4 Ways My Husband Inspired Me This Past Year

Blessed Birthday, Bill!

As I reflect on the past year, I can’t help but be grateful for my beloved husband, Bill, and the ways he has inspired me through his actions, faith, and unwavering love. Here are four ways he has encouraged and uplifted me this year. It is our hope and prayer, these might inspire growth in your marriage and relationships. Marriage is a beautiful journey of growing together, and Bill has been a constant reminder of what it means to live out God’s Word.

Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way

Bill has an incredible ability to push through challenges with perseverance. Whether it was navigating a difficult situation at work or tackling a home project that seemed impossible, he never gave up. His determination reminded me of Philippians 4:13, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” No matter the obstacle, Bill’s faith and drive showed me that when we lean on God, there’s always a path forward.

One example you might have seen on my social media is the solution God gave to expand our tiny home living need for a workspace for me. Before the pandemic, Bill placed a 12 X12 “He Shed ” on his folks’ property so he could work at our Love-Wise ministry while caring for his elderly parents. Because of our care giving needs and my cancer/chemo challenge, we moved inland full time (we still have our boat too.)  I also needed a workspace that could also serve as an office, video studio—and walk in closet! He took his basic “He Shed” template and hammered up a feminine version. Then he got on Craig’s list and Facebook Marketplace and found an L shaped desk with book shelves, two armoires, two large bookcases, a jewelry armoire, and a lovely wingback chair—all for $100! (minus the cost of the  “She Shed” shell.) It is a lovely and productive space!

Sure and Steady Wins the Race

Patience, reliability and consistency are some of Bill’s greatest strengths. He doesn’t rush decisions, let emotions cloud his judgment, nor does he pull the all-nighter to make a deadline. Instead, he plans life-giving routines and life rhythms trusting that steady faithfulness leads to lasting success. He first spends daily quiet time with Jesus, then adds in a routine of caregiving, then he has daily “life coaching clients” who get the best times of his day and some evenings. Later afternoon usually brings exercise or yard work. We try to enjoy all our meals together, we take a sunset prayer walk, and at the end of our day we meet for relaxing conversation in the jacuzzi he got for FREE on Craig’s list!

One way I observed success due to his dedication to a healthy life rhythm, are the many glowing compliments his life coaching clients share with me when our life paths cross, or some have sent thank you notes to me for sharing Bill’s time and God created wisdom with them! It is exciting to see positive forward movement in people’s lives as they seek to live more “Love-Wise” in their life and relationships. (If interested in making an appointment with Bill for life coaching, email info@Love-Wise.com)

This reminds me of Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Watching him stay the course with diligence encouraged me to trust God’s timing in my own life.

If You Want to Be Great in God’s Kingdom, Be the Servant of All

Bill embodies a servant’s heart. Whether it’s helping his aging parents, supporting our family, volunteering at church, or community—and taking great care of me thru my cancer and chemo (and before that thru my ICU coma recovery (where I got a Glimpse of God’s Glory – how God carried me to the heavenlies and brought me back). Bill always serves joyfully and without hesitation.  One of the simple habits he uses that always brings a smile to my face is as we turn onto the road his folks live on, he asks, “Are you feeling great?”  (a reference to the bible verse: Mark 10:43 “But whoever would be great among you must be your servant…” or he will sing the children’s song “If you wanna be great in God’s kingdom, learn to be the servant of all.”

His actions reflect Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” His humility has reminded me that true greatness is found in serving others selflessly.

Love Lavishly

Perhaps the most inspiring thing about Bill is the way he loves—deeply, generously, and without reservation. In our 45 years together, I could list off numerous examples (our books are filled with these stories!) He shows love through words, actions, and even the smallest gestures.

This year, many days he expressed to me my value and he expressed how he cherishes me. by one act of kindness and meeting practical needs one after another. One day stands out in particular. It was my last day of chemo. Each session, I wore a new teal outfit, or tee with an encouraging slogan to cheer and motivate my fellow chemo patients. I wore teal (the color of ovarian cancer ribbon) then I would film my #TealTuesday inspirational Facebook Live devotionals.

However, this last week of chemo was extra special because I would get to “ring the bell” to signal my chemo crush cancer journey was over! As a surprise, Bill worked with my best friends (Seasoned Sisters) who drove up from San Diego to Ventura County, and they all walked in with cheerful signs, balloons and boxing gloves they all signed with verses and encouragements! They stood around me while I rang the bell, gave Jesus credit for empowering me thru and then as we made our way to parking lot, I saw that my car too was decorated with uplifting slogans! Then we all rejoiced together at our favorite bento box café where we had eaten after each chemo treatment! I am a woman who is hard to surprise so this “above and beyond” party was an expression of lavish love from my Bill—and my dearest friends!

His love reflects 1 John 4:7, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.” His example has encouraged me to love more freely and wholeheartedly, just as Christ loves us.

This past year, Bill has not only inspired me but also strengthened my faith. I know the past year has been very stressful and strenuous on Bill  as he balanced caregiving his 95 year old mother, rehabbing me, and his vital work of writing, speaking, and coaching (it has also included the heaven-going of his mother) —yet Bill’s strong faith in God has helped him navigate it in power and positivity.  I am truly grateful to walk this journey of life and love with him. 💕

It’s Bill’s birthday but this week, we also have gifts for you!  Go to the Love-Wise shoppe and use code BdayBill for 15% discount. You will also want to download (F*R*E*E) some of his many romantic ideas and dates. Bill and Pam Farrel are Co-directors of Love-wise ministry, international speakers and authors of 61 books including bestselling Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti

We value YOU as friends. We would love for you to become a member of our new Living  Love-Wise community!  Click on the Love-Wise subscribe webpage to see us explain the membership options.  One of the many perks of membership is a weekly bible study live on Zoom that Bill teaches.

Watch and listen to Pam and Bill Farrel on Focus on the Family March 4-5 on Secret Language of Successful Couples