Dear Ones,
Hope you have a wonderful day and bring encouragement to others. Today is donut day and Al will be off to Men’s group and later we have Bible Study. The devotional today is especially for men, but good if you gals read it too, so you are reminded of how to encourage your hubby.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Today I am writing to you men to see if you would agree or have things to add with what Cindi McMenamin (pastor’s wife author and speaker) recorded of the 10 things husbands (married 5 -50 years) wished their wives would say to them Are you ready guys?
 1. They would love if their wife said, “I will take care of it!” Maybe a husband comes home from work and has a need or concern and rather than his wife saying what a busy schedule she has etc. she simply tells him that she will take care of it. Wow!
2. Would you love to hear the words, “Don’t worry about the cost!” You probably don’t like to feel your money is managed solely by your wife, especially if she is frugal and wants to audit it before you make a purchase… and also if you happen to manage a multimillion budget at work.
3.  How about the words, “Go Get’em tiger”? Would that be music to your ears? She is reinforcing her belief in you that you can do something that you may have doubts about your ability. But she is saying you can do it and has confidence in you.
                                             4. Do you want to hear the words, “You look great!” Even though wives love to hear they are beautiful, men also like to hear words that they look good too. Maybe you work out and she shares that your time at the gym is paying off. off.
 5. How about the words, “I’m really proud of you for doing that.” Those words may be music to your ears as it lets you know that she notices you for who you are and also appreciates the sacrifices you make for the family.
6. Maybe the words, “Why don’t you worry about that later,” are like balm to your weary heart as you come from a busy work day with lots of demands and she is saying whatever expectations she has for you to do can wait as you unwind.
  7. Your ears may perk up when she tells you, “That was amazing!” She may be expressing appreciation for something you did, even if it was just how you handled the kids.
 8. How about the wonderful words “Have a great time this weekend.” Perhaps your heart beats faster as you say you’d like to go fishing with the men from church and that is her response.  Go do it!
9. By the words, “I’d still choose you!” your wife is really saying even though you may have blown it at times she would marry you all over again. No matter what!
10. The final words the men wrote they wanted to hear, “We’ll get through this!”  It is like is saying that you are a team and she always has your back. Sweet words when you mess up.

Words like these said in love will encourage men to open up and share their feelings and like Paul said in Eph 4:29 that we should speak what is helpful for building one another up according to their needs and that may benefit those who listen.

Challenge for today: Purpose to be an encourager to your husband and ask God to give you new ways to say and do that.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy