Nov. 11, 2007
I Hate Ironing, But I LOVE My Hubby!
I have never enjoyed ironing. It is a dreaded chore.
When we were newlyweds I burned my arm badly the first time I ironed for Russ. I told him with a huff that I would not be doing anymore ironing for him and without a fuss that was that.
It wasn't too much of a big deal because he seldom wore clothes that needed to be ironed and when he did, he ironed them.
Over time, I matured spiritually and eventually my hubby was promoted into a Navy job where he does NOT wear a uniform, but instead he wears a button down dress shirt, slacks and a tie everyday!
When I was complaining to my mom that I would probably need to start ironing now... she told me a story of a friend of hers who would pray over her husband when she ironed his shirts and saw it as a labor of love.
Convicted of my selfish heart-set I decided to emulate my mom's sweet friend.
That was about 8 years ago and I still hate ironing, but I love my man and I love serving him!
I elaborated on the ironing prayer over time... now I listen to teaching tapes and pray as I iron:
As I iron the collar of his shirts I pray that God will strengthen his neck... so that he will not be "stiff-necked", but that he will be yielded to Christ and that his neck will turn his head to face the direction that God has for him in every situation and that God will direct his thoughts and fill his mind.
As I iron the right side of the shirt I pray for his physical health. I pray that God will strengthen him in body and protect him from illness. I pray that my husband will find time in his busy day to excercise and eat right.
When I iron the left side of the shirt I pray that God will guard his heart and his emotions. I pray that he will be constantly reminded of how dearly he is loved by his family and how deep was God's love for him in sending His Son for us!
When I iron the back and the shoulders I pray that God will strengthen him to bear the burdens he is given each day at work and home. I pray that he will continually surrender these burdens to God and seek His guidance. I pray also that God will protect his back... that none will deceive him or lead him into any kind of temptation.
My prayer over his left sleeve is that of his service to others... that he can lend a helping hand, and find opportunities to share the gospel with others.
His right arm symbolizes his authority over this family and I pray for his strength and our submission to him as the spiritual head of this household as he leads us each day.
When I hang his shirt on the hanger and place it in our closet I pray that the Blood of Jesus will protect him mentally, physically and spiritually and that his safety and success will bring Glory to God in all things.
I took these photos when I was ironing Thursday afternoon. I didn't mention it to Russ. I ironed several things for him and put them neatly in the closet. The next morning as I was awaking... Russ leaned over the bed to kiss me good-bye and to have me straighten his tie (he always does that!) and as my eyes began to focus I saw that he was wearing this very shirt. My heart was warmed all the way down to my toes and I wished that I had been awake enough to grab the camera and take a picture of him wearing it! I told myself I would take a picture when he got home from work, but I forgot!
May you be blessed by something here and be inspired to take what you dislike and turn it into a praise unto God and a blessing as you serve your family in love.
Now ....
to figure out how to redeem the time it takes to clean our three bathrooms! LOL!
Comments
Nov. 11, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by NatureNotesFromAbove
what a wonderful entry! Thanks for sharing :)
Blessings to you and your family,
BChsMamaof3
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Nov. 12, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by creativehsmom
Hi Christina,
What a beautiful way to iron!
I must apply that to more of my own activities. It always feels so nice to put on freshly pressed clothes.
When I make no bake cookies (I know, sounds silly, Lol) I pray for loved ones. It brought a tear to my eye when you spoke of the teddy bear on my blog. Those who committed that crime must have a seared conscience.
Cathy
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Nov. 12, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Victorious
I don't mind ironing so much but I'm still glad I don't have to do it often! Billy just wears polo shirts and cargo shirts to work, so if I get them out of the dryer and hang or fold them right away, I don't need to iron. I do, however, pray over his clothes sometimes (when I am not preoccupied thinking of something else) and sometimes anoint his collars with anointing oil. I should do it more. I like the way you pray over each area of the shirt for something different.
Blessings ~ Diane
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Nov. 12, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by kellieann
Great post! I, too, do not have a love of ironing. Fortunately, my husband was in the military and actually irons a lot faster and more efficiently than I do. Yet, your post kinda makes me want to iron...kinda.
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Nov. 12, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Kinley
What a blessing!
Kristy
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Nov. 12, 2007 - Thanks!
Posted by JamieD
I am so glad I read this today. I have some ironing to do that I have been dreading, now I'm actually looking forward to it. You have inspired me!
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Nov. 12, 2007 - LOL
Posted by Jocelyndixon
You know your story reminds me of the verse "man makes is plans, but God directs his path"... I was just talking about this with a friend last night... you can make up your mind to not do something, but the Lord has a way of learn to the love the task rather than disown it. ;P
Love,
Jocelyn
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Nov. 12, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by weare3
I don't think this will make me like ironing, but at least I won't be "huffy" while doing the ironing. Thanks for the inspiration.
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Nov. 13, 2007 - Oh Auntie Christina!
Posted by rjdjohn316
I'm sorry if I mad you scold me for eating Oreos for breakfast on my birthday!
Well, thank you for commenting! It's always a pleasure to hear from an Auntie!
Love,
Rachel
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Nov. 13, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by giggles3
I love ironing!!! But hate folding clothes : )
You can find the candy canes in the health food section of the grocier or at a health place I am sure.
They are yummy ; )
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Nov. 14, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by SAMIAM
Thanks!
The drawings your kids did are very good! Kaitlyn is MUCH better then I could EVER be. Animals and scenery is my limit. Anything above that and...well you wouldn't be able to tell it WAS above that. :P
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Nov. 14, 2007 - How Beautiful
Posted by Louscrew
Reading about and watching you iron brought tears. What a wonderful way to look at it. I've often prayed for the "laundry wearer" as I've folded (or whatever) but have never put it together the way you did with the specific body parts. Thank you for such a blessing (and idea!).
Thanks, too, for stopping by my place. I do hope you'll be back soon. I plan on visiting with you, as well. You have a lovely place.
Lisa
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Nov. 14, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Cheryl (MOMYS)
I was completely speechless reading this. What a wonderful way to use your time creatively and to do so by praying over your husband! I will defenitely look at my tasks in a new way and see how I can incorporate that into it. Thank you very much! That was beautiful!
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Nov. 15, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 4sweetums
I love that! A few years ago I taught my oldest ds to say a prayer berfore starting a chore that he hated. He is a bit germaphobic so doing chores like cleaning toliets is rough on him. At the time a friend of ours was dying from cancer so most of his prayers were towards her. Overtime he has prayed for many people and events and it has made it much easier for him to get through those yucky chores.
Blessings,
4sweetums
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Nov. 15, 2007 - Great Post, Auntie
Posted by SuperAngel
Yep it does tie in with mine. Must be the thing to be working on now, huh??
LOL!! *bows* So glad you liked my post. The Ecc. 9:10 verse was a really great one, huh?? I was so excited to find those scriptures. They went so excellently with my post.
Love ya!!
Amanda
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Nov. 15, 2007 - Hello!
Posted by rjdjohn316
How is your day going? Mine is good!
Just wanted to come over and say have a wonderful day!
Love,
Rachel
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Nov. 16, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by momofmhasr
Wanted to know you more, your tagged. find out here http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momofmhasr/428101/
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Nov. 16, 2007 - Thank you
Posted by MariaGesualdi
I despise ironing and for that matter doing laundry. It is time consuming but a chore that cannot be avoided. I always tell my husband that if there was one thing I would hire someone to do for me, it would be the laundry. Today as my husband left for work I called to his attention that he had not ironed his shirt. He told me he didn't care because he was running late. I couldn't help but to feel bad that I wasn't willing to do this for him. The way you prayed for your husband as you ironed has inspired me to do the same for my husband. Despite how much I don't like doing this one chore, I do love him and he's worth it. Thank you for your post. This is the first time I have read your blog. I'm a homeschooling mom of five. I only teach my oldest (8) and getting ready to start teaching my 3 yr old son. I have a 2yr old daughter and three month old twins (boy&girl). I love my life but I'm struggling to get everything done...
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Nov. 16, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Earthling
You've inspired me!
but I do still hate ironing. Hehe.
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Nov. 16, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by totustuus
Aw..that is really special!!
And that is great that you are reading it, too. I figured I would be able to catch up to everybody if I do get the book a little late. I'm glad that you've enjoyed it so far!! I have been looking forward to reading it.
Regards,
Sylvia
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Nov. 16, 2007 - hey there
Posted by Juliestew
your blog looks different! i like it!!
about Click N Read....you can go to their website (which I've linked on my blog) and view one of the later lessons. it's on the left hand side of the page and it's a red button that says LESSON 78. you can view that lesson and see what you think about it's degree of difficulty. we're on lesson 63 and there are 100 lessons. check it out and you can judge for yourself. if it's too easy for you google search phonics for older kids and see what you get.
hope this helps
julie
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Nov. 17, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by eakrabel
I loved this post! Ironing is one of my least favorite chores,and one I tend to let pile up until it's overwhelming--probably because I'm not very good at it. What a beautiful idea to pray so specifically for those areas...loved it. Just loved it!
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Nov. 17, 2007 - Hello
Posted by Jocelyndixon
Well, thank you for commenting on my hsb2 post.
And, no, Dad's family is not Mexican. They're descended from the Indian tribe of Comanche. I suppose that's where we get our dark hair. Plus all of mom's family has dark hair too. Amanda's hair is especially dark. Mine is brown, but lighter on the ends, almost golden in the summer.
Love,
Jocelyn
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Nov. 17, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Leigh2
I love this! It makes me want to iron something for Bobby, but since he works in construction, I think he would think me odd for ironing his jeans or overalls. Even his church clothes are that "wrinkle proof" material...and if they are wrinkled, he just throws them in the dryer. I am not actually sure that I own an iron, as a matter of fact. Hmm. I guess that idea is out the window, huh? LOL. I still love the idea, though!
Also....I am still laughing over my misspellings yesterday. I thought my oldest was never going to stop making fun of me. That will teach me not to post things and then run off to gymnastics...proof-reading is a good thing! :o)
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Nov. 17, 2007 - <i>Untitled Comment</i>
Posted by JustGiveMeStarbucks
You have inspired me to go do something nice for my husband, and to pray for him while doing that. What an incredible prayer you pray for him while ironing. Wow.
Thanks for your comments about my fibromyalgia. Yes, I've considered candidiasis, and have done a ton of research on it. I am convinced that's definitely part of my problem. I also believe I have a magnesium deficiency, and poor sleep quality that keeps my body from repairing itself. My scoliosis doesn't help, either. The amazing thing is, I took an herbal sleep aid a couple nights ago, and for the first time in days, my fatigue was not debilitating, because I'd actually SLEPT the night before! It was so nice to be able to get through my day without my eyes closing on me.
And, of course, come on over for Thanksgiving! LOL. I enjoy cooking all those dishes each year -- but isn't it just amazing how quickly it's all over with and the clean up begins!?
Edited by JustGiveMeStarbucks on Nov. 17, 2007 at 12:51 PM
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Nov. 17, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by noodles
It tells me when
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Nov. 25, 2007 - Thank you for this!
Posted by tiredmom
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I was grumbling just yesterday as I ironed shirts for my husband as he was going out of town. I could have been praying for his safe trip, a successful trip, and a safe return! I will never view ironing the same again. Thank you!!!
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Dec. 6, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by foxvalleyfamily
That was one of the nicest things I have read in awhile!
Your husband is blessed to have you for his Helpmeet!
Michelle
PS - I really dislike ironing, too, so I bought a mini hand-held steamer. You can hang the clothes on a hanger and get the wrinkles out easier and in 1/2 the time (and you could still say your lovely prayers!) ;-)
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