Marriages Last Because...

Marriages Last Because...

Two people make a choice:

~To Keep It

~To Fight For It

~And, 

To Work For It.

This movie clip says it all about a couple about to throw it all away...but wait just a second. There's a history here and it's worth it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5X2yiL7FkyU

"I have found the one whom my soul loves." 

Song of Solomon 3:4

http://titus2womendevotional.blogspot.com/

Women Encouraging Women

Transformation Through Truth & Testimony

Magnetic Attraction

Magnetic Attraction 

When two magnets are facing the right direction the magnetic pull is so strong that they immediately attach together. When the magnets are facing the wrong way there is a strong force that literally keeps them apart no matter how hard you try.

There is a very important comparison here that is so true. In marriage, hurt and resentment cause husband and wife to be like the magnets facing the wrong way. Forgiveness will bring you back facing the right way and like the magnets, you become inseparable.  

START TODAY by clicking the 2 links below:

http://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/marriage/challenges/drifting-apart/3-weeds-to-pull-from-your-marriage-garden

http://loveandrespect.com/

“The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.” Proverbs 31:11-12

http://titus2womendevotional.blogspot.com/

Women Encouraging Women

Transformation Through Truth and Testimony

Eliminate Distractions For A Better Life

Eliminate Distractions For A Better Life

Distraction can be a death sentence for many healthy and good things.  Be aware that there are so many business models that are based solely on getting you habitually addicted to their product or service.  

Just to name a few off the top of my head: 

Social Media, Television, Computer Games, The Food Industry (processed food), and Pharmaceuticals.  

Once you come to terms with what you sacrifice for these things it's much easier to say no to them. What do you think that you are you giving up for the habitual use of these things? 

The mindless usage of such things keep us from the creative use of our brain, from getting work done, connecting with our spouse and children, fun memories with friends, getting exercise, and time in God's word.

Set limits or a timer when you use things like Social Media. This will help to not to get sucked into that black hole just to look up an hour or more later. I have a dear friend who won't open any social media if her family is in the same room. Take the app off your main screen, turn off the notifications, and limit your use to a certain hour a day. 

Instead of staying up late surfing the internet, read a story or devotional to your child. And PLEASE, please go to bed at the same time as your spouse and save energy for him--

it is vital for your relationship. 

Schedule your workouts, make meal plans, and have quality time with your valuable relationships. You will begin to start reaping the amazing rewards today. 

You won't regret the investments you make into your life, health, and family.  Better make it count 'cause you can't get it back.

Escapism: noun 

The tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy. Habitual diversion of the mind to purely imaginative activity or entertainment as an escape from reality or routine. 

"Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses." Deuteronomy 30:19

http://titus2womendevotional.blogspot.com/

Transformation Through Truth And Testimony 

Happiness Is An Inside Job

Happiness Is An Inside Job

Life can get so complicated and messy.  We tend to hold on to so many things and we have a, "Oh, I will get to that later" type thinking. We also continue to fill up the gaps in our lives, too. We believe that retail therapy or whatever type self-medicating we do is the answer. We keep piling on, but we only feel worse.

Soon we have a physical and/or emotional pile of baggage that's so overwhelming to even think about tackling. 

Oh-to-purge! 

Have you ever just dove in and cleaned out a closet, the garage, or the pantry?  When you are done, do you go by and just stare at it because it feels sooooo darn good? 

Have you ever sat down with your bible and a notebook and pen, asking the Lord to bring to mind the hurts and wrong mindsets you carry to the light? 

Ahhhhhh such relief from the excess.

Physical and emotional clutter are BOTH weighing us down.

  Ask the Lord for the wisdom he freely gives to help you get started, and once you get going the momentum takes affect. 

Cleaning out your closet and your heart take some intentional effort, but the results are so very worth it. 

Seek the Lord on what should be purged from your heart, mind, schedule, diet, and environment.

"The best way to find out what we really need is to get rid of what we don't." 

~Marie Kondo

"Organized clutter is still clutter. Get rid of it." 

~Corie Clark

"Holding a grudge doesn't make you strong; it makes you bitter. Forgiving doesn't make you weak; it sets you free." 

~Dave Willis

"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." 

Proverbs 14:12

http://titus2womendevotional.blogspot.com/

Transformation Through Truth & Testimony

Momentum Creates Motivation

Momentum Creates Motivation

There are so many small decisions that add up over time and help keep us going in the right direction. 

 It could be offering a kind gesture instead of a rude response.

Let it go instead of allowing something to get under your skin.

Get some exercise by going on a walk or taking the stairs.

Choose a wholesome food instead of processed man-made junk.

Take a large insulated container of ice water and fresh squeezed lemon and keep with you all day.

Think nice things about yourself.

Get dressed, fix your hair & makeup, put on earrings.

Smile.

"Whether you turn to the right or the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." 

Isaiah 30:21

http://titus2womendevotional.blogspot.com/
Transformation Through Truth And Testimony

Sweat Equity

Sweat Equity

Putting in the necessary effort into your family will be worth every drop of sweat's weight in gold.

I am always encouraged as I start to see progress to keep going, keep moving in the right direction. 

I was not naturally a very good house-keeper. 
It was something I did not prioritize and didn't ever consider how much it caused many problems, and not just the chaos that it created. 

My husband's Love Language is Acts of Service, so this really bothered him and made him feel unloved. He would come home from work to a mess that I had avoided all day by being busy doing other things.

Over the years I have learned that saying no to even good things creates space to lovingly serve my family with home-cooked meals and a home that welcomes them has made so much difference in our lives. 

I now enjoy keeping my home clean and making it a cozy place we love to be. My focus is on the most important relationships and this is my first ministry above all else. 

"And aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands..." 1 Thessalonians 4:11

"However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband." Ephesians 5:33


http://titus2womendevotional.blogspot.com/
women encouraging women

Here is the very first Friday Focus posted on October 2012. We hope and pray you have been encouraged in truth in these last 5 years

Grab a hot cup of tea and sit a spell

Faith comes from hearing the message, and message is heard from the word of Christ. Romans 10:17

God’s word is the perfect manual for life. It is so important for daily living and growing in Christ. It can either lovingly correct an attitude of the heart or encourage you to keep doing what you’re already doing. His truths seep into us as we steep into Him!

Making bible time a TOP priority today and every day will make an eternal difference for generations.

titus2womendevotional.blogspot.com
women encouraging women

Graduation Keepsake Ornament Idea

Graduation Keepsake Ornament Idea

You can buy a clear ornament with a personalized vinyl sticker as a set and then add your own tassel. Just click on the link below.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/235472136/personalized-graduation-tassel-monogram?ref=hp_rv

You could buy a clear ball ornament at Hobby Lobby and just order the custom sticker from Etsy.com. Just make sure the measurements are what size you need. 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/280412534/graduation-monogram-grad-gift-graduation?ref=hp_rv

You can buy a clear ball ornament and paint pens at Hobby Lobby and design your own customized keepsake ornament.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/163677767685258501/

titus2womendevotional.blogspot.com

women encouraging women

A Virtuous Women

A Virtuous Women 

She in under the influence of the Holy Spirit. She is wise. She is calm and self-controlled. She is gentle in deed and disposition. She believes God at his word and knows that he is trustworthy. She is the crown of her husband and her children rise and call her blessed. She will leave a legacy of faith, love and character. 

She knows well her purpose and keeps her mind set on the bigger picture. 

"You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." 1 Peter 3:5

"For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints." Proverbs 2:6-8

women encouraging women

http://titus2womendevotional.blogspot.com/

Momentum Demands Movement

Momentum Demands Movement 

For anyone to make change for the better several things must occur.

1) A new way of thinking

2) A Starting Point 

3) Commitment

4) Keep your eye on the prize

5) Perseverance

"Success is like a snowball...it takes momentum to build and the more and more you roll it in the right direction the bigger it gets." 

-Steve Ferrante 

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." Proverbs 16:3

"May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed." Psalm 20:4

www.titus2women.org

women encouraging women

If Mama Ain't Happy....

If Mama Ain't Happy....

Ladies, Could you be walking around bitter and offended because you feel you have little or no influence? 

Do you feel as if your husband or his family get to call all the shots? That you have to jump when they say so? And maybe you're feeling like you have no control, and basically no life? 

Is this true?

Well, let me ask you something? Isn't it mostly a women's choice if the couple has children, or if she has an epidural in a hospital or an all natural home birth?

Her choice if the child is vaccinated or not, her choice to breastfeed or bottle feed? Private school, homeschool or public school? It's basically up to the wife how often the family see the in-laws, goes to his parents for the holidays or even at all.  

Yes, maybe in most circumstances your hubby has some say so, but let's be honest--your opinion is the most influential. 

Hubby may be making most of the major financial and work-related decisions and such, but you have plenty of influence... I promise you. 

Having no contentment and holding grudges may be a large cause for big problems in your home. Feeling less than can be as simple as believing a lie that you and your opinion do not matter. 

Don't squander your inheritance.

The Father of Lies is the enemy of your soul and the one who steals, kills and destroys. 

Please PLEASE listen to this very powerful and life-changing message. Open your heart, click on the link below and possibly change your thinking. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuG99J274V0&app=desktop

"Be careful what you think, because your thought run your life." Proverbs 4:23

www.titus2women.org

women encouraging women

Fullness Of Joy

Fullness Of Joy

Imagine your marriage to be a garden, the more you lovingly tend to the garden you will reap all the fruitful rewards. 

When little weeds pop up, take care of them while they are small. Be alert and ready with your gloves on to remove each sprout that doesn't belong.  Getting a weed all the way to the root is also very important.

I actually love pulling weeds. It's so therapeutic! I will even start pulling weeds in someone else's flower bed while waiting for them to answer the door. 

I believe that battling weeds is a necessary part of the beauty of gardening. You simply must have some skin in the game to make it worthwhile. If it were too easy, everyone would have gorgeous gardens. If everyone had beautiful gardens, we would certainly take them for granted.  

Warning: When you start to believe that your spouse is the lucky one, your marriage is already in trouble. 

Keep a grateful heart and stay on top of those weeds, dear sister! 

A lush garden is your reward.

"You make known to me the path of life: in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand there are pleasures forever more." 

Psalm 16:11

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Rather, it should be of that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's eyes." 1 Peter 3:3-4

www.titus2women.org

women encouraging women

Top 10 Back To School Mommy Goals

Top 10 Back To School Mommy Goals

1. Clean out and stock fridge and pantry to make packing lunches a breeze.

2. Provide pre-made easy, grab & go breakfasts foods like Overnight Oats and Banana Bread to get kiddos ready to learn. 

3. Train the kids to routinely lay out their clothes, socks, and shoes the night before to keep morning routines running smooth.

4. Play soothing worship music on low volume in the mornings to keep the atmosphere calm and joyful.

5. Insist on regularly eating dinner together as a family at the table through the year to hear about each others day.

6. Designate a homework and lunch packing station in your home ready with all the essentials. 

7. Kiss your children and tell them how much you love them with each good morning and all your good nights.

8. Look at your calendar/schedule for the next day and say three things you are grateful for every night before bed.

9. The kids should have a certain bedtime, and make it a priority...
so you and the hubby can have time alone each night. 

10. Start your day early by waking up before the kids to start some coffee and spend time with God in His word and prayer.

#StrongFamilies #HomeMatters #HomeFirst 

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." 
Ephesians 2:10

www.titus2women.org

women encouraging women 

Becoming Titus 2 Women

 Becoming Titus 2 Women 

Kim Hawkins

In 2010 we sat down for our first meeting to brainstorm our idea to reach out to women all across the globe with the intent to encourage and equip. We had no idea what it would look like, what it would require or how we would approach this, or even what we were to call it. 

We were more than certain that is was a worthwhile calling we just didn't know how much it would change us individually. 

I can imagine God looking at us being so passionate yet so clueless and saying, "Ok, let's do this, but first we are going to look at you." 

And so it began, and great things immediately started in our own hearts. I was challenged to only concern myself with my behavior, to forgive and love difficult people in my life, to stop emotional reactions and to trust the Lord to be my defender, to take captive every thought and to stop comparing myself to other women, and learned being grateful instead of taking things for granted is where my joy comes from...and that's just to name a few. 

To be of help to others there was a necessity to surrender to God and to deny the flesh. It turns out that it was my flesh that was the cause us so much trouble in my world. 

The many ways surrender and renewal was needed in our own hearts and minds is now what we write about to help others. Most times, the great need is simply a heart transformation instead of a change in circumstance. Now that I am free from so very much that was hindering me and was going to eventually rob me blind, my life is so different now, so peaceful and spirit-led. Isn't that what faith is all about anyway. 

One of the biggest and best tools of the enemy is to convince you that nothing is wrong with you. It's not me, it's them. 

Please ask and allow the Lord to show you where you are being deceived and need healing.

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

www.titus2women.org

women encouraging women

Getting Tidy, ahhhhhhh

   

Getting Tidy

by Kim Hawkins

The stress and chaos disorder brings effects your family in so many ways. Children especially get over-stimulated by too many things. If your husband is like mine and his Love Language is Acts of Service, he will really appreciate your determination to tidy up.

 My husband was once so giddy one particular evening, I mean like I've never seen before.  I couldn't figure out why? Then, it hit me. A friend had come over that day to help me purge and reorganize our master closet, taking 5-6 bags of things to donate. It was pure joy that he was feeling from our great looking closet!! So, now imagine what a beat down a messy home does to your hard-working hubby?!?  

I just started the very popular book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo. I am already so excited about getting our whole home in order, but here are a few things I am already doing that work.

This "drawer" (plastic bin) was used to hold all our sippy cups and lids. Sadly, we are past that stage, so now it holds our protein shakers and Magic Bullet and parts.

My jewelry stays neat and easy to see in this super-cute divider tray in my bathroom drawer. Plus, makes me feel kinda special, like a celebrity. :-) P.S. You can always line the tray in cut felt squares like a jewelry box. 

These are pictures of our closet under a staircase that we lovingly call the craft closet. I really wanted to make great use of this space, so when we moved in this house almost a year ago I had several things tweaked by a carpenter. This closet got narrow shelving installed on one wall that perfectly fits The Container Store's clear storage boxes. Each box has similar items grouped together and easy to see. Easy-peasy storage for ribbons, gift tags, ink pads & stamps, electrical charging cords, glues, tapes & twine, pens & pencils, party supplies, paint and brushes, dog leashes, and more! 

 My kids use a reusable water bottle everyday, and yes, we need this many! They take filtered water to school and to sports. Half of them are usually in the dishwasher, so we need lots! Here is the most effective storage solution I have found thus far. 

A huge bonus, this narrow cabinet is right by the fridge! Oh, yeah! Makes Mama HAPPY!

"But all things should be done decently and in order." 1 Corinthians 14:40

www.titus2women.org

Women encouraging women 

Sanctify Your Home

Sanctify Your Home

Walk through your house in prayer. Enter each room praying for every family member. Ask the Lord to reveal anything that should be removed from the home. What are we bringing/letting in that hinders, makes us stumble, or worse, has us ensnared in continual sin?

  “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1  

www.titus2women.org

T2W's SUMMERTIME Tips

T2W's SUMMERTIME Tips

It is hot, hot, hot outside and we have a few things to help make your summer exciting and fun!!

Have a family Disney Trip planned?!?

 Lauren Conrad for Kohl’s has a darling Disney line for mom. 

(Start shopping by clicking link below)

http://www.kohls.com/search.jsp?search=lauren+conrad+disney&submit-search=web-ta-keyword

Pedicure's are not regularly needed

Keep your feet soft, smooth and sandal ready with a pumice stone kept in your shower. Scrub those heels each day to keep your feet pretty and presentable.

  

Save money (and time) by going the nail salon to get a polish change and callus remove instead of a full pedicure.

All-Natural Fruit & Veggie Spray Wash

This stuff cleans away dirt, wax, and toxins from your summer produce. It’s sold in both the produce and cleaning sections of the store.

www.titus2women.org

PURPOSEFUL PINTEREST

Purposeful Pinterest

Here are two of our current very FAV things!! Why are they a favorite, you ask??

Protein Banana Bread

It so flavorful, moist, and yummy that the kids love it too! We scarf this up for breakfast or a snack, with a pat of real butter on top, no doubt!

I plan on making another loaf today as a matter of fact. Click on the link below for the recipe.

http://www.hellawella.com/recipe-banana-protein-bread/12055

Note: This recipe is made with oat flour, if you cannot find it in the store you frequent; Old Fashion Oatmeal can be blended in a food processor, chopper or blender. It calls for 6-8 packets or Truvia sweetener. I only use 5 and it’s just perfect.

The Spelling Bee App 

Oh-my-gosh, y’all this app is a game-changer!

Instead of endlessly calling out spelling words to our second grader in the car, at the breakfast table, in line at the supermarket, or anywhere else, we now keep the ipad charged and literally hand it to our son at home or in the car. 

It’s learning by playing a games. His grades are terrific lately too!! 

Get this app and start using it today. It won’t disappoint. The link below has a wonderful write up and explanation of the app.

http://www.tictaptech.net/apps/spellingbee/