Friday, May 28, 2010

Show us Your Life - Things that make you happy

Today's Show us Your Life is Things that make you happy!  There are so many things that make me happy, I don't even know where to start!  Here are a few of the first things that come to mind -

Christian Music.  No matter what kind of day I am having, or what is going on, it seems to ground me.  I have given up a lot of my talk radio for KSBJ.  It makes me happy.

My Hubby.  He makes me very, very happy.  He is so silly and fun sometimes.  I especially love watching him dance around and playing with Bandit, our furbaby.

Spending time with my family.  I LOVE my family.  I am so blessed - I have the best parents a girl could ever ask for.  My Mom is my best friend, and my Daddy is my hero.  My sister is so precious to me and I have the best Grandparents in the world!  Last but not least, I have the most fun Aunt on the planet!

Bandit, our 25 pound pomeranian.  He is the most wonderful little thing in the world.  I just adore him and cannot imagine my life without the little guy.  He can always make me smile.  Hubby says he has little people eyes - I swear you can see the love in them :)

Fresh flowers.  L-O-V-E them!


A long phone conversation with a good friend.  I don't see some of my girlfriends as much as I would like, but I always feel so happy after I spend time talking with them. It reminds me of who I am and all the fun that I have with them.  Girls trips make me even happier!

Being on the water.  I don't care if it is a lake, a river or a beach.  I have such fond memories of being on the water with my family.  Even the smell of gas when we fill up the boat makes me excited : )

Football!  I especially love college football, but I love our Texans too!
I can't wait to read about what makes you happy!  I hope you all have a safe and happy Memorial Day!

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge - Day 26

Hi Ladies!  Happy Thursday before Memorial Day Weekend! : )  If you are like me, you are counting down the minutes to the long weekend.  I just can't wait!  We are heading to my in laws lake house in Crockett, Texas for some relaxation and good family time.  Are you doing anything special for the long weekend?  Please remember to say a little prayer of thanks and grace for our servicemen and women.  Without them, we would not have the freedoms that we hold so dear.

Here is Day 26 -

"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men" Luke 5:52

If you have faithfully encouraged your husband, you will no doubt have seen some changes in his life...and your own life, as well.  Encouragement is a wonderful habit that we hope you will continue for your life.

The important thing is to keep growing in Christ and obeying the Word of God as you respond to your husband.  As you consider today how to bless your husband and not tear him down, think of ways that you can encourage balance in your home.

Jesus led a balanced life.  He grew mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially.  As you see your husband branching out in these areas, is there a pattern of growth?  Is your husband striving for balance in his life?  If so, let him know you have noticed, and ask how you can encourage that balance.

If your husband is out of balance -- focusing on one area to the exclusion of the others, consider whether there are things you can do to help restore or create balance in his life.  Can you encourage times for sports or exercise?  Keep the children quiet for a study time?  Invite friends over for dinner?  Stimulate his mind?

Be sure you are working toward balance in your own life, as well.  Be an example!

Balance is a tricky thing.  When I think back over our first year of marriage, I am amazed at how much we have achieved.  We spend time with our families, we have started attending church more regularly, we make a point to organize things with our friends, work hard at our jobs, and still find time for each other.  It was hard for the first few months.  I felt like we were both heading in a million different directions, and barely meeting in the middle for a little bit.  I was so overwhelmed when I became a wife - I had all these ideas about things I was supposed to do.  I had to let many of those go.  But, we are getting better, and I know we will continue to do so.  I would like us to become more active in our church, and to volunteer more - and we also need to start going to the gym on a regular basis : )  We started that last week - it's hard to get back into it!  I think balance is something that just comes with practice, and we are getting  better and better.

How do you stay balanced in your life?

Prayer Thursday

Welcome to Prayer Thursday! 


Thank you all so much for your prayers this past week!  If we can pray for you, please leave your prayer request in the comments below, or feel free to email me - michelleannadams@yahoo.com

Here are our prayer requests for this week -

Please pray for the people of Nashville.  So many have lost so much because of these floods.  It has been amazing to see the articles about how that community has come together.

Please pray for the oil spill.  That it will be resolved in the best way possible, protect our oceans, beaches and animals. Please pray for the families of those that lost their lives in this disaster.

Please pray for Mary's Husband.  He has prostate cancer.  Please pray for him and the doctors that care for him.

Praise!  My Mom got her thyroid results back, and it is a simple fix!  God is amazing!  She just has to take a pill every morning to regulate her thyroid.  We are so thankful!  Thank you all so much for all of your prayers for her!

Please pray for my sweet friend Jackie.  She is pregnant with quadruplits!  You can read about her journey here.

Please pray for my Daddy's (Jerry) job search and that his good spirits continue.  He has a fourth interview in Ohio this week!  Praise!  Thank you so much for your prayers!

Please pray for my Grandparents, Ed & Helen.  They are having some health troubles, and my grandmother seems like she is suffering from depression.  She called me this week so upset that my Grandfather sold their house in Atlanta and moved her to Alabama.  She doesn't want to live there.  This seemed like a new piece of information for her, but they have lived there for 7 years.  I feel so sad for them.

Please pray for little Jed Harper.  You can read about his story here.  What a beautiful family turning their sweet son's health over to God.  They are truly inspiring.

Please pray for baby Cohen and his parents.  You can read their story here.

Please pray for my friend Pam's daughter, Julie, and her husband.  They are moving across the country, and looking for new jobs!  Please pray for their move and their job searches.

I have been following Lianna's blog for a few months now, and she just seems like the sweetest girl in the whole world!  She and her husband are waiting for God to bless them with a child.  You can read about them here.

Please pray for one of my dearest friends, Sarah.  They are putting her Grandmother into hospice today, and they do not think it will be long before she leaves for heaven.  Please pray for her family and her Grandfather during this difficult time.

Praise!  Our friends, Britney and Brandon, welcomed their first child into the world last night.  Baby Cayden is beautiful and doing great!  She had a C Section, so please pray for her recovery and their journey as new parents.

Thank you so very much for all of your prayers!  Please let me know if we can pray for you!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge - Day 25

Good morning Ladies!

Happy Wednesday!  I cannot believe it is already Wednesday.  Truthfully, it's because I took a sick day on Monday.  I got a summer cold that started on Thursday, and I am *almost* done with it.  I think summer colds are just the worst.  Trust me, I don't care for Winter colds either, but there is just something about sweating to death outside that doesn't make me want to curl up on the couch with a cup of tea or a bowl of soup.  Anyway, here is our Day 25 -

"Seek peace, and pursue it." Psalm 34:14b

"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." Isaiah 26:3

Before you consider whether these verses describe your husband, consider your own presence in the home.  Do you promote an atmosphere of peace, or do critical words often flow from your mouth?  Do you struggle with anger?  If so, before you continue with this challenge, confess these sinful habits to the Lord, and determine to speak words of peace to your family today.

Does your husband bring an atmosphere of peace into your home?  Is his presence a calming infulence?  Does he bring music, entertainment, books or people into your home that build a sense of serentity?  Let him know how much you appreciate this wonderful quality, and support his choices.

If, on the other hand, he is quickly angered or he creates chaos rather than calm, ask God to give you an abundance of the kind of peace that will speak to his heart.  Be patient and loving.  Create an inviting atmosphere of peace, as much as possible.

I always try to keep peace in our home.  But, it's hard.  I bottle things up - and about once every few months, it all comes tumbling out over something so small and insignificant.  I despise that I do this, and I pray for God to always let me handle things with Grace, Patience and Love.  But, I'm not perfect.  Thank goodness hubby is quick to forgive me.

Hubby is very quick tempered.  He does not keep things in, and if he is mad - you will know it right then and there.  He isn't hateful, but he expresses how he feels and is very animated.  There are good and bad things to this, just like there are to my way of coping.  The bad - I do not like yelling.  I grew up in a home with no yelling.  Ever.  My parents never yelled at each other, so I don't understand this behavior.  But, I'm learning that it is how he expresses himself and that is who he is.  It isn't meant to hurt or make anyone feel badly, that is just how he knows to express anger.  The good - after he gets it out - it's all over and done.  Truly.  I have never seen anything like it.  Once he vents, it is truly over.  I am trying to learn from this quality - the forgiving and forgetting - or for lack of better words - "just getting over it". 

We are learning each other, and I am constantly praying that I understand him better, and that I deal with anger with more grace, patience and love.

Who keeps the peace in your home?  Are you like us?  Do you have different ways of expressing anger or coping with it?

Thank you so much for reading and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge - Day 24

Good morning Ladies!

Welcome to day 24 of our challenge!  I hope you are all having a wonderful week!  Mine has been so busy - but I think thats a good thing :)

Here is Day 24 -

"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord" Ephesians 6:4

Children can be quite a challenge to the marriage relationship.  A wise wife will support her husband's leadership in the home as much as possible, and will praise him for his fathering skills.  Negativity makes a man feel like a failure, and may make him want to give up.

Does your husband discipline your children wisely?  Does he show them love and encourage them?  Does he take an interest in their activities and dreams?  Does he spend time with them?  Does he take part in developing their character?  Praise him for these important life skills.

If you don't have children, is your husband positive and encouraging around other people's children?  Let him know you have noticed. 

If your husband does not experience positive relationships with children, you will need to figure out why.  Perhaps he had negative experiences as a child with his own parents, and needs to learn how to respond.  Perhaps you can lovingly and patiently show him how to parent--while still maintaining his authority in the home.

Hubby and I do not have children let, and we spend a very limited amount of time with children.  By limited, I mean the one time we spent with a friends niece, and throwing the football a few times with our adorable little neighbor.  But, when he does spend time with children, he is fun and sweet to them, so I think we will be just fine.  If how he treats our furbaby is any indication - we are going to be A Okay!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

I've come to realize...

Today I am linking to My Chihuahua Bite's I've come to realize.  I enjoyed reading her answers so much that I thought I'd play along!  I love her blog, it is so sweet and honest.

I've come to realize that my body isn't perfect, and never will be.  I don't ever remember thinking, wow I look amazing!  But years later, looking at pictures, I think, wow, I looked pretty good!  I need to appreciate what I have and stop obsessing.

I've come to realize that my job provides me with a satisfaction that I cannot get anywhere else.  Feeling accomplished for having a spotless house just doesn't do it for me like winning a big project or bid.

I've come to realize that when I'm driving I get some of my best thinking done.

I've come to realize that I need understanding from my husband.  He doesn't have to really understand, but I need him to pretend sometimes.

I've come to realize that I've lost my spur of the momentness (is that a word?)  The older I get, the more I NEED things to be planned out.

I've come to realize that I hate to see people suffering.  There are so many people in this world going through so many hard times, and it just breaks my heart.  I always wish that I could help them. 

I've come to realize that when I'm drunk, I tend to get much a little louder and more animated.  Thank goodness my husband finds this quality cute and endearing.

I've come to realize that money has as much control as we give it.  I'm learning to trust that God will provide, and working to honor him with how we manage the money he provides us.

I've come to realize that certain people don't mean to hurt other people's feelings, and that sometimes they just don't think.  I'm trying to be less sensitive about these things : )

I've come to realize that I'll always remember my first love.  Your first love is always something so special, fun and exciting.  It was many years ago, but I'll always remember that carefree, all encompassing young love.

I've come to realize that my sibling is an incredible young woman that I am very, very proud of.

I've come to realize that my Mom is the strongest, most wonderful woman I have ever known.  I always knew she was wonderful, but now that I am married, I have a whole new respect for her and how she maintains her marriage.  I imagine I'll see her in a whole new light when I become a Mom too!

I've come to realize that my cell phone makes me way too available and seeps into my personal time too much.  I am constantly looking at something on my phone, checking emails, answering texts...I would like to disconnect sometimes.

I've come to realize that when I woke up this morning (and every morning) that I am so very blessed.  God has blessed me with so many things in my life that I do not deserve.  I am in awe of this most days, and I usually wake up thinking about it for some reason.

I've come to realize that last night before I went to sleep that I love our new bed.  It's so wonderful to have a nice big bed to stretch out in with clean, crisp sheets.

I've come to realize that right now I am thinking that I really wish it was time for lunch!

I've come to realize that my Daddy is my hero and the best man I know.  He is kind, considerate, loving and always honest.  I enjoy him so much and I am so lucky that he is my Daddy.

I've come to realize that when I get on Facebook time goes by way too quickly.  It scares me that I can spend hours on the computer and not realize how much time has passed.  I'm limiting myself to computer time so that I can spend more quality time with hubby.

I've come to realize that today is going to go by slowly.  I can just feel it.

I've come to realize that tonight is going to be very busy.  I have to go to the grocery store, clean my house, start baking cupcakes.  Oh, and go to the gym.

I've come to realize that tomorrow will be very busy.  I am taking Friday off of work for my sister in laws wedding, and things always get crazy busy at work when I take time off.  It's like a law or something.

I've come to realize that I really want to win the respect of my new contractors on my newest project.  I know this will come with time, but I can't wait to show them what I can do!

I've come to realize that life is nothing like I expected.  And, I'm glad!

I've come to realize that this weekend is going to be so busy and fun!  My sister in law is getting married, and I can't wait!!

I've come to realize that the best music to listen to when I'm upset is Christian music.  It helps to remind me that God is in control and to give my worries to him.

I've come to realize that my friends are invaluable to me.  I am so very lucky to be surrounded by such beautiful and supportive women.

I've come to realize that this year is going to be great!  Hubby turns 30 and two of my dearest friends are getting married.  I'm so excited!

I've come to realize that my husband is a good man.  Like, truly from the depths of his soul good. 

I've come to realize that maybe I should volunteer more often.  I just signed up to volunteer for an event benefiting the Layla Grace foundation.  I'm so excited!

I've come to realize that I don't understand my new phone.  Really - I am having the hardest time ever!  It's so silly.

I've come to realize that my past made me who I am today.  I wouldn't change a thing.  Well, maybe just one or two little things here and there!  ha!

I've come to realize that parties are an opportunity to meet great new people.  I am trying to be more open to making new friends over the past couple of years, and it has been so much fun!

I've come to realize that my life is not exactly how I had it planned out.  But you know what?  That's okay.  I am trying to learn to relax and enjoy it.  God has been so gracious to me and I am so very thankful.  I can't wait to see what he has in store for me next!

Thanks for reading!  If you do a post like this, link in the comments below so I can read your I've come to realize!

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge - Day 23

Hi Ladies!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Welcome to Day 23 of our challenge!

"Let your speech always be with grace." Colossians 4:6a

You're moving toward the home stretch of your 30-day challenge!  Just a reminder of what you've committed:

"You can't say anything negative about your husband...to him or to anyone else.  Each day, say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to him and someone else."

"In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works." Titus 2:7a

Does the 30-Day Challenge seem like hard work?  Or is it becoming a pleasant exercise in gunuine Christ-likeness in your home?  You are only scratching the surface of ways to encourage your mate.

Is your husband organized?  Is he diligent?  Is he persistent?  These are all related to a pattern of personal disciplines that are worthy of your praise.  Affirm him for one or more of these traits that you see in him.

Some men have not developed these qualitites because they are naturally more spontaneous.  you can praise his spontaneity!  Perhaps God has called you alongside to help him with disciplines he has not yet developed--but this does not include nagging.

Whatever the need, you can be your husband's cheerleader, encouraging him when he wants to give up.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge - Day 22

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righouseness, and all these things shall be added to you"  Matthew 6:33

If we are living in light of eternity, everything we think, do, or say is seen from an eternal perspective.  We will someday give an account for our failure to speak words of love and encouragement.  Determine today that your words will be sweet and helpful.

Does your husband have an eternal perspective that allows him to reject materalism and temporal values?  Express your gratefulness for his value system, and praise him for putting eternal things before riches and other things of this world.

If this is a problem area for him, consider how you might alter your own value system and live for eternity in front of him, encouraging him to do the same.  Only two things will last into eternity: the Word of God and people.  Be sure that you are focusing on the right things.

We heard the best church sermon we have ever heard last Sunday - and it touched on this.  Our pastor said that we can only serve one master.  "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other..."  Matthew 6:24.  I have heard this verse many times in my life, and always thought, "Oh, that doesn't apply to me.  I do not love or serve any other Gods". 

Pastor Sal offered a new perspective - what do you serve?  What drives you?  It could be money - saving for retirement - his point - when you leave this life for your eternal one, will the stock market have saved you?  No.  Will God provide for you as he has promised?  Yes.  We have to be stewards with the money he has trusted us with, not serve it, live for it, etc.  We need to focus on God, our relationship with him - our families, the time we spend with them, service to the church and others.

He offered another thing we could serve - our homes.  Do we spend hours and countless dollars in the goal to make our homes the envy of others?  Do we clean it, polish it, and decorate it will our of our resources and our hearts?  He's not saying we shouldn't keep a clean, beautiful home - but that we need to keep it in perspective.

I'll leave you with the center of the sermon that really made hubby and I think, and have some very heartfelt conversations over lunch last Sunday afternoon - "But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD"  Joshua 24:15

We made a committment to God, to our church, and to each other that day at the end of the service.  OUR house will serve the Lord.  It was one of the most moving moments I have experienced with my husband.

Prayer Thursday

Welcome to Prayer Thursday! 
Thank you all so much for your prayers this past week!  If we can pray for you, please leave your prayer request in the comments below, or feel free to email me - michelleannadams@yahoo.com

Here are our prayer requests for this week -

Please pray for the people of Nashville.  So many have lost so much because of these floods.  It has been amazing to see the articles about how that community has come together.

Please pray for the oil spill.  That it will be resolved in the best way possible, protect our oceans, beaches and animals. Please pray for the families of those that lost their lives in this disaster.

Please pray for Mary's Husband.  He has prostate cancer.  Please pray for him and the doctors that care for him.

Please pray for my Mom (Sandy) her biopsy went well, and we are expecting to get the results back on Monday.

Please pray for my sweet friend Jackie.  She is pregnant with quadruplits!  You can read about her journey here.

Please pray for my Daddy's (Jerry) job search and that his good spirits continue.  He has his second interview with a great company next Wednesday!  Praise!  Thank you so much for your prayers!

Please pray for my Grandparents, Ed & Helen.  They are having some health troubles, and my grandmother seems like she is suffering from depression. 

Please pray for little Jed Harper.  You can read about his story here.  What a beautiful family turning their sweet son's health over to God.  They are truly inspiring.

Please pray for baby Cohen and his parents.  You can read their story here.

Please pray for my friend Pam's daughter, Julie, and her husband.  They are moving across the country, and looking for new jobs!  Please pray for their move and their job searches.

I have been following Lianna's blog for a few months now, and she just seems like the sweetest girl in the whole world!  She and her husband are waiting for God to bless them with a child.  You can read about them here.

Thank you so very much for all of your prayers!  Please let me know if we can pray for you!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge - Day 21

Hi Ladies!  I am so truly sorry for the delay in our challenge.  I was traveling for work early in the week, and did not have a moment to post.  A busy trip - but a great one!  We spent time in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Mississippi - and did a TON of driving.  Seriously, it pained me to get back into the car this morning to come to work :)

Anyway, we will resume with Day 21 today.  I LOVE today's.  Forgiveness is such a wonderful gift - not only to give to someone else, but for yourself too.

Day 21 -

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you." Ephesians 4:32

It's time for some heart examination.  As you continue in this 30 day challenge, have you found any roots of bitterness that are contaminating your relationship with your husband?  Do you understand that as long as you are unwilling to forgive your husband (by God's grace and in His power) you will not be able to encourage him?  Your own resentment will keep getting in the way.  Now is the time to deal with any unforgiving attitudes.  Forgive him, even as God has forgiven you.

Is your husband a forgiving man?  Does he keep short accounts of your problems?  Express your thankfulness for such a man.

Does your husband--rightly or wrongly--harbor grudges against you?  Again, are there things you need to change, or do you need to ask for his forgiveness for an offense?  Help your husband be more forgiving by quickly forgiving him for his mistakes.

This one really hits home for me.  We learned in our marriage bible study that it is our duty to forgive each other, just a God forgives us for our sins.  Wow.  Comparing our marriage to a relationship with God left me speechless.  I want to be more like my saviour!  How do I do that?  Forgive. 

We have kind of an interesting situation in our marriage.  I am VERY sensitive.  I cry at commercials.  Every.day.  I get my feelings hurt if someone gives me a dirty look or speaks insensitively to me.  I know, I know, that is so silly.  And, I'm working on it.  So, needless to say, hubby hurts my feelings on a fairly regular basis.  His usual response?  "I did nothing wrong!  There is something wrong with you and you need to get over it."  Well, I'm sure you can imagine how that goes.  I didn't marry a man that is quick to say, "I'm so sorry I hurt your feelings - I didn't mean to, what can I do to make it better?". 

Why do I think this is possible?  My Daddy does it.  It's a running joke in our home - my Daddy will get an eye roll or a look from my Mom, and his response?  "I'm sorry, I must have done something to upset you.  What would you like me to do differently?".  My Mom said that this took years and years of "training" - ha ha!  I'm not sure what training is, but I love how they treat each other and how they interact - and I want our marriage to be very similar to theirs.  So, I try to model many of the things that they do.  I am so grateful for their example to follow.  So, for now, my part in this is to try not to get my feelings hurt.

My other part?  Forgiveness.  Giving it and asking for it.  If I get snippy or get upset about something - I am pretty quick to say that I am sorry.  I also ask him to please forgive me.  Hubby is so quick to offer his forgiveness.  I am so incredibly grateful for this.  He says, sure, let's move on, it's okay.  I love that trait in him and feel very blessed that he is willing to do that.  I am learning that it is a good idea to say that I am sorry and ask for forgiveness even if I don't think I'm wrong.  It always ends better that way.  And, I don't want him to feel resentment towards me for anything at all, so I think that is very important.  Now, if I could just teach him that....haha!

How do you forgive each other?  What is your dynamic like?

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Friday, May 7, 2010

Show us Your Life - Kids Names

Happy Friday!  If you are visiting from Kelly's Korner, welcome and thanks for stopping by!

Show Us Your Life with Kelly's Korner
Today we are participating in Kelly's Korner, Show Us Your Life - Baby Names.

We are a tiny bit scared of starting our family.  We just don't feel quite ready yet.  We've only been married a year, and we want to have a couple more years of enjoying each other and being selfish before we have a baby.  I'm 28...I have plenty of time....right??!!!  (If I don't, please don't tell me.  I really truly don't want to know - ha!).  Hubby says he is nowhere near ready, but he keeps talking about other people's babies and what other people say about starting their families, so I can tell that it is something that he carries on his heart and seeks opinions about.  I am confident that God knows what is best for us, and I pray that he will tell us when it's time, and that we will be quiet and listen to him.

Now that being said...let's talk names!  That is the fun part, right?  Hubby and I have always talked about baby names.  When I was little, my favorite girl names were Melody and Stacey.  I still adore them.  Hubby, not so much.  Isn't it funny how when you know someone that you didn't really like you couldn't possibly use their name?  So, lately I have been loving the name Grace.  I don't know why, but I think it is just so sweet.  I'm not sure about a middle name yet, I have some ideas, but I'm not sure.  There is a certain special family member that I would like to honor :)  But she reads this, so I'm not telling!

I never really dreamed about boy names.  I love the name Houston, but I'm pretty sure that would be silly to name him that while we lived here.  So, that's out.  I also love Bryce, but our neighbors named their son that, so I would feel funny using it too.  I want to honor my Daddy somehow if we have a son.  He has no living brothers or sisters, and two daughters.  The Adams line ends with my sister and I.  Isn't that so sad?  That is part of the reason that it took me almost a year to change my last name, I didn't want to let it go.  His name is Jerry Wayne Adams, so I want to pull a middle name from that somehow, I'm just not sure how just yet. 

Hubby wanted to name his son Jeff Jr.  I vetoed that one quickly.  I know what you are thinking, wow, that's mean, he just wanted to pass on his name...no - that is not what he was doing.  He said, "Wouldn't it be great, when people call the house, they would say, Is Jeff there?  and you would say, Big Jeff or Little Jeff - hahahaha!  That would be so cool!  Yeah, not doing that.  So now, he has decided that he would like to name our future son Rhys.  Kind of like the peanut butter candy without that last -es pronounced on the end.  He saw it on ESPN and just loves it.  We shall see how that goes.  I'm not sure how I feel about that one...

I can't wait to read all of your baby names! 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Prayer Thursday

Welcome to Prayer Thursday!  I apologize that this post is oh-so-late today - I had a very busy day, and hubby and I went out for sushi for dinner.  Did you know that today is the National Day of Prayer?  What a perfect day for prayer requests!


Thank you all so much for your prayers this past week!  If we can pray for you, please leave your prayer request in the comments below, or feel free to email me - michelleannadams@yahoo.com



Here are our prayer requests for this week -



Please pray for Mary's Husband.  He has prostate cancer.  Please pray for him and the doctors that care for him.



Please pray for my Mom (Sandy) she got her thyroid test results back, but they are still not sure what the problem is.  They scheduled her biopsy for May 10th.



Please pray for my sweet friend Jackie.  She is pregnant with quadruplits!  You can read about her journey here.



Remeber my coworker, Wendy, that had her skin cancer removed?  Her appendix burst this week.  She had emergency surgery and is recovering, but will be out for a few weeks.  Please pray for her recovery and her spirits.  She is such a wonderful christian woman and I know she would really appreciate your prayers.



Please pray for my Daddy's (Jerry) job search and that his good spirits continue.  He had an interview today, and he seems really excited about it!  Praise!  Thank you so much for your prayers!



Please pray for my Grandparents, Ed & Helen.  They are having some health troubles, and my grandmother seems like she is suffering from depression. 



Please pray for little Jed Harper.  You can read about his story here.  What a beautiful family turning their sweet son's health over to God.  They are truly inspiring.



Please pray for baby Cohen and his parents.  You can read their story here.



Please pray for my friend Pam's daughter, Julie, and her husband.  They are moving across the country, and looking for new jobs!  Please pray for their move and their job searches.



I have been following Lianna's blog for a few months now, and she just seems like the sweetest girl in the whole world!  She and her husband are waiting for God to bless them with a child.  You can read about them here.

Please pray for all of the Mothers out there this Mother's Day.  Please pray for the Mothers that have lost their children, that have blessed another family with them by giving them up for adoption, and those ladies that are waiting and praying that God will make them Mommies.  Mother's Day is a very hard day for so many women.  Please pray for them.


Thank you so very much for all of your prayers!  Please let me know if we can pray for you!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge - Day 20

Today's challenge!  I can't wait to tell my hubby that I think he is handsome - haha!  Seriously though, isn't that something we would all like hear more often.  I know I would like to hear him tell me that I look pretty more often.  Vain, I know.  I can't help myself!!

Read this wife's description of her beloved in Song of Solomon 5:10-16

"My lover is radiant and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand.  His head is purest gold; his hair is wavy and black as a raven.  His eyes are like doves by the water streams, washed in milk, mounted like jewels.  His cheeks are like beds of spice yielding perfume.  His lips are like lilies dripping with myrrh.  His arms are rods of gold set with chrysolite.  His body is like polished ivory decorated with sapphires.  his legs are pillars of marble set on bases of pure gold.  His appearance is like Lebanon, choice as its cedars.  His mouth is sweetness itself; he is altogether lovely.  this is my lover, this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem."

Criticism leaves scar; encouragement can bring healing.  Remember that today as you focus on your encouragement challenge.

Have you ever considered how wonderfully God designed men and women?  No matter how a man looks by the standards of the world, a loving God designed them all, and they are all "beautiful" in His sight.  Encourage your husband today by praising his uniqueness.

As you look over your husband's body, from the tip of his toes to his bald or bushy head, thank God that your husband is "sonderfully made, " then admire your husband verbally.  (Strong arms?  Hairy chest?  Firm hands?  Big feet?  Rugged chin?  Wide shoulders?  Compassionate eyes?  Broad smile?)

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Prayers for Nashville

Until I stared going through some of my favorite blogs this morning, I had NO IDEA that Nashville was such a flood disaster!  Hubby and watch the news every night, and I haven't heard anything at all, which is so shocking and disappointing.  The pictures are so scary, and people are struggling there.  Please pray for them. 

You can visit Beth's blog here to see the devestation first hand. 

30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge - Day 19

Good morning Ladies! I am so sorry for not posting our challenge yesterday. I had a crazy day at work and hubby and I had a nice, relaxing, computer free evening at home last night. I think those nights are so important. I can't remember the last week night that we left dishes in the sink, left the computer turned off, and just snuggled on the couch and watched T.V. It wasn't great to wake up to dirty dishes this morning, but it's worth it every once in a while :)

Here is Day 19 of our challenge -

"You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!" Psalm 16:11a, 144:15b

"A merry heart does good, like medicine."  Proverbs 17:22a

It's hard to criticize others when we are enjoying their company.  Instead of speaking negatively to your husband today, enjoy him!  Encourage him!  As you experience fullness of joy with God, share some of that joy with your husband.

Does your husband have a playful side?  A great sense of humor?  Is there a "little boy" that wants to escape from time to time, reflecting the joy in his heart?

This is a wonderful part of who he is, and a great strength.  Let him know that you appreciate his joyfulness and his playful spirit.  Find opportunities to join him in positive play times.

If your husband can sometimes be overly servious, coax him out occasionally for some play times.  It will help him relieve stress and relax.

I think this idea is so cute.  We all need "play times".  Most of our best memories are of silly times when we are goofing off and being just us.  My hubby is funny.  I mean, really funny.  That's part of the reason I fell in love with him.  I have a tendency to be way to serious sometimes.   I think it's the stress of work and all of those little silly things that I let get to me.  I tend to be serious until about Thursday, and then I start to relax for the weekend.  I need to take heed from today's lesson and have a little more fun with hubby much more often.  Do you have trouble being lighthearted and fun during the week?  Is it hard for you to relax if you have a high stress job?