Wednesday, February 25, 2009

The Love Dare


As I was visiting Coffee at the cabin last week, I came upon a blog of hers that brought me to order a book called, "The Love Dare." It arrived yesterday, so today, I am on Dare #1 out of forty.... a dare a day for forty days.

Dave and I usually have a date on Friday evenings and I always look forward to that evening with him. Let me just state right here, date nights when the kids are grown and gone is so much easier now! As we were out to dinner, I started telling him about this movie I have heard so much about called " FireProof" and that it is on a long waiting list on netflix. He suggested that after dinner, that we just go buy it at Target. So we did, and that evening we snuggled in and watched it together.

In this movie they used the book I had just ordered from the book store, "The Love dare." One of the things that "Coffee at the cabin" shared on her blog about this book was, don't buy it to give to your spouse to use, you do it...so I am.

I feel as though Dave and I have always had a good and healthy relationship/marriage. And Dave has always felt that if it ain't broke don't fix it. So, I myself, am not seeing this as fixing anything for us, but simply making what we already have that much better.

Let me share just a little bit of day one with you here....

Love is patient

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient with one another in love - Eph. 4:2
The book goes on to state that love works! It is one of life's most powerful motivators and has far greater depth and meaning than most people realize. It always does what is best for others and can empower us to face the greatest of problems.

Let me tell you, other than a great tool for relationships, the selling pointing for me is that it's only a few pages to read a day. I could honestly read a dare for the day while in the grocery store line!

Here is the first dare out of the forty day dare plan: Day One - 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 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.

So far today I have done pretty darn good with this one...Haven't seen Dave since last night! He was gone to work before I got up! lol

OK, joking aside, can you think of a more wonderful way to spend forty days - everyday thinking on one positive thing a day to bring into your marriage. So today, nothing negative will come out of my mouth.

What ever kind of marriage you may have, whether it is strong, mediocre or just hanging on by a very thin thread, maybe the divorce papers have been served, or maybe you are just thinking about getting married.... I highly recommend this as a book to read.

There is a war on our marriages in this country and I can really only see one person benefiting from our marriages ending, and that is the devil. We need to stand firm and turn this war back on the devil and tell him to get out...there is room for only three in my marriage and that is my husband, myself and the Lord.

One last point that I found very interesting, a little something to think about and that is, that the world tells us to "follow our hearts." Yet the Bible says that "the heart is more deceitful than all else" (Jeremiah 17 :9), and it will always pursue that which feels right at the moment. This book dares us all to think differently.

I am looking forward to 40 days of doing nothing but exploring and demonstrating genuine love.


I double Dog Dare ya all to watch the movie and take the dare....


Let me know what you think =O)


~ enjoy

P.S. A little note for those of you who already saw the movie or plan on seeing it, at the end of the movie, Kirk Cameron's real life wife stepped into kiss him at the end of the movie. He will not kiss another woman, even if it is acting. I love it!

18 comments:

CarJax said...

Great post Chris! I love the movie too. Carl and I both got the books and you have spurred me on to finally start it. Hugs, Jax

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Bonnie said...

Chris, our family saw Fireproof when it was in theaters. We do need to rent it and watch it again. We all really enjoyed it. Im thinking about doing the Love Dare book. Thanks for the encouragement - I'll keep you posted.

Unknown said...

I have not seen the movie but I have looked at the book online I really would like to get it. Keep us posted!

Carol said...

I bought the Love Dare too. I want to start it on my hubby.

I love the movie too, we even watched with my 9 year old, she enjoyed it too. She even cried at the end of the movie when they got back together. I've seen it twice, and plan to get my own copy.

Also love the music, the I am waiting song. Love it.

Thanks for sharing.

Hugs,

Carol

southerninspiration said...

We just watched the movie last weekend.....hubby watched it with me since i asked him to. He thought it was a little corny, but did give us lots to think about...I agree, how can going thru that HURT????

Suzanne

Jules from "The Roost" said...

I saw the movie and I loved it. My oldest daughter and her husband are doing the workbook.

Jill -Forever and Ever House said...

Hello Chris
Thanks so much for visiting my blog and taking the time to comment.

I am so glad that you did because now I have found YOUR blog! I really enjoyed reading your post about marriage. It was quite inspirational.

I also love your blog name as it reflects my life, at times, at "Forever and Ever House"!!

Angie said...

I think I am going to make a point to rent the movie now. I have been wanting to see it so bad. Knowing there was a message it has made me want to see it more. Thank you for telling us about a book, I think I just might make a purchase tomorrow! Blessings on your 40 days. It is amazing how 40 is a popular number in the bible too. Angie

Anonymous said...

yes, good post! marriage - the only people who benefit when one ends is like you said - the devil and off course lawyers!! With little or no regard for the people inbetween! sad isnt it?

If my dh was an actor I certainly wouldnt want him kissing other actesses even if it is only for celluloid!!

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

Hi Chris! I have that book! My husband bought one for me and one for him. Since he travels so much we both read them while he was away. It was really great!

Good for you! I think a strong marriage can only get stronger!

XOXOXOXO
Jen

Karen said...

Wonderful post!!!
George Strait is the same way. When he filmed Pure Country, all they did was hug.
Every time you suggest something - I go out and do it. This one might be later, we have a funeral to drive to in No Cal to go to this Fri - Sun, so don't know when I'll be back on to post.
But you know me!!!!
Good luck! I'm right there with ya. But you have to admit, you lucked out with him being gone when you woke up!
HUGS! Karen

Joyce said...

Hi-

I agree. I think every marraige benefits from thought and effort.

I've been watching for the film but I don't think it has been released in the UK yet. I will look for the book though-I've seen it mentioned in a couple of places now.

Thanks so much for visiting my blog yesterday. Hope you enjoy your day.

Unknown said...

My hubby and I watched this a couple of weeks ago, and I really want to do the Love Dare on him, too. I was checking prices the other day and then forgot about it, so you've reminded me. :)

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Jessica said...

I ordered the book and the movie the other night and yhe hubby and I are waiting until our next date night to watch it. I can't wait!

Heather said...

Hey Chris, you inspired me to read the book. My dad read it and then bought one for each of us kids and I just put it aside - busy with life. :0) I think it is time to take the time to read it and do the actions! Thanks!

Sarah said...

Hi Chris!

Finally got back over to your blog to read your Love Dare post. Awesome lady!!! I TOTALLY agree with you in this...God has blessed me with a good marriage, solid, built on Him. But, I believe he desires for each of us a FANTASTIC, out of this world, over the top marriage, and if I can do anything to bring it to that, I will!!! You may find many of the dares easy, and natural, which is great. What I have found is that God works amazing things when we take the time to hear his voice, and that is so cool. I just find it amazing in the 15 comments on your post how many people feel challenged to go out and get the book and watch the movie. It has transformed lives, and if it can touch just one person, or save one marriage, success has been achieved.

I SO look forward to hearing about your journey, and I plan to be back on my way very soon -

Blessings to you (and your dh!!)

Debbie said...

I keep reading about this! I have to check out this book and movie.

Unknown said...

I'm going to have to red box it this weekend! I'm excited.

I'll look into the book too!