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

Links may be monetized.
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

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.

Links may be monetized.
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.

From The Generous Wife archive:

My husband and I ate at a local buffet. We were there in the afternoon when there tends to be a large number of elderly folks.  While we were eating, we kept noticing the couple at the next table.  At first I couldn't even tell why they stood out, but the more I watched them (as discreetly as I could), I realized that they were treating each other with great kindness and deference.  The gentleman was especially helpful toward his wife (who was on a walker).

I wondered what my husband and I looked like. Did we serve each other in kindness?  Did we speak to each other with respect?  I guess, what I came away with, is that I want to look like that.  When folks look at me, I want them to see that my husband is special to me and deserving of kind and respectful treatment.

Love and respect are the most important aspects of ... all relationships.  Jodie Foster

Links may be monetized.
Image courtesy of Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

To Love, Honor and Vacuum: Avoiding Disappointment This Mother’s Day Some thoughts on being a mom and facing our Mother's Day expectations.

Intimacy in Marriage: How To Destroy Your Husband's Manhood In 10 Easy Steps Let's be all about building manhood, not destroying it.

Stuff I've Recommended This Week