December 14, 2008
-
The Love Dare, Week 3
Dear husband, don't forget! You can't read this. Thanks.
Awww, man! It was a busy week! I had trouble carving out time to read each day's dare and trying to complete it, yikes! But you know what? This is important. So, I made the time. I am soooo glad I did.
My favorite dare this week - Day 8. I loved burning the list of negative attributes.
"Determine to become your spouse's biggest fan and reject any thoughts of jealousy. To help you set your heart on your spouse and focus on their achievements, take yesterday's list of negative attributes and discreetly burn it. Then share with your spouse how glad you are about a success he or she recently enjoyed."
That was definitely the best day! I love being his biggest fan! Burning the negative attributes just reinforced all the things that I love about him.
But I have to say that Day 9 was a close second, "Greet one another with a kiss of love." 1 Peter 5:14. Someone should totally write a song about the "kiss of love". Umm, maybe they already did???
"If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand." Mark 3:25
"Do not merely look out for your own personal interest, but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:4
This 40-day challenge forces me to focus daily on my marriage in ways I've never thought of. Whether a marriage is hanging by a thread or healthy and strong, The Love Dare fosters a deeper marriage. The kind of marriage with "grit". That hangs on for the duration. What marriage doesn't need some grit?
I'm finding romance in real life. Not the romantic hopes of a dating couple but the romance of a real life marriage between two people with imperfections. The kind of romance that is based on unconditional love. I'm learning to protect and guide my heart.
Week 3 overview: (Things that might require extra time and preparation)
Day 18: "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 you've rarely talked about. Determine to make it an enjoyable evening for you and your mate."
This one is a little tricky to pull off with four kiddos but I have a plan.... mawhhhaaahaaa (sneaky grin, rubbing my hands together)...
So, tell me... What did you do out of the ordinary for your spouse? (Day 10)
Comments (2)
I bought The Love Dare for my youngest son and his wife. He was asking for a couple's devotional so I hoped it would fit the bill. I'm encouraged by what you are sharing. I rarely by a book without reading it so I was holding my breath in hopes it was 'kosher'. I read bits and pieces while I was standing in the store and liked what I read.
Now I think I should get a copy for ME! We'll be married 25 years in the spring but a marriage never stops growing and changing and I can always use fresh encouragement. Thanks for taking the time to share.
@georgene - You are right. Every marriage needs fresh encouragement. I think you will be very happy with The Love Dare for your son. It really encourages you to remember that you don't always feel loving. It's up to you to lead your own heart and choose to love. It reminds you to be selfless and focused on your spouses needs. I'm enjoying it and so is my husband!
Comments are closed.