I read this on Carrie's blog and it really touched me. I wanted to put it here on my blog as well, so that I can read it to myself often (I hope you don't mind Carrie).
BLESSING OUR HUSBANDS......
Pray for your husband daily, not just casually ("God Bless Hubby")but for specific areas of need and blessing.
Thank God for your husband's strengths, for the growth you see, and for the kindness that he shows you and the needs he meets in your life.
Meditate often (at least once a week) on the scriptures that teach your responsibilities and position in the home.
Listen to him. Try to really hear what he is saying when he communicates with you.
When he seems perplexed and troubled do not pressure him. Support him by prayer, your presence, and words of encouragement.
Be ready to share your observations and insights in a meek spirit, but openly and honestly, when he asks you. You can be his best counselor. You can anchor him when he needs it most.
Encourage him. Do not nag him, or boss him. Do not argue with him even if you are sure he is wrong. He may have something in mind that you are not aware of or do not understand. Ask his counsel and advice.
Only say up-building and affirming things about your husband to others. Do not criticize him even in a joking manner. Very rarely should you find yourself sharing anything about his faults or failings, and then only with someone who is truly in a position to help.
Bless your husband in public. Do not apologize for his background, weaknesses or failures. This will build up your reverence for him and help establish the trust that you should both have for each other.
If your husband has failed, entreat him in meekness, don't exaggerate the issue or berate him.
Let him know that you want him to be your leader not only by what you say but by what you do. You get that message across by the way you respond to the leadership he gives does give you.
Seek to please your husband even when he does not spell out what he wants you to do. Try to determine what his heart's desire is and do it as fully as possible.
Teach your children to honor him, respect him, and bless him. You do this best by your own example.
Depend on him. Be very sensitive to areas in which he wants you to act independently. Do not run away with this responsibility. Handle it carefully. If in question choose dependence not independence.
Seek opportunities to serve your husband in love. Find ways to show him that he is your "Lord."
Be ready to make changes in your day or schedule to accommodate his needs or desires, especially if you run a home business and he needs you or the children to serve in some capacity.
When you need to make a appeal, prepare carefully. Choose your words wisely. Choose the time well so that you can have his attention and time to explain yourself. That way you can be sure that he understands you. When he is weary, at the end of a long day is not a good time to communicate weighty matters.
Always let your husband have the last word, the deciding vote, the majority rule.
Don't say "I told you so."
Show appreciation for the way he provides for you.
Let your husband know that you love his attention to you and his singleness of heart for you. Bask in this attention and help him relate discreetly to other women especially by letting him know what makes women respond.
Reserve yourself, your beauty, and your charm for him. Maintain true modesty and reserve while relating to other men.
Country Blessings,
Jamie
