Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22
Today's dare:
Find a marriage mentor - someone who is a strong christian and who will be honest and loving with you. If you feel that counseling is needed, then take the first step to set up an appointment. During this process, ask God to direct your secisions and discernment.
______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Love celebrates godliness (Day 34)
(Love) does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. 1 Corinthians 13:6
Today's dare:
Find a specific, recent example when your spouse demonstrated christian character in a noticeable way. Verbally commend them for this at some point today.
_____ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Today's dare:
Find a specific, recent example when your spouse demonstrated christian character in a noticeable way. Verbally commend them for this at some point today.
_____ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Love completes each other (Day 33)
If two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? Ecclesiastes 4:11
Today's dare:
Recongnize that your spouse is integral to your future success. Let them know today that you desire to include them in your upcoming decisions, and that you need their perspective and counsel. If you have ignored their input in them past, admit your oversight and ask them to forgive you.
_____ Check here when you've completedd today's dare.
Today's dare:
Recongnize that your spouse is integral to your future success. Let them know today that you desire to include them in your upcoming decisions, and that you need their perspective and counsel. If you have ignored their input in them past, admit your oversight and ask them to forgive you.
_____ Check here when you've completedd today's dare.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Love meets sexual needs (Day 32)
The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. 1 Corinthians 7:3
Today's dare:
If at all possible, try to initiate sex with your husband or wife today. Do this in a way that honors what your spouse has told you (or implied to you) about what they need from you sexually. Ask God to make this enjoyable for both of you as well as a path to greater intimacy.
______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Today's dare:
If at all possible, try to initiate sex with your husband or wife today. Do this in a way that honors what your spouse has told you (or implied to you) about what they need from you sexually. Ask God to make this enjoyable for both of you as well as a path to greater intimacy.
______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Love and marriage (Day 31)
A man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. Genesis 2:24
Today's dare:
Is there a "leaving" issue you haven't been brave enough to conquer yet? Confess it to your spouse today, and resolve to make it right. The oneness of your marriage is dependent upon it. Follow this with a commitment to your spouse and to God to make your marriage the top priority over every other human relationship.
_____ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Today's dare:
Is there a "leaving" issue you haven't been brave enough to conquer yet? Confess it to your spouse today, and resolve to make it right. The oneness of your marriage is dependent upon it. Follow this with a commitment to your spouse and to God to make your marriage the top priority over every other human relationship.
_____ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Love brings unity (Day 30)
Father, keep them in Your name, the name which you have given Me, that they may be one even as We are. John 17:11
Today's dare:
Isolate one area of division in your marriage, and look on today as a fresh opportunity to pray about it. Ask the Lord to reveal anything in your own heart that is threatening oneness with your spouse. Pray that He would do the same for them. And if appropriate, discuss this matter openly, seeking God for unity.
_____ Check when you've completed today's dare.
Today's dare:
Isolate one area of division in your marriage, and look on today as a fresh opportunity to pray about it. Ask the Lord to reveal anything in your own heart that is threatening oneness with your spouse. Pray that He would do the same for them. And if appropriate, discuss this matter openly, seeking God for unity.
_____ Check when you've completed today's dare.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Love's motivation (Day 29)
Render service with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to men. Ephesians 6:7
Today's Dare:
Before You see your spouse again today, pray for them by name and for their needs. Whether it comes easy for you or not, say "I love you," then express love to them in some tangible way. Go to God in prayer again, thanking Him for giving you the privilege of loving this one special person - unconditionally, the way He loves both of you.
_____ Check here when you've completed this one.
*** well I have most of this one wrapped up.....I all ready pray for my husband daily and times through-out the day.....and I do thank God every night for my husband....I also love him unconditionally, I think that is part of marriage right?
Today's Dare:
Before You see your spouse again today, pray for them by name and for their needs. Whether it comes easy for you or not, say "I love you," then express love to them in some tangible way. Go to God in prayer again, thanking Him for giving you the privilege of loving this one special person - unconditionally, the way He loves both of you.
_____ Check here when you've completed this one.
*** well I have most of this one wrapped up.....I all ready pray for my husband daily and times through-out the day.....and I do thank God every night for my husband....I also love him unconditionally, I think that is part of marriage right?
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Love makes sacrifices (Day 28)
He laid down His life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers. 1 John 3:16
Today's dare:
What is one of the greatest needs in our spouse's life right now? Is there a need you could lift from their shoulders today by a daring act of sacrifice on your part? Whether the need is big or small, purpose to do what you can to meet the need.
_____ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Today's dare:
What is one of the greatest needs in our spouse's life right now? Is there a need you could lift from their shoulders today by a daring act of sacrifice on your part? Whether the need is big or small, purpose to do what you can to meet the need.
_____ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Love encourages (Day 27)
Guard my soul and deliverme; do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You. Psalm 25:20
Today's Dare:
Eliminate the poison of unrealistic expectations in your home. Think of one area where your spouse has told you you're expecting too much, and tell them you're sorry for being so hard on them about it. Promise them you'll seek to understand, and assure them of your unconditional love.
_____ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Today's Dare:
Eliminate the poison of unrealistic expectations in your home. Think of one area where your spouse has told you you're expecting too much, and tell them you're sorry for being so hard on them about it. Promise them you'll seek to understand, and assure them of your unconditional love.
_____ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Love is responsible (Day 26)
When you judge another, you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the same things. Romans 2:1
Today's Dare:
Take time to pray through your areas of wrongdoing. Ask for God's forgiveness, then humble yourself enough to admit them to your spouse. Do it sincerely and truthfully. No matter how they respond, make sure you cover your responsiblity in love. Even if they respond with critcism, accept it by receiving it as counsel.
______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Today's Dare:
Take time to pray through your areas of wrongdoing. Ask for God's forgiveness, then humble yourself enough to admit them to your spouse. Do it sincerely and truthfully. No matter how they respond, make sure you cover your responsiblity in love. Even if they respond with critcism, accept it by receiving it as counsel.
______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Love forgives (Day 25)
What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:10
Today's dare:
Whatever you haven't forgiven in your mate, forgive it today. Let it go. Just as we ask Jesus to "forgive us our debts" each day, we must ask Him to help us "forgive our debtors" each day as well. Unforgiveness has been keeping you and your spouse in prison too long. Say from your heart, "I choose to forgive."
______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Today's dare:
Whatever you haven't forgiven in your mate, forgive it today. Let it go. Just as we ask Jesus to "forgive us our debts" each day, we must ask Him to help us "forgive our debtors" each day as well. Unforgiveness has been keeping you and your spouse in prison too long. Say from your heart, "I choose to forgive."
______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Love VS Lust (Day 24)
The world is pass away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:17
Today's Dare:
End it now. Identify every object of lust in your life and remove it. Single out every lie you've swallowed in pursuing forbidden pleasure and reject it. Lust cannot be allowed to live in a back bedroom. It must be killed and destroyed - TODAY - and replaced with the sure promises of God and a heart filled with His perfect love.
______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Today's Dare:
End it now. Identify every object of lust in your life and remove it. Single out every lie you've swallowed in pursuing forbidden pleasure and reject it. Lust cannot be allowed to live in a back bedroom. It must be killed and destroyed - TODAY - and replaced with the sure promises of God and a heart filled with His perfect love.
______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Love always protects (Day 23)
(Love) always protects. 1 Corinthians 13:7
Today's Dare:
Remove anything that is hindering your relationship, any addiction or influence that's stealing your affections and turning your heart away from your spouse.
_____ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Today's Dare:
Remove anything that is hindering your relationship, any addiction or influence that's stealing your affections and turning your heart away from your spouse.
_____ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Love is faithful (Day 22)
I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. Then you will know the Lord. Hosea 2:20
Today's Dare:
Love is a choice, not a feeling. It is an initiated action, not a knee-jerk reaction. Choose today to be committed to love even if your spouse has lost most of their interest in receiving it. Say to them today in words similar to this, "I love you. Period. I choose to love you even if you don't love me in return."
______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
**** I think this would be a tough one if you knew your spouse didn't love you, choosing to love someon that didn't love you would be something very hard. This also brings something else up to me - I've heard people say that they have fell in and out of love with their spouse, I just do NOT see how that is possible. Now mind you there have been times I have been upset at my spouse, but that didn't effect my love for them. I think people today take love a little too lightly.
Something was brought up in our Sunday School Class Sunday....Pre-nups ...... I guess I haven't ever really thought about them, but our teacher said they are not of God or the bible - it is just a stepping stone for divorce, which I think is true....it's saying right up front, "hey we think this marriage isn't going to last, it will fail". What do you guys think?? I don't think I could have married someone that wanted me to sign one...that right there is saything there is NO trust....they think you are going to leave them, and take their money. Right?
Today's Dare:
Love is a choice, not a feeling. It is an initiated action, not a knee-jerk reaction. Choose today to be committed to love even if your spouse has lost most of their interest in receiving it. Say to them today in words similar to this, "I love you. Period. I choose to love you even if you don't love me in return."
______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
**** I think this would be a tough one if you knew your spouse didn't love you, choosing to love someon that didn't love you would be something very hard. This also brings something else up to me - I've heard people say that they have fell in and out of love with their spouse, I just do NOT see how that is possible. Now mind you there have been times I have been upset at my spouse, but that didn't effect my love for them. I think people today take love a little too lightly.
Something was brought up in our Sunday School Class Sunday....Pre-nups ...... I guess I haven't ever really thought about them, but our teacher said they are not of God or the bible - it is just a stepping stone for divorce, which I think is true....it's saying right up front, "hey we think this marriage isn't going to last, it will fail". What do you guys think?? I don't think I could have married someone that wanted me to sign one...that right there is saything there is NO trust....they think you are going to leave them, and take their money. Right?
Monday, October 12, 2009
Love is satisfied in God (Day 21)
The Lord will continueally guide you, and satisfy your desire. Isaiah 58:11
Today's Dare:
Be intentional today about making a time to pray and read your bible. Try reading a chapter out of Proverbs each day (there are thirty-one - a full month's supply), or reading a chapter in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). As you do, immerse yourself in the love and promises God has for you. This will add to your growth as you walk with him.
______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Today's Dare:
Be intentional today about making a time to pray and read your bible. Try reading a chapter out of Proverbs each day (there are thirty-one - a full month's supply), or reading a chapter in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). As you do, immerse yourself in the love and promises God has for you. This will add to your growth as you walk with him.
______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Love is Jesus Christ (Day 20)
While we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6
Today's Dare:
Dare to take God at His word. Dare to trust Jesus Christ for salvation. Dare to pray, "Lord Jesus, I'm a sinner. But you have shown Your love for me by dying to forgive my sins, and You have proven Your power to savc me from death by Your resurrection. Lord, change my heart, and save me by Your grace."
_______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
****when reading through my love dare book - it repeats over and over WE have to have ourselves right with God before we can have the right relationship.
Today's Dare:
Dare to take God at His word. Dare to trust Jesus Christ for salvation. Dare to pray, "Lord Jesus, I'm a sinner. But you have shown Your love for me by dying to forgive my sins, and You have proven Your power to savc me from death by Your resurrection. Lord, change my heart, and save me by Your grace."
_______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
****when reading through my love dare book - it repeats over and over WE have to have ourselves right with God before we can have the right relationship.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Love is impossible (Day 19)
Let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7
Today's Dare:
Look back over the dares from precious days. Were there some that seemed impossible to you? Have you realized your need for God to change your heart and to give you the ability to love? Ask him to show you where you stand with Him, and ask for the strenth and grace to settle your eternal destination.
______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Today's Dare:
Look back over the dares from precious days. Were there some that seemed impossible to you? Have you realized your need for God to change your heart and to give you the ability to love? Ask him to show you where you stand with Him, and ask for the strenth and grace to settle your eternal destination.
______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Love seeks to understand (Day 18)
How blessed is the man who finds wisdon, and the man who gains understanding. Proverbs 3:13.
Today's Dare:
Prepare a special dinner at home, just for the two of you. The dinner can be as nice as you prefer. Focus this time on getting to know your spouse better, perhaps in areas yo've rarely talked about. Determine to make it an enjoyable evening for you and your mate.
_______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
*** I like this one - I think couples need to do this more often!!!!
Today's Dare:
Prepare a special dinner at home, just for the two of you. The dinner can be as nice as you prefer. Focus this time on getting to know your spouse better, perhaps in areas yo've rarely talked about. Determine to make it an enjoyable evening for you and your mate.
_______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
*** I like this one - I think couples need to do this more often!!!!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Love promotes intimacy (Day 17)
He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever reports the matter separates close friends. Proverbs 17:9
Today's Dare:
Determine to guard your mate's secretes ( unless they are dangerous to them or to you) and pray for them. Talk with your spouse, and resolve to demonstrate love in spite of these issues. Really listen to them when they share personal thoughts and struggles with you. Make them feel safe.
_______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
To me - this one is a little off - I don't think a spouse should keep secretes from one another. I can see if a person 'struggles' or worries....something to that factor - and maybe share that....but I don't consider those secrets do you?
Today's Dare:
Determine to guard your mate's secretes ( unless they are dangerous to them or to you) and pray for them. Talk with your spouse, and resolve to demonstrate love in spite of these issues. Really listen to them when they share personal thoughts and struggles with you. Make them feel safe.
_______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
To me - this one is a little off - I don't think a spouse should keep secretes from one another. I can see if a person 'struggles' or worries....something to that factor - and maybe share that....but I don't consider those secrets do you?
Monday, October 5, 2009
Love intercedes (Day 16)
Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 2
Today's Dare:
Begin praying today for your spouse's heart. Pray for three specific areas where you desire for God to work in your spouse's life and in your marriage.
_______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Today's Dare:
Begin praying today for your spouse's heart. Pray for three specific areas where you desire for God to work in your spouse's life and in your marriage.
_______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Love is honorable (Day 15)
Love with your wives in an understanding way......and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life. 1 Peter 3:7
Today's Dare:
Choose a way to show honor and respect to your spouse that is above your normal routine. It may be holding the door for her. It might be putting his clothes away for him. It may be the way you listen and speak in your communication. Show your mate that he or she is highly esteemed in your eyes.
_______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Today's Dare:
Choose a way to show honor and respect to your spouse that is above your normal routine. It may be holding the door for her. It might be putting his clothes away for him. It may be the way you listen and speak in your communication. Show your mate that he or she is highly esteemed in your eyes.
_______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Haaaappy Birthday toooo youuuuuuuu!
I just want to wish my wonderful husband a very HAPPY 30th Birthday!!!!! He is such a wonderful husband, and such a great Father - I couldn't ask for more. I am very thankful to have such a man in my life. Someone that has such wonderful Christian values - and values his family the way that he does.
Thank you sweetheart for being the man, husband, father that you are.
I love you with all my heart, and I thank God everyday that you are in my life!!!!
Thank you sweetheart for being the man, husband, father that you are.
I love you with all my heart, and I thank God everyday that you are in my life!!!!
Love takes delight (Day 14)
Enjoy life with the wife you love all the days of your fleeting life. Eccleiastes 9:9
Today's Dare:
Purposefully neglect an activity you would normally do so you can spend quality time with your spouse. Do something he or she would love to do or a project they'd really like to work on. Just be together.
_______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
Today's Dare:
Purposefully neglect an activity you would normally do so you can spend quality time with your spouse. Do something he or she would love to do or a project they'd really like to work on. Just be together.
_______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.
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