May 22, 2013

Self-Discipline and Matching Socks

Filed under: to consider,to do — The Generous Wife @ 1:30 am

Over the last few months I've been more self-disciplined with the laundry.

I've never been really great at it (folding and putting away clothes ... well, slow at best), but one day I realized how tough it was on my sweetie (and the rest of my family over the years) when I didn't get clothes back in the closet and drawers in a timely way.

I sat down and diagrammed out my clothing system and then asked myself where the hang up was. No surprise that it was the "put away" part.

So I just made a rule for myself that when each load was done, I would hang things up, fold the rest and put everything away right then. I've done a pretty good job of it and it's made our lives a bit smoother and there is less clutter in the bedroom and the laundry room (although I have a pretty impressive collection of lonely socks).

A little self-discipline can be a good thing. Is there some part of your life or household that is not working? Think it through and brainstorm some solutions to try. Your sweetie and family will thank you.

We are what we repeatedly do, excellence then is not an act, but a habit.  Aristotle

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Image credit Lori Byerly


The Forgiven Wife: Perfect Conditions If all you see is the weeds, you will miss the tulips.


Marriage Gems: Don’t be Afraid to Underachieve in Life to Better Achieve in Your Family Life Be counter-cultural in your approach to life and family.


If you are shopping online this week, please start on the Shop and Support TGW page. It won't change your purchase price, but I receive a small commission. (I've updated links and added some international shopping pages.) New merchants I've added:

legalzoom
vistaprint


 

May 21, 2013

For When He Needs a Fix

Filed under: to do — The Generous Wife @ 1:30 am

Make an Ooops! Box for your husband's car or workplace. 

An Ooops! Box contains things like safety pins, double-sided tape, needle and thread, a small tube of super glue, and anything else that he could use when he needs to fix something.

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Image courtesy of Sira Anamwong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net


Mystery32: Just Say No to Control As my son would say, "take a chill pill."


The Romantic Vineyard: Are You Discouraged About Your Marriage Today? Joy rises from the sorrow!


Hot, Holy and Humorous: Yes, Kid, Your Mommy and Daddy Have Sex "It's reassuring to children to know that their parents experience a loving, and even private, relationship that establishes the foundation of their family."


This week's ebook bundle is about kitchen stewardship:

Healthy Snacks to Go (2nd Edition) by Katie Kimball
The Everything Beans Book by Katie Kimball
Smart Sweets by Katie Kimball
Is Your Flour Wet? by Katie Kimball
The Family Camping Handbook by Katie Kimball


 

May 20, 2013

A Gift for You and Your Husband – A Year of Questions

Filed under: from me — The Generous Wife @ 1:30 am

I love questions.

So I created a little gift for y'all. It's a year's worth of questions for couples.

 

yearofquestions


Free Download: A Year of Questions for You and Your Spouse

 

It's a pdf. You can "right click" on the above link and save to your computer or just click on the link and it will open in your browser.

Print it out, cut the questions into strips and put them all into a container (I used an almond container from Costco). Pull out a question a day to spark conversation between you and your spouse.

If a question does not apply to you or your spouse, just reframe the question so that it does. Change the “what” or the “who.”

I encourage you to create your own rules. Many of these questions are better answered if there is no limit on time, money, etc. This gives more room for options and imagination (I’d love to have advice from Florence Nightingale and live in Italy!).

When the answer revolves around people, you may want to give the option of adding “in addition to” or “other than my spouse.” And, honestly, I think it’s OK to change questions, add questions, give information not asked for, and so on.

The idea behind the questions is to give you and your spouse a starting place for conversation and learning more about each other.

Please remember to speak the truth in love and listen well.

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Image credit Lori Byerly


Safe At Home: The Best Defense Isn't Usually Helpful in Marriage Being defensive can become offensive. Instead, explain and explore.


 To Love, Honor and Vacuum: How Much Is Reasonable to Expect From Your Spouse? Some great advice on dealing with expectations.


How to Clean Stuff I found this site just mutzing around on the Internet. Nice resource to bookmark.


 

May 19, 2013

Cheerful Generosity

Filed under: to consider,to do — The Generous Wife @ 1:30 am

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  2 Corinthians 9:7  ESV

We usually hear this scripture at church when there is an offering. Certainly that is a good time and place to consider it.

However, I think it applies to everything, including our marriage relationship.

We need to consider how generosity plays into our marriage. Where and how can we give cheerfully? (Reluctant giving doesn't say love to our spouses. It actually feels kind of creepy.)

I find it easier to break my life down and look at its parts. Where can I be more generous in the kitchen? In the bedroom? In the living room? Or how can be more generous in the morning? In the evening?

Doesn't matter how you work through it. Just prayerfully consider ways of being more generous to your sweetie.

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Image courtesy of stockimages / FreeDigitalPhotos.net


Do Not Disturb: Third Time’s a Charm A simple challenge that can add fun and variety to your sex life.


(in)courage: I Stole A Television… And Other Lessons In Generosity A story of sacrificial generosity.


Redeeming Marriages: Does Your Spouse Pay For Your Past? Turn your past over to God so that only He has the say in how you will be formed.


 

May 18, 2013

He’s an Orange, Not an Apple

Filed under: to consider — The Generous Wife @ 1:30 am

Every now and then I hear a gal talk about someone (other than her husband) with a wistful tone. There is something about that someone that they hold dear and the undertone is that their husband doesn't measure up.

Well, of course, he doesn't measure up! He is a totally different person and she's holding him up to the wrong standard!

 

She's comparing apples to oranges. We need to appreciate people for who they are.

Yes, it's great that your first boyfriend always brought you flowers. Appreciate that someone valued you and brought you a gift you enjoyed.

Now drop it. It's not a standard that you can use with other people (and certainly not your husband).

Your husband is a remarkable person. He sings silly songs, has mad techie skills and knows when you need a hug. Enjoy him for the unique person that he is.

Don't ask him to be an apple. He's an orange.

Comparison is the death of joy.  Mark Twain

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Image courtesy of Suvro Datta / FreeDigitalPhotos.net


Calm Healthy Sexy: Slow Things Down and Shake Things Up This Summer Preach it, girl!


The Romantic Vineyard: Flashlight Tag Date Could be fun!


The Forgiven Wife: Intimate Moments Finding real intimacy.


Stuff I've Recommended This Week


 

May 17, 2013

A Little Different

Filed under: to do together — The Generous Wife @ 1:30 am

Over time it is easy to slip into a rut about how and when you have sex. You go through the same motions at the same time of day in the same place in the house.

Now, honestly, that is not necessarily a bad thing. Doing what you enjoy and what works for you is a good thing, but the down side is that seasons change and some of what you normally do may not work as well (I'm thinking pregnancy or growing older). Or you just might want to try something a little different. 

You don't have to make huge changes. Just little ones will do. Have sex earlier in the day (not late at night when you are both tired). Have sex in another room or in a different part of your bedroom (a love seat in your room can be fun). Touch your husband differently in little ways. Take it a little slower or a little faster. Now and then change the position.

Do something a little different.

Change always comes bearing gifts.  Price Pritchett

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Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net


Hot, Holy and Humorous: Should You Go Along with His Sexual Fantasy? "J" offers some nice guidelines to help you think it through.


Marriage4Good: Little Things Add Up Thoughtfulness makes a difference.


The Confident Mom: Summer Survival Calendar Fun Summer activities for kids and busy moms.


 

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