With Thanksgiving fast approaching our Freebie Friday provides an unusual opportunity to share with the world what we’re thankful for this year! Good Morning America has teamed up with You Tube to allow anyone who desires to send a video to them sharing those things with which you’re most thankful.
What a great chance to honor the Lord and your spouse on a national stage! Who knows…maybe they’ll choose your video to air on Thanksgiving morning! Simply listen to the following video for more information:
We recently heard of a husband who was offered a job in a foreign country. When he called his wife to tell her of the opportunity he was certain she would say no, and he told her that he would do only that which she had faith for. Upon hearing the news she did exactly what he expected – said no. However, as soon as she hung up the phone she had a change of heart; She called him back to say she realized what an adventure this could be, and how fun to be able to share it together!
After I heard this story I was inspired by two things: First, the husband’s tender care for his wife and willingness to lead her gently, and second, the wife’s wholehearted commitment to follow her husband wherever he felt the Lord leading them. And not only follow, but joyfully run with him – encouraging him along the way.
What a perfect illustration of how Christ leads us, and how He desires us to follow. I have been personally challenged by how well I joyfully follow my husband’s lead. May we all grow in our wholehearted willingness to follow Christ wherever He may take us! It’s sure to be an adventure we’ll talk about with others – and who knows? Maybe they’ll want to follow too!
Wash your spouse’s feet, and follow up with a great massage.
Water Park – visit a local water park.
Walk – go for a leisurely walk in your favorite place.
Wakeboarding – if this is your thing
Where’s Waldo – spend an evening at a local bookstore looking through one of the Waldo books. Or plan your own version hiding “Waldo” in the mall for your spouse to find using clues.
Warm Date – plan a warm date with all things that make you warm: blankets, hot beverages, cozy slippers, whoopee!
Wash your spouse’s hair.
Water Skiing
Wax Museum – this is an unusual, but fun date. Be sure to take lots of pictures!
Wave Runner – if you have access to one or rent one to share. It’s like a motorcycle on the water.
Watch your Wedding video.
Watch a scary Werewolf movie.
Whale Watching – if they are nearby or you can always visit Sea World!
Walk in a Winter Wonderland! In Orlando there’s always the Gaylord Palm’s ICE from the last week in November to the first week in January.
Wrestling match – this can be real fun, but be careful! If you’re not brave, try arm wrestling. Be sure to plan a great prize for the Winner.
“W” Food
Wales – Enjoy an evening celebrating this beautiful country.
Waldorf Salad – Enjoy this refreshing salad made famous at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.
Wine and Wisconsin Cheese board.
Washington State – this is a great place to visit via DVD.
Seasons come and seasons go. Some seasons seem busier and more hectic than others. Life can come at you fast.
Husbands, how can we help to care for our wife during the busy seasons of her life? Here are a few ideas that will help to calm the day and bring rest:
Draw her a bath, light candles and fix her favorite drink.
Have her sit by you and give her a foot massage using her favorite lotion. As you are rubbing her feet, care for her with words of encouragement and appreciation.
Go for a walk and talk about her dreams and hopes
Pray with her, this is one of the greatest ways you can care for her.
Caring for our wife will never be out of season!
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” – Ephesians 5:25
Winter Park – The Annie Russell Theatre presents the live production of Cabaret. Showtimes are from Wednesday, November 18 – Saturday, November 21st. Tickets are $19.
Ivanhoe Row – Jingle Eve – On Friday, November 20th from 6p – 10p. Ivanhoe Village will host a holiday Open House in the beautiful and historic section of downtown. There will be live entertainment and free refreshments.
Orlando Museum of Art – Festival of Trees continues this week ending on Friday, November 20th with their Jazz Stroll.
NORTH
Casselberry – Ballroom Dancing – Every Tuesday night the Casselberry Recreation Center offers lessons for the beginner or intermediate dancer. Times are from 7p – 8p. Cost is $7 per person.
Mt. Dora – Renninger’s Antique Extravaganza – Friday, November 20th from 10a – 5p; Saturday, November 21st and Sunday, November 22nd from 8a – 5p. Cost: Friday – $10; Saturday – $6; and Sunday – $4.
Daytona Beach – Halifax Uncorked. Saturday and Sunday, November 21st and 22nd.
Titusville – Shuttle Launch – Monday, November 16th at 2:30p
SOUTH
Kissimmee Old Town – Sunday, November 22nd is Latin Sunday. Enjoy live music and authentic Spanish Food. 2p – 6p. Free.
Lake Wales – Star Gaze – On Thursday, November 19th come to Bok Tower Gardens where they will have several telescopes set up in the field along with instructions on viewing the night sky. 5:30p – 8p. Cost is $5.
WEST
Winter Garden – Art Festival on Saturday, November 21st and Sunday, November 22nd. The cost is Free.
Winter Garden – Garden Theater presents Crimes of the Heart. A live theatrical production. See link for details and prices.
Did you know that Netflix is offering a free two week membership? Simply follow the link and sign up. If you like their service you can continue for only $8.99 a month, about the price of one movie ticket. If not, just cancel before your two weeks expire. This is the time of year when it’s fun to snuggle up on the couch with the candles lit and some popcorn for a great date night at home watching movies.
Morse Museum of American Art in downtown Winter Park is offering Free Friday Evenings at the Museum now through Christmas. They have an extensive collection of Louis Tiffany’s glass art. And they also feature live music:
November 13: Joshua Englert (classical guitar)
November 27: Harpist Bizarre Quartet (bass, flute, guitar, and harp)
December 4: Beautiful Music Holiday Flute Trio
December 11: Beautiful Music Chamber Quartet (cello, flute, viola, and violin)
December 18: Raintree Chamber Players (cello, flute, and viola)
Kara Sherman who is our winner for this month’s giveaway. What did she win? A set of battery operated pillar candles! We have these in our home, and we love them!! They look just like real candles without the smoke or mess.
We hope you enjoy lighting (turning on) 🙂 these romantic candles in your home. Enjoy!!!
Debi and I want to personally thank you for this past year – our blog has grown from a mere idea to a full blown daily blog with 65 members and 170 Facebook friends. It has been quite the journey for us, and we pray your marriage is reaping the benefits. Thank you for the encouragement you’ve given to us and the feedback that spurs us to continue posting. We carry each of you in our hearts praying God will strengthen our marriages and allow our love to grow deeper for His glory!
So, let the celebration begin – at 11:12a EST today we will be drawing the name of our first monthly prize winner. (We had originally announced we would do this on the 24th of the month, but since our blog’s anniversary is the 12th we decided to do it today!) The name will be drawn randomly from our blog’s followers either here or on Facebook. You have time to join before 11:12a. if you haven’t already. Check back after noon, and we’ll post the name of the winner!
Oh, you might want to know what the prize is…sorry, we’re not telling! BUT we’ll give you a hint:
It’s romantic!
😉
In the meantime, enjoy this video as our way of saying thanks:
After today we only have four letters left in our Alphabet Date Night series. It has been a surprisingly fun journey, and one we’ll glean from for years to come. Now we have to decide what to replace this series with, and we want to hear from you!
We’re thinking of these three ideas: Passport Dates – exploring the world one date at a time, Colorful Dates – exploring the beauty of colors, or Our Personal Favorites. Have another idea other than these? We want to hear from you. Simply click the “comment” button located at the top of this post, and vote for one of these three or add your own idea. We’ll make our decision in the next couple of weeks. Thanks for your help!
Now onto this week’s letter:
“V” Activities
Vacation – plan a surprise vacation getaway – or plan a mini “stay at home” vacation by watching home DVD’s of a place you’d love to Visit some day and dine on their cuisine. For instance…Vienna, Austria would be a fun country to Visit Via teleVision! 🙂 Others to consider: Victoria Falls,
Volleyball – play some one-on-one beach volleyball
Valentine – celebrate this romantic holiday anytime of the year as an unexpected treat!
Victory – watch a favorite sports game and celebrate when your team wins!
View old photographs recounting the many joys you’ve shared.
Video – make your own video of a date night location you both enjoy. Want to share it? Send it to us and maybe we’ll post it on our blog! 🙂
Renew your vows to each other privately or somewhere with a beautiful View. Spend some time writing what you want to say and enjoy the intimacy this creates.
Recently Tom and I were talking with a good friend about some issues for which we care deeply. As I was asked my thoughts on the conversation, I was immediately overcome with emotion and couldn’t speak.
Our friend asked what was wrong. While I was trying to regain composure enough to answer him Tom spoke for me, “Give her a minute – she’ll tell us what she’s thinking.”
He was right, and he knows me well enough to speak for me when I can’t. What a comfort this was to me in that moment. Although Tom’s words were probably given without much thought on his part, it spoke volumes to me of how much we have become one!
He understands me like no one else. He cares for me like no one else. And I can trust him like no one else.
What a gift the marriage relationship can be, and what a reflection of how Christ loves and cares for us. He daily speaks on our behalf to the Father, making intercession for us, even when we don’t know what to say for ourselves.
How well do you know your spouse? Why not pick some heart-probing questions from our “Soil Samples” Room to help you dig deeper into this God-glorifying relationship? After all it is for Him, but it’s of great benefit to us as well.
This is the best time of year to enjoy date nights in Central Florida. Since we live in the vacation capital of the world, make the most of your nights out together. Here are a few events happening this week:
CENTRAL:
Harry P. Leu Gardens – Autumn Jazz Stroll on Saturday, November 14th. Gardens open at 6p and the music is from 7p – 10p. Cost is $19 General, $15 Members. Bring your chairs, blankets and cooler to enjoy a beautiful evening of romantic music until the clear autumn sky.
Taste of Maitland – Monday, November 9th from 5:30p – 8p. around beautiful Lake Lily Park. Tickets are $15.
Popcorn Flicks in the Park – This time its around Lake Lily in Maitland and the featured movie is My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Showtime is 8p. FREE
Orlando Museum of Art presents its Annual Festival of Trees. Beginning Friday, November 13th – Sunday, November 22nd. Cost is $10.
NORTH:
Altamonte Springs – Cranes Roost Park hosts Friday Night Live. Friday, November 13th enjoy the sounds of Al Morse from 7p – 9p. FREE
Mount Dora – Dancing in the Park on Saturday, November 14th from 7p – 10p. Tickets are $10.
EAST:
Casselberry – Art Exhibit: Dearly Beloved. Located in Casselberry’s City Hall enjoy the artistic talents of several married couples. Exhibit is open weekdays from 8a – 5p., Monday – Friday and is FREE.
SOUTH:
Celebration Founder’s Day Carnival – Friday, November 13th from 6p – 9p enjoy an old-fashioned carnival with rides, cotton candy, popcorn and games.
WEST:
Lakeridge Winery Annual Holiday Open House – Friday, November 13th thru Sunday, November 15th. Hours 10a – 5p. This event welcomes the holiday season with hot mulled wine and lots of specials in the wine shop. Local Artists and Crafters are invited to display their work, just in time to pick out that perfect gift for a loved one. Enjoy live music on outdoor stage by our most popular musicians throughout the entire weekend. Lakeridge wine, beer, soft drinks and a variety of food is available for purchase, along with complimentary Winery tours and tasting.
Walt Disney World – Electrical Water Pageant. Each night the lagoon surrounding the Magic Kingdom host this spectacular parade of lights. Plan to take a stroll by the lagoon at the Polynesian (maybe even select an empty cabana) or choose any of the other resorts, and enjoy the sights and sounds alone on the beach.
“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” 1 John 3:16
I had a very good conversation with my two married daughters yesterday. When asked how things were going in their relationship with their husband, my daughter-in-law shared how they had been encouraged to sit down together and ask each other this question:
What five things do I do or can I do to make you feel loved?
After giving it some serious thought they both had their list, and it wasn’t what either of them expected. You see, we tend to show love to our spouses in the way we want them to love us. It may be good, but not what is important to them.
So we challenge you to do the same. And then let’s lay our lives down in love for them…making sure we show them our love not only in word, but in deed.
I love the internet for so many reasons…but here’s one in particular; I remember when my children were little and loved watching Sesame Street, that Smokey Robinson sang his song “You Really Got A Hold On Me”. It was as entertaining for me as it was educational for my children. Knowing we were doing the letter “U” this week, I wondered if I could find this video on You Tube – Voila! I did!! We thought this would be an appropriate way to get you motivated for this Unusual Letter of the Alphabet. Enjoy!
“U” ACTIVITIES
University – go to a local university ball game. Always lots of excitement and fun. Be sure to yell at the “Ump”. 🙂
Ultimate Date – plan an evening that is full of everything your spouse loves – A personal “Utopia” of sorts.
Underwater Date – visit a local aquarium, go snorkeling or swim with the dolphins. Whatever you’re budget and location will allow. This can be quite a memory. Don’t forget your “Underwater Camera”.
Undress each other and celebrate your “Union” as husband and wife.
Uphold your marriage vows. Take an evening and reread your marriage vows to one another. Recommit to “Uphold” them “Until death do you part.”
U.S. Armed Forces – pick a division and celebrate by watching movies from that branch. If you have access wear a “Uniform” to add to the theme.
“Up” the movie! A great way to enjoy an evening at home.
“U” FOOD
Udine – a city in northeastern Italy. Plan a romantic dinner at home with the homestyle food from this unspoiled region of Italy.
U.S.A. – pick a region of America and enjoy dining on their specialties. For example: New England, New Orleans, Tex-Mex, Heartland, etc. Better yet, I think we’ll explore this idea once we finish the Alphabet Date series.
Ukelele Music – This is an unusual instrument, but as you see in this video it can be very romantic.
Ulta – Let your wife go shopping at this mega beauty store in preparation for your “U” date. Consider letting her get an “Updo” for a formal evening out on the town.
Undone – Make it a point to finish something that has gone “undone” for a long time. Write a note announcing your “U” Date.
UPS – ship a special surprise of “Underwear” to your spouse. This one is sure to be “Unexpected”.
Upon A Time stories. If you’re creative why not write a special “Once Upon A Time” story for your spouse explaining your “U” date.
Debi and I had the opportunity to go on a hike in the Sequoia National Forest a few years ago. As we set out on the trail, Debi was struck by the number of cow patties dotting the trail.
I laughed at her (as I often do) saying, “Debi, there aren’t cows in the California mountains!”
She questioned, “Well, what are they then?”
“Probably bear!” I responded.
With this fact we should have realized the hike we were about to take was indeed more dangerous than we knew.
John Piper, the pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, provides an excellent metaphor about marriage using cow patties of all things, to describe the difficulties all marriages encounter as the days proceed following the “I do’s”.
This video excerpt titled, “Forgiving and Forbearing”, is about 8 minutes long and well worth your time. We pray it will help you see the danger lurking in this path we call marriage, and assist you in how to deal with the mess.
This week the night’s come earlier allowing us to enjoy the moonlight longer. Take advantage of the Full Moon tonight by taking a romantic moonlight stroll with your spouse. Here are other events happening this week:
CENTRAL
Ivanhoe Village – “First Fridays on Ivanhoe Row,” November 6th – Shops open late with lots of fun things to do and see.
Harry P. Leu Gardens – Date Night in the Gardens featuring the movie, Footloose. Friday, November 6th. Gardens open at 6p – movie begins at 8:30p. Cost $7 per person – member are free.
Orlando Magic play the Detroit Pistons on Friday, November 6th at 7p. Show your team spirit and enjoy a night out in O-Town. Stub Hub offers greatly discounted tickets for all kinds of events worth checking out!
NORTH
Mt. Dora – Mt. Dora Plant and Garden Fair – November 7 & 8 from 9a – 5p. Or you might enjoy the 6th Annual Garden Tour – November 7th from 10a – 4p and November 8th from 1p – 4p. In lieu of the Garden Club’s 60th Anniversary all tickets for this event are free.
Altamonte Springs – celebrates it’s first Hispanic Festival at Cranes Roost Park on Sunday, November 8th from 12p – 6p. Follow the link and click on the calendar date for more info.
Winter Garden – The Garden Theater presents, The Games We Play, Friday and Saturday – November 6th and 7th at 8p and Sunday at 2p. Tickets are $18 the two nights and $15 on Sunday.
We love Backyard Burger, and if you haven’t noticed they actually have “smiles” listed on their menu. The cost? FREE. I usually order one each time a drive thru for the best burgers in town!
We love smiles, and seeing the Brackins smile yesterday as we gave them their gift basket, made us want to bring more smiles to more faces…so here’s the scoop:
Starting in November we’re going to have a monthly giveaway. Anyone who is signed up for our blog either here or on Facebook will be eligible to win. If you’re signed up in both places you’ll have two chances to win! 🙂 The drawing will be for a gift card to different places that we choose. And it will take place on the 24th of each month – why? Well, that’s the day we got married! We love the 24th, and we love celebrating the 24th, so now we will each month with you – our faithful readers.
Now take on your day with that free smile! We hear they’re contagious! 🙂
…David Brackin! David wins our Fall In Love contest and will receive a gift basket made just for them.
David and Julie Brackin will celebrate there 27th wedding anniversary on December 18th. When asked how they first met, we weren’t expecting such an amazing story of God’s grace. Here’s what Julie said:
We met at a little Baptist church where both of our parents were attending. Julie’s parents, who were not Christians divorced when she was a little girl. After both remarried and divorced two times, the Lord arrested Julie’s dad, and he became radically saved – a new creature. In faith he began attending this little church with the hopes the Lord would restore his family to him. Week after week he would ask the church to pray for his family to be saved. David Brackin, who attended this little church with his parents heard this heart-felt request of a desperate man. He prayed specifically for Julie’s salvation before they had ever met.
The Lord miraculously answered the prayers of Julie’s dad, for through a series of separate events his ex-wife was saved and they were remarried after being divorced for 16 years! One by one his three daughters encountered the Lord as well, and were saved.
When Julie first came to this little church for Sunday School, David just so happened to be in the same class. He stared at her the entire time. Within a week he asked her out, and three weeks later proposed!
After watching her parents struggle maritally her whole life, she was frightened at the prospect of marrying someone she hardly knew. She told him, No! This didn’t deter David. A month later he asked again, certain Julie was to be his wife. Julie loved David and said yes this time…however, within 24 hours the fear gripped her heart again, and she had to talk to David explaining her fear and the fact that she wasn’t ready to commit. David apologized for being selfish and agreed to take things slower. He returned to graduate school in New Orleans for the fall semester still certain Julie was to be his wife, but willing to wait as long as it would take to assure her of his love.
They dated long-distance while writing letters back and forth. It was a growing time for Julie and by Christmas she was confident David was a man she could not only love, but trust with her future.
The rest, they say, is history! A history that includes four children: Benjamin – 21, Rebekah – 19, Bethany – 16, and Ruthanne – 14.
This is the story of how they fell in love. When asked what their idea of a perfect date night is? Julie said without hesitation, “Going to the local bookstore, reading and drinking coffee together! It may sound boring, but this is what we love to do!”
Not boring at all, Julie! Date nights are for the purpose of doing things together you both enjoy that will strengthen your marriage not only as husband and wife, but as best friends. After nearly 27 years, it appears you have the right idea! Thank you for sharing your amazing, God-glorifying story with us. We pray you’ll be blessed in the years to come!
Thanks to everyone who participated in our Fall In Love Contest. We have more opportunities for you to win prizes – check back tomorrow to hear the details! 🙂 We love surprising you don’t we?
Our Alphabet Date Night series continues this week with the letter “T”:
“T” ACTIVITIES
Trampoline – plan a date that’s bouncy fun!
Tailgate – surprise your spouse with game day Tickets and a Tailgating picnic too – sure to be a Touchdown in your relationship! Can’t afford tickets…have a tailgating party in your living room before Monday night football!
Telescope – set up a telescope and view the night sky. Use a Star Map for added interest.
Tennis – play this all-time favorite
Terminal – go to your local airport terminal and watch the Tourists.
Ticketmaster – surprise your spouse with an evening out.
Tango – learn to do this by watching a very basic tutorial on You Tube. There are a total of 20 tutorials to help you master this Argentinean dance. Here is some tango music you may want to purchase.
Train – take a train ride to a nearby town for dinner.
Treasure Hunt – plan a romantic treasure hunt for your spouse with hints that lead them to the next. Have a special Treat at each spot along the way.
Target Shooting – go to a nearby gun range and practice target shooting. This would be a great date with dinner out for T-bones.
Twister – play this classic game, but add your own romantic rules! Follow up by watching the movie “Twister”.
Time In A Bottle – take a bottle and fill it with little slips of paper that represents free time for them to do the things they love to do. Enjoy this guitar version of Jim Croce’s famous song with the same name.
“T” FOOD
Thai – celebrate everything Thailand has to offer. Either go out or try your hand and cooking at home.
Taco Dinner – make your own taco bar or go out for Mexican!
T-Bone steaks
Tea for Two – plan a special time at home or take your spouse to a tea room for an afternoon break.
We came across this quote that is in true C.S. Lewis form. Are you growing in your ability to swim or are you longing for the thrills you had paddling as a boy?
Swim!
“People get from books the idea that if you have married the right person you may expect to go on ‘being in love’ forever. As a result, when they find they are not [which they judge mainly by the feelings], they think this proves they have made a mistake and are entitled to a change – not realising that, when they have changed, the glamour will presently go out of the new love just as it went out of the old one… Let the thrill go – let it die away – go on through that period of death into the quieter interest and happiness that follow – and you will find that you live in a world of new thrills all the time [the true love kind]. But if you decide to make thrills your regular diet and try to prolong them artificially, they will get weaker and weaker, and fewer and fewer, and you will be a bored, disillusioned old man for the rest of your life… It is much better fun to learn how to swim than to go on endlessly (and hopelessly) trying to get back the feeling you had when you first went paddling as a boy.”
Did you know that Netflix is offering a 
After today we only have four letters left in our Alphabet Date Night series. It has been a surprisingly fun journey, and one we’ll glean from for years to come. Now we have to decide what to replace this series with, and we want to hear from you!
This week the night’s come earlier allowing us to enjoy the moonlight longer. Take advantage of the Full Moon tonight by taking a romantic moonlight stroll with your spouse. Here are other events happening this week:
Fall In Love Gift Basket
The Romantic Vineyard 