Lisa Jacobson's Blog, page 60

FREE Printable: Peace in Our Home

Remember last week how I shared those 12 Simple Things That Can Bring Peace into Your Home? Well, so many of you requested for it to be put together in a printable, that I asked my daughter (thanks again, Dearie!) to create one for us.

And here it is! Simple click the link below to download the free printable:

Peace In Our Home

May the Lord bring much peace and joy to you  and your home!

In His grace,

*Our books are now available - in both print and digital format:  100 Ways to Love Your Husband by Lisa Jacobson and 100 Ways to Love to Your Wife by Matthew L. Jacobson

If you would like these posts delivered directly to your inbox, simply subscribe below (and get the FREE eBook, The 7 Habits of a Highly Fulfilling Marriage).

95 Moments That Add Up to I Love You

It’s true. We’ve experienced some sweeping moments in our marriage.

Like when we exchanged wedding vows on a lovely September morning.

When our first precious child was born.

Or when we learned that our fifth child would never walk or talk.

When he threw me that fabulous party for my 40th.

Or when I found him unconscious on the bathroom floor. Praying that God would spare his life.

Oh, we’ve had some big moments to be sure.

But there are many days, weeks, and even months in between all those. Sipping coffee, heading to work, running errands, making dinner, putting kids to bed, and snuggling into each other at night.

Little bits of love tucked into the everyday of our lives.

95 Moments That Add Up to I Love You

1.    Telling him about my day. The ups and the downs.

2.    Hearing all about his happenings too.

3.    Holding hands. Any chance we get.

4.    Saying hello with a kiss.

5.    Not mentioning the bad breath. Either his or mine.

6.    Curling up against his warm back at midnight.

7.    Sitting next to him in church.

8.    And nudging each other when the sermon particularly applies.

9.    Warming up his side of the bed.

10.   Or grateful when he’s already warmed up my side.

11.   Sharing a cup of coffee. In the early morning hours.

12.   Calling in the middle of the day. Just ’cause I miss him.

13.   Taking turns getting up at night. With a fussy baby.

14.   Waking me gently. With his soft touch.

15.   Laughing at his jokes. Even if I’ve heard them all before.

16.   Smiling. Because he’s come home early.

17.   Heading upstairs together to put the kids to bed.

18.   Thankful when he’s the one who’s willing to tuck them in.

19.   Texting a sweet little message.

20.   Or maybe a slightly suggestive one.

21.   Cleaning up the kitchen dishes together.

22.   Standing by him. When he needs a friend.

23.   Staying up ’til midnight wrapping Christmas presents.

24.   Bringing him an aspirin. Because he refuses to take ibuprofen.

25.   Winking at me. From across the room.

26.   Folding his t-shirts. Just the way he likes them.

27.   Helping me zip up the back of my dress. A little too slowly, if you ask me. *wink

28.   Making love. Even when we’re both rather tired.

29.   Admiring his good looks.

30.   And hearing his “Hello, Beautiful” too.

31.   Allowing him to take the baby. So I can get some much needed sleep.

32.   Kissing him on the lips. And staying there maybe longer than necessary.

33.   Graciously overlooking that mistake somebody made.

34.   Falling asleep in his arms.

35.   Waking up by his side.

36.   Praying over me. While going into labor with each child.

37.   Hearing him announce, “It’s a boy!” and rejoicing together.

38.   And, “It’s a girl!” and rejoicing again.

39.   Staying up late watching a romantic comedy. My pick.

40.   Attempting to stay awake for his action flick.

41.   Making French Press coffe for me.  Every single morning.

42.   Listening to his goals and aspirations.

43.   Sharing my hopes and dreams with him too.

44.   Asking God to bless him mightily.

45.   Laying my head on his shoulder. Because I can. And want to.

46.   Cheering him up. When he’s had a long day.

47.   Fetching a bowl for me. When I lose my breakfast….for the 3rd time. Morning sickness. Blah.

48.   Wiping out the whiskers from his sink.

49.   Offering his coat to me at the restaurant. Because I forgot mine.

50.   Taking a hot shower. Together.

51.   Thanking God for this man in my life. 

52.   Rescuing me in the Target parking lot. Since the car battery died. Again.

53.   Telling me I’m gorgeous. When I’m wearing sweat pants and a ponytail.

54.   Spreading toothpaste on his toothbrush. Or he for mine.

55.   Sneaking a bowl of mint chip ice-cream. After the kids go to bed.

56.   Offering a prayer for me. When I’m anxious in the middle of the night.

57.   Scratching his back. Although it’s not my favorite thing to do.

58.   Warming up my feet. With his own warm skin.

59.   Wrestling with the Thanksgiving turkey. When it’s too big for the oven.

60.   Kissing the top of my head. Even when I’ve been snippy. No, especially when I’ve been snippy.

61.   Throwing pillows at me. Just for the fun of it.

62.   But getting him back later. Because that’s fun too.

63.   Hiking to the very top. Then looking down at the world together.

64.   Scouring the oven. Because I’ve let it go far, far too long.

65.   Believing in me. When I just couldn’t see it.

66.   Staying up all night at St. Charles hospital. Wondering if his father will pull through.

67.   Making plans for his mom to move in with us. When she no longer remembers who we are.

68.   Soaking in a deep bubble bath. The two of us. Or sometimes just for me.

69.   Taking the little boys for a hike. So I could have a quiet morning at last.

70.   Asking God to give him the strength. When he’s hard-pressed with a deadline.

71.   Getting away for a few days. A romantic escape.

72.   Stroking my hair. When I’m troubled beyond words.

73.   Listening to him sing old Billy Joel songs. Don’t Go Changing.

74.   Slipping away to a nearby cafe. An Americano for him and a lavender latte for me.

75.   Letting him hold me. When I can’t help but cry it out.

76.   Sharing a Scripture verse. When I really needed to hear it.

77.   Running out into a hailstorm. Trying to save the tomatoes from certain disaster.

78.   Holding the screaming child in my arms. While he speeds all the way to the Emergency Room.

79.   Feeling the immense relief. When we find out he’s going to be okay.

80.   Taking me for a scenic drive. When I’m desperate to get out of the house.

81.   Saying goodbye to our eldest son. Knowing that this is what we raised him for.

82.   Handing me a tissue. As I weep on the flight back home.

83.   Attending the family reunion together. Wondering who’s the crazy one.

84.   Reading aloud to each other. When it’s just too good to keep to yourself.

85.   Sitting on the porch swing. Saying nothing at all.

86.   Playing cards with his folks. Because it means something to them.

87.   Saying I’m sorry. Because I really, really am.

88.   Laying awake on the hard dirt ground. Questioning how he talked me into camping in the first place.

89.   Waking up by a still, blue lake, green woods and a small campfire. Admitting it was all worth it.

90.   Forgiving each other. For the hundredth time.

91.   Then letting it go. Another hundred times.

92.   Hitting the snooze button. And pretending for a few minutes that we’ve nothing better to do than snuggle in bed.

93.   Telling the world how thankful I am to be married to him.

94.   Celebrating each anniversary. Truly grateful for every year we have together.

95.   Saying I Love You. Every day. Because I do.

Quite honestly, most of our marriage is been made up of these ordinary times.

Small moments that simply say I Love You.

*Do you have an “I love you” moment that you can share? Please do!

In His grace,



*Our books are now available - in both print and digital format:  100 Ways to Love Your Husband by Lisa Jacobson and 100 Ways to Love to Your Wife by Matthew L. Jacobson

If you would like these posts delivered directly to your inbox, simply subscribe below (and get the FREE eBook, The 7 Habits of a Highly Fulfilling Marriage).   In His grace,

NEW Feature: Real-Life Homemaking – Beauty and Order on a Budget

So should l just come out with it?

I was born a Messy. A messy, distracted daydreamer. 

No, really. I’m not just saying that. You can even ask my mom.

My bedroom had the hurricane-motif going, if you know what I mean.

When I was a child, it wasn’t such a big deal. Or, at least I didn’t think so.

For the most part, I kept my mess to my room. My dolls, my dress-up, my shell collection – these were my friends and I enjoyed being surrounded by them.

The problem came when I grew up and had a new roommate. Namely, my husband. He didn’t particularly like sharing his room, his house, with all my “friends”.

Okay, so maybe I had outgrown dolls and dress-up by then, but now I had new friends. Would you like to meet them?

Bags (all kinds of bags – tote bags, paper bags, present bags – so very handy!)
Boxes (there’s little more satisfying than having the right-sized box when you need it)
Candles (is there such a thing as too many candles?)
Dishes (dishes are my weakness)
Books (I am NOT giving up my books, so we won’t even bring that up)

You probably get the idea. LOTS of friends.

But now my being a Messy had a definite downside.

For one, it rather annoyed my husband. And then our family had troubles finding anything. There were other hazards too, like when you opened a closet or cupboard and stuff came crashing down on you. Plus it put a definite damper on having people over to the house.

So even though I’m a bit of a late-bloomer, I eventually found ways to turn our home into a place that  was warm and comfortable for those of us who live here. Even a place that others would find welcoming and peaceful. Something functional, attractive, and yet staying within the budget. Something that fits into our real life.

And this is why I’m adding on this new feature, Real-Life Homemaking: Beauty and Order on a Budget.

What will this new series be like?

1.   Realistic.  I’m going to assume you live in your home, like we do in ours.

2.   Practical.  Filled with suggestions that are actually do-able for most of us.

3.   Guilt-free.  Pick and choose what you want to do – if anything at all.

4.   Inexpensive.  Have I ever mentioned that we have 8 children??

5.   Inspiring.  For when we simply run out of fresh ideas.

6.   Fun.  Yes, I mean that. I just don’t take this stuff all that seriously (clearly).

7.   Grace-filled.  This will be a judge-free zone.

8.   Patient.  Taking it slow and steady, so it’s not overwhelming.

9.   Unique.  Because I don’t believe there’s only one way to do things.

10.  Encouraging. I’ll be cheering for you – and you can cheer for me too.

What it will NOT be: I’m not going to focus on interior design or DIY projects. For one, I don’t consider myself a particularly creative person. Another – even better – reason is that there are people who are far more talented in those areas than I am (see recommendations below).

So each week I’ll be sharing some aspect of homemaking that I hope to encourage and inspire you. We’ll occasionally have guest posts – from people who truly know what they’re doing – and other fun surprises.

And just so you know? My priority is a peaceful home over a perfect home (you can read about that here).

Mostly I want to bless my family and bring a little beauty and order into our home.

So what d’ya say? Are you in?

Topics coming up: Keeping Clean With The Mess of Children; Hospitality – When It’s Not Your Strength; Bringing Little Touches of Beauty into Your Home.

Some Personal Favorites:

LivingWellSpendingLess: Want to enjoy “the adventure of finding the good life on a budget”? Then Ruth has all kinds of terrific ideas on how to do just that.

I’m an Organizing Junkie: I really like Laura’s style! She is full of great tips and practical wisdom – and she’ll make you smile.

FieldstoneHillDesign: Looking for inspiration for interior design? Darlene is a lovely and very talented lady. I admire both her work and her desire to glorify the Master Designer.

Time-Warp Wife: She offers a nifty housekeeping schedule (and free printable!) and other handy encouragements.

If you have a specific question or topic that you would like covered in this series, would you be willing to mention it in a comment below or on my connect page? Thank you!

And please feel free to share this new series with any friends who you think might be interested!

In His grace,

P.S. If you would like these posts delivered directly to your inbox, simply subscribe below (and get the FREE eBook, The 7 Habits of a Highly Fulfilling Marriage). 

12 Simple Things That Can Bring Peace into Your Home

She dropped by unannounced.

And I couldn’t help cringing somewhat. Ever-so-slightly mortified.

You see, she was an author, something of a celebrity, and now a personal friend.

So, of course, I was thrilled to see her, but was also deeply concerned about the impression we were making. Suddenly self-conscious of the layer of dust on the piano and the ridiculous pile of dirty socks by the front door.

I faintly whispered to my husband, “Oh, what must she be thinking??”

And his helpful response, “That we live here.” (Thank you, Dear).

But we soon lost ourselves in conversation and enjoyed a lovely time of catching up on each others’ lives. Ignoring the young boys rollerblading through the entryway and the teens crooning love songs while cleaning up the lunch dishes.

Our own happy kind of chaos.

The hour passed quickly and our glamorous friend got up to go. Before leaving, however, she turned to say something. Then stopped. Clearly something was on her mind.

“I don’t know quite how to say this….,” she began.

Oh dear. Here it comes.

“But you know what I’ve noticed whenever I’m in your home?”

The dust? The heap of shoes on the porch? An impressive amount of loud noise? Some of my silent guesses.

“It’s the peace that I find here.”

Hubby gave me a slight nudge.

Well.  What d’ya know.

Where I saw mess and mayhem, she saw joy and contentment. A peaceful home.

Maybe there’s no easy formula, but here are 12 simple things that can help bring peace into your home:

Speak kindly. It’s amazing how a little kindness goes a long way to setting the tone for the home.
Gather regularly. For meals. For prayer. To simply hang out with each other. Enjoy your togetherness.
Laugh readily. Joke and play. Be ready to have a good time with one another. Lighten one another’s load with a good laugh.
Work cheerfully. It seems there’s always a job to be done. So why not make the most of it? Do all things without complaining and disputing. (Phil. 2:14).
Give generously. Of your time and your possessions. The home is a place full of all kinds of giving opportunities.
Apologize humbly. Just say you’re sorry and ask forgivenes. Pride has no place in a peaceful home.
Forgive quickly. Don’t waste time nursing a grudge. Let it go right away and get on with a loving relationship.
Hug freely. Give your little ones a squeeze. Wrap your arms around your big kids. Your spouse could probably use one too!
Pray frequently. Ask God to bring peace into your home. Lift up the needs of the day. Seek Him for wisdom when you’re stumped (or even when you’re not).
Stand firmly. Stand up for each other. Stand up for what’s right. Stand strong.
Cheer loudly. Let your family know you’re behind them. All the way. Offer your enthusiastic support. Who doesn’t need to hear a warm cheer now and then?
Love genuinely. Seems obvious, I know. But sometimes we forget how powerful love can be in our home. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘”love will cover a multitude of sins.’” (I Pet. 4:8)

So in all honesty? I often wish there was a little less dust on our piano and a few less shoes jumbled up on our front porch. I don’t know why those dirty socks can’t seem to make it to the laundry room and I wouldn’t mind if it was a wee bit quieter.

But I guess we live here (as he often likes to remind me).

In our dusty, noisy, slightly crazy – nevertheless peaceful – home.

So how about you? What little things do you enjoy that contribute to a peaceful home? I’d love to hear them!

In His grace,

*This post was first published on ForTheFamily.org

**Our books are now available - in both print and digital format:  100 Ways to Love Your Husband by Lisa Jacobson and 100 Ways to Love to Your Wife by Matthew L. Jacobson

If you would like these posts delivered directly to your inbox, simply subscribe below (and get the FREE eBook, The 7 Habits of a Highly Fulfilling Marriage).

5 Ways to Overcome Your Shortcomings as a Mom

 Guest post by Christy Fitzwater

* Don’t be surprised if you want to hug Christy when you’re done reading her post. I know I did. ~ Lisa

It all started with me being the worst babysitter ever.

Whenever I was asked to watch children I would take the job. Then those children would want me to play with them, and I became the master of avoidance. Moms loved me because I enjoyed organizing and cleaning their kitchen counters.

The kids? Not so much. But I made a lot of money.

Now let me bring you to the present when this 45-year-old mom went to a birthday party for her younger sister-in-law at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants.

I sat at the end of the table, almost as a sign of old age and wisdom.

There I was sandwiched between two expectant mothers, and sometime through our second basket of warm tortilla chips and salsa we started talking about a baby shower we had all been to recently.

At the shower, the mother-in-law shared some words of wisdom that were so precious the entire room needed Kleenex by the end.

The most powerful truth she said was, You will not always enjoy being a mom.

I reached for guacamole and reiterated how true this was, and that these new moms will not have to feel guilty when they sometimes aren’t enjoying their new role.

Oh yes, they nodded. How encouraging.

A little later I was cutting into a two-pound super burrito (that I swore I was going to share with my husband later), and I joined the conversation. I don’t remember how we got to this place, but I said something completely horrifying.

I knew it was horrible because a few of the moms actually gasped, and their mouths dropped open –like I had just announced I was going to sell one of my children to help pay the bills.

“I hated playing with my children.”

That’s what I said.

Of course, later that night I was in bed thinking what a horrible mom I was—that I had said that and that I had ever even thought it. What kind of mother despises playing with her children?

I’ll tell you –a task-oriented mother whose greatest joy is learning and accomplishing and making a difference in the world through meaningful activities.

Please tell me how playing the boardgame, Sorry, is a meaningful activity? All that work you do to advance, and then you can be sent back to the beginning just like that.

I hated playing.

Had to be coerced into games.

Had to be dragged into outdoor activities that involved balls, bikes, or boots.

But I will tell you that I have one child about to get married and another about to graduate, and they feel loved by me. They’ve told me so – even though I was never that fun mom.

So I have some advice for those of you who are lacking or who hate some part of the mothering role, which includes every woman who has given birth.

Five Ways to Overcome Your Shortomings as a Mom

1.   Admit you don’t like some of your responsibilities or that you stink at some of them. You can tell me, and I won’t judge you one bit.

2.   Sometimes be responsible and do what you don’t like, for the sake of your child. We make our children do things they don’t enjoy, and sometimes we have to, too.

3.   Admit what you’re good at. (Every mom shines in some area.) Put more energy into that activity, to compensate for the weak areas. For example, I loved reading to my children, so I spent hours doing this with them.

4.   Pray for God to help you overcome your weaknesses.

5.   Be comforted that your child will judge you by your love for him—-and not by your perfection at being a mom.

* Lisa and I would love to hear stories about how you’ve overcome your deficits in mothering – please share!

Christy Fitzwater is a pastor’s wife living in Kalispell, Montana. She is the mother of a son in high school and a daughter in college. She enjoys when the days get shorter and the weather nasty so she doesn’t feel guilty about not going outside. Days where she can just read books and write words all day. She can even tell you the plots of 15 missionary biographies without batting an eye. You can read her personal blog at ChristyFitzwater. Also find her at Pinterest and Twitter.

*Check out Matthew and Lisa’s books – now available in both print and digital format - 100 Ways to Love Your Husband and 100 Ways to Love to Your Wife.

If you’d like these posts delivered directly to your inbox, simply subscribe below (and get the FREE eBook, The 7 Habits of a Highly Fulfilling Marriage).

A Good Marriage is Worth Fighting For

10, 579  -  A somewhat surprising number, isn’t it?

Rather amazing, when you stop and think about it.

That’s how many times I’ve calculated we’ve held hands. Over 10,000 times.  My slim hand tucked into his large, strong one. Our fingers entwined and my wedding ring tucked in between.

Perhaps the fact that we’ve been married for 21 years may help account for this impressive number.

But then again…maybe it doesn’t explain a thing. You should be shocked that we hold hands at all. You see, the odds were against us from the get-go.

“Those two will wake up hating each other.”

That’s what a pastor-friend of ours pronounced at our wedding ceremony. He really did. Now he didn’t say it publicly – merely mentioned it casually afterward to those standing nearby. In his professional opinion, we didn’t stand a chance.

Wake up hating?? Not exactly the blessing a new bride looks for on her wedding day. It would seem we were doomed.

Declared incompatible from the very start.

Then oh! how I dreaded that day when we’d wake up hating each other. I’d always hoped we’d turn out the lights loving one another.  And wake up just the same. Every day for the rest of our lives.

A few years went by and we looked on while many of our friends’ marriages fell apart. He and I lay next to each other in the dark, quietly praying and weeping for them. Our hearts breaking for their hearts – for theirs and for their children’s. It wasn’t how anyone ever wanted it.

And I wept a little from fear, too.  What would happen to us? Were we going to be next?

As if he could read my thoughts, he grasped my hand and whispered, “Let’s not do that, Babe. Let’s love each other instead.” That’s all he said. But I knew what he meant and I squeezed his hand back to let him know that he could count me in.

We were going up against the odds.

Now here we are, twenty-one years later, and still holding hands. Still learning to love each other. Still determined to never grow cold or hateful toward the other.

Yes, by God’s grace, I’m still reaching for his hand.

For All Those Who Are Going Up Against the Odds

A good marriage is possible. You can do this. Don’t let others tell you that you’re never going to make it. Maybe you can’t on your own, but with God’s help you can.

 (Phil. 4:13).

A good marriage is worth fighting for. Band together and recognize the real Enemy. This is a spiritual battle. It’s not about him and it’s not about you – it’s so much bigger than both of you. Fight hard for this one. (Eph.6:12).

A good marriage is worth loving him for.  Keep looking for ways to love him more. Don’t try to do it the world’s way, but seek to have a Christ-centered marriage. (Eph.5:2).

A good marriage is worth praying for.  If I had one “secret” to how we’ve overcome the odds? I’d say it was prayer. Marriage has dramatically increased – and improved – my prayer life. It’s changed him. And it’s changed me.  (Phil. 4:6).

A good marriage is worth staying together for. Those vows you exchanged meant something real.  You’ve been joined and the two of you are one – to live, love and walk with each other. Stick together.  (Eph.5:31).

So this morning I woke up loving him.  One more day in our favor. Each of us with a coffee cup in one hand and holding hands with the other.

It made me think we might just beat those odds after all. By God’s grace.

Here’s to holding hands another 10,000 times . . . and I hope the same for you. And even more.

Blessings,

*A portion of this post is taken from 100 Ways to Love Your Husband - now available in both print and digital format. Also check out the companion book,  100 Ways to Love to Your Wife by Matthew L. Jacobson.

* If you want these posts delivered directly to your inbox, simply subscribe below (and get the FREE eBook, The 7 Habits of a Highly Fulfilling Marriage).

Free Printable: 32 Tips for Moms With Young Children

So after watching Mom’s Night Out last week-end, I came home and got to thinking. . . about some of the (many) challenges that come to a mom of young children. And that was part of my motivation for sharing earlier in the week these 32 Tips that I Want to Pass Along to Younger Moms.

Then after receiving numerous requests for a printable of the tips, I asked one of my daughters (she does all my images for me – isn’t she a dear?) to put something together for us. I say “us” because I printed it out and am pinning it up where I can be reminded too.

‘Cause I can sometimes forget.

Just click the title below to download the free printable:

32 Tips for Younger Moms

And be encouraged, friend. You’re doing something wonderful and lasting!

In His grace,

Check out our NEW books – now available in both print and digital format –  100 Ways to Love Your Husband and 100 Ways to Love to Your Wife by Matthew L. Jacobson

* If you want these posts delivered directly to your inbox, simply subscribe below (and get the FREE eBook, The 7 Habits of a Highly Fulfilling Marriage).

One Simple Way to Start a Small Blaze in Your Marriage

I could hear his footsteps.

Unmistakable. Firm, solid feet. Man-steps. Quite different than the quick pattering of all the other little feet I’d heard throughout the day.

Madly chopping and slicing, I never even looked up when he entered.

I felt frantic and stressed, knowing everyone was so hungry and I so far behind in my dinner preparations. My intentions had been good…it’s just that I hadn’t anticipated that broken glass earlier in the afternoon. Nor the quarrel between the two children that soon followed. All of this took time. Then that last urgent phone call put me hopelessly behind schedule.

And that’s how he found me.

Madly chopping and slicing.

He came in behind me, slipping his strong arms around my waist and leaned into me. I should have felt electricity, but mostly I felt annoyance. Irritation.  He was slowing me down.

I could immediately sense his disappointment. Could feel his arms drop. Without missing so much as a chop, I tried to explain as I kept prepping away. Explain about the day and all its stresses and frustrations. How behind I was in . . . well, in just about everything. I thought it might help him understand.

He understood alright.

He understood that those carrots took precedence over him. That I was so busy and my tasks so important, that I didn’t have a minute to acknowledge him. I couldn’t be bothered to turn around.

But I wanted him to know that it was simply a matter of timing. I just wasn’t ready for love at that moment.

Wasn’t ready for love?

Did that really come from my mouth? From my heart?

The man needed his dinner. No doubt. What he needed even more? A warm, welcoming wife. I was so worried about filling his stomach that it seemed I forgot about filling his heart.

But what if….what if I’d done it different. What if I had dropped those carrots, swept the celery aside, turned around, clasped my hands around his neck, and . . . ummm . . .

Leaned back into him.

Stopped my whole world and interrupted my hectic schedule and important plans. To love on him.

What then?

Then he and I could have started a small kitchen fire.

So what does a husband really need? More than dinner. He needs your eyes to light up when he enters the room. He needs to know that how thrilled you are that he’s home. How your heart leaps because you two are together again.

He needs a warm, welcoming wife.

So very warm – that the two of you alone could start a small kitchen fire.

I don’t know when the last time you had a bit of a blaze going? But I highly recommend it. No matter what’s gone on in your world, or happened in his day. Take a few minutes to turn around and lean in to him.

Welcome him home. Warmly. 

In His grace,

*This is an excerpt from 100 Ways to Love Your Husband, now available in both print and digital format (You can learn more here).  Take a peek at either book here:  100 Ways to Love Your Husband by Lisa Jacobson and 100 Ways to Love to Your Wife by Matthew L. Jacobson

* If you want these posts delivered directly to your inbox, simply subscribe below (and get the FREE eBook, The 7 Habits of a Highly Fulfilling Marriage).

Now in Paperback and Digital Format – 100 Ways to Love Your Husband

In paperback or digital format at Amazon

 

or Barnes & Noble, The Nook

The desire of your heart. The longing for love.

But creating a long-lasting love in this broken world can be hard. Loving another imperfect human can be challenging. But let me say, as a woman married for over 21 years, it’s entirely possible. There are ways to get beyond just living in the minimum of your relationship.

Sisters, we have one shot at loving this man. One life to live . . . Just one.

God created marriage before sin and imperfect things. He meant for it to be beautiful, resilient— lovely. This book is about restoring and preserving your marriage. We all have the capacity and capability to love our man and to do it well.

And it’s time for our relationships to start thriving in love. It’s time for you to take him back into the arms he loves.

In this book I offer you practical ways to produce an unearthly love right here, right now. You have both the power and the responsibility to build a strong, lasting relationship. No matter where you are – whether young or old, ready or discouraged – this book is for you. God wants solid, loving marriages, and if you want it too? There’s nothing standing in your way.

So here are 100 Ways to Love Your Husband. I hope you’ll join me on this life-long journey of learning to love.

Reviews from Readers

(With my heartfelt thanks – and a hug – to all who submtted such kind words.)

★★★★★  “100 Ways to Love This Book” By Darlene Schacht  (Time-Warp Wife)

I absolutely LOVE Lisa’s writing style. I can’t help but feel like I’m enjoying a cup of coffee at her table, absorbing the warmth of her smile with each turn of the page. The love between these two authors (Lisa and her husband Matthew) is not only evident, it’s contagious! If you’re looking for his & her devotionals pick these up. Your marriage will thank you!

★★★★★ ”Must have!” By Lynn

This is a “must have” little book for every married woman or yet to be married woman!It comprises 100 practical little thoughts, well laid out and each one profound and challenging in its own way. The format makes it easy to refer back to those points that present a particular challenge or of which we need gentle reminders!Whether you are struggling in your marriage or not; whether you are an exuberant newlywed or a seasoned campaigner—this book has something to say to you.If you desire to keep (or make) your marriage strong, healthy and honoring to the Lord, this book will be a blessing!

★★★★★  ”Uplifting and Refreshing” By Meliolivarri

I found myself in tears reading this book that I could not stop reading until the very end. It is very uplifting and refreshing. Just what I needed.

★★★★★ ”Great Encouragment! By Caitlin

Are you looking for some practical ideas on what being a godly wife looks like? This book is a great little field manual—short and simple and yet packed full of solid, biblical ideas on how to love and honor your man.

Even if you think you have a “good” marriage, you might find yourself surprised and challenged by some of her suggestions to grow in ways you weren’t expecting. Indeed, that’s how all of her personal anecdotes play out—here is a couple who had a “good” marriage, and yet through conscious choice, hard work, and walking with the Lord together, they (Lisa and her husband) have a truly fantastic marriage that keeps getting better. If you want to have a wonderful marriage, Lisa’s book is a great encouragement!

★★★★★ “Absolutely amazing at how helpful this book has been!” By Kayla

I’m absolutely amazed at how helpful this book has been! I’ve been wanting to learn how to better our marriage and show my husband how much I love him and I often have a hard time showing how I feel. This book really helped me and showed me MANY ways to love my husband and how to be a better wife for him.

★★★★★ “Great read!” By Carrie

Easy reading but great words for any wife. it’s good to review at least once a year.  A great wedding gift!

You’ll be glad to know that there’s a companion book for husbands too, 100 Ways to Love Your Wife by Matthew L. Jacobson

★★★★★ “This book is a must read for all guys!!” By Terry Musclow

Enough of the pathetic failed marriage stats already…Matt’s book is a fantastic reminder that if we men can make a thoughtful investment in loving our wife we can see a return on that love investment “with interest”. How True. The sooner you read Matt’s book the less risk you might have of learning the hard way or losing altogether. Thank YOU Matt!!! I think my marriage is good but now, after reading your book, it is even better, stronger, and healthier.

In paperback or digital format

You can go to Amazon here to find more information and read other reviews.

We hope you’ll be both blessed and encouraged!

In His grace,

Now in Paperback and Digital – 100 Ways to Love Your Husband

In paperback or digital format

The desire of your heart. The longing for love.

But creating a long-lasting love in this broken world can be hard. Loving another imperfect human can be challenging. But let me say, as a woman married for over 21 years, it’s entirely possible. There are ways to get beyond just living in the minimum of your relationship.

Sisters, we have one shot at loving this man. One life to live . . . Just one.

God created marriage before sin and imperfect things. He meant for it to be beautiful, resilient— lovely. This book is about restoring and preserving your marriage. We all have the capacity and capability to love our man and to do it well.

And it’s time for our relationships to start thriving in love. It’s time for you to take him back into the arms he loves.

In this book I offer you practical ways to produce an unearthly love right here, right now. You have both the power and the responsibility to build a strong, lasting relationship. No matter where you are – whether young or old, ready or discouraged – this book is for you. God wants solid, loving marriages, and if you want it too? There’s nothing standing in your way.

So here are 100 Ways to Love Your Husband. I hope you’ll join me on this life-long journey of learning to love.

Reviews from Readers

(With my heartfelt thanks – and a hug – to all who submtted such kind words.)

★★★★★  “100 Ways to Love This Book” By Darlene Schacht  (Time-Warp Wife)

I absolutely LOVE Lisa’s writing style. I can’t help but feel like I’m enjoying a cup of coffee at her table, absorbing the warmth of her smile with each turn of the page. The love between these two authors (Lisa and her husband Matthew) is not only evident, it’s contagious! If you’re looking for his & her devotionals pick these up. Your marriage will thank you!

★★★★★ ”Must have!” By Lynn

This is a “must have” little book for every married woman or yet to be married woman!It comprises 100 practical little thoughts, well laid out and each one profound and challenging in its own way. The format makes it easy to refer back to those points that present a particular challenge or of which we need gentle reminders!Whether you are struggling in your marriage or not; whether you are an exuberant newlywed or a seasoned campaigner—this book has something to say to you.If you desire to keep (or make) your marriage strong, healthy and honoring to the Lord, this book will be a blessing!

★★★★★  ”Uplifting and Refreshing” By Meliolivarri

I found myself in tears reading this book that I could not stop reading until the very end. It is very uplifting and refreshing. Just what I needed.

★★★★★ ”Great Encouragment! By Caitlin

Are you looking for some practical ideas on what being a godly wife looks like? This book is a great little field manual—short and simple and yet packed full of solid, biblical ideas on how to love and honor your man.

Even if you think you have a “good” marriage, you might find yourself surprised and challenged by some of her suggestions to grow in ways you weren’t expecting. Indeed, that’s how all of her personal anecdotes play out—here is a couple who had a “good” marriage, and yet through conscious choice, hard work, and walking with the Lord together, they (Lisa and her husband) have a truly fantastic marriage that keeps getting better. If you want to have a wonderful marriage, Lisa’s book is a great encouragement!

★★★★★ “Absolutely amazing at how helpful this book has been!” By Kayla

I’m absolutely amazed at how helpful this book has been! I’ve been wanting to learn how to better our marriage and show my husband how much I love him and I often have a hard time showing how I feel. This book really helped me and showed me MANY ways to love my husband and how to be a better wife for him.

★★★★★ “Great read!” By Carrie

Easy reading but great words for any wife. it’s good to review at least once a year.  A great wedding gift!

You’ll be glad to know that there’s a companion book for husbands too, 100 Ways to Love Your Wife by Matthew L. Jacobson

★★★★★ “This book is a must read for all guys!!” By Terry Musclow

Enough of the pathetic failed marriage stats already…Matt’s book is a fantastic reminder that if we men can make a thoughtful investment in loving our wife we can see a return on that love investment “with interest”. How True. The sooner you read Matt’s book the less risk you might have of learning the hard way or losing altogether. Thank YOU Matt!!! I think my marriage is good but now, after reading your book, it is even better, stronger, and healthier.

In paperback or digital format

You can go to Amazon here to find more information and read other reviews.

We hope you’ll be both blessed and encouraged!

In His grace,