“The Situation 2010″ in Franklin, TN
We had a massive snow storm this weekend. Well, massive for Nashville, anyway. Many are referring to it as “The Situation 2010″ (if you knew Nashville weather forecasters you’d know why). At the mere mention of snow, the city shuts down and all the schools are closed. Most of the time we barely get a dusting.
Nashvillest has published some pretty funny posts on the topic. As for the Gentry family, we recorded the “situation” for posterity. For the record, we enjoyed the snow!
(The first part may be a little boring…but it gets good at the end so keep watching!)
What are some ways that you verbalize your love to your spouse? (Week 15)
What you say to your partner and how you say it, is the single most important influence on your relationship. Your love life will sink or swim according to how well you communicate. – Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, in Love Talk
What are some ways that you verbalize your love to your spouse? What words do you enjoy hearing from your spouse?
Several thousand years ago, the world’s wisest man wrote these words, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21). The third chapter of the book of James speaks about the damage that our words can do. As we get older, we realize that the nursery rhyme was wrong, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Especially in our marriages, most of us would prefer sticks and stones over harmful words!
Words can hurt. But words can also heal.
There’s a lot of hope and healing in the following words:
When we started the 50 Fridays Challenge, we committed to intentionally growing intimacy in our marriages. One way to do that well is to let your words be life-giving to your spouse. How often are you speaking words that encourage and build up your spouse? Are you intentional in growing a vocabulary that communicates love and respect? As you’re thinking about this, let Ephesians 4:15 be your guide and “speak the truth in love” to your spouse.
Like Tim McGraw? Like to Give? Check This Out!
RAISING FUNDS FOR HAITI RELIEF
In an effort to raise money for Haiti Earthquake Relief – I am auctioning off a book autographed by Tim McGraw. The book, called “This is Ours”, is the story of Tim McGraw and the Dancehall Doctors.
The book is in pristine condition and you can see how clear and legible the autograph is.
100% of the auction price will be donated to the Clinton-Bush Haiti Relief Fund.
The book will be shipped by USPS and will be insured and include delivery confirmation. Shipping/handling fees will be retained to cover these expenses.
WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER!
Kelly Hancock is Doin’ It Right in Nashville!
Nominated by Kristin Gentry
When I lost my job in January 2009, I was eager to find ways to cut expenses. One day, I came across an article about Kelly and Faithful Provisions by Ms. Cheap in the Tennessean. I immediately signed up for the Grocery 101 class. It was fantastic! I learned a lot and am still implementing new ways to shop more economically. While it is time consuming to cut coupons, match to sale ads and shop 3 (yes, 3!) different stores, it’s rewarding to know you saved 51% on your grocery bill – it’s like a game!
If you live in Middle TN, I encourage you to check out Kelly’s website: www.FaithfulProvisions.com. If you’re looking for ways to save money, this is a great place to start. It takes some time and planning, but you could literally cut your grocery bill in half!
Faithful Provisions Mission Statement:
Founded on the principles of Luke 12:24, Faithful Provisions is dedicated to showing individuals and families how to save money by encouraging, equipping and empowering good stewardship.
You can read Kelly’s story here >>
Improve Yourself Challenge: Week 3 Update
GOALS
1. Lose the rest of my baby weight, about 20 lbs (note: my “baby” is now a toddler)
2. Make intentional steps to improve my marriage
3. Get 200 Facebook Fans on MY HANDS ARE CLEAN fan page (“Clean Hands, Healthy Baby!”)
WEIGHT
I’ve been sick for weeks and so I have not stuck to my diet or exercise plan. However, I’m finally starting to feel better so perhaps I can get back on track during Week 4.
MARRIAGE
Things are going very well in this department! Our weekly coffee/lunch dates have been wonderful and I’m really learning a lot from The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
FACEBOOK ~ MY HANDS ARE CLEAN, ARE YOURS?
I’m excited to report that I have over 180 fans already, with a month to go! And it seems like every time someone “Suggests [my fan page] to Friends”, a couple of orders come through. So Facebook is definitely a good market for me. I am starting a CPC (cost per click) ad campaign on FB for the next 5 days as a test, so I’ll update you next week on the success of the campaign. Consequently, I’m going to increase my goal from 200 fans to 500 fans by the end of February. Won’t you be my fan, and suggest my page to your friends??? =)
Thanks for following my progress. How are you doing on your resolutions?
Evaluate Your Physical Intimacy (Week 14)
It’s you I like,
It’s not the things you wear.
It’s not the way you do your hair,
But it’s you I like.
The way you are right now
The way down deep inside you
Not the things that hide you
Not your diplomas…
They’re just beside you.
But it’s you I like,
Every part of you,
Your skin, your eyes, your feelings,
Whether old or new.
I hope that you’ll remember
Even when you’re feeling blue,
That it’s you I like,
It’s you yourself, it’s you
It’s you I like!
- Mr. Rogers
Evaluate your physical intimacy. Where are you satisfied? Where would you like to see change?
When you saw this week’s question, what came to your mind? For many men, the first thought was “Finally! A question about sex!” But today’s question is broader than just the topic of sex. The question today invites each couple to talk about physical intimacy (don’t worry men, there will be some specific questions about sexual intimacy soon).
Physical intimacy certainly includes sexual intimacy, but it includes so much more – hand holding, hugs, sitting close to each other on the couch, foot rubs, massages, tender kisses, cuddling and so much more. It’s the things that most of us did naturally when we were dating. And yet over time, it’s easy to stop doing those things and then we miss out on some special and tender moments together. Often it’s these simple things that communicate not only our love for our spouse, but also how much we like and enjoy being with our spouse.
There’s a great benefit in evaluating your physical intimacy. There’s even a greater benefit in enjoying it together. Look for some specific ways this week that you can grow in this important area of marital intimacy.
Jeff Helton
Marriage and Family Pastor
+ Fellowship Bible Church
+ 50 Fridays Challenge
What’s a story from your marriage that you love to tell or hear? (Week 13)
Life itself is the most wonderful fairytale of all. – Hans Christian Andersen
What’s a story from your marriage that you love to tell or hear? What makes that story so special?
My brother-in-law, Brian, is a great story teller. I’m writing this on night after a feast with their family and ours at his house in Batavia, Illinois. Brian had everyone laughing at his stories about his cars through the years: a car that he caught on fire, a car that lost a wheel going down the road, and a convertible that was crushed by a giant pumpkin! I’ve heard some of his stories a dozen times, and yet I never tire of hearing them.
There were 12 of us gathered around the dining room table and after our meal, we spent an hour or so sharing stories from this past year. So many great stories: a fund started by my nephew to help a family in Kenya, a special father-son trip, the joy of a grandfather’s recovery from a stroke this past year, a testimony of a college freshman and God’s faithfulness to him in a year of transition, a special time with family celebrating 50 years of marriage for my in-laws.
So many sweet stories. Stories that lead to worship. Stories that have an aroma of eternity. There’s nothing like a good story. They make us laugh and remember and delight.
All of our marriages can use more of that. So this weekend, take time to tell some stories. They may be about vacations, holidays, car challenges, the birth of children, moments of loss, a time of redemption, surprise parties, or special gifts. Whatever the stories, they are a great way for us to connect and enjoy the days we’ve shared and to anticipate the making of more stories in the days ahead.
Jeff Helton
Marriage and Family Pastor
+ Fellowship Bible Church
+ 50 Fridays Challenge
Do you have Momnesia too?
Last night, I was commenting on a great post from my friend Stu at The Marry Blogger. Right as I started typing, the word I was looking for escaped my brain. Poof! It was gone…another mommy-brain moment. How many times a day does that happen to you?
I like to joke about having “momnesia” – but did you know that momnesia, or mommy-brain, is a real, medical thing? (“thing” is the medical term, by the way)
When a woman gets pregnant, the hormones your body produces affects the memory portion of your brain: “the brain is being marinated in a huge amount of [the pregnancy hormone] oxytocin during pregnancy,” says Brizendine. And oxytocin has been shown to have amnesia-like effects during pregnancy.
This continues for a year or more after the baby is born. But as far as I can tell, once I got pregnant with my first child, I was never the same! I have momnesia moments all the time. What about you?
Some may disagree; in fact, some think that being a mommy makes you smarter. There’s even a book by Katherine Ellison called The Mommy Brain: How Motherhood Makes Us Smarter
For the record, I have mommy-brain moments all the time. BUT – I still think being a mommy rocks my socks off and we all deserve the title, “Super Mom”. Because in our own individual ways, we all have super powers. I know our children think so…
What do you think? Please share a momnesia moment in the comments below. Let’s have a little fun together!
Improve Yourself Challenge: Week 1 Update
Sooo…..the first week of the challenge is complete and I met about half my goals. What were they? Here’s a reminder:
1. Lose the rest of my baby weight, about 20 lbs (note: my “baby” is now a toddler)
2. Make intentional steps to improve my marriage
3. Get 200 Facebook Fans on MY HANDS ARE CLEAN fan page (“Clean Hands, Healthy Baby!”)
Weight Goal: Week 1 – 2000 calories/day and 15 minutes exercise/day
I think I did pretty well on the calorie limit; most days, I wrote down everything I ate and counted calories, fat, carbs, protein, fiber and Weight Watcher points. And instead of eating 6 cookies at night, I’d only eat 1. :-) The exercise goal is another story; I don’t think I did 15 minutes of continuous exercise even one day last week. I was going to make it all up on Saturday with 2 hours on the Wii, but I was sick and couldn’t. Oh well, there’s always this week!
Marriage Goal
Complete! I read the first 2 chapters of The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
Facebook Fan Goal
Fans increased slightly on “My Hands Are Clean, Are Yours?” FB page, but I’m still under 100. Williamson AM (local newspaper) wrote a story about me and my “Clean Hands Healthy Baby” signs last week and I did an interview with WKRN News 2 this morning, so I’m well on my way to some great promotion. I also attended the Social Fresh Conference yesterday in Nashville and got some more great ideas for increasing traffic to my FB page and websites.
To keep up with me on Engaged Marriage’s Improve Yourself Challenge, choose “Improve Yourself Challenge” under Categories or click here. Thanks for your support!
Make a Difference Monday: Clean Hands Healthy Baby
Last week, Danielle at Extraordinary Mommy challenged us to do something every week to make a difference. Or to share a company or product that dedicates proceeds to a cause close to their heart. Well, I recently launched a business in which giving back is central to my personal mission to be generous with my time, talent and TREASURE.
I invite you to visit my other website, www.MyHandsAreClean.com, and check out my “Clean Hands Healthy Baby” signs. I pledge to donate 10% of all income generated from the sales of the signs to charity.
In November and December ‘09, I chose Operation Shower as my charity of choice. In January and February ‘10 I will be dedicating my time and treasure to the Nashville Rescue Mission. Not only will I be donating 10% to the Mission, but I will also be volunteering my time there with the Nashville Alumnae Chapter of the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority (Delta Eta Alumna from Belmont University ‘00).
“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:40
Nashville Rescue Mission: Mission Statement
Following God’s command to love our neighbor as ourselves, the Nashville Rescue Mission seeks to help the hurting of Middle Tennessee by offering food, clothing and shelter to the homeless and recovery programs to those enslaved in life degrading problems. Our goal is to help people know the saving grace of Jesus, and through Him, gain wisdom for living, find fulfillment in life and become a positive part of their community.
Support In Action
It only costs $2.26 to provide a meal to a homeless man, women or child. And that meal has the power to change a life! A person shows up at the Nashville Rescue Mission hungry and searching for a hot nutritious meal, and what they find is the life God had in mind for them in the first place. Once inside our facility, information is presented on the Mission’s life-recovery programs and a path that ultimately leads to a way off the streets. By providing a hot meal for someone in need, your support in action results in another life restored and produces another contributing member of our community.
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