Posted in Love Dare

Love is Thoughtful

How precious also are Your thoughts to me...
How vast is the sum of them!  If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.
Psalm 139:17-18

"If you don't learn to be thoughtful, you end up regretting missed opportunities to demonstrate love.  Thoughtlesssness is a silent enemy to a loving relationship."

"Men struggle with thoughtfulness more than women.  A man can focus like a laser on one thing and forget the rest of the world.  Whereas this benefit him in that one arena, it can make him overlook other things that need his attention.
A woman, on the other hand, is multi-conscious, able to maintain an amazing awareness of many factors at once.  She can talk on the phone, cook, know where the kids are in the house, and wonder why her husband isn't helping...all simultaneously.  Adding to this, a woman also thinks relationally.  When she works on something, she is cognizant of all the people who are somehow connected to it.
Both of these tendencies are examples of how God designed women to complete their men.  As God said at creation, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him" (Genesis 2:18)."

"Love thinks before speaking.  It filters words through a grid of truth and kindness."

"When was the last time you spent a few minutes thinking about how you could better understand and demonstrate love to your spouse?  What immediate need can you meet?  What's the next event (anniversary, birthday, holiday) you could be preparing for?  Great marriages come from great thinking.

Today's Dare:
Contact your spouse sometime during the business day.  Have no agenda other than asking how he or she is and if there is anything you could do for them.

Posted in The Simple Woman's Daybook

(Little Lollie - she was (is) SO cute!!)

Posted in Love Dare

Love is Not Selfish

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love: give preference to one another in honor. Romans 12:10

"If there were ever a word that basically means the opposite of love, it is selfishness."

"True love looks for ways to say "yes"."

"You either make decisions out of love for others or love for yourself."

"Choosing to love your mate will cause you to say "no" to what you want so you can say "yes" to what they need.  That's putting the happiness of your partner above your own."

"Ask yourself these questions:

• Do I truly want what's best for my husband?
• Do I want him to feel loved by me?
• Does he believe that I have his best interests in mind?
• Does he see me as looking out for myself first?"

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.  Philippians 2:3

"Today's Dare:
Whatever you put your time, energy, and money into will become more important to you.  It's hard to care for something you are not investing in.  Along with restraining from negative comments, buy your spouse something that says, "I was thinking of you today"."

*Personal Note:
Even though I am only on day three of this dare, I have found myself getting frustrated.  I have wanted to speak negatively to/about Adrian.  I have even found myself getting upset at the Dare.
Obviously, I need this Dare more than I thought I did.  It will bring me closer to Adrian, and will make me more aware of the wife that I am...and the wife that I want to be.
I am excited to see where this will go.

Loving him because of Him, Beckie

Posted in Love Dare

Love is Kind

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.  Ephesians 4:32

"Kindness is love in action.  If patience is how love reacts in order to minimize a negative circumstance, kindness is how love acts to maximize a positive circumstance.  Patience avoids a problem; kindness creates a blessing."

"Love makes you kind.  And kindness makes you likeable."

Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.  So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man.  Proverbs 3:3-4

~ Kindness described ~

Gentleness:
Be sensitive.  Speak the truth in love.

Helpfulness:
Meet the needs of the moment.  Meet the other's needs, even if yours are put on hold.

Willingness:
Be agreeable.  Be cooperative and stay flexible.

Initiative:
Think ahead and take the first step.  Greet first, smile first, serve first, forgive first.

She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.  Proverbs 31:26

"Love determines to show thoughtful actions even when there seems to be no reward."

"Today's Dare:
In addition to saying nothing negative to your spouse again today, do at least one unexpected gesture as an act of kindness."

Loving him because of Him, Beckie

Posted in Love Dare

Love is Patient

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Ephesians 4:2 NIV

"Love is built on two pillars that best define what it is - patience and kindness."

 "Patience is where love meets wisdom.  Every marriage needs that combination to stay healthy."

He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.  Proverbs 14:29

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but the slow to anger calms a dispute. Proverbs 14:29

See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seeks after that which is good for one another.  I Thessalonians 5:15

"The first part of this dare is fairly simple.  Although love is communicated in a number of ways, our words often reflect the condition of our heart.  For the next day, resolve to demonstrate patience and to say nothing at all.  If the temptation arises, choose not to say anything.  It's better to hold your tongue than to say something you'll regret."

Loving him because of Him, Beckie

Posted in Love Dare

I have decided to do the Love Dare...not because I have a troubled marriage, but because I want to strengthen my marriage.  I want to show Adrian how much I love him, and how thankful I am for him.  I want to allow God to work in my marriage like he has never worked before, and I want to see what He can do when I give it ALL over to Him. 

Love is a decision, not just a feeling.  It was easy to "feel" love in the beginning when the butterflies would dance around at the thought of Adrian.  I couldn't wait for our next date, or even the next phone call.  It was easy to "feel" love when he proposed to me, as I imagined the day that I would walk down the aisle in my beautiful white dress.  It was easy to "feel" love on our wedding day, as everyone focused on me and my special moment...when I saw Adrian's eyes twinkle as the doors opened and he saw me standing there with my daddy.  It was easy to "feel" love when the pregnancy test was positive, as I thought of the wee one growing inside of me.  It was easy to "feel" love when our first baby was born, as I looked at the beautiful person we had made.  It was easy to "feel" love on our fifth anniversary when Adrian surprised me with a beautiful diamond ring, 5 diamonds representing each year that we had been together.  It's not as easy to "feel" love when the bills are stacking up or when the car breaks down.  It's not as easy to "feel" love when the kids are sick or need discipline.  It's not as easy to "feel" love when every day worries fill our thoughts.  Those are the times when I need to decide, every moment, to love Adrian...when I have to remind myself that God created Adrian and myself, then made us one. 

Now these three remain:
Faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13

Loving him because of Him, Beckie

Once upon a time a girl had a dream to be a pop star.  She danced and sang in a play once, but she had to pass a test to be a pop star.  She didn't pass it.  So she went home.  She got in her pjs and went to sleep.  When she went to school people laughed at her.  So she tried again.  She did it.  She passed the test.  And she was a pop star...

The end.

Last night, as I was sitting on the couch with Adrian, we heard something come crashing down the stairs.  I ran to the bottom of the stairs to find all of Grandma's pink curlers tumbling down, with the bottom of the box sitting on the very last stair. Ayden sat proudly at the top of the stairs, holding the lid.  As I scolded him and picked up the curlers, I noticed something on the middle stair.  I reached for it, and my eyes immediately filled with tears.  There sat Grandma's bristle brush.  I held it for a moment, as the tears slid down my cheeks.  I closed my eyes and could remember how it felt when she would brush my hair with that brush.  I could almost hear her humming softly... feel the bristles against my scalp... and smell her sweet smell....... for a moment. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

As I look back on 2009 I am reminded of those verses… God knew, even back in Bible times, that we would find comfort in knowing that He designed our lives to have seasons.

A time to be born: Benjamyn Henry Ebling was born on July 14th. Even after having eight babies, the wonder of a new little one amazes me. Benjamyn is a miracle and an awesome blessing to our family.

A time to die: Grandma Maday and Grandma Spinks both went to heaven this year. Though the loss has been nearly unbearable, I will forever be thankful to God for giving me so many wonderful memories with each of them. I know that I am a better woman for having known them.

A time to mourn, and a time to dance: As we continue to mourn the loss of our grandmas, we know that they are dancing with Jesus. We can take comfort in knowing that we, too, will on day dance alongside them.

A time to get, and a time to lose: Our house in Winthrop was bought out by the city just over a year ago. Grandpa Maday blessed us with the opportunity to move into the “Maday House” in Minneapolis, where we relived memories of yesteryear and created new memories. In June we moved, once again; this time to a house in New Prague. The house in Minneapolis was a wonderful bridge for us, gently taking us from our old house to our new house. I am so thankful to Grandpa for offering us security when we felt like the rug had been pulled out from beneath us.

A time to love: I have so much to be thankful for. Adrian has a stable job in a time where many people are unsure of their positions. I have eight adorable children - Iszak is 12 and a fabulous big brother to all of his siblings; Gabryel is 10 and continues to be the clown of our family; Abbigayle is 9 and very strong and sure; Phoebie is 7 and has a sweet naivety that makes everyone smile; Malakai is 5 and continues to beat all of the odds as he learns and accomplishes things that the doctors said he never would; Chloie is 3 and enjoys taking on responsibilities and helping with the babies; Ayden is nearly 2 and full of moxie; Benjamyn is 5 months and has already found a special place all of his own; I am home with all of my littles, home schooling and taking part in all of their activities.

As we prepare to start a new year, I want to share the verse that I am standing on for 2010: Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Wishing you all blessings that’ll knock your socks off!!

In Him Always,
The Eblings Adrian, Beckie, Iszak, Gabryel, Abbigayle, Phoebie, Malakai, Chloie, Ayden, and Benjamyn

Posted in The Simple Woman's Daybook

My Journal Entry for Today,
September 22nd


Outside my window...the chill of Autumn.

I am thinking...about so many things that my head is spinning..

I am thankful for...friends who share in my journey.

From the kitchen...the smell of toast.

I am creating...costumes for the kids for this weekend.

I am going...shopping for costume-making supplies tonight.

I am wearing...jammie pants and a t-shirt. (Go figure!!)

I am reading..."To Train Up a Child"...again.

I am hoping...for good news from the clinic.

I am hearing...a cricket chirping outside.

Around the house...piles of laundry to be hung and books to be shelved.

One of my favorite things...strawberry smoothies.

A few plans for the rest of the week...costume making, Phoebie's birthday and camping this weekend.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Psalm 30:5
Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 37:39
The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God

Revelation 21:4
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

In Him, Beckie

Posted in The Simple Woman's Daybook

My Journal Entry for Today,
September 7th


Outside my window...lots of campers and kids playing.

I am thinking...about school starting next week - lots to do.

I am thankful for...hand lotion - my hands would look like alligator skin without it.

From the kitchen...tons of dishes in the sink.

I am creating...a schedule for the kids' school year.

I am going...home on Tuesday.

I am wearing...jammie pants and a t-shirt.

I am reading..."The Time Traveler's Wife"

I am hoping...for healing in family relationships.

I am hearing...the sliding glass door open and close as little ones go in and out...in and out.  (Seriously, kids!  IN or OUT!  ha ha!)

Around the house (camper)...kids, kids, kids everywhere.

One of my favorite things...the laughter of little children.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...going home and preparing school stuff.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Posted in The Simple Woman's Daybook

My Journal Entry for Today,
July 27th


Outside my Window...lots of clouds, threatening rain.

I am thinking...that I wish my house was already unpacked.

I am thankful for...jammie bags for our baby.

From the kitchen...the sound of the microwave heating a bottle for Ayden and a sippy cup for Lollie.

I am creating...many decorating ideas for my new house.

I am going...crazy with all the whining!

I am wearing...grey capris with Adrian's fireman t-shirt.

I am reading..."To Train Up a Child"

I am hoping...for a late evening thunderstorm.  There is nothing like falling asleep to the sound of a good summer storm.

I am hearing...Lollie slurping on her sippy cup.

Around the house...boxes and more boxes.

One of my favorite things...squishy pillows.

A few plans for the rest of the week...cousins coming for movie night, visiting Grandpa, parents and aunt coming to help unpack, dinner with a friend, camping this weekend.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Posted in Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Reasons I Love Being a Momma!

1.) Late night snuggles.

2.) Grubby little fingers.

3.) Seeing the world through my kids' eyes - it is like seeing everything for the first time again.

4.) Slobbery kisses.

5.) Tripping over toys.  (Okay, so I don't like that.)

6.) Chubby thighs.

7.) Tiny clothes on little hangers.

8.) Listening to giggles.

9.) Reading books together.

10.) Little voices.

11.) Imagination!!

12.) Learning together.

13.) Hearing them say "Momma" for the first time.