No Stuffing Allowed

Posted on October 13, 2010 by Debi Walter

Photo by Robmania

It wasn’t what we expected.  The ship was full of mostly elderly couples.  There were as many wheelchairs as walkers, yet these couples were full of excitement to be touring New England in the Fall.  As excited as we were, but at a much slower pace.

We found it difficult to slow down at first – every time we tried to go somewhere on board we would invariably get behind a sweet old couple.  We had no choice but to “meander slowly around the ship”.  It was good for us.

I enjoyed observing how they related to one another.  One Asian couple was very small and needed help on the really windy days.  They always walked with her in front of him about 10 paces, but he didn’t seem to mind.  Another couple I observed on the deck one day.  The wife was in her wheelchair facing the ocean while her husband stood behind her brushing her hair.  What a sweet gesture – I wished I had had my camera with me to capture it for you.  Even still it’s a moment I’ll never forget.  However, there were many grumpy people who were never satisfied with the service they received.  Being around them was uncomfortable for us, and embarrassing for those traveling with them.  A stark contrast to the first two couples we mentioned.

The season we came to admire was Fall.  How ironic to be in the Fall of our lives observing those approaching the Winter of theirs.  Yet they were still here enjoying God’s beautiful creation together.  I admire their resolve to stay active.  I admire even more those who were kind and courteous.

Tom and I were sobered by the reality of this season we’ve yet to reach – winter.  We observed stark differences in the elderly around us.  Some were kind and others were just plain nasty.  We talked about how we want to be known for our kindness, not our grumpiness as we age.  We asked ourselves, “What must we do now to make sure we don’t become bitter old people?” The answer we concluded with is to deal with irritations and hurts as they happen.

No stuffing allowed!

It seems those who don’t deal with it when they should are unable to stuff it away as they age.  All self-control is gone and others see clearly what was in their heart all along. The only way we can be sure to grow in kindness is to seek the God who promises to cause this fruit of the Spirit to mature in us as we age.  It is mostly for His glory, but I’m sure those who know us will offer a prayer of thanksgiving too, not to mention the strangers we may cruise with in the future!

Posted in Christian Marriage, communication, Growing Strong Marriages | 5 Comments

Project 52: Plan Some Nothing

Posted on October 12, 2010 by Debi Walter


The pace of life, at times, can seem to be speeding out of control.  We run to this errand and hurry to the next appointment – always wondering if we’ve forgotten something important.  This is oftentimes unavoidable in our fast-paced society, but it doesn’t have to be in our homes.

Tom and I spent the past two weeks away on vacation.  It’s the first time we’ve taken two weeks together in a while.  It was wonderfully relaxing; a blessing from God!

Now we are home, and it is Monday – our regularly scheduled date night.  Guess what we’re planning to do?  N.O.T.H.I.N.G.  We’ve unpacked and are working on downloading the thousands of pictures I took, and then, we’re going to sit together side by side and probably watch football or something else that requires absolutely no concentration.

We are home.  We returned with great memories.  And  now it’s the best time to plan some nothing.

When was the last time you planned some nothing together?

Bonus: If you click the picture above it will take you to a thought-provoking video for those living life “out-of-control”.  Also, today is when we’ll draw the next name in our monthly free date night giveaway.  All you have to do to enter is comment to this post telling us where you dream of going one day.  We’ll pick the winner at Noon today!

_______________________________

Do you like Project 52?  Want to join in on the challenge to romance your spouse?  Click the button below for all the details!

Posted in Christian Marriage, Contests, D.R.A.B., Free Dates, Project 52 | 6 Comments

Mark Your Calendar

Posted on October 11, 2010 by Tom and Debi

 

 

Mirror Lake Inn - Lake Placid

 

We are home and happily exhausted.  We had an amazing time away together, and we saw some beautiful parts of the world we had never before seen.  We are looking forward to diving back into blogging the things God has been showing us in our time away.

We pray you have enjoyed the past few weeks exploring parts of our Vineyard maybe you haven’t had a chance to visit.  Thank you for the much needed rest!  I had no idea how much I needed to rest my brain.  And I’m happy to report my vertigo is GONE!  Thank God!

Here’s what’s happening around Orlando this week:

CENTRAL:

  • Altamonte Springs – Cranes Roost Park will host Taste of Altamonte on Monday, Oct. 11th from 6p – 9p.  For more details and cost follow link above.
  • Uptown Altamonte presents Friday Night Live Unplugged on Friday, October 15th from 8p to 10p.  The concert is FREE.
  • Winter Park – Popcorn Flicks in the Park – Thursday, October 14th at 7:30p. in Central Park.  This month’s featured flick is, Invasion of the Body Snatchers.   The cost is FREE.

NORTH:

  • Sanford – Alive After Five presents, Oktoberfest, on Thursday, Oct. 14th beginning at 5p.  Cost is $7 and includes food and drink samples.

EAST:

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Prince Edward Island

Posted on October 7, 2010 by Debi Walter

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Quebec City

Posted on October 7, 2010 by Debi Walter

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4 October, 2010 18:21

Posted on October 4, 2010 by Debi Walter

View down the St. Lawrence River approaching Quebec City!

Posted in Date Night Ideas | 1 Comment

Mark Your Calendar

Posted on October 4, 2010 by Tom and Debi

Fall has definitely arrived, and what fun to plan some time to be together outdoors.  If you are wanting a special date – check out our Outdoor Date Night Ideas.  Or if you would rather do something different, check out what’s happening around town this week:

CENTRAL:

NORTH:

  • Mt. Dora Bicycle Festival will be October 7th – 10th.  Come join with thousands of cyclists as they discover why Lake County is the best place in Florida to ride.
  • Mt. Dora Art Stroll – Friday, October 8th from 6p – 8p. A festive evening of art, music and hors d’oeuvres designed to showcase regional art at several walkable venues throughout Downtown Mount Dora. Maps can be picked up at any location along the stroll. All artwork will be on sale. For more information please contact 352-383-2165
  • Eustis – Lake County Folk Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, October 9th and 10th.  The cost is FREE.

EAST:

SOUTH:

  • Celebration – Oktoberfest will take place Friday and Saturday, October 8th and 9th in the town center.  Parking and Admission are FREE.

WEST:

  • Clermont – Lakeridge Winery presents a Vintage Venture on Saturday and Sunday, October 9th and 10th.  The cost is $2 and includes live music and vintage cars to see.
Posted in Mark Your Calendars (time sensitive) | Comments Off on Mark Your Calendar

The Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness

Posted on September 30, 2010 by Tom and Debi

Today we’re talking about kindness.  Everyone knows what kindness is.  It is the one trait that sends us into our day with a smile on our face.  It is the one trait missing when we’ve been cut off in traffic.  Our roads are certainly lacking this fruit of kindness by the drivers we pass day after day.  But what about our marriages?

Do you treat your spouse with kindness, or more with an “I expect you to be this way,” attitude?  Many a quarrel has been averted by exercising this one fruit of the Spirit.

Here’s an example.  Imagine a Mom having her hands full all day of disobedient children who have accidents, fights and tempers flaring seemingly non-stop since the rooster crowed.  In walks her husband who drops everything to help her finish her day well.  Exhausted they both plop on the couch very aware of each others need for kindness.  Her husband demonstrated a great kindness to her.  Rather than place high expectations of what he needed from her, he stooped to show kindness.  How like Christ, who came to us not to be served, but to serve.  He stooped to show us kindness so we would go and do likewise.

Another example, a father spends an entire day at work being criticized for a job he thought he did well.  The discouragement is compounded when his sister calls reprimanding him for missing their lunch appointment.  He had completely forgotten lunch, but he assured her he never forgets her!  She wasn’t convinced and ended the conversation abrubtly.  Finally this dad heads to his car where he discovers the entire driver’s side has been keyed.  That’s the final blow – he becomes angry.  Driving home only adds to his frustration.  As he walks in the door, his wife has no idea of the struggles he’s faced.  There has been no time to communicate.  Had she known she may have been prepared to treat him kindly, but she knows him!  She knows him better than anyone else, but the question is – will she judge him based on what she knows of him or based on what she’s expecting from him?

These are real life snippets. Each of us face challenging days where trouble piles upon trouble.  It can become a real mess with no real answers.  But kindness provides a soft pillow where the weary can rest their head as they wait for answers.

Are you practicing kindness with your spouse, even when you don’t understand what’s going on?  This is one fruit of the Spirit which we know how to cultivate, but the question remains – are we?

I challenge every couple interested in attaining a deeper relationship with one another to take just these two passages, Galatians 5:22-23, and 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7, and mediate upon them. Decide as a couple to “digest these fruits,” to embrace these ideals and ask God to shine his light of wisdom and insight upon you both as you delve deeper into the meanings behind these enduring truths.

Make a pledge to one another that these are the standards by which you are measuring your relationship. Take them one by one and embrace them without reservation, until you fully understand them and can more easily put them into practice. Be patient with one another, as enlightenment, comprehension and mastery will be attained at your own individual pace (remember that patience and kindness are two of the cornerstones of this formula)!

The quote above is from an excellent article we found on Crosswalk.com by Deborah J. Thompson.  She makes it clear that the formula for having an enduring marriage is found in two sections of Scripture.  They just happen to be the two passages we’ve been studying for the good part of this year; 1 Corinthians 13 and Galatians 5.

So this week let’s look for opportunities to CHOOSE to be kind to one another.  It may just be the cornerstone of the firm foundation needed in your marriage to make it last a lifetime.

Posted in Christian Marriage, Fruits of the Spirit, Growing Strong Marriages | Tagged | 3 Comments

Boston Common

Posted on September 29, 2010 by Debi Walter

Make the most of a beautiful day by spending time in a park!

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Project 52: The Taulbee’s Visit Ireland

Posted on September 28, 2010 by Debi Walter

Ahhh……the beautiful Emerald Isle!
That’s right, our travels took us to Ireland this month.


To introduce the travel theme for the evening I covered our dining table with a white tablecloth and scattered some large green paper shamrocks all around.  In the middle of the table was a construction paper rainbow with a little “pot” attached to one end.  The pot was filled with my husbands favorite candy…………dark chocolate………and a couple of chocolate gold coins that I purchased at a party store(see attached).

Earlier that day I made some super easy beer bread and set that on the table with a stick of garlic-herb Irish butter that I found at the grocery store.

I wanted to keep our evening simple, so I thought we would go enjoy some dinner at a local Irish pub called Paddy Murphy’s, then come home early and watch a movie.  After some research on the computer I found a list of Irish “must-see” movies.  Fortunately, I was able to check two of them out at the library.

So, I came home and added the movies to our table.

But…..no Irish theme is complete without a limerick!  So, I made up a quick one and put that on the table as well. 🙂

O’Taulbee Limerick

I know a sweet man with some
gray
Who’s hugs always brighten my day
He’s tender and kind
And always has me in mind.
My true love he will always stay.

After the kiddies were settled in with the sitter, and I put on the greenest shirt that I owned,  we headed to the pub!  The hostess sat us outside on the patio where the weather and the view was perfect!  We enjoyed our time talking and catching up so much, but our time went by so quickly.  Isn’t it amazing when that happens!?!  I think it’s proof you are with someone you really love!

Paddy Murphy's Irish Pub

We got home a little later that expected and ended up skipping the movie, but it worked out just fine.  We both had a such a great time together!

Until next month!

Vicki

_______________________________________

Would you like to set a goal to romance your spouse once a week for a year?  It doesn’t have to be expensive, just meaningful.  And there are lots of couples who have already begun from whom you can glean great ideas.  Simply click the button below for all the details.  We hope you’ll try this challenge – you may enjoy it so much it becomes a habit!

Posted in Creative Dates, Date Night Ideas, Dinner Dates, Project 52, romancing your husband | 3 Comments

Mark Your Calendar

Posted on September 27, 2010 by Tom and Debi

This week we are on our Trip of a Lifetime in beautiful New England, but we didn’t want you to lack for things to do around here!  So, we’ve posted ahead for your convenience:

CENTRAL:

NORTH:

  • Zellwood – beginning Saturday, October 2nd through the end of November, Long and Scott Farms hosts their Annual Corn Maze Quest.  It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon outside.  Cost is $10 for adults.

EAST:

SOUTH:

  • Pointe Orlando – Spend an evening strolling this outdoor mall.  Take advantage of the final days of Orlando’s Magical Dining Month (it ends the 30th).  Here is a list of all the participating restaurants – many of which are located in this beautiful mall.

WEST:

  • Winter Garden Music Festival will take place October 1 – 3 in downtown Winter Garden.  Food and Drinks will be available to purchase.  The music is FREE.
Posted in Mark Your Calendars (time sensitive) | Comments Off on Mark Your Calendar

And We’re Off

Posted on September 25, 2010 by Debi Walter

Today we leave for a trip I’ve waited our entire marriage to take – to see New England in the Fall!  Now I will never be able to sing along with The Veggie Tales, “and I’ve never been to Boston in the Fall!”  🙂  Yes, I’m happy!

But Tom is adamant I rest, so we may or may not be posting pictures as we go.  It mostly depends on how easy the process is and the strength of the signal we receive to upload photos.  I would love nothing more than being able to post up some pictures, but not at the cost of missing time with my husband!  Sorry, you’re important to us, but…

All this is to say…we have already posted the Mark Your Calendar Mondays, so you will receive those each week.  A couple of other posts will surprise you when they come, but if you’re missing us while we’re gone, we invite you to explore parts of The Romantic Vineyard you may not have had the time to visit before.  A few of our favorite rooms are The Husbands and Wives Only Rooms.  Also, check out The Wine Train; this is where we feature other great marriage blogs worth reading.  If you comment on their sites, please tell them we sent you!

Before we finish this post, we had to share with you a video of our granddaughter, Bristol, saying her Bible Verse.  She (and all children) is one of the main reasons keeping our marriages strong is worth it!  They need us to set godly examples of what God intends marriage to be.  With that being said – we’re off for the next two weeks!

Au Revoir!

Debi

Posted in Blog Love, Christian Marriage | 2 Comments

Fragrant Aroma: Weakness

Posted on September 24, 2010 by Debi Walter

This week I don’t have to think twice about what to share with you.  The purpose of today’s post is to give you a glimpse into our lives, our marriage, in hopes of helping you learn from our strengths and/or weaknesses.

This week it’s MY weakness I’m sharing with you!

For the past three weeks I’ve been suffering with vertigo.  Not the normal kind of dizziness, but the kind most people haven’t heard of before.  I went to an Ear and Balance Specialist last week only to be told I would have to wait nearly another week for a test to determine what was the cause.  <big sigh of worry>

You see, my dad died 6 1/2 years ago of brain cancer.  I cringe whenever I hear of someone else being diagnosed with this horrible disease.  Since my dad’s cancer was inoperable, he only lived eight weeks from the time he was diagnosed.  God was so good to him during those weeks.  He was happy and without pain.  It was an evidence of God’s great love for him in how God cared for him so sweetly. I learned much from those few short weeks, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.  He is with his Savior now and wouldn’t choose to return if he could.

Yet, last week I was tempted to think something was seriously wrong with me.  I struggled with fear and great anxiety.  Tom helped me, prayed for me, listened to me and most often encouraged me with Scripture to build my faith and silence my fears.

But fear still fought on.  It was a constant battle.

On Wednesday I finally had my test, only to find I have an inner ear virus making my ears overly sensitive to movement.  Sort of like the feeling you have when you get off of a roller coaster – and I hate roller coasters! The remedy is to take one pill for three months, and I’ll completely recover!

As we walked to the car after receiving my good news, I cried!  I cried because I was relieved and repentant over my lack of faith in God to carry me through bad news, even though it didn’t come.  Tom kept reminding me that if we had received “bad news”, God would have provided the grace to endure the diagnosis as He so faithfully did with my Dad.

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”  Matthew 6:34

No, I didn’t receive bad news of a terminal illness, but I realized in this test that I lack something I must ask God for – a sensitivity, not to physical movement, but to God’s work in my life, whether or not I understand what He’s doing.  I must remember – He is in control even when it seems life is spinning out of control.  A great lesson for all of us to remember in our lives and in our marriages.

Have a great weekend!

Posted in A Fragrant Aroma, Christian Marriage, Difficulty | 4 Comments

Fruit of the Spirit: Patience or Long-Suffering

Posted on September 23, 2010 by Debi Walter

Photo from dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com

Consider with us the patience of a winemaker.

He oversees the vineyard, monitoring it’s quality and growth, guarding against pests and inclement weather to the best of his ability. Next comes the harvest – he determines when to pick the fruit, a very important aspect in the process.  Then comes the time to press the wine extracting all the juice of the season.  Sometimes the skins are left in the vats, sometimes the skins are removed.   Once all the growing and harvesting work is complete the most important step occurs – waiting.  He waits for the fruit to ferment.  Sometimes it takes years for the wine to become what he is hoping for.

How like God to oversee our lives and how the Fruit of His Spirit is growing and maturing in us.

Patience (ESV) is defined as “the suffering of afflictions, pain, toil, calamity, provocation or other evil, with a calm, unruffled temper; endurance without murmuring or fretfulness.”

Long-Suffering (KJV) is defined as “bearing injuries or provocation for a long time; not easily provoked.”

Let’s just take a minute to really think about these definitions and how they can apply to our marriage.

Photo from Sixnotes.com

We’ve all heard people joke, “Don’t pray for patience because the Lord just might send you situations where you’ll need it!”  It’s true.  We all tend to equate learning patience with GREAT adversity.  But is this right?  Shouldn’t we rather pray for God to make this fruit evident in our lives, not only for His glory – but our good?

Here are some recent situations where I’ve been personally tempted to be impatient; maybe you’ll be able to relate:

  • Being misunderstood and even critically judged as to why I did or didn’t do or say something I should have. (“bearing injuries”)
  • Waiting a week for a diagnosis about my health. (“endurance without fretfulness”)
  • Seeing my spouse do something again, I’ve asked him to stop for my sake.  Not a sin issue, but a safety issue.  But it could have been a sin issue – we’ve both been there many times too. (“a calm, unruffled temper”)
  • Attempting to help my grown children overcome areas of struggle in their own lives and not seeing them “get it” as soon as I hoped they would. (“endurance without murmuring”)
  • Watching the news and feeling quite angry, desiring change in our world, but not seeing it soon enough, if ever.  (“bearing provocation for a long time”)

These are just a sampling of issues we all face on a daily basis.  God uses these circumstances to squeeze the sweet juice of His Spirit from within us to prove we are His.

But why is it so hard?

Why do we find ourselves grumbling instead of rejoicing in trouble?  I believe it is because we lack this one attribute – patience, and a willingness to suffer long for it.  Not for the sake of suffering, but for the sake of Him who is making us into the people He wants us to be.

God is good.  We all believe this.

Everything He does is good.  We may struggle with this one at times because we can’t always explain why He chooses to do what He does.  This requires faith.

One thing is certain whether we believe it or not – God always does whatever pleases Him.  And what pleases Him most is watching us trust Him and believe Him when we are hard-pressed on every side.  The waiting and wondering is when He’s producing in us the sweet wine of His Spirit.  He desires to use what He’s invested in us in order to help others, to refresh others, and to sustain others in whatever they are facing.

Our lives are to be “poured out as a drink offering” as Paul says to the Philippians:

“Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.”  Philippians 2:14-17

Patience isn’t an attribute to be avoided, but one of the most important aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit.  The question is are we willing to wait for it to mature in us?  How about in our spouse?  God, please help us answer with a faith-filled “YES!”

Posted in Christian Marriage, Fruits of the Spirit, Growing Strong Marriages | Tagged | 3 Comments

First Day of Fall

Posted on September 22, 2010 by Debi Walter

Today marks the first day of Autumn.

This is by far my favorite time of the year.  I know many who feel the same way.  What is it about this time of year that evokes such affection?

Maybe it’s the changing colors.  Maybe it’s the cooler weather.  Maybe it’s the return to the familiar routine that gives us comfort.  Or maybe it’s the food available which allows us to make delicious food in our kitchen.

I believe it’s a combination of all of the above.

However, change is oftentimes hard.  We don’t like things to no longer be as they once were.  We like to know what to expect.  The seasons change, yet we always know summer will once again return.  It’s not like kissing a relative goodbye with the gut-wrenching realization you’ll never see them again.  No, summer will come following the Spring we prayed for.

How true this is in our marriage.  Seasons come and go, yet there is the awareness that no matter how much change occurs, our marriage will survive.  The cold Winter of difficulty will produce the new growth of Spring.  The hot, steamy challenges of Summer will give way to the soothing breezes and rich colors of Fall.  After 31 years of the changing seasons, I’ve realized the patience of God in how He treats us.  He knows our frame.  He knows we are dust, yet He lovingly leads us through all the seasons we face.  He gives us hope and the promise that difficulty may endure for a night, but joy will come in the morning.

Why not plan an evening to talk about the changes you’ve faced or are facing in your lives right now.  Sometimes simply knowing your grounded together through the changes with your lover, partner and friend is all you need to embrace the new season, whether the changes seem good or bad.

Tomorrow we’ll continue our talk on The Fruit of the Spirit with the focus on “long-suffering or patience.”  How kind of God to prepare our hearts today for what He wants to share with us tomorrow.

Posted in Celebrations, communication, D.R.A.B., Date Night Ideas, Difficulty, Growing Strong Marriages | 4 Comments

Project 52: Meeting Halfway

Posted on September 21, 2010 by Tom and Debi

This week we did something we rarely do on date night; we met some friends for dinner.  However, these friends weren’t friends we see everyday because they live 2 hours away from us.

Mike and Cindy Gilland

We miss them dearly.  We used to be neighbors, but they moved about 8 years ago – still hard to believe.  Yet our hearts are still connected to them like family.  It doesn’t matter how much time passes when we’re apart, once we’re together we pick right up where we left off.  Amazing!

We decided it was time to have a double date and meet each other halfway, which happened to be in the little town of Bellview, FL.  We found a Sonny’s BBQ and enjoyed talking, laughing and reminiscing.  It was a perfect night which we didn’t want to end.  If it weren’t for Sonny’s closing their doors, we might still be there talking. We had such a good time, we’ve decided to make this a regular date every couple of months.  An added bonus was Tom and I had an hour each way to talk while driving.

Do you have lifelong friends you miss?  Why not make your own plans to spend an evening together, even if it’s only by phone.  There’s no friend like an old friend!

_______________________

Interested in a weekly date night challenge?  Why not join Project 52.  You’ll discover dates don’t have to be expensive, only purposeful and meaningful.  Click the button for all the details!

Posted in Date Night Ideas, Dinner Dates, Project 52 | 2 Comments

Mark Your Calendar

Posted on September 20, 2010 by Debi Walter

Happy Monday!  We’ve had quite the weekend; thus the late posting of the blog.

On Friday some of the girls in our family were on the TV show Family Feud.  It was an unbelievable experience and lots of fun.  We’re not allowed to tell you how we did, but we will be sure to let you know when our episode is going to air.  The show started taping in Orlando this year at Universal Studios with a new host, comedian Steve Harvey.  It was so much fun, and we made a great memory.  Those who were on our team included: my daughter, Tracy; my daughter-in-law, Ashley; my sister-in-law, Sherry; and her daughter (my niece), Amy.  We are the GRAY family (my maiden name!)

Now for what’s happening around town this week:

Saturday, September 25th is Museum Day in Central Florida.  Here is a list of all the participating museums for your enjoyment:

Museum Day
Free admission to Orlando area museums including:
> Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens in Winter Park
> Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales
> Gillespie Museum of Minerals at Stetson University in Deland
> Maitland Historical Museum and Telephone Museum in Maitland
> Mennello Museum of American Art in Orlando
> Mount Dora History Museum in Mount Dora
> Orange County Regional History Center in Orlando
> Waterhouse Residence Museum in Maitland

CENTRAL:

  • Winter Park – Popcorn Flicks in the Park on Thursday, Sept. 23rd starting at 8p.  This month’s feature film is The Iron Giant.  The movie will be shown at Lake Island Park, 255 South Denning Drive, Winter Park, FL 32789.  FREE.

NORTH:

  1. Open Mic on Thursday, Sept. 23rd from 7p – 9p.  This is great opportunity to showcase your talent.  If you’re musical, why not sign up to surprise your spouse by singing a love song to them on a public stage?
  2. Friday Night Live on Friday, Sept. 24th from 8p – 10p.  This week’s artist brings the sounds of the Islands with the band, DEJA.
  • Sanford – Celebrating the Arts on First Fridays – Sept. 24th from 6p – 8:30p.  This month they’re seeing everything red.  The event is FREE.  Plan a date night around this romantic color.  Try dinner at Red Lobster, buy red roses or simply give a card made from red paper.  A great themed date night awaits.  For more ideas check out our “R” dates.

EAST:

  • New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival is this weekend starting Friday night through Sunday.  Check out their website for all the details.  The event is FREE.
  • Deland is hosting a weekend full of crafts, food, drinks and fun.  Check out their website for all the details! A great time to enjoy the cooler weather.
  • Titusville – An Antique Affair – A Unique Antique and Vintage Bazaar, September 25, 2010 — 9am to 3pm. Cassone Home Style Courtyard — 400 Julia Street, Downtown Titusville.  The event is FREE.

And our final offering is a coupon good for a free entree’ at Tijuana Flats Restaurants. It valid TODAY ONLY.  So for the spontaneous – this one’s for you!

Posted in Artsy Dates, Date Night Ideas, Dinner Dates, Mark Your Calendars (time sensitive), Orlando Date Ideas | Tagged , | Comments Off on Mark Your Calendar

Test Post from E-mail

Posted on September 18, 2010 by Debi Walter

Test Post for Our New England Trip
Next Saturday Tom and I will be going away on a two week cruise through New England. This is one of those trips we have dreamed of our entire marriage, and it is finally happening. We thought it would be fun to include you as we travel by sharing romantic pictures we see along the way.

We pray this will inspire you to dream of places you would love to see one day. Maybe after several years of planning and your children are grown it will happen. One thing is certain – if you don’t dream, plan and save it won’t!

So, sit back, relax and don’t worry about packing your bags. Enjoy the trip from our camera!

Au Revoir!

Tom and Debi

Posted in Date Night Ideas | Comments Off on Test Post from E-mail

A Fragrant Aroma: No Dumping Allowed!

Posted on September 17, 2010 by Debi Walter

Artwork by Nancy Shea

Not to belabor the point, but (today’s post is supposed to be something from our marriage this past week to help you in yours) I’ve had vertigo for two weeks.  It has not been easy on me or Tom.  The worst part being, I can’t drive anywhere, so I end up staying home alone all day.  This normally isn’t a problem, but when I’m limited in what I can do, my thoughts tend to take on a life of their own.

Today was no exception.  I managed to make dinner for us, and I planned for Tom and me to sit in the dining room.  As we were talking about our day, Tom became very aware of my negative thoughts.  I was relaying to him all that was on my mind, and let’s just say – it was a boatload of worry.

Tom could have joined in my concern adding his as well.  But he didn’t.

He could have let me talk and barely listened saying – “uh-huh!”  But he didn’t.

Instead he directed my thoughts to where they should have been all along.  Upward!  I was being introspective, critical and discouraged all at once, and rather than let me vent…he helped me redirect my thoughts to where they should be.  It was a very helpful conversation.

How are your talks as you spend time together downloading your day?  Do you dump on your spouse and think it’s okay – or do they hold your hand and help you out of the mire of self-pity?  I’m grateful today Tom helped me out.  The air is much clearer up here!

Posted in Date Night Ideas | 4 Comments

The Fruit of the Spirit: Peace

Posted on September 16, 2010 by Tom Walter

It’s good to remember the Fruit of the Spirit is one fruit with nine attributes.  This means nine virtues which are evident in ever growing measure in the life of a believer.  This being said – today we focus on the gift of Peace as it relates to marriage.

Peace cannot be seen, but it’s absence is always noticeable.  You can see it missing from the face of a wife who is anxious.  It’s absence is noticed when a husband isn’t sure how he’s going to pay the bills.  There are lots of circumstances that tempt us to surrender the peace that God gives us for anxiety, worry and even fear.

A person who is peaceful is described by David Powlison as one who is “quiet on the inside.”  He says:

He isn’t busy-busy-busy. Not obsessed. Not on edge. The to-do list and pressures to achieve don’t consume him. Ambition doesn’t churn inside. Failure and despair don’t haunt him. Anxiety isn’t spinning him into free fall. He isn’t preoccupied with thinking up the next thing he wants to say. Regrets don’t corrode his inner experience. Irritation and dissatisfaction don’t devour him. He’s not stumbling through the mine field of blind longings and fears.
He’s quiet.

One may think it’s impossible to have peace in the midst of difficulty; to be quiet in the midst of the storm, but Scripture tells us otherwise:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7

We will always have things which tempt our hearts to be anxious.  But as we give them to the Lord in prayer, He promises to give us peace – a peace “which surpasses all understanding.”  In other words, we don’t have to understand the answers we receive or worry when we the answer doesn’t make sense to us.  We can trust Christ!

A man who possesses this peace is a humble man, because he realizes such peace isn’t from him.  The scripture continues and shows us how to practically become quiet on the inside.  Read it, and let’s practice peace in our marriage!  It is a choice we make everyday.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

– Philippians 4:8-9

Posted in Christian Marriage, Fruits of the Spirit, Growing Strong Marriages | Comments Off on The Fruit of the Spirit: Peace