Welcome Proverbs 31 "Encouragement for Today" readers. The whole topic of watching our words with our husbands is something near and dear to my heart. I have messed up with this more time than I care to count.
But one thing that has helped me tremendously is filling up my mind with God's truth. For a list of wonderfully helpful Scripture verses to help stop careless words, click here, scroll to the bottom and read the comments from this post.
On a completely different note, I'll be speaking at the Christian Book Expo this weekend in Dallas. Yes, remember that little concern I had about needing a Depends when I meet--- pause- breathe-- Henry Blackaby.
Yes, well, I have another concern.
I have book signing phobia.
I'm not kidding.
It's just plain awful y'all.
At one of my first book signings ever, I got all excited that a person actually got in my line. Well, I say "line"--- it was anything but.
This friend of mine was the only one who picked up on my desperate signals for SOMEONE TO WANT MY BOOK- PLEASE!
Too bad I was a sad disappointment when I actually went to sign my sweet friend's book. I meant to write, "I am so glad you are my friend."
But something got lost in translation from my brain to my hand. So, what I actually scribbled in permanent ink across the first page of her book was, "Aren't you so glad you're my friend."
Have mercy.
Doesn't that make you want to come to one of my book signings so you can place bets on what kind of craziness might be scribbled on your book?
Well, for the two of you interested and who happen to be close to Dallas, today is your lucky day. I have two sets of Christian Book Expo tickets to give away.
Just let me know in the comments and I'll pick two winners and e-mail you today.
For the rest of you, please pray that I will be able to hold both my thoughts and my bladder together this weekend.
But one thing that has helped me tremendously is filling up my mind with God's truth. For a list of wonderfully helpful Scripture verses to help stop careless words, click here, scroll to the bottom and read the comments from this post.
On a completely different note, I'll be speaking at the Christian Book Expo this weekend in Dallas. Yes, remember that little concern I had about needing a Depends when I meet--- pause- breathe-- Henry Blackaby.
Yes, well, I have another concern.
I have book signing phobia.
I'm not kidding.
It's just plain awful y'all.
At one of my first book signings ever, I got all excited that a person actually got in my line. Well, I say "line"--- it was anything but.
This friend of mine was the only one who picked up on my desperate signals for SOMEONE TO WANT MY BOOK- PLEASE!
Too bad I was a sad disappointment when I actually went to sign my sweet friend's book. I meant to write, "I am so glad you are my friend."
But something got lost in translation from my brain to my hand. So, what I actually scribbled in permanent ink across the first page of her book was, "Aren't you so glad you're my friend."
Have mercy.
Doesn't that make you want to come to one of my book signings so you can place bets on what kind of craziness might be scribbled on your book?
Well, for the two of you interested and who happen to be close to Dallas, today is your lucky day. I have two sets of Christian Book Expo tickets to give away.
Just let me know in the comments and I'll pick two winners and e-mail you today.
For the rest of you, please pray that I will be able to hold both my thoughts and my bladder together this weekend.
38 Comments:
lol! I won't be in Dallas so don't put my name in for the tickets, but I had to laugh at your book signing story. They are NOT fun! The writer sitting there wanting someone--anyone! to come to the table just to pick up a book, let alone buy one. Every customer trying to avoid eye contact for fear they'll get sucked into buying a book on "Fly-Fishing in Alaska" when they live in Arizona. I finally found the best way to assure people at least look interested is to make sure you've got food on the table (preferrably sweet/chocolatey). People will stop for free goodies and then you can trick/guilt them into buying a book while they're at it.
Have fun at the Expo. I'm sure you'll do great. (Are you EVER coming to the west coast for something?)
I live near Dallas and would LOVE to come see you. I would totally stand in line to hug your neck and get a book signed!
Been there done that, many years of my marriage have been spent in this horrible way of communication and dismissive attitude with my husband. Out of the 17 years not much has been good. I have always found a way to blame him somehow, and justify my behavior according to his. I have found that not recognizing the plank in my eye caused me to continually magnify the speck in his. Instead of responding the way I know is right I responded with unkind words and unkind behavior. Yes, his faults were real, but God's word was thee truth. Who know better me. Once I recognized my responsibility and my obedience to God was my responsibility I worked to change me. Lots and lots of prayer, this has changed my marriage, it has changed my husband and most of all it has changed me. Not that everying thing is how it should be or how God would like it to be, it is not too late. We are continuing to grow together vs. apart. Self is a hard study, but many women may consider looking deeper to see what they are bringing the struggles of their marriage and work on their plank and let God work about his speck!
In today's "Jesus Calling" devotional by Sarah Young, it says this:
"Holiness is letting Me live through you. Since I dwell in you, you are fully equipped to be holy. Pause before responding to people or situations, giving My Spirit space to act through you. Hasty words and actions leave no room for Me; this is atheistic living. I want to inhabit all your moments--gracing your thoughts, words and behavior."
I love that.
Wow...two tix for my niece in Dallas would be exciting! :) She is turning 18 soon and is following hard after Him!
Praying for you for this weekend's book signing and your meeting with Mr. B! :) We'll look forward to hearing about it!
Yes Lisa, your devotional hit close to home. My husband and I are divorcing, he is having an affair and though he is not innocent by any means I know my words and actions have pushed him away to a great extent. I have sent this to my friends as a reminder to watch your words and not take your husbands for granted. Thanks for your honesty
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14 Still watching my words...still messing up...still trusting God.
I'm sure the recipient of the signed book IS very glad to be your friend...I know I would be :o)
I too have made that faux pas. When I was younger, I bought a box of chocolates to give to my favourite Vacation Bible School teacher. I just adored her. On the little note I intended to write, "Sweets for a Sweetie", but instead I wrote "Sweats for a Sweatie". We still laugh over that error.
I will be praying for both mental and physical control for you this weekend. Enjoy!
Hugs,
Joy
Oh that "plank in the eye" thang...such a struggle for me...
My parents example of biting words has not served me well in my marriage. My prayer is continually for God to just keep my mouth shut and to "rephrase" in a kinder, gentler way. HE is working on me - and I praise him everytime he is able keep me quiet.
Praying for your thought (and bladder control) issues this weekend:)
LOL! That's so funny. I would definitely stand in your line to see what you might accidentally write in my book, although I'm pretty certain your book signing lines are MUCH longer now. Unfortunately, I don't live anywhere near Dallas, but I'm praying for you and your bladder. I hope that God showers you & all those people standing in your line with blessings this weekend.
dont enter me. I am already going, I am hoping to see you possibly tonight at the awards. HUGS!!
Oh how I wish I could go. But we're moving this weekend so there's just a bit of work to be done around here. Have fun.
Paula G. <><
I wished I lived or was going to be closer. I would be there in a heartbeat. Praying for you to just be what you are, a blessing.
Be safe and confident.
Hugs,
Diane
Praying for you, Lysa :)
If I lived in Dallas - I'd so be there!
Blessings,
Kate :)
Wow...today's devotional hit home as I am struggling with my relationship with my husband. I do appreciate all the comments and I ask for continued prayers for my marriage. I used some hurtful words these last couple of days and fasting and praying and asking for forgiveness and for a better spirit.
Good luck with book signing...sorry I am not closer to meet you.
Thank You!
Love and Blessings
Priscilla
Lysa,
Hope your book signing goes well today! Will think good thoughts for you!
It seems like the P31 devotionals hit my soar spots every time. Ugghh...it's painful! Thanks, indeed, for the reminder.
My husband and I live in the Dallas area, and we are actually trying to plan a date for this weekend. We would LOVE to go to the book expo.
amseagroves@gmail.com
Lysa,
I would love to be in your book signing line, just to have you sign one for me! :) I'll be praying for you this weekend. Have a great time.
Blessings,
Pearls
Phew! Open rebuke is better than secret love. My heart melted after reading this morning's devotional. It was as though God Himself was giving me a reality check. I have been married for sixteen years and these past two years have been traumatic to say the least.Right now I am hurting so much that I have resolved to be numb to the pain. Taking this advise is not going to be easy, but with lots of deep breath I will try just one more time.Please remember me in your prayers. I hope your book signing will go well.
Jysa, when are you signing? Let's make a deal. Come by mine, and I'll stand in line with the crowd that I know will be waiting in your's. Know this, friend. I will be in the audience when you speak and will be covering you in prayer through every word. God is the one who opens the doors for His purposes at the appropriate time. Trust Him.
I meant Lysa. :-)
I thought you were going to say you wrote that you were glad she was a FIEND! LOL
And I put a link to the Depends site in my post about the Expo. LOL I can't wait. You know I'll be in your line! And in the audience Friday night. Can't. Wait.
No need of tickets, but had to comment on your wonderful devotion today. I am guilty of that plank in the eye business, too! It's all about pride! I try to watch very closely, but you know the devil works OT all the time on God's children! And when we let our pride take control, we can do some pretty mean things! Thanks so much for your words of encouragement! I am going to post a link on my blog to your devotion!
In His Service,
I want to come! I live close and could totally be there, if only I had tickets! I'll be anxiously waiting to see my name in your blog when the winner is picked!
Teri Schultz (yippee!)
"Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD, keep watch over the door of my lips!" Ps 141:3
As I read you blog today this verse kept replying itself in my mind. I have such a difficult time with choosing my words. Most of the time I speak before I have time to think things through. Over the past 6 months or so I have repeated that scripture everyday, sometimes several times a day. It is posted on my computer screen at work and highlighted in my Bible. It has become my life verse. With God's help, I have learned to choose my words carefully instead of just saying what I think when I want to. My ability to communicate with my husband has benefitted from this simple prayer.
BTW: Please do not enter me in to the drawing, I live to far away to make!
Between your bladder and your pen Lysa, this could be a most entertaining weekend!! I can guarantee you are not the only person whose brain sends your pen the wrong words (mine does that to my tongue all the time, sometimes in most embarassing ways -- hmm...I see a blog coming!). You are human and normal and we love you for it! Enjoy your meetings and your signings, the are God-given moments!!
(ps. don't enter me, please, I'm too far away...too bad!!)
Girl!
You know if I was there I would draw attention to your table and get you some folks...they would not know what happened!
What am I saying...You my dear friend draw others to you with our without a book signing...The beam of His love in you is a warm welcome to passersby!
Hmmm....Dallas is only 4 hours away...this is tempting and I am having H & L withdrawals!!!
:)
Lysa, Your devotional sure hit the spot this am! My husband prayed for God to heal our marriage this am and I was wondering what was wrong with it! I often justify my wrong responses, my lack of sexual desire, as nothing compared to all of the insults and lack of spiritual authority that my husband displays. I know God is working to perfect a servant's heart in me, and first toward my husband--the place where I find it the hardest to serve. I will consciously work at this in Jesus' Name. Thank you for your devotionals. And don't enter me, although I would love to go see you, I am already engaged in a women's conference. Barbara
I would love to meet you and have you sign a book for me in Dallas! I really wanted to attend the Expo but couldn't afford it. I have truly enjoyed reading your devotions from Girlfriends in God. Thank you for your honesty and transparency in your writing. I have been blessed by it! I'll be praying for you while you're at the Expo - I know you'll do great! We have a BIG God - with Him ALL things are possible; and in our weakness He is STRONG!!
God bless!!
Tanya
Lysa, I so wish your book signing wasn't too far away for me to visit! I know you'll be fine. I'll keep you covered in prayer.
About words, oh how timely this devotion and post is for me. I am truly battling over a delicate issue in my marriage. The frequency of keeping grandchildren, of all things. Who would have thought? I have to really watch what I say to my husband regarding this because it could drive a wedge between him and his daughter or between my husband and myself. I think I will intentionally be on guard from this moment on. Thank you for such a timely post. But God!
I just wanted to respond to the lady that was obviously blaming the er/rn that gave her dad the wrong med. I am a er/trauma nurse in a city er dept. Mistakes can be made and will be, we all do the best we can to not let things like that happen. I hope she can focus on her dad getting better and not let what happened make her bitter toward the hospital.
We nurses at my place of employment get so discouraged when pts and family's call in and complain or ask for the dismissal of a nurse that made a mistake. We are just human after all.
Tell her to pray about it and try to forgive the medical staff involved.
I have lived this truth about hurtful actions hurting a marriage. My husband had an affair a year and a half a go, I am still healing and sometimes realing. I thought my marriage had difficulties but was not affair-bound. I kept thinking how hurt I was in the marriage all the time, but after this affair I realized how unloved he felt too at times. At a MOPS meeting once the speaker gave a talk on "building up your husbands", I tried to heed the words but I really should have paid more attention. Did I compliment him enough - no. Did I spend foolishly at times and disrespect the money he was bringing home, yes. Did I nag, yes. Did I engage in bitter battles of who did what instead of just telling him how his actions and words sometimes hurt me - yes. Women are often in the position to husband bash, sometimes for very good reason, but they are people too, with faults and needs. If we only think about how we are being short-changed in the relationship and not how they might feel short-changed we might cause severe cracks in our relationships. Cracks like that can let another "appreciative, complimentary, encouraging, breath of fresh air" woman in, one who WILL tell him everything he wants to hear. Did my husband need to change, oh yes he did, he was becoming very selfish and controlling and unappreciative of me before this affair. We were on a rocky road. But if you want to save your marriage, change yourself first, let him know your hurts and needs then let him speak about his. He's a person too. We are all like little children that just want to be loved and not hurt, and we generally want what is easy, and a relationship that is constantly in battle is not fun. So let up on the war of words and tell him what you really feel. Say, "honey you look good in those jeans and that flannel", even though you would rather he be in an oxford and enjoy what you have and change TOGETHER. Let the best come out of each of you, cause there's usually plenty there. As a side note, I have the mental disorder OCD and though I needed and still do, a lot of help and encouragement, I needed to realize more the stress it placed on my marriage and I am trying not to let worry/fear and stress take so much of the life out of the great relationship I can/do/and should have w/my husband. Let go girls, let God!
Just thinking on my way home this morn how God has changed my tone and attitude towards my sweet man! God is AWESOME!!!
I would love to win the tickets...I would love to actually see you in person!!!
Pamela in TX
Oh, I love it! I have the same phobia too. Girl, I will stand in your line and you can stand in mine. If needed, you just say "code red" and I will go get you chocolate immediately.
Looking forward to meeting you this weekend!
You are priceless. Convicting us with truth and Word of God and then making us giggle with your adventures and mishaps. :)
I will be praying for you! :) And if you think of it, between signing LOTS of books, you can pray for my household. We will have the class hamster this weekend. :) Sadly, there was indeed an incident at our home the last time we had the class hamster. It involved said cute furry creature in his ball happily roaming around and my 3 year old's foot...rocketing him down our hallway as if he were merely a soccer ball. Oh, dear. And yes, a few weeks later that hamster did go home to be with Jesus. I am choosing to believe he was just old and his trip down our hallway had nothing to do with it. Soooo...you can actually pray for Daisy, the new class hamster, for her supernatural protection in my home. ;)
Love to you,
K :)
I sure wish Dallas were closer . . . I'd pop on over to see you. I will definitely be with you in prayer this weekend, though.
Have a great time and sign lots of books!! ;)
You'll do great. I have absolutely every confidence in you and will be praying for you!
I think most of us can sympathize with saying or writing the wrong thing.
I live near Dallas and would dearly love to go to the Expo! I would totally stand in the huge line to have you sign a book!
I know this is a little late, since the Expo starts today.....but I would have loved to have been able to come meet you. I would have stood in a long to have you sign a book too!
I was in one of those lines when you were the guest speaker at our Women's Christmas in the Valley in Avon, CT. I much appreciated the time you spent with anyone who stood in line. I don't usually care about autographs, but I did want to meet you and tell you what it meant to my guest who I brought for the event. Thank you, Diane Milliken
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