Hello Wives On Purpose!
There is nothing like an encouraging word when you need it.
This one from Rev. Sheleta E Fomby, Minister to Women at Reid Temple AME Church, made me think of you so I wanted to share it. I am actually quoting a paragraph from her message to us in the Women's Ministry brochure. She writes:
Be encouraged as a wife. Perfect love casts out all fear. Don't be afraid to love freely, to try again, to trust again and to let go of disappointments. Honor your vows and honor your spouse as unto the Lord, your marriage will blossom and flourish if you commit your whole heart to doing your part. Your husband is better an blessed because he married you!
I couldn't have said it better.
Be encouraged ladies and enjoy being married " On Purpose"
Ministering to marriages one wife at a time,
Lisa Ellis Williams
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11/25/13
11/18/13
My Husband, My Best Friend
Hi Ladies,
Many of you come to Wife Coaching with a goal that you and your husband become "best friends." That strikes me as odd because Stuart and I started out as best friends and we still are.
I think one of the reasons why so many marriages drift apart is because, we forget to treat our husband like he is our friend.
Today, I will share three simple things you can do immediately to let you husband know, he is your friend (and I am NOT talking about on FaceBook).
1) Stop criticizing him
2) Stop treating him like your son or a subordinate at work
3) Stop meeting his needs and desires after you take care of children, parents, and other "friends"
I promise you will see results. Why because all best friends want to feel important. Your husband is no different especially if you want him to be your friend.
Many of you come to Wife Coaching with a goal that you and your husband become "best friends." That strikes me as odd because Stuart and I started out as best friends and we still are.
I think one of the reasons why so many marriages drift apart is because, we forget to treat our husband like he is our friend.
Today, I will share three simple things you can do immediately to let you husband know, he is your friend (and I am NOT talking about on FaceBook).
1) Stop criticizing him
2) Stop treating him like your son or a subordinate at work
3) Stop meeting his needs and desires after you take care of children, parents, and other "friends"
I promise you will see results. Why because all best friends want to feel important. Your husband is no different especially if you want him to be your friend.
Proverbs 18:24a (NKJV) reads:
"A man who has friends must himself be friendly"
That goes for wives too!
The greatest news is the rest of that verse which reads: But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. My final tip to make your husband your best friend is to KNOW and LIVE like Jesus is your best friend for life!
Need a little help to bring it home? Enjoy the song!
Want more tips? Subscribe to my free monthly newsletter
Want more tips? Subscribe to my free monthly newsletter
Until next time,
I am living as a Wife On Purpose
10/16/13
Wife Talk-Who are the Wives On Purpose?
Greetings Ladies,
Today was a great day as I met with wives on our very first Wife Talk Wednesday to answer the questions: Who are the Wives On Purpose and how do I become one of them?
We discussed so many things but, I wanted to give you the three shining examples of early wives on purpose.
- We found Esther in her life-style of praying and fasting (Esther 4:16).
- The Shunammite Woman was noted for respecting and honoring her husband. (2Kings 4:22)
- Finally we watched Ruth living a humble life or service while maintaining her own self respect and honor.
Remember: Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting but a women who fears the Lord she shall be praised!
One Wife said: "Great Wife Talk, I have a lot to learn from Esther, Ruth, and Shunammite Woman!"
Want to come next time? Register today
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10/9/13
Avoid marriage shut down
It's hard to believe that was September when I wrote the last "News Wives Can Use.News Wives Can Use
In a short time the weather has become stormy and cold and the federal
government has shut down! While I expect fall weather in October, I can
honestly say I never expected the United States Federal Government to be
rendered inoperable because two sides cannot agree.
I am reminded that marriages often shut down for the same reason. Husband and wife cannot agree. Sound familiar? If so, ask yourself how do you handle conflict?
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. (NIV)
How about that? If we just submit or follow our husbands lead even when we don’t agree then we can avoid complete shut down in our marriage. Only God would ask us to seemingly give in to pretty crazy sounding ideas but I admit that His thoughts and ways are higher than mine. I understand if many of you don’t like this verse or solution to "stand offs." I get the media impression that Congress and the American people find it difficult too. I also get a distinct feeling that our President finds himself in a unique position as well. No one seems to be smiling when they don’t get their way. The good news is that instances where such complete disagreement happen in marriage are as rare as a complete federal government shut down in the United States.
The difference is that Christian wives are called to follow God’s instructions. The Bible serves as our policy and life governing law. If we view them as non-negotiable then we have the privilege of confidently holding God responsible for what happens to us after we submit.
I have practiced this principle for many years now. It is not always easy but always worth it. Obedience to God is better than sacrifice in my life. When my husband and I come to a complete stand still on an issue, instead of insisting that I get my way, I submit to working his plan or trying his idea. As we slowly move forward, we negotiate line items without hostility and find resolution faster. A byproduct of agreement in marriage is new respect, new love and admiration on both sides of the aisle. Working together as one flesh enables husbands and wives to do what is best for those under their care and influence.
God's way works for me. It should work for you. I can only hope that our government leaders will find a strategy to work for them. Join me and pray for conflict resolution… and fast!
Until then, I'll be
Ministering to marriages, one wife at a time,
Lisa Ellis Williams
I am reminded that marriages often shut down for the same reason. Husband and wife cannot agree. Sound familiar? If so, ask yourself how do you handle conflict?
- Do you stop serving your husband and family because he won’t give in to your desires?
- Do you overlook the many other family members and friends who suffer because you and your husband are at odds?
- Have you stopped to consider how your marriage looks to the outside world when conflict goes unresolved for days or even weeks?
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. (NIV)
How about that? If we just submit or follow our husbands lead even when we don’t agree then we can avoid complete shut down in our marriage. Only God would ask us to seemingly give in to pretty crazy sounding ideas but I admit that His thoughts and ways are higher than mine. I understand if many of you don’t like this verse or solution to "stand offs." I get the media impression that Congress and the American people find it difficult too. I also get a distinct feeling that our President finds himself in a unique position as well. No one seems to be smiling when they don’t get their way. The good news is that instances where such complete disagreement happen in marriage are as rare as a complete federal government shut down in the United States.
The difference is that Christian wives are called to follow God’s instructions. The Bible serves as our policy and life governing law. If we view them as non-negotiable then we have the privilege of confidently holding God responsible for what happens to us after we submit.
I have practiced this principle for many years now. It is not always easy but always worth it. Obedience to God is better than sacrifice in my life. When my husband and I come to a complete stand still on an issue, instead of insisting that I get my way, I submit to working his plan or trying his idea. As we slowly move forward, we negotiate line items without hostility and find resolution faster. A byproduct of agreement in marriage is new respect, new love and admiration on both sides of the aisle. Working together as one flesh enables husbands and wives to do what is best for those under their care and influence.
God's way works for me. It should work for you. I can only hope that our government leaders will find a strategy to work for them. Join me and pray for conflict resolution… and fast!
Until then, I'll be
Ministering to marriages, one wife at a time,
Lisa Ellis Williams
10/2/13
Don't shut down your marriage
I am thinking of you!
I hope and pray you and your families are well even as our government is "shut down".
In stressful times it is vital for women to draw close to God's Word, and share resources, concerns, fears, and even blessings with those we trust. I certainly hope Wives On Purpose under my leadership has become a trusted source for each of you.
On October 16, I begin the new Wife Talk Series. The first class is free so I hope you will register. You will receive the download even if you can't call in live!
Consider Wife Talk your $5.00 marriage booster! That is all you will invest for each class. Your marriage is worth that isn't it?
During our first class on October 16, 2013, I am prepared to weave our topic into current events. We will talk about how real Wives On Purpose deal with marital shut downs and how the lack of compromise can hurt your family. Of course, I will pray for you and make time to address your questions.
My goal for the Wednesday Wife Talk series is provide a forum to openly address common shifts and concerns that your marriage may be facing. I also enjoy making time to celebrate your covenant and always desire to support you. You will leave each of these dynamic classes empowered to live married in peace and with joy!
October's Schedule includes:
10/23- If my marriage is good then why do I feel sad? register today
10/30- Forget Halloween! Tricks and Treats in marriage register today
I hope you will be on the line.
Lisa
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