Today's dare is to leave little post-it notes in a few places just expressing love. Hide them in places you know he will find them, on the shaving cream, in his lunch, on the pillow, on the computer screen, etc. This will help him to feel like you are thinking of him and planned this.
Lord,
Help us show your character by showing our love to our husbands. We are always on your mind, help us to reflect that to our husband in a tangible way.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Friday, April 22, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Day 80- Sweet Thoughts
Hi Gals,
I thought today, we could mix things up.
Today's challenge will be just to leave a little treat for your husband where he will find it. Maybe on the pillow, on the keyboard, in his car seat, lunch bag, etc. Just a little reminder that you are thinking of him.
Lord,
Help us to always have our husband's on our mind with loving thoughts, looking for ways to bless him. Give us creativity and a heart of love.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
I thought today, we could mix things up.
Today's challenge will be just to leave a little treat for your husband where he will find it. Maybe on the pillow, on the keyboard, in his car seat, lunch bag, etc. Just a little reminder that you are thinking of him.
Lord,
Help us to always have our husband's on our mind with loving thoughts, looking for ways to bless him. Give us creativity and a heart of love.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Day 79- Love Endures
Today's dare:
Spend time in personal prayer, remembering your resolve to stay committed to the marriage. Pray for you as a couple, a wife and for your husband.
Lord,
Help us stay strong and give us a vision for your marriage and family. Help us draw near to you during tough times and be our strength.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Spend time in personal prayer, remembering your resolve to stay committed to the marriage. Pray for you as a couple, a wife and for your husband.
Lord,
Help us stay strong and give us a vision for your marriage and family. Help us draw near to you during tough times and be our strength.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Day 78- Love Fulfills Dreams
Today's dare:
Previously, we asked about our husbands what dreams they had. Let us reflect on that and see if we can take any steps forward to encourage it, if it is at all possible, by means of support for them, prayer, verbal encouragement.
Remember, they may be self-doubting that they can achieve it, but our faith in them may be just what they need.
Lord, Help us to be your vessels to encourage our husbands to become the conquerors and victors over that which you have put them over. Help us to encourage and support in areas necessary for them. Help us to let go of our own desires and support theirs.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Previously, we asked about our husbands what dreams they had. Let us reflect on that and see if we can take any steps forward to encourage it, if it is at all possible, by means of support for them, prayer, verbal encouragement.
Remember, they may be self-doubting that they can achieve it, but our faith in them may be just what they need.
Lord, Help us to be your vessels to encourage our husbands to become the conquerors and victors over that which you have put them over. Help us to encourage and support in areas necessary for them. Help us to let go of our own desires and support theirs.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Monday, April 18, 2011
Day 77- Love Agrees In Prayer
Today's dare:
Previously, we were challenged to pray with our husbands. If this has been a hard area, challenge yourself to just pray alone for your marriage and for him. Jot down specifics so that as the Lord answers them, you will see that he cares about the little things.
Lord, give us a heart to pray. Give us faith to believe that prayer does change things. Prompt us by the Holy Spirit to pray without ceasing and turn to you.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Previously, we were challenged to pray with our husbands. If this has been a hard area, challenge yourself to just pray alone for your marriage and for him. Jot down specifics so that as the Lord answers them, you will see that he cares about the little things.
Lord, give us a heart to pray. Give us faith to believe that prayer does change things. Prompt us by the Holy Spirit to pray without ceasing and turn to you.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Day 76- Love is God's Word
Today's dare:
How are you doing on the daily Bible Reading? Is it a struggle, do you forget, do you not have the desire, are you too busy? Give it to the Lord. Like anything worth having or doing, there is a price to be paid. Let us pray that the Lord will spark that passion for His Word.
Lord, give us the desire and hunger for your Word. You know our hearts and sometimes we grow weary and allow the cares of the world to choke out your Word. Lord, please bring us back to our first love. Help us, Lord, to make you the center of our world.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
How are you doing on the daily Bible Reading? Is it a struggle, do you forget, do you not have the desire, are you too busy? Give it to the Lord. Like anything worth having or doing, there is a price to be paid. Let us pray that the Lord will spark that passion for His Word.
Lord, give us the desire and hunger for your Word. You know our hearts and sometimes we grow weary and allow the cares of the world to choke out your Word. Lord, please bring us back to our first love. Help us, Lord, to make you the center of our world.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Day 75- Love is Accountable
Today's dare:
Have you found a marriage mentor? Is there a marriage you admire or want to emulate? Make it your purpose to get to know those that exemplify godly marriages, particularly godly wifehood. Don't be shy to ask questions and try to implement those truths that God impresses on your heart. We are meant to help and encourage each other. Be sure to share with that woman how much her example blesses and encourages you. It may be the words of encouragement she needs to hear as well.
Lord, surround us with godly marriages and families so we may press on toward the prize. Let us not grow weary in doing good, but to press forward to become that which you created us for.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Have you found a marriage mentor? Is there a marriage you admire or want to emulate? Make it your purpose to get to know those that exemplify godly marriages, particularly godly wifehood. Don't be shy to ask questions and try to implement those truths that God impresses on your heart. We are meant to help and encourage each other. Be sure to share with that woman how much her example blesses and encourages you. It may be the words of encouragement she needs to hear as well.
Lord, surround us with godly marriages and families so we may press on toward the prize. Let us not grow weary in doing good, but to press forward to become that which you created us for.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Friday, April 15, 2011
Day 74- Love Celebrates Godliness
Today's dare:
Previously, we had purposed to look for godly character displayed in our husbands and commend them on it. Let us do so again by verbally acknowledging when they display a quality of our heavenly Father. ie. patience, kindness, thoughtfulness, loving actions, gentleness, self-control, etc.
Lord, help us have eyes to notice the qualities that reflect you. Open our mouths to encourage what we notice. Help us to make this a regular practice.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Previously, we had purposed to look for godly character displayed in our husbands and commend them on it. Let us do so again by verbally acknowledging when they display a quality of our heavenly Father. ie. patience, kindness, thoughtfulness, loving actions, gentleness, self-control, etc.
Lord, help us have eyes to notice the qualities that reflect you. Open our mouths to encourage what we notice. Help us to make this a regular practice.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Day 73- Love Completes Each Other
Today's dare:
Recognize that your husband is integral to your future success. Today, consciously, include them in decisions that shows them that their opinion and thoughts count.
It is easy to become independent of our husband's and often easier to make decisions ourselves. Let us purposely include them in our day and value their thoughts and input.
Lord, help us to become more inter-dependent on our husbands. Let us not drift away from them emotionally, relationally, and routinely. Help us to be aware of our drifting and purpose to steer toward them. With your help, we can.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Recognize that your husband is integral to your future success. Today, consciously, include them in decisions that shows them that their opinion and thoughts count.
It is easy to become independent of our husband's and often easier to make decisions ourselves. Let us purposely include them in our day and value their thoughts and input.
Lord, help us to become more inter-dependent on our husbands. Let us not drift away from them emotionally, relationally, and routinely. Help us to be aware of our drifting and purpose to steer toward them. With your help, we can.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Day 72- Love Meets Sexual Needs
Today's dare:
If at all possible, try to initiate sex with your husband today. Do this in a way that honors what your husband has told 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.
This can be a tough one. It may depend on the time of month, mood, stress, emotional intimacy with husband, etc. If it doesn't come naturally, ask the Lord to give you that desire to bless him.
Lord, please give us the desire to initiate this that is important to our husband, give us the faith to believe that even this area matters to you and allows the marital bonds to be firm, and the blessing of obeying you.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
If at all possible, try to initiate sex with your husband today. Do this in a way that honors what your husband has told 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.
This can be a tough one. It may depend on the time of month, mood, stress, emotional intimacy with husband, etc. If it doesn't come naturally, ask the Lord to give you that desire to bless him.
Lord, please give us the desire to initiate this that is important to our husband, give us the faith to believe that even this area matters to you and allows the marital bonds to be firm, and the blessing of obeying you.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Day 71- Love and Marriage
Here is today's dare:
Follow your commitment to your husband and to God to make your marriage the top priority over every other human relationship. If there are obstacles in the way, address it and make the choice to leave those things. It may mean televisions shows that bring doubt or cause disunity. It may mean friendships that do not encourage your unity with your husband, but competes with it.
Lord,
Give us a heart to set our marriage above all other relationship besides you. Give us a vision for how our marriage can be and let us work toward it by your power.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Follow your commitment to your husband and to God to make your marriage the top priority over every other human relationship. If there are obstacles in the way, address it and make the choice to leave those things. It may mean televisions shows that bring doubt or cause disunity. It may mean friendships that do not encourage your unity with your husband, but competes with it.
Lord,
Give us a heart to set our marriage above all other relationship besides you. Give us a vision for how our marriage can be and let us work toward it by your power.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Monday, April 11, 2011
Day 70- Love Brings Unity
Today's dare:
Look on today as a fresh opportunity to pray an area that brings division in your marriage. Ask the Lord to reveal anything in your own heart that is threatening oneness with your husband. Pray that God would do the same in him.
Lord,
Give us eyes to see as you do. Help us to see how we may be dividing our own household and not building it up, beginning with our marriage.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Look on today as a fresh opportunity to pray an area that brings division in your marriage. Ask the Lord to reveal anything in your own heart that is threatening oneness with your husband. Pray that God would do the same in him.
Lord,
Give us eyes to see as you do. Help us to see how we may be dividing our own household and not building it up, beginning with our marriage.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Day 69- Love's Motivation
Today's dare:
Before you see your husband again today, pray for him by name and for his needs. Whether it comes easy for you or not, say "I love you," then express love to him 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.
Lord,
Fill us with your Holy Spirit and use our mouths to love and bless our husbands today.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Before you see your husband again today, pray for him by name and for his needs. Whether it comes easy for you or not, say "I love you," then express love to him 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.
Lord,
Fill us with your Holy Spirit and use our mouths to love and bless our husbands today.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Day 68- Love Makes Sacrifices
Today's dare:
What is one of the greatest needs in your husband's life right now? Is there a need you could lift from his 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.
This challenge allows us to be observant of our husband and his needs. Let's take our eyes off of us and see where we can meet his needs.
Lord,
Help us take our eyes off of us and put our eyes on your child, our husband. Let us have the heart of Jesus to minister and bless him today. Meet our personal needs and not look to him to meet them.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
What is one of the greatest needs in your husband's life right now? Is there a need you could lift from his 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.
This challenge allows us to be observant of our husband and his needs. Let's take our eyes off of us and see where we can meet his needs.
Lord,
Help us take our eyes off of us and put our eyes on your child, our husband. Let us have the heart of Jesus to minister and bless him today. Meet our personal needs and not look to him to meet them.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Friday, April 8, 2011
Day 67- Love Encourages
Today's dare:
Eliminate the poison of unrealistic expectations in your home. Think of one area where your husband has told you you're expecting too much, and tell him you're sorry for being so hard on him about it. Promise him you'll seek to understand and assure him of your unconditional love.
Do you have areas where he doesn't measure up? In the real world, he is always struggling with measuring up to everyone's spoken and unspoken expectations. Let your home be a place where he
always measures up and exceeds your expectations. Whatever area he doesn't meet, ask the Lord to meet them.
Lord,
Help us to be our husbands best cheerleaders and make our home a "safe" place. One that is safe to make mistakes in and still feel loved and appreciated in. Keep us aware of our words and allow us to be vessels to pour out love to them.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Eliminate the poison of unrealistic expectations in your home. Think of one area where your husband has told you you're expecting too much, and tell him you're sorry for being so hard on him about it. Promise him you'll seek to understand and assure him of your unconditional love.
Do you have areas where he doesn't measure up? In the real world, he is always struggling with measuring up to everyone's spoken and unspoken expectations. Let your home be a place where he
always measures up and exceeds your expectations. Whatever area he doesn't meet, ask the Lord to meet them.
Lord,
Help us to be our husbands best cheerleaders and make our home a "safe" place. One that is safe to make mistakes in and still feel loved and appreciated in. Keep us aware of our words and allow us to be vessels to pour out love to them.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Day 66- Love is Responsible
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 husband. Do it sincerely and truthfully. Ask him for forgiveness as well. No matter how he responds, make sure you cover your responsibility in love. Even if he responds with criticism, accept it by receiving it as counsel.
This is another self check. It's easy to see the speck in someone else's eye and yet miss the log in your own eye. Let's take out the log so we can see things as they really are.
Lord,
Help us humble ourselves and see our husbands as better than us and thus fulfill your scripture regarding esteeming others better than ourselves, which also means our husbands. Give us the strength, grace and desire to seek to "clean house" in our own hearts.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Take time to pray through your areas of wrongdoing. Ask for God's forgiveness, then humble yourself enough to admit them to your husband. Do it sincerely and truthfully. Ask him for forgiveness as well. No matter how he responds, make sure you cover your responsibility in love. Even if he responds with criticism, accept it by receiving it as counsel.
This is another self check. It's easy to see the speck in someone else's eye and yet miss the log in your own eye. Let's take out the log so we can see things as they really are.
Lord,
Help us humble ourselves and see our husbands as better than us and thus fulfill your scripture regarding esteeming others better than ourselves, which also means our husbands. Give us the strength, grace and desire to seek to "clean house" in our own hearts.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Day 65- Love Forgives
Today's dare:
Whatever you haven't forgiven in your husband, forgive it all 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".
Although we may have done it in the past, new ones always emerge. Do a self check and see if there is anything that are holding against him. Keep short accounts.
Lord,
Help us forgive our debtors as we have been forgiven much. Give us a heart to forgive and restore. Free us from unforgiveness.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Whatever you haven't forgiven in your husband, forgive it all 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".
Although we may have done it in the past, new ones always emerge. Do a self check and see if there is anything that are holding against him. Keep short accounts.
Lord,
Help us forgive our debtors as we have been forgiven much. Give us a heart to forgive and restore. Free us from unforgiveness.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Day 64- Love vs. Lust
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.
Lord,
Help us to have a pure love for you and our husband. Remove any ungodly influence from our lives. Give us strength to take a stand for our marriage.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
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.
Lord,
Help us to have a pure love for you and our husband. Remove any ungodly influence from our lives. Give us strength to take a stand for our marriage.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Monday, April 4, 2011
Day 63- Love Always Protects
Today's dare is to remove anything that is hindering your relationship, any addiction or influence that's stealing your affections and turning your heart away from your husband.
We have already had this challenge. Reflect back to see if you have fully dealt with it or need to go all the way at this time. Seek help if you need added encouragement or accountability. The enemy of our souls would want us to keep this area hidden, but as we bring it to the light, the bond is broken and there is freedom.
Lord,
Shine light on those areas that we have kept hidden that is a barrier to our intimacy with our husbands. Give us courage to deal with those areas and the determination to work toward making our marriage strong and healthy.
Help us by Your Spirit to break those areas.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
We have already had this challenge. Reflect back to see if you have fully dealt with it or need to go all the way at this time. Seek help if you need added encouragement or accountability. The enemy of our souls would want us to keep this area hidden, but as we bring it to the light, the bond is broken and there is freedom.
Lord,
Shine light on those areas that we have kept hidden that is a barrier to our intimacy with our husbands. Give us courage to deal with those areas and the determination to work toward making our marriage strong and healthy.
Help us by Your Spirit to break those areas.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Day 62- Love is Faithful
Today's dare:
Love is a choice, not a felling. It is an initiated action, not a knee-jerk reaction. Choose today to be committed to love even if your husband has lost most of his interest in receiving it. Say to him today in works similar to these, "I love you. Period. I choose to love you even if you don't love me in return".
Lord,
Help us to show love through our actions and to reflect our love for You by it. Help us to not seek anything in return. Fill us with your love and let our actions be an overflow of it.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Love is a choice, not a felling. It is an initiated action, not a knee-jerk reaction. Choose today to be committed to love even if your husband has lost most of his interest in receiving it. Say to him today in works similar to these, "I love you. Period. I choose to love you even if you don't love me in return".
Lord,
Help us to show love through our actions and to reflect our love for You by it. Help us to not seek anything in return. Fill us with your love and let our actions be an overflow of it.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Day 61- Love is Satisfied in God
Today's dare is to be intentional about making a time to pray and read your Bible. Try reading a chapter out of Proverbs each day (there are 31, one for each day). 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.
Think in terms of making this a habit of a lifetime. As we fill our hearts with God's word, it will fill our minds and our mouths to praise God and bless our husbands.
Lord,
Please give us a heart hungry for your Word and your truth. Remind us and give us the will to follow through as your prompt us to read. Open up your Truth so we can understand and apply what you show us. Direct us and help us by Your Spirit.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Think in terms of making this a habit of a lifetime. As we fill our hearts with God's word, it will fill our minds and our mouths to praise God and bless our husbands.
Lord,
Please give us a heart hungry for your Word and your truth. Remind us and give us the will to follow through as your prompt us to read. Open up your Truth so we can understand and apply what you show us. Direct us and help us by Your Spirit.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Friday, April 1, 2011
Day 60- Love is Jesus Christ
Today's dare is 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 save me from death by your resurrection. Lord, change my heart and save by your grace.
If you have done this, take God at His Word that nothing is impossible for God. Including becoming the best wives we can be, reflecting Jesus Christ. Have faith to believe that your marriage can be better than ever and that this can change, namely you can change to be the wife your husband needs you to be.
Lord,
Help us to be more than conquerors and take this task seriously. Help us to be soldiers for Jesus, battling the enemy for our marriages and our families. Help us to have a hunger for your Word, so that we know what your Word says and take hold of it. Forgive our passivity and our lack of fervor. Help us to revive our hearts.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
If you have done this, take God at His Word that nothing is impossible for God. Including becoming the best wives we can be, reflecting Jesus Christ. Have faith to believe that your marriage can be better than ever and that this can change, namely you can change to be the wife your husband needs you to be.
Lord,
Help us to be more than conquerors and take this task seriously. Help us to be soldiers for Jesus, battling the enemy for our marriages and our families. Help us to have a hunger for your Word, so that we know what your Word says and take hold of it. Forgive our passivity and our lack of fervor. Help us to revive our hearts.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Day 59- Love is Impossible
Today's dare is to look back over the dares. Were there some that seemed impossible to you? Have you realized your need for God to change your heart and give you the ability to love? Continue to ask Him to show you where you stand with Him and ask for the strength and grace to settle your eternal destination.
Lord,
We submit our wills and our lives to you, knowing that we cannot do it alone. Lord, please enable us to become the wives, mothers and women you created us to be. Help us to live lives that truly honor you in the home and in the world.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Lord,
We submit our wills and our lives to you, knowing that we cannot do it alone. Lord, please enable us to become the wives, mothers and women you created us to be. Help us to live lives that truly honor you in the home and in the world.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Day 58- Love Seeks to Understand
Today's dare is to 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 him better, perhaps in areas you've rarely talked about. Determine to make in an enjoyable evening for you and him.
Lord,
Help us be creative in having that time with our husbands, even if it is a picnic in the bedroom. Please let us find a way to make him feel special and cared for.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Lord,
Help us be creative in having that time with our husbands, even if it is a picnic in the bedroom. Please let us find a way to make him feel special and cared for.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Day 57- Love Promote Intimacy
Today's dare is to continue to pray for those private areas/secrets your husband has. Because he trusts you, you are to keep those areas between the two of you and God. These secrets may not be ones that are harmful to himself or others, but it might be a failure in his past, or childhood abuse that he battles. Remember that he may still be struggling to overcome them and it is reflected in insecurities and defenses to cope with them. Be patient with him and reassure him that he is loved unconditionally.
Lord,
Let us be trustworthy and not use those areas against him. The Proverbs 31 woman's husband fully trusts in her. Let us become that woman with your help.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Lord,
Let us be trustworthy and not use those areas against him. The Proverbs 31 woman's husband fully trusts in her. Let us become that woman with your help.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Monday, March 28, 2011
Day 56- Love Intercedes
Today's dare is to think of those three areas you have prayed for your husband's heart. Pray for those three areas again, unless you would like to add to them. As you continually bring them before the Lord, watch God work.
Lord,
You hear our prayers and answer as we pray in faith. Help us to have faith to believe you will do it and pray with fervency believing that.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Lord,
You hear our prayers and answer as we pray in faith. Help us to have faith to believe you will do it and pray with fervency believing that.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Day 55- Love is Honorable
Today's dare is to choose a way to show honor and respect to your husband that is above your normal routine. It may be holding putting his clothes away, or work gear. It may be the way you listen and speak in your communication. Show him that he is highly esteemed in your eyes.
They will never tire of this challenge. Let's make it a conscious effort to look for ways of doing it so that it becomes our norm.
Lord,
Help us to show our love for You by showing our love, honor and respect to your child, our husband. Let us reflect your love by our actions.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
They will never tire of this challenge. Let's make it a conscious effort to look for ways of doing it so that it becomes our norm.
Lord,
Help us to show our love for You by showing our love, honor and respect to your child, our husband. Let us reflect your love by our actions.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Day 54- Love Takes Delight
Today's dare is to purposefully neglect an activity you would normally do so you can spend quality time with your husband. Do something he would love to do or a project he would like to work on. Just be together.
Our husbands enjoy the comaraderie with those important in their lives, namely their wives. Let's become their best buddies.
Lord,
Help us to put our husbands in our schedules and put aside our own agenda. Help us to organize our day to allow for that so that we won't neglect those other areas of family responsibility. Let us become the best of friends to them and not settle for less. Please revive our hearts and our relationship with our husbands. Thank you for what you will do.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Our husbands enjoy the comaraderie with those important in their lives, namely their wives. Let's become their best buddies.
Lord,
Help us to put our husbands in our schedules and put aside our own agenda. Help us to organize our day to allow for that so that we won't neglect those other areas of family responsibility. Let us become the best of friends to them and not settle for less. Please revive our hearts and our relationship with our husbands. Thank you for what you will do.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Friday, March 25, 2011
Day 53- Love Fights Fair
Today's dare is to review your rules for engagement in a fight. The last disagreement you had, were you able to objectively apply those rules or did the heat of the moment take over? Take time today to look back and see what you could have done differently to diffuse the situation or avoid it altogether. This will take self discipline to apply and also forethought. Imagine in your mind that last disagreement and envision how you would like it to resolved. Those mental practices will help you to apply it when it comes. The scripture says that as a man thinks, that is what he becomes.
Dear Lord,
One of the fruits of your Holy Spirit is self-control. Lord, please allow that fruit to flourish in our lives to affect our marriages and our families. Help us to allow you to take hold of our emotions, even in the heat of battle. Help us remember that our husband is not our enemy, but we do have an enemy of our souls.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Dear Lord,
One of the fruits of your Holy Spirit is self-control. Lord, please allow that fruit to flourish in our lives to affect our marriages and our families. Help us to allow you to take hold of our emotions, even in the heat of battle. Help us remember that our husband is not our enemy, but we do have an enemy of our souls.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Day 52- Love Lets the Other Win
Today's dare is to demonstrate love by willingly choosing to give in to an area of disagreement between you and your husband. Tell them you are putting their preference first.
Lord,
Help us to die to ourselves and our flesh and to allow You to prevail. Let us see that you are mighty to help us. This is a difficult challenge that we need Your help in.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Lord,
Help us to die to ourselves and our flesh and to allow You to prevail. Let us see that you are mighty to help us. This is a difficult challenge that we need Your help in.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Day 51- Love Cherishes
Today's dare is to meet the needs of your spouse today. Does he need an errand ran, or a back/foot massage? Choose a gesture that says, "I cherish you" and do it with a smile.
Lord,
Help us to cherish our husbands in word and in deed. Help us to treat him today as if this would be our last. Let be a vessel of love and blessing to him so that he would feel like he's the most blessed man there is. The scriptures say that a good wife is more rare and precious than rubies.
Lord,
Help us to cherish our husbands in word and in deed. Help us to treat him today as if this would be our last. Let be a vessel of love and blessing to him so that he would feel like he's the most blessed man there is. The scriptures say that a good wife is more rare and precious than rubies.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Day 50- Love is Unconditional
Today's challenge is to do something out of the ordinary for your husband, something that proves that your love is based on your choice and nothing else. Wash his car, clean the kitchen, sort the mail, buy a favorite treat, massage, fold the laundry, etc. Demonstrate love to them for the sheer joy of being their partner in marriage.
Lord,
Help us to envision doing this for You and just to channel it to our husbands in the process. Let us have the right attitude and spirit and do it with joy.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Lord,
Help us to envision doing this for You and just to channel it to our husbands in the process. Let us have the right attitude and spirit and do it with joy.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Monday, March 21, 2011
Day 49- Love Makes Good Impressions
Today's dare is to think of a specific way you'd like to greet your husband today. Do it with a smile and enthusiasm. Then determine to change your greeting to reflect your love for him.
If you are not doing this regularly, here's a chance to do it again and make it a part of your day.
Lord,
Help us to be full of cheer and sensitive to the time he needs to unwind and just rest from a long day. Help us to keep our attitudes under your control and allow us the chance to share with him our day when the timing is right. Help us to keep his needs above ours today.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
If you are not doing this regularly, here's a chance to do it again and make it a part of your day.
Lord,
Help us to be full of cheer and sensitive to the time he needs to unwind and just rest from a long day. Help us to keep our attitudes under your control and allow us the chance to share with him our day when the timing is right. Help us to keep his needs above ours today.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Day 48- Love is Not Jealous
Today's dare it to determine to become your husband's biggest fan and reject any thoughts of jealousy. Focus on an achievement he made, however small, and praise him for it. For an even better result, praise him for something in PUBLIC. That will encourage him and build him up in the eyes of his peers and in your eyes.
Lord,
Help us to have keen eyes to find those opportunities to bless your child (our husband). Let us be Your mouthpiece to bring encouragement to his heart.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Lord,
Help us to have keen eyes to find those opportunities to bless your child (our husband). Let us be Your mouthpiece to bring encouragement to his heart.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Day 47- Love Believes the Best
Today's dare is to reflect back on the positive qualities of our husbands. Are there still a negative list that you have penned in the back of your mind? If there is, list the positive qualities that you were attracted to and also new qualities you are seeing now.
Lord,
Help us to focus on the positive in our husbands and also in those around us. Let us not see ourselves as better than others, but that we esteem our husbands better than ourselves, as the scriptures described the attitude that Jesus had.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Lord,
Help us to focus on the positive in our husbands and also in those around us. Let us not see ourselves as better than others, but that we esteem our husbands better than ourselves, as the scriptures described the attitude that Jesus had.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Friday, March 18, 2011
Day 46- Love is Not Irritable
Today's dare is to react to tough circumstances in your marriage in loving ways instead of with irritation. Begin with prayerfully committing the day to Him. Allow His Holy Spirit to respond through you and allow your own flesh to die. Reflect on what does irritate you and think through how you would like to respond. As you "rehearse" this, it will be easier to respond that way when it comes up.
Lord, help us to expect bumps along the road. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we can become more like you. Help us to respond in a loving manner when we get irritated. Let our spirit be sweet and gracious, despite what comes.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Lord, help us to expect bumps along the road. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we can become more like you. Help us to respond in a loving manner when we get irritated. Let our spirit be sweet and gracious, despite what comes.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Day 45- Love is Not Rude
Today's Dare:
We asked our husbands what three things irritate or make him uncomfortable with us. Do you remember what that was? If you don't, ask him again. If you do, focus on working on those areas so that you become a sweet aroma of Jesus to him.
Lord,
Bring to mind those things that bring our husband's down that we do. Help us to see that we are sinners and need to repent of those things. Even if the thing is not sinful, but our attitudes are, Lord, help us turn from them and become the wives and women we need to be.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
We asked our husbands what three things irritate or make him uncomfortable with us. Do you remember what that was? If you don't, ask him again. If you do, focus on working on those areas so that you become a sweet aroma of Jesus to him.
Lord,
Bring to mind those things that bring our husband's down that we do. Help us to see that we are sinners and need to repent of those things. Even if the thing is not sinful, but our attitudes are, Lord, help us turn from them and become the wives and women we need to be.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Day 44- Love is Thoughtful
Today's Dare:
Contact your husband during the business day and have no other agenda other than asking how he is and if there is anything you could do for him. You can text, call, or email. What a surprise it will be for him.
Lord,
Help us be creative in knowing how to communicate to our husbands that they are our priority and the men of our lives. Let us have a sweet disposition without any added motives other than to show Christ's love to them.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Contact your husband during the business day and have no other agenda other than asking how he is and if there is anything you could do for him. You can text, call, or email. What a surprise it will be for him.
Lord,
Help us be creative in knowing how to communicate to our husbands that they are our priority and the men of our lives. Let us have a sweet disposition without any added motives other than to show Christ's love to them.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Day 43- Love is Not Selfish
Today's Dare:
Whatever you put your time, energy, and money into will become more important to you. It's hard to care for something you are not investing in. Along with restraining from negative comments, buy your spouse something or make him something that says, "I was thinking of you today."
Lord,
Let us invest in what is important to you, namely making your Kingdom a reality, by reflecting your character through the picture of marriage. Jesus is our husband, while the church is the submissive bride. Help us to reflect that pure image through our actions, thoughts and attitudes. We cannot overcome our own selves without the help of your Spirit. Lord, help us to be the wives your want us to be.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Whatever you put your time, energy, and money into will become more important to you. It's hard to care for something you are not investing in. Along with restraining from negative comments, buy your spouse something or make him something that says, "I was thinking of you today."
Lord,
Let us invest in what is important to you, namely making your Kingdom a reality, by reflecting your character through the picture of marriage. Jesus is our husband, while the church is the submissive bride. Help us to reflect that pure image through our actions, thoughts and attitudes. We cannot overcome our own selves without the help of your Spirit. Lord, help us to be the wives your want us to be.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Monday, March 14, 2011
Day 42- Love is Kind (Mon, Mar 14)
Now that we have completed the Love Dare book. It's time to make it stick. We will continue to practice it until the 90 days are up, but I will add a prayer at the end to help make it go deeper.
Do at least one unexpected gesture as an act of kindness.
This doesn't have to cost money. Maybe a backrub and doing it until it doesn't hurt. Or a foot massage. Maybe making a favorite meal or treat, that would really surprise him. Be creative and think outside the box.
Lord, help me to be a blessing to my husband. Keep my eyes focused on meeting his needs and looking to you to meet mine. Allow only blessing to pour from my mouth.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Do at least one unexpected gesture as an act of kindness.
This doesn't have to cost money. Maybe a backrub and doing it until it doesn't hurt. Or a foot massage. Maybe making a favorite meal or treat, that would really surprise him. Be creative and think outside the box.
Lord, help me to be a blessing to my husband. Keep my eyes focused on meeting his needs and looking to you to meet mine. Allow only blessing to pour from my mouth.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Day 41- Love is Patient
Now that we have completed the Love Dare book. It's time to make it stick. We will continue to practice it until the 90 days are up. I will make some adjustments in this next section as the Spirit leads, and I will add a prayer at the end to help make it go deeper.
Although love is communicated in a number of ways, our works often reflect the condition of our heart. For the next day, resolve to demonstrate patience and to say NOTHING negative to your spouse AT ALL. If the temptation arises, choose not to say anything. It's better to hold your tongue than to say something you'll regret.
Lord, keep a guard on my tongue. Allow only blessing and encouragement to leave these lips.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Although love is communicated in a number of ways, our works often reflect the condition of our heart. For the next day, resolve to demonstrate patience and to say NOTHING negative to your spouse AT ALL. If the temptation arises, choose not to say anything. It's better to hold your tongue than to say something you'll regret.
Lord, keep a guard on my tongue. Allow only blessing and encouragement to leave these lips.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Day 40- Love is a Covenant
Today's dare:
Write out a renewal of your vows and place them in your home. Perhaps, if appropriate, you could make arrangements to formally renew your wedding vows before a minister and with family present. Make it a living testament to the value of marriage in God's eyes and the high honor of being one with your husband.
Write out a renewal of your vows and place them in your home. Perhaps, if appropriate, you could make arrangements to formally renew your wedding vows before a minister and with family present. Make it a living testament to the value of marriage in God's eyes and the high honor of being one with your husband.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Day 39- Love Endures
Today's dare:
Spend time in personal prayer, then write a letter of commitment and resolve to your husband. Include why you are committing to this marriage until death and that your have purposed to love him no matter what. Leave it in a place that he will find it.
Spend time in personal prayer, then write a letter of commitment and resolve to your husband. Include why you are committing to this marriage until death and that your have purposed to love him no matter what. Leave it in a place that he will find it.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Day 38- Love Fulfills Dreams
Today's dare:
Ask yourself what your husband would want if it was obtainable. Commit this to prayer, and start mapping out a plan for meeting some (if not all) of their desires, to whatever level you possibly can.
Ask yourself what your husband would want if it was obtainable. Commit this to prayer, and start mapping out a plan for meeting some (if not all) of their desires, to whatever level you possibly can.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Day 37- Love Agrees In Prayer
Today's dare:
Ask your husband if you can begin praying together. Talk about the best time to do this, whether it's in the morning, your lunch hour, or before bedtime. Ust this time to commist your concerns, disagreements, and needs before the Lord. Don't forget to thank Him for His provision and blessing. Even if he refuses to do this, resolve to spend this daily time in prayer yourself.
Ask your husband if you can begin praying together. Talk about the best time to do this, whether it's in the morning, your lunch hour, or before bedtime. Ust this time to commist your concerns, disagreements, and needs before the Lord. Don't forget to thank Him for His provision and blessing. Even if he refuses to do this, resolve to spend this daily time in prayer yourself.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Day 36- Love is God's Word
Today's dare:
Commit to reading the Bible every day. Find a devotional book or other resource that will give you some guidance. If your husband is open to it, see if he will commit to daily Bible reading with you. Begin submitting each area of your life to its guidance and start building on the Rock.
Commit to reading the Bible every day. Find a devotional book or other resource that will give you some guidance. If your husband is open to it, see if he will commit to daily Bible reading with you. Begin submitting each area of your life to its guidance and start building on the Rock.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Day 35- Love is Accountable
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 and appointment. During this process, ask God to direct your decisions and discernment.
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 and appointment. During this process, ask God to direct your decisions and discernment.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Day 34- Love Celebrates Godliness
Today's dare:
Find a specific, recent example when your husband demonstrated Christian character in a noticeable way. Verbally commend them for this at some point today.
Find a specific, recent example when your husband demonstrated Christian character in a noticeable way. Verbally commend them for this at some point today.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Day 33- Love Completes Each Other
Today's dare:
Recognize that your husband 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 the past, admit your oversight and ask them to forgive you.
Recognize that your husband 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 the past, admit your oversight and ask them to forgive you.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Day 32- Love Meets Sexual Needs
Today's dare:
If at all possible, try to initiate sex with your husband today. Do this in a way that honors what your husband has told 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.
If at all possible, try to initiate sex with your husband today. Do this in a way that honors what your husband has told 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.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Day 31- Love and Marriage
Here is today's dare:
Is there a "leaving" issue you haven't been brave enough to conquer yet? Confess it to your husband today, and resolve to make it right. The oneness of your marriage is dependent upon it. Follow this with a commitment to your husband and to God to make your marriage the top priority over every other human relationship.
Is there a "leaving" issue you haven't been brave enough to conquer yet? Confess it to your husband today, and resolve to make it right. The oneness of your marriage is dependent upon it. Follow this with a commitment to your husband and to God to make your marriage the top priority over every other human relationship.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Day 30- Love Brings Unity
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 husband. Pray that God would do the same him. And if appropriate, discuss this matter openly, seeking God for unity.
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 husband. Pray that God would do the same him. And if appropriate, discuss this matter openly, seeking God for unity.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Day 29- Love's Motivation
Today's dare:
Before you see your husband again today, pray for him by name and for his needs. Whether it comes easy for you or not, say "I love you," then express love to him 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.
Before you see your husband again today, pray for him by name and for his needs. Whether it comes easy for you or not, say "I love you," then express love to him 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.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Day 28- Love Makes Sacrifices
Today's dare:
What is one of the greatest needs in your husband's life right now? Is there a need you could lift from his 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.
What is one of the greatest needs in your husband's life right now? Is there a need you could lift from his 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.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Day 27- Love Encourages
Today's dare:
Eliminate the poison of unrealistic expectations in your home. Think of one area where your husband has told you you're expecting too much, and tell him you're sorry for being so hard on him about it. Promise him you'll seek to understand and assure him of your unconditional love.
Eliminate the poison of unrealistic expectations in your home. Think of one area where your husband has told you you're expecting too much, and tell him you're sorry for being so hard on him about it. Promise him you'll seek to understand and assure him of your unconditional love.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Day 26- Love is Responsible
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 husband. Do it sincerely and truthfully. Ask him for forgiveness as well. No matter how he responds, make sure you cover your responsibility in love. Even if he responds with criticism, accept it by receiving it as counsel.
Take time to pray through your areas of wrongdoing. Ask for God's forgiveness, then humble yourself enough to admit them to your husband. Do it sincerely and truthfully. Ask him for forgiveness as well. No matter how he responds, make sure you cover your responsibility in love. Even if he responds with criticism, accept it by receiving it as counsel.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Day 25- Love Forgives
Today's dare:
Whatever you haven't forgiven in your husband, forgive it all 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".
Whatever you haven't forgiven in your husband, forgive it all 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".
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Day 24- Love vs. Lust
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Day 23- Love Always Protects
Today's dare is to remove anything that is hindering your relationship, any addiction or influence that's stealing your affections and turning your heart away from your husband.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Day 22- Love is Faithful
Today's dare:
Love is a choice, not a felling. It is an initiated action, not a knee-jerk reaction. Choose today to be committed to love even if your husband has lost most of his interest in receiving it. Say to him today in works similar to these, "I love you. Period. I choose to love you even if you don't love me in return".
Love is a choice, not a felling. It is an initiated action, not a knee-jerk reaction. Choose today to be committed to love even if your husband has lost most of his interest in receiving it. Say to him today in works similar to these, "I love you. Period. I choose to love you even if you don't love me in return".
Monday, February 21, 2011
Day 21- Love is Satisfied in God
Today's dare is to be intentional about making a time to pray and read your Bible. Try reading a chapter out of Proverbs each day (there are 31, one for each day). 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.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Day 20- Love is Jesus Christ
Today's dare is 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 save me from death by your resurrection. Lord, change my heart and save by your grace.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Day 19- Love is Impossible
Today's dare is to look back over the dares from the previous days. Were there some that seemed impossible to you? Have you realized your need for God to change your heart and give you the ability to love? Ask Him to show you wehre you stand with Him and ask for the strength and grace to settle your eternal destination.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Day 18- Love Seeks to Understand
Today's dare is to 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 him better, perhaps in areas you've rarely talked about. Determine to make in an enjoyable evening for you and him.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Day 17- Love Promotes Intimacy
Today's dare is to determine to guard your husband's secrets (unless they are dangerous to him or you) and pray for them. Talk to him and resolve to demonstrate love in spite of these issues. Really listen to him when he shares personal thoughts and struggles with you. Make him feel safe.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Day 16- Love Intercedes
Today's dare is to begin praying for your husband's heart. Pray for three specific areas where you desire for God to work in his life and in your marriage.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Day 15- Love is Honorable
Today's dare is to choose a way to show honor and respect to your husband that is above your normal routine. It may be holding putting his clothes away, or work gear. It may be the way you listen and speak in your communication. Show him that he is highly esteemed in your eyes.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Day 14- Love Takes Delight
Today's dare is to purposefully neglect an activity you would normally do so you can spend quality time with your husband. Do something he would love to do or a project he would like to work on. Just be together.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Day 13- Love Fights Fair
Today's dare is to talk about establishing healthy rules of engagement. If your mate is not ready for this, establish for yourself rules to "fight by". Resolve to abide by them when the next disagreement occurs.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Day 12- Love lets the Other Win
Today's dare is to demonstrate love by willingly choosing to give in to an area of disagreement between you and your husband. Tell them you are putting their preference first.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Day 11- Love Cherishes
Today's dare is to meet the needs of your spouse today. Does he need an errand ran, or a back/foot massage? Choose a gesture that says, "I cherish you" and do it with a smile.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Day 10- Love is Unconditional
Tomorrow's challenge is to do something out of the ordinary for your husband, something that proves that your love is based on your choice and nothing else. Wash his car, clean the kitchen, sort the mail (Cathy:), buy a favorite treat, massage feet (Nami:), fold the laundry, etc. Demonstrate love to them for the sheer joy of being their partner in marriage.
I'm sure finding these "things" will be easy. There is much we can do that often we don't want to see or look for. I think choosing something that has been an area of contention before would stand out all the more.
I'm sure finding these "things" will be easy. There is much we can do that often we don't want to see or look for. I think choosing something that has been an area of contention before would stand out all the more.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Day 9- Love Makes Good Impressions
Today's dare is to think of a specific way you'd like to greet your husband today. Do it with a smile and enthusiasm. Then determine to change your greeting to reflect your love for him.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Day 8- Love is Not Jealous
Today's dare it to determine to become your husband'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 recently enjoyed.
It could be a very minor one, but celebrate it all the same. Maybe he's watching what he's eating and he declined a treat. You might need to look hard.
It could be a very minor one, but celebrate it all the same. Maybe he's watching what he's eating and he declined a treat. You might need to look hard.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Day 7- Love Believes the Best
Today's dare is to get two sheets of paper. On the first, spend time writing out positive things about your husband. Then do the same with the negative things on the second sheet. Place both in a secret place for another day. There is a different purpose and plan for each. At some point during the remainder of the day, pick a positive attribute from the first list and thank your spouse for having this characteristic.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Day 6- Love is Not Irritable
Today's dare is to react to tough circumstances in your marriage in loving ways instead of with irritation. Begin by making a list of areas where you need to add margin to your schedule. Then list any wrong motivations that you need to release from your life.
Day5- Love is Not Rude
Today's dare is to ask your husband three things that make him uncomfortable or irritated with you. You must do so without attacking him or justifying your behavior. This is from their perspective only.
Pretend you are asking the Lord. How would you respond to Him??
Pretend you are asking the Lord. How would you respond to Him??
Friday, February 4, 2011
Day 4- Love is Thoughtful
Today's dare is to contact your husband during the business day and have no other agenda other than asking how he is and if there is anything you could do for him.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Day 3- Love is Not Selfish
Today's Dare:
Whatever you put your time, energy, and money into will become more important to you. It's hard to care for something you are not investing in. Along with restraining from negative comments, buy your spouse something that says, "I was thinking of you today."
Whatever you put your time, energy, and money into will become more important to you. It's hard to care for something you are not investing in. Along with restraining from negative comments, buy your spouse something that says, "I was thinking of you today."
Day 2- Love is Kind
Today's Dare:
In addition to not saying anything negative, do at least one unexpected gesture as an act of kindness.
This doesn't have to cost money. Maybe a backrub and doing it until it doesn't hurt. Or a foot massage. Maybe making a favorite meal or treat, that would really surprise him. Be creative and think outside the boz
In addition to not saying anything negative, do at least one unexpected gesture as an act of kindness.
This doesn't have to cost money. Maybe a backrub and doing it until it doesn't hurt. Or a foot massage. Maybe making a favorite meal or treat, that would really surprise him. Be creative and think outside the boz
Day 1- Love is Patient
Hello Love Dare Challengers,
This is the first day of a true test. Are we willing to commit to the long haul? The long haul begins by taking that first step. That first step is being the patient person we need to be to our human husband, with all his imperfections and quirks.
Today's Dare:
Although love is communicated in a number of ways, our works often reflect the condition of our heart. For the next day, resolve to demonstrate patience and to say NOTHING negative to your spouse AT ALL. If the temptation arises, choose not to say anything. It's better to hold your tongue than to say something you'll regret.
This is the first day of a true test. Are we willing to commit to the long haul? The long haul begins by taking that first step. That first step is being the patient person we need to be to our human husband, with all his imperfections and quirks.
Today's Dare:
Although love is communicated in a number of ways, our works often reflect the condition of our heart. For the next day, resolve to demonstrate patience and to say NOTHING negative to your spouse AT ALL. If the temptation arises, choose not to say anything. It's better to hold your tongue than to say something you'll regret.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Love Dare Challenge Invitation
Hello Love Darers,
Are you ready to embark on the ride of your life? This challenge will involve becoming the spouse Jesus intended. That process is a painful and hard one, but with rewards beyond measure. It involves "dying to self". That "dying" is painful and at times long. Our wills will fight to the end to survive, but we must be willing to be the victor.
This challenge will last 90 days, so there is an end in sight. The purpose for those days is to make your marriage, mainly your role, front and center. I will post encouragements and also stories to help on the journey. Remember, I am fellow sojourner with my own struggles and issues. I will not shy away from sharing my imperfections for the purpose of glorifying my Lord, Jesus. In Proverbs it speaks of the blessing of the person who has someone to pick him us when he falls. My hopes is that we can help dust each other off as we fall and help pick each other up.
You will need to get your own personal copy of the book Love Dare, based on the movie Fireproof. Use the book to write notes, dates, prayers and as a guide for the 90 days. Be mindful that although you may begin with day 1, the challenge may be so monumental that you may have to relive day 1 several days, maybe weeks. That's OK, that's your pace. It is not a race to win against anyone, but a race to begin, for the rest of your life with your mate. Start with Day 1. I will continue to post each day, but may read it, but continue to work on the day you are on. The Love Dare book is not 90 challenges, but we will start on the challenges again until the 90 days are over.
I look forward to hearing your own personal stories. Stories of triumph and travail. Remember, it's not a matter of changing your spouse, but changing what you can... You.
May the Lord be glorified and may we be blessed as we glorify Him.
Your sister in Christ,
Nami
Are you ready to embark on the ride of your life? This challenge will involve becoming the spouse Jesus intended. That process is a painful and hard one, but with rewards beyond measure. It involves "dying to self". That "dying" is painful and at times long. Our wills will fight to the end to survive, but we must be willing to be the victor.
This challenge will last 90 days, so there is an end in sight. The purpose for those days is to make your marriage, mainly your role, front and center. I will post encouragements and also stories to help on the journey. Remember, I am fellow sojourner with my own struggles and issues. I will not shy away from sharing my imperfections for the purpose of glorifying my Lord, Jesus. In Proverbs it speaks of the blessing of the person who has someone to pick him us when he falls. My hopes is that we can help dust each other off as we fall and help pick each other up.
You will need to get your own personal copy of the book Love Dare, based on the movie Fireproof. Use the book to write notes, dates, prayers and as a guide for the 90 days. Be mindful that although you may begin with day 1, the challenge may be so monumental that you may have to relive day 1 several days, maybe weeks. That's OK, that's your pace. It is not a race to win against anyone, but a race to begin, for the rest of your life with your mate. Start with Day 1. I will continue to post each day, but may read it, but continue to work on the day you are on. The Love Dare book is not 90 challenges, but we will start on the challenges again until the 90 days are over.
I look forward to hearing your own personal stories. Stories of triumph and travail. Remember, it's not a matter of changing your spouse, but changing what you can... You.
May the Lord be glorified and may we be blessed as we glorify Him.
Your sister in Christ,
Nami
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