Day 10 - Love is Unconditional
Romans 5: 8
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
This task was ok. Do something out of the ordinary for your spouse - something that proves to THEM that you are with them because you CHOSE to be.
I chose to give Jos a HUGE, moment-stopping kiss. The kind where they don't want to leave for work. I miss those moments like that where you remember the good old 'make out days'. Keep them happening...it will soon feel like the old days again and perhaps reignite that spark! I also chose to iron his shirts for him....HAHA does that count? LOL Ok, I'll finish the ironing today.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Love Dare - Day 9
Day 9 - Love Makes Good Impressions
1 Peter 5:14
"Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen."
The task is to think of a certain way you would like to greet your partner. Do it with a smile and enthusiasm. And then try and greet your spouse that way every day.
I enjoy calling Jos during the day and surprise him with an energetic and enthused phone call. Its always so pleasant to get a happy person on the other end of the phone. You can sense the other person is smiling on the other end, just by the tone of their voice. I just love that.When he gets home, he's pretty beat from his day, and so am I...so the energy is sort of fizzled out. I will most definitely, try harder to be enthused at the door.
Short and sweet.
1 Peter 5:14
"Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen."
The task is to think of a certain way you would like to greet your partner. Do it with a smile and enthusiasm. And then try and greet your spouse that way every day.
I enjoy calling Jos during the day and surprise him with an energetic and enthused phone call. Its always so pleasant to get a happy person on the other end of the phone. You can sense the other person is smiling on the other end, just by the tone of their voice. I just love that.When he gets home, he's pretty beat from his day, and so am I...so the energy is sort of fizzled out. I will most definitely, try harder to be enthused at the door.
Short and sweet.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Love Dare - Day 8
Day 8 - Love is not Jealous
Song of Solomon 8:6
"Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame."
Day 7's challenge is involved with Day 8's task...ahh now it comes to light.
Day 8 is to determine to become your spouse's biggest fan, and reject ANY thoughts of jealousy. Focus on their achievements, and take yesterday's negative list and BURN IT. Well I just crinkled mine up and thew it away. It was surprisingly easy to throw it away. I don't even remember the silly things I wrote down! Was that the point? Perhaps. I am so proud of Jos. He has pulled up his socks about 100% this year. He's really impressing me with his hard work, his success, and I can only imagine that his success will double or even triple by the end of the year. I can encourage his success by being excited about his new business, new employees and team members, and help him with anything he needs help with.
I am his biggest fan.
Song of Solomon 8:6
"Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame."
Day 7's challenge is involved with Day 8's task...ahh now it comes to light.
Day 8 is to determine to become your spouse's biggest fan, and reject ANY thoughts of jealousy. Focus on their achievements, and take yesterday's negative list and BURN IT. Well I just crinkled mine up and thew it away. It was surprisingly easy to throw it away. I don't even remember the silly things I wrote down! Was that the point? Perhaps. I am so proud of Jos. He has pulled up his socks about 100% this year. He's really impressing me with his hard work, his success, and I can only imagine that his success will double or even triple by the end of the year. I can encourage his success by being excited about his new business, new employees and team members, and help him with anything he needs help with.
I am his biggest fan.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Love Dare - Day 7
WOW - 7 days in a row of the Love Dare
Day 7 - Love Believes the Best
1st Corinthians 13:7
Love
"Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."
I, personally, love this scripture. It reminds me of a few talks that I've heard in the past that we must not only endure our life, but endure WELL to the end. Having a strong love bond will help with enduring with a HUGE smile on your face. Who wants to be happy in love? I do! Srlsy, I do! I envy other couples that just "have it" together. I look at those who make it look so easy!
Day 7's dare was to compile 2 lists on separate papers. One for the positive attributes about your spouse, and the other for the negative attributes. Don't be shy...write away! There apparently is a different purpose for each list. Now, pick something from your positive list, and THANK your spouse for having that characteristic. I didn't necessarily tell Jos about my positive characteristic YESTERDAY, I actually emailed him about one of them a couple of weeks ago. I absolutley adore family time that we have together. We took our August long weeked and spent it at a family reunion, and one of the thing we did together as a family (before we took Lliam to the hospital for the swollen face) was going for a creek walk in the middle of nowhere! We went for a small walk near Police Lake. This creek took us to some farmer's ranchland, and we cross fences, and hiked further up the creek with both kids strapped to our backs. We helped each other along the way, and it was the perfect family time. I really crave those days that we can all do stuff together with our boys.
Day 7 - Love Believes the Best
1st Corinthians 13:7
Love
"Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."
I, personally, love this scripture. It reminds me of a few talks that I've heard in the past that we must not only endure our life, but endure WELL to the end. Having a strong love bond will help with enduring with a HUGE smile on your face. Who wants to be happy in love? I do! Srlsy, I do! I envy other couples that just "have it" together. I look at those who make it look so easy!
Day 7's dare was to compile 2 lists on separate papers. One for the positive attributes about your spouse, and the other for the negative attributes. Don't be shy...write away! There apparently is a different purpose for each list. Now, pick something from your positive list, and THANK your spouse for having that characteristic. I didn't necessarily tell Jos about my positive characteristic YESTERDAY, I actually emailed him about one of them a couple of weeks ago. I absolutley adore family time that we have together. We took our August long weeked and spent it at a family reunion, and one of the thing we did together as a family (before we took Lliam to the hospital for the swollen face) was going for a creek walk in the middle of nowhere! We went for a small walk near Police Lake. This creek took us to some farmer's ranchland, and we cross fences, and hiked further up the creek with both kids strapped to our backs. We helped each other along the way, and it was the perfect family time. I really crave those days that we can all do stuff together with our boys.
Love Dare - Day 6
Sorry, this post is a little late. Here we go.
Day 6 - Love is Not Negotiable.
Proverbs 16:32
"He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city."
Day 6 dare was to choose to react to tough circumstances in your marriage in loving ways instead of with irritation.
Ways I need to give a little:
- when he goes out for fast food more than 3 times in a week.
- relax when he's tasting my food I just made...I'm always nervous for the BIG critique.
- take a compliment while I'm dripping in sweat (during my work outs, he often gives me a boost, but that's when I really feel vulnerable. Especially when I'm jumping, and doing pushups)
Things that need to be fixed from my life:
- take the criticism when he does give it. He's got good intentions, its just always hard to hear.
- Show more compassion for the vulnerable side of Jos.
I'm trying not to over react to things lately. I know it just compounds the problem if you do over react. In my family, OVER reacting is the ONLY way to react. So this has been a hard one for me. My motivation to try harder on this one, is because I really want to to be able to discuss things with tact, and a slow mouth. It makes life a whole lot easier to deal with when you aren't afraid to get someone jump up in your face about anything.
Day 6 - Love is Not Negotiable.
Proverbs 16:32
"He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city."
Day 6 dare was to choose to react to tough circumstances in your marriage in loving ways instead of with irritation.
Ways I need to give a little:
- when he goes out for fast food more than 3 times in a week.
- relax when he's tasting my food I just made...I'm always nervous for the BIG critique.
- take a compliment while I'm dripping in sweat (during my work outs, he often gives me a boost, but that's when I really feel vulnerable. Especially when I'm jumping, and doing pushups)
Things that need to be fixed from my life:
- take the criticism when he does give it. He's got good intentions, its just always hard to hear.
- Show more compassion for the vulnerable side of Jos.
I'm trying not to over react to things lately. I know it just compounds the problem if you do over react. In my family, OVER reacting is the ONLY way to react. So this has been a hard one for me. My motivation to try harder on this one, is because I really want to to be able to discuss things with tact, and a slow mouth. It makes life a whole lot easier to deal with when you aren't afraid to get someone jump up in your face about anything.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Love Dare - Day 5
Today is a quickie.
Day 5 - Love is Not Rude.
Proverbs 27:14 (seriously, everyone should read the whole book of Proverbs before they get married....31 chapters...one a day...excellent advise!)
"He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him."
Notice how when we are dating, its natural that we put on our best, act our best, so that we can attract a mate. Same philosophy in nature as well...birds flaunt, big horn sheep bonk heads, you know, that sort of thing. But once that mate is attracted, that sort of "fight for it" feeling sort of goes away. Irritating things that were overlooked are now INSANELY irritating! The way they chew their food, if they make loud noises in their sleep (whether it be snores, or what have you), how they assume EVERYTHING. You get the idea. The etiquette seems to disappear to the wayside, and it starts to feel like you are roomates with your spouse. Thankfully, my spouse, is pretty good on the etiquette side. But here are some general guidelines the book recommends...
1) Guard the Golden Rule - Treat your mate the same way you want to be treated. (see Luke 6:31)
2) No Double Standards - Be as considerate to your spouse as you are to strangers and co-workers.
3) Honor Requests - Consider what your spouse already asked you to do or not do. If in doubt, then ask.
The task, you ask? LOL Was to ask your spouse what 3 things that caused them to be uncomfortable or irritated with you. This is from their perspective! This is a pride-sucking task. What fun.
My 3 things were emailed to me. *Gulp* I will not share them, sorry folks, they are mine to work on.
The 3 things I had for Jos were emailed to him. Except, that I had only 2 things. And they were little irritations...I guess I have a lot more to work on. Go TEAM WILLARD.
Day 5 - Love is Not Rude.
Proverbs 27:14 (seriously, everyone should read the whole book of Proverbs before they get married....31 chapters...one a day...excellent advise!)
"He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him."
Notice how when we are dating, its natural that we put on our best, act our best, so that we can attract a mate. Same philosophy in nature as well...birds flaunt, big horn sheep bonk heads, you know, that sort of thing. But once that mate is attracted, that sort of "fight for it" feeling sort of goes away. Irritating things that were overlooked are now INSANELY irritating! The way they chew their food, if they make loud noises in their sleep (whether it be snores, or what have you), how they assume EVERYTHING. You get the idea. The etiquette seems to disappear to the wayside, and it starts to feel like you are roomates with your spouse. Thankfully, my spouse, is pretty good on the etiquette side. But here are some general guidelines the book recommends...
1) Guard the Golden Rule - Treat your mate the same way you want to be treated. (see Luke 6:31)
2) No Double Standards - Be as considerate to your spouse as you are to strangers and co-workers.
3) Honor Requests - Consider what your spouse already asked you to do or not do. If in doubt, then ask.
The task, you ask? LOL Was to ask your spouse what 3 things that caused them to be uncomfortable or irritated with you. This is from their perspective! This is a pride-sucking task. What fun.
My 3 things were emailed to me. *Gulp* I will not share them, sorry folks, they are mine to work on.
The 3 things I had for Jos were emailed to him. Except, that I had only 2 things. And they were little irritations...I guess I have a lot more to work on. Go TEAM WILLARD.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Love Dare - Day 4
Howdy! Day 4 already? Sweet!
Day 4 : Love is Thoughtful
Psalm 139:17-18
"How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
Day 4 : Love is Thoughtful
Psalm 139:17-18
"How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee."
Ahhhh, isn't that such a sweet scripture? Day 4 dare is to contact your spouse during the business of the day. Without an agenda other than asking how he/she is doing and if there is anything you can do for them. This one is a pretty easy one. I call Jos about 3-4 times during the day. Yes, I know that sounds a bit much. Most of it is while he is out and about between meetings, so I don't interrupt his client meetings. I think its very sweet that he calls me for no reason at all too! Just to see how I'm doing. Sometimes its just what I need for those 10 minutes, a break from the day, a change to connect with my spouse. It also shows your partner how often you actually think of them. Since this was already a part of my daily routine, this one didn't come across as out of the ordinary. Easy smeasy task. We were bound to hit one of those right?
Ahhhh, isn't that such a sweet scripture? Day 4 dare is to contact your spouse during the business of the day. Without an agenda other than asking how he/she is doing and if there is anything you can do for them. This one is a pretty easy one. I call Jos about 3-4 times during the day. Yes, I know that sounds a bit much. Most of it is while he is out and about between meetings, so I don't interrupt his client meetings. I think its very sweet that he calls me for no reason at all too! Just to see how I'm doing. Sometimes its just what I need for those 10 minutes, a break from the day, a change to connect with my spouse. It also shows your partner how often you actually think of them. Since this was already a part of my daily routine, this one didn't come across as out of the ordinary. Easy smeasy task. We were bound to hit one of those right?
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Love Dare - Day 3
I'm at the point now where if anyone asked me if they should try The Love Dare - even if they are already hot in love, I would say yes, please invest the $18.99 for yourselves.
Day 3 - Love is Not Selfish
Romans 12:10
"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; "
Did you notice that our world has turned into a selfish one? We are more focused on our own appearances, feelings and personal desires. I ts a "Do what it takes to make yourselves happy" society. Sometimes, to a degree, that can dissolve a marriage. Do you agree that the opposite of love is selfishness? To a point, we are all selfish. We have to be, to be able to take care of ourselves physically and mentally and spiritually, I guess its the degree of selfishness I'm referring to that we must be careful. This challenge was featured in the movie. The challenge was, along with restraining from negative comments, buy your spouse something that says, "I was thinking of you today."
Again, so far so good. I didn't buy anything with money, as we both are getting pretty strapped for cash. He went out and bought me a huge bouquet of flowers (He knows I love to arrange flowers - its a talent that I have from when we owned a Florist shop in Abbotsford). They were yellow (my color of happiness) and I had a great time arranging them in my vase. Its so sweet that he took the time to pick out the right bunch, just for me at Costco. So, since I didn't have the kind of money he must have had (hahaha - what happened there?) and he was having a huge headache and exhausted from P90 day, I offered to give him a full massage. A half an hour massage! It was really fun to hit those spots that made him feel better. No, not THOSE spots! Just the tense, and over worked, and even hidden spots he forgot that needed work, like calves and behind the ankles. I nearly fell asleelp during the massage AND I WAS THE ONE GIVING IT, how is THAT possible! LOL so I appologized that was only a 20-something minute massage, and that it was the end of the day, and falling asleep. But it must have a great one for him, he fell asleep without a headache, and he felt that I loved him. That's all that matters right?
Are you intrigued yet?
Seems like I'm a poster board for P90X and Love Dare....HAHA well folks, 2009 was my year. I told ya! Its all about improvements. My not!
Day 3 - Love is Not Selfish
Romans 12:10
"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; "
Did you notice that our world has turned into a selfish one? We are more focused on our own appearances, feelings and personal desires. I ts a "Do what it takes to make yourselves happy" society. Sometimes, to a degree, that can dissolve a marriage. Do you agree that the opposite of love is selfishness? To a point, we are all selfish. We have to be, to be able to take care of ourselves physically and mentally and spiritually, I guess its the degree of selfishness I'm referring to that we must be careful. This challenge was featured in the movie. The challenge was, along with restraining from negative comments, buy your spouse something that says, "I was thinking of you today."
Again, so far so good. I didn't buy anything with money, as we both are getting pretty strapped for cash. He went out and bought me a huge bouquet of flowers (He knows I love to arrange flowers - its a talent that I have from when we owned a Florist shop in Abbotsford). They were yellow (my color of happiness) and I had a great time arranging them in my vase. Its so sweet that he took the time to pick out the right bunch, just for me at Costco. So, since I didn't have the kind of money he must have had (hahaha - what happened there?) and he was having a huge headache and exhausted from P90 day, I offered to give him a full massage. A half an hour massage! It was really fun to hit those spots that made him feel better. No, not THOSE spots! Just the tense, and over worked, and even hidden spots he forgot that needed work, like calves and behind the ankles. I nearly fell asleelp during the massage AND I WAS THE ONE GIVING IT, how is THAT possible! LOL so I appologized that was only a 20-something minute massage, and that it was the end of the day, and falling asleep. But it must have a great one for him, he fell asleep without a headache, and he felt that I loved him. That's all that matters right?
Are you intrigued yet?
Seems like I'm a poster board for P90X and Love Dare....HAHA well folks, 2009 was my year. I told ya! Its all about improvements. My not!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Love Dare - Day 2
So far so good. Day 2 down. It was a great day again!
Day 2 - Love it Patient
Ephesians 4:32
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you."
Yesterday's challenge or dare, was to do at least one unexpected gesture as an act of kindness, along with saying nothing negative to your spouse. Does presenting an unexpected gift YESTERDAY count? NO? DANG! I can totally tell that Jos is trying hard on today's dare. I'm just not remembering anything I did as an unexpected act of kindess. HE BEAT ME TO IT! Could I include making the most amazing roast beef known to man, as an unexpected act of kindess? Does snuggling on the couch count...does it still count if the reason we were snuggling was because he was giving me a massage? LOL NO???? See? He's beating me to this dare thing! Not complaining mind you, it just makes me look like I'm not 'with it'. I really tried to be pleasant and kind. It was a great family time. We went out to Joey's Only for the AUCE (All you can eat) Fish and chips....mmmmm Fish was amazing!!!
OK, on to day 3!
Day 2 - Love it Patient
Ephesians 4:32
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you."
Yesterday's challenge or dare, was to do at least one unexpected gesture as an act of kindness, along with saying nothing negative to your spouse. Does presenting an unexpected gift YESTERDAY count? NO? DANG! I can totally tell that Jos is trying hard on today's dare. I'm just not remembering anything I did as an unexpected act of kindess. HE BEAT ME TO IT! Could I include making the most amazing roast beef known to man, as an unexpected act of kindess? Does snuggling on the couch count...does it still count if the reason we were snuggling was because he was giving me a massage? LOL NO???? See? He's beating me to this dare thing! Not complaining mind you, it just makes me look like I'm not 'with it'. I really tried to be pleasant and kind. It was a great family time. We went out to Joey's Only for the AUCE (All you can eat) Fish and chips....mmmmm Fish was amazing!!!
OK, on to day 3!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Love Dare - Day 1
I briefly wrote about my idea of blogging about my Love Dare. If any of you have seen the movie
Fireproof, I highly recommend it to couples. Note: Kirk Cameron hasn't aged a bit and the cheesiness and acting talent is a little more like chewing on tin foil, but the message is excellent.
Jos and I decided to both try out the Love Dare book, that is featured in the movie. We both have copies so we can do it at the same time, and record our experiences. I've decided to blog about it so that, in the hopes that someone needs 'that kind of help with their relationship', will be inspired to jump on board as well.
Its a 40-day challenge and each day is based on a scripture. Each scripture tells us how to be a better person. I'll be using the King James Version of the scripture quotes they provide.
For example: Day 1 - Love is Patient
Ephesians 4:2
"With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;"
So yesterday's challenge was to be patient with Jos ALL day, even when I have the opportunity to have a moment to snap, or 'fight back' I bit my tongue. The interesting thing is...he's doing the same challenge, so the moment NEVER EVER happened for me to blog about it. It was a pretty cool day. Maybe he saw things differently, or had to try EXTRA harder to be patient with me, but it worked. I didn't feel impatient, or frustrated at all (well, not at his expense anyway LOL)
Day 1 - down....39 more to go.
Fireproof, I highly recommend it to couples. Note: Kirk Cameron hasn't aged a bit and the cheesiness and acting talent is a little more like chewing on tin foil, but the message is excellent.
Jos and I decided to both try out the Love Dare book, that is featured in the movie. We both have copies so we can do it at the same time, and record our experiences. I've decided to blog about it so that, in the hopes that someone needs 'that kind of help with their relationship', will be inspired to jump on board as well.
Its a 40-day challenge and each day is based on a scripture. Each scripture tells us how to be a better person. I'll be using the King James Version of the scripture quotes they provide.
For example: Day 1 - Love is Patient
Ephesians 4:2
"With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;"
So yesterday's challenge was to be patient with Jos ALL day, even when I have the opportunity to have a moment to snap, or 'fight back' I bit my tongue. The interesting thing is...he's doing the same challenge, so the moment NEVER EVER happened for me to blog about it. It was a pretty cool day. Maybe he saw things differently, or had to try EXTRA harder to be patient with me, but it worked. I didn't feel impatient, or frustrated at all (well, not at his expense anyway LOL)
Day 1 - down....39 more to go.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Summer Fun 2009
I know I have not been into blogging this summer, not time...blah blah.
Here's another quick recap:
Findlay Reunion in Aetna was a success. Lliam was bit by mosquitos and had a bad reaction to it, and half of his face swelled up and made a fun trip to the emergency room. Thanks to Benidryl, he's back to normal.
Went fishing, and did not catch a fish....my no fish streak still stands! Witnessed Weez's first time fishing. *squeal* we should do it again soon my friend!
Thew my rotator cuff out on my shoulder, right before the softball tournament....took a lot of chinese medicine and it worked well.
We played 6 games of softball in the tournament, and played really really well....we took home 2nd place. Next year I will invest in cleats/batting glove and I will practice my sprints. I feel like I run backward sometimes! SICK!
Jensen family reunion happens right after the ball tournament, and since we did so well this year our family dinner was very late in the evening. With starving kids, and hungry mosquitos and sore muscles, my day was very over by 9:30pm Good times
- The sisters at the ball tournament. The only girls to play on the team.-
It was a good summer.
Jos and I are trying something fun and new. We both watched the cheesy movie "Fireproof" and if any of you have seen it, know the cheese I'm referring to. But we were inspired to try the "Love Dares" 40 days of something nice you do for your spouse that will help develope and intensify your relationship. I'm in. Day 1 starts today....I will have 40 blogging days set aside JUST FOR THIS, so stay tuned after tonight...and I'll explain more about it.
TTFN
Here's another quick recap:
Findlay Reunion in Aetna was a success. Lliam was bit by mosquitos and had a bad reaction to it, and half of his face swelled up and made a fun trip to the emergency room. Thanks to Benidryl, he's back to normal.
Went fishing, and did not catch a fish....my no fish streak still stands! Witnessed Weez's first time fishing. *squeal* we should do it again soon my friend!
Thew my rotator cuff out on my shoulder, right before the softball tournament....took a lot of chinese medicine and it worked well.
We played 6 games of softball in the tournament, and played really really well....we took home 2nd place. Next year I will invest in cleats/batting glove and I will practice my sprints. I feel like I run backward sometimes! SICK!
Jensen family reunion happens right after the ball tournament, and since we did so well this year our family dinner was very late in the evening. With starving kids, and hungry mosquitos and sore muscles, my day was very over by 9:30pm Good times
- The sisters at the ball tournament. The only girls to play on the team.-
It was a good summer.
Jos and I are trying something fun and new. We both watched the cheesy movie "Fireproof" and if any of you have seen it, know the cheese I'm referring to. But we were inspired to try the "Love Dares" 40 days of something nice you do for your spouse that will help develope and intensify your relationship. I'm in. Day 1 starts today....I will have 40 blogging days set aside JUST FOR THIS, so stay tuned after tonight...and I'll explain more about it.
TTFN
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