The World Of Chelle'

Who Am I?

2011-09-17T09:45:00.000-05:00

The other day I woke with a scripture on my heart. Psalm 4:8 What is mankind that you are mindful of him? Looked it up and asked Him, "Really God, who am I that you would think of me? Love me? " He took me to Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them. So humbled that he loved(loves) me enough to create me in His image, and to think of and be mindful of me. To Matthew 6:26 He led. Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap, or store away in the barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Wow!!! Well, God, to you I AM more valuable than the birds of the air. Thank you for showing me how dearly you care for me and love me. (right about here I thought I was done... I was wrong) John 3:16 For God so loved Chellé (insert your name here) he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. At this point SPEECHLESS! Isaiah 52.7 Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Are you sensing my morning? The Lord was relentless in His love. Unwavering in his commitment. Continued to show me, my place in him. Romans 8:17 If we are his children, we are heirs-co heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may share in his glory. Seriously? We don't just get to share suffering... But glory, too?! No doubt I've been too busy walking in my measure of suffering (some of which I confess to being self-made... And some a result of straight up disobedience) I'd taken my eyes off of Him, and the truth of his word. Less of me, I prayed. Increase in me, Lord, that as your word says I may share in and reflect your glory. And don't you know, at that very moment He brought me round robin, right back to the verse I've been committing to memory since the day a dear friend texted it to me... 2 Corinthians 3:18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the spirit. Wow!! His word IS living and active. His spirit within us IS truly at work in us to finish the good work he began. And we DO continue to grow in his likeness displaying his love and glory for all the world to see. We are blessed indeed. And THAT my friend, was God's answer to me this morning when I asked, "Who am I Lord, that you would be mindful of me?"

Haiti or Bust

2011-07-01T09:18:00.001-05:00

I know I don't blog very much anymore. Sadly, we don't have a computer that enables me to access my blog so to post I have to highjack a friend's computer... Therefore, you'll understand that I only post when something is weighing heavily on my heart.

This is one of those things.

This September, I will join a team from www.theglobalorphanproject.org on a mission trip to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. We will travel to four orphanages throughout the week caring for, playing with and loving on the displaced orphans of Haiti.

I will be honest with you all. I've never been on a mission trip so this is unknown territory for me but I can't tell you how drawn to this trip I feel. From the moment my friend Lori mentioned this trip I knew I wanted to go. I submitted it to the Lord in prayer immediately and my hunger to serve these dear sweet orphans grew.

If you've read my blog ever before you are aware that I am not very good at asking for help. This trip has been no different. I did everything in my power to raise the funding myself. I sold U2 tickets I'd purchased for their concert here in July, I participated in a yard sale, and I put many a thing on Craigslist hoping not to have to send out a mission letter. To no avail.

I really believe part of this trip was my needing to ask for support. As though God wanted to make clear that I am not meant to do things on my own. And that this trip is for His glory and that He will provide!! But that He won't step in with provision until I relinquish my need, to not need.

I've sent out those letters. It took me a month. They aren't eloquent, or professional, but they share my heart. I want to extend my gift of encouragement to those in need in Haiti. To do that I'll need to raise approximately $1,500. If you are able to give out of your abundance to the work of the Lord... I know that the children of Haiti will not be the only ones blessed. God is faithful, this much I'm certain.

Please also know that whether you are able to give or not, I covet your prayers!! For this trip, for the team's safety, for our health, for the hearts we'll minister to while in Port-au-Prince and for the hearts we'll leave behind while we serve.

Praying my post finds each of you in the overwhelming presence of God. May He be your source for all things and to whom you give all glory.

Contributions can be made by check: either made out to Michelle Wargo or
The Global Orphan Project
(Michelle Wargo- in memo)
540 9th Street
Clairton, PA 15025

I will also post a PayPal button on the side of my blog if it is easier to give instantly.

Again, thanks for walking this journey out with me. I couldn't be more grateful.

He Knows Your Name

2011-04-06T21:49:00.000-05:00

For the longest time my husband and I have referred to one another as 'Hun' and 'Dear'. It's a funny thing. It's almost as though through marriage new names were given each of us. No matter the context, these names fit. Hun, can you pick up bread? Dear, can you make sure the kids' finish their homework before practice tonight? Dear, we need clean laundry. Dear, the baby's crying. Dear, I'm hungry. (I digress...)

They became common place.

On rare occasions, extremely rare, one of us will use the actual birth name given the other. The occasions tend to be important, specific and at times, emotional. Moments where attention is required and truth is discussed. Moments where we are drawn together to communicate, share and carry one another's burdens.

I tell you this because it happened the other night. We were having an off day. No real background involved. No fight. No tension. Just something not quite right. Before bed I heard it. Chelle'. Not Dear. Chelle'. I stopped in my tracks as I usually do. My heart waited.

And then it hit me. It's no surprise my heart responds in that way when Paul calls me by name. My heart has been conditioned to do just that. You see, for the past 20 years or so, everytime the Lord called me by name- my heart waited. Now- I don't want to give the appearance that I am so in tune with the Lord that all He has to do is speak and there I am ready to move. Sadly, this is not the case. Just as in my marriage, it seems God has other names by which I am called. Child, daughter, bride... to name a few.

I would like to say that I pay full attention no matter how he refers to me, the reality however, is that I get lost in the common place of it all at times. I read the words in the Bible as though I've read them thousands of times before. I pray the prayers that have been said day after day. Monotony overtakes me.

But when He calls me by my name... My heart waits. Think of the many times He called His children by name...

In Exodus 3 God called Moses from the burning bush...

In Luke 19, Jesus called Zacheus down from the tree and told him He was going to his house...

In John 11 Jesus called Lazarus back from the dead. (Wouldn't that be a great way to hear your name?)

And how about Samuel called by the Lord out of sleep in I Samuel 3...

No doubt the hearts of these men (in Samuel's case- boy) waited. Their responses? Here I am.

And so today... Here I am Lord. Whatever you're doing. Wherever you're at work. And in whatever capacity I can be used to further your glory... Here I am. My heart waits!!

Where I Belong...

2010-12-14T23:59:00.000-05:00

I logged onto Blogger today astounded by the date of my last post. June of 2009! Whew. Time flies!

Blogger's different. Blogs once visited have new templates. Some blogs don't even exist.
Truth be told I almost added my blog to that last category. Not for any reason other than I wasn't blogging anymore. But once a blogger always a blogger. For 18 months every ironic situation, funny event, theological insight caused a twinge in my hand... a longing in my mind to formulate thoughts into paragraphs. I captured pictures with the intention of surrounding them with words and follow by hitting "post."

But I never followed through.

Today I realized as I logged in that a big piece of me remained here with my blog over the past 18 months. The part of me that writes, creates, shares, analyzes, storytells, encourages and believes. Well, I want it back. So blog I shall! My how I've missed it!

Revelation Song...

2009-06-07T18:01:00.003-05:00

I just HAD to post this in the event you haven't heard this song... particularly this rendition!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6392LoZ9XJg

(I've been off blogger so long I don't know how to embed the video so you can watch it here...)

A "First" We Could Have Lived Without...

2009-04-29T07:07:00.003-05:00

I woke up this morning to the headline, "First reported US death due to Swine Flu". I caught my breath. What terrible news. News that I thought couldn't get any worse. Until I read on.

A 23 month old toddler that had recently traveled to Mexico with family... fell ill and died of complications of the flu virus.

I don't know about you but my heart is broken. And at the same time, I'm wondering if this could actually become a pandemic as the CDC cautions.

The thing about a pandemic is that it really can't be stopped right? I mean, think about it. People are still traveling. Kids are still in school. Moms are still grocery shopping. Dads are still working. And families are still attending church. This thing takes 5 days to incubate. Meaning- we are exposed and feel fine for almost a week before the symptoms set in. For that week we are coming and going and playing and hugging and sharing sodas etc.

I am not trying to strike fear into the hearts of those that read this. I am simply calling us all to PRAY!!! A toddler has already died from this. 68 people in the US are confirmed to have this. Schools in New York City are already closed due to the "liklihood" of 75 infected children.

Something... SOMEONE is going to have to intervene here because this thing has the potential to GO HUGE.

All this to say- I'm praying!! I hope you are too!

I was lost...

2009-04-27T17:04:00.003-05:00

I've never been away this long. Right about now, the three of you that are "following" me just looked on your blogger notification board and wondered what the heck "The World of Chelle' " is. It's just me friends. Stopping in to say hi.... two months after my last post. TERRIBLE I KNOW.

It's been a hectic few months. To be quite transparent- things have been a little overwhelming since the miscarriage in November. I didn't do well with that. It became obvious. In my family. In my marriage. I stopped making the choices God desired from me. I no longer desired to do what God wanted me to do regardless of my husband's actions. (Good or bad) I became distanced. And angry.

God is dealing with me. Still. But things are much better. I continue to learn that His strength is made perfect in my weakness. That trusting Him doesn't mean following Him only when the outcome is as I would have planned but that knowing NO MATTER the outcome He is who He says He is and He is trustworthy.

I think I will always REQUIRE a thorn in my side. I don't want to have to defend that last comment. It is more emotional than theological. But I do think I will always require a reminder. Something that keeps me completely dependant on the Lord. My tendancy is to revert to my power, my ability, my sufficiency. I am neither powerful, able nor sufficient so I'm amused by my actions everytime I find myself trudging through of my own volition and/or functioning in my own abilities (0r lack there of). You'd think I'd have this worked out by now.

My Lyme Disease is back. I've been off meds since the pregnancy. I really thought I'd kicked it. That HE'D kicked it. I thought I was through being a slave to this disease. And I was doing great. No meds. No muscle weakness. No muscle shaking. Few muscle twitches. No exhaustion. No swallowing issues.

Well- that was then...

Two months or so back I got meningitis and since then the symptoms have shown themselves more and more each day. I need to get an appointment for my Lyme Dr. and get back on a good protocol of oral and IM antibiotics. And I need to hurry before it becomes the saga it was 4 years ago.

Pray for me. Mostly that I would be focused on God and not this disease. That I would see the opportunity He has to show Himself in my weakness. That I wouldn't judge the circumstance as His lot for me but that He is my source as this circumstance occurs. The enemy can be brutal in times like these so I suppose the biggest prayer I have is that I would take captive EVERY thought that goes against God's will for me... that I would capture any thought that isn't good, right, true, noble, pure, excellent or praiseworthy. And that in ALL things, this included... I would PRAISE HIM!

Life happens. Lyme happens. God is still who He says He is. And we are still who He says WE ARE!

Today...

2009-02-17T14:42:00.010-05:00

Today, when faced with the opportunity to choose what I know to be right over what I feel... I chose what I feel.

Confirming what I suppose I knew all along... I love myself more than I love God.

A Visit with Baby Kaia and Charlie...

2009-02-10T09:15:00.008-05:00

Yesterday I FINALLY went to my friend Tara's house to see Charlie and Baby Kaia. Kaia just turned a month old so it has been killing me that I've not seen her. The entire time I was there... snuggling with her, the talk centered on how very big she'd gotten. I suppose there was some truth to that as she is 13 pounds now- but in my arms, she was so very small.

She owned me upon arrival. (Which might technically be a lie as she owned me from the moment she was born even though I was not able to visit her until yesterday.) I took a few pictures while there... but not many as I refused to multitask while holding her and playing with Charlie.

Charlie was amazing with his sister. Though, he is a busy 19 month old. Tara has her hands full tending to the wee ones. I brought a little wooden bowling set to Charlie that we opened while I was there. I realized quickly that a toddler shouldn't be given a heavy wooden ball because it quickly became an aerodynamic weapon!! I can say with almost 100% certainty that it was packaged up yesterday never to be seen by Charlie again. (Sorry Tara)

By the way- it was so great to see Tara. She looks amazing, which was not unexpected. You can hardly tell she recently delivered a baby... via C-section none the less. I have a picture of her with Kaia but for some reason it didn't download. I'll work on getting it up on the blog later today.

You can't tell this but Kaia is wearing a blanket from her "Aunt Chelle'"

Notice Charlie grinning as he PINCHES his sister!

Notice Charlie caressing his sister after getting CAUGHT!

See! I told you I snuggled with Kaia.

Is she not just the sweetest, dearest baby??

Devotions for a Deeper Life

2009-02-05T09:46:00.003-05:00

I read this devotional last night before bed. I think it is applicable to Christians everywhere so I am posting it here. I would love to hear your thoughts...

He that judgeth me is the Lord (1Cor. 4.4b)

We dare not judge one another, and certainly not ourselves. When the Bible exhorts us to "walk in the Light," it does not mean the light of our own convictions, but the light of the Lord. The Light of the world is Jesus, and one's own point of view is darkness.

It is not obedience to a standard that matters to God, but the fulfillment of the highest standard by the Spirit that is within. Holiness and purity are not obedience to an actual law, but the unconscious natural characteristics of the indwelling Holy Spirit. No one can imitate either. This is why so many who have never experienced the baptism in the Holy Spirit are so stern and unchristlike, and such sticklers for obeying the letter of the truth. These carnal Christians are not spiritual in God's sight.

What a man is- not what he does or has done or hopes to do- will be the standard of judgment on the Judgment Day. There will be no acquittal or appeal.

We are the ChampYINZ!

2009-02-04T00:00:00.001-05:00

HECK YEAH STILLERS!!!

10 of the 26 that attended the Superbowl Party...

Kylee in her Superbowl Garb...

Kylee and her new "BFF" MacKenzie...

Cade and Iggy...

Kylee in a wagon... (Not sure how that factors into the celebrations)

A survey...

2009-02-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

Would you think I, and 4 other moms, would be crazy to take these children to the movie theater?What about these?

Little Girl No More...

2009-02-02T11:43:00.004-05:00

I have just one picture to prove my claim!

Introducing Kaia Joy...

2009-01-06T23:35:00.005-05:00

No need to yell at us Kaia.

We're aware you're here!!!

And we're all so grateful!!

Happy Birthday!

I have to tell you a little story... I sent this picture text message to Tara after reading that she was going in for a C-Section when an OR could be acquired. The note took me a little while to "manufacture" because I could only find sharpies that were thin tipped so I got worried my text would be lost in all the chaos of welcoming a new baby. (By the way, I'm not a psychic... I had a heads up on her name)

Come to find that when they announced Kaia's arrival about an hour later on Tara's blog ... my picture text had missed the baby's time of birth by only 9 minutes.

That's some pretty good timing huh?

(Hey Mari and Kerry... thanks for visiting and encouraging Tara on her blog today. She really appreciated every bit of encouragement she received!!)

Say a Prayer...

2009-01-06T13:42:00.003-05:00

Hi friends. My dear friend Tara is in her 29th hour of labor with her daughter. This is her first delivery as her first child Charlie, was delivered via surrogacy. She has been on pitocin since this morning and has had her water broken.

This has been a challenging labor thus far. Could you please remember her in your prayers throughout the day? She is so grateful to be delivering this little girl that I know she isn't complaining about the pains or discomforts.
Her sister has been handling the blog updates... look how sweet she is here with her husband. (The running joke while she walks the hall has been her belly- she has a monitor on her that makes her belly look big... she is a tiny little thing.)

Feel free to link over to her blog to offer her a word of encouragement.

Thanks so much!!

The truth about Santa...

2009-01-04T21:49:00.003-05:00

There's a dirty little secret in the "W" house. It surfaces every year sometime after Thanksgiving and remains in the air till early January. It's particularly controversial in Christian circles... and the perpetrator of said secret- my 4 year old daughter.

KYLEE BELIEVES IN SANTA!

There, I said it!It's an ironic turn of events.

There are two children before her... neither of which believe now, nor ever believed, in Santa. And rightly so, as Paul and I decided early on in Brenden's life, to exclude Santa from our Christmas beliefs and traditions. We never wanted our children to believe in something that wasn't true and then come to us at some point with the question, "Well, if Santa wasn't real... does that mean Jesus isn't real either?"

Kylee, against all familial input and direction, has decided that Santa does indeed exist and is worthy of all hope and love. And I will admit, her zeal for Santa is adorable.

But it got me to thinking...

How many of us believe with everything in us, in something UNWORTHY of belief? or hope in something that is hopeless? or truly wait for the arrival of something that doesn't exist?

I know I have. And do. I could write a long list of areas where I believe, hope, love... foolishly. Believing I will become who I am supposed to be without investing time and or treasure into the kingdom of God... hoping to be a size 6 without dieting or exercising... waiting for my relationship to become that of Cinderella and Prince Charming despite the fact that storybook endings are unrealistic and damaging to actual relationships.

I wonder what would happen if we put the zeal we have for our "Santas" into our relationships with God. If we believed, hoped, loved... God the way we do the things not of Him that yield minimal returns...

Just a thought...

Praying we place our faith, hope and love not in the things of this world but in an eternal God who loves us with an unfailing, never-ending, hope-filled Love.

Happy 2009 Friends!

Christmas According to a Mom

2008-12-09T17:44:00.005-05:00

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[c] the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God."

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. (Luke 1. 26-38)

I wonder what Mary thought when the angel approached her, informing her that she was to conceive a child of the Holy Spirit. What ran through her mind when she was told that she was to name him Jesus and that He would be the son of the most High. That His kingdom would never end? What could her thoughts have been at the age of 16- young and unwed?

I know she ultimately said, “Be it unto me as you have said”. An amazing response that I find that to be extremely significant… knowing that it was not ok to be pregnant before marriage in the Judaic culture, knowing that her fiancé had never touched her intimately and wasn’t the father and knowing how it would sound to announce that her baby was in fact Jesus, the Messiah, the incarnate of God… she responded in sheer surrender and obedience. Do unto me as you’ve planned!

But before she responded in that Godly manner… she hesitated. She feared. She questioned. Just like you and I would have. After all, she was a 16 year old girl engaged to be married. I don’t know about you but when I was 16 it was no walk in the park. I can still remember highschool and the trials of fitting in. I remember being disliked for the day if my hair wasn’t ‘just right’ or if I didn’t wear the right clothes. It was a time where fitting in meant everything and I did whatever I needed to keep the social status. But here is, Mary- being told she was about to go against everything the traditions of the day stated. What could she say? Who could she tell?

I like that, in her confused state, she asked Gabriel how this could be as she was still a virgin. I like that Luke included her questioning of Gabriel in his account. It confirms to me that for a moment, she was in fact a confused teenager in need of some answers. I like that in that moment… Mary is not some elevated figure to which to pray or praise but a girl I can relate to. Though I would venture to say that were the account in Luke to have included the name Chelle, it wouldn’t be a sentence… it wouldn’t be one question… but a chapter. And it likely would’ve started with, “Are you freaking KIDDING me? Clearly you have the WRONG virgin”

Surely my similarities with Mary end with her fears and uncertainties… No chance I would have responded to an encounter with God’s will in the manner she did. No chance I would have been able to acknowledge a situation I could hardly understand and instantly respond, “Be it unto me as you have said” But as I’ve pointed out, that is no doubt why Luke recounts the story of Mary and not Chelle.

And yet, here we are 2000 years later, like Mary, encountering God’s will daily. We are given opportunities every day to choose our responses. And though no encounter with God’s will that we will face will ever be as dramatic as what Mary faced with the birth of Jesus… ONE choice we make is equally significant. One encounter with God in our lives as important and life altering. The moment where we are confronted with accepting or rejecting that Son born to a virgin 2000 years ago.

I don’t know where each of you stands with God today. But in this moment, right now, His desire is to know each and every one of us personally. And His plan to accomplish and restore that relationship includes His son, Jesus. The Bible tells us that Jesus was not an ordinary baby. Out of God’s great love for us, out of our need for a savior, Christ came to this earth and became a man so that He could reunite mankind with God.

He lived a sinless life on earth and paid the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross. Three days later, He rose from the dead—proving that He is God. All who trust in Him and believe in His death, burial, and resurrection have access into Heaven and an eternal relationship with the Father. That’s why He came and that’s why we now celebrate His birth at Christmas—because "a baby has been born to us. He is Christ the Lord" and "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

I pray this Christmas that you would know God in this way. That if you haven't already, you would receive Christ into your heart and walk in the knowledge that your future in Him is certain.

If your desire is a relationship with God- this short prayer, or one like it in your own words will guarantee you just that. “Lord Jesus, You came to Earth, in human form 2000 years ago because I am a sinner. I know that You are God and that You died to pay for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead, proving You are God. Thank You, Jesus, for dying for me. Right now, in the best way I know how, I ask You to be my Lord, my Savior, and my God. Help me now to live for You. Amen.”

A Baby Changes Everything...

2008-12-01T20:27:00.005-05:00

It's been a rough couple of weeks around the "W" house. I'm sure you've noticed based upon my frequent absences from the Love Dare. I apologize by the way.

A couple weeks ago we found out we were expecting baby number 4! A baby. Due July 24th. It was a surprise to say the least and we had mixed emotions. Our youngest is nearly 5. We have been planning to move. P's company, National City was just bought out by PNC.

Well, a week after we found out, I went in for a generic appointment with generic "baby" labs, only to hear back days later that my numbers were "low". My Dr. wanted to know if there was any chance the baby could have been conceived later than reported. I knew there wasn't. Particularly because I received a positive test fairly early.

They sent out repeat labs. The hope was that the HCG levels would double. The catch was that it would take three days to get the results. And if that wasn't hard enough- I'd have to wait for the results while attending a baby shower for a dear friend.

God was gracious. Over those three days I learned, quickly, how to pray for His will. I really felt like it was the first time that I couldn't pick a way to pray. I couldn't slant my prayers one way or the other. I never would have planned to be pregnant... but I certainly wouldn't wish one away either. I prayed often, "Be it unto me according to YOUR WILL". I suppose I figured... it worked for Mary...

All along, I thought for sure that I would get a phone call confirming that our numbers had doubled and that the baby was fine. I wasn't sure where we would put him/her, or what we would name him/her, or what other people would think about us having another him/her... but I thought for sure we'd have to figure all that out over time.

Unfortunately, it didn't work out that way. We are no longer pregnant. And to my amazement, as the pregnancy was unplanned, my heart hurts.

I heard this song over the weekend... Faith Hill put it out on her Christmas Disc Joy to the World. It's called, "A Baby Changes Everything." I had a word or two with the Lord over the irony of the song in the midst of my situation. But He seemed to settle my heart, calm my hurt, and show me just how much THE baby, 2000 years ago, changed everything. Especially as He granted me the opportunity to receive peace and comfort in the midst of my sadness.

I pray this Christmas, that you too would access the Love, Peace, Joy, and Comfort given you from the Father through a precious baby, born to change everything!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8illRJRmN8

Love Dare-Day 32!!

2008-11-26T08:34:00.002-05:00

Yesterday's Followup: Is there a "leaving" issue you haven't been brave enough to conquer yet? Confess it to you 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.

Love Meets Sexual Needs

The husband my fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. 1 Corinthians 7.3

The Bible has a great deal to say about sex and the blessing it can be for both husband and wife. Even its boundaries and restrictions are God's ways of keeping our sexual experiences at a level far beyond any of those advertised on TV or in the movies.

In Christian marriage, romance is meant to thrive and flourish. After all, it was created by God. The Song of Solomon is a beautiful love story describing, in poetic detail, sexual acts between a husband and wife. It shows how each one responds to the other and expresses how honesty and understanding in sexual matters lead to a life of confident love together.

It's true that sex is only one aspect of marriage. But as time goes by, one of you will likely value its importance more highly than the other. As a result of this, the nature of your oneness as man and wife will feel threatened and endangered.

Again, the biblical foundations of marriage were originally expressed in the creation of Adam and Eve. She was made to be "a helper suitable for him" (Gen. 2.18) The unity of their relationship and physical bodies were so strong, they were said to become "one flesh". (Gen.2.24)

The same oneness is a hallmark of every marriage. In the act of romance, we join our hearts to each other in an expression of love that no other form of communication can match. That's why "the marriage bed is to be undefiled" (Hebrews 13.4) We are not to share this same experience with anyone else.

But we are weak. And when this legitimate need goes unmet0 when it's treated as being selfish and demanding by the other- our hearts are subject to being drawn away from marriage, tempted to fulfill this longing somewhere else, some other way.

To counteract this tendency, God established marriage with a "one flesh" mentality. "The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does" (1 Cor. 7.4)

Sex is not to be used as a bargaining chip. It is not something God allows us to withhold without consequence. Though there can certainly be abuses to this divinely designed framework, the heart of marriage is one of giving ourselves to each other to meet the other's needs.

Sex is the one God-given opportunity to do that.

So "stop depriving one another" the Bible warns, "except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control" (1 Cor. 7.5)

You are the one person called and designated by God to meet your spouse's sexual needs. If you allow distance to grow between you in this area you are taking something that rightly belongs to your spouse. If you let your mate know- by words, actions, or inactions- that sex needn't be anymore than you want it to be, you rob from them a sense of honor and endearment that has been set in place by biblical mandate. You violate the "one flesh unity of marriage.

So whether you perceive yourself as being on the deprived end, or you would admit that you are the one depriving, know that God's plan for you is to meet in the middle and come to a place of agreement. But also know that the path of getting there will not be accomplished by sulking, arguing, or demanding. Love is the only way to reestablish loving union between each other. When the love of Christ is the foundation of your marriage, the strength of your friendship and sexual relationship can be enjoyed at a level this world can never know.

"You have been bought with a price," God has declared (1 Cor 6.20) He set His affections on you and went to every length to draw you into desiring Him. Now it is your turn to pay the loving price to win the heart of your mate. When you do, you will enjoy the pure delight that flows when sex is done for all the right reasons. You will also have the opportunity to "glorify God in your body" (1 Cor. 6.20) How beautiful.

Today's Dare

If at all possible, try to initiate sex with your husband today. (And all the lurking husbands said, "AMEN") Do this in a way that honors what your spouse has told you about what they need from you sexually. Ask God to make this enjoyable for both of you as well as a path to greater intimacy.

Love Dare- Day 31!!

2008-11-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday's Followup: Did the Lord open your eyes to anything new that might be giving fuel to this point of disagreement? How do you intend to respond? What do you hope to see God do in your spouse as well?

Love and Marriage

A man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. -Genesis 2.24

This verse is God's original blueprint for how marriage is supposed to work. It involves a tearing away and a knitting together. It reconfigures existing relationships while establishing a brand new one. Marriage changes everything.

That's why couples who don't take this "leaving" and cleaving " message to heart will reap the consequences down the line, when the problems are much harder to repair without hurting someone.

"Leaving" means that you are breaking a natural tie. Your parents step into the role of counselors to be respected but, can't no longer tell you what to do. Sometimes the difficulty in doing this comes from the original source. A parent may bot to release you yet from their control and expectations. Whether through unhealthy dependence or inner struggles over the empty nest, parents don't always take their share of this responsibility. In such cases, the grown child has to make "leaving" a courageous choice of his own. And far too often, this break is not made in the right way.

Are you and your spouse still living with unresolved issues because of a failure to cut the apron strings? Do either of your parents continue to create problems within your home- perhaps without their even knowing it? What needs to happen to put a stop to this before it creates too wide of a division in your marriage?

Unity is a marriage quality to be guarded at great cost. The purpose of "leaving" of course, is not to abandon all contact with the pat but rather to preserve the unique oneness that marriage is designed to capture. Only in oneness can you become all that God means for you to be.

If you're too tightly drawn to your parent, the singular identity of your marriage will not be able to come to flower. You will always be held back, and a root of division will continue to end up new shoots into your relationship. It won't go away unless you do something about it. For without "leaving" you cannot do the "cleaving" you need, the joining of your hearts that's required to experience oneness.

"Cleaving" carries the idea of catching someone by pursuit, clinging to them a your new rock of refuge and safety. This man is now the spiritual leader of your new home, tasked with the responsibility of loving you "just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her" Ephesians 5.25 This woman is now one in union with you, called, "to see to it that she respects her husband" Ephesians 5.33

As a result of this essential process, you are now free to become everything God meant when He declared you "one flesh."

You are able to achieve oneness in your decision making, even when you begin from differing viewpoints.
You are able to achieve oneness in your priorities, even though you've come together from backgrounds that could hardly be more different.
You are able to achieve oneness in your sexual affections toward each other, even if either or both of you have memories of impurity in your pre-marital past.

God's decision to make you "one flesh" in marriage can make anything possible.

If this is not how things are going in your home right now, you're unfortunately in the majority. It's not out of character for couples of all kinds- even Christian couples- to ignore God's design for marriage, thinking they know better than He does. Genesis 2.24 may have sounded nice and noble when it was wrapped around the sharing of vows at the wedding. But as a fundamental principle to be put into place and practiced as a living fact= this just seems to difficult to do. But this is what you must make any sacrifice to reclaim.

It's hard= extremely hard= when the pursuit of oneness is basically one sided. Your spouse may not be interested at all in recapturing the unity you had at first. Even if there is some desire on his or her part, there may still be issues between you that are nowhere close to being resolved.

But if you'll continue to keep a passion for oneness forefront in your mind and heart, your relationship over time will begin to reflect the inescapable "one flesh" design that is printed on its DNA. You don't have to go looking for it. It's already there. But you do have to live it, or there's nothing else to expect than disunity.

Leave. And cleave. And dare to walk as one.

Today's Dare

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

Love Dare- Day 30!!

2008-11-24T08:23:00.002-05:00

Followup: How will this change of motivation affect your relationship and reactions? What does this inspire you to do? What does it inspire you to stop doing?

Love Brings Unity

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

One of the mot impressive things about the Bible is the way it is linked together, with consistent themes running throughout, from beginning to end. Though written over a span of 1,600 years and composed by more than forty writers of various backgrounds and skill levels, God sovereignty authored it with one united voice. And He continues to speak through it today without ever going off message.

Unity. Togetherness. Oneness.

They are the unshakable hallmarks of our God.

From the very beginning of time, we see His unity at work through the Trinity- Father, Son, an Holy Spirit. God the Father is there, creating the heavens and the earth. The Spirit is "moving over the surface of the waters" (Gen. 1.2) And the Son, who is "the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature" (Hebrews 1.3), joins in speaking the world into existence. "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness" (Gen. 1.26)

Us. Our.

All three are in perfect oneness of mind and purpose.

We later see Jesus rising from the water of baptism, as the Spirit descends like a dove and the Father announces over this majestic scene. "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3,17)

Jesus later says, 'I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me" (John 6.38). His desire to answer His followers' prayers is "so that the Father may be glorified in the Son" (John 14.13) He asks the Father to send the Holy Spirit, knowing that the Spirit will faithfully testify about the Son He loves, for "no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God" (I Corinthians 2.11)

Father, Son, and Spirit are in pristine unity. They serve each other, love each other and honor each other. Though equal, they rejoice when the other is praised. Though distinct, they are one, indivisible.

And because this relationship is so special- so representative of the vastness of God- He has chosen to let us experience an aspect of it. In the unique relationship of husband and wife, two distinct individuals are spiritually united into "one flesh" (Gen 2.24) And "what God has joined together, let man not separate" Mark 10.9

In fact, this mystery is so compelling- and the love between husband and wife so intertwined and complete- that God use the imagery of marriage to explain His love for the church.

The church(the bride) is most honored when her Savior is worshiped and celebrated. Christ (the bridegroom), who has given Himself up for her, is most honored when He sees her"as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless" (Ephesians 5.27) Both Christ and the church love and honor the other.

That's the beauty of unity.

What would happen if you made it your mission to do everything possible to promote togetherness of heart with your spouse? What if every threat to your unity was treated as poison, a cancer, an enemy to be eliminated by love, humility, and selflessness? What would your marriage become if you were never again willing to see your oneness torn apart?

The unity of the Trinity, as seen from beyond the reaches of history past and continuing into the future, is evidence of the power of oneness. It is unbreakable. It is unending. And it is the same spiritual reality that disguises itself as your home and mailing address. Though painted in the colors of work schedules and doctor visits and trips to the grocer, oneness is the eternal thread that runs through the daily experience of what you call "your marriage, " giving it a purpose to be defended for life.

Therefore, love this one who is as much a part of your body as you are. Serve this one whose needs cannot be separated from your own. Honor this one who, when raised upon pedestal of your love, raises you up too in the eyes of God, all at the same time.

Today's Dare

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.

Love Dare- Day 29!!

2008-11-20T08:32:00.005-05:00

Yesterday's Followup: How much of your mate's stress is caused by your lack of concern or initiative? When you expressed a desire to help, how did they receive it? Are there other needs you could meet?

Love's Motivation

Render service with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to men. -Ephesians 6.7

It does not take much experience to discover that your mate will not always motivate your love. In face, many times they will de-motivate it. More often than you'd like, it will seem difficult to find the inspiration to demonstrate your love. They may not even receive it when you try to express it. That's simply the nature of life, even in fairly healthy marriages.

But although moods and emotions can create all kinds of moving motivational targets, one is certain to stay in the same place, all the time. When God is your reason for loving, your ability to love is guaranteed.

That's because love comes from Him.

We are not meant to be in a battle with flesh and blood authorities. Not parents. Not bosses. Not enforcements. God is to become our driving motivation. Pleasing Him is to be our goal. Consider these areas :

Work: "Do your work heartily as for the Lord rather than men. Colossians 3.23

Service: "Obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely serve men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord" Colossians 3.22

Everything: " Work hard at "whatever you do... knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord whom you serve." Colossians 3.23-24

Marriage: "Wives, be subject to your husbands as is fitting in the Lord" Colossians 3.18 "Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loves the church and gave Himself up for her" Ephesians 5.25

The love that's demanded from you in marriage is not dependent on your mate's sweetness or suitability. The love between husband and wife should have one chief objective: honoring the Lord with devotion and sincerity. The fact that it blessed our beloved in the process is simply a wonderful additional benefit.

Love motivated by mere duty can not hold out very long. And love that is only motivated by favorable conditions can never be assured of enough oxygen to keep it breathing. Only love that is lifted up as an offering to God - returned to Him in gratitude for all He's done- is able to sustain itself when all other reasons have lost their ability to energize us.

If you are committed to giving your spouse the best love you possibly can- you need to shoot for love's highest motivation. Love that has God as its primary focus is unlimited in the heights it can attain.

Today's Dare

Before you see your spouse again today, pray for them by name and for their needs. Whether it comes easy for you or not, say "I love you" then express love to them in some tangible way. God 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.

Love Dare- Day 28!!

2008-11-18T23:10:00.003-05:00

Yesterday's Followup: When you place high expectations on your spouse that they don't feel internally motivated to attain, what does that tell you about yourself? What are some better ways to deal with these disconnects?

Love Makes Sacrifices

He laid down His life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers. 1 John 3.16

Life can be hard. But what we usually mean is that our life can be ha rd. We're the first to feel it when we're the ones being mistreated or inconvenienced. We're quick to sulk when we're the ones who feel deprived or unappreciated. When life is difficult for us, we notice.

But too often the only way we notice that life is hard for our mate i when they start complaining about it. Then instead of genuinely caring or rushing in to help, we might think they just have a bad attitude. The pain and pressure they're under don't register with us the way it does when it's our pain and pressure. When we want to complain, we expect everyone to understand and feel sorry for us.

This doesn't happen when love is at work. Love doesn't have to be jarred awake by your mate's obvious signs of distress. Before worries and troubles have begun to bury them, love has already gone into action mode. It sees the weight beginning to pile up and it steps in to help. That's because love wants you to be sensitive to your spouse.

Love makes sacrifices. It keeps you so tuned into what your spouse needs that you often respond without being asked. And when you don't notice ahead of time and must be told, love responds to the heart of the problem.

Even when you mate's stress come out in word of personal accusation, love shows compassion rather than becoming defensive. Love inspires you to say, "no" to what you want, in order to say, "yes" to what your spouse needs.

That's what Jesus did, "He laid down His life for us" to show us that 'we should always lay down our lives" for other. He taught us that the evidence of love is found in seeing a need in others, then doing all we can to satisfy it.

Love is willing to make sacrifices to see that the needs of your spouse are given your very best effort and focus. When your mate is overwhelmed and under the gun, love calls to you set aside what seems o essential in your own life to help, even if it's merely the gift of a listening ear.

The words"How can I help you?" need to stay fresh on your lips.

The solutions may be simple and easy for you to do or they may be complex and expensive, requiring time and energy. Either way you should do whatever you can to meet the real needs of the one who is a part of who you are. After all, when you help them, you are also helping yourself. That' the beautiful part of sacrificing for your spouse. Jesus did it for us. And He extends the grace to do it for others.

Today's Dare

What is one of the greatest needs in your spouse's life right now? Is there a need you could life from their shoulders today by a daring act of sacrifice on your part? Whether the need is big or small, purpose to do what you can to meet the need.

Love Dare- Day 27!!

2008-11-18T11:16:00.002-05:00

I'm here everyone. Forgive me as I haven't been feeling that well recently. Hopefully I'm on the flip side...

Friday's Followup: What does your mate need to see in order to believe that your confession was more than just words?

Love Encourages

Guard my soul and deliver me; do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You. Psalm 25.20

Marriage has a way of altering our vision. We go in expecting our mate to fulfill our hopes and to make us happy. But this is an impossible order for our spouse to fill. Unrealistic expectations breed disappointment. The higher your expectations, the more likely your spouse will fail you and cause you frustration.

Divorce is nearly inevitable when people refuse to allow their spouses to be human. So there needs to be a transition in your thinking. You must choose to live by encouragement rather than by expectations. The way your spouse has been for the last ten years is likely what he or she will be in the future apart from your loving encouragement and an intervention from God. Love puts the focus on personal responsibility and improving yourself rather than on demanding more from others.

Jesus painted a picture of this when He talked a bout the person who saw the "speck" in his brother's eye but didn't notice the "log" in his own. "How can you say to your brother,'Let me take the speck out of your eye' and behold, the log is in your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." Matthew 7.4-5

Does your spouse feel like they're living with a speck inspector? Are they routinely on edge, fearful of not living up to your expectations? Would they say they spend most days sensing more of your disapproval then your acceptance?

Perhaps you'd respond by saying that the problem is not with you but with them. If your mate doesn't want you to be so critical, they need to realize that the issues you bring up are legitimate. You're not saying you're perfect, by any means, but it does seem like you should be able to say what you think. Right?

The problem with this attitude is that few people are able to respond to criticism with total objectivity. When it seems clear that someone is unhappy with you- whether by direct confrontation or the silent treatment- it's hard not to take their displeasure personally. Especially in marriage.

After all, unlike any other friendship, your relationship with your spouse began with both of you bending over back wards to please the other. You could almost do no wrong. Your life together was much easier. You never expected that this man or woman who promised to love you could get to where they didn't even seem to like you.

So when this stark contrast becomes a living reality, your natural reaction is to resist it. Where you may have been more inclined to listen and make subtle changes during the early day of marriage, now you find your spouse's disapproval tends to entrench you. Rather than making you want to correct things, it makes you want to dig in even deeper.

Love is too smart for that. Instead of putting your mate in a position to rebel, love teaches you to give them room to be themselves. Marriage is a relationship to be enjoyed and savored along the way. It's a unique friendship designed by God Himself where two people live together in flawed imperfection but deal with it by encouraging each other, not discouraging them.

The Bible says, "Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble" (Isaiah 35.3)

Don't you want married life to be a place where you can enjoy free expression of who you are, growing with a safe environment that encourages you even when you fail? Your spouse does too- and love gives them that privilege. Make a commitment to daily let go of unrealistic expectations and become your spouse's greatest encourager. And the person they're created by God to be will begin to emerge with new confidence and love for you.

Today's Dare

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

Love Dare- Day 26!!

2008-11-14T08:42:00.002-05:00

Yesterday's Followup: What did you forgive your spouse for yesterday? How long have you been carrying the weight of it? What are the possibilities now that you've released this matter to God?

Love Is Responsible

When you judge another, you condemn yourself, since you the judge do the same things. - Romans 2.1

Today is about personal responsibility. It's something we all agree others should have, but we struggle to maintain it ourselves. More and more people seem less likely to acknowledge their own mistakes. We see it in politics. We see it in business. We see it in celebrity headlines.

But this is not just a problem with the rich and famous. We are so quick to justify our motives. So quick to deflect criticism. So quick to find fault- especially with our spouse, who is always the easiest one to blame.

We tend to believe that our views are correct, or at least much more correct that our mate's. And we don't believe that anybody, given our same set of circumstances, would act much differently than we have. As far as we're concerned, we're doing the best we can. And our spouse just ought to be glad we're as good to them as we are.

But love doesn't pass the blame so easily or justify selfish motives. Love is not nearly as concerned with is own performance as with others' needs. When love takes responsibility for its actions, it's not to prove how noble you've been but rather to admit how much further you have to go.

Love doesn't make excuses. Love keeps working to make a difference- in you and in your marriage.

That's why the next time you're in an argument with your spouse, instead of working up your comebacks, stop and see if there's something worth listening to in what your mate is saying. Love is responsible and is willing to admit and correct its faults and errors up front. Are you taking responsibility for this person you chose for yourself as the love of your life? How deliberate are you about making sure your spouse's needs are met? Or are you only concerned with your mate fulfilling yours? Love calls us to take responsibility for our partner in marriage. To love them. To honor them. To cherish them.

Are you taking responsibility for your own faults? Have you said or done things to your spouse- or to God- that are wrong? Love desires to have a right relationship with both God and your mate. Once that is right, the stage is set for other areas to fall into place.

A real heart of repentance may take a while to grow in you. Pride is a very resistant to responsibility, but humility and honesty before God and your spouse is crucial for a healthy relationship.

In order to walk with God and to keep His favor, you must stay clean before Him. That doesn't mean that you can never stumble but that you confess it to God and ask for forgiveness when you do.

Can your spouse say that you have wronged or wounded them in any way and never made it right? Part of taking responsibility is admitting when you've failed and asking for forgiveness. It's time to humble yourself, correct your offenses, and repair the damage. It's an act of love. God wants there to be no unresolved issues between the two of you.

The problem is, to do it sincerely you must swallow your pride an seek forgiveness regardless of how your spouse responds. They should forgive you, but your responsibility does not lie with their decision. Admitting your mistakes is your responsibility. If they have wronged you, leave that for them to deal with at another time.

Ask God to show you where you have failed in your responsibility, then get right with Him first. Once you've done that, you need to get right with your spouse. It may be the most difficult things you've ever done, but it is crucial to taking the next step in your marriage and with God. If you are sincere, you may be surprised at the grace and strength God gives you when you take this step.

Today's Dare

Take time to pray through your areas of wrongdoing. Ask for Gods forgiveness, then humble yourself enough to admit them to your spouse. Do it sincerely and truthfully. Ask your spouse for forgiveness as well. No matter how they respond, make sure you cover your responsibility in love. Even if they respond with criticism, accept it by receiving it as counsel.

Love Dare- Day 25!!

2008-11-12T21:00:00.003-05:00

Yesterday's Followup: What did you identify as an area of lust? What has this pursuit cost you over time? How has it led you away from the person you want to be? Write about your new commitment to seek Him- and to seek your spouse- rather than seeking after foolish desires.

Love Forgives

What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ. -2 Corinthians 2.10

This may be the toughest dare in the book. But if there is to be any hope for your marriage, this is a challenge that must absolutely be taken seriously. This is the most complex problem of all, a rupture that is often last to be repaired. It cannot simply be considered and/or contemplated. It must be deliberately put into practice. Forgiveness has to happen, or a successful marriage won't.

Jesus painted a vivid image of forgiveness in His parable of the ungrateful servant. A man who owed a sizable sum of money was surprised when his master heard his appeals for mercy and totally canceled his debt. But upon being released from this enormous load, the servant went to another man who owed him a much smaller amount and demanded immediate payment. When the master heard of this, "His lord moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him" (Matthew 18.34)

When you think of unforgiveness, this is what your mind should come to, for Jesus said, "My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart" (Matthew 18.35)

Imagine yourself in a prison setting. Around you there are multiple cells filled with friends and family that have wounded/wronged you over the years. Friends, enemies, family, even a parent or two... locked up in cells. Now imagine Jesus standing not to far away, extending you a key that will release every inmate.

The prison, is a room in your heart. A chamber that exists in you everyday.

But you don't want any part of releasing them. These people have hurt you too badly. They knew what they were doing and yet they did it anyway- even your spouse, the one you should have been able to count on most of all. So you resist- you turn away. You're unwilling to stay here any longer- seeing Jesus, seeing the key in His hand, knowing what He's asking you to do. It's just too much.

But in trying to escape, you make a startling discovery. There is no way out. You're trapped inside with all the other captives. Your unforgiveness, anger, and bitterness have made a prisoner of you as well. Like the servant in Jesus' story, who was forgiven and impossible debt, you have chosen not to forgive and have been handed over to the jailers and torturers. Your freedom is now dependent on your forgiveness.

Coming to this conclusion usually takes a while. We see all kinds of dangers and risks involved in forgiving others. For instance, what they did was really wrong, whether they admit it or not. They may not even be sorry about it. They may feel perfectly justified in their actions, even going so far as to blame you for it. But forgiveness doesn't absolve anyone of blame. It doesn't clear their record with God. It just clears you of having to worry about how to punish them. When you forgive another person, you're not turning them loose. You're turning them over toe God, who can be counter on to deal with them His way. You're saving yourself the trouble of scripting any more arguments or trying to prevail in this situation. It's not about winning and losing anymore. It's about freedom. It's about letting go.

That's why you often hear people who have genuinely forgiven say, "It's like a weight being lifted off my shoulders." That's exactly what it is. For the first time in a long time, you feel at peace. You feel free.

But how do you do it? You release your anger and the responsibility for judging this person to the Lord. "Never take your own revenge but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay" says the Lord" Romans 12.9

How do you know you've done it. You know when the thought of their name or the sight of their face- rather than causing your blood to boil- causes you to feel sorry for them instead- to genuinely hope they get this turned around.

Great marriages are not created by people who never hurt each other, only by people who choose to keep,"no record of wrongs"(I Corinthians 13.5)

Today's Dare

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

Love Dare- Day 24!!

2008-11-12T07:01:00.002-05:00

Yesterday's Followup: What did you throw out first? Are there others that need to go as well? What do you hope the removal of these things will do for you, your marriage, and your relationship with God?

Love vs. Lust

"The world is passing away, and also its lusts, but the one who does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2.17

We've been supplied with everything we need for a full, productive , enriching life. The Bible says that having the basics of food and clothing, we should be content. And Jesus promised that these two things would always be provided to God's children. (Matthew 6.25-33)

God's blessings, however, go so far beyond these fundamental needs, we could rightly say that we want for nothing. Yet, like Adam and Eve, we still want more. So we set out eyes and hearts on seeking worldly pleasure. We try to meet legitimate needs in illegitimate ways. For some, it means viewing inappropriate images to satisfy a s*xual need. Once our eyes are captured by curiosity however, our hearts become entangled. The we act on our lust.

We can also lust after possessions or power or prideful ambition. We see what others have and want it. Our hearts are deceived into saying, "I could be happy if I only had this." Then we make a decision to go after it.

Lust is in opposition to love. It means to set your heart and passions on something forbidden. And for a believer it's the first step out of fellowship with the Lord and with others. That's because every object of your lust- whether it's a young coworker or a film actress or coveting after a half-million dollar house- represents the beginnings of a lie. This person or thing that seems to promise sheer satisfaction is more like a bottomless pit of unmet longings.

Lusts always breeds more lust. "What is the source of the wars and the fights among you? Don't they come from the craving s that are at war within you?" (James 4.1 HCSB) Lust will make you dissatisfied with your spouse. It breeds anger, numbs hearts, and destroys marriages. Rather than fullness, it leads to emptiness.

It's time to expose lust for what it really is- a misguided thirst for satisfaction that only God can fulfill. Lust is like a warning light on the dashboard of your heart, alerting you to the fact that you are not allowing God's love to fill you. When your eyes and heart are on Him, your actions will lead you to lasting joy, not to endless cycles of regret and condemnation.

"His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust." (2 Peter 1.3-4)

Are you tired of being lied to by lust? Then begin setting your eyes on the Word of God. Let His promises of peace and freedom work their way into your heart. Daily receive the unconditional love He has already proved to you through the cross. Focus on being grateful for everything God has already given you rather than choosing discontentment.

Also set your heart and eyes on your spouse again. "Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth... Be exhilarated always with her love. For why should you, my son, be exhilarated with an adulteress and embrace the bosom of a foreigner? For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He watches all his paths." (Proverbs 5.18-21)

"Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (I John 2.15) Lust is the best this world has to offer, but love offers you the best life in the world.

Today's Dare

End it now. Identify every object of lust in your life and remove it. Single out every lie you've swallowed in pursuing forbidden pleasure and reject it. Lust cannot be allowed to live in a back bedroom. It must be killed and destroyed- today- and replaced with the sure promises of God and a heart filled with His prefect love.

Love Dare- Day 23!!

2008-11-11T07:00:00.002-05:00

Yesterday's Followup: Why is this kind of love impossible without the love of Christ beating in your heart? How does His presence within you enable you to love, even when it's primarily one-sided?

Love Always Protects

(Love) always protects - I Corinthians 13:7

Marriage is made up of many things, including joys, sorrows, successes, and failures. Many of us wouldn't include the word battleground but there are some battles we should be more than willing to fight. These are battles that pertain to protecting our spouses.

Our mates and our marriages need constant protection from things like:

Harmful influences. Are we allowing certain habits to poison our homes? Internet and television can be production and enjoyable additions to our lives but they can also bring in destructive content and drain precious hours from our families. The same can be said for work schedules.

Unhealthy relationships. Not everyone has the material to be a good friend. Not every man you hunt and or fish with speaks wisely when it comes to matters of marriage and not every woman in your lunch group has a good perspective on commitment and priorities. In fact- anyone who will undermine your marriage does not deserve to be given the title of "friend".

Shame. Everyone deals with some level of inferiority and weakness. And because marriage has a way of exposing it all to you an your mate, you need to protect your spouse's vulnerability by never speaking negatively about them in public. Generally speaking, love hides the fault of others. It covers their shame.

Parasites. A parasite is anything that latches on to you and your spouse and sucks the life out of your marriage. They're usually in the form of addictions, like gambling, drugs, or pornography. They promise pleasure but grow like a disease and consume more and more of your thoughts, time and money.

The Bible speaks plainly about this protective role, often using the analogy of a shepherd. God warned, "My flock has become a prey... food for all the beasts of the field." How so? "For lack of a shepherd." Not because these men were too weak to perform their duties but because they didn't pay attention. Instead of watching to make sure that the sheep weren't being picked off by predators, "The shepherds fed themselves and did not feed My flock" (Ezekiel 34.8) They took extra good care of their own needs and appetites but gave little thought to the safety of those under their supervision.

WIVES- You have a role as protector in your marriage. You must guard your heart from being led away through novels, magazines, and other forms of entertainment that blur your perception of reality and put unfair expectations on your husband. Instead you must do your part in helping him feel strong, while also avoiding talk-show thinking that can lure your attention away from your family. "The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands." Proverbs 14.1

Today's Dare

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

Love Dare- Day 22!!

2008-11-10T07:39:00.003-05:00

Saturday's Followup: How do you think spending time with God daily will change your situation and perspective? How can you make Him a bigger part of your day?

Love is Faithful

"I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. Then you will know the Lord." -Hosea 2:20

As Christians, love is the basis of our whole identity. Our spiritual rebirth came about because, "God so loved the world that He gave His begotten son" (John 3.16)

When asked to clarify the greatest commandments, Jesus responded, "Love the Lord God with all your heart...soul... strength...mind... and love your neighbor as yourself" (Luke 10.27)

Our love for each other is supposed to be how people distinguish us as a disciple of Jesus Christ. (John 13.35) It is the root and ground for our existence. (Ephesians 3.17) It is meant to be expressed with passion and fervency. (I Peter 4.8) It is a quality we are to abound in more and more ( I Thes. 3.12) We are always to get better at love and become increasingly defined by it.

If love is what we were created to share, then what are we to do when our love is rejected?

The account of the prophet Hosea shows what Heaven's unconditional love looks like towards us. Against all logic and propriety, God instructed Hosea to marry a prostitute. Hosea's union with Gomer produced three children, but as expected, this woman who had long made her living in immorality was not content to stay faithful to one man. She was disloyal and adulterous, rejecting him for the lust of total strangers.

Hosea had loved her, but she spurned his love. He was left to deal with a broken heart and the shame of abandonment. But God spoke to Hosea and told him to reaffirm his love for Gomer despite her unfaithfulness. To do this Hosea had to buy her off of the slave block- but Hosea paid the price for her redemption and brought her home. She had dealt treated his love with contempt, dealt treacherously with his heart, but he welcomed her back expressing to her an unconditional love.

What a picture of God's love for us. He showers His on us without measure, though in return we've often acted shamefully and treated His love as an intrusion- as if it's keeping us from what we really want. We've rejected Him in many ways, even after receiving His gift of eternal salvation, and yet He still loves us. He still remains faithful. In Him we have the model of what rejected love does. It stays faithful.

Jesus called us to this kind of love in the passage known as the sermon on the mount. "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." (Luke 6.27-28)

From the vantage point of the wedding alter, you would have never imagined that the person you married would become someone you'd need to love as an act of total sacrifice. And yet far too often in marriage, the relationship dwindles down to just that- even to the point of betrayal, or sadly, unfaithfulness.

For many, this is the beginning of the end. Some respond by rapidly moving toward divorce. Others, more protective of their reputation than their happiness, decide to keep the charade going- but they have no intention of liking it, much less loving one another again.

This however, is not the model for a follower of Christ. If love is to be like His, it must love even when its overtures are returned unwanted. And for your love to be like that, it must be His to begin with.

You can give undeserved love to your spouse because He gave undeserved love to you- repeatedly- enduringly. Love is often expressed the most to those who deserve it the least.

Ask Him to fill you with the kind of love only He can provide, then purpose to give it to your mate in a way that reflects your gratefulness to God for loving you. That's the beauty of redeeming love. That's the power of faithfulness.

Today's Dare

Love is a choice, not a feeling. It is an initiated action, not a knee-jerk reaction. Choose today to be committed to love even if your spouse has lost most of their interest in receiving it. Say to them today, "I love you. Period. I choose to love you even if you don't love me in return."

Love Dare- Day 21!!

2008-11-08T07:56:00.002-05:00

Yesterday's Followup: Write about what this experience has been like for you. Even if you are only renewing your commitment to receive and express His love, what has He shown you today?

Love is Satisfied in God

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

You need God every single day. He alone can satisfy, even when all else fails.

Everyday you place expectations on your spouse. Sometimes they meet them. Sometimes they don't. But never will they be able to totally satisfy all the demands you make on them- partly because some of your demands are unreasonable, partly because your mate is human.

God, however, is not. And those who approach Him in utter dependence each day for the real needs in their life are the ones who find out just how dependable He is.

Can you spouse give you an inner peace? No. But God can. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. " Philippians 4.6-7

Can your spouse enable you to be content no matter what life throws at you? No. But God can. "In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled... I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" Philippians 4.12-13

There are needs in your life only God can fully satisfy. Though your mate is able to complete some of these requirements- at least now and then- only God is able to do it all. Your need for love. Your need for acceptance. Your need for joy. It's time to stop expecting somebody or something to keep you functioning and fulfilled on a non-stop basis. Only God can do that as you learn to depend on Him. But He wants to do it His way. "My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4.9

The needs of love, peace and adequacy are real. No one is saying you shouldn't have them. But rather than plugging into things that are unstable at best and are subject to change-your health, your money, even the affections and best intentions of your mate- plug into God instead. He's the only One in your life that can NEVER change. His faithfulness, His truth and His promises to His children will always remain. That's why you need to seek Him every day.

Our only reason for not doing this is because we really don't trust God to supply what we need. And yet the Bible says, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37.4) When we are seeking Him first, loving Him first, making our relationship with Him top priority, He promises to supply us with what we really need- which, actually, is all it really takes to satisfy us.

Today's Dare

Be intentional today about making a 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 in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or 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.

Love Dare- Day 20!!

2008-11-07T08:33:00.004-05:00

Yesterday's Followup: What do you believe God is saying to you as you look over the previous days' dares? Is there a stirring in your heart? What decisions have you made in response to this?

Love Is Jesus Christ

While we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5.6

Jesus has come "to seek and to save" you. (Luke 19.10) Everything you've failed at and haven't been able to do, every minute you've wasted trying to fix things your own way- all of it can be forgiven and made right by putting your life into the hands of the One who first gave it to you.

Maybe you've never done this. Then today is your day. "Now is the acceptable time, behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6.2)

Maybe you did it years ago, but you've wandered far from your spiritual roots. Then, "repent and return so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." (Acts 3.19)

The Bible says we are sinful from birth, from the moment we arrive. "Behold, I was brought forth in in inequity, and in sin my mother conceived me" Psalm 51.5 "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment" Isaiah 64:6 It's not as though God sends innocent people to hell. We simply can't be good enough to live with a pure and holy God.

However, "God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him" (1.John 4.9) "Although He existed in the form of God, He did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant... He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" Philippians 2.6-8. "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed" I Peter 2.24 But His death, He made invalid the very idea that you were unloved and devalued. If you ever feel that way, you're not looking at the cross. He proved His love for you there.

Love like this cannot be fully understood. "One will hardly die for a righteous man though perhaps for the good man someone would dare to even die. But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5.7-8

Nor can love like this be earned. The wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" Romans 6.23 "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast" Ephesians 2.8-9

But it must be received. "If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation." Romans 10:9-10

And when you have received this new life and love as your own, you are free to love in ways you've never been capable before.

This is how we know what love is: JESUS CHRIST LAID DOWN HIS LIFE FOR US. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers... This is his command: to believe in the name of His son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us" 1 John 3.16, 23 "The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love" 1 John 4.8)

He was willing to love you even though you didn't deserve it, even when you didn't love back. He was able to see all your flaws and imperfections and still choose to love you. His love made the greatest sacrifice to meet your greatest need. As a result, you are able (by His grace) to walk in the fullness and blessing of His love. Now and forever.

This means you now share the same love with your spouse. YOU CAN LOVE EVEN WHEN YOU ARE NOT LOVED IN RETURN. You can see all their flaws and imperfections an still choose to love. And though you can't meet their needs the way God can, you can become His instrument to meet the needs of your spouse. As result, he or she can walk in the fullness and blessing of your love. Now and till death.

True love is found in Christ alone. And after you have received His gift of new life by accepting His death in your place and His forgiveness for your sins, you are finally ready to live the dare.

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. "

Love Dare- Day 19!!

2008-11-06T07:44:00.001-05:00

Yesterday's Followup: What did you learn about your spouse that you didn't know before? How could you continue this process of discovery in other ways, at other times? What were some of the moments that made this evening memorable?

Love Is Impossible.

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

You cannot manufacture unconditional love (or agape love) out of your own heart. It's impossible. It's beyond your capabilities. Its beyond all our capabilities.

You may have demonstrated kindness and unselfishness in some form, and you may have learned to be more thoughtful and considerate. But sincerely loving someone unselfishly and unconditionally is another matter altogether.

Agape love is something only God can do. But because of His great love for you- and His love for your spouse- He chooses to express His love through you. Still, you don't believe that. You may be convinced that with enough hard work and commitment, you can muster up unconditional, long-term, sacrificial love from your own heart. You want to believe it's in you.

But how many times has your love failed to keep you from lying, lusting, overreacting, or thinking evil of this person you've vowed before God to LOVE for the rest of your life? How many times has your love proven incapable of controlling your anger? How many times has your love motivated you to forgive or brought about a peaceable end to an ongoing argument?

It's this failure that exposes mankind's sinful condition. We've all fallen short of God's commands (Romans 3.23) We've all demonstrated selfishness, hatred, and pride. Unless something is done to cleanser us of these ungodly attributes, we will stand before God guilty as charged (Romans 6.23) That's why if you're not right with God, you can't truly love your spouse because He is the Source of that love.

You can't give what you don't have. You can't call up inner reserves and resources that aren't there to be summoned. You can try, but you will fail.

So the hard news is this: love that is able to withstand every pressure is out of your reach, as long as you're only looking within yourself to find it. You need someone who can give you that kind of love.

"Love is from God" (1 John 4.7) And only those who have allowed Him into their heart through faith in His Son, Jesus- only those who have received the Spirit of Christ through belief in His death and resurrection- are able to tap into Love's real power. "Apart from me" Jesus said, "you can do nothing". (John 15.5)

But He also said, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. " (John 15.7) God has promised through Christ to dwell in your heart through faith so that you can 'know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God" (Ephesians 3.19)

When you surrender yourself to Christ, His power can work through you. Even at your very best, you are not able to live up to God's standards. But He "is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us" (Ephesians 3.20) That's how you love your spouse.

This means that the love He has "poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has given to us" (Romans 5.5) is always available, every time we choose to submit to it.

You simply won't be able to do it without Him.

Perhaps you've never given your heart to Christ, but you sense Him drawing you today. You may be realizing for the first time that you , too, have broken God's commands, and that your guilt will keep you from knowing Him. But Scripture says that if you repent by turning away from your sin and turning to God, He is willing to forgive you because of the sacrifice His Son made on the cross. He is pursuing you, not to enslave you but to free you, so you can receive His love and forgiveness. Then you can share it with the one you've been called most specifically to love.

Perhaps you're already a believer, but you would admit that you have walked away from fellowship with God. You're not in the Word, you're not in prayer, maybe you're not even in church anymore. The love you used to feel coursing through your veins has dwindled into apathy.

The truth is, you can't live without Him and you can't love without Him. But there is no telling what He could do in your marriage if you put your trust in Him.

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.

Love Dare- Day 18!!

2008-11-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday' s Followup:How much of an effort is it for you to hold back from saying something, critical or otherwise? What have you learned about your spouse today, simply from listening?

Love Seeks To Understand

How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding. Proverbs 3.13

We enjoy discovering as much as we can about the things we truly care about. If there's a subject that appeals to us, we'll take notice any times it comes up. In face, it's often like an area of personal study.

This is where Love would ask the question, "How much do you know about your mate?"

Before you were married, you studied your mate. His likes, dislikes, habits and hobbies. You admired and built respect for your spouse. But after marriage, those feelings began to fade as reality revealed flaws and imperfections. There are still hidden things to discover about your mate, and this understanding will help draw you closer together.

For example-
Do you know his or her greatest hopes and dreams?
Do you fully understand how they prefer to give and receive love?
Do you know what your spouse's greatest fears and why they struggle with them?

Some of the problems you have in relating to your spouse are simply because you don't understand them. They probably react very differently to certain situations than you do, and you can't figure out why.

These differences- even the ones that are relatively insignificant- can be the cause of many fights and conflicts in your marriage. That's because, as the Bible says, we tend to "revile" those things we don't understand. (Jude 10)

If you miss the level of intimacy you once shared with your spouse. one of the best ways to unlock their heart again is by making a commitment to know them. Study them. Read them like a book you're trying to understand.

Ask Questions- The ear of the wise seeks knowledge- Proverbs 18.15 Love takes the initiative to begin conversations.

Listen-Wise men store up knowledge, but with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand. Proverbs 10.14. The goal of understanding is to hear your mate and not tell them what you think.

Ask God for discernment- The Lord gives wisdom, from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2.6 The Lord will show you what you need in order to know how to love your spouse better.

Desire to know your spouse even better than you do now. Make them your chosen field of study.

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.

Love Dare- Day 17!!

2008-11-04T06:38:00.004-05:00

Yesterday's Followup: Have you experienced the power of prayer in the past? What did you choose to pray about? Was it easy for you, or did it feel foreign to you?

Love Promotes Intimacy

He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. Proverbs 17.9

You can be to a childhood friend, sibling, or a cousin your same age or even a "best friend" but nothing rivals the closeness experienced between husband and wife. Marriage is the most intimate of all relationships.

That's why we need it so much. Each of us is born with a hunger to be known, loved and accepted. We want to be known, recognized and valued. The prospect of sharing our home with another person who knows us down to the most intimate detail is part of the deep pleasure of marriage.

Yet this pleasure is also the site of a great danger. Someone who knows us intimately can either love us at depths we've never imagined or wound us in ways we'll never fully recover from.

Which are you feeling most at home? Are you feeling safe or sacred? And if your spouse had to answer the same question... what would he say? Neither you or your mate should feel the need to be perfect in order to receive approval. No one should have to walk on eggshells in the place you should feel safest in bare feet.1 John 4.8 says, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear." The atmosphere in marriage should be one of freedom. Like Adam and Eve in the garden, your closeness should only intensify your intimacy. Being "naked" and "not ashamed" should exist in the same sentence, in your marriage- physically and emotionally.

This is tender territory. Both of you have reason to feel embarrassed that this much has been revealed about you to another living soul. But here in lies the opportunity to wrap all this private information in the protective embrace of your love and promise to be the one to help them deal with it.

You alone wield the power to accept or reject your spouse because of this. They will either know they're in a place of safety where they are free to make mistakes or they will recoil into themselves and be lost to you. Loving them well should be your life's work.

Think of it this way, No one knows you better than God. (Psalm 139) Yet God, who knows your secrets, loves you at a depth that cannot begin to be fathomed. How much more should we- imperfect people- reach out to our spouse in grace and understanding, accepting them for who they are and assuring that their secrets are safe with us?

This may be an area where you've failed in the past. If so, don't expect your mate to grant you immediate access to their heart. You must begin to rebuild trust. The reality of intimacy always takes time to develop, especially after being compromised. But your commitment to re-establishing it can happen today- for anyone willing to take the dare.

Today's Dare

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

Love Dare- Day 16!!

2008-11-03T06:29:00.003-05:00

Friday's Followup: How did you choose to show honor to your spouse (child)? What was the result? What are some other ways you could demonstrate honor in the coming days?

Love Intercedes

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

You cannot change your spouse. As much as you may want to, you cannot play God and reach into their heart and mold them into what you may want them to be. And yet- that's exactly what most couples spend a majority of time trying to do- change their spouse!!

Insanity has been described as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. At some point you have to accept that changing your spouse is not something you can do. But what you can do is become a "Wise Farmer."

A farmer cannot make a seed grow into a fruitful crop. He cannot argue, manipulate, or demand it to bear fruit. But he can plant the seed into fertile soil, give it water and nutrients, protect it from weeds, and then turn it over to God. Not every seed sprouts but most will grow when planted in proper soil and given what they need.

Cover this with prayer and you have an effective combination. Prayer really does work. It's a spiritual phenomenon created by an unlimited, powerful God. And it yields amazing results.

Do you feel like giving up on your marriage? Jesus said to pray instead of quitting. (Luke 18.1) Are you stressed out and worried. Prayer can bring peace to your storms (Philippians 4.6-7) Do you need a major breakthrough? Prayer can make the difference (Acts 12. 1-17)

There are some key elements that must be in place for prayers to be effective. But suffice it to say that prayer works best when coming from a humble heart that is in a right relationship with God and others. The Bible says, "Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another... The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." James 5.16

God gives us overwhelming insight into our spouses' hidden faults not for endless nagging but for effective kneeling. No one knows better how to pray for our mates than we do.

Turn your complaints into prayers and watch the Master work while you keep your hands clean. Pray for exactly what your mate needs. Pray for his heart, her attitude. Pray for your spouse's responsibilities before God. Pray for truth to replace lies. Pray that forgiveness would replace bitterness. Pray for a genuine breakthrough in your marriage. And then pray for your heart's desires- for love and honor to become the norm. Pray for romance and intimacy to go to a deeper level.

One of the most loving things you can ever do for your spouse is to pray for them.

Today's Dare

Begin praying today for your spouse's heart. Pray for the three specific areas where you desire for God to work in your spouse's life and in your marriage.

WEEKEND UPDATE... with Seth Meyers and Amy Poehler!

2008-11-01T07:51:00.002-05:00

OK... so not really with Seth Meyers and Amy Poehler. But a weekend update none the less... with Chelle', and Mari, and Denise, Nancy and Beth... you get my point.

WHAT IS GOD DOING IN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS??

I have tons to tell but will post tomorrow. Plus... God did something really cool today and He used both Beth and Kerry.. just wait till I share that.

Love you guys. Can't wait to read about the faithfulness of God in your hearts and marriages.

Love Dare- Day 15!!

2008-10-31T07:09:00.003-05:00

Yesterday's Followup: What did you decide to give up? What did you do together? How did it go? What new thing did you learn(or relearn) about your spouse?

Love is Honorable

Live with your wives in an understanding way... show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life. - 1 Peter 3.7

There are certain words in our language that have powerful meanings. Whenever these words are used, an air of respect is associated with them. These words never lose their timeless quality, class and dignity. HONOR is one of these words.

To honor someone means to give them respect and high esteem, to treat them as being special and of great worth. When you speak to them, you keep your language clean and understandable. You are courteous and polite. When they speak to you, you take them seriously, giving their words weight and significance. When they ask you to do something, you accommodate them if at all possible, simply out of respect for who they are.

The Bible tells us to honor" our father and mother, as well as those in authority. It is a call to acknowledge the position or value of someone else. Honor is a noble word.

This is especially true in marriage. Honoring your mate means giving him or her your full attention, not talking to them from behind a newspaper or with one eye on the television. When decisions are being made that affect both of you or your whole family, you give your mate's voice and opinion equal influence in your mind. You honor what they have to say. They matter- and because of the way you treat them, they should know it.

But there is another word that isn't commonly associated with marriage and calls us to a higher place. A word that forms that basis for honor- the very reason why we give respect and high regard to our spouse. That word is HOLY.

To say your spouse should be "holy" to you doesn't mean that he or she is perfect. Holiness means they are set apart for a higher purpose- no longer common or everyday but special and unique. A person who has become holy to you have a place no one can rival in your heart. They are sacred to you, a person to be honored, praised, and defended.

Is this how it is in your marriage? Would your mate say you honor and respect them? Do you consider them set apart and highly valued? Holy?

Perhaps you don't feel this way, and maybe for goo reason. Perhaps you wish some outsider could see the level of disrespect you get from your spouse- someone who would make your mate feel embarrassed to be exposed for who they really are behind closed doors.

But that's not the issue with love. LOVE HONORS EVEN WHEN IT'S REJECTED. Love treats its beloved as special and sacred even when an ungrateful attitude is all you get in return.

It's marvelous, of course, when a husband and wife are joined in this purpose, when they're following the biblical command to be "devoted to one another" in love, when they're "giving preference to one another in honor" (Romans 12.10) "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure" (Hebrews 13.4)

But when you attempts at honor go unreciprocated, you are to give honor just the same. That's what love dares to do- to say, "Of all the relationships I have, I will value ours the most. Of all the things I'm willing to sacrifice, I will sacrifice the most for you. With all your failures, sins, mistakes, and faults- past and present- I still choose to love and honor you. That's how you create an atmosphere for love to be rekindled. That's how you lead your heart to truly love your mate again. And that's the beauty of honor.

Today's Dare

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

Love Dare- Day 14!!

2008-10-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday's Followup: If your spouse participated with you (in establishing healthy rules of engagement) what was their response? What rules did you write for yourself?

Love Takes Delight

Enjoy life with the life you love all the days of your fleeting life. Ecclesiastes 9.9

One of the most important things we should learn on this Love Dare Journey is that you don't just follow your heart. You LEAD it. In your marriage relationship, you won't always feel like loving. Nobody can maintain a burning desire for togetherness just on feelings alone. But it is also difficult to love someone only out of obligation.

Newlyweds experience a fresh and new love with the hopes of a romantic future lingering in their hearts. However, something equally powerful as that fresh new love is found in the decision to delight in and love your spouse no matter how long you've been married. Love that chooses to love is just as powerful as love that feels like loving. In many ways, it's truer love because it has its eyes wide open.

Left to ourselves, we'll always lean toward being disapproving of one another. She'll get on your nerves. He'll aggravate you. Instead of wasting your days bickering, it's time to lead your heart to once again delight in your mate. Enjoy your spouse. Desire his conversation. Accept this person- quirks and all- and welcome him back into your heart.

You get to choose what you treasure. If you're irritable, it's because you choose to be. If you can't function without a clean house it's because you've decided no other way will do. If you pick at your mate more than you praise them, it's because you've allowed your heart to be selfish. You've led yourself into criticism.

CHOOSE TO LEAD YOUR HEART BACK OUT! Learn to delight in your spouse once again, then watch your heart actually start enjoying who they are.

The Bible contains many romantic love stories but none more blatant than the eight chapters found in the Song of Solomon.

The woman, "Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. In his shade I took great delight and sat down, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. He has brought me to his banquet hall and his banner over me is love." Song of Solomon 2.3-4

The man, "Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come along. O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the secret place of the steep pathway, let me see your form, let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet and your form is lovely." Song of Solomon 2.13-14

Too sappy? Too mushy? Not for those who lead their hearts to delight in their beloved- even when the new wears off... it's time to remember why you once fell in love. To laugh again. To flirt again. To dream again. Delightfully.

Today's dare may be directing you to a real and radical change of heart. For some the move toward delight may be only a small step away. For others, it may require a giant leap from ongoing disgust.

But if you've been delighted before- which you were when you got married- you can be delighted again. The responsibility is yours to relearn what you love about this one to whom you've promised yourself forever.

Today's Dare

Purposefully neglect an activity you would normally do so you can spend quality time with your spouse. Do something he or she would love to do or a project they'd really like to work on. Just be together.

Love Dare- Day 13!!

2008-10-29T00:00:00.001-05:00

Yesterday's Followup: What issue did you choose? What did giving in cost you? How will this help you in the future?

Love Fights Fair

If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. Mark 3.25

Conflict in marriage is inevitable. When you tied the knot as bride and groom, you joined not only your hopes and dreams but also your hurts, fears, imperfections, and emotional baggage. Almost immediately you became aware of just how sinful and selfish each of you could be.

Your mate started to slip off your lofty pedestal and you off their s. The forced closeness of marriage began stripping away your public facades exposing your private problems and secret habits.

At the same time, the storms of life began testing and revealing what you're really made of. Work demands, health issues, in-law arguments, and financial needs flared up in varying degrees, adding pressure to the relationship.

EVERY COUPLE GOES THROUGH IT. But not every couple survives it.

The deepest, most heartbreaking damage you'll ever do (or have done) to your marriage will most likely occur in the think of conflict. That's because this is when your pride is strongest. Your anger is hottest. You're the most selfish and judgemental. You make the worst decisions.

But love steps in and changes things. Love reminds you that your marriage is too valuable to allow it to self destruct, and that your love for your spouse is more important than whatever you're fighting about. Married couples who learn to work through crisis tend to be closer,more trusting, more intimate and enjoy a much deeper connection afterwords.

How? Learn to fight clean with healthy rules of engagement. Learn to abide by two types of boundaries... "we" boundaries and "me" boundaries.

WE boundaries are rules you both agree upon beforehand and each of you has the right to gently and directly enforce them when they are violated.
1. WE will never mention divorce.
2. WE will not bring up old, unrelated items from the past.
3. WE will never fight in public or in front of our children.
4. WE will call a "time out" if conflict escalates to a damaging level.
5. WE will never touch one another in a harmful way.
6. WE will never go to bed angry with one another.
7. Failure is not an option. Whatever it takes, WE will work this out.

ME boundaries are rules you personally practice on your own.
1. I will listen first before speaking. Everyone must be quick to hear , slow to speak and slow to anger." (James 1.19)
2. I will deal with my own issues up front. "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?" (Matthew 7.3)
3. I will speak gently and keep my voice down. "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15.1)

Fighting fair means changing your weapons. Disagreeing with dignity. It should result in building a bridge instead of burning one down. LOVE IS NOT A FIGHT but it is always worth fighting for.

TODAY'S DARE

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

Love Dare- Day 12!!

2008-10-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday's Followup: What did you choose to show that you cherish your mate? What did you learn from this experience?

Love Lets The Other Win

Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2.4

If you were asked to name three areas where you and your spouse disagree, you'd likely be able to do it without thinking very hard. You might even be able to produce a top ten list if given a few more minutes. And sadly, unless someone at your house starts doing some giving in, these same issues are going to keep popping up between you and your mate.

Unfortunately, stubbornness comes as a standard feature on both husband and wife models. Defending your rights and opinions is a fundamental part of your nature and makeup. It's detrimental though inside a marriage relationship!!

Granted, being stubborn is not always bad. Some things are worth standing up for and protecting. Our priorities, morals, and obedience to God should be guarded with great effort. But too often we debate over piddling things, like the color of wall paint or the choice of restaurants.

Other, more significant issues may not crop up every day but keep resurfacing and don't really go away. You never seem to get closer to resolution or compromise. There's only one way to get beyond stalemates like these- and that's by implementing willingness, the opposite of stubbornness.

Willing- an attitude and spirit of cooperation. One of the best examples of willingness is that of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2 shows the progression of His selfless love- He had the right to be served by all mankind- he chose to serve. He had the right to live in peace and safety but willingly laid down his life for our sins. He loved, cooperated, and was willing to do His Father's will instead of His own.

HAVE THIS ATTITUDE IN YOURSELVES WHICH WAS ALSO IN CHRIST JESUS - Philippians 2.5

The attitude of willingness, flexibility and humble submission... means laying down for the good of others what you have the right to claim for yourself.

All it takes for your present arguments to continue is for both of you to stay entrenched and unbending. But the very moment one of you says, "I'm willing to go your way on this one" the argument will be over. And though the follow through may cost you some pride and discomfort, you have made a loving, lasting investment in your marriage.

Love's best advice comes from the Bible, which says, "The wisdom that is from above is first pure then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield" James 3.17. Are you willing to bend to demonstrate love to your spouse? OR are you refusing to give in because of pride? If it doesn't matter in the long run- especially in eternity= then give up your rights and choose to honor the one you love. It will be both good for you and good for your marriage.

TODAY'S DARE

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.

Love Dare- Day 11!

2008-10-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday's Followup: Has your love in the past been based on your spouse's attributes and behavior, or on your commitment? How can you continue to show love when it's not returned in a way you hoped for?

Love Cherishes

Husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies.- Ephesians 5.28

Consider these two scenarios.
A man's older car begins having serious trouble, so he takes it to a mechanic. After an assessment is made, he is told it will need a complete overhaul, which would tax his limited budget. He determines to get rid of the car and spend his funds on a new vehicle.

Another man, an engineer, accidentally crushes his hand in a piece of equipment. He rushes to the hospital and has it x-rayed, finding numerous bones are broken. He willingly uses his savings to have it doctored and gingerly nurses it back to health.

The problem with our culture is that marriage is more often treated like the first scenario. When you relationship experiences difficulty, you're urged to dump your spouse for a "newer model" The truth is, marriage is more like the second scenario. You are a part of another. You would never cut off your hand if it was injured and would pay whatever you could afford for the best medical treatment possible. That's because your hand is priceless to you. It is part of who you are.

And so is your mate. Marriage is a beautiful mystery created by God, joining two lives together as one. This not only happens physically but spiritually and emotionally. Ephesians 5.28-29 says, "Husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it."

This verse speaks to husbands but notice how each member is viewed. They are both considered to be the same flesh. You must treat them with the same nurture and care that you treat yourself. When you show love to your spouse, you are showing love to yourself as well.

The flip side also applies. When you mistreat your spouse, you are also mistreating yourself. It's time to let love change your thinking. It's time for you to realize that your spouse is as much a part of you as your hand, your eye, or your heart.

Think about how you treat your spouses physical body. Do you cherish it as your own? Do you treat it with respect and tenderness? Do you take pleasure in who they are?

Don't let the culture around you determine the worth of your marriage. To compare it with something that can discarded or replaced is to dishonor God's purpose for it. It should be a picture of love between two imperfect people who choose to love each other regardless.

Today's Dare

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

Love Dare- Day 10!

2008-10-26T06:24:00.003-05:00

Yesterday's Followup: When and where did you choose your special greeting? How will change your greeting from this point on?

Love is Unconditional!

God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us.- Romans 5.8

If someone were to ask you, "Why do you love your spouse?"- what would you say? Most men could mention their wife's beauty, sense of humor, kindness, inner strength. Women would probably mention their husband's good looks, personality, steadiness and/or consistent character.

But what if over the course of years, your spouse stopped being every one of those things. Would you still love them? Based on your answers above, the only logical response would be, "NO." If your reasons for loving your spouse all have something to do with his or her qualities- and then those qualities suddenly or gradually disappear- your basis for love is over.

The only way love can last a lifetime is if it's unconditional. The truth is this- LOVE IS NOT DETERMINED BY THE ONE BEING LOVED BUT RATHER BY THE ONE CHOOSING TO LOVE.

The Bible refers to this kind of love by using the Greek word agape (uh-GOP-ay) It differs from other types of love, which are- phileo (friendship) and eros (sexual love). Both friendship and sex have an important place in marriage, of course, and are definitely part of the house you build together as husband and wife. But if your marriage totally depends on having common interests or enjoying a healthy sex life, then the foundation of your relationship is unstable.

Phileo and eros are more responsive in nature and can fluctuate based upon feelings. Agape love, on the other hand, is selfless and unconditional. So unless this kind of love forms the foundation of your marriage, the wear and tear of time will destroy it. Agape love is, 'in sickness and health" love, "for richer or poorer" love, "for better or worse" love. It is the only kind of love that is true love.

Agape love is God's kind of love. He doesn't love us because we are lovable but because He is loving. 1 John 4.10 says, "In this is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." If he insisted we prove ourselves worthy of His love, we would fail miserably. But God's love is a choice He makes completely on His own. It's something we receive from Him and share with others. "We love because He first loved us." I John 4..19

If a man says to his wife, "I have fallen out of love with you." he is actually saying, "I never loved you unconditionally to begin with." His love was based on feelings or circumstances rather than commitment. That's the result of building a marriage on phileo or eros love. Unconditional love, agape love, will not be swayed by time or circumstance.

That's not to say, though, that love which began for the wrong reasons cannot be restored and redeemed. In fact, when you rebuild your marriage with agape at its foundation, then the friendship and romantic aspects of your love become more endearing that ever before.

But you will struggle and fail to attain this kind of marriage unless you allow God to begin growing His love within you. Love that"bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things" (I Cor. 13.7) does not come from within. Only from God.

And don't be surprised, when your spouse begins living confidently under its shade(agape love), if he or she doesn't become even more lovable to you than you remember. You will no longer say, "I love you because..." You will now say, "I love you, period"

Today's Dare

Do something out of the ordinary today for your spouse- something that proves (to you and to them) that your love is based on your choice and nothing else. Wash the car. Clean the kitchen. Buy a favorite dessert. Fold the Laundry. Demonstrate love to them for the sheer joy of being their partner in marriage.

Love Dare- Day 9!!

2008-10-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday's Followup: How hard was it to destroy the list? What are some positive experiences that you can celebrate in the life of your mate? How can you encourage them toward future successes?

Love Makes Good Impressions

Greet one another with a kiss of love.- 1 Peter 5.14

So far we're learning that aspects of love like patience, kindness and encouragement are not always easy but are crucial to a healthy relationship. Also important is the manner in which you daily greet your spouse (child).

You can tell a lot about the state of a couple's relationship from the way they greet one another. Their countenance will say it all... their expression, words they speak to each other and physical contact- all give it away.

The Bible has more to say about greetings than you might expect. Paul encouraged his readers to greet one another warmly when they met. Jesus noted in His Sermon on the Mount that even pagans speak kindly to people they like. But He took it a step further and said that being godly included being humble and gracious enough to address even your enemies with kindness.

So- the important question... How do you greet your friends, coworkers and neighbors? What about acquaintances an those you meet in public? If you answered nice and polite... doesn't your spouse (child) deserve the same? Times Ten??

You may not think about it when you wake up in the morning. The look on your face, the energy in your voice... but oh the difference it would make in your spouse's (child's) day if everything about you expressed the fact that you were really, really glad to see them.

When someone communicates that they are glad to see you your personal sense of self-worth increases. You feel more important and valued. That's because a good greeting sets the stage for positive and healthy interaction.

Think of the opportunities you have to greet your spouse (child.) It doesn't have to be bold or dramatic every time. But adding warmth and enthusiasm gives you the chance to touch your mate's heart in subtle, unspoken ways.

Remember, LOVE IS A CHOICE. So choose to love through your greeting!!

Today's Dare

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.

Love Dare- Day 8!!

2008-10-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday's Followup: Which list was easier to make? What did this reveal about your thoughts? What attribute did you thank your spouse (child) for having?

Love Is Not Jealous

Love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire. - Song of Solomon 8.6

Jealousy is one of the strongest drives known to man. It comes from the root word for ZEAL and means, "To burn with an intense fire." The Scripture pointedly says, "Wrath is fierce and anger is a flood, but who can stand before jealousy?" Proverbs 27.4

There are actually two forms of jealousy- a legitimate jealousy based upon love and an illegitimate jealousy based upon envy. An affair tends to lead to legitimate jealousy. A wife gives herself to another leading her husband to have a justified, jealous anger as he longs to have back what is rightfully his.

The Bible describes God as having this kind of righteous jealousy for His people. He's not envious of us, wishing He had what we have since he already owns everything. He deeply longs for us- desiring for us to keep Him as our first love. The Bible warns us not to worship anything but Him because "the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God"(Deuteronomy 4.24)

Illegitimate jealousy opposes love and is rooted in selfishness. It is sparked when someone else upstages you and gets something you want. It leads to fighting, quarreling and every evil thing. (James 3.16, 4.1-2) Jealousy caused Cain to murder Abel, Sarah to send away her handmaiden because Hagar could bear children, and Joseph's brothers to sell him into slavery. And ultimately, what caused Jesus to be crucified. When selfishness rules, any good thing happening to only on of you in marriage can be a catalyst for envy... and illegitimate jealousy.

Love, however, is not selfish and puts others first, it refuses to let jealousy in. It leads you to celebrate the successes of your spouse rather than resenting them. It is time to let love, humility and gratefulness destroy any jealousy that springs up in your heart.

Today's Dare

Determine to become your spouse's biggest fan and to reject any thoughts of jealousy. To help you set your heart on your spouse and focus on their achievements, take Yesterday's list of negative attributes and discreetly burn it. Then share with your spouse(child) how glad you are about a success he/she recently enjoyed.

Love Dare- Day 7!!

2008-10-23T00:00:00.002-05:00

Yesterday's Followup: Where do you need to add margin to your life? When have you recently overreacted? What was your real motivation behind it? What decisions have to made today?

Love Believes the BEST! (Hold on today ya'll... )

...(Love) believes all things, hopes all things. -I Corinthians 13:7

In the deep and private corridors of your heart, there is a room. It's called the Appreciation Room. It's where your thoughts go when you encounter positive and encouraging things about your spouse. On the walls are written kind words and phrases describing the good attributes of your mate. Included may be "honest", "intelligent" and or "diligent worker". When you think about these things your appreciation for your spouse begins to increase.

Down another darker corridor of your heart lies the Depreciation Room and unfortunately you visit there as well. Its walls are lined with the weaknesses and failures of your spouse. Their bad habits, hurtful words, and poor decisions are written in large letters that cover the walls from one end to the other. Visiting this room can cause depression as emotional injuries fester here.

Spending time in the Depreciation Room KILLS MARRIAGES. Divorces are plotted in this room as hearts devalue spouses.

LOVE KNOWS ABOUT THE DEPRECIATION ROOM BUT CHOOSES NOT TO LIVE IN IT.

You must decide to stop running to this room and lingering there after every frustrating event in your relationship. Love chooses to believe the best about people and gives them the benefit of the doubt. It refuses to fill in the unknowns with negative assumptions.

As much as possible, love focuses on the positive.

It's time to let love lead your thoughts and your focus. The only reason you should glance in the door of the Depreciation Room is to know how to pray for your spouse. And the only reason you should ever go into this room is to write, "Covered in LOVE" across the walls.

Developing the habit of reigning in your negative thoughts and focusing on the positive attributes of your mate is a crucial step to learning to lead your heart to truly love your spouse. It is a decision that you make, whether they deserve it or not.

Today's Dare

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 piece. Place both sheets in a secret place for another day. There is a different purpose and plan for each. At some point during the remainder of the day, pick a positive attribute from the first list and thank your spouse for having this characteristic.

Love Dare- Day 6!

2008-10-22T07:01:00.002-05:00

Yesterday's Followup: What things did your spouse point out about you that need your attention? How did you handle hearing it? What do you plan to do to improve in these areas? (Alright- I realize this may have been a sensitive conversation... so please don't feel like you need to post information that may make one of you feel uncomfortable- but take a few minutes to respond to this followup in your heart... then get started on Day 6!!)

Day 6- Love is not IRRITABLE!

"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

Love is hard to offend and quick to forgive. How easily do you get irritated and offended? To be irritable means "to be near the point of a knife." People who are irritable are locked, loaded, and ready to overreact.

When under pressure, love doesn't turn sour. Minor problems don't yield major reactions. The truth is, love does not get angry or hurt unless there is a legitimate and just reason in the sight of God.

If you are walking under the influence of love, you will be a joy, not a jerk. Ask yourself, "Am I a calming breeze, or a storm waiting to happen?"

Two reasons people become irritable... Stress and Selfishness!! Stress weighs you down and drains your energy. It weakens your health and invites you to be cranky. The Bible can help avoid unhealthy stress. Colossians 3:12 says to let love guide you so you aren't caught in unnecessary arguments. Philippians 4 says to pray through your anxieties instead of handling them in your own strength.

Selfishness tends to be the heart of the problem when you are irritable. Matthew says, "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" When the pressure is on, do your words turn sour? Selfishness also wears other makes... anger, lust, pride!

These motivations can never be satisfied. But when Love enters your heart, it calms you down and inspires you to quit focusing on yourself. Love leads you to forgive instead of holding a grudge. To be grateful instead of greedy.

Love sets your heart up to respond to your spouse with patience and encouragement rather than anger and exasperation.

Today's Dare

Choose today to react to touch 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.

Love Dare- Day 5!!

2008-10-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday's Followup: What did you learn about yourself or your spouse by doing this today? How could this become a more natural, routine, and genuinely helpful part of your lifestyle? Share in the comment section and then get going on today's Dare.

Love is not RUDE!

He who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be reckoned a curse to him. -Proverbs 27.14

Nothing irritates others as quickly as being rude. Rudeness is unnecessarily saying or doing things that are unpleasant for another person to be around. To be rude is to act unbecoming, embarrassing, or irritating. Rude behavior may seem insignificant to the person doing it, but it's unpleasant to those on the receiving end.

GENUINE LOVE MINDS ITS MANNERS!

In marriage, good manners express to your wife or husband, "I value you enough to exercise some self-control around you. I want to be a person who's a pleasure to be with. " When you allow love to change your behaviour- even in the smallest of ways, you restore an atmosphere of honor to your relationship.

For the most part, the etiquette you use at home differs from that of what you use with friends... or with strangers for that matter. You may pout around the house but when the doorbell rings, you open it all smiling and kind. Daring to love means that you'll also want to give your best to your own.

Two main reasons people are rude: ignorance and selfishness (OUCH!) As adults, we know the rules of etiquette... we are either breaking them blindly or are too self-centered to care.

TOUGH QUESTIONS...
1. How does your spouse feel about the way you speak and act around him?
2. How does your behaviour affect your mate's sense of worth and self-esteem?
3. Would your husband say you're a blessing or that you're condescending and embarrassing??

If you are thinking that your spouse- not you- is the one who needs work in this area, you're likely suffering from a bad case of ignorance, with a secondary condition of selfishness. (OUCH AGAIN)

Guiding principles when it comes to practicing etiquette in your marriage:

*Guard the Golden Rule- treat your mate as you want to be treated (Luke 6:31)
* No Double standards. Be as considerate to your spouse as you are to strangers and coworkers.
* Honor requests. Consider what your husband already asked you to do or not to do.

Today's Dare

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

Love Dare- Day 4!

2008-10-20T07:26:00.004-05:00

Yesterday's Followup: What did you choose to give your spouse? (child, friend, whatever relationship you're investing in) What happened when you gave it? Take a second to share your thoughts below... then move on to Day 4!!

Love is THOUGHTFUL!

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

Love thinks. When you first fell in love, being thoughtful came quite naturally. You honestly confessed, "I can't stop thinking about you." But for most couples, things begin to change after marriage. The motivation for thoughtfulness cools. You unintentionally begin to ignore the needs of your mate.

If you don't learn to be thoughtful, you end up regretting missed opportunities to demonstrate love. Thoughtlessness is a silent enemy to a loving relationship. If we are being honest, men struggle with thoughtfulness more than women. Men tend to be one minded... focusing on one thing and forgetting the rest of the world. Women tend to think relationally. While at work at something she is cognizant of all the people somehow connected to it.

Good news... BOTH of these tendencies are examples of how God designed women to complete their men. Genesis 2.18 says, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make a helper suitable for him" Unfortunately, these differences also create opportunities for misunderstanding and if a couple doesn't understand this about one another, the fallout can result in endless disagreements.

A woman deeply longs for her husband to be thoughtful. It is a key to helping her feel loved. It is why she waits for surprises and when she is disappointed or upset, she tends not to tell him. She doesn't feel she should have to "spell it out" and he is equally grieved because he can't read her mind and wonders why he endures punishment for crimes he doesn't know he has committed.

Love REQUIRES thoughtfulness, on both sides. The kind that builds bridges through the constructive combination of patience, kindness and selflessness. Love thinks before speaking. It teaches you to engage your thoughts before your lips. It filters words through a grid of truth and kindness.

When was the last time you spent a few minutes thinking about how you could better understand and demonstrate love to your spouse?

Today's Dare

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

Love Dare- Day 3!

2008-10-19T08:19:00.002-05:00

Yesterday's Followup: What discoveries about love did you make today? What specifically did you do in this dare? How did you show kindness? Take a second to share below and then embark on today's dare.

Love is Not Selfish

"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor." Romans 12.10

We live in a world that is enamored with "self." The culture around us teaches us to focus on our appearance, feelings, and personal desires as the top priority. The goal, it seems, is to chase the highest level of happiness possible. Unfortunately, if there were ever a word that basically means the opposite of love, it is selfishness. Almost every sinful action ever committed can be traced back to a selfish motive. It is a trait we hate in other people but justify in ourselves. Why do we have such low standards for ourselves but high expectations for our mate? The answer is too simple to ignore and too painful to swallow... WE ARE SELFISH!!!

When a husband puts his interests above that of his wife- selfish. When a wife complains about the time and energy she spends on her husbands needs- selfish. Love, "does not seek its own" (I Cor. 13.5) That's because true love looks for ways to say, YES! Choosing to love your mate will cause you to say "no" to what you want so you can say "yes" to what they need.

Here are a few questions we all need to ask ourselves:

1. Do I truly want what's best for my ___________? (Insert relationship here)
2. Do I want them to feel loved by me?
3. Do they believe I have their best interests in mind?
4. Do they see me as looking out for myself first?

"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourself. " Philippians 2.3

Today's Dare

Whatever you put your time, energy, and money into will become more important to you. It's hard to care for something that you are not investing in. Along with restraining from negative comments, buy your spouse something that says, "I was thinking of you today."

Love Dare- Day 2!

2008-10-17T23:56:00.002-05:00

Yesterday's follow-up: Did anything happen to cause anger toward your mate? Were you tempted to think disapproving thoughts and to let them come out in words? If you feel led, share your comments about yesterday below. Then read up on today's dare.

Love Is Kind

"Be kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Ephesians 4.32

Kindness is love in action. If patience is how love reacts in order to minimize a negative circumstance, kindness is how love acts to maximize positive circumstance. Patience a problem; kindness creates a blessing. One if preventative, the other proactive.

The Bible says this about kindness, "Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man." Proverbs 3.3-4

Kindness can be broken down into four basic core ingredients:

1. Gentleness- When you operate from kindness you are sensitive and tender with your spouse.

2. Helpfulness- Being kind means you meet the needs of the moment, serving, without considering your rights.

3. Willingness- Kindness inspires you to be agreeable, flexible, and cooperative instead of obstinate, reluctant or stubborn.

4. Initiative- Kindness thinks ahead. It sees the need and then makes the move- first!

It's difficult to demonstrate love when you feel little to no motivation. But love in its truest sense is not based on feelings. Rather, love determines to show thoughtful actions even when there seems to be no reward. You will never learn to love until you learn to demonstrate kindness.

Today's Dare

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

Love Dare- Day 1!

2008-10-16T14:33:00.004-05:00

Love is Patient

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4.2

LOVE WORKS! It is life's most powerful motivator. It always does what's best for others and can empower us to face the greatest of problems. Relationships become meaningful with it. Marriages are unsuccessful without it.

Love is built on two pillars PATIENCE and KINDNESS. All other characteristics of love are extensions of these two attributes.

Love will inspire you to become a patient person. When you CHOOSE to be patient, you respond in a positive way to a negative situation. You CHOSE to be slow to anger. Anger is usually caused when a strong desire for something is mixed with disappointment or grief. It is often an emotional reaction that flows out of our selfishness, foolishness or evil motives. Anger almost never makes things better where as patience brings an internal calm during an external storm.

Patience is a CHOICE to cotrol your emotions rather than allowing your emotions to control you, and shows discretion instead of returning evil for evil.

Patience is where LOVE meets WISDOM.

What would the tone and volume of your home be if you tried this biblical approach: "See that no one repays another with evil fr evil but always seek after that which is good for one another." I Thes. 5.15

Few of us do patience well. None of us do it naturally. Resolve today to possess PATIENCE!

Today's Dare

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.

Tomorrow, before you start Day 2's challenge you can comment on how today went... If you succeeded in the challenge and what God may have done as you choose to Lead your Heart instead of follow it.

Get Ready... Get Set...

2008-10-16T13:42:00.005-05:00

The DARE starts TOMORROW!!!!

For those of you who have purchased the book- YEAH!! It is a worthwhile investment and a resource in which God will touch and grow your marriage...

For those of you who have not purchased the book... fret not! I will be sure to include enough of each day's "chapter" to explain the foundation for each dare!!

Before we get started tomorrow, let me summarize a few things the book touches on it the introduction of Love Dare...

The Scriptures say that God designed marriage as a GOOD THING. He uses marriage to help us eliminate loneliness, multiply our effectiveness, establish families, raise children, enjoy life and bless us with relational intimacy. He also uses marriage to show us our need to grow and deal with our own issues and self-centeredness.

IF we are teachable- we will learn to do the one thing most important in marriage... LOVE. This dare is about just that. Accepting this dare means taking the view that instead of FOLLOWING YOUR HEART, you are CHOOSING to lead it. This is a journey of exploring and demonstrating genuine love, even when your desire and your motives are low.

LOVE IS A DECISION!!!

It is not just a feeling. It is selfless, sacrificial and transformational.

Tomorrow is Day 1 of the 40 Day Love Dare Challenge. I don't know how any of you are feeling but I am a host of differing emotions. I'm hopeful and expectant of what God will do... and yet I am nervous, arrogant and full of fear as well. I'm having to choose to think on the things that are good, right, true, excellent and praiseworthy instead of the what ifs, why should I have to's and seems easier to serve God as a single thoughts. (OUCH! Clearly I'm warming up to this honesty bit.)

God has a work to do in me ya'll!!!

Who's with me?

Please Read...

2008-10-14T21:17:00.002-05:00

I posted last Saturday regarding my marriage... what I thought to be a transparent and accurate perspective of my relationship as it stands. I believed myself to have taken into consideration my husband's perspectives and feelings as I wrote that post, making very clear that the issues he has stated, are not only valid but true.

He was not comfortable with that post. And many of the conversations we've had recently debated whether or not I should have ever posted anything of that nature.

I have spent the last 24 hours thinking on this very topic... and this is what I have come up with. (With the counsel of two very dear friends)

This is my blog. And in that one can assume, even anticipate, that my feelings, thoughts, etc will be plastered on it's pages. That should I pick a topic to discuss or mull over, here in this webspace, that... I will. And I do. Commonly.

However, whether I may or may not be "entilted" to share my feelings with you here on this blog... is not really the issue. The issue is , "Do I want this marriage to work?" and if so, "What am I willing to do about it?"

I have an opportunity here to RESPECT my husband. So- I have made the choice to take down the post from last week as it has caused Paul to feel uncomfortable (which was never my intent none the less the result remains.) I will also be more considerate in the future and not share conversational details here.

Please know right now that this is a choice and not at all a feeling. Pulling that post goes against how I feel... but in an effort to invest into my marriage I am making the choice (and praying the feeling quickly follows) to respect him and to ultimately TRY!

Which leads me to the Love Dare.

I WANT God to move here. In me. In my heart. I am praying this Love Dare Challenge is an avenue He'll use to make me more like Him, granting me the ability to put my thoughts and insecurities aside and to love my husband unconditionally, selflessly, and with humility. To esteem him greater than myself... to build him up and to respect him.

And, in as much as this Love Dare is a challenge to me... I have to tell you I view it also as a challenge to God. I will do this Dare. Every day... to the best of my ability. I will choose Paul over me and God over us both... and I will EXPECT God to intervene. To change hearts and draw us unto Himself. I will expect God to soften our hearts... and make us capable of seeing Him in one another. And I will expect God to reunite our hearts throughout the course of this Dare.

What about you? Do you have any expectations throughout the course of this Love Dare??

Listen to this...

2008-10-13T07:00:00.003-05:00

Please listen to this audio clip from Howard Stern. I know, it hardly seems possible that an audio clip from Howard Stern could be safe and or beneficial but TRUST me on this one. It's enlightening to say the least.

CLICK HERE

I want to make clear that the notion that African Americans are voting for Obama SOLELY because he too is African American... is just that... a notion. Obviously we as individuals are capable of choosing a candidate based upon policies... once we know them. Knowing the policies seem to be half the battle here.

LOVE DARE BUTTONS...

2008-10-09T19:50:00.005-05:00

Look what Karen, from Simply Amusing Designs, made for me... and for all of us!!!

A Love Dare Button.

A source of motivation.

A reminder.

(And for me, probably soon to be a source of conviction as I look on it daily!)

If you are going to participate... please copy the button and post it to your blog/sidebar. Even if you are not going to participate... I really would like to get the word out so that others can participate. I'm not sure why but this challenge means the world to me right now. I know I need this in my marriage and I think there are many others out there that can and will also benefit.

And one of the many positives... I'm only asking for 40 days here. 40 days of a button in your sidebar. 40 days of challenges that will change hearts and marriages!! 40 days of learning to CHOOSE God and our spouses over ourselves. 40 days of watching Jesus move in and through us. 40 days of growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. 40 days!!! (...then you can oust the button from your sidebar and forget all about me :)

I pray you'll participate... but if you opt against it... I pray you'll encourage others to by spreading the word (and the button.)

(from what I understand... this second one is most likely the one that fits in blog sidebars...)

Love Dare Challenge

2008-09-30T11:18:00.004-05:00

Alright girls!!! Grab your calenders... silence the children... and sneak away for a second. We have some important information to discuss...

I've heard from a few of you recently, and I place myself in complete agreement, that overall ...marriage is hard. Many of us are in a difficult season of marriage. A season where miscommunication is frequent, misunderstandings common, and disputes- numerous. And yet we all desire for our marriages be healthy and fruitful- whatever the cost.

Well, instead of sitting around and sharing yet another story of just how difficult marriage can be- I've decided to do the 40 Day Love Dare!!! If you've seen Fireproof you know exactly what I'm talking about. If you haven't... all you need to know is that this book, was created for and is designed to, IMPROVE MARITAL RELATIONSHIPS... one day (challange) at a time.

It's 10$ at your local bookstore and promises to be worth every penny.

And since encouragement, support and accountability are always helpful is any challenge... I figure we can all go at this together. And document our results day after day in the comment section.

I won't be posting anything else for these 40 days. This Love Dare Challenge will be my priority and I hope you will join in. No matter how good your marriage is currently... I will venture to say that after these 40 days of loving your spouse in new, selfless ways- it will be even better!

We will be starting this challenge Friday October 17th and running straight through Wednesday November 26th. Notice we end the challenge the day before Thanksgiving... Oh the praises we will sing on Thankgiving when we see all the Lord has done in and through our marriages throughout 40 days.

I'm having a button made... hopefully it will be available soon so you can post it to your blog if you choose to participate. It will also help to spread the word so more people can join us...

Comment if you are joining in... I couldn't be more excited!

Premier Week...

2008-09-24T06:40:00.002-05:00

I heard once that the most important thing about communication, be it speaking, writing, etc... is to KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE! Well, I may be going against that rule of thumb as I post today. I'm about to share my exuberance over the worthless hobby of TV viewing to you, who most assuredly, find at least one of my programs to be garbage. (Don't worry... a day doesn't go by where my best friend doesn't call me out on the trash that is known as Grey's Anatomy...)

I digress.

IT'S PREMIER WEEK!!!!

Woot-Woot!!

House, Biggest Loser, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, The Office...

Premier week makes me happy. Premier week also takes me much longer than a week to enjoy. I find myself running from activity to activity, homeschooling. playdates, gymnastics, swim lessons, work... so everything is DVRed at the W house. But... the excitement remains. And the fact that I know the shows are available this week... makes me GIDDY to say the least.

I'm sure ya'll are watching much less TV than I am. And probably not watching night soaps like Private Practice and Grey's... but no matter what fall programming you're watching... it's premier week none the less. Just another week I LOVE LOVE LOVE Fall!

I'll get the pop corn you grab the remote.

Business in the front... Party in the back!!!

2008-09-21T23:00:00.000-05:00

*Just saw this again and chuckled. (It was originally posted on 2/8/07.) Thought maybe you would enjoy the story again so I've bumped it.*

When you were little did you ever play "Uncle"? You know, the game where someone would do something to you until you absolutely couldn't stand it for one more second and you had to scream "UNCLE" to be spared anymore pain, humility, what have you??? My question is this...

DO YOU THINK GOD RESPONDS TO "UNCLE!!!"?

YESTERDAY- I shared with you the story of my daughter falling to sleep in front of the repaired heater vent so she could be near some heat in our home proving how I, on occasion, have poor parenting skills... TODAY is another one of those days specifically designed to make me look like a BAD MOTHER.

Within a matter of minutes- K-girl displayed just how poor a parent I can be. My child, my dear... sweet... young... beautiful child, CUT HER HAIR!!! And not just a strand, or a section... NO!!!

SHE CUT ALL OF THE HAIR ON THE TOP AND SIDES OF HER HEAD!!!

My daughter, who has NEVER had a hair cut, trim, or well to be honest... a wisp of hair removed from her eyes... gave herself a - a - a.... MULLET!!! (There, I said it.)

Here's the full story.

We had been out all morning. Upon returning the kids said they wanted to play in their room... and/or color at the table. As I've said before- I'm a Homeschooling, Stay at Home Mom. The kids and I are here in the house for the majority of the day... daily. They know what they can and can not do and should they do the unthinkable- whatever that may be- it can usually be cleaned up in 30 minutes or less. I had NO WARNING that this could and or would happen. They were all off in their own directions, playing. Then I heard Brenden come out of the bathroom and say, "K-girl, did you cut your own hair? " I was in the living room. She was just near me. I didn't notice anything. So I didn't think twice about Brenden's statement until he started down the steps saying in a deep voice... "Mooooooooommmmmmm....... " (You know, the tone that indicates there's a big big problem but fortunately for the one speaking... it's not with them???) I knew there was validity to his statement from his tone (and the fact that as fast as he was traveling DOWN the steps... she was high tailing it UP the steps) so I called out, "K-Girl... come here."

The panic was immediate. She cut it all right. I ran from the living room where I first saw her hair... to the bathroom... where I saw the REST of her hair laying on the bathroom floor. The pieces were over 6 inches long. A pile of her pristine, untouched, curly locks of gold on my dirty bathroom floor?????

AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

I cried. And then cried some more. At one point she asked me if I was mad and I said, "No honey. Not mad. Sad. " and she started crying too. I can't lie. We mourned the loss of K-Girl's hair. I know there are things FAR MORE TRAGIC and on a scale of all things devastating... this doesn't even rank BUT to me- I needed to cry about it.

Once things settled down here we sat at the table and colored and K-girl, as innocent as anything I've ever seen, turned to me and the boys and said, "Guess who I look like?" In light of present circumstances I couldn't think at all so Beetle responded. "Who?" To which my daughter said sweetly, "Cousin Gladys." (For those that don't know, my niece Gladys is still undergoing Chemo treatment for Acute Myelogenous(sp) Leukemia and therefore only has sprouts of hair on her head.)

And that's when I packed up my brood of children and headed to the local Gap Kids, Claires, Limited Too, and Target for any headband that would help to conceal K-girl's new hair style.

I've opted not to cut the back of her hair despite the fact that I know it contributes to a more noticeable mullet-look. I will do what I can to hide the top and sides of her head while her hair grows in. (That will be a serious undertaking I know.) But I am now armed with an arsenal of colorful headbands, scarves, and hats for her to select from daily.

My dear sweet daughter doesn't know the difference between her hair this morning and her hair this evening. Actually, if anything she probably thinks she can cut some more tomorrow and she'll get another SHOPPING TRIP to her favorite store, Claires.

We will let this pass as though it's not nearly as sad, and/or as funny, as it is... and soon enough it will become an extremely funny memory.

I will leave you all with this personal note however...

God, if this so moves you....

UNCLE!!!!!

So much to say... so little time.

2008-09-05T20:54:00.005-05:00

Is anyone else ecstatic?

Anyone else experiencing a huge influx in excitement for the upcoming election?

I have to be honest and tell you all that before McCain announced Sarah Palin as his running mate I really could not have cared less for the impending election. I was lukewarm to say the least. I felt like I was voting for the lesser of two ICK's.

But that changed last week when McCain announce the Governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin, as his selection for the next Vice President of America.

Oooohhhhh. A fire was lit under my bottom. I was energized and mobilized. The joy returned and the excitement exuded from within.

With 15000 onlookers, Ohio supporters bore witness as McCain ignited and UNITED a party. A cause. A people. And more specifically... ME!

I like her. I like what she stands for. (Pro-life, pro-drilling, reduce superflous spending, limit government ammenities, )I like that her time as mayor and governor validates her claims as to the type of leader she is and will be when in office. (The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior) I like that she makes decisions and executes them based upon what is best for the population in which she governs. (refuses an unnecessary bridge, sells the jet, returns tax dollars to the people) I like that she is realistic but hopeful. And I like that were she not to have been selected to be McCain's running mate last week she would still be plugging away at what is best for the state of Alaska.

I try not to think about the media which continues to HARRASS her with questions and statements like,

"Can and should you run for VP when you are the mother of 5 children?"
"How are you going to care for your family in the magnitude in which they require if you take the VP job?"

" How can you care for and protect our nation when you can't even keep track of your five children and one turns up pregnant?" "Take a DNA test and prove that baby is yours and not your daughters." (Uhhh WHAT?)

"You're too young"

"You don't have enough experience."

"You have questionable associates"
"You're a woman"

"You're white"

"You're a hunter"

"You're a hockey mom".....

WHAAAAAAAAAAAATEVER.

And yes... I got a little stupid at the end..... but K'mon... is the media kidding me?

Had even ONE of these questions been raised to Obama from the drive by's just maybe I would have a tolerance for the insanity of it all- but for Pete's sake, He hasn't so much had to answer for (in the 18 months he's been running) his dealings with a terrorist (William Ayers), how he would handle being PRESIDENT (not even vice president) while tending to his young daughters, where his executive experience is, or HOW he is going to bring about CHANGE (what change actually means and what his platform really consists of).

I know there are many questions that Palin will have to answer. And she has choosen that for herself when she accepted the nomination. But at no point should her children be involved. The media needs to step away. Palin is fair game. (And I for one firmly believe she can take on the media, answer any and all questions, and do so effectively and eloquently) ... but the kids, they are not up for grabs and should never be used as a bargaining chip in an election.

I hope you are excited about the election as well. I feel like I could say so much more about it. Actually, I can. And I most certainly will... while there's still a little time. Before we all know it... November will be upon us and the fate of our Nation over the next 4 years will rest in the votes of the many individuals of this great country.

God Bless America!!!

Pictoral Proof of our Continued Existence

2008-08-19T07:43:00.011-05:00

Is 4 too young to get your first mani/pedi?

Is 4 too young to get your own pet?

Is 4 too young to love your mama "the mostest infinity"?

Reading Recommendation...

2008-08-01T19:13:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago, while visiting my inlaws in Central PA, a friend that I went to Messiah with told me to read the book, "The Shack". I recently became quite the avid reader as we turned our TV off for the summer so I inquired about the book. To my disappointment the word, "Fiction", was included in her summary. I dismissed it immediately. I told her I wouldn't read it. Afterall I was reading books like If You Want To Walk On Water You Have To Get Out Of The Boat, Believing God and The Divine Conspiracy. Real Books. Godly Books. Non- fiction books.

Wednesday night my friend Stacy asked me if I was reading the book she knew had been recommended to me a few weeks ago. I halfheartedly giggled and said, "Uh- NO!" To my surprise she asked if she could borrow it. Perplexed, I found myself asking what her interest in the book was... and before I knew it, she'd peaked mine.

I returned home that night and decided to read the forward of The Shack. Let me just say, 24 hours later... I had finished the book. 248 fictional pages that to my complete amazement revealed the person(s) of God to me in new and intimate ways.

I then found out that this book, written by William P. Young, a Christian Theologian... son of a missionary... father of 6... is currently NUMBER 1 on the New York Times Best Seller List!! A Christian Fiction Novel number 1 on the most secular reading list known to man.... PRAISE GOD! Clearly He is in this... right??

The author is already in talks with media production companies to make this book into a movie. I for one, having read the book, see such potential for it to be a mainstream movie impacting unbelievers for the glory of God.

If you get a chance, head to a bookstore and pick up a copy of The Shack. Maybe, just maybe, by the time you begin reading it... I'll have worked out the logistics necessary to host a Book Review here at The World of Chelle. Because topics like these will need to be discussed...

*Where is God in the midst of our pain?

*How is Jesus fully God and fully man?

*What does it mean for us to be created in His image?

*What does our relationship with Him mean when we presuppose He is in our likeness only better?

*Why should we converse with God when He already knows everything?

*Is there a heirarchy established within the Trinity?

*What role does personal choice and independence play in our unity and relationship with Him?

*What role does submission play in our relationship with God and others?

*Why does God allow tragedy to occur in the lives of His children?

*Does God orchestrate tragedy in our lives to accomplish His purpose?

*What is the distinction between religion and relationship?

*Do we truly know and believe God for who He is or simply who we think He is?

I really hope you'll read it. I'm biting at the bit to host a discussion...

Look Out... I'm NOSY!!!

2008-07-30T21:52:00.002-05:00

First- let me share with you that since I dropped my lap top and sent it back to my children's school for repair... they've taken the opportunity to update the security on it leaving me able to access... NOTHING!!! Not my email, not youtube, not Beth Moore's blog, not my blog and unfortunately... not your blogs. So- though it doesn't seem possible- you will be hearing from me less than you have recently. (Hardly possible I know.)

Now- onto the reason for my post... I'm quite nosy today. I want to know what you are doing. And since I'm incapable of getting on your blogs to see- I've decided to turn everyone onto www.TWITTER.com. I find it necessary to get everyone to tweet so my phone notifies me of your whereabouts and keeps me in the loop.

IF you are the solo person left on this planet that has no idea what Twitter is... here's a brief summary. It's a social status network enabling you 160 characters to update your followers of your current activities. It's a blast and I love it. You can update from your PC, laptop, mobile web, cell phone etc... and most importantly... I CAN READ YOUR UPDATES!!!

So- get on TWITTER. Now. Please.

Great. Thanks.

Talk to you all next month. (And if by chance my blog is hijacked by some guest blogger named Joanne... go with it. She's highly likeable!! :)

I Saw The Lyme Documentary...

2008-07-17T12:22:00.004-05:00

I wish I could relay information to you regarding Under Our Skin. I couldn't possibly put into words all that is captured in that movie.

I drove 2 hours last night (we'd already driven 3.5 hours to my MIL's house earlier in the week) to get to the movie screening. I knew as I walked in that there were others in like situations as they walked the Lyme journey. I heard people discussing their onset, history, treatments... I kept quiet.

There was literature featuring symptoms, treatments etc... I didn't read.

I'm fairly certain I know all I need to know about Lyme Disease... any further information would serve to add fear and or uncertainty to my journey at this point. But I did go to see a movie that was said to educate, make aware and document case studies of individuals battling Lyme... and that will be encouraging to see- or so I thought.

It was a VERY difficult movie to watch. Extremely difficult. First- seeing others suffer in ways (and far greater) as I've suffered is overwhelming. To see multiple people explain how the mainline medical field dismissed their symptoms... maddening. And worst by far... to hear a physician previously diagnosed with ALS say that as long as he is on IV antibiotics and oral meds he keeps his health in check but once off the "ALS" (Lyme) progresses with ALS like symptoms... and that it will indeed kill him if he is not agressive. Well, that my friends is difficult to view.

Because my symptoms presented like ALS. My symptoms are neurological. And my symptoms are much worse off IV antibiotics. But it is not at all in our means to remain on IV antibiotics. And the guidelines that the mainline medicine follows regarding Lyme, the guidelines the insurance companies follow regarding paying for treatment... says that one round of IV Abx is all one with Lyme would ever need.

And if that wasn't hard enough to watch... I viewed death certificates that noted Lyme Disease as the sole cause of death. And one certificate specifically said, "ALS/Lyme Disease".

The movie was informative! And for those that aren't subjected to a relative walking the path of someone with Chronic Lyme- it will show the extreme nature of this disease in different perspectives so that a well rounded picture is formed. but for those of us on this treatment journey- it is a hard thing to watch.

I bought the movie. I want my husband to see it. There are perspectives in the movie I know he will benefit from seeing. Some confirming what I've said about my symptoms all along... some confirming the serious nature of my symptoms... and some confirming the difficulties of walking along side someone with a chronic illness.

If a screening comes available in your area... I really urge you to see it. Lyme is not ONLY in Connecticut. There are people in this movie from Orlando, Nevada, California, Seattle, and Michigan. I know some of you are from those places and think you are outside endemic areas. IF you see deer in your state... there are deer ticks. And deer ticks transmit Lyme Disease.

As for an update regarding my health... I am currently taking both oral and IM (Intramuscular) antibiotics. It is a difficult treatment course but I know full well there are times when it gets worse before it gets better. I am definitely worse at the moment. Please be praying for my neurological system. It is quite active. I have shaking, tremors, myoclonic jerks, muscle twitches. My throat, though swallowing fairly well, has muscle twitches quite often as does my tongue. And my muscles are noticeably weaker. (Though I am plenty capable of walking, driving, typing, folding laundry etc. )

And on an extremely positive note- tomorrow I'll be getting together with Tara and baby Charlie on our old stomping grounds... Messiah College. Actually, I suppose I'll be getting together with K2 as well. (She is pregnant with her second child) That will make for a wonderful end to a wonderful week here in central PA.

I Wouldn't Think Twice if...

2008-07-14T13:48:00.005-05:00

Today just dropped off the calender.

Three years ago today I started my journey with Lyme Disease. At least the portion of the journey that I am aware of enough to acknowledge.

Three years ago today I went to Jefferson Hospital's ER because I was experiencing Tingling/Numbness in my arms/hands, muscle issues, and nausea.

Three years ago today the physicians at the hospital referred me to neurology for an MRI because they assumed I had Multiple Sclerosis.

Three years ago today I stopped eating and didn't resume until 4 weeks later.

Three years ago today I started crying...

If today dropped off the calender- I wouldn't mind so much.

Especially since today I was told that my eleven year old niece *has been diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia... AGAIN. She just finished oral chemo last month and was in for a routine check up this morning only to be blindsided with the news that she is again positive for Cancer.

Like I said- if today dropped off the calender... I wouldn't think about it twice.

*The link provided just connects to my post two years ago when my niece was originally diagnosed. I include it ONLY because it gives a bit more detail regarding the cancer... I thought about not including it because I was clearly not walking in a manner that chose trust over fear and or peace over controlled understanding. A mild embarrassment escorts the fact that I included that link... but I suppose we'll just chalk it up to growth!

Thanks for your prayers friends.

If I was a blogger...

2008-07-11T10:11:00.001-05:00

I would write about

*Why I haven't blogged...
*My 33rd Birthday...
*My 10th Anniversary...
*Our family trip to see the Inlaws...
*The boys (husband and sons) two day trip to Washington DC...
*My manicure and pedicure with the SILs...
*My daughter's first nail salon experience with her cousin (fake mani's and pedi's)...
*The newest member of our family...
*My children's experiences at VBS...
*My new favorite cosmetologist who gave me the best cut and color I've ever received...
*Business Weeks amazing article regarding Evangelical Christianity taking ground in China... (Read it HERE)

Furthermore- IF I was a blogger... I would include pictures.

But we can all attest to the fact that I, most recently, have not proven myself to be a blogger.

I do so miss you all!!

If You Are a Mom... You'll Want to Read This...

2008-06-14T12:52:00.003-05:00

Shannon, at Rocks in My Dryer, linked this post to her site today. It is WELL worth the 60 seconds to link to the site and read...

It will make you hold a little tighter and share a little more love with those wee ones you're raising.

Go now... to THIS SITE!!

PLEASE... watch this trailer.

2008-06-14T08:17:00.001-05:00

*Sticky Post... check below for newer posts!*

I try not to make this blog about my battle with Lyme Disease. I try to limit my discussions on it because I never want to elevate this disease in my life ABOVE God. If I do discuss it I always try to shout the praises of all God has done in my heart and life through the course of this disease. (And there are truly MANY praises to shout... )

But today- I need you to see the other side of the disease. Because the disease is so very real in my daily life, and because it is so present in our population, and because odds are you're not hearing about it from your medical community... I need you to watch this trailer.

I've linked you to the page where there is a synopsis regarding Lyme and the movie... the "View Trailer" link is on the left sidebar at the bottom. PLEASE take 2 minutes to view it... please.

It released at the Tribeca Film Festival and is getting amazing feedback. There is one line in the trailer where someone says, "At one point this is going to affect enough people that the question is going to be posed (to government) what do you know and how long have you known it?" That is something I think about everyday.

Fireproof

2008-06-13T07:56:00.003-05:00

It's ironic that I am bringing you this information today. It comes after a very long night. A night that was both emotional and exhausting. A night of hashing things out between husband and wife. Things that are not OK. Things that need to change. Parenting issues. Priorities. Hurt feelings etc.

And I would be a liar if I didn't admit to the feelings of hopelessness and "we're done" that tend to escort these discussions.

All this being said, this morning I read the AllAccess blog and the topic was the movie Fireproof. Have you heard about this yet?

Sherwood Pictures, the media ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church, is releasing its third film "Fireproof" to theaters this Fall 2008. September 29th to be exact.

Actor Kirk Cameron, plays the role of Holt, a firefighter whose constant mantra to his team is, "Never leave your partner behind, especially in a fire."

When his wife tells him she wants a divorce, Holt realizes the contradiction between his commitment to run into a burning building to save a stranger but unwillingness to do the same to save his wife in the marriage. With the help of his father, Holt takes up the challenging -– and often discouraging -- task of reviving his marriage.

I don't need to tell you how reading about this movie after my long dialogue last night went... or that I will be seeing it this fall when it hits a PA theater.

Head to the FIREPROOF SITE so you can read about it yourself and view the trailers.

Have a great weekend friends.

"You have not because you blog not..."

2008-06-10T21:46:00.005-05:00

James 4.2

Really! That's what it says.

You have not because you blog not!!!

And I believe it. Because after all... it is the inspired Word of God right??

So, maybe that's not exactly what it says... but it is what it means- sort of.

I don't know how people like Melanie, Sophie, and Shannon do it. Acquire readership that is. Sophie has a gazillion people reading her blog. I am one of them. She is funny. Really very funny. Always mentioning her "Diet Cokes and Cheetos... ya'll"!

I lie if I act like I don't know how they acquire and maintain readership. It seems fairly simple actually. THEY POST ON THEIR BLOGS!!! (Sophie actually posts on her "blawg") They are consistent. Timely. Funny.

They do what they have to despite the time of day, weather, familial obligation, exhaustion... to get their post written.

I wish I could do all that. Most of the time when not blogging I am running around from park to pool to ice cream truck with three sweaty, wet, ice cream covered children. And the joy- well you can see it from miles away. (You can tell they are happy too if you look at them. )

I'm not sure how to keep everything a float. So- while I know it would be great if I could indeed post daily- particularly about things most important to me like what I am reading regarding Jonah, the Ninevites and God's relenting in the destruction He'd threatened... I know it's not only improbable that I would post daily... it's impossible.

Until my next post- which hopefully details my thoughts on just what the Lord SAW that made Him relent in the destruction of Ninevah...

Where I/we've been...

2008-06-04T17:52:00.031-05:00

At the park...daily... for HOURS...

...with a Diva...

...who keeps those boys in line... obviously.

Working...at the Pool... (which brings few smiles)

Giving into a boy's wish...

...to shed his curls...
...so little old ladies will stop telling him...

..."Honey- I pay good money for those locks"...

...only to find out... he wanted to UNWISH his wish!

*I can't tell you how many ask where he gets those curls! (since I wear my hair straight all the time) This picture clears it up...he gets them from ME!)

We opened floral packages that held gorgeous flowers...

...that Mom-Mom sent for the recital...

...and then carried them around ALL night long...

...and loved it so!

We went to Kennywood (theme park)...

...and were forced to smile while waiting in EACH line...

...and at each "Kodak picture spot"...

...and on each ride...

...even when with Daddy!

And yes- we even cleaned out the garage...

...and when I say "we" I mean "ME"...

...four hours in... and it still looked like this...

...until I crammed almost EVERYTHING into the van...

...and unloaded it at the Salvation Army... (not the two office chairs)

We went to Krispy Kreme for the first time in 2 years...

the kids now call me SUPERMOM!

AND... happily, I admit, we went SHOE SHOPPING!!!

Lookie at these Maddens...aren't they beauties?

I missed you all terribly. And will be back in blogland tomorrow!

Just in the past few days....

2008-05-28T09:46:00.002-05:00

Three different people have contacted me to say that they have found deer ticks on their children...

Two of the three have been unable to get antibiotics!!

One hasn't even tried.

One doctor told my friend that "It goes against protocol to treat on a preventative basis." (Here is where I insert text taken from the Mayo clinic web site and personally say protocol-smotocol....we're talking lives here!!!)

Mayo Clinic says this- "Single-dose doxycycline (200 mg orally) can be used as prophylaxis in selected patients. Preventive measures should be emphasized to patients to help reduce risk."

Ummmm...clearly PROTOCOL is quite subjective... yes?

I will go on to say that Doxy can not and should not be used in children and that the antibiotic of choice should be ammoxicilian. And the dosage differs not from a 2 week course for an ear infection. So- what's the hold up?

CDC says their test is flawed and accurate only 30-40 percent of the time. But the physicians think you should wait at least 4 weeks until the blood test can be given. What?

All this to say... I would be grateful if you would join me in praying for two wee ones who have had ticks pulled off them in the last couple days and can't get treatment.

Sam- a 4 year old who already has a fever and is feeling terrible.

Ethan- a 3 year old whose mama also had lyme for 2 years and knows what a tick can do... furthermore- his mama asked the Dr. to send the tick for testing and the Dr. refused that too.

Doctors turned both of these kids away without so much as a single dose of antibiotics. Modern medicine for some reason doesn't acknowledge the growing epidemic surrounding us... and may, in it's ignorance (or mere disregard) be encouraging it's continual growth.

And please pray for the last little one whose mom didn't even try to get meds...

The lack of understanding of this terrible disease could cause a parent not to safeguard a child from this illness and the ramifications... well- I won't even contemplate them...

Kandoo... but doesn't.

2008-05-26T20:55:00.003-05:00

You know these wipes? Flushable kid friendly wipes from a company called Kandoo?? Well, we have 'em. T hey sit in our bathroom for the wee ones to use should the need arise.

Well, the other day I was in the bathroom and realized, come the end of my time there, that there was no toilet paper. Why you ask??? Because it happens to be allergy season here at my house and rolls of toilet paper can be found attached to my children, next to their beds, and out back in the tree house because at some point someone is going to have to blow their nose... and it rarely happens in the bathroom. So there I sat...

... in the bathroom with no toilet paper. And then I saw it... my saving grace- the Kandoo wipes. I congratulated myself on several levels. "Good job me!! You've purchased something to help your children should the need arise... your good-momness is now rewarded in your time of need!!! " and "Good Job me!!! Your preparation has come to your aid once again!!!" and even "Good Job Me!!! Your kids may have won one over on you as they high jacked all the TP but make no mistake- you always prevail!!!"

I grabbed a wipe with a smile on my face and joy in my heart. I wrapped things up and as I went to wash my hands... my youngest knocked on the door asking to go to the bathroom. Ahhh... what's one more in here- come on in I tell her.

As she finishes she reaches for the TP to find it gone. I tell her to hold on a second so I can get her a roll to which she quickly tells me, "No mama. I'll just use these. " (Those lifesaving Kandoo wipes... ) Again I pat myself on the back. I am indeed a good mom. The pride grows.

I finish washing my hands as she finishes wiping. I decide to stay to help her wash her hands when out of the corner of my eye I see it. I see IT!!!

She uses the wipe AND PUTS IT BACK!!! Stuffs it back into the Kandoo wipe case. Eeeeewwwww!

I sternly advise her... "Love, we don't do that. We flush them down the toilet after we use them."

And then I remember- I JUST USED ONE! Ick. Ick. Ick. Ick.

I wash her hands, kick her out of the bathroom and immediately get into the shower.

I wonder if the poeple at Kandoo can market something that tells us what to do with the wipe AFTER this picture teaches us how to use it... Cause it seems that's where my kid's getting confused.

Thoughts provoked by Greys...

2008-05-24T11:05:00.005-05:00

Had a few discussions this week. I will be forthright now and tell you all... I watch and enjoy Greys' Anatomy. I've watched since it began and with the exception of most of one season (when I was down and out with Lyme and made a decision not to watch any TV) I haven't missed an episode. Furthermore- I'm almost certain I've since seen every episode at least once.

That being said, a conversation developed when a dear friend called me three weeks ago mid episode to say, "You're still watching that? I've already turned it off and deleted the series recording."

I probably don't have to tell you that it was right after Addison asked Callie if she and Erica were "an item" (though I think she used the L word... which I don't want to type here because I don't want to come up on any kind of search with that word in it...) Anyway, being the incredibly smart friend that she is... she knew that there was a major story line brewing that she not only disagreed with but also refused to watch and wanted to see if I'd abandoned the show as well.

I didn't.

By the way- she isn't the only one to mention that the show is now "dead" to her because of that story line.

Here's where I share a few thoughts...

I will freely admit to it being trash. I think if you watch -you know it's trash too. My thought on this however... is that it has always been trash. It has always had premarital sex, swearing, taking the Lord's name in vain, immoral sexual activity, unprofessional conduct, lack of ethics... ETC.

So tell me why, WHY, when the new storyline includes a same s*x relationship people find themselves disheveled... annoyed... disturbed?!!

Is it because they don't think those relationships exist? Hardly. Is it because they don't want those relationships glorified? Possibly. Or is it because they elevate that "sin" above other sins and consider it a deal breaker??? Yeah- I thought so.

Despite the fact that God doesn't consider one sin better or worse than another... that He considers THINKING about an affair the same as HAVING an affair... that sin is sin and all covered under the blood of Jesus... well- despite all that- we assess people's behaviour and decide what is acceptable and what is not. And some have found in the last three weeks, that this storyline is an unacceptable sin and a deal breaker.

I don't think that's right.

Let me be clear. I'm all for morality and conviction. I'm all for true, right, noble pure, excellent praiseworthy thoughts... I'm all for limiting if not entirely removing ungodly influences to our hearts and minds. And I don't rationalize the viewing of this, or any other show that has offensive or morally corrupt material in it... everyone makes their own decisions- thus our continual walks with the Lord.

What I do not think is right is when we outright acknowledge one sin to be a dealbreaker. Watch the show, don't watch the show... makes not difference to me. But don't tell me you refuse to further watch the show, or be friends with someone, or eat dinner at a restaurant, or buy gas somewhere because of a personal decision someone else is making or may have already made to participate in something that YOU VIEW AS THE SIN. Because, just so you know,

WE ARE ALL SINNERS!!! And much of what we do is sin.

Which is why we are keep short accounts with the Lord. And submit to Him so He can make us more like Him. So that we do make good choices... and He is glorified in our hearts and lives.

Again, this is less about Greys and more about the principle of the matter. We choose to elevate certain sins above others... we become judgemental, we eliminate people or situations from our circle of influence based on current or past decisions on their part to participate in "deal breaker" sins.

What in the world???

Clearly I've been thinking on this a little... and it has become a bit of a soap box for me. Whether someone watches or doesn't watch Greys' is not going to hurt another... but if we apply this same principle to people in our lives... IS GOD'S LOVE VISIBLE? Or do people see in us conditional love, judgement and even hypocrisy.

We can not say that we love others as Christ loves us when we are turning from them because they've made us uncomfortable. Or because we think they are blatantly wrong. And please allow me to extend this to drugs, alcohol, smoking, etc. People consistently feel judged by Christians... how is that showing the Love of Christ???

Isn't there a way we can befriend others without judging them and making them feel as though we are Bible Thumpers that are black and white and think they are bad people because of the things they DO!!!

It actually pains my heart that any of this could apply relationally to those that are not exactly like us and are just looking to relate to us in any way possible... are they instead finding a critical and judgemental person incapable of seeing another as God sees them?

By the way- I am not saying we are to encourage or condone sin. I am say we should in no way discard people because of those sins. What's the line that goes around... Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin?! And yet, many a Christian discard people because of their actions... Jesus NEVER did that. Who are we that we would do to others what not even Jesus did?

Just wondering. Comment below...

Please Pray for...

2008-05-21T23:22:00.003-05:00

Steven Curtis Chapman and his family. His daughter was killed this afternoon by a freak accident as Chapman's oldest son was driving an SUV down the family driveway.

Simply tragic.

She was 5 years old and had just graduated from church preschool.

Article with additional information can be read here.

(Thank you to Shannon at Rocks in my Dryer for sharing this prayer request via Twitter...)

Sickie among us...

2008-05-21T14:08:00.003-05:00

Last week I posted a picture of my daughter who'd met the road with her face... the road won. (I hear that's usually the outcome of such an event.)

This week, just ONE day before her big recital... she looks like this-

I don't know for sure but I hear there's some virus going around called Slap Cheek. Maybe this is what she has. Her cheeks sure look like it might be the case.

Please pray that whatever this is... it parts from her quickly. She needs to be on the stage, in full costume and makeup, tomorrow at 6pm. Thanks friends.

By-products of Ballet...

2008-05-19T09:59:00.008-05:00

Where else can a 4 year old find great friends like these???

The trenches...

2008-05-18T14:47:00.005-05:00

I recently heard a pastor give a message on BECOMING. That to become who the Lord created and longs for you to be... that it is a process and not an event. (Boy oh boy!!! That in and of itself is an entire sermon isn't it?)

Anyway, I started to really think about that. How we need to ask the Lord what areas of our lives need to be changed and surrender those areas unto Him so that He can indeed change them.

Many of us know that we ought to do just that. We should seek God. We should ask Him where we need Him more and submit it to Him. We should remain obedient unto Him as He changes us. And we should realize fully that it is a journey not a destination. But how many of us actually think all of that? Actually believe it?

I think if I were being honest I would fess up that a large part of me believed that were I to actually ask God what areas of my life He wanted and submitted those areas to Him that I would EXPECT my road to get easier. After all... I'd be doing the right thing right? I mean- I'd be granting him access to my life and heart ...so I'd be doing what He wants of me... my path should get easier-right?

Not so much. I think once we ask God into those areas of our lives that need growth we can actually expect to see some struggles. Really. Have you ever prayed for patience? Aren't you usually faced with ornery children, touchy coworkers, slloooooooooooooooow Sunday drivers in front of you during rush hour soon after that prayer??? All opportunities to practice patience right? But in the moment- they're a struggle.

Truth be told- when I first experienced Lyme Symptoms... and they manifested neurologically- I found myself crying ALL the time. Scared that it was something more- I cried out to the Lord. Several times. With all that was in me. Beyond the traditional bargaining... something deep within me knew I needed the Lord. The kind of deep awakening that Paul expressed when he wrote in Romans 7, "Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?"

I wanted God in a way that I'd never wanted Him before and I made it known. I yelled out to Him. I told Him. And then I waited... in expectation. I waited for all of this to be taken from me, because after all... I had done what He wanted. Clearly He'd just allowed this in my life and body so I would see my need for Him and since I knew... it would be taken from me right???

Poor theology I know. But I don't think I was alone in it. Unfortunately we are selfish. We look out for us first. And we tend to have issues with faith. Issues like, We have it when things are going well for us... and we don't have it when they're not. Hey- I'm not at all excluding myself from this... actually I think the process of enduring what I have has enabled me to see this clearly in my heart and life.

But it's sad. So sad. Because in thinking like this- looking out for number 1, lacking faith in uncertain times... we miss a large part of who God is and what He's doing in us.

A large part of the change that happens in us, in our hearts, is done when we are in the trenches. It's not on the mountaintops... we sense the emotion of the moments on the mountaintops but rarely does that emotion lead to change that produces fruit.

It's in the trenches, the times when we are stretched, exposed, vulnerable to our God in whom we can't live without... our God in whom we've realized we can't endure one more moment outside of His will... it's in the moments we lay ourselves down, choose Him above us, trust that what He is doing is for our good, and release our need to know and approve of our path that He's able to change us. To grow us. That we become.

The trenches. We can't grow without them... but isn't it true that we try often to pray them away? I know I sure did.

Paul said in 2 Corinthians 8, "Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”" Paul was in the trenches. He referred to it as "a thorn in his flesh.. sent to torment him." Well if most trenches couldn't be summed up as "torment" I don't know what could. But did you catch that Paul prayed three different times for it to be removed from him and each time God said, "My grace is all you need." He allowed it to remain. Because it was better for Paul that it remained and it allowed God to be glorified as only God's power would be evident. Paul was clearly too weak to overcome on his own.

Paul thrived in the Lord not despite his thorn... but because of it. And because He chose God over his circumstances. Because he didn't seek self first. Because He still knew and believed the person of God and served Him. He didn't miss the opportunity for God's power to shine in his weakness. He didn't claw his way out of the trenches. He didn't ignore them or turn his back to the Lord. He didn't reason them away.

I hope we, like Paul, realize that the trenches bring growth. And that if we've prayed to have our thorns removed and they still remain... that they are there for our own good. It's a hard one to understand... I'm not sure I always do- but it doesn't make it any less true.

Pray for growth- for change- for fruit. But don't be surprised if you find yourself in the trenches... and don't wish them away. Seize the opportunity for God's power to be visible in and through your weakness and for His name to be both praised and glorified.

I don't do politics... but...

2008-05-16T09:51:00.002-05:00

...this was sent to me by my dear friend Stacy. Please laugh along and take it for just what it is... funny.

The Republican Fisherman

A woman in a hot air balloon realized she was lost. She lowered her altitude and spotted a man in a boat below. She shouted to him, "Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don't know where I am."

The man consulted his portable GPS and replied, "You're in a hot air balloon, approximately 30 feet above a ground elevation of 2,346 feet above sea level. You are at 31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude."

She rolled her eyes and said, "You must be a Republican." I am, " replied the man. " How did you know?"

"Well," answered the balloonist, "everything you told me is technically correct, but I have no idea what to do with your information, and I'm still lost. Frankly, you've not been much help to me."

The man smiled and responded, "You must be a Democrat. " "I am," replied the balloonist. "How did you know?"

"Well," said the man, "You don't know where you are or where you're going. You've risen to where you are, due to a large quantity of hot air. You made a promise that you have no idea how to keep, and you expect me to solve your problem. You're in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but, somehow, now it's my fault."

Pictures of a Dancer...

2008-05-15T09:37:00.010-05:00

Kgirl has her first Ballet/Tap dance recital next week. I can hardley believe it. Here are the costumes she'll wear for each dance.

I love the closeups in black and white so I included them for you.

Wordless Wednesday...

2008-05-14T09:00:00.003-05:00

Kgirl-0 Road-1

SOLD OUT! I want my money back.

2008-05-08T07:48:00.003-05:00

Time to fess up.

A few weeks ago I was at BigMama's blog reading her post about blog pet peeves and the sort. I was glad she was addressing this because I have a pet peeve... and I figured everyone else shared the same one so I was excited to jot it down in a comment.

My pet peeve is the jumbled letters you have to decipher and copy at the end of some posts. Call me lazy but I just typed a bunch of letters so that I could post... I don't want to have to scroll down and use my mind to figure out and type additional letters.

Well, to my complete surprise- FEW people mentioned this as a pet peeve. BUT what they did mention... was MUSIC on blogs. MUSIC.

I found myself in a pickle. Call me naive but I really believed people to love my music. A few have even commented that they come to my site at times JUST for the music. And I believed them because statcounter would show them here for hours and there's just not enough interesting reading material here to visit for hours unless you're my mom and even then... you pretty much know everything before it hits the blog and only come for the pictures. (Hi Mom. Love you)

So- here's the fessing up part. As you may have noticed... I conformed to the patterns of this world... I sold out to the peer pressure of the many that complained on Melanie's blog about music. I took the playlist off my site. Not because I was finished with it. Not because I felt my site was better without the music. But because I felt if I was ever going to have a lot of readers, a lot of comments... I needed to not offend or annoy people. (Ummmm- odds are, if people read, they will likely be annoyed or offended at some point by what I say anyway right? I mean- how many of you are still stuck on the fact that I admitted how much I hate the jumbled letters I fill out in order to leave a comment on your site? :0)

All this to say- THE MUSIC IS BACK. I like the music. I want the music. And though I would love to know many people enjoy stopping by... the truth is... I want to be true to this blog and myself. So- I have re-added the playlist and, in the spirit of compromise, discontinued autostart. If you would like to hear music you can scroll to the bottom of the page and press play.

My new favorite song leads the list... Mercy Me's Bring The Rain.

Oh Mercy Me- How I Love Thee.

Enjoy!!

Wordless Wednesday... a day early.

2008-05-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

Only at Walmart can you find a sign like this...

In the event you missed my prior equally funny Walmart picture post... go HERE.

New Phone...

2008-05-05T06:38:00.003-05:00

Two weeks ago I found myself in the midst of of a personal crisis. (Figurative that is.) While at ballet I dropped my cell phone on the dance floor and watched it split into two pieces. Top and Bottom.

Ouch. I realized immediately that I didn't have a means to communicate. I couldn't call anyone. Even if I had another phone to use... I didn't have a contact list. It was painful. And I think it brought with it a physical response as well.

Thankfully- I'm able to report that I am back in phone land. And have come bearing gifts.

I updated my phone contract and purchased a new phone that I love-love-love. It is called the Samsung Flip Shot and is technically a camera first. Oh yes, I said it. A camera. 3 mega pixels.

I bought black but here's a stock photo in red to show how cool a gadget this little thing is.

Don't you love how the top flips over like that? When you open the phone and flip the screen, the phone instantly shifts to camera mode. The top screen becomes a moving view finder to help take pictures. It's saweeeeeeet!!!

Summer Snow...

2008-05-03T22:16:00.012-05:00

"Look Momma- when I blow these... they make-

SUMMER SNOW!!!"

K-girl's "Ode to Sydney" picture...

Took One For The Team...

2008-05-03T07:17:00.002-05:00

Sad but true.

All this outdoor activity has finally done me in. Wish I could say this is the only nail that went wayside...

BUT... it is spring so who can complain about that?

Present and Accounted for...

2008-05-02T18:09:00.004-05:00

If this were second grade I would raise my hand and say, "Here" in response to the emails I've received wondering where I am and if I am coming back to blogland.

I wish I could say I've been busy doing things that directly impact the kingdom of God... or that I have been away on a media fast to spend extra time with the Lord... or.... or .... or....

Truth is- I haven't been doing much of anything (noteworthy) lately. And most definitely haven't purposed to be away from the blog for reasons pertaining to Godliness or the like.

Nope.

I've been at the playground. At the pool. At the bike park. On the trail. In the sun. Cooking on the grill. Spending time with new friends. And babysitting a precious baby. (Though not for long enough periods of time)

I've taken friends to church- a real highlight in my week. And spent afternoons riverside having lunch, laughs and lattes.

I've no excuse for not blogging other than I've been doing. Doing this and doing that. And all the while wondering if anything I am doing is blogworthy.

So, until it is that I have something to share that hasn't already been shared on the blog a gazillion times (ie. pictures of kids hanging on monkey bars or posing for cameras) I'll just stop by to say, "Here I AM! Present and Accounted for."

Wordless Wednesday

2008-04-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

2007 Wedding Pictures

I Got Nothin'

2008-04-22T07:16:00.002-05:00

Why will I never have a successful, busy, often visited, always commented blog? Because...

I GOT NOTHIN'!

It's unfortunate yes. But it's true. I wake up in the morning. Hoping to add something witty, hilarious, short on my site.... but nothing comes to me.

Apparently I lack blogable moments. Apparently I'm incapable of turning the little moments into funny notable themes. Ahhhh... dry humor- where for art thou??

I remain committed to you 6 however. I will still post how I have nothing to post over not posting anything at all. And I will pray for the funny, silly, blogable moments of my life to find their way here- to you.

But until then....

I GOT NOTHIN'!

Busy Day... Busy.

2008-04-21T15:17:00.004-05:00

First- let me let you know that it wasn't really a busy day. Just productive. And a bit fun might I add.

I started my day with Comcast ringing the bell at 8am. Oh yes my friends. EIGHT! Ouch. I know I scheduled the appointment between the hours of 8-10 but K'mon... do we ever REALLY believe the cable company is going to show in that window of time LET ALONE right at EIGHT? Just checking!!

From there we went to the orthodontist for a little adjustment on B-boys "Beast". Of course when they said there was a slight chance he would get an "ulcer"... I should have known it meant that he was GOING TO GET an ulcer. So- they assure me the adjustment will relieve discomfort and allow B-Boy to wear this $1500 gadget 20 hours a day. Nice.

Then we picked up lunch and hit the park. A favorite park by where K-girl's ballet teacher surprised us by coming out to sit and talk while the wee ones played for a few minutes. (Ended up easily being an hour) K-girl was all excited as she has grown to love Angie. And Angie clearly knows the way to the kids' hearts as she brought with her capri suns and sidewalk chalk. (I tell her all the time to be careful... I don't want my kids thinking she's a better mom than I am :0)

Onto playdate number two. My friend Michelle had a few moms with kids over today so we joined in on the fun. Kids running everywhere... OUTSIDE. Us moms talked together in the quiet and serenity of Michelle's living room. Ahhhhhh, Spring, I love you so.

And now for a few pictures. No- not of the parks, playdates, or orthodontist... not even of the clock when Comcast arrived. Nope. Pictures of what I accomplished since arriving home from this eventful day.

Here's the before.

A wretched bush at the foot of my steps has annoyed me for years. It is in my flower bed so I have made due with it... but recently asked my husband what it would take to remove it. I'm fairly sure his response involved, "Initiative and or desire" on his part as the bush doesn't please nor bother him.... It does however BOTHER me and if initiative is what will get it out... I can muster a bit of that up. And that I did.

I'm pleased to report- it did indeed come up. And it wasn't nearly as painful a process as I thought it would be. (Praise the Lord.)

Here's the after-

Tomorrow it will be tilled and fed and glorious plants will be added. Tiger Lillie's maybe. Tulips. Gerbera Daisies. Maybe one of those in front of Sedum which will give me seasonal bloom...

Hmmmm- how excited am I to have to figure this out????

Oh Spring... I love you so!!!

What Kind of Dog Breed are You?

2008-04-19T21:33:00.005-05:00

Thanks Mari for another cute quiz. I thought for sure I too would be a Golden Retreiver as I consider myself extremely friendly and the sort but my husband informs be that the quiz is right in that, "I'm a little yapper" dog.

Wow, You're a Jack Russell Terrier!

Jack Russell Terrier
The Artist

You, my friend, are an artiste! Fuelled by a hounding sense of creativity and an untameable desire to express yourself, you see the world through rose-colored glasses one day and then wrestle the curtains closed and turn off the lights so you can ponder life the next. Your dog-eared journal is filled with brilliant ideas about rescuing the universe, yet you have trouble training your noggin on any one of them for any significant amount of time. Your originality occasionally manifests itself as performance art, and you love showing off your amazing athletic abilities in front of an audience. When it comes to taking on the leader of the pack, you’re not afraid to sink your teeth in - and won't loosen your grip until you've gotten your point across.

FAMOUS JACK RUSSELL TERRIERS: Vincent van Gogh, Virginia Woolf, Prince, Janis Joplin

LIKELY PROFESSIONS: Painter, Architect, Software Engineer, Activist

Phone Fast...

2008-04-19T04:10:00.002-05:00

Oh cyber friends- you may be seeing more of me. The computer is my primary form of communication right now. A double edged sword I tell you...

I am on a talking fast. Nearly a month ago I came down with a virus. It was a real bugger. Headache, sore throat, muscle pain and laryngitis. Lost my voice for 4 days. Thought it was coming back but here I am... weeks later- and I can't seem to recover it. The smallest strain causes me to lose my voice all over again.

Dr. wants me to stop talking altogether to allow my voice to come back. I probably don't need to tell you what a joke this is. I have three children, I homeschool, and I deal with teenage lifeguards at a pool daily.

Please pray that this reconciles. That my voice comes back. That I am indeed healthy enough, and my muscles strong enough, to bounce back. That whatever part of Lyme that causes my muscles to be weak and incapable of straightening would not impact my throat muscles as I have become attached to my voice.

Furthermore- I am up in the wee hours of the morning to post this blog because my neurological system is wired tonight. I've had nothing but vivid, scary dreams all night. The kind where I'm being chased and or attacked and find myself waking to full body muscle twitches, weakness, and shakiness.

I know one day I will sing of the Lord's healing in my body... whether or this side of heaven or not... I do not know. What I do know and am quite certain of... regardless of my circumstance... I will continue to serve Him.

"Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word." Luke 1:38

Thankful Thursday... a day late.

2008-04-18T07:07:00.007-05:00

I am thankful today for a seemingly insignificant thing. Something that requires little concern or prayer. Something that is partly covered by insurance but fully repaired with cash.

Today I am thankful that B-Boy's teeth are on their way to the land of STRAIGHT. You see- despite the fact that we prayed all our children would get Paul's teeth genes... B-boy has most certainly received every bit of his teeth from ME. Booooo!

So at the young age of 8, I took him to the Orthodontist and told them I wanted his treatment plan accelerated because our goal is to enroll him in school this fall and I would like to eliminate all teasing options up front.

And so yesterday, on Thankful Thursday, my son received the "CONTRAPTION" he'll have to wear 16 hours a day for the next 15 months. We kindly refer to his appliance as "the Beast". Poor little guy.

To fully gain your empathy... I've provided pictures.

Enjoy these teeth now... they're leaving.

A visual of "the Beast"

B-Boy all applianced up.

Only in a Christian Home...

2008-04-16T14:36:00.002-05:00

K-girl was frustrated. Angry even. Her brothers had ticked her off. What did they do you ask? Got me. I wasn't there. But I heard the aftermath. It went something like this...

K: You're prophetic!!!

B: What?

K: YOU'RE PROPHETIC!!! And I'm mad at you.

B: What does that mean? And where did you get that?

K: Hannah Montana! (cross arms, exhale loudly.)

B: Ooooooooh... I'm PATHETIC! And no I'm not. And that's not kind. And mom's gonna be mad because I'm gonna tell her.

Enter me- "No I'm not mad. No you're not going to tell me. And no K-girl... B-boy's neither PROPHETIC or PATHETIC. But he is right in that calling someone pathetic is not kind and shouldn't be done."

I could be wrong here but ONLY in a Christian home can a child angrily call someone "prophetic." Only in a Christian home can a child confuse prophetic and pathetic. Only in a Christian home can a mom over hear a conversation like the one listed above... right?

Now that I think about it however, B-boy may not be prophetic now but one day he may well be... and should that be the case- that will also mean that K-girl already is!! (Hee-Hee-Hee)

I Had A Dream...

2008-04-16T07:31:00.004-05:00

*This was an email sent to my friend Joanne this morning that I thought funny enough to share here... enjoy

OK- so you're thinking Martin Luther King right? Not quite... but I still had a dream.

And you were in it.

I dreamt that (my) Paul and I (clearly) were building a house... with an office and much space-how great, and that for some reason I found myself in CA during the process so I hailed a cab to your address without calling you. (How rude huh?)

I arrived to find you had a full house. People everywhere. You were quite possibly hosting a wedding but, my dreams are much to difficult for even me to follow so- your guess as this point is as good as mine.

I dreamt that as I walked in and looked for you up a huge spiral staircase, excited to tell you that we were building a house AND excited to surprise you with my arrival, that you were less than ecstatic at my presence. Really- all that travelling I had to do in my dreams and you couldn't jump for joy or extend a welcome hug! Hmpf!!

You were busy. Clearly entertaining the multitudes. And I was rude to show up unannounced. But in all fairness- I can not predetermine where my dreams will take me...or when.

We sat in your kitchen and I told you we were building a house and then I noticed your kitchen had been remodeled. Which is EXTREMELY perceptive of me as I've never been to your house before to see the old version of your kitchen.

You got up to show me the hidden closet and the "Martha Stewart" secret shelves and storage capabilities... AND the closet doors that were reversible. Exciting moment in the dream... I kid you not.

And then you were off and about because wedding pictures were being taken in your backyard.

I keep telling myself, now that I am awake, that it was just a dream. I know it was because I can hardly believe that I would travel all the way to California to see a friend and not get so much as a hug and/or share a prayer.

Yup. It was just a dream. Which is partly unfortunate because the house we were building... was AWESOME!

Will-Powered Living... (Curtis Jones/LPM blog)

2008-04-14T14:36:00.002-05:00

This is merely an exerpt from a post found on the LPM blog. Beth Moore's son-in-law, Curtis, made his debut as Guest Blogger (did you read that Paul... CURTIS, a male, guest blogged... oh what am I thinking... you don't read this...) Anyway, Curtis put to words what I must have thought through a gazillion times but was never able to verbalize clearly and or eloquently.

I have posted an excerpt and encourage you to head over to the LPM blog to read the entire post for yourself. It is powerful to say the least.

"Will-powered faith is the worst kind of faith. A relationship with God that is rooted in our ability or strength is doomed to fail for two reasons. First, a will-powered faith will result in self-loathing. We make commitments, try our hardest, give it our all, and fail. So we try again…and fail. And the only person we have to blame is ourselves. Some of us suffer from a spiritual depression because we have lived in a cycle between trying and failing for so long. Second, if our will-powered faith doesn’t end in self-loathing it is because it ended in self-righteousness. We make commitments, try our hardest, and we succeed. We congratulate ourselves on a job well done. Then we look around and notice that other people are not experiencing the same success we are. Why don’t they try as hard as me? Maybe they are just not as godly. Self-loathing or self-righteousness—God hates both.

That’s why he sent us a Helper. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you (John 14:16-17, ESV). Jesus said it was to our advantage that He went away so He could send the Holy Spirit (John 16:7) to rescue us from the inevitable cycle of human strength-centered living. He will give us the help that we cannot give ourselves. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph 3:20-21, ESV). The Holy Spirit’s power at work within you, the same power that raised Christ from the dead (Romans 8:11), is able to do for you supernaturally what you could not do naturally: live for Jesus."

A pool, Italian food, and Church with a friend....

2008-04-13T10:42:00.004-05:00

I had the best day yesterday. Really. And I am going to tell you all about it. Because this is my blog... and I can.

:0)

I work at a pool. Have I told you that before? Overseeing a swim program, lifeguards, water aerobics, birthday parties, open swim... etc. I have a mom and tot class 9:30 every Saturday morning. Yesterday my dear friend Kherissa, and her 8 month old daughter Kamryn, (who you've seen HERE) made me smile when they arrived at my Mom and Tot swim class.

Kamryn was a hero in the water and so cute in her little Gymboree suit. (Pictures to follow)

Kherissa, Kamryn and I also met for lunch/dinner at an Italian restaurant that would make Italy natives salivate... Mmmmmmmm Mmmmmmm Goooooooood! (Thanks Luciano's for an amazing dinner... and Kherissa for picking the restaraunt.)

And the highlight of my day- church with a friend. (In the event you weren't aware of how much I love attending churh with friends... read this post.) We attended the 6pm service at her church. The worship was wonderful, the pastor- spririt led, and the congregation- filled with the LOVE of Jesus. But better than any of that was sitting next to a friend who purposed in her heart and schedule to attend service weekly to seek and find the Lord. (Oh- and Kherissa- I've changed my playlist to include My Saviour My God... as sung by your worship team!)

Let me say to you all that if you do not have in your life, someone new to the journey of knowing the person of Jesus... you should pray the Lord would bring someone into your life not only for their benefit... BUT FOR YOURS.

Kherissa is a gift to me. Her excitement and joy as she reads segments of the Bible for the first time... as she hears the band at service worship, as she receives devotionals via email... is CONTAGIOUS. What a refreshing perspective of the God we serve... of the joy that should radiate from us all.

I don't think she would mind me telling you this- months ago she and I were talking in Starbucks and she mentioned her faithfulness to read my blog. She then said that she wanted to start reading the Bible. My heart smiled. I cautioned her on starting from the beginning. I made that mistake. Picking up a Bible and going as long as I could go before the begats and lineages beat me down. :0) I wanted to save her from that so I told her... "start in the New Testament. John would be great. It details Jesus, his life, death and resurrection as well as those that believed in and followed Him. John can be found a little to the right of the middle of the Bible." To which she replied, "Um, you don't have to worry about me starting at the wrong place... I don't even HAVE a Bible."

Seriously? How sweet is that? And yet- how sad that I am the kind of person that has multiple bibles... and on a good day, reads from ONE of them. (My friend Michelle says that I have Bibles like some people have purses... one to go with each outfit.) Funny- and yet convicting.

Well, I knew that I needed to do something about that. But waited far too long. Until a recent conversation led to Kherissa telling me, "My husband is giggling at me because I am reading from a Precious Moment's Story Bible every night, but I tell him that I need to be reading a little each day and fortunately, I UNDERSTAND the words in this Bible."

Her zeal is admirable is it not???

I bought the cutest, most amazing little Bible for her. And I had her name embossed on the front of it. The good news- she was as excited about her new Bible as I was excited about dinner at Luciano's. The bad news- I was as excited about dinner at Luciano's as she was about her new Bible. Hmmmm.... Here's a pic of the Bible I bought... cute right?

Anyway, I had a blast yesterday with Kherissa and Kamryn. I am grateful that God has given me a friend in Kherissa as her excitement and joy for each new thing she learns of God has been contagious... and well, baby Kamryn fills any and every need I'll ever have to be involved in the infant stage again. :0)

Thanks for sharing my day.... I told you it was the best.

Another Thankful Thursday moment..

2008-04-10T12:56:00.004-05:00

Just one more picture of "creation" that I'm thankful for...

Thankful Thursday

2008-04-10T08:11:00.029-05:00

All the colors of the rainbow
All of voices of the wind
Every dream that reaches out
That reaches out to find where love begins
Every word of every story
Every star in every sky
Every corner of creation lives to testify

For as long as I shall live I will testify to love
I'll be a witness in the silences when words are not enough
With every breath I take I will give thanks to God above
For as long as I shall liveI will testify to love

From the mountains to the valleys
From the rivers to the sea
Every hand that reaches out
Every hand that reaches out to offer peace
Every simple act of mercy
Every step to kingdom come
All the Hope in every heart will,
speak what love has done

Avalon Testify to Love

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth... God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." (Genesis 1:1, 31)

"You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you." (Nehemiah 9:6)

"He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing. He wraps up the waters in his clouds, yet the clouds do not burst under their weight. He covers the face of the full moon, spreading his clouds over it. The pillars of the heavens quake, aghast at his rebuke. By his power he churned up the sea.... By his breath the skies become fair.... And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! How then can we understand the thunder of his power?" (Job 26:7-9, 11-14)

"How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number-living things both large and small. (Psalm 104:24-25)

"Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made." (John 1:3)

Christ "is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him." (Colossians 1:15-16)

"In these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe." (Hebrews 1:2)

"Everything under heaven belongs to me." (Job 41:11)

"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters." (Psalm 24:1-2; cf. Psalm 89:11; 1 Corinthians 10:26)

"For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land." (Psalm 95:3-5)

"In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." (Job 12:10)

"You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it. You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops. You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance. The grasslands of the desert overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness. The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing." (Psalm 65:9-13)

"He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains. They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. The birds of the air nest by the waters; they sing among the branches. He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the earth is satisfied by the fruit of his work. He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate-bringing forth food from the earth." (Psalm 104:10-14)

"He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (Colossians 1:17)

"The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word." (Hebrews 1:3)

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? (Matthew 6.26)

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:13-14)

Horizontal Stop-Sign...

2008-04-09T11:22:00.004-05:00

Ballet is a family favorite around here. K-girl spends an hour a week at a studio practicing ballet, tap and baton. She's been doing this since September of last year. Her class has learned several routines in which the girls will perform, in costume, next month at their recital.

Last night Jess, K-girl's best ballet friend's mom, called me with just about the funniest story ever. (Though let me preface- it is shady. INNOCENT but oh so shady! Please don't read if you will be offended.)

Jess's daughter went home after ballet to find her dad there. She decided she wanted to do her baton routine for her dad so Jess sat back and enjoyed the show. At one point in the routine, Angie (their ballet teacher) says "Horizontal Stop-Sign Around the back around the front" so the kids know what motions to do. As Jess watched her daughter perform she heard her say, "Whores on a stop sign..."

To which she of course responded, "Honey- what did you say?" And her daughter, as innocently and as proudly as the first time repeated, "Whores on a stop sign..." and continued on with her routine.

To those of us that hear Angie call out key phrases each week... this three year old's rendition sure had us going. Matter of fact it had Angie going too because I called her with the story late last night. I told her that maybe next year, should she need to do the same series of movements in a routine... she'd consider using this new phrase because clearly it's a catchy one.

(sigh)
KIDS!

CHRIST INTERRUPTED...

2008-04-07T09:01:00.007-05:00

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.
He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"
They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
"What things?" he asked.
"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."
He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"
They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
Luke 23.13-28

Read that text. Read it again. It's amazing. And challenging. Here's why. I don't know if you have this version but the NLCV (New Living Chelle' Version) says-

"Two Jewish guys were walking down the street talking about recent events- crucifixion, supposed Resurrection, the hope they had that Jesus was their Messiah... when Jesus joined them on the road. They couldn't tell it was Him even when he asked them what they were talking about. They were confused and asked if he was a visitor to the city because how else would He NOT know about the events. They recapped- their disappointment apparent. He was a prophet. He was powerful. We had hoped he was the ONE... and now there is talk that He is no longer in the tomb but...

Jesus rebukes them and calls them FOOLISH. He then recaps history from Moses on... all those that foretold of Christ's arrival and demise. And then the turning point. They arrive at Emmaus and INVITE Jesus to stay. They break bread and can finally SEE Him. They return to Jerusalem to tell the disciples of the Truth of the resurrection of Jesus. And following this passage- Jesus shows himself to the disciples... and well- doubting Thomas... (which has completely intrigued me- which is another blog)

(Did you like the NLCV??)

Anyway- here are a few thoughts for today?

1. What if you found yourself talking with a friend and were CHRIST INTERRUPTED?

2.Would you RECOGNIZE HIM?

3. Would you speak of Him with faith and hope?

4. Would He call you FOOLISH?

5. Would you require a HISTORY LESSON?

6. Would you INVITE Him to stay?

7. Would your eyes only then be OPENED?

8. Would you then be motivated to TELL THE WORLD???

Because it seems to me that what happened here is that these men were so fixed and focused on their thoughts, their perspectives and themselves that they lost sight of the TRUTH. Of what the men of God before them had spoken. They lost hope. They doubted. And because they were so fixed on themselves, when Christ presented Himself... they couldn't even see Him. They couldn't see past themselves. Until they INVITED HIM IN. Invited Him to stay with them. To eat with them. To share with them. They invited Him into their lives- all parts. And it says, THEN THEIR EYES WERE OPENED. Then they could see Him. And they knew the truth. And with a hop in their step... they made the trip back to Jerusalem to find the eleven. They HAVE to tell them. It is all true. He has risen. He is alive. He is who He says He is. BELIEVE.

And I wonder- would that story have been any different if you and I were walking on that road??