want to say congratulations for a job well done, I break out the Cherry Sours.
Is there a treat that you personally find revolting that your husband absolutely loves? Get it for him, letting him know through this small act, “This is all for you, baby…” (and if you truly don’t like the treat, he won’t feel obligated to share.)
Even if you do love it, insist that it’s all for him. Don’t let him share with you. This is something special that does not require him to share with his neighbor. (It’s perfectly acceptable to get a matching treat for yourself.)
Stumped for ideas? Here are some thoughts:
•Get his favorite pint of Ben & Jerry’s.
•Is there a certain cut of meat that your husband loves? How about having the butcher cut something just for him?
•Learn how to make his favorite dish from childhood.
•My guy loves the smell of baking almost as much as he enjoys eating the treat. Have some brownies in the oven when he gets home from work or working out. (I know, it negates the workout, but isn’t chocolate always worth it?)
Let me know what you’re going to do for your man in the comments below and one of the lucky winners will receive a “My Husband is a Hottie” T-shirt! If you want one for a treat for him for Valentines Day, order it from my store Monday by 2:00 and you’ll have it in time for the holiday!)
Want even more ideas on Man Food? Subscribe to Kathi’s Newsletter and receive her e-cookbook The Ultimate Guide to Man Food:
February 7, 2013
Praying God’s Word for Your Man Day 5: Encourage
We are giving away a copy of Praying God’s Word for Your Husband to one of our commenters today, so join the conversation!
It had been a 
no-good, horrible day.
My kids were not behaving how I raised them (I promise you, they were raised better than they were acting,) someone else got picked for the job I wanted, and the cat decided to use the only decent piece of furniture in our home as his new scratching post.
On days like this, I call up my mom and whine to her. Then I call up my friend Cheri, who promises to pray for me, and, for a small fee, make the cat disappear. And then I feel better.
I have about a half dozen people I could call at a moment’s notice and I know they would be praying for me. By the end of the conversation, I would have some hope, and a good laugh.
But at the end of a bad day, who does my husband have?
If there is going to be any encouragement in my husband’s life, it is a safe bet that it needs to come from me. My husband doesn’t have a bunch of people in his life that will pray over the destructive cat. If he needs prayer, if he needs encouragement, then he needs me.
SCRIPTURE
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
— 1 Thessalonians 5:11
PRAYER FOR TODAY
God, I pray that I would always be ready to pray and encourage my man. Give me your eyes to see his needs. Let me be the one to always build him up, with your strength.
encourage….
Tell me one way you can encourage your man today. We are giving away a copy of Praying God’s Word for Your Husband to one of our commenters today, so join the conversation!
February 6, 2013
Praying God’s Word for My Man Day 4: Enough
We are giving away a copy of Praying God’s Word for Your Husband to one of our commenters today, so join the conversation!
There is more month than there is paycheck. I can’t keep up with the work — both inside the house and outside of it. My parents need me, my kids need me, and my husband needs me.
Throughout the day, I am reminded that there is never enough.
Enough money.
Enough time.
Enough me to go around.
And so often, it’s easy to put that burden on my husband – He doesn’t make enough money. He isn’t helping out enough with the house. He isn’t helping out enough with the family. Whether it’s silently, or in my attitude.
But when I’m lacking, it’s not up to my husband to meet my need. It’s totally up to God.
SCRIPTURE
And my God will meet
all your needs according
to the glorious riches
in Christ Jesus.
— Philippians 4:19
PRAYER FOR TODAY
God, I pray that I would always be reminded to put my burden where it belongs — squarely at your feet. You already know what I need for each day – you see around every corner.
I pray that I would come to my husband as a partner and helpmate in everything.
Tell me – what are you struggling with “enough” of: Time, money, energy, space? Tell me in the comments below.We are giving away a copy of Praying God’s Word for Your Husband to one of our commenters today, so join the conversation!
February 5, 2013
Praying God’s Word for Your Man: Day 3 Would I Want to Come Home to My House
We are giving away a copy of Praying God’s Word for Your Husband to one of our commenters today, so jump in!
Would I want to come home to my house? It’s an honest question. Depending on the day, yes. And no.
There are days when I’ve worked hard at making my home a soft place to land. I’ve spent a little time cleaning up messes, getting dinner on the table, and put some music on the iPod that helps me connect with God.
Then there are other days.
Usually the other days have involved a little too much TV and a lot too much Facebook. I end up scrambling to pray up a miracle for dinner, and am resentful that all of this is left to me to do.
When I spend time in God’s word, I go into my day being grateful for the home, husband, job and family God has given me, instead of being resentful for the interruptions that they impose on my day. How long did I hope for the husband and kids I now have? How many others would love to have the home I now have, messy and mortgage payments included?
I want to walk through my day — and my home — with an abundance of gratitude. So much so, that when my husband, or anyone else — comes through the threshold, they can’t help but get that thankfulness splashed on them.
SCRIPTURE
The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
— Proverbs 14:1
PRAYER FOR TODAY
God, let me be the wise woman who builds up her home and all who are in it. God, don’t let me get years down the road and see that I’ve been the one tearing it down. Let it be a safe haven for all who enter, especially for my husband.
a house of peace….
Tell me one of the “interruptions” you are grateful for today. We are giving away a copy of Praying God’s Word for Your Husband to one of our commenters today, so don’t be shy!
Praying God’s Word for Your Man: Day 3 Would I Want to Come Home to My House
February 4, 2013
Praying God’s Word for Your Man: Day 2 Stuck
We are giving away a copy of Praying God’s Word for Your Husband to one of our commenters today, so jump in!
Sometimes my husband gets stuck.
Whether it’s in an old addiction that is trying to get a hold of him, a way of thinking that leaves him believing he can’t change anything in his life, a job he hates, or in a relationship that he knows isn’t good for him, sometimes my husband gets stuck.
I encourage him and love on him, but there are just some days where he feels like he can’t make the changes he wants, or needs to make.
So I pray that he would start believing God for the power to change. That he would abandon his old ways of thinking, (“I’ll never.” “I can’t.”) and start thinking in the way that God designed him to think; That all things are possible for those who believe him.
SCRIPTURE
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.
— Romans 12:2
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, I pray that my husband would not look for approval in the world, but only from you. Let his mind dwell on the matters that are important to you. God, I pray that he would know your will and find delight in living for, and loving, you.
Tell me in the comments below what area of your husband’s life you want to pray for your husband’s full belief in God’s power to change our thoughts, circumstances, and patterns. We are giving away a copy of Praying God’s Word for Your Husband to one of our commenters today, so jump in!
February 3, 2013
Praying God’s Word for Your Man: Day 1 If Only…
Let me know that you’re praying for your husband and each day we will have a drawing for one of our books. Today’s book is Praying God’s Word for Your Husband.
“If only he would listen to me . . .” Oh, that sentence has gotten me into so much trouble.
How many times have I thought that? If only my husband would take my advice, he would have a better job, be a better father, be healthier . . . (fill in the blank). When I’m trying to control my husband, what I’m really doing is trying to withhold him from God.
I want to be the kind of wife who spends twice as many words praying to God on my husband’s behalf as I do offering advice to my man. I know that what my husband thinks is nagging will drive a wedge between us, but when I pray for him, it draws us closer together.
SCRIPTURE
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.— James 5:16
PRAYER FOR TODAY
God, let me live openhandedly when it comes to my husband. Help me realize that my prayers on his behalf are more effective than any words I could speak to him. Let him always feel safe sharing his needs with me, knowing I will take them only to you.
Remember, tell me in the comments that you’re praying for your man and each day we will draw a name each day to win. Today’s giveaway is Praying God’s Word for Your Husband
January 29, 2013
Today on Focus on the Family: Totally Do-able Ways to Have a Happier Husband
Tomorrow we kick off a whole bunch of ways to make your husband feel loved and appreciated. And we have some fun stuff just for you:
Listen to Focus on the Family where I’ll be sharing about How to Have a Happy Husband. Here’s a link to listen online.
Download 14 Ways to Have a Happier Husband – My gift to you.
Join us for our 5 Days to Pray for Your Man (You can change the way your husband walks through the world by praying for him.
Can’t wait to see what God is going to do with all those husbands!
Today on Focus on the Family: Totally Do-able Ways to Have a Happier Husband
January 27, 2013
Christian Sister, Do Me a Favor… Keep Your Clothes On
I’m married to a good man. In fact, I’ve written books about what great guy I’m married to.
But he is a man. A man with feelings, emotions, temptations, victories, and failings. He is not some Christian Ken Doll that is not effected by what goes on around him. He’s a real guy.
We’ve had talks about these temptations. We set up safeguards, and my guy works overtime to make sure I have nothing to worry about. When we are walking in the mall and Victoria’s Secret’s giant breasts are looming on the left, he suddenly becomes very interested in Panda Express’ Peking Shrimp. We have total access to each other’s computers and I have no reason to worry about him right now, but we’re not stupid: we want to be wise in both of us keeping our guard up. Being a guy, we know that means keeping his guard up visually is a priority.
So we have our mall plan. We have our computer plan. But there is still one plan we haven’t figured out: Our Church Plan.
Both of us have haven’t been able to escape noticing that clothes at church for women is changing. Shirts are going lower (and higher in some cases) skirts are going higher, and clothes in general are getting tighter.
Now I’m not suggesting that we dress like an episode of 19 Kids and Counting, but I do believe that there is a desperate need to button up. If we dress in skimpy clothes and say that it has no effect on our Christian brothers (married or single) it’s like telling ourselves it’s OK to keep a bottle of Jack in the middle of a table that our alcoholic friend is sitting at.
If you take offense at me comparing men to alcoholics, understand I only do so because I think we as women have very little idea how powerful the visual is for our men. The amount of money that pours through the porn industry should convince us all of the power that a picture of a scantily clad woman (even more so, a living, breathing woman) can have on a guy.
Now back to church. I hadn’t really noticed how clothes had changed until one day when our church was hosting a conference for area churches. At about 10 that morning, a woman came up to the tech booth where my guy and a bunch of other men were working. She asked if the guys could turn up the heat in the auditorium – it was getting a bit chilly. When she walked away, one of the guys leaned over to Roger and said, “Perhaps if she were wearing clothes, she wouldn’t feel so chilly…” It was only then that I noticed what she was wearing: a short skirt and a tank top with spaghetti straps. Now I see it all the time (remember, I’m not just talking about my church home – I travel a lot and see a LOT of churches.)
Yes, our men have a responsibility to guard their eyes, keep their thoughts pure, and be (and teach their sons to be) respectful of women no matter what. But we have a responsibility as well; we need to dress in a way that respects the men that are part of our Christian family.
Understand that I’m not a prude. I think you should be hot, sexy and scantily clad for your husband. I know tons of women who dress attractively and beautifully, while also being modest. It is possible.
How can we help our men? Just a couple of ideas:Ask ourselves this question as we get dressed: Who am I getting dressed for? Your husband? Awesome, honor him by keeping other men from looking at you with lust. Men in general? Dress for the man who wants a good, godly wife.
Teach our daughters the power of modesty. Ask your husband to acknowledge how great she looks when she dresses in a way that honors men and honors God.
Church is a great place to chat and give a quick hug on a Sunday morning. Don’t make our guys have to think twice about how they are going to give you a hug without coming off like a perv.
If you think I’m over reacting I beg you to read Shaunti Felhahn’s book For Women Only. You will get some deep insights into the inner life of your man – and the men around you.
January 22, 2013
January 20, 2013
The 2 Reasons Most People Want to be Organized (and the 1 Reason You Should Be)
The 2 Reasons Most People Want to be Organized(And the 1 Reason You Should Be)
I think about organization. A lot.
Since writing the book THE GET YOURSELF ORGANIZED PROJECT, I’ve been speaking a lot on the topic. And when I speak, the confessionals start:
“I need to get organized to stay on top of our bills.”
“I hate how my house looks – I am too embarrassed to have anyone over.”
“I need to be more organized so I can get the kids on school on time.”
I get it – I’ve felt all those things at one time or another. (And sometimes, still do.)
There are two main reasons women want to get organized: Fear and Shame.
Fear says: “You are such a mess. You’re going to mess up your kids/go overdrawn on your account/ lose your keys (again), not have something to wear (because you haven’t done laundry) if you don’t get organized.
Shame says: “You will never have a nice house. You can’t even keep up on the dishes much less the rest of the house.” And, “How can you think of getting a job/leading a Bible study/ taking a class when you can’t even find your car keys. You’re a mess.”
Because I don’t want to feel Fear or Shame, I declare that “Today I will get organized! I will never let myself feel that way again!” And we are “organized” for a day or two until the pain passes. And then we go back to our old ways – until Fear and Shame come a knockin’…
But there is another reason to be organized. A better reason.
The reason that every single one of us needs to be organized: because God has things He wants us to get done – and organization is the foundation of that life we are created for. You know, you want to go change the world, but you have to find matching socks…
God has great things He is putting you in charge of. But if you don’t spend a bit of time keeping up on the systems that keep your life running, everything is going to fall apart. Organization allows you to do that which God has entrusted to you.
Tell me how you would finish this statement: If I were organized, I would….
Don’t tell me your fear statement. (“I wouldn’t be late on my bills.”)
Don’t tell me your Shame statement. (“I wouldn’t have my debit card declined at Target.”)
Tell me the life giving, dream supporting reason you need to be organized.
If I were organized, I would….
The 2 Reasons Most People Want to be Organized (and the 1 Reason You Should Be)
