Friday, February 22, 2013

Love Dare, Day 22: Love is Faithful

(I think this one is especially good)

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 his (her) interest in receiving it.  Say to him (her) today in words similar to these, "I love you.  Period.  I choose to love you even if you don't [seem to] love me in return."

I especially like this one because it is so different than what the world tells us.  Real love is not something we fall into.  It's something we choose.  It's an action.  I've always felt distinctly that nothing will make more of a difference in my marriage than the effort I choose to put into it.  Even though this requires more of me, it also gives me a continual sense of empowerment.  I can make a difference.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Love Dare, Day 21: Love is Satisfied in God

I'm gonna start paraphrasing a few of these dares, if you don't mind.

Dare:

Be intentional today about making a time to pray and read your scriptures.  As you do, immerse yourself in the promises God has for you.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Love Dare, Day 20: Love is Jesus Christ

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 save me from death my your resurrection.   Lord, change my heart and save me by your grace." 

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Love Dare, Day 19: Love is Impossible

Look back over the dares from previous days.  Were the
re 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 strength and grace to settle your eternal destination.

Monday, February 18, 2013

Love Dare, Day 18: Love Seeks to Understand

Prepare a special dinner at home, just for the two of you.  The dinner can be as nice as your 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.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Love Dare: Dray 16 and 17

Day 16 Dare:  Love Intercedes

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.

Day 17 Dare:  Love promotes Intimacy

Determine to guard your mate's secrets (unless they are dangerous to them or to you) and to 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.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Love Dare: Day 14 & 15

Day 14 dare (sorry it's late, but don't worry--it will still be worth while):

Love Takes Delight

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.

Day 15 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.