I miss you ladies!

Hey girls!
I just thought I'd check back in and see if anyone is still even reading the blog anymore. I've talked with a couple of you about continuing on a doing another Bible study. I don't have a particular one in mine, but wondered if anyone was even interested in trying to do another study and keep with the accountability. I have to say, I LOVED checking in on here everyday and just the fellowship with ya'll. So...any interest??
Love ya'll!!

~Al

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 mate.

God's Word says: Where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Ruth 1:16

Day 39: Love endures

Today's Dare: Spend time in personal prayer, then write a letter of commitment and resolve to your spouse. Include why you are committing to this marriage until death, and that you have purposed to love them no matter what. Leave it in a place that your mate will find it.

God's Word says: Love never fails 1Corinthians 13:8

Day 38: Love fulfills dreams

Today's Dare: Ask yourself what your mate 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.

Gods Word says: Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Day 37: Love agrees in prayer

Today's Dare: Ask your spouse if you can begin praying together. Talk about the best time to do this, your lunch hour, or before bedtime. Use this time to commit your concerns, disagreements, and needs before the Lord. Don't forget to thank Him for His provision and blessing. Even if your spouse refuses, resolve to spend this daily time in prayer yourself.

God's Word says: If two of you on earth agree about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father. Matthew 18:19

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 spouse is open to it, see if they will commit to reading the Bible with you. Begin submitting each area of your life to its guidance and start building on the rock.

God's Word says: Your Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105
Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers. James 1:22
Whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction. Romans 15:4

Day 35: Love is accountable

Today's Dare is 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 up an appointment. During this process, ask God to direct your decisions and discernment.

God's Word says: Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22

Day 34-Love celebrates godliness

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.

God's Word says: Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. 1Corinthians 13:6
I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. 3 John 4
I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart. Psalm 101:2

1 week left to really grow and love our husbands well

Hey Ladies! I know that I have slacked over this past week because I was in Kansas. And judging by the lack of comments I am assuming that we have let other stuff keep us from really finishing this Love Dare strong. The ladies that did this before us told us that it would get harder as it went I am sure this is one of the things they meant, keeping the momentum.

Lets finish strong!! Starting tomorrow (Sunday) no matter where you are in the book, no matter how many you missed, no matter how you are feeling or what else is going on in your lives let comment to do the last week whole heartly. Remember this is only to help and benefit us and out marriages.

I know I need the push so I thought I would push you too!

Dave, I pray you and your sister finish strong today too!

Day 33 ~ Love completes each other

Today's Dare: Recognize 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 the past, admit your oversight and ask them to forgive you.

If two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? Ecclesiastes 4:11

Day 32 ~ Love Meets Sexual Needs

I am going to post this for Davelyn for the next few days, she has running, rain and other stuff on her mind! We love you Dave, you rock!!! Run your heart out!

If at all possible try to initiate sex with your husband 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.

The husband must fulfil his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. 1 Cor. 7:3

Day 31: Love and marriage

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 God to make your marriage the top priority over every other human relationship.

God's Word says: A man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. Genesis 2:24

Day 30: Love brings unity

Today's dare: Isolate 1 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.

God's Word says: 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

Day 29: Love's motivation

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 your 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.

God's Word says: Render service with a good attitude, as the Lord and not to men. Ephesians 6:7

Day 28: Love makes sacrifices

Today's Dare: What is one of the greatest need's in your 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.

God's Word says: He laid down His life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers.
1 John 3:16

Day 27: Love encourages

Today's Dare: Eliminate the poison of unrealistic expectations in your home. Think of one area were your spouse has told you you're expecting too much, and tell them you are sorry for being so hard on them about it. Promise them you'll seek to understand and assure them of your unconditional love.

God's Word says: Guard my soul and deliver me; do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in you. Psalm 25:20

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 spouse. Do it sincerely and truthfully. Ask your spouse for forgiveness as well. No matter how they respond, make sure you cover your responsibility in love. Even if they respond with criticism, accept it by receiving it as counsel.

God's Word says: When you judge another, you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the same things. Romans 2:1

Day 25: Love forgives

Todays 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.

God's Word says: What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:10

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 pursueing 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.

God's Word says: The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. 1John 2:17
What is the source of the wars and the fights among you? don't they come from the cravings that are at war within you? James 4:1

Love quote

Just found this and had to post!

"Everything we do in life that has eternal value hinges on two things: loving God and loving others."

Stormie Omartian "Power of a Praying Woman"

Day 23: Love always protects

Today's Dare: Remove anything that is hindering your relationship, an addiction or influence that is stealing your affections and turning your heart away from your spouse.

God's Word says: You will be restored if you remove unrighteousness from your tent. Job 22:23
Love always protects 1 Corinthians 13:7

Day 22: Love is Faithful

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 these, "I love you, period. I choose to love you even if you don't love me in return".

God's Word says: I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. Then you will know the Lord. Hosea 2:20

Day 21: Love is satisfied in God

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 31-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.

God's Word says: The Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire. Isaiah 58:11

Half way there!

Hey everyone!

I just wanted to say Keep going, no matter what day you are on. Keep going! God is working in you and through you no matter if you realize it or not. This is a God thing and He is refining you and using you to bless your family!

Love you,
Dave

Day 20: Love is Jesus Christ

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

God's Word says: While we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6

Day 19: Love is impossible

Today's Dare: Look back over the dares from 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 where you stand with Him and ask for the strength and grace to settle your eternal destination.

God's Word says: Let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. I John 4:7

Day 18: Love seeks to understand

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 you've rarely talked about. Determine to make it an enjoyable evening for you and your spouse.

God's Word says: How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding. Proverbs 3:13
Good understanding produces favor. Proverbs 13:15
Acquire wisdom; and with all your acquiring, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7

Day 17: Love promotes intimacy

Today's Dare: 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.

God's Word says: I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine. Song of Solomon 6:3
He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. Proverbs 17:9

Day 16: Love intercedes

Today's Dare: Begin praying today for your spouse's heart. Pray for three specific areas that you desire for God to work in your spouse's life and in your marriage.

God's Word says: Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 2

*I have to share this: I woke up at 3am this morning and couldn't go back to sleep, so I began praying for Richard mostly and the kids too. I have to say I haven't prayed for him daily as much lately and I could really feel the need today. I didn't even remember it was intercession day until I picked up my book this morning. God will lead you, if you aren't used to praying for someone-just follow his prompting! It is so refreshing-enjoy the day ladies!

Day 15: Love is Honorable

Today's Dare: Choose a way to show honor and respect to your spouse that is above your normal routine. It might be holding the door open for her or putting clothes away for him. It may be the way you listen and speak in your communication. Show your mate that he is highly esteemed in your eyes.

God's Word says: I will also honor them and they will not be insignificant. Jeremiah 30:19
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure. Hebrews 13:4

(posting early) Day 14: Love takes delight

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.

God's Word says: Enjoy life with the wife (husband) you love all the days of your fleeting life Ecclesiastes 9:9

Day 13: Love fights fair

Today's Dare: Talk with your spouse about establishing healthy rules of engagement. If your mate is not ready for this, then write out your own rules to "fight" by. Resolve to abide by them when the next disagreement occurs.

God's Word says: If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. Mark 3:25
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger Proverbs 15:1
Be of the same mind toward one another Romans 12:16

Day 12: Love lets the other win

Todays Dare: Demonstrate love by willingly choosing to gie in to an area of disagreement between you and your spouse. Tell them you are putting their preference first.

God's Word says: Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:4
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5
The wisdom that is from above is first pure, than peaceable, gentle, willing to yield. James 3:17

Day 11: Love cherishes

Today's Dare: What need does your spouse have that you could meet today? Can you run an errand? Give a back rub or foot massage? Is there housework you could help with? Choose a gesture that says, " I cherish you" and do it with a smile.

God's Word says: Answering him, Jesus said, " What do you want me to do for you?" Mark 10:51
Husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. Ephesians 5:28

Day 10: Love is unconditional

Today's Dare: Do something out of the ordinary today for your spouse-something that proves (to you and to them) that your love is based on a choice and nothing else. Demonstrate love to them for the sheer joy of being their partner in marriage.

God's Word says: God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Day 9: Love makes good impressions

Today's Dare: Think of a specific way you'd like to greet your spouse today. Do it with a smile and enthusiasm. Then determine to change your greeting to reflect your love for them.

God's Word says: Greet one another with a kiss of love I Peter 5:14

Day 8: Love is not jealous

Today's Dare: Determine to become your spouse's biggest fan and to 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.

God's Word says: Love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire. Song of Solomon 8:6

(posting early) Day 7: Love believes the best

Today's Dare: (LOVE THIS!) Get two sheets of paper. On the first one, spend a few minutes writing out positive things about your spouse. Then do the same with negative things on the second sheet. Place both sheets 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.

God's Word says: (Love) believes all things, hopes all things. I Corinthians 13:7
If there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Day 6: Love is not irritable

Today's Dare: Choose today to react to tough circumstances in your marriage in loving ways instead of with irritation. Begin by making a list below of areas where you need to add margin to your schedule. Then list any wrong motivations that you need to release from your life.

God's Word says: He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city. Proverbs 16:32

Let's Take it to the Lord!

... and then you can post your frustrations here! This post is for you to comment if you are frustrated and need to "talk" about it with us!! But remember to pray about it first!! AND this is not a place to vent about your hubby. Even though you fell he is the reason for your frustrations. I know I fell better if I talk about the situation that happened and it makes me realize how I could have handled it better. Type away dear friends.
~and just to be clear this is for non-dare frustrations/situations

Day 5: Love is not rude

Today's Dare: Ask your spouse to tell you three things that cause him or her to be uncomfortable or irritated with you. You must do so without attacking them or justifying your behavior. This is from their perspective only.

God's Word says: He who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be reckoned a curse to him. Proverbs 27:14
The words from the mouth of a wise man are gracious.Ecclesiastes 10:12

Day 4: Love is thoughtful

Today's Dare: Contact your spouse sometime during the business of the day. Have NO agenda other than asking how he or she is doing and if there is anything you could do for them.

God's Word says: How precious also are your thoughts to me... How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. Psalm 139:17-18

Day 3: Love Is NOT Selfish

Today's Dare: Whatever you put your time, energy, and mind 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."

God's Word says: Be devoted to one another in brotherly love, give preference to one another in honor. Romans 12:10
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves. Philippians 2:3

I don't think the world would have a divorce rate problem in the Christian community or otherwise if people actually lived out Phil 2:3!

one question

Ladies,
Do you want me to post the "Day 1, 2, 3..." and dare info the night before or the morning of? Just want to make it most beneficial for everyone to see.
Also, here is a thought I rec'd from my lovely SIL today. Maybe we need accountability partners to help us press on through these 40 days, it will get harder as it goes on.

Thanks!

Day 2: Love is Kind

Today's Dare: In addition to saying nothing negative to your spouse again today, do at least one unexpected gesture as an act of kindness.

God's Word says: Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:26

Day 1: Love is Patient

The first part of this dare is fairly simple. Although love is communicated in a number of ways, our words 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.

The Bible says: Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love Ephesians 4:2

One of my favorites...

This is one of my favorite verses and always seem applicable so I thought I would add it on here.

Jerem 33:3 "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."

Talk to you gals on start day...one week!

ok, trial & error

Ok ladies, this is our blog. If you want to change anything do it-if we end up with a different background everyday that's great! Whatever you guys want. I'm setting up the first stuff, but you all are welcome to change it. That will make it fun and interesting and unique each time you come to talk or leave a post.
Remember, Monday February 15 and get your books.
Hugs,
Davelyn