The Results Are In!

Posted on September 28, 2009 by Debi Walter

fall_picnic_table

We asked last week if you found our Mark Your Calendar posts to be helpful, and the majority wins!  We will continue to post local events every week on Monday, in order to help you make date night (or day) plans.  If you know of events coming up, please let us know and we’ll be sure to include them.

In order to make this post more user friendly, we’ve divided up the events into areas of Orlando rather than by date.  We hope this helps everyone make use of the great activities available every week in Central Florida.  BTW, Tuesday night’s forecast low is 63!  This is a great week to get outdoors and enjoy being together!

CENTRAL

Date Night at Leu Gardens – Iron Man, Friday, October 2.  Gardens open at 6:00 pm – Movie time at 8:30 pm.  Weather Permitting.  Enjoy a movie on the largest screen in Central Florida in a beautiful garden setting. Patrons may bring a blanket or chairs and dinner picnic basket. Garden Admission is $7.00 plus tax adult and $2.00 plus tax child; Garden Members receive free admission on all Date Nights. Admission is collected at the door.

Bob Carr Performing Arts Center and Orlando Broadway Series presents –Fiddler on the Roof – Tuesday through Sunday.  This performance includes the original star, Chaim Topol, from the famous movie adaptation.  This is his final farewell performance as Tevye.  For a fun musical reminder check this out!

VillageFest – Located in the Winter Park Farmer’s Market – this is a one night celebration of third world artisans.  Enjoy food, crafts and music from all over the world.  Cost $35 in advance, $40 at the door.

NORTH

Uptown Altamonte:
Friday Night Live Unplugged.  Beginning at 7p until 9p enjoy the live performance of Matt Shenk.  FREE

EAST

Winter Springs:

Hollywood Bistro – Need to laugh?  Every Friday night this restaurant is offering two performances from the Orlando comedy troupe, The Humor Mill for only $5.  The first performance is at 7p and is family oriented.  The second performance starts at 8:45p and is geared to an older crowd.  Hollywood Bistro is located in Winter Springs, and their menu is as entertaining as their show.  However, you do not have to purchase food or drinks to enjoy the show.  If you’re on Facebook, you can visit the Humor Mill’s  fan page HERE.

SOUTH

Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee is a great place to visit on any night of the week.  6:00p is the official time of sundown inside the atrium and when you can expect the festivities to begin.  Go to the Keywest Atrium for free live music and great appetizers to share.  Or how about live alligator feedings – starting at 6:30p on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays at the St. Augustine Atrium.

Winter Garden Village – Live music at the Clock Tower from 6p – 9p featuring Acoustic Duo 6 & 4.  Be sure to check out their coupons and specials tabs for great discounts in area restaurants and stores.

WEST

Winter Garden – Downtown:

Winter Garden Music Fest – starting Friday, October 1st through Sunday, October 3rd.  This event is held in downtown Winter Garden and is FREE.

City of Clermont – First Friday Celebration in historic downtown Clermont from 6:30 to 9p.

Posted in Mark Your Calendars (time sensitive) | Comments Off on The Results Are In!

Freebie Friday – Day at the Museum

Posted on September 25, 2009 by Debi Walter

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The Smithsonian Institute has named Saturday, September 26th as Free Museum Day.  There are 651 museums participating across the country.  What a great opportunity to enjoy an afternoon together for FREE.

In order to receive the free admission you must bring the coupon found in the current issue of The Smithsonian Magazine, or print one off their website where you can also see a list of all museums participating.

Enjoy this first weekend of Fall!

Posted in Artsy Dates, Date Night Ideas, Daytime Dates, Free Dates, Freebie Friday | Tagged , | Comments Off on Freebie Friday – Day at the Museum

Peace Meal

Posted on September 24, 2009 by Debi Walter

We all need it, and when we don’t have it we miss it!  What is it?  Peace!  I receive a weekly “Peace Meal” via e-mail.  It comes every so often, but when it does, it is usually the exact Truth I needed to hear right when I need it most.  Here is a taste of how satisfying and probing this Peace Meal can be:

peacemealSometimes Our Sinful Desires
May Be the Least of Our Worries!

It is important to emphasize the fact that idols can arise from good desires as well as wicked desires. It is often not what we want that is the problem, but that we want it too much. For example, it is not unreasonable for a man to want a passionate sexual relationship with his wife or for a mother to want to stay at home with a newborn baby. Nor is it wrong for an employer to want diligent workers or for a pastor to desire respect from his deacons. These are good desires, but if they turn into demands that must be met in order for us to be satisfied and fulfilled, they can lead to bitterness, resentment, or self-pity that can destroy a family, business, or church.

How can you discern when a good desire might be turning into a sinful demand? You can begin by prayerfully asking yourself “X-ray” questions that reveal the true condition of your heart.

  • What am I preoccupied with? What is the first thing on my mind in the morning and the last thing on my mind at night?
  • How would I answer the question: “If only ______, then I would be happy, fulfilled, and secure”?
  • What do I want to preserve or to avoid at all costs?
  • Where do I put my trust?
  • What do I fear?
  • When a certain desire is not met, do I feel frustration, anxiety, resentment, bitterness, anger, or depression?
  • Is there something I desire so much that I am willing to disappoint or hurt others in order to have it?

Adapted from The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict
by Ken Sande, Updated Edition (Grand Rapids, Baker Books, 2003) pp. 104-5.

Food for Thought

What was the first thing on your mind this morning? How about the last thing on your mind last night? Is there a good desire in your life that’s becoming a recurring thought pattern for you? As you consider this, remember the good news: God has ultimately satisfied that particular “good desire” through his Son. What remains is for us to trust and, through his grace, receive God’s eye-opening insight into the ways in which we are beginning to trust, fear, or dwell on something other than God himself. Spend time today in prayer to ask God to reveal areas of your life where you might be elevating a good desire into a sinful demand.

PeaceMeal is a publication of Peacemaker® Ministries. Copyright 2009. Reprinted with permission. To sign up for this free weekly email publication, go to the Peacemaker Ministries website at http://www.Peacemaker.net.

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The Letter “O”

Posted on September 23, 2009 by Debi Walter

oOur Alphabet Dates continue with a standing “O”!  We would love to hear if any of you are taking part in the Alphabet Date Night Challenge.  If not, this is something to consider next year as a great resolution!

“O” Activities:

Opera – if you’re a fan, you can either rent a DVD or plan a night Out at a local theater.  We love Phantom of the Opera, and if you click the link…you’re in for a treat.  (Be sure to turn up your sound!)

Ocean – plan a day at the ocean, if you’re a local visit Ormond Beach.

Outdoor – plan something you both enjoy doing outside!

Oldies – enjoy an evening listening to your favorite oldies music.  This can be whatever genres you enjoyed years ago – our favorite is rock n roll from the 60’s!  My favorite song…click here!  Tom’s favorite…click here!

“O” Food:

Oriental – Plan a themed dinner at home sitting on the floor with lots of pillows and chopsticks.  Fold napkins in Origami style.

Veal Oscar – make this romantic meal at home…you can substiture Chicken to save money.

Oreos with the fun game Othello!  An inexpensive, yet sweet date night at home!

Go OUT for dinner to Olive Garden or Outback Steakhouse! Or you can try cooking some of their recipes yourself in your own OVEN and surprise your spouse!

Donuts – what a perfect excuse to enjoy these tasty “O’s”.  🙂

“O” Special Touches:

Write an “Ode” to your spouse using words which hold special meanings.  Don’t know how?  Check this out!

Plan an evening at the  Oscars – get dressed up and eat appetizers and specialty drinks while you watch a favorite movie.  You can even plan to honor your spouse with an award of your own!

Flowers that begin with “O” – the orchid, orange blossoms, oleander.  Can’t afford the real thing – check out Bath and Body Works for some special fragrant soaps as a surprise.

Oreo Fortune cookies – make your own secret messages, slip them inside each cookies and give the whole bag to your spouse to discover.  Make sure the first one introduces your “O” date night that evening.

Posted in Alphabet Dates, Date Night Ideas | 1 Comment

Mark Your Calendar

Posted on September 22, 2009 by Debi Walter

We would like to know if our readers enjoy this weekly feature – Mark Your Calendar – on our blog.  If it is serving you in making date night plans – please let us know by posting a comment.  If we don’t hear from you…we may discontinue it.  Thank you for your feedback!

jazzart2009

Thursday, September 24th – 27th:

New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival

Friday, September 25th – 26th:

Falling Leaves in Celebration, FL – each night come and watch the leaves fall.  A great way to celebrate falling in love!

Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival begins today and runs through November 8th.

Saturday, September 26th:

Light The Night Walk – join others as they walk around Lake Eola for a good cause.  It’s a great way to spend 2 miles walking together for a good cause.  Check-in time: 5p.  Walk start time 7:45p

Sunday, September 27th:

Music at the Casa – 12:00 to 3:00 Live Music and Museum Open House – Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum, Winter Park.

Latin Sundays at Old Town (Kissimmee) – 2:00 to 8:00p – Live music offered by La Banda Tuya.  Concert is FREE.

Posted in Mark Your Calendars (time sensitive) | 5 Comments

Cultivating Our Friendship

Posted on September 21, 2009 by Debi Walter

We have been away this past weekend at a conference for biblical counseling in Jacksonville, and then a little personal time away in Savannah.  We’ll post “Mark Your Calendar” tomorrow. 

ga-1005-savannah-ga

For today we thought we’d talk about cultivating a lasting friendship with your spouse.  Think about it…there are no friends who will ever spend the amount of time with you as your spouse.  You will always be together – for better or worse.  How can we make the “better” happen more often?  It’s simple really; Learn to enjoy being together no matter what circumtances you’re facing.

One thing Tom and I like to do is talk about the past remembering places we’ve been or vacations we’ve taken and share what we remember most about that time.  One of us will start by asking, “What do you remember about such and such?”  It’s like we’ve taken a photograph in our mind that immediately comes into focus the moment the location is mentioned.  Being in Savannah this weekend we talked about what moments we’ll recall as the most memorable when we look back on this trip in the years to come.  Conversations like these help us work at making our everyday moments the best they can be. 

So why not talk on your next date night about those shared experiences you’ve had so far.  What do you remember as being some of the best from the photo album of your memory?  We have a lifetime to treasure up these times, and God loves it when we enjoy being together.

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Freebie Friday – Sermon Jams

Posted on September 18, 2009 by Tom Walter

sermonjamsheader

We have a real treat for your soul today called Sermon Jams.   Not only is the web site free, but the message is free as well.  Each recording lasts about 5 minutes, but the Truth it proclaims will follow you throughout your day.

Sermon Jams offers 5 volumes, and each volume contains several pastor’s – like Josh Harris, John Piper, Mark Dever and more – preaching and it is mixed with techno music.  It’s an energetic way to hear the Truth.

Click Here to hear Josh Harris share insights from Proverbs on Living Skillfully.  Spend some time together as a couple and listen to several of these sermon jams.  We believe it will not only nourish your own soul, but your marriage too!

Have a great weekend!

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All The Difference

Posted on September 17, 2009 by Debi Walter

It’s late, and I’m contemplating what to post that will be beneficial.  Today was a special day, but for the most part it played out like any other, except for one thing; You see, today marks the 31st anniversary of the day Tom asked me to marry him.   Like most years, Tom took me to breakfast this morning because that’s what he did on that day decades (that sounds so strange!) ago.

As we sat in a window seat at our favorite local diner the waitress (that’s what you call those who work in diners) asked what we wanted to drink – Tom ordered his usual coffee – black, as well as my usual – hot tea with cream and sugar.  I took a few pictures – something I do way too much – and then stopped so I could look at the menu.  I don’t know why…I always order the same thing – 2 eggs scrambled, sausage patties – well done and grits!  Setting the menu aside I had a chance to remember why we were in this place on this day.  Over 3 decades of sharing meals with this man, and I never tire of it.

The waitress came back – took our orders and menus and promptly disappeared.  Tom and I talked about our day and what was in store.  Then I looked at him directly and said, “I’d still say yes!”  Through all the trouble we’ve faced, heartaches, disappointments, sinful arguments, confession of sins against each other and moody, unexplainable silence, I would still say yes to the life we’ve shared.  We couldn’t be more different, but this morning I realized it’s the differences I love most about US.

It wasn’t that way when we were first married.  I spent much of my time trying to make Tom into the man I wanted him to be.  Not realizing God had made him exactly my opposite in order to conform us into His image – not one of our own making.  I can honestly thank God for not answering some of my early marriage prayers.  I had no idea what I was asking for.

About this time the waitress returned with our hot breakfast.  I smiled once again when I saw our plates side-by-side; Tom always orders eggs over easy with bacon, and home fries.  He couldn’t be more my opposite in so many ways, but this is what has made all the difference.

Posted in Celebrations, Christian Marriage, Testimonies | 3 Comments

The Letter “N”

Posted on September 16, 2009 by Debi Walter

n

We’ve made it to the second half of the alphabet date night series.  I must admit that we haven’t had a chance to try most of these ideas, but we’re amazed at how much there is to do and how fun it can be.  Marriage is to be celebrated and enjoyed for God’s glory!  We hope you’re finding these ideas helpful…Now for the Next letter…N –

“N” Activities:

Naked – “they were naked and not ashamed.”  🙂

NASA – Visit the Kennedy Space Center, or watch Apollo 13 together.

Natural History Museum – visit one in your area.

Novel – Spend a night reading a novel together – Consider the Narnia series, if you’ve never read them they’re a must read.  If you have – it’s just as enjoyable the next time.

NFL – if you both love football – plan your own NFL Party for two.  Have all your favorite snacks on hand and enjoy a relaxing Monday at home.

Neckties and Necklaces – plan an evening wearing these!

Dressed To The Nines – although the origin of this phrase is uncertain, it simply means going all out; perfection.  So, use your imagination and go all out in planning a very special date.

Nickel Night – send your spouse a roll of nickels and tell them they’re to be used for the evenings plans.  Make a pot of Nevada Cowboy Chili and end the evening playing Nickel Poker using whatever rules you like!  The official rules are HERE.

Nautical But Nice evening or afternoon together.  Go canoeing or take a river or lake tour.  If it’s a special occasion – rent a boat for half a day.  Make sure to eat seafood!

“N” Food:

Napa Valley – celebrate this rich region of California with a great meal for big “Napa-tites!” or try this one for variety!

Night in New York City – serve New York Strip Steak with New Potatoes.  Watch a favorite Broadway show on DVD or play a soundtrack on Pandora Radio (it’s free).

New England Theme – serve New England Clam Chowder for starters.  Try having a New England Clam Bake for two delivered right to your door – or the more practical version – make your own.

“N” Special Touches:

Nutter Butter cookies – give your spouse a note with these that says – “there’s nutter butter than you for me!”

I Need You, by the musical group – Bread – is a great way to let your spouse know you’re anticipating a great “N” date night.  Send them this You Tube video during the day.

Pull out pictures of yourselves nine years ago if you were together then, and use them to decorate your home for your “N” date night.

Flowers – Nasturtiums

Posted in Alphabet Dates, Date Night Ideas | 3 Comments

Stewards of our Spouse

Posted on September 15, 2009 by Tom Walter

about-stewardship-index

A Steward is someone entrusted with managing someone else’s property and doing so according to their interests.

Have you ever thought that we are stewards of our spouse to God?  Ben Patterson explains in his excellent message,  The Goodness of Sex and The Glory of God, that one day we will give our spouse back to the Lord; the question is will they be better than they were when we first received them from God? I pray so!  This is what motivates us in continuing to post on this blog…to provide help to each other in good times and in bad.  What we share together in marriage is all from God for His glory.

We listened to this message tonight, and it was full of biblical truth to meditate on, talk about and implement in our own marriage.  Here are just a few quotes:

  • Sex is good because the God who made it is good.
  • Quality of life doesn’t exist in the great experiences we have, but in the depth of commitments we make.
  • Adam slept as God gave him His best gift, but it cost him something; We find ourselves as we give ourselves away.
  • Grace evokes gratitude like the voice of an echo…God stands over the abyss of human need and shouts, “Grace”, and a voice is echoed in return, “THANK YOU, THANK you, Thank you, thank you!”

We hope you’ll find the time to sit back and enjoy the rich truths unpacked in this excellent message.  It’s one greatly needed in our day and age.  God help us to live in such a way that ensures our spouses growth in godliness, so we’ll hear on That Day, “Well, done my good and faithful servant.  Enter into the joy of your master.”

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Mark Your Calendars

Posted on September 14, 2009 by Debi Walter

breakfast

Wednesday, September 16th

The Romantic Vineyard’s Annual “Breakfast with your Spouse Day”!  Why?  31 years ago Tom proposed to me on this day right after taking me out for breakfast.  We go out for breakfast each year on this date, and we thought it would be fun to start this tradition officially on our blog.  If you can’t go out for breakfast, make plans to have a good breakfast together at home!

September 18 – 20 (Friday through Sunday)

Orlando Home Show at the Orange County Convention Center.  Come browse the aisles of this massive exhibit.  Cost is $7, if purchased online in advance (a $3 savings).

Friday, September 18th

Cinema In The Park – Sanford, Florida.  The feature presentation is Star Wars Episode IV.  There will be a meet and greet of costumed characters from the movie at 7p with showtime at 8p.  FREE

Retro Game Night at the Museum – The Orange County Historical Museum hosts an evening of old classics to enjoy, like monopoly, battleship, clue and many more.  $5 admission, free for members.  Retro attire encouraged.  This would make a fun double date!

Saturday, September 19th

Jazz at the Winery – Lakeridge Winery hosts local Jazz artists on their outdoor stage.  Food and drinks are available for purchase.  $2 admission.  10a – 5p

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Freebie Friday: The Gospel-Centered Marriage

Posted on September 11, 2009 by Tom Walter

“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel…”    Philippians 1:27

Into-the--Vineyard-Resized

As Christians we are all-too aware that we are more sinful and flawed than we know, (Sometimes we’re more aware of our spouse’s flaws than we are of our own) but this is only half of the gospel;  we are also more welcomed and loved by God than we ever dared hope or believe.  And this applies to our spouse too!

Christ came into our world – with all its limitations, sin and strife – and paved a way of righteousness through each circumstance, struggle and hardship we would ever face.  He could have left it at that, giving us a model to follow, but He didn’t!  He finished the way with the Cross – His glorious triumphant victory that allows sinners access to this way of righteousness.  We are invited to follow him through life embracing His righteousness day by day.  It is a narrow road, but free to all that believe.

How does this apply to marriage?  In every way!  Christ is the husbands model in how He loves the church – Christ is the wives example in how He submits to the Father in total trust and devotion.  Christ is our example and the One we desire to be more like.  He willingly hung on the Cross for our sins, so we could be fully welcomed by His Father into His eternal Kingdom. It’s the Cross that empowers us to say “no” to the world and all it offers in order to walk this narrow road of faith.

What cross are you facing in your marriage?  The good news is that Christ humbled Himself and accepted the Cross for our good.  In what ways can you humble yourself and accept this cross for the good of your marriage and the glory of God?  We learned at the marriage retreat that God has given us a close friend (our spouse) to fight a close enemy (sin).  May we apply the free gift of grace as we travel this road together “side by side for the faith of the gospel!”

Posted in Freebie Friday, Growing Strong Marriages, Purpose, Spiritual Intimacy | Tagged | 1 Comment

99 Hours To Save $$

Posted on September 10, 2009 by Debi Walter

silverware

Restaurant.com is having a 99 hour sale where gift certificates to many restaurants across the country are being offered at a 90% discount.  This translates to a $25 gift card for only a dollar!  Sound too good to be true?  It’s not, but there are some stipulations that each restaurant imposes as to when and how the coupons can be redeemed.  Be sure you read all the information before buying from a particular restaurant. And be sure to check them out soon – this offer ends on Sunday, September 13th.  All you have to do is enter your zip code, select your desired restaurant and enter the discount code word “ninety”, and the reduced price will be applied.  It also works for the Dinner a Month Club – One $25 gift card a month for 12 months for only $12, with an added bonus of one $50 gift certificate to use whenever you want.

This is a great opportunity to try out some different venues at little cost to you.  Bon Appetit!

Posted in Date Night Ideas, Dinner Dates | 2 Comments

The Letter “M”

Posted on September 9, 2009 by Debi Walter

M

“M” Activities:

Making Merry Monday – plan a Monday evening doing all the things that Makes your spouse “Merry”.  This is simply making a list of everything they love and making them all available in one evening.

Mountain Climbing and/or Mountain biking – sadly the only mountains we can climb in Florida are Mt. Dora or Space Mountain and Thunder Mountain at the Magic Kingdom

Month of Messages – come up with 30 things you love about your spouse and write them out on strips of paper.  Place them all in a bottle and give them to your spouse at the beginning of the month to enjoy for 30 days!

Massage – treat each other by having a couples massage or learn how to give one to each other.

Monopoly – play this classic game together making some of your own rules.

Music – listen to your favorite music or go out to a restaurant that provides live music.  Orlando residents check out WLOQ’s helpful resource guide to live Jazz artists.  For classical lovers – try Mozart!

“M” Food:

Mexican – Fix a Mexican Feast for two.  Start with a homemade menu.  Decorate with a tissue flowers centerpiece and maracas, if you have them.  Mariachi music adds to the mood!

Morrocan – Try a home cooked meal from this exotic country – or check your area for a restaurant that serves Morrocan Food.

Medieval Feast – plan your own or for Orlando locals try Medieval Times.

Chocolate Mousse

“M” Special Touches:

M & M’s – use a bag to introduce you “M” alphabet date – as an extra measure, consider Mailing it to them at home or work!

Mail a Money Order – mail your wife a money order for a manicure on the day of your date.  They’re usually less than $20.   Arrange for a babysitter, if necessary.  Most friends would be willing to watch your children for free for the hour it would take to have the manicure.

“M” Flowers – Mums

Make a movie – using lots of pictures of you and your spouse through the years, compile them together on the computer and make a romantic movie representing your marriage.  Not that computer savvy?  Gather all your pictures and go through them together while listening to your favorite music.

Posted in Alphabet Dates, Date Night Ideas | Comments Off on The Letter “M”

Tours Available Daily!

Posted on September 8, 2009 by Debi Walter

visitors guideWe have added what we hope to be a helpful tool – Our Visitor’s Guide; you’ll find it located in the right sidebar.  It walks visitors through all the various rooms available in our Vineyard.  We pray it will make your time here more productive and easier to navigate.  Also, if you haven’t yet, we invite you to join our Vineyard.  You’ll never miss another post because you forgot to visit us.  We’ll deliver our posts right to your inbox!

We pray your Labor Day was restful and full of great memories!

Posted in The Romantic Vineyard | Comments Off on Tours Available Daily!

Freebie Friday – Labor Day

Posted on September 4, 2009 by Tom Walter

beach-picnic-lg

Labor Day has traditionally become the “last hurrah”  of summer vacation.  We make one last effort to squeeze out another family memory.

As you make plans for the holiday weekend, make sure to watch for opportunities to bless your spouse.   We have provided some ideas in the “Husbands Only” and “Wives Only” rooms to get you started. I have already begun in our home by officially giving Debi time off from the blog on Labor Day.

We will return on Tuesday.  Enjoy your long weekend.

Posted in Freebie Friday, Holidays | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Reflecting Him

Posted on September 3, 2009 by Tom Walter

couple pic - reading bible 1

The following is a portion of an article titled, Is There Hope For American Marriage?, by Family Life author, Dave Boehi:

Few people know much about what the Bible says about marriage. They are surprised to learn that, as described in the first two chapters of Genesis, marriage is the first institution created by God.

1. God desires that a husband and wife complete each other (Genesis 2:19-22). When God calls you to marry, He gives you a spouse who, by divine design, will complete you. Together you will be stronger and more effective than when you are apart.

2. God desires that a husband and wife multiply a godly legacy (Genesis 1:28). Children are a key part of God’s plan. Although some couples are not able to have biological children of their own, part of God’s intent is for every married couple to be ministering down into the next generation–passing on their faith in God so others can pass it on to still others. Psalm 78:1-4 makes it clear that the family is one of the best environments in which this can happen.

3. God desires that a husband and wife experience oneness. Genesis 2:24 says that a husband and wife shall become “one flesh” and God wants us to experience all the excitement and pleasure and romance that is part of a committed relationship. But oneness involves even more. As Dennis and Barbara Rainey write in Staying Close:

A Oneness Marriage is a husband and wife who are crafting intimacy, trust, and understanding with one another. It’s a couple who is chiseling out a common direction, common purpose, and common plan for their lives. A Oneness Marriage demands a lifetime process of relying on God and forging an enduring relationship according to His design. It’s more than a mere mingling of two humans–it’s a tender merger of body, soul and spirit.

4. God desires that a husband and wife mirror His image (Genesis 1:26-27). God chooses to reveal to us a part of His character and being through our relationships. For example, God is love, therefore we can love. When we forgive others, we reflect Him who forgave us in Christ (see Ephesians 4:32).

Why is this important? Because God created us to know Him and to live within the context of His plan for our lives. When a man and woman come together in a marriage with God at the center of their relationship, they will reflect His image. The world will see in that relationship a representation of who God is and how He loves.

Marriage was created by God for our good, for the good of our society, and for His plan to be fulfilled. It’s about companionship, pleasure, responsibility, commitment, romance, raising the next generation–the whole package. It’s the most difficult and yet the most fulfilling relationship we experience during our time on earth.

What a great list Dave provides for us at the end of his excellent article.  Romance is only a small part of what makes a strong marriage, but it is a vital part.  We’ll continue looking at these six aspects of a healthy marriage in the coming weeks.

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The Letter “L”

Posted on September 2, 2009 by Debi Walter

This week we’re Looking at the Letter “L” for our Alphabet Date Series, and what a fun Letter it is!  We’ve added a variety of ideas – some are free and some are moderate or more expensive in cost.  We do this because there are many in different seasons of life, and also, you may be celebrating a special event and want to go all out for it.  So, please use the ideas that work for you!  If you have any more ideas, please feel free to add to our list using the Comment feature.

“L” Activities:

Laughter – Plan an evening to watch the funny part of your favorite movies.  You can even do this using You Tube.

Lunch – Enjoy a lunch date together.  Make it a lakefront picnic to add another “L” to the date.  You could serve “lasagna”.  For Orlando locals consider beautiful Lake Lily in Maitland.

Lazy Afternoon – Plan to spend an afternoon doing nothing together, but Lounging around.

Limbo – Play this tropical game seeing how “Low” you can go!  For fun do this during your Romantic Luau for Two (see Food section).

Lather – Wash each others hair and have fun lathering it up!

“L” Food:

Latin food is not only spicy, but can be very romantic.  In Orlando check out the Samba Room.

Louisianna – Celebrate this great state!  Cajun food is always a treat.  Make your own or go out to a specialty restaurant like Bubba Gump’s Shrimp Co. Then, watch Forrest Gump.

Lobster – Incorporate this shell fish into your romantic evening.  Lobster Bisque is a cheaper alternative.

Luau for Two – Plan one in your own home or go to one at a nearby restaurant.  For Hawaiian recipes click here.  For inexpensive decorations visit your local Party Store.  You might want to add a DVD of Hawaii too!

Lemonade – Have iced-cold lemonade ready for your spouse when they least expect it.  You could use this to announce your “L” date night plans.

“L” Special Touches:

Lingering Look – Take a long look in each others eyes for 5 minutes thinking of all the things you love about them and how thankful you are to the Lord for the gift of their love.  This may sound corny at first, but how often do we pause and take time to really look into our lover’s eyes.  It will surprise you the emotion this evokes.

Flowers:  Lillies, Lavendar (try buying your wife a lavendar candle, body wash or linen spray), lily of the valley, lilac.

List of Love – Write a list of all the things you love about your spouse.

Lips – Need we say more?

Lingerie – Buy your wife something new 0r surprise your husband with something you already have.

Labor Day – This weekend is Labor Day, so we’ve added some special ideas in the Husbands Only and Wives Only Rooms.

Posted in Alphabet Dates, Date Night Ideas | 4 Comments

Adorning The Gospel

Posted on September 1, 2009 by Debi Walter

marriage retreat

Our church’s marriage retreat this past weekend far surpassed our expectations.  We were reminded of the Gospel and it’s impact on our daily lives, taught truths found in the Bible and encouraged practically in how to make this work in our marriages.

If you would like to see an overview of the weekend, visit the Metro Moms Blog.  We pray it will help your marriage continue towards growth in godliness.

Have a wonderful day, and make sure you check back tomorrow as we consider the letter “L”.  There’s Lots to Love about this letter as you’ll see!  🙂

Posted in Growing Strong Marriages, Spiritual Intimacy | 1 Comment

Mark Your Calendars

Posted on August 31, 2009 by Debi Walter

magicaldining_header_8

September is Orlando Magical Dining Month, where you can sample several higher end restaurants at a fraction of the normal cost.  It’s a great opportunity to try some place different.

Click here for live Jazz performances around town.

Thursday, September 3rd:

Streetmosphere – Uptown Altamonte at beautiful Crane’s Roost Park.  Enjoy an evening of Mime, Magic, Juggling and Balancing with two free shows at 7:30 and 8:30 in the Eddie Rose Amphitheater.  FREE

Friday, September 4th:

Date Night in Leu Gardens.  Movie featured: America’s Sweethearts.  Park opens at 6:30 and movie begins at 8:30p.  Pack a picnic dinner and enjoy a romantic movie under the stars. $7 Admission.  FREE for members.

Improv Comedy Show. Clarion Resort and Water Park in Kissimmee is offering a live Comedy Improv featuring two power teams competing in the style of Who’s Line Is It Anyway? Mention the Red Chair Project and tickets are only $5 a piece.  Start time is 9p.

Saturday, September 5th:

Improv Comedy Show. Clarion Resort and Water Park in Kissimmee is offering a live Comedy Improv featuring two power teams competing in the style of Who’s Line Is It Anyway? Mention the Red Chair Project and tickets are only $5 a piece.  Start time is 9p.

Posted in Mark Your Calendars (time sensitive) | Comments Off on Mark Your Calendars