Love and Marriage: Day 31

The Love Dare: Day 31
A man shall leave his father and his mother, and he joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. --Genesis 2:24

"Is there a 'leaving' issue you haven't been brave enough to conquer yet? Confess it to your spouse today, and resolve to make it right. The oneness of your marriage is dependent upon it. Follow this with a commitment to your spouse and to God to make your marriage the top priority over every other human relationship." (The Love Dare, p. 154)

Love Brings Unity: Day 30

The Love Dare: Day 30
Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are. --John 17:11

"Isolate one area of division in your marriage, and look on today as a fresh opportunity to pray about it. Ask the Lord to reveal anything in your own heart that is threatening oneness with your spouse. Pray that He would do the same for them. And if appropriate, discuss this matter openly, seeking God for unity." (The Love Dare, p. 149)

Love's Motivation: Day 29

The Love Dare: Day 29
Render service with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to men. --Ephesians 6:7 HCSB

Before you see your spouse again today, pray for them by name and for their needs. Whether it comes easy for you or not, say 'I love you,' then express love to them in some tangible way. Go to God in prayer again, thanking Him for giving you the privilege of loving this one special person--unconditionally, the way He loves both of you." (The Love Dare, p. 144)

Love Makes Sacrifices: Day 28

The Love Dare: Day 28
He laid down His life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers. --1 John 3:16 HCSB

"What is one of the greatest needs 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, purpos to do what you can to meet the need." (The Love Dare, p. 139)

Love Encourages: Day 27

The Love Dare: Day 27
Guard my soul and deliver me; do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You. --Psalm 25:20

"Eliminate the poison of unrealistic expectations in your home. Think of one area where your spous has told you you're expecting too much, and tell them you're sorry for being so hard of them about it. Promise them you'll seek to understand, and assure them of your unconditional love." (The Love Dare, p. 134)

Love is Responsible: Day 26

The Love Dare: Day 26
When you judge another, you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the same things. --Romans 2:1 HCSB

"Take time to pray through your ares 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 a counsel." (The Love Dare, p. 129)

Love Forgives: Day 25

The Love Dare: Day 25
What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ.--2 Corinthians 2:10

"Whatever you haven't forgiven in your mate, forgive it today. Let it go. Just as we ask Jesus to 'forgive us our debts' each day, we must ask Him to help us 'forgive our debtors' each day as well. Unforgiveness has been keeping you and your spouse in prison too long. Say from your heart, 'I choose to forgive.'" (The Love Dare, p. 123)

Love vs. Lust: Day 24

The Love Dare: Day 24
The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever--1 John 2:17

"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 filled and destroyed--today--and replaced with the sure promises of God and a heart filled with His perfect love." (The Love Dare, p. 119)

Love Always Protects: Day 23

The Love Dare: Day 23
[Love] always protects.--1 Corinthians 13:7 NIV

"Remove anything that is hindering your relationship, any addiction or influence that's stealing your affections and turning your heart away from your spouse." (The Love Dare, p. 114)

Love is Faithful: Day 22

The Love Dare: Day 22
I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. Then you will know the LORD--Hosea 2:20

"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.'" (The Love Dare, p. 109)

A note from the very busy Prof!

Folks,

If you're following The Love Dare, please hang on. . . I'm a bit behind in everything right now. I promise, I'll get up to date and post soon.

And I also have some other personal things to update. Just don't have the time right now. Catch you all later.

Much love,
~Cheryl

Love is satisfied in God: Day 21

The Love Dare: Day 21

The Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire. --Isaiah 58:11

"Be intentional today about making a time to pray and read your Bible. Try reading a chapter out of Proverbs each day (there are thirty-one--a full month's supply), or reading a chapter in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). As you do, immerse yourself in the love and promises god has for you. This will add to your growth as you walk with Him. (The Love Dare, p. 104)

Love is Jesus Christ: Day 20

The Love Dare: Day 20

While we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. --Romans 5:6

"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.'" (The Love Dare, p. 99)

Love in impossible: Day 19

The Love Dare: Day 19

Let us love one another, for love is from God, and everyone who loves is born of god and knows God. --1 John 4:7

"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 to give you the ability to love? Are Him to show you where you stand with Him, and ask for the strength and grace to settle your eternal destination." (The Love Dare, p. 94)

Love seeks to understand : Day 18

The Love Dare: Day 18

How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding.--Proverbs 3:13

"Prepare a special dinner at home, just for the two of you. The dinner can be as nice as you prefer. Focus this time on getting to know your spouse better, perhaps in areas you've rarely talked about. Determine to make it an enjoyable evening for you and your mate." (The Love Dare, p. 89)

Love promotes intimacy: Day 17

The Love Dare: Day 17

He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. --Proverbs 17:0 (NIV)

"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." (The Love Dare, p. 84)

Value in the Valley

This is a entry from last year that I'm posting again for my friend Mandy and others that may need it right now.

Keep moving forward toward the light,
~Cheryl

Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy. Though I fall I will rise; Though I dwell in darkness, the LORD is a light for me. ~Micah 7:8


As you might know I've walked through my own valley lately. So, this daily message from Joel Olsteen Ministries really spoke to me. I hope it provides some strength and direction for you too as you move forward to "your vision of life on the other side."

Much love,
~Cheryl
**********
“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me” (Psalm 23:4 NKJV).

Do you ever feel like you are walking through the valley of the shadow of death? During the tough times, it’s easy to get to discouraged. I love what it says in the verse, “though I walk through…” No matter what you are facing today, know this: you are not alone, and you are just walking through. You don’t have to stop and live in the tough times. They are only temporary. I encourage you today; don’t allow fear to paralyze you in the middle of “the valley of the shadow of death.” Remember, God is with you. He is walking beside you. He is strengthening you. He is making a way of escape for you. He is lining up people and situations to bring you out of that tough place into a place of strength and victory. Don’t give up! Press on and walk through! Begin to get a vision of your life on the other side. See yourself more loving, more faithful, stronger and more blessed than ever before. As you keep moving forward and walking through, you will get to the other side and experience the victory God has in store for you!

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Thank You for walking with me even in the hard times. I trust that You are taking me through my circumstances to a place of victory and strength. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Love intercedes: Day 16

The Love Dare: Day 16

Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. --3 John 2

"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." (The Love Dare, p. 79)

Love is Honorable: Day 15

The Love Dare: Day 15

Live with your wives in an understanding way. . . and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life. --1 Peter 3:7

"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." (The Love Dare, p. 74)

Changing Again. . .

Oh my goodness! I'm having way too much fun learning how to use Second Life! I just wish I could change my appearance as easily in real life. In an attempt to keep you all up to speed, here's my new look for today.

And here's the full shot:

What do you think??

Love Takes Delight: Day 14

The Love Dare: Day 14

Enjoy life with the wife you love all the days of your fleeting life. --Ecclesiates 9:9 (HCSB)

"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." (The Love Dare, p. 69)

Love fights fair: Day 13

The Love Dare: Day 13

If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. --Mark 3:25

"Talk with your spouse about establishing healthy rules of engagement. If your mate is not ready for this, then write out your own personal rules to "fight" by. Resolve to abide by them when the next disagreement occurs." (The Love Dare, p. 64)

Love Lets the Other Win: Day 12

The Love Dare: Day 12

Do not merely look our for you own personal interests, but also for the interest of others. --Philippians 2:4

"Demonstrate love by willingly choosing to give in to an area of disagreement between you and your spouse. Tell them you are putting their preference first." (The Love Dare, p. 59)

Love cherishes: Day 11

The Love Dare: Day 11

Husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. --Ephesians 5:28

"What need does your spouse have that you could meet today? Can you run an errand? give a back rum or foot massage? Is there housework you could help with? Choose a gesture that says, 'I cherish you' and do it with a smile." (The Love Dare, p. 54)

Virtual Me!

As some of you know I've been part of a class at FBU learning to use Second Life in the classroom. I'm still in the very beginning stages (learning to walk and not bump into walls!), but I thought you might like to take a look at my virtual self. So what do you think?

I just wish you could get the full effect of my hair, which is pink. long and a little "wild." Yes, I am having fun with my virtual self! Who says you can be younger and thinner???

Love is Unconditional: Day 10

The Love Dare: Day 10

God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. --Romans 5:8

"Do something out of the ordinary today for your spouse--something that proves (to you and to them) that your love is based on your choice and nothing else. Wash her car. Clean the kitchen. Buy his favorite dessert. Fold the laundry. Demonstrate love to them for the sheer joy of being their partner in marriage." (The Love Dare, p. 49)

Love Makes Good Impressions: Day 9

The Love Dare: Day 9

Greet one another with a kiss of love. --1 Peter 5:14

"Think of a specific way you'd like to greet your spouse today. Do it with a smile and with enthusiasm. then determine to change your greeting to reflect your love for them." (The Love Dare, p. 44)

Love is Not Jealous: Day 8

The Love Dare: Day 8

Love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire. --Song of Solomon 8:6 (NIV)

"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." (The Love Dare, p. 39)

Love Believes the Best: Day 7

The Love Dare: Day 7

[Love] believes all things, hopes all things. --1 Corinthians 13:7

"For today's dare, 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 than you spouse for having this characteristic." (The Love Dare, p. 34)

Love is Not Irritable: Day 6

The Love Dare: Day 6

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

"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." (The Love Dare, p. 29)

Love is Not Rude: Day 5

The Love Dare: Day 5

He who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be reckoned a curse to him.--Proverbs 27:14

"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." (The Love Dare, p. 24)

Love is thoughtful : Day 4

The Love Dare: Day 4
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

"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." (The Love Dare, p. 17)

Payton: a (p)update

Today we headed to the specialist for Payton to get an ultrasound


Payton was excited to see the "new" surroundings and meet the other dogs at least at first.

Bill and Sammie did not enjoy the long wait.

Payton was happy to be finished with the ultrasound.

My hubby was not as happy since the utrasound cost $300

We headed back to our regular vet for the news/results from the test. The good news is there was no sign of any mass. The bad news, it looks like Payton has some bleeding (she was shaved on her underside for the ultrasound). Her platelets are dangerously low and spontaneous bleeding is one of the things to worry about.

Here's Sammie with Payton in the waiting room. Notice how Payton is hiding behind the exam table.

Right now we're waiting on some blood work which was sent out. The vet suspects that Payton has severe pancreatitus coupled with an auto-immune disease. This isn't good, folks. And the next few days are critical. We have her at home and are giving her a variety of medications. If any more bleeding happens, she'll have to go into the doggie ER in St. Louis.

Here's Payton at home. She likes it here much better!!

Please, please, please continue to pray for my baby girl (and that's exactly what she is). We're trusting God to do a mighty work and heal her completely. Thanks in advance for your prayers. I love y'all bunches and really covet your prayers!

Praying for my pup,
~Cheryl

Love is Not Selfish: Day 3

The Love Dare: Day 3
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor--Romans 12:10

"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.'" (The Love Dare, p. 14)

We interupt this "Love Dare" with an urgent prayer request

Hello Bloggy Peeps,

I know this might seem insignificant to you, but it's a major thing for me. My pup, Payton who you can see pictured with me is critically ill. She's in the doggie hospital as I type this. We're not quite sure what the core issue is, and I won't bore you with all the specifics, but it looks like she has leukemia, complicated by severe pancreatitus and is not doing well. We are bringing her home to be with us tonight--to make her comfortable. The next 24-48 hours will be critical for her.

As some of you know, even though Payton is 4 years old, she's still my baby. I love her like one of my own kids. So please keep her in prayer over the next few days, okay.

Also, as if to add to all this Sammie is very sick too. Pneumonia we think. So, please keep her in your prayers too.

Regardless of the circumstances, I know that God is in control. I'm trying to cling to Him in this time of turmoil in our lives. Guess I could use some prayer too.

Thanks bunches,
~Cheryl

Love is Kind: Day 2

The Love Dare: Day 2

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.--Ephesians 4:32

"In addition to saying nothing negative to your spouse again today, do at least one unexpected gesture as an act of kindness." (The Love Dare, p. 9)

Love is Patient: Day 1

The Love Dare: Day 1

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love--Ephensians 4:2 (NIV)

"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 Love Dare, p. 4)