Freebie Friday: MP3 Download

Posted on July 3, 2009 by Debi Walter

MahaneysC.J. and Carolyn Mahaney have modeled what a godly marriage looks like for years.  In the two messages offered below, they share from the Bible keys to loving our spouses in a way that glorifies God.  The Mahaney’s live in Gaithersburg, Maryland, where C.J. provides leadership for  Sovereign Grace Ministries.   You can learn more about them on their blogs: C.J.’s View From The Cheap Seats and Carolyn’s Girl Talk blog.  We hope you’ll make the time to listen to these rich messages.  We’re certain they will affect your marriage for the good!

Husbands: A free MP3 download by CJ Mahaney titled, The Cultivation of Romance

Wives: A free MP3 download by Carolyn Mahaney titled, Loving My Husband

Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July!

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Marriage Memo

Posted on July 2, 2009 by Debi Walter

Jon and KateLast Thursday we shared our perspective on the Gosselin family break up.  Today we offer you the perspective of another writer – Dave Boehi:

I’ve noticed two things about the Jon and Kate Plus 8 drama that’s been unfolding in the media over the past two months:

Few people are surprised by the announcement last week that Jon and Kate Gosselin—parents of sextuplets and twins and stars of the reality show on The Learning Channel—are separating.

And nobody seems to be happy about it.

It’s true that in America we appear to be drifting away from a commitment to marriage, with more couples than ever living together and having children out of wedlock. Our divorce rate remains one of the highest among nations.  But a story like this shows me that most of us still want the dream to come true—we want couples to stay together and live happily ever after. We remember how special a solid marriage is, and how important it is for children to have parents who love each other and work out their differences with no thought of pursuing divorce.

Last week’s Jon and Kate Plus 8 had to be one of the saddest hours of television I’ve ever seen.  Also, one of the most frustrating. (read more)

This is a great reminder that there is a world watching us as our marriages play out in real life.  Certainly we’re not on national television, but we all have neighbors, co-workers, friends and extended family who are observing what our marriages declare.  We all have “for poorer, for worse and in sickness” times of our marriage.  We vowed together that even in these difficult times we would stay together.

Romantic date nights are a highlight of marriage, but sticking together when things aren’t pleasant is of far more value, for this is the stuff that reveals what’s truly important to us – fun? or commitment ’til death do us part?

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The Letter “D”

Posted on July 1, 2009 by Debi Walter

D

“D” ACTIVITIES:

Dolphins – Make plans to swim with the dolphins at Sea World’s Discovery Cove.  Or the cheaper version – go dolphin watching at the beach.

Diving – Learn to Scuba dive together.  There are many local places that offer classes. Check one out HERE.

Darts – Go to a local Sports Bar and challenge your spouse to a game of Darts.  You can determine if the winner takes all, and what that “all” is!

Delight – Afternoon Delight is always a special treat.

Dancing – Go dancing at Universal’s City Walk.  Don’t know how to dance?   Buy a DVD and start taking lessons in your own home.

Drive to Daytona Beach – pack a Dinner of all “D” foods – Doritos, Dr. Pepper, Deli subs, Dill Pickles.  Don’t forget the Dominoes.

Drive In Movie Theatre – Silver Moon Drive-In is still in operation since 1948.  They have two screens and play current run movies.

“D” FOOD:

Dessert Lady – Spend an evening at one of two locations.  They offer some of Orlando’s finest desserts and the atmosphere is romantic indeed!

Donuts – Enjoy an evening at Dunkin Donuts with a hot cup of coffee and great conversation.

Del Frisco’s Prime Steak & Lobster – this one is expensive, but if you’re planning a special celebration this is quite a place.

Dexter’s of Winter Park – this is one of our favorite date night restaurants.  We love the jalepeno hoagie!

Dixie Crossroads of Titusville – simply the best place for local shrimp.

“D” SPECIAL TOUCHES:

Disney – All the hotels on Disney property offer beautiful walkways, little shops and cafes.  Spend an evening strolling the grounds while exploring the resort.  Some to consider:  Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge,  Port Orleans, Grand Floridian, Boardwalk.

Buy “D” flowers – Dahlias or Daisies

Discover something new about your spouse that you didn’t know.  Use the Soil Samples section above to find questions to help you with your quest!

Draw a special picture for your spouse and mail it to them announcing your “D” date night plans.

Dedicate your favorite love song to your spouse on a local radio station.  Be sure they’re listening!  Magic 107.7 does this every evening from 7p to midnight with Delilah.

Posted in Alphabet Dates, Date Night Ideas | 2 Comments

Are You A God-Centered Spouse?

Posted on June 30, 2009 by Debi Walter

devotionsSM

I had the privilege recently of hearing Gary Thomas speak at our church.  I have always enjoyed his writing, and I discovered that he preaches in the same manner as he writes.  It was inspiring and motivating.  Below is an excerpt from his devotional book titled: Devotions For Sacred Marriage.  We don’t own this book, but after reading this excellent first chapter, we’re compelled to buy it.

Are you a God-centered spouse or a spouse-centered spouse?  A spouse-centered spouse acts nicely towards her husband when he acts nicely towards her.  She is accommodating, as long as her husband pays her attention.  A spouse-centered husband will go out of his way for his wife, as long as she remains agreeable and affectionate.  He’ll romance her as long as he feels rewarded for doing so.

But Paul tells us we are to perfect holiness out of reverence for God.  Since God is always worthy to be revered, we are always called to holiness; we are always called to love.  A God-centered spouse feels more motivated by his or her commitment to God than by whatever response a spouse may give.

(To read more from this excellent chapter, simply click here and scroll down to the PDF link)

So, which is it?  Are you motivated to be romantic only when your spouse is romantic in return?  Or do you love your spouse wholeheartedly because this is how Christ has loved us?  If this is an area in which you have struggled, may we encourage you to start praying for God to help you change?  He is the only One who can help us change for His glory.  We make the commitment to change, but He does the work.  What a God we serve!  This alone should cause our hearts to focus on Him in love and adoration – love towards our spouse will naturally follow.

Let God-centered romance begin…

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Mark Your Calendars

Posted on June 29, 2009 by Debi Walter

heart-shaped_fireworks

This week we celebrate our nation’s independence, and its a great time to celebrate your dependence on your spouse for life, love and romance.  Why not plan an evening to share with your spouse all the ways you depend on them as well as all the ways they are dependable!? We can never over communicate our gratefulness for these everyday gestures that are often taken for granted.

Now on to this week’s Calendar of Events:

  • July 1st is International Joke Day – plan a date night to SAKS Comedy Club on Wednesday to celebrate with laughter.  The show starts at 9p and cost only $5.  407.648.0001  (Start the day off by sending a funny e-card to your spouse)
  • July 3rd – Red, Hot and Boom at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs.  4p – 11p, FREE
  • July 3rd – Harbor Nights Americana at Universal Studios Portofino Bay Hotel.  6:30p – 9:30p, $35 general admission.                     407. 503.1000
  • July 4th Celebrations from which to choose: Fireworks at the Fountain (Downtown Orlando), Celebration at the Lakefront (St. Cloud), Old Fashioned 4th of July Parade and Celebration (Mt. Dora), 4th of July Celebration (Avalon Park), A Flashback 4th of July (Celebration), July 4th Celebration (Kissimmee), Red, White and Boom (Titusville), and last but not least Star-Spangled Sanford on the Riverwalk.  Taking your children with you?  This doesn’t mean the 4th can’t be romantic – let your children see how much you love each other by holding hands, hugging and kissing often while together.  This speaks volumes to your children for their security now and offers a great example of what true love looks like later.
  • Here’s a couple of romantic tips: 1)  Since the 4th is a big family celebration, why not make arrangements for a babysitter first thing on the morning of the 4th and take your spouse out to breakfast.  There are many great restaurants from which to choose, and this is a great way to squeeze in some romantic time alone.  Pick a couple of lighthearted questions to take with you (see our Soil Samples tab above) to help the conversation reach beyond typical morning fare.   2)  Buy a set of sparklers and use together in your backyard once the kids have gone to bed.  It’s sure to bring out the kid in you and may even lead up to more play time in the bedroom!

We pray your week will be full of opportunities to celebrate the love God has so richly given you!

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Jon Minus Kate – Not So GR8!

Posted on June 25, 2009 by Debi Walter

jonkate8s120225

I think I only watched this show once, but I’ve listened to others talk about it being a favorite.  How sad to see their marriage ending under such media attention.  I read that Jon wanted to stop the show in order to focus on fixing their struggling marriage.  They disagreed, and now it’s over.

What happened?  It’s clear – whenever we choose to selfishly cling to anything in our lives we pay a very high price.  In this case – 8 young children are being forced to bear the consequences of bad choices their parents made.  What about us?  How does this relate to my marriage?  It’s a loud and clear warning call!  What things am I tempted to embrace with which my spouse disagrees?  If we’re not in agreement how do we get there?

First, it’s necessary to have honest and open discussion together with our defenses down.  If every time you try to talk about it an argument ensues, it’s time to ask for help.  This is the role of the church and purpose of close friends.  Humility seeks help wherever they can get it – pride looks down and says, “We’ll be fine!”  Pursuing help in difficulty is like tilling the soil where the roots have become bound.  It frees us to grow even more.

Secondly, if Kate had listened to her husband and told the cameras to leave, thus canceling the show – would their marriage have been saved?  No one knows, but this I do know – God calls us as wives to submit to our husband’s leadership.  It’s his God-given role in marriage.  It is my job to help him succeed in leading us in a way that glorifies God.  Doing this opens the door for God’s grace and mercy to flow freely.

To learn more about specific roles in a biblically-based marriage we have great resources available in our “Best Cellars” and “Wine Press” rooms.  Simply access them by clicking on the tab at the top of the blog.

It is God alone who is able to make  marriage GR8, and it’s for His glory – not ours!

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The Letter “C”

Posted on June 24, 2009 by Debi Walter

C

“C” ACTIVITIES:

Canoeing – Wekiva Marina recently reopened under the name Wekiva Island.  Check out their website HERE.

Cooking Class (or the cheaper version – cook together at home.  Feed each other samples.)

Concert – there are many DVD concerts available, or check out Orlando Venues to see who’s coming to town.

Camping – Florida has many parks that offer camping.  Our favorite is cooking together outside under the stars.

Climbing – Augille Rock Climbing Center provides training and equipment to learn this adventurous sport.

Crossword Puzzle – make your own crossword puzzle using words that are special to you both.

“C” FOOD:

Calamari

Cajun

Cupcakes – make them ahead and have fun frosting them with your fingers

Chocolate – make your own chocolate together.  Farris and Fosters Fine Chocolates offers Fun Night packages for your enjoyment.

Coffee – go out for coffee or make a cozy corner of your home your very own cafe.  Read a chapter of a book together.

Cherries Jubilee – make this romantic dessert together.  You’ll find a simple recipe HERE.

Chinese – Order take out and eat with chopsticks – no forks or spoons allowed!

Cheesecake – a real classic.   Enjoy an evening at The Cheesecake Factory or buy one piece to go and enjoy on a park bench.

“C” SPECIAL TOUCHES:

Buy “C” flowers – carnations, calla lillies, camellia or chrysanthemums (also known as “mums”)

Calligraphy Card – learn to write a card in calligraphy and mail it to your spouse informing them of your upcoming “C” date.

Count the Ways You Love Your Spouse – both make a list and share it as a way to  inspire great Conversation.

Posted in Alphabet Dates | 2 Comments

Alphabet Dates

Posted on June 23, 2009 by Debi Walter

We began a series recently highlighting “Alphabet Dates”.   The idea is to start at the beginning and work your way through the alphabet – one creative date and letter at a time. You’ll find the specific rules at the above link, but this is only a guide.  The rules can be changed to fit your preferences.

Each week on Wednesdays we’re going to highlight a letter providing a list of creative things to do with it.  (We already posted about the Letter A and Letter B)  So, start thinking and check back each week on Wednesdays for the next letter!  Tomorrow is the Letter C!  We encourage you to use the comment feature to share your ideas with us.

Here’s a fun celebration of our very own Alphabet to inspire you – well, maybe not inspire you, but hopefully it will imprint the song and this idea into your mind:

Posted in Alphabet Dates, Date Night Ideas | 3 Comments

Stirring The Embers

Posted on June 22, 2009 by Debi Walter

73979618Flirting can be a sinful way for singles to draw attention to themselves from the opposite sex.  We are warned repeatedly in scripture not to practice such things!

However, if you’re married – have at it!

It’s perfectly permissible to flirt regularly with the one who loves you “til death do us part”.  If you have never practiced this before you may feel awkward or even shy about it, but don’t let this stop you.  In fact, if this is the case, then you have waited too long to make the most of this God-ordained relationship.  The Song of Solomon is full of examples that we’re to model in wooing our spouse in love.

“O my dove, in the clefts of the rock,
in the crannies of the cliff,
let me see your face,
let me hear your voice,
for your voice is sweet,
and your face is lovely.”    Song of Solomon 2:14

Here are some quick ideas to help you practice:

  • Come up with a secret code to communicate across the room your intentions for later
  • Have a private pet name for each other and keep it that way
  • Send your spouse a steamy e-mail
  • French kiss your spouse when they least expect it
  • Whisper sweet somethings in their ear during a meeting
  • Kiss them all over while they’re on the phone
  • Mouth the words “I love you” without speaking.
  • Use your senses – click here for lots of ways to flirt his senses (these ideas can be used for either wife to husband or vice versa)

May we encourage you to start flirting with your husband/wife today?  It is the best and most effective way to keep those embers of romance burning in your hearts for one another, not to mention its great fun!

Posted in Intimacy, Romantic Ideas | Tagged , | 1 Comment

You Light Up My Life

Posted on June 18, 2009 by Debi Walter

Ponce Inlet

What better way to communicate this truth than to visit a Lighthouse.  Central Florida is blessed to have one within an hour’s drive that boasts the title of being the second tallest brick lighthouse standing at 175 feet.  Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is the place and a great location for a romantic afternoon with your spouse. Pack a picnic and make a day of it!

Did you know there are 31 lighthouses dotting the coastline of Florida?  For a complete list with all the details visit The Lighthouse Friends website.

Successful marriages stand strong amid life’s storms like a lighthouse set upon the Rock.  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow penned these marvelous words and speaks well of this marriage metaphor:

Steadfast, serene, immovable, the same,

Year after year, through all the silent night

Burns on forevermore that quenchless flame,

Shine on that inextinguishable light!

 

Posted in Date Night Ideas, Daytime Dates, Outdoor Dates | Tagged | 2 Comments

First Date

Posted on June 17, 2009 by Debi Walter

Today marks the 31st anniversary of our first date back in 1978.   Amazing to remember that day as I anxiously awaited Tom’s car pulling into my driveway to pick me up for this much anticipated evening together.  Tom says I talked his ear off that night, but he knew then that I was to be his wife.  There is something special about that first moment when you know your life will never be the same again.  And the change is all good!

How long has it been since you remembered and celebrated your first date?  Even if you don’t remember the actual date on the calendar, don’t miss the chance to celebrate when your love for each other first began.  Pick an evening to pull out old photo albums, journals, scrap books or even letters in order to rekindle your first love!  Tom and I have laughed at how many times we said, “hallelujah” and “praise the Lord”, in our letters to each other from Orlando to Bradenton and vice versa.  Life was different then.  Our favorite artists were Amy Grant and Chuck Mangione.  Hearing their songs quickly transports me back to the days of our first love.  I wouldn’t want to go back to those days, but I wouldn’t trade them for anything either for this was only the beginning of discovering what marriage was meant to be.

God has been faithful to us these 31 years, and we have faith that He is doing the same for your marriage.

Happy Anniversary, Tom.  I am eternally grateful to God for the gift of you, for you are the best part of “us”.  I love you with all my heart!

Posted in Celebrations, Testimonies | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Things To Do

Posted on June 16, 2009 by Debi Walter

Flagler Arch Big

June 18, 2009
Seaside Fiesta
The Annual Seaside Fiesta takes place on New Smyrna Beach’s historic Flagler Avenue on the beachside from 5 pm – 9 pm. The Fiesta features four blocks of games, food and entertainment for all ages. Many of the Flagler merchants also feature special sales and activities. For more info: 386-424-2175. Free admission.

June 19, 2009
Mount Dora At Nite
Celebrate the third Friday of each month with live entertainment, great food and shopping in Downtown Mount Dora. For more info: 352-383-5451. Free admission.

June 20, 2009
Jazz Jams Uptown
WLOQ Smooth Jazz 103.1 and the City of Altamonte Springs present one of the best free Jazz concerts in the area. The event starts at 7:00pm.
More info: 407-571-8180
Free admission

If you don’t see what you like here, be sure to check out our Vintage Collection by clicking the tab at the top of the page.  This is where we offer date night ideas that can be enjoyed anytime.

Posted in Date Night Ideas, Free Dates, Outdoor Dates | 1 Comment

Here’s Where Marriage Begins:

Posted on June 15, 2009 by Debi Walter

Praying Together

(from Love That Lasts, by Gary and Betsy Ricucci)

“If you don’t remember anything else you read in this book, please remember this:  A magnificent marriage begins not with knowing one another but with knowing God.  In Him we have the foundation and resources necessary to love one another.  His Word, His ways, and His will must be paramount in our lives.  Unless we are growing in the knowledge of God, we’ll lack the motivation and wisdom to build an effective marriage.”

So, how are you growing in the knowledge of God?  What is God currently saying to you?  Does your spouse know?  If not, why?  Our spouses should be first to know what we’re hearing God say to us personally.  May we challenge you to purpose to have this conversation with your husband/wife?

The book continues:

“Knowing God gives us the creativity to be romantic; it gives us the grace to lead and follow.  Faith toward God sustains, instructs, and motivates us.  It’s because we are seeking first the Lord and His kingdom that all things — including the tools for a magnificent marriage — shall be added to us.”

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The Letter “B”

Posted on June 12, 2009 by Debi Walter

B

Life has been quite crazy lately, so I decided to do the “B” date night in our Alphabet Dates series.  (The original plan was to alternate the planning of Alphabet Dates throughout the year, and it was Tom’s turn). However, this is real life – pressures increase and difficulties arise requiring us to adjust our expectations and implement a change of plans.  I was happy to bless (that’s a B too!) Tom with a date night just for him.

I recently heard about the new Pixar movie, UP, involving a man who worked as a Balloon vendor.  In fact we posted about it HERE.  So, I took Tom to a matinee at Altamonte 18, and afterwards we enjoyed a great Burger at the Bowling alley and played three games together.  It was a great evening, and we highly recommend the movie.  But you might want to take some tissues – we were both Bawling by the end.

NOTE:  Our Alphabet Dates have evolved to become more detailed allowing our readers to pick and choose from the list provided.  So, here are more ideas for the Letter “B”:  (updated July 29, 2009)

“B” Activities:

Bowling

Bingo – you can find a hall hosting or play your own game at home.  We suggest the latter – you can make up your own rules!  🙂

Bocce Ball – this is an Italian yard game that’s lots of fun.  Sets are available at any sports store.

Boating – check out a local marina for boat rentals.

Blue Springs State Park

Biking – if you don’t have your own, ask a friend to borrow theirs for an afternoon.  Then, hit a local biking trail.

Balloon ride – plan a hot-air balloon ride.

Bungee jumping – this one doesn’t sound romantic at all to me (Debi), but I post it for the more adventurous.

Blind Man’s Bluff – typically a child’s game, but you can improvise.

“B” Food:

Bubbalou’s Bodacious BBQ – or any BBQ restaurant of your choice.

Bucca di Beppo – family style Italian food!

Brazilian Steak House – this can be pricey, but fo a special occasion meal it’s worth a visit.  If you join Texas de Brazil’s website they offer lots of BOGO deals.

Burgers and Beans – grilled at home with a candle light dinner in your Backyard.

House of Blues Sunday Brunch – or try brunch at any other restaurant you enjoy.

“B” Special Touches:

Bubble Bath for two

Flowers:  Bouganvillea, Babies Breath

Bath and Body Works

Bear – a cuddly teddy bear is always romantic

Barefoot on the Beach – spend an afternoon or evening walking and talking,

Posted in Alphabet Dates, Date Night Ideas | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Dirty Job

Posted on June 10, 2009 by Debi Walter

dirty hands

We want to draw your attention to a “new room” located below our blog name – It’s our Soil Sample Room.

All vineyards must regularly test the soil in order to access its quality for future growth.  In the same way, we must regularly ask good questions in order to evaluate the quality of our marriage.  This doesn’t happen without purposeful, exerted effort.  Left to ourselves we wouldn’t take the time to sample the soil of our marriage – but if we are truly wanting to experience a great  harvest for God’s glory, then we must!

Check out the Soil Samples Room and see if your marriage is allowing the roots of biblical fellowship to grow deep providing the nutrients necessary for growth in godliness.  Warning:  it can be a dirty job, but very rewarding!

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Up, Up and Away

Posted on June 8, 2009 by Debi Walter

Up, the movie

Have you heard of Disney/Pixar’s new film, Up?  It’s on par with previous Pixar films in that it makes you think about what’s most important in life, while entertaining you every step of the way. Family Life’s Marriage Memo chose this topic for their weekly editorial because  this film celebrates marriage on several different fronts.  They even recommend it as a great date night with your spouse.  Check out local listings HERE.

Posted in Date Night Ideas, Movie Dates | Tagged | 1 Comment

What’s Happening Around Town

Posted on June 5, 2009 by Debi Walter

date night

Here are some events you may not want to miss:

Date Night In The Garden: Friday, June 5th, Leu Gardens hosts an outdoor movie starting at sunset.  The garden opens at 6:00p, and the cost is $7 per person, or free for Garden members.  This months feature:  Roman Holiday

Silver Spurs Rodeo: June 6th – 7th, Sixty of the rodeo’s top cowboys showcase leverage razor-sharp reflexes atop the country’s top and most unpredictable livestock. Held at Silver Spurs Arena at Osceola Heritage Park.

Jazzed In Sanford: June 6th, Monthly Jazz Concert series held the first Saturday of the month in Magnolia Square, downtown Sanford from 4 – 7pm.
More info: 407-688-5004  Free admission

Retro Game Night: June 12th, Join the History Center and Sunny 105.9 FM for an evening of good old-fashioned fun with an array of classic board and video games throughout the museum! Free nostalgic treats and cash bar. $5 cash at door; Members free. Ages 18 and up. Retro attire encouraged. More info: 407-836-7010  Admission of $5

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Dearly Beloved

Posted on June 2, 2009 by Debi Walter

dearly beloved

We found it quite interesting to read the original marriage vows as recorded in the 1662 Book Of Common Prayer.  Below is how a traditional marriage ceremony would begin in 1662:

DEARLY beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honourable estate, instituted of God in the time of man’s innocency, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church; which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence, and first miracle that he wrought, in Cana of Galilee; and is commended of Saint Paul to be honourable among all men: and therefore is not by any to be enterprised, nor taken in hand, unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly, to satisfy men’s carnal lusts and appetites, like brute beasts that have no understanding; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God; duly considering the causes for which Matrimony was ordained.
First, It was ordained for the procreation of children, to be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord, and to the praise of his holy Name.
Secondly, It was ordained for a remedy against sin, and to avoid fornication; that such persons as have not the gift of continency might marry, and keep themselves undefiled members of Christ’s body.
Thirdly, It was ordained for the mutual society, help, and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity.  Into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined. Therefore if any man can shew any just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter for ever hold his peace.

Most people think of a wedding as being romantic and beautiful, which it is.  However, we must not miss what is recorded here; marriage is to be pursued reverently (with respectful regard), discreetly (prudently; circumspectly; cautiously), advisedly (With deliberation or advice; heedfully; purposely), and soberly (Without intemperate passion; coolly; calmly; moderately).

In our society marriage has simply become another ceremony fraught with tradition that has lost much of its meaning.   Here, in our Vineyard, we want to celebrate marriage the way God intended it to be.  This is why it is important for us to reflect back hundreds of years to recapture the true meaning of the marriage vows we committed to as husband and wife.  God doesn’t take marriage lightly, nor should we.

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Sacred Ties

Posted on June 1, 2009 by Debi Walter

roserose

couple vows

June is the traditional month for weddings, so it’s a good time for us to remember the vows we made to our spouse on our own wedding day.

I must admit that I haven’t re-read our vows in years!   Tom and I used the traditional wedding vows found in the Common Book of Prayer. Thankfully, our wedding ceremony was taped on cassette (yes, we were married long before video cameras were invented.  In fact cassette tapes were fairly new!) so we can not only read our vows, but hear them as we said them 30 years ago.

What about you?  How long has it been since you have read your marriage vows?  It seems that lifetime promises like these should be displayed in a prominent place in our homes.  At the very least we should refer to them often.  It’s a law for businesses to display their operating license for all to see, shouldn’t we consider showing more honor to these sacred ties that bind?

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Rainy Date Ideas

Posted on May 28, 2009 by Debi Walter

Photo Credit: AnimeshRay

The rainy season is upon us, and this can put a real damper on a planned date (pun intended).  So, why not plan a date with the rain in mind?  Here are some great ideas to do when it’s raining!

  1. Using a large umbrella, go for a walk around a local park or lake in the rain.  Feeling adventurous?  Forget the umbrella!
  2. Ten Dollar Mall Challenge – Take the money you would have spent going to dinner or a movie and divide it equally between yourselves.  Go to the nearest mall and split up purposing to find the best deal with your ten dollar bill.  As an added challenge – the purchase has to be something your spouse would enjoy.  Plan to meet at a certain mall location for ice cream to reveal your purchase.  For extra fun, decide ahead of time what the winner will receive!
  3. Go to the library and look for books on topics you both enjoy.  If you like to travel, spend the time looking at places you’d love to visit.
  4. Go bowling.  This is a great way to have fun, but still have time to talk.  Plus you can’t beat bowling alley hamburgers and fries – simply the best!
  5. Go to a local pool hall.  This is a great sport that anyone can play – and it’s fun to flirt with your spouse around the dimly lit table.
  6. Personal photo shoot – put the kids to bed early and have fun taking pictures of each other in different outfits and poses; the sillier the clothes the better.  Once finished take time to edit your pictures and make a personal album that’s sure to make you smile on rainy days.
  7. Take your favorite board game, cards or a puzzle to either a coffee shop or bookstore, and spend the evening together.  Sit close to a window so you can enjoy the rain from your cozy seat inside.
  8. Take a drive to the beach and enjoy watching the rain from your car.  Put on some romantic music and pack some favorite snacks.  You can even purpose to listen to a specific artist, or make your own CD of songs about rain!
  9. Read a book to each other by candle light.  This is especially romantic if it’s lightning outside.
  10. Play Flashlight tag.  This one is simple and is played at home.  Turn off all the lights and search for each other using only a flashlight.  You can make up your own rules as well as who wins what when found.
  11. Watch a classic movie like “Singing In The Rain”.

Who says “Rainy Days and Mondays always get me down”?  Not anymore – “I hear laughter in the rain!”

What are your rainy date ideas?  We would love to add yours to the list – simply scroll down to leave your comments!  

Posted in Date Night Ideas, Rainy Day Dates | Tagged | 6 Comments