Husband Encouragement Challenge

Laura, at In Light of the Truth, is hosting a 30-day Husband Encouragement Challenge for the month of June, which I think is SUCH a great idea!

I'm starting a little late, because today is the 4th, but I don't guess it's ever too late to start encouraging your husband.

I realize I just kind of jumped into posting without introducing myself. My name is Grace, and I've been married to Jonathan for just over 10 months. We are both psychology students, about to enter our senior year of our undergrad (although if you think this means we're almost done with school, you're DEFINITELY wrong. Jonathan is going to pursue a masters when we graduate, and I'm going after a PhD). Our faith is very important to us--we trust in Jesus as savior and strive to serve him. Also, we have a kitten named Lola (hence the name of the blog... I'm not TOO creative).

So, now that that's done with, here are the instructions for day 4 of the challenge, from Laura's blog::

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge
By Nancy Leigh DeMoss

June 4--DAY 4

" . . . let him labor, working with his hands what is good . . . " Eph. 4:28

We are all accountable for the things we say, both negative and positive words. Have you embraced the challenge to speak only positive things to your husband and to others about him? Here's a suggestion that touches the core of your husband's world.

Some women take their husband's career for granted, and they show it in many ways. Do you "dump" on your husband at the end of the workday, or do you strengthen and encourage him with your words? A wise wife will make her husband feel that she values and appreciates his work. Let him know that you are glad he is a hard worker. Take opportunities to praise his diligence and resourcefulness to others.

If your husband is out of work, unable to work, or refuses to work, you'll need to be more creative. Praise him for a character quality that you see in him that would be a vital part of a successful career—such as persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind, organizational skills, good with people, good listener, determination, etc.

I am very thankful for Jonathan's job. He works as a Pharmacy Tech, which is a great job for an undergraduate. I especially appreciate his job because he recently found a new position. He was working in a hospital pharmacy, working until 9 most nights and working every other Sunday morning (if not more). While I was so proud of him for working so hard (usually about 40 hours a week, on top of being a full time student), I missed him.
Then, however, he got a new job at a retail pharmacy. His hours are less, he gets paid more, and they're always closed on Sundays and holidays (also an issue at the old job).

However, I'm thankful for other ways that Jon works for us, besides his job. He is an excellent manager of our money. God has blessed us generously (for college students!), and Jonathan is both a good steward and a good manager of what we have.

Ok, now that I've bragged on him some, I need to go wake him up so he can get off to that wonderful job! :)