What (in)courages me?

I am really excited about a new website that has been in the works for a while, called (in)courage. Y'all, reading the list of ladies associated with this site is like reading through my blog list. Please head over there to find out from them (they do such a better job than I would) why they are, who they are, and what they are about.

As their name implies, they want to encourage us as women of God...give us hope and more ways to connect with His heart...something my heart longs to do more and more!

They asked us to tell them what encourages us. Just a simple post, right? As I have thought this over the past few hours, I have been overwhelmed when I think about what and who encourage me. How in the world would I be able to narrow it down? My friends? My Women's Ministry peers? The Worship Team? My family? YOU???

My husband had been out with a friend "man-shopping" (my new made up word for when men go out and hunt for...hunting stuff...completely boring for us non-hunters) and called to find out what the plans were for dinner. I told him I was stressed, the kitchen was a mess, and I just didn't feel like dealing with it right then. "Okay, tell me what you want and I'll get it." It was then that I knew what I would write about.

My Mom has been here at my house for over a week, and while I love having her here...would rather her be here than anywhere, it is draining playing the part of incompetent nurse. I am having to do things I never, ever thought I would be strong enough to do. The thing is, I'm really not strong enough. If I were to try this by myself, I'd end up an emotional heap most days. There have been nights when all I could do was cry, hoping I didn't wake my husband. But, of course, I would. I mean, having your bed shaken with the uncontrollable sobs from the person next to you is not very conducive to sleep. And though I would apologize profusely for waking him up (trying not to get him wet in the process), he would take my hand and tell me it was alright...it would all be alright....

And don't think he saves this for just his sleep deprived moments. He has cooked supper most nights since Mom has been here. He has cleaned more in the past week than I think I have in the past two months. He has made a grocery list and has actually braved that most horrible abyss...Wal-Mart...just so I wouldn't have to worry about it.

He has calmed me down in moments I thought I was going to lose it. He has repeated over and over that I am strong enough for this. He has welcomed his mother-in-law into our home with open, loving, welcoming, protective arms.Why God blessed me with this man, I don't know, but I am so very grateful.