Today is Friday - JOY! This is going to be one busy weekend at the Barrick's as we attempt to get the house in order. It's still not back to normal after SETX Youth Conference and moving Ryan into his apartment.
I leave Wednesday for some continuing education classes in San Antonio and will head out Friday evening after my last class to Round Rock for the last 2 days of their conference. I'll be back one full week before turning around and heading off to Ink's Lake State Park for 6 glorious days of lazing in the sun and water! Can't wait!
Last night we continued on with our Bible study focusing on becoming a submissive wife. We studied a bit about what it means to be a HELP MEET to our husband. We learned that God created man first and then created us last of all when Adam could find no help meet. He needed someone to help him. Our purpose in this world is to be a help meet to our husband - to help meet HIS needs. That's our duty and we should perform that duty with all longsuffering and diligence.
We also learned about communication. How important it is to actually LISTEN to what he needs us to hear. We studied about how it's probably not the best idea to take all of our cares and burdens to him as soon as he walks in the door from a long, hard day at work, or at the end of a stressful day. Nor is it a good idea to nag him to death as soon as he wakes up, especially if he is not a morning person! :) Last of all, regarding communication, we learned how important it is to talk and plan, for the next 5 minutes and the next 5 years. Discuss where you are each at, where you are going, who you are with, ways to contact each other in the event of a change in plans.... Lack of communication on any of these levels can be at the least frustrating and maddening, and at the worst devestating and destructive.
The last thing we studied was regarding being a pastor's wife, although it actually applies to the wife of any man in any profession. It was just a quick overview of the duty of a wife towards her husband in the public eye. How to always praise and lift him up, to never chastise or speak ill of him, even in jest. How the smallest innocent comment can plant seeds of doubt and disrespect in the hearts and minds of others. We learned how important it is to stand up for him when his character is being attacked and how we need to listen to him (again, communication) and offer advise ONLY when he asks for it. And most importantly, how we must pray diligently for him - for God to use him and inspire him, for him to be rooted and grounded in truth, and to give him strength to meet the needs of those in his flock, or those who depend upon him. Most of all - pray that God will protect and guide him safely day to day.
One note that I need to make...I did not do all of this major research on my own. Outside of searching the scriptures, there are a few blogs which inspire me and provide profound insight. I take what I want and leave what I don't - although it is rare, I don't always agree wholeheartedly and there is sometimes a difference in faith/beliefs. Nevertheless, I wanted to provide their links here so you can enjoy them, too.
Raising Homemakers
The Purposeful Mom
A Cherished Keeper
Simply Helping Him
Enjoy! K. Bye, now!
