LOVE DARE - another day off

And, ironically, it is for a wedding ...



Say a prayer for Steven and Mindy ... these two kids are getting married today!

Which makes me a .... GULP .... mother-in-law!

And, NO, I am not old enough ... I was in grade school when he was born!

Hot For THe Holidays - Week ???

So, yeah, I do not even know what week this is ...

That is how my week is going ...

Actually, my week has been great! It has just been going, going, going!!! And, if you read THIS POST, you know that I am on a vacation which is centered around weddings ... and food. Yeah, not good for the diet.

I am ashamed.

Kinda.

I mean, c'mon ... SONIC! In-N-Out! Chick-Fil-A! And MEXICAN FOOD! Really, what is a girl to do?

However, in between these meals (of which there has only been one a day), it has been celery, veggies, water and SlimFast bars. I promise (now, I have to wonder if there was enough water to flush out the cherry limeades and diet cokes!!!). So, while I am absolutely sure that I did not lose weight, I do know that my new pants still fit, so I am hoping that I haven't gained ... too much.

Sadly, I have no scale at my disposal. So, I guess we will call it even and when I get home on Sunday, I will either plan a diet of water and water, with a little H2O mixed in or, just get back to normal ...

I am betting on the water!!!

Yeah, pray for me ;)

Love Dare - Day 21: Love Is Satisfied In God

So, in the last couple of days we have been talking about our need for God. If you never have before, I am hoping that you now see how DESPERATE that need is. And I PRAY that you have received Him in ways you never have before!

We need Him to show us how to love.

We need Him to teach us what REAL love is.

And, we need Him to be truly satisfied.

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

When you found your love did you think that he or she would satisfy you? That everything that you had ever wanted would be found in that person? That you could now walk into the sunset and live happily ever after?

What about now?

How long did it take for you to realize that life - even life with the one you love - would never be COMPLETELY perfect? Was it when the bills for the honeymoon came in? Or was it even sooner than that?

The truth is, we are human and, therefore, fairly hard to satisfy. And, I will let you in on a little secret - your spouse probably noticed the same thing! And, as hard as it is to believe, you most likely do not completely satisfy them either.

Ouch, huh?

I remember, when I was in high school, reading a poem about love. Actually it was more of a letter. It talked about the fact that we, as women, look for the perfect man to make us perfectly whole. And, you see, that just sets him up for failure. A human could never make us whole. Only a perfect God can do that. So, the letter went on to say, we must find our completeness in God first. Because, if HE can not complete us, how could we ever expect a mere man to? We must give ourselves over to God and let Him satisfy us. And, only then, can we find happiness in a man. If we are not full ourselves, how can we pour out onto our love and our family? We cannot fill or be filled by anything less than God.

I cannot tell you how many times I read that letter and then got down on my knees and prayed "Oh, God, You are all I need. I am satisfied in You." And then I would get up, open my eyes and look around and think "OK, where is he God?"

Yeah, I wasn't getting it!

And then, one day, after making some pretty intense life choices that held the potential of separating me from everyone I depended on and everything I knew, I got it. And I realized that HE was everything that I needed. And that, even if I went alone, as long as I was following HIM, I would never be ALONE - I would still be complete.

And, seriously, Hubbs and I fell in love in the aftermath of that decision. We had known each other for YEARS, but we each had to find our completeness first before we could be what each other was looking for.

What I am saying is this: Your husband WILL forget to call. Your wife WILL forget to wash your lucky socks. Your spouse is human and they WILL let you down, break promises (no matter how hard they try not to) and leave you - at one time (or a hundred) - wanting more. But, GOD never will

Let me say that again - GOD NEVER WILL!!!

He will satisfy you completely if you seek Him with your heart. He WANTS to satisfy your every need and every desire. He DIED to know you, how much further will He go to bring you joy? If you look for satisfaction elsewhere, you will be let down. If you look to Him, you will only be lifted up.

So, look to Him ...

TODAY'S DARE

Be intentional today about making time to pray and read your Bible. Try reading a chapter out of Proverbs (There are 31 - a full month's supply), or reading a chapter out of 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.

I know that it may seem like this has nothing to do with your marriage, but believe me, it really does!

I am praying for you! And I will see ya tomorrow!

AZ - So Far

**** We forgot the cord that hooks the camera up to the computer, so this is what ya get til I get home!***

So, here we are in AZ. Warm, sunny AZ. While back at home they are freezing their be-hineys off!!!

And, because I am who I am, when planning this trip I focused on the most important stuff. I made absolutely sure that I fit time in for the biggies. Meaning that - aside from the weddings - I planned around food.

So, here is a glimpse of our trip so far ...


Awwwww, sweet, sweet Sonic ...
... I have missed your Cherry Limeade goodness!!! Not to mention your Chili Cheese Tater Tots!!! (Two things: I have learned - when you take a pic with your cell phone closed, not only can you see what you are taking, but it comes out looking like you are in a mirror!!! Check out the cup! Also: Why oh why does Sonic tempt me with the mass commercials when we do not even have one in the STATE at home?!?!?! Why, Sonic, WHY?!?!?! It's just mean!)

Two of my faves - my Miss Maggie Magpie and In-N-Out!!! (Pay no attention to the bags beneath my eyes ... little girls do not adapt well to time changes!)

Mr. Jon and Miss Sophie ... girlie does not like the boys so much! Thus, the "no smile, get me outta theses arms ... no, really, NOW" look on her face!!!

My April Lei Lei ... McDonald's was NOT on my list, but Lei Lei was!!! And McDonald's is ALWAYS on her list!

(We missed you Kim and Roni!!!)

Laura and Sophie! Now she's having some fun!!!

Miss Megan and Sophie (Check out the look ... Mr. Jon was taking the pic!)

Me and my Laura!

We have taken many more, just can't put em up yet ...

Havin' a blast!

Wish you were here!!!

PS - in the 80's the rest of the week!!!!!

Love Dare - Day 20: Love Is Jesus Christ

So, yesterday we talked all about the love that God gives us and how it is the ONLY way that we can know how to love others. And today we are going to expand on that a little.

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

"Love Is Jesus Christ" - What does that sentence say to you? I am really asking, I would love to hear your answers. Because to me, it speaks volumes.

There is a saying that says "It was not the nails that held Jesus to the cross, but His love for us." I LOVE that! I mean, not only did He leave Heaven for you, He also DIED for you! WOW! And He didn't just die, He humbled Himself to death on a cross. Do you KNOW how far He had to humble himself for that? I mean really? A cross was the most shameful way to die. Only the WORST criminals were led to death that way. If it was a "minor" infraction you were stoned to death. A little worse and you were hung from a tree. But a cross - oooohhhh, you were very bad! So, for a perfect man to go to the cross, was humility like none other.

Did HE deserve the cross? NO! But did we? Yes.

What? You say you have never committed a crime like that? well, let's look a little closer...

Murder - OK, maybe you have not killed anyone. But have you ever HATED anyone?

Adultery - So, you have never cheated, but have you ever looked? Bible says that having lust in your heart is just as bad. (Dern that George Strait!!!)

Shall I go on? I didn't think so.

You see, we have all sinned. And the Bible tells us that "the wages of sin is death" - we deserve no better than death. But, our death penalty has been paid. By a perfect man. On a cross.

He did not deserve a cross, and we do not deserve salvation. But He let Himself be crucified so that we might know His righteousness. He took our penalty, and we are given His reward.

His reward is life everlasting. For, on the third day, He rose again. He beat death, so we might live!!!

The reward, though, is only ours if we accept it. He offers it freely, but we must take Him at His word.

We could never earn it on our own - NEVER. And He knew that, so He chose to earn it for us. He chose to pay our penalty and die our death. All so that we might live with Him eternally.

He forgave.

Because we have been granted a love we cannot earn and forgiveness we do not deserve, and because THAT love teaches us to love, can we not share that forgiveness too? We love because He first loved us. Can we forgive because He has forgiven us? I think we can.

Better yet, in HIS power ... I KNOW we can!

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."

Remember, I am praying for you!!!

See ya tomorrow!!!

Love Dare - Day 19: Love Is Impossible

Well, that title does not sound very encouraging, does it? Love is IMPOSSIBLE? Then what they heck are we doing this for? Well, I will tell you...

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

Love is impossible ... WITHOUT GOD! And that is what this whole dare is about. We can not even begin to know, in ourselves, true agape love. Can't even come close. Not without Him.

Oh, you could probably find in yourself some warm and fuzzy feelings, or physical attraction, or genuine friendship. You may even be able to find, in all of your humanity, the ability to forgive and forget some offenses. But, warm fuzzies can turn into cold pricklies, lust fades and friendships are tested. And forgiveness, well that is something else all together. Truth is, it is hard to truly forgive with the kind of permanence that does not let us bring it up again, if only in our thoughts. But, TRUE love CAN and DOES love that way.

True love, the kind that can only come from HIM, allows us to ALWAYS find something warm and fuzzy, to CONSISTENTLY find an attractiveness in our mate, to have not only agape love toward them, but also phileo and even eros. And TRUE love forgives. We love because HE first loved us, and we forgive because we are forgiven by HIM. We can only do this THROUGH Him. And we must allow His love to flow THROUGH us!

If you have never allowed Jesus into your heart, please hear me when I say you can now. There is a freedom in Christ that you will never find without Him. He lived for you - coming from the perfection of Heaven to live an earthly existence. Giving up the clouds to walk on dirt and mud. Leaving the throne of Heaven to be placed in a manger. Coming from the right hand of God into a young girl's inexperienced arms. Walking from the presence of angels to be surrounded by sinners. Why? So He could set those sinners free. So He could set ME free. So He could set YOU free. He did it for YOU - I pray that you find that truth today.

We love because He first loved us. He loves YOU, no matter what. You love because He loves... Just think of how much more you could love if you ACCEPT and let His love dwell in you. Jesus is very polite, he will knock softly on your heart's door, but will not come in unless invited.

I beg you to invite Him today.

Invite HIS love in. And then you will be able to truly love.

And if you are a believer, do not look for this perfect love within yourself - you will not find it. Look for it in Him ... it is there, and there alone.

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 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.

This is the turning point in the movie. It is where Caleb - who was wanting the divorce as much as, if not more than, Catherine - truly begins to LOVE her. He finds that love in Christ and in Christ alone. And that love, REAL love, makes the difference in his heart and in his motivation. Everything up til now has been half hearted, and this is where he truly begins to love her again.

I am praying that YOU find that love again too ... even if you never really lost it!

See ya tomorrow!

Love Dare - Day 18: Love Seeks To Understand

So, how are you doing so far? We are almost half way there - I hope you are still with me on this! As for us, I think Hubbs dropped out at about day 5. But, it was not his fault, completely. See, I would read the book out loud as we were getting ready for bed and then we would talk and share and then I would get up really early (or stay up really late) writing the post. And that particular schedule was not working for us. SO, I just got into my own little routine (which has been thrown completely out of whack by this trip) and started doing it on my own. I share a little bit every now and then about what we are doing, and I think that works for him. Really, he is under a LOT of pressure these days anyway and I just don't want to put one more thing on him. Besides, he loves me so well already :)

So, how do I know when it is not a good idea to pressure my man anymore than he already is? It is because I KNOW him. Which leads us to today ...

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

Remember when you were first falling in love with your spouse? Back then you wanted to know every little thing about them - their favorite color, foods, hobbies, etc... So, what did you do? You studied them closely. You talked to them and, this is a biggie, you LISTENED to them. Truth be told, you probably hung on every word. But, what about now?

Is it because you know your love so well that you do not need to study them anymore? Or is it because you have already won the prize? Because, I promise, there is still much to learn.

My niece Trinity is 8 years old and is a black belt in Karate. Girlfriend can do over a hundred push ups (they stopped her at 100 so that the other kids could try!), break boards with her bare hands and she is a whiz with those num-chucks (sp?) and pole thingies. Right now she is a first degree black belt, pretty soon she will test and become second degree. And after that she can go no further in degree until she is eighteen. But she will keep studying because there is still so much to learn.

And, think about this - a doctor doesn't just get his degree and stop studying (at least a GOOD doctor doesn't), because there are new things to uncover all the time. New procedures, new research and new medications. ALL THE TIME. Things are always changing!

So, look at it this way: While dating you earned your high school diploma in the art of "Spousal Studiology". Now, you CAN stop there, OR, you can keep going and get a college degree, master's degree and even a doctorate! The choice is yours. What do you have to lose? And, you know, there is soooooo much to gain!

Try it, you'll like it!

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 mate.

So, don't look at this as a chore. Have fun with it. This could be just the thing to get the two of you laughing and having fun again!

Have a great day. I am praying for you!

See ya tomorrow!

Love Dare - Day 17: Love Promotes Intimacy

So, FINALLY I am able to put up day 17. I know this week has been hit and miss, and I apologize for that. I am actually going to try to put up a few days and then set them to post later. That way, if I can't get online, you still have your instructions for the day.

Here is hoping I can figure it out ;)

With that said, I am gonna dive right into today's dare and make good use of the time I have online!

"He who covers an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends." - Proverbs 17:9

So, when you read the title of today, did you think you were gonna get lucky? 'Cause, I did:)

And, while that kind of intimacy is, indeed, very important in a marriage relationship, this kind of intimacy is even more important.

So, do you have a lot of friends?

What about close friends?

What about friends that you can tell anything and share your deepest thoughts and feelings with?

The number got a bit smaller each time didn't it? Well, it is supposed to. And I pray that when we got to the last question, there was only one name on your mind. That of the one you married. Marriage was intended to be a safe place to share yourself openly and freely and SAFELY. Your spouse is meant to be the one person who knows every part of who you are and love and accepts you in spite of everything. The one person you can count on no matter what!

Is that how it is with you and your love? Is that who you are to them?

Do you make your spouse feel that they can tell you anything and it will be safe? Or do they live in fear that you will shame them with all of their secrets and inadequacies? Remember the baggage that you brought with you when you married? Well, I pray that you found a safe place to unpack those bags - and I pray that you provided one for your love.

When Adam and Eve lived in the garden, they were "naked and unashamed", and that was not just physical bareness. They were emotionally naked and were able to be unashamed of who and what they were. Eden was a perfect world, and ours is not. I realize that. However, if we are basing our marriage on the relationship that Christ has with His church, we should be showing complete freedom and acceptance. NOT shame and accusations.

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.

Remember, love is a choice. So, CHOOSE to love your spouse no matter what. Even better yet, CHOOSE to allow them the safety to know that your love is there no matter what they share with you.

And, remember, I am praying for you!!!! Good luck and I will (hopefully) see ya tomorrow!

Alive And Kicking - Just Not Connecting!

Well, we made it to AZ - we are all alive and well. However, we have limited connectivity in these parts ...

Which means, I did not get on to do my Hot For The Holidays post - lost 1.5 pounds ... YAY!!! Woulda been more, but Hubbs made pizza for dinner on Thursday night and by the time I got home I was too tired to fight the urge and weak from hunger. So, I succumbed. He felt really bad:(

'Cause, ya know, he FORCED me to eat those two LARGE pieces!! Basically HALF of the pizza ... but it was whole wheat ... does that count?

Also, this means that I will be hit and miss on the Love Dare. I am gonna try for everyday. I just can't promise anything. I would do it right now, but I have to figure out where I packed the book ;)

In other news, Miss Sophie - my timid walker. The one who must be holding on to something or someone to take even one step, has broken all barriers between herself and freedom. She is walking free and easy. Oh, yeah ... let the adventure begin!!!!

Well, we have a wedding today. Yep, that is two weddings in a week and God allowed me to be here for both of them! There is no way I would have been able to share in Brittany's big day if it were not for already being here for Steven and Mindy. And, seeing as how I missed her 8th grade graduation, I am hoping that this makes up for it!!!! However, I am pretty sure that that 8th grade graduation was just last week, so there is NO WAY she could be old enough to get married!!! WOW!

Well, better skeedaddle! I will try to get back on later today for a Love Dare ... Sorry Kelly and Calista! I am hoping that you will find a way to forgive me!!!

Later!

Love Dare - Day 16: Love Intercedes

OK, we are back in business! I apologize for the break in our Love Dare. I cannot effectively explain it, except to say that this election has had a profound effect on me. I am looking at myself and my world in new ways. And my faith too ... I am now finding myself praying for a man that I had been praying against. It is humbling. It is hard. And it is POWERFUL.

PRAYER is powerful.

And prayer is what we are talking about today.

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

Have you ever noticed that it is difficult to stay angry at someone that you pray for? I had heard it before, but learned that it is true when someone I worked with - and did not really get along with - had found herself with a very ill husband and a very unsure future. I lifted her up in prayer on a regular basis and so found it hard to stay angry with her. Now, we never really became friends, but we were no longer nemesises (nemisie?) either. We were able to co-exist a little more peacefully.

The point is that prayer is not only a powerful tool spiritually speaking, but socially speaking as well. Hmmm, perhaps that is why the Apostle Paul consistently urged the churches he addressed in his letters to remain in prayer for each other. Guess He knew.

It works in marriage as well. If you are lifting your partner in prayer on a regular basis it brings about a new level of compassion. As well as a new level of peace in the home.

You see, YOU cannot change your spouse. No amount of nagging is going to make him want to be the spiritual leader in your household. But prayer, humbly and earnestly bringing your wishes for him before the throne of God, can make all the difference in the world. And you cannot make her want to have a better attitude toward you. But you can bring it to God and ask for His help in both her outlook and your behavior. And that is another key to prayer ... relationship.

And I am not just speaking of your relationship with God - even though that is a huge factor! You must also consider your relationship with your spouse and your motivation for your prayers. I mean, you CAN ask God to make him take the trash out. But will that help him or you as a couple? There is a difference between humbly stepping before the throne with a request being motivated by your desire to strengthen your marriage and asking God to change your spouse to make your life easier. Look at what you are asking of God. Think about WHY you are making that request. Is it for you alone or for the two of you.

Prayer is powerful. Use it wisely. And lovingly.

Here is the thing, God did not give us the incredible level of insight into the humaness and faults of our spouses so that we can nag. He did it so we can kneel ... in prayer. No one else can pray for our mates as effectively as we can. And no one else has the responsibility to pray for our spouse like we do. AND, no one else has the PRIVILEGE to pray for the one we love that we do. Consider it the honor that it is. And hit your knees for that love of yours!

TODAY'S DARE

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.

In the Fire Proof movie, this is the one that Caleb skipped until the dare was almost through. And it was the one that they BOTH needed the most. She needed prayer for her heart and attitude. And he needed to humble himself before her and God enough to fall on his knees for her. For his own forgiveness. And for the restoration for their love and their marriage.

I am praying for YOU. Now you go pray for your love!

See ya tomorrow!

Day Off - Day Two

Guess what Love Dare'ers ... you get another day off. Why, you may ask ... Well, it would seem that wailing and gnashing of teeth can cause a migraine. Yep - got a whopper going on here. So, I am spent. I do promise that the Love Dare will be back tomorrow.

As far as the election ... Ouch!

I am heartbroken at the outcome, obviously. However, I know who is ultimately in control. And HIM, I trust more than any earthly man. I know that He is not in Heaven scratching His head wondering how this happened. Somehow it fits into His plan. So - begrudgingly, I admit - I will lift Obama up to Him. And know that that is all I can do.

My Faith Mama said it best. Please check out this post by my PBFF Beth Moore. Good golly, that woman is wise!!!


And now I feel like talking about something light and fun ...

Miss Sophie is 14 months old today. I can't stinkin' believe it! How did that happen?

She is the most laid back kid you could find - seriously. However, when she does get mad ... Look OUT!! She can scream with the best of them ... meaning Hattie:)

She is starting to walk. She CAN walk, she just doesn't KNOW she can walk. She holds on for dear life to anything she can get her hands on. But every once in a while, she forgets herself and starts walking. Like Sunday at church.

We were at Home group (the 'home" was occupied with out of town guests, so we met at the church this time), when she decided to show off. She had a pretty large audience, so why not!!! She walked from Daddy to me - and I was kinda far away - and then when she realized that everyone was watching she kept going. Suddenly she remembered herself and stopped and sat down. But, not before jumping. Oh, yes she did! My baby actually jumped up and then clapped and sat herself down and let the crowd cheer her on!

No, she's not like me at all!!!

(that was a joke!)

Yep, this girl ...

... is growing up.

These hands ...

... are discovering the world.

And these feet ...

... are walking!

Look out world!

Love Dare ...

*** We interrupt this Love Dare for Election Day ***

I hope that you will forgive me, but I cannot concentrate on the Love Dare today - so I am giving you the day off.

Seriously, I am on my face today in prayer for this nation. Hubby and I started our day off literally on our knees, face to the ground, crying out to God. I am feeling a sense of desperate need for His hand on this nation today.

This nation has the largest number of professed Christians in the world, and yet we go to the polls today to decide decide between the man who believes in the sanctity of life and marriage and the man who says he can save us, yet clearly puts no value in an unborn child and claims free will in marriage.

The Bible says that He will hear His people when they cry out to Him and humble themselves and pray. This is what we, as a nation of Christians, should be doing. Instead, I see so many worried about the dollar and their quality of life. Had we all, as a nation, been worrying about our dollars before hand, the country would not be in this mess. We have become materialistic to the point of putting ourselves in danger of losing it all in order to gain it all. And, yet, we have gained nothing and have already lost. Because the Bible also shows us what happens to a nation that bows to false gods and creates idols for itself. A man who claims to be the one who will bring us peace is a false god and I see sooooo many bowing to him. Putting yourself above your financial limitations to have the car, house, clothes, purse, etc... that you want is creating a false sense of security - and, in the end, a false god.

Sadly, we are in debt. Meaning we have fallen into the world's trap as well. We are not proud of this fact and have fallen to our knees before God in repentance and have begged His forgiveness. We are now trying desperately to follow His leading in getting of this pit we have created. But it will be Him - The Lord of Lords, our Heavenly Father, the King of Kings, Creator of the universe, Prince of Peace - who will save us from this pit. No president will save us.. No president will save you. Only ONE can bring the peace we crave, both as a nation and as individuals. Only One. Only Him.

Rise up and pray my friends.

And then go vote.

Father God, this nation claims You as our Lord - lift Your people up, Father God, and guide us as we vote today. Hold this nation in the palm of Your mighty hand. Lift our eyes and our hearts to You and You alone. Touch the hearts and minds of Your people today Father and let them not be fooled or blinded by anything.

Lift this nation, Lord. For only You can.

It is in the Mighty Name of Jesus that I pray.

Amen

Picture Perfect Monday - Random Funness!!!

OK, I already posted my Halloween pics, so I am out of new and interesting pictures of my little life, so I am enlisting the help of a few other blogs...

I just found this little blog. This is a miracle of ginormous proportions!! See that baby the other kids are all fondly staring at, that is their new little brother. Their mommy and daddy were told while he was in the womb that he would not live because of various conditions. They began a prayer war that spread throughout blogland ... he was born last week COMPLETELY healthy. Not a problem to be found. Go read the story - and take a hanky!!!

This is a fun little contest that I found. It is a bloggy scavenger hunt. How fun is that?!?! And may I just say that the prize ROCKS! If you play and win and don't like the prize, let me just say that it would make an excellent Christmas Present ... ;)wink, wink, nudge, nudge!!!

Just sayin'

That is about all I have ... But please remember to vote tomorrow!!! You already know who I am voting for (and who I am NOT voting for!!). But let me just leave ya with this:

God Bless America ....

America, BLESS GOD!

Love Dare - Day 15: Love Is Honorable

Did you find delight in your spouse yesterday? Are you fighting fair when the need arises - although I hope that you have not found a use for that one yet;) The real question is this, are you getting a use out of this dare? I know I sure am. I am finding, each day, a new way to love him. We have been crazy busy at our house since we started, but have still made the time to read the book, share our thoughts and do little things for eachother on a regular basis. It is such a Blessing!!!

I am praying that you are finding new depth and love and respect for your spouse too. Every marriage could use it, simply because of our stinkin' humanness that tends to take a hold of us at the worst moments...

On to today...

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

Did you know that the word Honor actually comes from a form of the word Holy? And that when we take a vow to "Love, HONOR and (gulp) Obey" our spouse, we are taking a vow to treat them as holy. Now, let me clarify, I am not talking about Holy in the sense that God is Holy. In marriage, and other relationships of honor, holy means to be "set apart, no longer ordinary, special and unique". Meaning that we are to put our spouse in a special place in our lives, set them apart for a unique purpose. Share with them something that we share with no other person. We are not putting them on a pedastal and calling them perfect and bowing down to them. We are putting them in a special place beside us and, at times, in front of us, calling them honored and, prayerfully, bowing down WITH them to the One who is to be bowed down to. I hope that makes sense.

The way that we treat our spouse should show him or her whether or not we respect and honor them. In fact, it does whether we want it to or not. Do you listen to your wife behind the paper or with one hand on the remote and one eye on the TV? Do you talk to your him in the same tone as you do your children, or about him in the same way as an annoying coworker? We should be honoring them even when away - and that can be hard.

I remember going to a "girl party" with my mom when I was younger. It was probably a shower or something, I don't remember. What I do remember is hearing all kinds of stories about these women and their stupid, silly, incompetent and down right useless husbands. Some of them were pretty funny, some were pretty sad and all of them made marriage look bad. I also remember my mom's silence. I NOTICED that she did not say a thing about my dad. And I remember, on the ride home, her telling me that when you allow yourself to talk bad about your husband, you make him look like a fool - to them and, eventually, to you as well. And I am telling you, those words stuck! I see now that me speaking ill of my man would be as bad as dishonoring him to his face. Now, I have a sarcastic sense of humor so this is at times hard for me. But, I do make a concerted effort to honor him in all things. And I pray that he feels the respect that I have for him. But just in case, I make special effort to show him once in a while.

And that leads us to our challenge for the day ...

Today's Dare

Chhose a way to show honor and respect for your spouse that is above above your normal routine. It may be holding a door for her. It might be putting his clothes away for him. It may be the way you speak in your communication. Show your mate that he or she is highly esteemed in your eyes.

Remember, the one that you love will know how you feel about them in the way that you treat them. So, treat them well ... and with honor. I am praying for you!!!

See ya tommorrow!

Love Dare - Day 14: Love Takes Delight

Today is a very busy day here in B Manor. So, if you will forgive me, I am gonna skip the recap of yesterday and be brief with today's dare.

See, today is "Hattie Day" - four years ago today our sweet Hattie Grace came to live with us. And, by the Grace of our Sweet Lord, she came to stay. Her adoption was not for another 16 months, but from day 1 we knew she was a part of our forever family. Thank You Father for keeping your promises! Here is a little glimpse of what she looked like back then:


Awww, so sweet:)

Anyhoo, on to today!

"Enjoy life with the wife that you love all the days of your fleeting life." - Eccl. 9:9

Do you enjoy being with the one that you married? I mean, really ENJOY it?! As much as when you first got married? It is possible - even when you know that he leaves a trail of dirty clothes from the bedroom door to his side of the bed as he gets in it at night. Even when she forgets to put the driver's seat back where she found it after driving your car, changes the channel during the football game while you are mowing the lawn and now you can't just rewind to see that your team won IN THE LAST 7 SECONDS!!! And even when she leaves all of her makeup, hair products, lotions and moisturisers all over your side of the sink. Oh, yes, even then!

You see, just like love is a choice you make, so is delight. You can choose to over look a few things (we all know you did when you were dating - even to the point of thinking that they were charming!!). Instead of seeing the mess on the counter, CHOOSE to see that she takes a lot of interest in looking her best for you. Instead of seeing the trail of dirty clothes, CHOOSE to see that he has worked so hard all day long, in an effort to support his family, that he is too tired to put them in the dirty clothes.

In other words, CHOOSE to love them just the way that they are ... and then choose to LIKE them too.

And if you need a little help in regards to what to look for in them to find the attraction again, read Song Of Solomon. Oh boy, our God didn't just write us a love letter, He gave us a romance instruction manual too!!! Good stuff my friends, good stuff!.

Today's Dare

Purposefully neglect and 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.

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, but, I say that closeness makes a few other things grow too .... Try it, I think you will like it!

Have a great day and, remember, I am praying for you!

See ya tomorrow!

KItty Cats, Bunnies and Prizes, Oh My - Plus A Fun Surprise!

Well, we had a great Halloween! Full of fun, candy, trick or treating and, yes, indeed, a miracle of sorts!

Our sweet Hattie, as most of you know, has a language delay. She is four and a half but her communication skills are more on the level of a two, or MAYBE, young three year old. OF course, she is perfect in our eyes, but at times it can be difficult. Well, the last few Halloweens have been a trial. I bought her a Sully costume when she was two because, at the time, Monsters, Inc. was her favorite movie. Well, she hated it. And, by that I mean, screamed and ran away in terror and, as a result, has hid behind the couch every time Monsters comes on the TV ever since. Yes, it WAS that bad.

So, for two years we have done last minute costumes, thrown together on the way out the door. Age three she was a scarecrow/cowgirl. We were going for scarecrow, but NO MAKEUP was going on her face (she doesn't like to be touched in the face or feet), so we switched it up to cowgirl. Last year - on Halloween day - we watched an episode of Dora in which Dora was a cat for Halloween. The light came on - I have cat ears (actually skunk ears, but don't tell H), she has black sweats and a black turtleneck, quick cut and sew with some felt and we have a tail... VOILA, instant cat. And she loved it. Still, no paint on the face, so no whiskers, and no talking at houses. Just holding out the pumpkin and waiting. Frustration...

But this year, ahhhhhh, this year. She has actually been excited for Halloween this year. We talked about it very early on and she told me right away that she wanted to be a cat. YES - she told me!!!!! We even went to the store and found some wings, I told her she could be a butterfly or a bee (her new fave movie is Bees), but she INSISTED (even amidst all things Princess and Backyardigans) that she wanted to be a cat. She even helped me make her tail this year.

And, if all of that was not enough ....


... she let me paint whiskers on her face!!!!!

May not seem like much to all of you, but to this mommy's heart, it is a MIRACLE!!!!! And, how cute is she?!?!?!?!

Sophie got her some whiskers too!! Cute little Bunny:)

Hattie had her Kitty tail (that she could not keep her hands off of!!)

Sophie had her bunny tail!!!

Which she promptly parked in the hay and corn husks in the yard!

And then we were off for trick or treating!

Sophie had fun. Sophie has fun ANY time she is in her Daddy's arms!

Hattie went to every door all by herself ... AND said "Trick or Treat" all by herself ... AND said "thank you" without prompting (she even said it in Spanish!!! Gracias!) Miracle number two!

Still can't keep her hands off of the tail ;)

And now, for your viewing pleasure ....

My favorite yard decoration (I took pics of many other Halloween decorations, but they were all blurry - guess the camera has been dropped one too many times!!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And now for my fun surprise. I was going through my diet journal and I realized that I had made a mistake. (No, that is NOT the surprise.) I was kinda bummin' because I had only lost 5 pounds in 8 weeks. Five pounds is great, but it has been 8 weeks! But, my journal reminded me, I had lost 5 before the 3day, gained five that weekend and then had to catch back up. When I did catch up, I reset the scale so as not to confuse myself. Which, ya know, confused me. So I have lost five more SINCE I reset the scale.

Which means I have lost a total of ...

TEN POUNDS!!!!!!!!!!

Whoo! Hoo!!!!

PLUS, I found out from Christie, that I was one of the biggest losers this week ( a four way tie with three pounds), so I won me this handy dandy foam finger ... 'cause, I ROCK!!!!

Good times~~

Love Dare - Day 13: Love Fights Fair

So, yesterday I FINALLY got to make my man his dinner. And he LOVED it! YAY!!!! Didn't have time to do the blueberry muffins, so this morning it is blueberry pancakes! YUMMY:)

How about you? Anyone do anything fun that they would like to share? Anyone? Bueller?

Allrighty then, on to today!!

"If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand"

- Mark 3:25

How do you and your love handle disagreements? Are there rules, either unspoken or otherwise? Well today is all about establishing those rules ... and following them.

See, in marriage, disagreement is a given. When you got married, you brought baggage. So did they. Don't feel bad, it is normal. We all did. Some of us more than others, but we all had bags. Some were little carryons that were stowed away in the overhead bin for takeoff - but even those shift during flight and are likely to come flying out when you open the bin. Others of us had those big trunks that people used to take with them on transcontinental cruises back in the day. I think Tom Hanks tied 'em together and floated to safety on them in Joe Versus The Volcano (OK, not a great movie, really not even a good movie, but the scene with him playing golf and dancing on the trunks in the middle of the ocean is a highlight for me!!!). Anyway, those bags were HUGE and full of junk. No matter how big or small, ALL of the bags have to be unpacked eventually. And that is where conflict usually starts.

And said conflict is usually what brings out the ugly side. It is when we are most stubborn, most angry, most vulnerable and most, well, LOUD!!! So, it is best to establish rules. Rules are good ... when followed.

There are two kinds of rules - the "we" rules and the "me" rules:

"We" rules may be never go to bed angry, never fight in front of others, never touch your partner in offensive ways, etc....

"Me" rules may be never bring up old hurts, listen FIRST, keep my voice down, etc...

Now, I am going to suggest two rules - ones that we have found very handy in conflicts. A "we" rule would be to never, EVER, mention (even jokingly) divorce. Never even put it into your mind. For us, divorce is not even an option, so it is get it over and move on. We are stuck together FOREVER, so we might as well make it as enjoyable as possible while we are here:) A "me" rule would be to take note of your own issues before pointing out your partners. In other words, check your own eyes for logs, before pointing out the speck in the eye of the one that you love (Matthew 7:3).

Today's Dare

Talk with your spouse about establishing healthy rules of engagement, if your spouse is not ready for this, then write our your own rules to "fight" by. Resolve to abide by them when the next disagreement occurs.

Remember, I am praying for you. You can do this, and the end result will BLESS you both!

See ya tomorrow!

Hot For The Holidays - Week 8

All righty boys and girls (but, really, any boys reading this? Hmmm ...), it is Friday and that means I get to tell you about my week ... And, this week, I am ever so happy to do so!!!

Another THREE POUNDS DOWN!!!!

This makes for a total of FIVE, y'all!!! FIVE STINKIN' POUNDS!! And if I could possibly figure out how to get that cute little button off of Christie's page, I would put a big 'ol 5 for the world to see!!! But, alas ... I cannot.

Ummm, Christie, a little help;)

So, we are s'posed to post fun "dress up" pics in honor of Halloween. But my girlies are not dressed up yet. So, I will give you a little glimpse of Halloween past (and a little more)...

This is Miss Sophie last Halloween (at not quite 2 mos. old)

And this is Hattie in the same costume (at just over 4 years old!!)


And, here are a couple of sweet princesses.


And tonight? Well here is a hint ...

One will say "meow" (which she has been practicing A LOT!!!), and the other will have a puffy white tail....