Though flowers are the romantic gift most often associated with Americans, we could grow in our ability to express our devotion by looking to the romantic traditions of other countries. Wales, for instance, has held the tradition of giving hand carved lovespoons when courtship begins and on special days there after.
Originating in the 16th century, a lovespoon would be carved from a single piece of wood in intricate designs – all holding special meanings (see picture).
If you were given a lovespoon it was not only a token to cherish forever, but a message to embrace. During the month of December we’ll be offering a variety of ideas for unique gifts to help you express your love and affection to one another. This year think of different ways you can specifically communicate to your spouse the gift their love is to you.
Tom and I have a tradition of doing something special each year for Christmas – whether it’s visiting a nearby town to tour their historic homes, or attending a special Christmas concert. We make it a point to mark our calendars off for a special time for us as soon as possible because our calendar fills up quickly with so many activities.
It is the most wonderful time of the year…and a great time to enjoy the special company of your spouse for romance and making memories. Central Florida is full of special things to do for every budget and interest. Plan now for a special time together. Here are some ideas of what you can do this week:
CENTRAL
A Week of Holiday Events in Winter Park – too many things to list here…click on this link for the great opportunities including: ice skating, cookies/cocoa/ and carols, classic movies in the park.
Winter Park Playhouse – Beginning Saturday, December 5th “Haul Out The Holidays” will be the featured production. Check the website for ticket prices and showtimes. This show will run through December 20th.
Sanford – Christmas In The Square on Friday, December 4th from 6p – 8p. Cost is FREE. Afterwards have dinner at the Willow Tree Cafe.
Sanford – The Sanford Historic Trust is offering two separate historic holiday home tours; the first is a Candlelight walking tour on Friday, December 4th from 6p – 9:30p. Tickets are $25 in advance. The second tour is offered on Saturday, December 5th from 11a to 4p. Tickets are $15.
EAST
Avalon Park – Avalon Aglow on Saturday, December 5th from 4p – 9p. Cost is FREE.
Celebration – 12th Annual Holiday Tour of Homes. December 5th from 3p – 9p, and Sunday December 6th from 1p – 5p. Tickets are available one hour before tour times at the corner of Market Street and Celebration Avenue. Pre-sale tickets are available at the Barber and Beauty Emporium in Downtown Celebration. For more information contact Lisa Baird at 407-460-6983.
Kissimmee – Arabian Nights Dinner Club – is offering a special buy one adult ticket and get one free. Call 407-352-9813 for more details.
WEST
Winter Garden – Garden Theatre presents Jaime Roberts Holiday Cabaret from Friday, December 4th through the 6th. Friday and Saturday show begins at 8p, Sunday at 2p. Cost is $22, $18 for Sunday’s matinee.
Holidays In The Garden – Downtown Winter Garden is hosting a weekend of Holiday festivities. Check the link for details.
Light Up Clermont – On Friday, December 4th and Saturday, December 5th enjoy a great celebration with lots to choose from for a memorable time together. Cost is FREE.
We know today should be another letter in our Alphabet Date Night series, but we’ve decided to provide a letter of another kind:
To Our Dear Readers,
How can we thank you enough for the way you encourage us in our endeavors to help you in your marriage? This past year of blogging has been a growing experience for us, and we pray it has been for you as well! We are amazed at how the Lord has blessed this vision into becoming the reality of a daily blog. There are times when we’re not sure what to share, but even then, God assures us to continue posting.
As you prepare for your family gathering tomorrow to thank God for all He has done…be sure to set aside time somewhere in the day to personally thank your spouse for the life you share!
We realize how busy everyone is preparing for this special holiday and the joy of sharing extended time with family, so we’ve decided to take a break as well! Join us next week as we continue cultivating this vineyard for God’s glory!
Finally, as marriage is a beautiful harmony of two lives becoming one, we wanted to bless you with some rich, traditional Thanksgiving harmony. Enjoy this video as our way of giving thanks to God for you:
This past Sunday, Josh Harris spoke at Metro Life Church on the topic of “Trusting in the Lord” taken from Proverbs 3:5-6. It was a great message and one worth keeping. One point that has stayed with us is the verse, “lean not on your own understanding”.
Josh pointed out the type of leaning the Bible talks about here isn’t a light leaning, but it is an all-your-weight kind of leaning. It’s leaning so far that if the one on whom you’re leaning were to move you would surely fall. It’s the kind that makes you feel off balance, and it not only leaves you feeling vulnerable, but uncomfortable.
Tom and I have experienced this type of trouble where all you could do was lean. What a blessing it was to be able to lean on each other as well as on the Lord. Although uncomfortable, you know you’re safe.
In these troubled times it’s not surprising if you’re finding yourself off balance. God is our rock and our refuge, and He alone can support us no matter the trouble. He will never be shaken. Why not take some time and talk about this on your next date night. Ask your spouse how they’re doing, and then, be honest and share the same.
As a bonus, you may want to listen to Josh’s message before your date. You’ll find it by clicking HERE.
This week we celebrate Thanksgiving, and we hope you’ll make this attitude your focus all week. What a blessing it is to live in the country we do and to have a best friend to share it with makes it even better. However, the One for whom we are the most thankful is Jesus Christ. Without Him there would be no thanksgiving; He is the One from who all blessings flow! We, at The Romantic Vineyard, pray your holiday will be filled with abundant blessings as you gather together with family and friends to thank God for all the great things He has done!
CENTRAL
Winter Park – Winter In The Park is now opened on the west meadow of Central Park. This is an Ice Skating Rink providing a great value at only $10 per person including skate rentals.
Daytona Turkey Run – for those of you who love cars – this will be a weekend you won’t want to miss. Thursday, November 26th – Sunday, November 29th. Cost is $15 per day Thursday – Saturday and $10 Sunday.
SOUTH
Lake Wales, FL – Christmas at Pinewood Home Tour – Come tour a beautifully decorated Mediterranean Mansion located in Pinewood Estates. Starting Friday, November 27th it runs through January 3, 2010. Cost is $8, but requires a $10 admission ticket to Bok Tower Gardens as well.
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.
Though flowers are the romantic gift most often associated with Americans, we could grow in our ability to express our devotion by looking to the romantic traditions of other countries. Wales, for instance, has held the tradition of giving hand carved lovespoons when courtship begins and on special days there after.
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!
