Month 13 Week 4 Challenges

"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil"
Ephesians 5:15-16

Greeting from the Davis family!

No, it is not Sunday.
Yes, I realize month 13 has been totally and completely disjointed due to my absence.
I love my challenge day post and I am SO excited to bring it back.
Ladies, get ready....this week's challenges will be SO MUCH FUN! Are you in?!?!

Avery and I are hitting the road in a few hours for a tour of Texas. Thus, my blog may be a little quiet over the next few days. Let me tell ya-boy have I missed these challenges! I have felt the difference. When I am actively and intentionally making efforts to love and respect my husband well, my heart is soft and the foundation is strong. Slowly but surely, as life has gotten busy, these small daily challenges have gotten pushed on the shelf. This wife needs to get a fire lit....my husband deserves it and the Lord requires it!

Sunday (on Friday) Song:
I am sure if you listen to Christian radio at all you have heard this song. My, is it powerful?! What an awesome message. If we fix our eyes on Christ, everything that surrounds us in the world will go strangely dim.

Now, onto the challenges. I sure hope you take the time to work these in! I think it is going to be a whole lot of fun, because the premise of the entire week is FUN! This week I will be taking a "10 minute date" challenge. Meaning, each day I will commit to doing the little things. Life gets busy and we allow weeks and months to go by without making time for our lovers, but what if we took time to do petite dates throughout the week?! We can communicate to our spouse that they are on our mind and worth the time! We are talking only 10 minutes here...what can you cut out from the day to give you 10 extra minutes? Get creative and have fun with this...make him a homemade crossword. Bring him breakfast cereal in bed. Hide a bag of green M&Ms in his work bag!

 

Month 13 Week 4 Challenges

Day 1-Take 10 minutes to create a date for my man

Day 2-Take 10 minutes to create a date for my man

Day 3-Take 10 minutes to create a date for my man

Day 4-Take 10 minutes to create a date for my man

Day 5-Take 10 minutes to create a date for my man

Day 6-Take 10 minutes to create a date for my man

Day 7-Take 10 minutes to create a date for my man

 

Sunday (on Friday) Shape Up:

Run, Burpee, Run (from Carrots 'N' Cake)

You ready for a beast? Lace up your running shoes and stretch out your arms, this "Run, Burpee, Run" is sure to be an insane workout! This is definitely for the advanced exercise, but a great challenge to strive for.

 

10 Things Every Couple Should Do

"And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth"

John 1:14

Happy Thursday! I can't believe another week is coming to a close and June is readily approaching! Where has the time gone?!?! Hopefully you are all gearing up for a long weekend! Avery and I are heading to San Antonio tomorrow to celebrate his mom's retirement, Dallas on Saturday/Sunday for a wedding for our sweet friends, and back to Houston for a Memorial Day grill celebrating with my family! Phew-it will be a crazy but fun weekend!

A friend recently mentioned these 10 things in her blog and I got so excited! She was linking back to a post written by the Loerke's over at Today's Letters. This couple has an incredible testimony that points to the redemptive power of our Savior. There marriage was isolated and dead, but they were determined not to throw in the towel. They knew it wasn't going to be easy, but it was worth fighting for! They implemented these 10 things into their marriage and began to see amazing results. They play together, pray together, and truly cherish one another. The Loerke's are members of the church we attended in Dallas, and know have a huge impact on the married and pre-marital ministries. They spoke in one of our pre-marital sessions and I was so encouraged by their story! Avery and I use many of these in our own marriage and they have made a world of difference!

What powerful change there would be if more couples took some of these to heart! What change we could see in the marriages of this world! (Disclaimer: I do not take credit for this list. The source can be found at http://www.todaysletters.com/search?q=10+things)

1. Weekly Questions: They make time to ask each other the same five questions every Sunday night. These questions have made the biggest difference in how we love and serve one another throughout the week. If you're going to incorporate one of these 10 things into your marriage, we hope it's this one. (The 5 questions can be found: http://www.todaysletters.com/p/tuesday-questions.html)

2. A Small Metal Box: Each time they made love we would put a dollar in a special metal box and save it for their 50th anniversary trip. This has surprisingly been a great way for us to creatively pursue intimacy with one another over the years. Focus on quality, not quantity.

3. Traveling Journal: There is a journal they share that's filled with words that would make you blush. They take turns writing in it, always hiding it for the other to find in an unexpected place. It's been found duct taped to our shower, in suitcases when traveling, even in the refrigerator behind the Cool Whip. (Pretty sure Husband was trying to tell me something). Overall, this has been a great way for them to verbally affirm and encourage one another.

4. We (try and) Conflict Well: Conflict is inevitable in relationships, but they believe it exists to make us better, not bitter. They try and keep short accounts with one other by sharing our disappointments and hurt feelings. This isn't always easy but it's necessary in maintaining marital oneness. From experience, they know there's nothing more damaging to our relationship than harbored bitterness.

5. We Play Together: They have chosen to be active together. Whether it's tossing the Frisbee, flying our kite, going on walks, participating in adventure races, reading bedtime stories, or building forts in their living room, playing together has helped us find our inner child. It has also reminded me that being active together can be romantic.

6. We Pray Together: One of their favorite ways to end the day is by praying together. They pray for our friends, family, and for wisdom in our marriage. Though their prayers are usually not longer than a couple of minutes they have made a huge difference in helping them stay spiritually connected, as well as make them more aware of each others fears and insecurities.

7. We Celebrate Each Other: They love to make a big deal out of anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, and even smaller personal accomplishments. They are each other's biggest fans, and finding a thoughtful gift or preparing a special meal can make the biggest difference in helping them feel known, loved, and celebrated.

8. We Don't Do Marriage Alone: Their trusted friends have been incredibly helpful in showing them how to work through some of the bigger issues in their marriage. Soon they realized that most couples were struggling with the same things they were. They've learned that isolating only hinders them from truly dealing with their hurts, habits, and hang-ups.

9. The Greatest Gift (Self Work): They realized early on in their marriage that the greatest gift they could give each other was to know themselves. This meant working through family of origin junk. We all have it, but so few actually sort through it; Celebrate Recovery helped show them how. It was here that they first learned to attack their problems together, instead of attacking each other about our problems.

10. We Study One Another: Someone once told them that no matter how long you've dated your spouse, the day you get married you're essentially committing your life to a total stranger. This was great advice considering how quickly people change. That is why they like to interview each other regularly. It's amazing the things you can learn about your spouse when you take the time to ask both fun and creative questions.

10b. Dude Time / Girl Time: Sometimes one of the best things we can do for our marriage is to spend time apart.

Wow! What a powerful and convicting challenge! What things have you implemented in your marriage that has made all the difference in the world?

Recipe of the Day:
Dairy Free Banana Pancake
I am almost 100% dairy free, which can really limit some of the foods that I eat. This pancake has become one of my favorites (and easiest) things to eat for breakfast!

 Ingredients:
-1 banana
-2 egg whites
-1 whole egg
Directions:
1. Mash the banana (I use a potato masher because I like some chunks, but the blender can also be used for a smoother pancake)
2. Add the egg whites and egg. Mix until you receive desired consistency.
3. Add to skillet and cook over medium-low heat.
4. Feel free to add favorite toppings. I love throwing some pumpkin over the top, but the options are limitless!

Steady My Heart

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds"

Psalm 147:3

 

Avery and I laugh that we are getting a glimpse of what it was like to live in the stone ages. No dishwasher-we hand wash dishes. We gave up the microwave (read why here). No cell phone service in the house. The Internet doesn't work. I can't take a shower without getting green hair. OK, not really the stone ages, but we definitely have realized how much we take for granted those conveniences.

 

I would love to say that is why I have been MIA, but that wouldn't be the complete truth. Over the past few months I have been sick and the fear of what to come has been overwhelming. Without going into too much of the details (read about it here), the symptoms that have arisen are all too familiar.  

 

My sweet man and loving family has taken care of me and joined together with me in prayer as we work to find a source for the sickness. While it is easy to feel defeated, I know God is bigger than this. The doctor's appointments and procedures have begun, and I am feeling blessed that there are skilled doctor's and knowledgeable individuals that are helping guide me through the journey. This morning I am going in to have a gall bladder ultrasound. Prayers are much appreciated! I am praying for strength and peace with each passing day!

 

 

What is God teaching me? I don't know, but I do know that He hasn't left me or forsaken me. I do know that in His power and wisdom He is letting me go through the storm. I do know that the world around me may rock, but God holds my heart steady.

 

Steady My Heart by Kari Jobe

"Even when it hurts
Even when it's hard
Even when it all just falls apart
I will run to You
'Cause I know that You are
Lover of my soul
Healer of my scars
You steady my heart"

 

Words on Wednesday:

From:





Freedom on my Mind

"It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery."

Galatians 5:1

My sweet friends, thank you for your grace in my silence here lately. Life has been turned upside down and backwards for us lately. God has been stretching, testing, and growing us lately (more on that later). I can't wait to share some of the adventures God will be leading us on, but for now I am practicing patience! Don't worry, I will share it all very, very soon!

 

"So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed"

John 8:36

 

God is calling us to live in freedom. That should be easy enough...right?! Why then do I find myself willingly putting those shackles back on. Instead of finding peace in His promise, too often I live outside of His perfect and awesome plan for me.

 

"By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

1 John 4:9-10

 

 

Friends, this has been heavy on my heart lately. Through His love and sacrifice, we are offered freedom. Once we enter into a relationship we have life, we have joy, and we are hope. We don't need to look to things of this world to provide because we are defined now by the eternal Kingdom.

 

The chains are broken.

 

The devil is a master con-artist. He will do his darnedest to bring doubt and disbelief into our hearts. Oh, sweet sisters, we don't have to listen to the lies. We don't need to fall trap to the life of bondage that comes from the scheme of the enemy.

 

God gave us a cup, and I pray that we can allow Him to fill it for us. Christ came so that we may live and live abundantly. Friends, this is my prayer for myself. I don't need to live with chains. I don't need to be a slave. I am a child of God. I am free.

 

Ladies, I would love to pray with and for you. What area are you in bondage? Where do you need Christ to enter and break the chains. God is in the business to transform lives. Today, bring your pain, struggles and addictions to His feet and allow His cleansing power to wash over you.

 

 How Pinteresting:
Yes, I realize it is Tuesday and  usually do a recipe, but I haven't blogged in so long and I really miss sharing my Pinterest finds. So, I am mixing it up a little :)

1. Thoughtful and encouraging gift for the hubby: Chache

2. A coffee can, burlap and a stamp: Scarlet's Table

 

3. Stinky Shoe Fix-Tips and Tricks

 

4. Tissue Paper Flower: Design Everyday

 

5. Plant Stand: Cottage at the Crossroads

 

 

The BIG 5 Financial Tips

Congratulations to MEAGAN TANTON-she is the winner of the Scentsy giveaway from Colleen. Interested in Scentsy? Click on the link in the left sidebar for a wonderfully sweet consultant!

Let's welcome back PAUL from the Broughton Investment Group, Inc. and 5 more financial tips. Also, check out his brand new website at www.thebroughtoninvestmentgroup.com

 

A Registered Investment Advisory Firm

1707 W Sam Houston Parkway S

Houston, Texas

Office (832) 581-7781

Fax (866) 281-6307

www.thebroughtoninvestmentgroup.com

 

 

FINANCIAL TIPS OF THE WEEK

 

Due to the overwhelming response to the three financial tips provided in the first blog, I decided to provide five additional tips you can utilize in your household.

 

1 – “What is the difference between a stock and bond?” 

            ANSWER – A publically held company can raise capital by two methods.  One is to “issue” stock, and two is to “issue” a bond.  A stock is actual ownership in the company, where the stock is traded daily with a BID and ASK price.  You ASK for a certain price, and the BIDDER will offer another.  Eventually, both sides come to a mutually agreed price, and so forth and so on.  Although, this is an overly simplistic view, it does provide the reader a glimpse into how stocks are traded.  Additionally, the company can elect to “issue” a bond or ask the public to give the company a LOAN with a set “coupon”.  This coupon is based on the creditworthiness of the company, and its ability to pay back the money borrowed.  For example, the company, Acme Concrete, issues a 15-year bond priced at a “discount” of $ 8,500 (the bond is actually worth $ 10,000) with a coupon rate of 7.25%.  The investor calls his/her broker or financial advisor and directs them to BUY 5 bonds of Acme Concrete.  The investor will spend $ 42,500 on the five bonds.  He/she is now paid a monthly $ 302.67 interest payment, which continues for 15 years, or 180 monthly payments.  After the 15-year term is complete, Acme Concrete pays the investor $ 10,000 in return.

 

Recap – Investor pays $ 42,600 for five bonds, and receives 180 monthly payments of $ 302.67.  After such time, the investor is repaid the loan, but with the original PAR value price of $ 50,000.  In total, the investor was paid $ 54,480.60 in interest payments, and the discounted value of the delta ($10,000 - $8,500) which equals a total investment return of $ 55,980.60.

 

2 – “What does a stock broker actually do?”

ANSWER – a stockbroker is an order taker.  He will take the order of the client (investor) to buy and/or sell a certain stock, commodity, or bond.  The stockbroker makes a nominal “commission” fee of $ 50.00 for taking and placing the trade.  A broker must be securities licensed through various government agencies and pass a battery of tests and background checks in order to work in the investment community.

 

3 – “What does the DOW 30 even mean?”

            ANSWER – The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DOW 30) is an index of 30 individual companies whose stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ.  Typically, these companies are “blue-chip” companies with rich tradition spanning many decades.  The DOW 30 index is weighted by a formula designed by the NYSE.  So, the next time you see the headlines screaming, “The DOW plunged 600 points” I wouldn’t pay as much attention to that headline since it only mirrors thirty stocks, which is a minuet percentage of the 20,000 publically held companies traded in New York and Chicago.

4 – “What is the Rule of 72, and why is that important to know?” 

ANSWER - I love this one.  Imagine a rate-of-return that you hope your portfolio can garner, i.e. 10% return.  Take the expected rate-of-return, in this case 10% and divide that number into 72.  In this example, the answer is 7.2.  72/10 = 7.2.  That answer is the number of years it would take your money to DOUBLE inside your portfolio.  In other words, if you have $ 100,000 inside an IRA, then based on the aforementioned example, the $ 100,000 would double to $ 200,000 in 7 years and 2 months, and to $ 400,000 in another 7.2 years, and so on.  You can see by the example that the higher rates-of-return, the faster your money doubles.

 

5 – “What is asset allocation?”

            ANSWER - An investment strategy that aims to balance risk and reward by apportioning a portfolio's assets according to an individual's goals, risk tolerance and investment horizon.  The three main asset classes - equities, fixed-income, and cash and equivalents - have different levels of risk and return, so each will behave differently over time.  There is no simple formula that can find the right asset allocation for every individual.  However, the consensus among most financial professionals is that asset allocation is one of the most important decisions that investors make.  In other words, your selection of individual securities is secondary to the way you allocate your investment in stocks, bonds, and cash and equivalents, which will be the principal determinants of your investment results.

Sponsor Post:Meet Paul from The Broughton Investment Group, Inc.

Howdy! Remember when I talked about the wonderful husband-wife team that are sponsoring Ephesians 5:33 Wife? Well, last week you met the beautiful Colleen and her Scentsy business (today is the last day to enter the giveaway!). Today I want to introduce you to her hubby. Finances can be a blessing or a burden. Money an either bring a couple together or totally rip them apart. As believers, the way we steward our money has eternal significance. We should view finances from the perspective that everything we have belongs to God. How would the way we spend, save, and budget change if we had that outlook? Is finances an area that you personally struggle? *Insert Paul here!*

Greetings in Christ! My name is Paul. I am a registered financial-investment advisor located in Houston, Texas. I am a daddy to three beautiful, talented, and smart children. My wife and I have been married for almost two years, and together for four. One year ago this month, I decided to start my own RIA (Registered Investment Advisory) firm after 21 years being employed by GE Capital and AMEX Financial Advisors. I formed my company, The Broughton Investment Group, Inc. (The BIG, Inc) with a simple mission statement: Provide high quality, Christian-based advice for individuals by actively managing their financial assets with integrity, knowledge, and transparency.

 

Financial Tips from Paul

1 – If a couple has a 30-year mortgage, consider paying one month’s payment in principal ONLY during December. This could reduce your term by 11 years.

2 – Pay yourself first! Max out your 401 (k). It lower your tax liability while increasing your chances for a successful retirement.

3 – Never give the government an interest free loan by electing zero exemptions on your W-4.

I welcome you to visit my company’s website at www.thebroughtoninvestmentgroup.com. I am currently revamping the website to be a portal for all clients and the public to provide easy access while offering basic investment education. Furthermore, I am always available to discuss your personal situation by emailing me at – paul@thebroughtoninvestmentgroup.com

 

Sounds good right?!?! What's even better is you can purchase s $1500 financial plan for just $400 in the month of March if you let Paul know you came from Ephesians 5:33 Wife

 give all the Glory and Honor to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit for His abundant blessings He has bestowed upon my investment firm, my wife, our children, and me. Thanks be to God, for He does all things well. Have a blessed day! 

Month 13 Week 3 Challenges

Hey friends! Hope you all have had an amazing spring break! There is still time to enter the Scentsy Giveaway.

Sunday Song:
I was reminded just how much I enjoy Kari Jobe at the concert last weekend. Seriously, this woman has a phenomenal voice and encouraging music! Love it :)

There are lots of joys of being a teacher, but vacations rank up there as one of the greatest perks. 2 weeks at Christmas...summer...spring break! While I just started the new job, I must say, it was wonderful to have this week off. Avery on the other hand does not get all these little breaks throughout the year. My challenges this week are focused on helping his mind, body and spirit get rest. How are you doing with your challenges?

 

Month 13 Week 3 Challenges

Day 1-Pray for rest for his mind, body, and soul

Day 2-Make a point to ask how I can help lighten his load

Day 3-Get him a "day off" from chores around the house

Day 4-Ask him what would help him feel relaxed and then allow him time to do it

Day 5-Cross a chore off his to-do list while he is gone

Day 6-Allow him to sleep in

Day 7-Share a Bible verse on resting

 

Sunday Shape-Up (from Get Busy Fit Body)