Off The Air

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Debi Walter
Image Credit: gramilano.com

As I am writing this post our blog is “Off the Air.” It is a strange feeling and one I’ve never experienced since becoming a blogger.

We’ve had a minor issue with some people not being able to access our site. I’ve been in communication with our tech support for the past couple of weeks trying to fix the problem, but each time I call the problem only gets worse. I don’t think it can get much worse than “off the air.”

I’m waiting for customer support to open, and since they’re on the west coast it seems I’ve been waiting forever! Hopefully, this problem will be resolved. If not, we may be support shopping very soon. An option I am glad I have.

Our marriage can face times of being disconnected too. A conflict arises that is too big to resolve in one sitting. It takes lots of time listening, asking questions, doing what needs to be done and committing to the required changes. We can go “off the air” with each other, so to speak, but when we do we are no longer connected the way our covenant requires.

Photo Credit: isavemymarriagetoday

I remember many nights early in our marriage when Tom and I would go to sleep with our backs to each other. Not because that was the most comfortable position, mind you, but because we wanted to create distance – even as we slept. This is wrong! After 33 years of marriage we have learned to stay on-line with each other and not put the other On Hold. This isn’t easy when you’re upset, but it is the grown-up way to behave.

Too many of us act like children when we don’t get out own way – we pout and hide. How can we change? Only by God’s grace enabling us to say NO to this behavior. God desires us to grow up in all things – to be mature – to be weaned from needing milk and eat the solid word of truth. Yes, it takes time. No, it isn’t easy. But being disconnected for long periods of time from the one with whom you’re in a covenant relationship is even worse.

Now I’m just praying we get back On The Air so you can actually read this post!

Posted in Christian Marriage, communication, Conflict, Difficulty, Growing Strong Marriages, The Gospel & Marriage | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Holiness Is A Harvest

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Debi Walter

Photo Credit: Simon Howden

A friend recently shared with us this quote by Josh Harris:‎

“What you see in your spiritual life today is the direct result of what you’ve put in the soil of your life in days past. The difference between the person who grows in holiness and the one who doesn’t is not a matter of personality, upbringing, or gifting; the difference is what each has planted into the soil of his or her heart and soul. So holiness isn’t a mysterious spiritual state that only an elite few can reach. It’s more than an emotion, or a resolution, or an event. Holiness is a harvest.”

This is so true and can be appropriately be applied to our marriages as well. The husband or wife who is purposing to grow in holiness is going to facilitate the growth of a healthy marriage.

Think about it – the Bible says we reap what we sow. So the question we must answer is what am I sowing today to make my marriage a holy reflection of Christ’s love for His church.

  • Husband, are you loving and leading your wife in a way that glorifies God?
  • Wife, are you following your husband’s lead in a respectful, God-glorifying way?

If the answer to these two questions are, ‘no,’ then, don’t be surprised in the years ahead when less than desirable fruit is produced. Marriage is a life-long commitment to do the hard work necessary in order to grow more in love with God. When we tend to the soil of our vertical relationship with Him, then our horizontal relationship grows too.

Photo Credit: happykanppy

What fruit have you reaped from your marriage so far? What fruit are you hopeful to reap in the future? What changes can you make today to insure the fruitfulness of tomorrow?

Posted in Christian Marriage, Growing Strong Marriages, The Gospel & Marriage | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Waiting

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Tom and Debi

Photo Credit: africa


There is nothing more challenging to faith than to have to wait. A patient has to wait for the results from a test to see if their condition is fatal. A student has to wait to see if their test scores are high enough to pursue their dreams. A mother waits up late in the night until her teen is home safe and sound. A husband waits for his annual review not knowing if he’ll make enough to support his family in the coming year.

There are so many times when we are required to wait. Some waits are trivial, like waiting for an app to load on the phone, but even those types test our patience. How does one wait without worry, without sin?

Photo Credit: David Castillo Dominici

One answer – worship! If we are worshiping our goals, our desires, our plans, we will be anxious every time we are unexpectedly forced to wait. If our eyes are on God, we will find comfort as we wait for His timing. It won’t be easy, mind you, but we will be comforted as we wait.

Wednesday is our pause in the week to remind us all to worship God in the midst of our challenges. He is in control. We can trust Him. So grab a cup of coffee or tea and spend the next few minutes worshiping God with one of our favorite songs, Out of the Depths.  We pray it will be a healthy break from your routine and a readjustment of your focus.

Posted in Difficulty, Music, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Desire Of The Heart

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Debi Walter

Photo Credit: Making A Home Blog

Do you ever wish the Lord would give you the desire of your heart in regards to your marriage? What if God were to change that desire and give you what your marriage truly needed? Watch this video of a marriage which was changed in a way the husband and wife never saw coming, yet as they look back they see that it was exactly what their heart desired all along. Do you believe the Lord could do this in your marriage? He can!

Posted in Date Night Ideas | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Hold On

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Debi Walter

I don’t like roller coasters. I used to when I was little, but something happened after I had children. Maybe it was wisdom! 🙂 I don’t like anything which frightens me or causes my adrenaline to soar with the eagles. Slow and steady with both feet on the ground is the way I prefer it. Seriously, it’s the only way I’ll take it, thank you!

January could be called a roller coaster of sorts. By God’s providence we have nearly every day scheduled with something to do, somewhere to go or someone to serve. And a lot of the plans are things we’re doing separately – not fun, but necessary. We’ve seen this time coming, but there’s a sense tonight that we need to hold on, but to what?

We must hold on to US, and we must hold on to GOD. He is our keeper and the only One who can help us connect during this unusually busy season. The craziness began on Saturday, and it won’t let up until we go away for our 33rd anniversary in February. As I’m typing and Tom’s eating his 10p snack in the next room, there is a longing to be just US. But neither time nor providence will allow it. We have learned through the years that this is okay. At the end of the busyness, Lord willing, we’ll both be here to have and to HOLD. And maybe then, we’ll be able to plan a fun date night to celebrate together!

If you have the time this week why not plan something fun and/or meaningful to do together? You never know when the schedules will interfere keeping you from going and doing in the way you would like. Hold on.

♥ Fun Dates To Celebrate ♥

January 10

  • Houseplant Appreciation Day – A great day to surprise your spouse with a houseplant! Hide their favorite candy bar in the leaves as a sweet touch!
  • Peculiar People Day – Grab a cup of coffee and go to the mall for the purpose of finding the most peculiar people while watching the shoppers go by.

January 13

  • Make Your Dreams Come True Day – pick one of your spouse’s dreams and do all you can to make it come true in some way tonight.

♥ Things To Do In Orlando ♥

CENTRAL

  • Winter Park – Popcorn Flicks In The Park will take place on Thursday, January 12th. The movie begins at 7p. and this month’s feature is the classic, The Nutty Professor. As always the movie and the popcorn are FREE.
  • Winter Park – Morse Museum of Art – Music in the Galleries will take place on Friday, January 13th. The Open House is FREE and goes from 4p to 8p. Live music is provided while you stroll the beautiful art gallery.

SOUTH

NORTH

  • Sanford – Alive After Five presents their annual Chili Cook Off on Thursday, January 12th. The fun begins at 5p., and the cost is $7.

WEST

Posted in Date Night Ideas | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Happy Hour

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Debi Walter

It’s been too long since we’ve been able to share with you our Specials of the Week. We’re so glad to be back and ready to welcome the weekend with some great reads for you!

First, I want to highlight a friend of mine who is an excellent writer. She has just started a blog titled, Faith Rising. The name is perfect for her in this season of her life, but I thank God that I will be able to have my own faith built up as a result of her regular posts. You will love this blog!

Faith Rising

  • New Beginnings – Although this isn’t a blog about marriage alone, it is about growing faith in the only One who can grow our marriage into what it was created to be. Subscribe to this one – it’s sure to help you in your spiritual growth!

Counseling Solutions

  • Pre-Forgiveness is a Prerequisite Before You Can Forgive Someone – It’s easy to see why this post was #4 for 2011. If you’re struggling with forgiveness this post will help you see what you need to do from a biblical perspective. Take time to check out the rest of his top posts for 2011 too. Always food for thought here!

Happy Wives Club

  • Changing the Conversation – Fawn has started a quest to find one million wives who love their husbands and are committed to their marriages. This post reflects on how her quest began, and it will inspire you to join her in this effort. We love what she’s doing!

Marriage Missions International

  • Do Nothing Does Something Sometimes – In this season of resolutions to do things right, maybe we should also consider the things we shouldn’t do. Cindy makes a great point!
  • Year End Reflections – Steve and Cindy include some helpful quotes from other sources in looking back over 2011. And how kind of them to refer to one of our posts! Thanks, guys! It’s a pleasure to ping back to you! 🙂

To Love, Honor And Vacuum

Encourage Your Spouse

  • Encourage – Lori and I share a love for words. Here she chooses one worth defining!
  • Getting To Know Your Spouse – We are huge advocates of studying your spouse so you can love them better. Lori provides lots of resources to help you know your spouse. Excellent!

One Flesh Marriage

Journey To Surrender

  • 2011 Hot Topics – A great way to read the best of what Scott and Jenni have to offer.

The Generous Wife

  • Keep Your Word – Great advice for wives.

The Generous Husband

Posted in Blog Love, Happy Hour | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Happy Hour

Let’s Take A Walk

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Debi Walter

So many times when life is hard and the circumstances are difficult, we’ll say these four words – Let’s Take A Walk.  Walking provides perspective.  It provides much needed contemplation.  It’s simply the best way to pull back and re-access the problem.  No matter how large or how daunting the problem may be, walking not only exercises the body, but it exercises the brain. It helps you think clearer.

It’s important while you’re walking to talk, to listen, and to allow your eyes to focus in the distance. I have no idea if there is any scientific backing to my theory, but I know that when I take time to look at the horizon, whether at the beach…

in the mountains…

or in my neighborhood, my soul is calmed and peace comes to my heart. When I look out my eyes are usually drawn up to the sky.

The Bible says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” Psalm 19:1 ESV

Are you facing difficult times? Has it been a while since you’ve walked together for the purpose of finding perspective? Why not plan this weekend to walk, talk and let the heavens declare God’s glory to you. The heavens are always proclaiming, we just aren’t always paying attention.

Posted in Cheap Dates, Christian Marriage, communication, Difficulty, Free Dates, Growing Strong Marriages, Outdoor Dates, Spiritual Intimacy | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

The Romantic Gourmet Date Night Idea

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Debi Walter

Graham Kerr

I’ve always loved cooking, even before I knew how to cook. As a kid I remember watching a show called “The Galloping Gourmet.” His name was Graham Kerr and was from England. He made cooking look like fun – he must have, for he caught my attention and kept it time and time again. His show was one of the very first cooking shows on TV.

Fast forward to today – Tom and I love to watch the Food Network and Cooking Channel on TV. We’re hooked on shows like Master Chef and The Next Food Network Star. So you could say the idea for this date night seems like a natural fit for us. We both enjoy slicing and dicing together. Not to mention wining and dining! 🙂

When Tom walked in the door, I had an appetizer tray waiting for him with a sign announcing the theme of our date night at home. He had no idea what I had cooking – literally! 🙂

I had done all the shopping. I had done a lot of the prep work. The recipes were selected based on their ease of preparation, how quickly it could be cooked, and how good it sounded to eat, of course.

After enjoying our appetizers together and downloading about the day. We moved to course #2 – an Orange Avocado Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette. We chopped the veggies and enjoyed Chris Botti‘s Italia playing softly in the background.

Once it was ready we sat at the candlelit table and took our time enjoying every bite.

Next we worked on course #3 – Apple Halibut over roasted potatoes.

Halibut is a special dish for us because a few years ago Tom went on a fishing trip with his dad to Alaska. They went fishing everyday and on the halibut excursion, Tom caught a 179 lb. halibut. It was quite the catch taking many hands to reel him in, but what a great catch. We ate halibut for a year, and we never tired of it. Now we know why halibut isn’t the cheapest fish at the market!

Once the fish was cooked and plated we sat again at our dining table and enjoyed an amazing dinner.

We discovered this date was a lot more relaxing than we expected. The slower pace of eating allowed us to enjoy the entire experience. So often we gobble down our food and move onto the next thing on our list. Lingering around the dinner table provides a great platform for intimate conversation.

Our final course was Three Berry Cobbler with Breyers Vanilla Ice Cream.

This was a date that we are sure to repeat. We had a wonderful time, and this idea could be incorporated using any type of food and the best part? It doesn’t require a babysitter!

We have a saying on our dining room wall that reads:

“The fondest memories are made while gathered around the table.”

When was the last time you and your spouse made special memories while lingering around the dinner table?

Posted in Creative Dates, D.R.A.B., Date Night Ideas, Dating Your Spouse, Dinner Dates, romantic date nights | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Amazing Grace

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Tom and Debi

Photo Credit: wdavidphillips.com

Paul Tripp has said that the biggest problem in marriage is not what you’d expect. Most of us would chime in the usual: finances, communication, unresolved conflict, anger, sickness, incompatibility, etc. But he says the biggest problem is WORSHIP. Every challenge, every conflict we face comes down to who we worship. When we worship ourselves, we crave comfort, happiness, life to go as planned. And when it doesn’t, trouble ensues.

When we purpose to WORSHIP God, then it doesn’t matter if we get our way or not, because we aren’t craving the building of our own kingdom. We are more attuned to building His kingdom for His glory, which includes saying NO to self and YES to God.

There isn’t a marriage around that can’t relate to this truth. Conflict in any relationship arises when someone isn’t getting what they want or what they feel they deserve. Read James 4:1. When we focus on worshiping God, our cravings subside, and we enter into a realm of Christlike living where we put others and their needs above our own.

It is Wednesday, the first Wednesday of 2012. We are going to devote our Wednesday posts to encourage us to worship God. These posts will be a weekly reminder for us all to serve Him and His Kingdom this year. They will include a worship song allowing us to pause in the middle of the week and acknowledge our need for God to help us love the way He desires.

We pray the foundation of our marriages will be built up as a result and that this time next year, our relationships will be less selfish and more God-glorifying. This is the fruit that comes when God’s grace touches our marriage. It is truly amazing!

Enjoy this worship song by Chris Tomlin:

Posted in Christian Marriage, Growing Strong Marriages, Music, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

A Fresh Start – With A Limp

Posted on January 3, 2012 by Debi Walter

We’ve enjoyed our week off, but like most vacations we found ourselves missing our daily interactions with you. We pray you’ve enjoyed celebrating Christmas and New Year’s with your spouse, family and close friends.

Our emotions are mixed about so many things. Suffice it to say we are experiencing change that is necessary, but it’s not easy. Change brings a fresh start, but can begin with limp. I feel as if I’m limping today.

When one is limping each step is anticipated and felt deeply. Sometimes the step is dreaded, yet for one who is resolved to continue moving forward the pain cannot be avoided.

In the midst of the painful limp, the direction we’re heading is wonderful. This month marks the beginning of our new Bible reading plan. We have chosen to read one book from the New Testament a month – totaling 12 books in 2012. The book is read in it’s entirety everyday for that month, and we couldn’t be more excited about delving into the book of James this month. If you and your spouse would like to take part, you can check out the different reading plans by visiting The Route 66 Club Blog. This is another blog that I host, but not nearly as often as I do here. Route 66 is more for occasional encouragements that happen whenever I sense the Lord prompting me to write a post.

We are also taking part in a January Challenge to pray for our spouse for the 31 days of January. We shared about this on one post last week.

And we received another award this past week too – The Generous Wife blog named her pick for the Top Blogs For Growing Your Marriage in 2011. What an honor to be named among so many quality marriage blogs.

We were also surprised to be listed on To Love, Honor And Vacuum’s Top 50 Marriage Quotes for 2011. Take a moment to check out the list, and while there – enjoy looking around her blog, too! I love the name!

Yes, it has been quite an eventful week, but now it’s time to plan some alone time:

♥ Fun Dates To Celebrate ♥

January 3rd

  • Fruit Cake Toss Day – if you received this traditional gift, and can’t stand it like most – why not make a game out of getting rid of it. Take three garbage cans and give each one a different point value. Slice the cake into individual serving pieces. Take turns tossing the cake for points. The winner doesn’t ever have to eat it!

January 4th

  • Trivia Day – Stay home and play your favorite trivia game. Don’t have one? Then watch Jeopardy together!

January 5th

January 6th

  • Bean Day – Cook up your favorite recipe and enjoy it on this cold winter night.
  • Cuddle Up Day – Hmmm, why would they make bean day the same as cuddle up day, seems one might discourage the other – ya think? We suggest pick one or the other – don’t try to combine the two. It might just explode on you! 🙂

January 8th

  • Bubble Bath Day – Surprise your spouse by drawing a hot bath for them. Be sure to add to the ambiance by lighting a candle, pouring their favorite beverage and playing their favorite music to set the mood.

♥ Things To Do In Orlando ♥

CENTRAL

  • Winter Park – Winter Park Playhouse presents the Spotlight Cabaret Series on Wednesday and Thursday, January 4th and 5th. This month’s artist is Kate Zaloumes. Tickets are $20 and include one drink. Standing only tickets are $10.

NORTH

  • Mt. Dora – A Block Party will be held on Friday, January 6th beginning at 6p. The cost is FREE. See site for details!
  • Sanford – Do you have a great chili recipe? Why not enter Sanford’s Chili Cook-Off Competition. The deadline to enter is this Thursday, January 5th with the competition taking place the following Thursday, January 12th. See site for details. Sounds like a fun evening to cook together and mingle with patrons. And winning would be sweet! Or should we say…HOT!
  • Eustis – First Friday Street Fest on January 6th from 6p – 10p. FREE.
  • Yalaha – Visit the Yalaha Bakery for authentic German food and great entertainment on Saturday, January 7th. The featured artist is Jose Velez and Luis Alfredo – guitar duo. The outdoor entertainment is from 11a. – 2p. It’s worth the drive!

EAST

SOUTH

  • Lake Wales – Bok Tower Gardens presents Moonlight Carillon Concerts on Saturday, January 7th from 7:30 p – 9:30p. Half-priced admission for the concert.

WEST

  • Clermont – Winter Music Series will take place each weekend in January. Click here for the month’s schedule and make plans to enjoy this unique date on the beautiful grounds of Central Florida’s only winery.
Posted in Christian Marriage, Date Night Ideas, Dating Your Spouse, Mark Your Calendars (time sensitive), Orlando Date Ideas, romancing your spouse | Tagged , , , , , , | 10 Comments

2011 in Review

Posted on January 2, 2012 by Tom and Debi

Photo Credit: danshamptons.com

Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe 2012 is here, but it is and will be for the next 363 days! We found the following report interesting and thought you would as well. Thank you for being a part of these numbers. To us the numbers represent marriages that God is helping to grow for His glory! What a joy and answer to prayer this is for us.

Tomorrow our home will be back to normal from the holidays, and we can’t wait to get back into the blogging routine. Enjoy this post until we meet again tomorrow!

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for The Romantic Vineyard.

Here’s an excerpt:

The Louvre Museum has 8.5 million visitors per year. This blog was viewed about 130,000 times in 2011. If it were an exhibit at the Louvre Museum, it would take about 6 days for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

Posted in The Romantic Vineyard | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

A New Year Challenge

Posted on December 29, 2011 by Debi Walter

I’m breaking my week off  from blogging commitment to share with you a challenge in which I’m participating. I thought you might like to know about it too.

It’s called:

31 Days To Pray For Your Spouse Challenge

And it begins on January 1st. There is an e-book to go along with the challenge, and it is also available on Kindle. I can think of no better way to start the new year in your marriage than by committing to pray daily for the one you love best.

Happy Praying New Year! 

Posted in Christian Marriage, Growing Strong Marriages, Spiritual Intimacy, The Gospel & Marriage | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Merry Christmas And A Healthy New Year

Posted on December 25, 2011 by Tom and Debi

It is Christmas Day, and only one week remains in 2011. A New Year will soon be here, and we will begin to walk out what God has planned for each of us in our lives and marriages. Change is hard, but we have learned it is also very good. Without it we would never move on to better things in our lives.

Many times the road from good to better is marked with pain and suffering. We have been through our share and have watched good friends go through even more challenging times than ours. It is not easy seeing those you love suffer, but this is life in a fallen world and reminds us daily of our need for a Savior. We weren’t created to walk this road alone, and the good news is we don’t have to!

We have our spouse to walk with us through the better and the worse.

We have our children to snuggle with and laugh with even when we don’t feel like it.

We have our friends to offer support and help when we are discouraged.

And we have our church to help us take each step with faith even in the darkest times.

So, we end this post with a prayer for YOU.

Father, thank you for the friends we have made this year in our Vineyard. Some in person, some via the internet. However it has happened, You have connected our lives and marriages for a reason – and we believe that reason is to “encourage each other day after day” in our marriages for Your glory.

Left to ourselves our marriages would simply be self-serving. What can my spouse do for me to make me happy? But Your Gospel message has penetrated our marriages with hope for something far better, for a life lived for Your glory as well as for the joy of our spouse. This is unselfish love which mirrors the love Your Son has for us.

Thank You for not only giving us an example to follow, but for infilling us with Your Holy Spirit enabling us to become more like You in word and deed. May our dear friends be blessed this Christmas season and enjoy their marital love in ways they never dreamed were possible.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen

This will be our final post for 2011, since we are spending this last week with friends and family. In the meantime feel free to visit our many rooms located at the top of the site – sort of like an End of the Year Open House!

Lord willing, we’ll see you next year! 🙂

Posted in Growing Strong Marriages, Holidays | Tagged , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

First Place Winner!

Posted on December 24, 2011 by Tom and Debi

Photo Credit: digitalart

And now it is time to reveal our First Place Winner in our B.I.G. Christmas Giveaway Contest.  Drum roll, please…

David Traugott, husband to Kelly Traugott is our winner!

Below is his winning entry. Note the secret message embedded in his 197 word essay by his use of capital letters. Great job, David!

This is the perfeCt gift and would bE a refreshing respite for my beautifuL wifE (and me with her).  She gives her whole self away constantly and excellently.  She is my Best fRiend And greatestTreasure In this wOrld.  She wholeheartedly orieNts herself around me…serving sacrificially is her Way of life.  She alsO is truly laying heR Life Down for our girls…pouRing her vEry Soul intOthem…loving them, teaching them, tRaining Them and modeling for them what it looks like to be a godly woman.  She also gives her life away to other women in our church…carrying them on her heart as she Prays for them, teaches them, encourages them and Loves thEm.  She is also A Small business owner, with a goal of train our girls to be resourceful and wise.  I know it could sound cliché, but she really Embodies what is written in Proverbs 31.  So with all this, I make the request to select us to receive this gift, so that I may be able to take my wife away for a restful and rejuvenating time away, and continue to fan the flames of our love for one another!!

They will receive a much-deserved week away at our fabulous prize destination – The Celebration Resort Villas!

Following is a video we believe depicts David’s letter quite well:


Posted in Christian Marriage, Contests | Tagged , | Comments Off on First Place Winner!

2nd Place Winner

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Tom and Debi

Photo Credit: Stuart Miles

The 2nd place prize is a $100 Visa Gift Card to use for a night away. Again, we are keeping this one anonymous because she is planning to give it as a Christmas present. Congratulations! Here is her winning entry:

My husband has loyally supported me through kidney failure, a kidney transplant and years with little energy or time for romance.  With my second chance at life, my greatest desire is for him to have the woman and wife he deserves.  He is a hard worker, cannot retire because of my need for medical insurance and yet he never complains.  It has been almost 10 years since we took time away on vacation with just the two of us and to get away for a week in beautiful Florida would be a great second honeymoon and start to this new chapter.  The strain of having a wife with less than optimal health has been hard and much of what he enjoys, he has to do alone.  Getting away with just the two of us would give us a second chance at making our marriage all God desires it to be.

And following is a music video we believe goes well with her thoughts:

Posted in Christian Marriage, Contests | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on 2nd Place Winner

3rd Place Winner

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Tom and Debi

Photo Credit: Raising Figure Skaters

This entry was chosen and will stay anonymous because we don’t know if he is planning to give the prize as a Christmas present or not.  🙂

Where do I start? First and foremost, she is mother to our children.  She is humble, selfless, intelligent, hard-working, resourceful and beautiful.  She gives non-stop of herself and expects and accepts nothing in return. She emotionally connects with each of our children enabling them to reach their full potential.  As a homeschooling mother, she is fully engaged in their learning and participates in their extracurricular activities.  She is proud of her unassuming title “mother.”  She is referred to by her children as friend, confidant but most importantly, mom.  She makes our house a home. That’s just what she does for our children.  What she does for me is truly phenomenal.  In short, she makes me want to come home all of the time.  God has blessed me richly by placing her in my life as my wife. The 200 word maximum is simply not enough to convey what an incredible person she is. Whether she wins or not will not change how blessed I am to call this absolutely incredible person my wife and my best friend for the past 25 years.  Did I tell you that she went back to college a year ago to finish her degree?

And following is a music video we think goes well with this entry.

Posted in Contests, Music | Tagged , | 3 Comments

My Wife

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Tom Walter

George and Noelle

As most of you know, we recently had a B.I.G. Christmas Giveaway Contest. The response was the best we’ve ever had – and understandably so. Our prize was BIG, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor.

The entries were so amazing we had to expand our prize list to include a 2nd and 3rd place, as well as the Most Creative Award.  We are going to spend the next few days sharing with you – one at a time – those who won. Today we share with you the entry of George Romanacce, who wrote a song to honor his wife. The picture in the video is from left to right:

Our daughter – Tracy, our son-in-love – Seth,  our son – Jason, our daughter-in-love – Ashley, Noelle and George Romanacce, and Chris and Emily Morgan. They are good friends who recently went out together for a night of fun while we babysat. We took this picture before they left. 🙂

Enjoy George’s entry aptly titled, My Wife:

Posted in Contests | 2 Comments

Romantic Sleigh Ride – Florida Style

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Debi Walter

When Tom got home from work yesterday he asked if I would get the mail. When I opened the door going into our garage – I screamed! There, parked in Tom’s space was a silver convertible!

I found out he had rented it for one day in order to take me to see Christmas lights. Wow! A Florida sleigh ride!

We dressed warm, since the temps were in the upper 60’s! 🙂 And of course I had to bring a blanket, hat and scarf. We were set to go “Dashing through the…road?” It still kind of rhymes, but we do what we can do to celebrate Christmas in the tropical zone. 🙂

Tom took me to Mt. Dora – a quaint little town north of Orlando that decorates their town square with thousands of lights. The sky was clear and the Christmas music playing from the CD player made the night perfect in every way. The Moose Tracks was the “ice cream on the cake,” so to speak.

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Tom received some major brownie points on this one – and yes, he’s already cashed some in.

Have you ever gone on a romantic sleigh ride?

Posted in Creative Dates, Date Night Ideas, Fun Dates, Outdoor Dates, Romantic Orlando, Unique Dates, Winter Date Ideas | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Time In A Bottle Date

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Debi Walter

Photo Credit: federico stevanin

If you haven’t heard Jim Croce‘s famous song, Time In A Bottle. Take a moment to listen to it below:

One of the best gifts of marriage is being able to enjoy God’s creation together, whether it’s on exotic trips across the globe or exploring your own backyard. God’s creation is inspirational if we only take the time to look and appreciate what’s around us.

This date night begins by making a “Message in a Bottle.”

What you’ll need:

  • A Bottle, cleaned and dry with cork
  • White computer paper
  • Brewed cup of tea, room temperature
  • Waxed paper
  • A paint or pastry brush
  • Ribbon
  • Funnel
  • Confetti or red hots candy or sea shells
  • Sand, rice or fake snow
  • Stapler

Directions:

Take a sheet of paper and lay it on the wax paper. Paint the tea on the paper using the brush until the paper is completely covered. Gently lift the paper and loosely crinkle it into a wad.  Open the wet paper and set it back on the waxed paper to dry.

Once it has completely dried, it is time to write your letter.

There are several options you can do at this point.

  1. Recount all the wishes and dreams you have seen come true since you’ve been together. This could be places you’ve been to, accomplishments you’ve celebrated, romantic memories, etc. Whatever it is you want to recall on this date. It would be great if you could list the date or year it took place as well, since this date is all about “time.”
  2. List all the dreams and wishes you have for your future together. This would be a great way to propose marriage, or to give on your first anniversary when there aren’t as many dreams come true, as there are dreams yet to come.
  3. Draw a treasure map that leads your spouse to all the places that are special to the two of you. Have them start at #1 which could be where you met. Then, have the map lead you to your first date, the place where you were married, your first home, the hospital where you had your children, etc. A variation if you don’t live near all these places would be to list all the places and remember where you were in your relationship at the time. You could even include a picture of each and paste it onto the paper.
  4. Or you could simply write a love letter to your spouse and give them a surprise at the end with some special time you have planned with them – like a couple’s massage, a round of golf or miniature golf, a bowling game, or sharing a banana split.
  5. Let the bottle be your gift to them of time past, time present and time future. You could include three letters – one for each.
  6. You could have an entire day planned out – something every hour listed on your paper.  Or you could have breakfast in bed, lunch out without the kids and a date out on the town for dinner. A fun way to surprise your spouse would be to have the bottle placed somewhere in the house where they discover it on their own. If you know it is laundry day, have it buried in the piles of laundry to be sorted. If you know your spouse will be paying bills, have it setting by the computer. If you use either of these choices or something similar, I would put a tag on the bottle telling them when and where they must meet you to open the contents of the bottle. How fun to anticipate all day long what’s in the bottle!

Hopefully, this list gives you some ideas as to how you can build a very special date around a simple message in a bottle.

Places to get bottles (or you could make your own from a wine bottle with cork.)

Take your letter and roll it tightly with the message on the inside. Tie it with ribbon and attach the end of the ribbon to the cork using a stapler.

Using the funnel pour the sand, rice or snow into the bottle. Add confetti, red hots or tiny sea shells into the bottle.

Insert the letter into your bottle and press the cork in the top to close. The letter should come out easily when the cork is removed.

We may not be able to “make days last forever,” as Jim Croce penned, but we can make this date a special memory which lasts forever in the mind and heart of our spouse. Now that’s a date worth our time and effort!

Posted in Creative Dates, Date Night Ideas, Dating Your Spouse, Fun Dates, Outdoor Dates, Romance, Romance in Marriage, romancing your husband, romancing your spouse, romancing your wife, romantic date nights, Unique Dates | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

But.

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Debi Walter

 

Our Family Christmas Card 2011

It is Christmas. I have only wrapped a handful of gifts, and they are the ones I’ve already given away. Underneath our tree sits a lonely tree skirt. I have finished our Christmas cards, and they have been sent. I have a few more gifts to buy and cookies to bake, and then I’ll be through.

But.

There is something missing this year, or should I say someone. Our daughter and her family moved to Georgia this year, and Christmas morning we’ll wake up without them here. It’s amazing how painful normal Christmas traditions can be when someone we love isn’t here to share it with us.

This got me to thinking of the many families who are separated not by miles only, but by continents. Some dear friends of ours have a son who lives in Africa! They won’t be together again until NEXT Christmas! Another friend’s husband died this past year and this will be her first Christmas without him – forever! We have neighbors who lost their 22 year old son in a car accident a couple of New Year’s Eves ago – Christmas will never be the same for them either.

But.

Christmas traditions are to serve one purpose – to draw our hearts and minds to the One whom we celebrate on Christmas Day. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners! This is good news, and it is the reason we rejoice the other 364 days of the year. When our hearts are broken and our hopes beaten, we must remind ourselves that the true meaning of Christmas isn’t found in the “feel-goods” or the “visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads.”  No. The true meaning of Christmas came in an unexpected way – like many of our difficulties. The Shepherds had no idea that on this night their lives would change forever. The Wise Men didn’t know that the baby they were seeking would require them to find a safe escape route – away from Herod who was inflamed with jealousy. Herod would even make a decree for all the infants under the age of two to be killed! Can you imagine the heart cries that were lifted to heaven during this time in history? It wasn’t a warm, fuzzy Christmas memory for them.

This was life. This was hardship.

But.

Christ is our one true hope. If you are experiencing loss this year, rejoice in the fact that you have a Savior who understands. He didn’t come to make us “feel good.” He came to give us hope in the fallen world. We will still have trouble. We will still experience great loss, but our greatest need has been met. We are forgiven and ONE DAY, one glorious day, we will be with Him forever.

No more parting.

No more sorrow.

No more disappointments.

It doesn’t matter if your annual traditions take place this year or not. This is the Truth I’m speaking to myself this year to keep me from falling into self-pity. Let’s take our focus off of what we don’t have this year and celebrate the One we have from whom we can never be separated!

Posted in Celebrations, Difficulty, Holidays | Tagged , , , , , , , | 8 Comments