Slices

Posted on September 15, 2010 by Tom Walter
Posted in Slices, Testimonies | Comments Off on Slices

Project 52: Say Cheese, Please

Posted on September 14, 2010 by Debi Walter

This past week we had two of our grandchildren while our daughter and son-in-law were on their 5th Anniversary Celebration cruise.  It would have been great, if I didn’t have vertigo at the same time.  But God helped me enjoy the process, even though it was hard.  We made some great memories despite my dizziness.

Last night was our first night without the children, and Tom assumed I wanted to stay home this week – wrong!  I was ready to have grown-up conversation in a quiet place.  So, we got in the car and drove to my favorite street in the world – Park Avenue in downtown Winter Park.  We went to a quaint restaurant with a great view of people walking down the street.

Park Avenue

We perused the menu and decided it would be a Cheese Date.  We ordered the fruit, nut and cheese plate that came with a choice of three cheeses.  We selected one from Italy (Piave), one from France (Port Salut) and one from Ireland (an Irish Cheddar), as well as a three cheese flatbread.  It was all delicious!  But we enjoyed the quiet more than anything.

No caption needed! 🙂

Park Avenue was the place my Mom took me when I was 6 years old for my birthday.  She allowed me to go in all the stores I wanted, which, believe it or not, were the various antique stores that used to line the Avenue.  Now, things are much more trendy – antiques have been replaced by Gap, Williams Sonoma and various other chains.  But the Avenue is lined with something which can never be removed – our memories.

Tom brought me here on one of our first dates.  I remember it well, because he asked me on this street how many children I would like to have.  It was one of those moments when you are excited someone you enjoy being with so much is asking a question loaded with possibilities.  The possibility there will be an “US” in the future.

As it turned out there has been an “US” for 30+ years, and we have three children, instead of our plan of two.  Tom proposed to me only a few blocks from this location.  It is the one place we come to again and again if only to stroll and remember.

There is an AT & T commercial out right now of a young man who is being sworn in as President of the United States.  The video camera zooms to his proud parents and then begins to rewind from this point backwards.  You see the young man as a teen, a boy and then, unborn in his mother’s womb.  The camera scene ends on his parents’ first meeting at a train station, which is actually the present.  The young man is imagining the possibilities with this woman and decides to meet her.  Here it is:

We had one of these kinds of moments last night.  We saw a young couple very much in love strolling the Avenue.   I told Tom, “Look, that’s us 32 years ago!”  Wouldn’t it be cool if we could see the rewind of “US” on this Avenue.  How many walks we’ve taken from one end to the other.

All in all it was a great date.  But you don’t have to go out to have a memorable Cheese Date.  We found the Reluctant Gourmet blog who offers a Romantic Cheese Course for Two.  Simply follow the instructions, pull out some old home videos or scrapbooks and spend an evening remembering your beginning and all the in-between parts.

Cheesy?  Well, yes and no!  But Cheese is good for you and makes everyone happy – after all it IS what you say when the photographer wants you to smile, isn’t it?

What place is special to you as a couple?  Are you able to go back and visit in order to rewind your memories?

________________________________________

Would you like to join the Project 52 Challenge?  It was started by Tiffany at the Simply Modern Mom blog, and it has been so much fun.  All you do is click the button for all the details. Why not join in – your marriage will certainly be the better for it!


Posted in D.R.A.B., Date Night Ideas, Project 52 | 1 Comment

Mark Your Calendar

Posted on September 13, 2010 by Tom and Debi

Photo from Dipity.com of Todd and Lisa Beamer

We were reminded this weekend of the tragic events from 9/11/01.  It was a difficult day for us, but not as much as it was for those who knew they were speaking to their spouse for the last time.  Can you imagine receiving such a call?

We all receive disturbing news from time to time, but to know your spouse is facing certain death and there is nothing you can do to prevent it is – well, horrible.  Yet, none of us have the power to prevent such tragedies from occurring.  We are all only a phone call way from life-changing news.  Left to ourselves this fact would be impossible to accept.  But God has promised to help us and give us the grace we need to walk through any trial, including death.

Our lives have all continued since that day 9 years ago, but their lives, families and futures were changed forever.  We see the tributes (thanks, Carl) and remember with tears.  They see the tributes and look for the faces of the loved ones they miss.

We don’t mean to start the week with such a downer, but the point is to make the most of today!  None of us have the promise of tomorrow.  As we pursue our spouse to love them, encourage them and help them become all God has for them, we will be sure of no regrets if we should receive such a phone call.  Let’s make the most of this day – this week – and plan to let our spouse know what they mean to us.   And to help you we’re providing a list of activities taking place this week in our area!

CENTRAL

NORTH

  • Mt. Dora – If you haven’t spent an afternoon or evening here in a while, now is the time.  The weather is nicer in the evenings, and we discovered they have a walking map available on their website in PDF format.  Simply go there and look for it in the left column.   Want to have dinner?  Check out their venues HERE.  And you can add savings by checking out their Mt. Dora V.I.P. card you can download yourself and start saving a participating businesses.

EAST

  • Hunter’s Creek – Movie in the Park on Saturday, Sept. 18th.  This month’s feature is Alice In Wonderland.  The movie begins at 8p. and is FREE.  Concessions will be available.

SOUTH

WEST

  • Clermont – Lakeridge Winery will host, Jazz at the Winery on Saturday, Sept. 18th and Sunday, Sept. 19th from 10a. – 5p and 11a. to 5p. respectively.  Cost is a $2 donation.
  • Winter Garden – The Garden Theatre presents Singing In The Rain (1952), as a part of the Vintage Favorite Series.  The movie begins at 7p. and tickets are only $5.  This is the final evening for this year’s series.
  • Yalaha – Take a drive in the country to the famous Yalaha Bakery.  It’s German owned and operated.  This Saturday, they’re providing live music in their outdoor terrace by Six and Four.  The food is reasonable and the music is FREE.  Time spent driving in the car?  Priceless!  🙂
Posted in Date Night Ideas, Difficulty, Mark Your Calendars (time sensitive) | Comments Off on Mark Your Calendar

Our Winner is…

Posted on September 12, 2010 by Tom and Debi

Paula from Colorado.  She has a blog titled, Hearty Works, and is the devoted mother of four children.

Congratulations, Paula!  Thanks for being a valuable part of our Vineyard. Enjoy a night out on us with your husband.  May your marriage continue to grow and produce fruit that remains!

Au Revoir,

Tom and Debi

Posted in Blog Love, Contests | 2 Comments

Our Monthly Giveaway!

Posted on September 10, 2010 by Debi Walter

Graphic by Jones Design Company

Our contest takes place the 12th of each month.  We love giving one couple a date night out to their favorite restaurant.  Our way of blessing and encouraging you in your marriage.

To enter, simply comment to this post telling us what you like most about The Romantic Vineyard.  If you share this post with your friends via e-mail – tell us and you’ll be entered twice.  We’ll announce the winner sometime tomorrow!

On Another Note:  If you have an American Flag – be sure to fly it today in remembrance of all those Americans who lost their lives 9 years ago today.  May we never forget!

Posted in Contests | 47 Comments

A Fragrant Aroma: Papa on Duty

Posted on September 10, 2010 by Tom Walter

I thought it would be good for the men to hear about my side of “Nana on Duty“.

First of all, I had a very hectic week at work with a new customer.  As a result I was providentially hindered from doing anything practical to help Debi.  What I could do was listen to her struggles.  Sometimes listening to the degree where Debi senses my care and concern is all she needs to continue doing what she has to do.

I love caring for my wife.  I want to help whenever I can, but when circumstances dictate otherwise, I must communicate my care through my listening ear and understanding heart.

Taking care of small children is a full-time job, including overtime with no pay – at least not in this life!  I admire my wife who did this with our own three children and now my daughters who are following in her footsteps.

Husbands, let’s highly esteem our wives and give them the place of honor they deserve. When Nana or Mama is on Duty 24/7, let’s be the Papa on Duty to care for them 24/7.

“Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”  1 Peter 3:7  ESV

Posted in A Fragrant Aroma, Christian Marriage, communication, Difficulty, Growing Strong Marriages | 3 Comments

Fruit of the Spirit: Joy

Posted on September 9, 2010 by Tom Walter

Photo from Faith Clipart

In our second aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit, we discover it is joy!  Joy is not happiness, per se, but a bubbling up in the soul contented with God, Himself.  If we are lacking joy – know this – it is not because God has moved.  Our joy grows in the soil of love for Christ and His Kingdom.  If joy is lacking, our heart is seeking affections elsewhere.

Charles Spurgeon, known as the Prince of Preachers of The Metropolitan Tabernacle in England, is one of the most respected of all times.  He has written an entire sermon on Galatians 5:22 and here we quote a portion to consider:

Some of you may have muttered while I have been speaking of this joy, “I do not know much about it.” Perhaps not, friend—shall I tell you why? Some people are too full of the joy of the world, the joy of getting on in business, the joy of a large family, the joy of health, the joy of wealth, the joy of human love, or the joy which comes of the pride of life. These joys may be your idols and you know the joy of the Lord will not stand side by side with an idolatrous delight in the things of this world! See to that. Dagon must fall if the Ark of the Lord is present—the world must lose its charms if you are to joy in Christ Jesus.
Our joy is sadly diminished by our unbelief. If you will not believe, neither shall you be established. Ignorance will do the same to a very large extent. Many a Christian has a thousand reasons for joy which he knows nothing of. Study the Word and ask for the teaching of the Spirit of God that you may understand it and so shall you discover wells of delight! Joy is diminished, also, by walking at a distance from God. If you get away from the fire, you will grow cold—the warmest place is right in front of it and the warmest place for a believing heart is close to Christ in daily fellowship with Him. It may be that indulged in sin is spoiling our joy. “This little hand of mine,” as Mr. Whitfield once said, “can cover up the sun as far as my eyes are concerned.”
You have only to lift a naughty, rebellious hand and you can shut out the light of God, Himself—any known sin will do it. Trifling with sin will prove a killjoy to the heart. I believe that many lose the joy of the Lord because they do not put it in the right place. See where it lives. Look at my text—“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy and peace.” There joy stands in the center—“love” is on one side and “peace” on the other! Find a man who never loved anybody and you have found a joyless man. This man’s religion begins and ends with looking to his own safety. The only point he longs to know is—is he saved? He never knows joy, poor creature, how can he? As to peace, where is it? He has none because wherever he goes he growls, grumbles, snarls and barks at everybody. There is no peace where he is! He is always quarrelling and then he says, “I have little joy.”
He does not live in the right house for joy! Joy dwells at No. 2. “Love” is No. 1—“joy” is No. 2—“peace” is No. 3 and if you pull down either of the houses on the side, No. 2, in the middle, will tumble down! Joy is the center of a triplet and you must have it so or not at all—“Love, joy, peace.” Thus I have shown how the growth of joy can be checked. I pray you do not allow such an evil thing to be worked in your heart.

Are you lacking joy in your marriage?  Use this checklist to determine where the leak may be:

  • Are you full of the joy of the world? The joy of getting on in business? The joy of a large family?  The joy of health or wealth? The joy of human [married] love? The joy of the pride of life?
  • Are you doubting God in regards to something or someone?
  • Are you cold in worship towards God?
  • Are you indulging sin in some area of your life?
  • Are you lacking in love towards others?
  • Are you more concerned with your own welfare than the welfare of those in your care?
  • Are you always (or often) grumbling? Complaining?
  • Are you lacking peace?

Read this checklist, and see if there is a quickening of the Spirit in regards to any of them.  If there is, go after it as if it were a little fox spoiling the vine of this precious fruit.  The Fruit of the Spirit is to be enjoyed by all of us including those who know us.  Let’s do the hard work and cut out anything in our lives not producing true joy.  We must!  This is the life Christ died to save, and as we do, our marriages will mature accordingly.

We talked of love last week, today our focus is joy – next week we’ll complete the triplet by discussing “peace”.

Posted in Christian Marriage, Fruits of the Spirit, Growing Strong Marriages | Tagged | 1 Comment

Nana On Duty

Posted on September 8, 2010 by Debi Walter

It is late.  I am tired.  But I will share briefly what is on my heart.

Our daughter and son-in-law are enjoying a week away celebrating their 5 years together.  Amazing to think it’s been half a decade since my husband walked her down the aisle.  I have always found writing to be like a pressure valve in my life.  When things are challenging or emotionally charged – I write, reflect and pray God helps my perspective become more aligned to His.

We are keeping our two adorable grandchildren for 8 days.  Norah is 3 and Bradley is 14 months.  I was thrilled to be able to invest in our daughter’s marriage in this way.  Allowing her to go away without a worry or concern as to the well-being of her children is no sacrifice at all.  My Mom and Mom-in-Law did this so many times for me.  In fact, our marriage stayed strong in large part because of their investment of time in caring for our three children when they were small.

However, I didn’t know when I said, “Yes” that I would have low grade vertigo.  I didn’t know my husband would have a very long day at work including dinner out.  Nor did I know my daughter who is still at home would be working so much.  The result – Nana On Duty – nonstop with very little rest.  My day began at 5:45a. after getting up with the other one at 2:45a.  I must admit I’ve struggled to keep my attitude right.  I’ve given in to grumbling and complaining to my husband over the phone.  All he could do was apologize, nothing more.  And I knew that.  It’s true – misery loves company, and I was trying to host a big event right in my own living room.

But God helped me as He always does when I take the time to listen.  I had all but forgotten the message I heard at our church on Sunday.  The title – Servanthood.  Christ is our example who came not to be served BUT TO SERVE.  As soon as I heard my Father say those words I knew what I had to do.

Stop.

Repent.

Rejoice.

The last hour has been better than the entire day.  And as I tucked Norah to bed, she put her arm around my neck and said, “Nana, I love you!”  I’m grateful beyond words to hear those four little words, especially since I know more than anyone else who I would be apart from God’s constant work in my heart.

Free Coloring Page

This Nana loves being on Duty, and I will continue to tell myself this fact when I’m struggling to believe it.

How do you serve your spouse and/or your children day in and day out?  How does this effect your affections towards them?  More importantly how does God help you?

Posted in Christian Marriage, Difficulty, Growing Strong Marriages | 9 Comments

Project 52: I.Heart.List

Posted on September 7, 2010 by Debi Walter

from wellpromo.com

Most everyone has heard of a Bucket List.  It’s from the movie by the same name and includes all the things you would love to do before you “kick the bucket”. Although we haven’t seen the movie, we like the idea.

Recently on a date night, we talked about all the things we would love to do someday.  It was a fun night, and we learned some things about each other we didn’t know;  Like Tom wants to fly in a fighter jet!  I had no idea he did.  Not me – I’ll be glad to go with him and video it – all from the ground.

Me? Mine is much safer – I want to go to Vermont for a Maple Syrup Harvest.  I want to smell the sap boiling in the huge outdoor cauldrons under a clear blue sky on a cold winter day.  These are two goals we discussed.

We love the idea of keeping such a list, but not so much the name. So we came up with our own name:

I.Heart.List

One thing we absolutely love to do together is take road trips!  It’s fun to discover places off the beaten path.  Imagine our excitement when we discovered on The National Geographic website a list titled: Drives of a Lifetime.

There are many listed all over the world.  You may realize one is right in your own backyard.  We’re adding this list to our “I.Heart.List” for sure, and maybe you will too.

Did you know there are 58 National Parks in America?  We have some friends who have decided they want to camp out in all of them.  It’s not such a lofty goal really, since they’ve already crossed off nearly half of them!

Why not plan a date night to discuss the things you would add to your own I.Heart.List?  Share them with us, and maybe we’ll add your idea to our list too!

Project 52 was started by Tiffany Bird at the Simply Modern Mom blog.  It’s a great idea challenging couples to date their spouse one week at a time for an entire year.  It’s never too late to start.  Check it out by clicking on the button:

Posted in Cheap Dates, Date Night Ideas, Free Dates, I.Heart.List, Project 52 | Tagged | 4 Comments

So Did You Lighten Up?

Posted on September 4, 2010 by Debi Walter

It’s Labor Day weekend, and I have vertigo!  <sigh>  I’m sure there’s something funny to be said about it, but all I’m thinking of is the 60’s song by Tommy Roe titled, I’m So Dizzy.

So, how did you do with the Lighten Up Challenge?  Did you find the funny side of the street to be more enjoyable?  We sure did.

One of my favorite memories of this challenge will be the night Tom and I went to 4Rivers BBQ.

It’s an outdoor restaurant that is so popular you have to plan to stand in line for a while before even placing your order.  I had just purchased Dave Barry’s new book titled, I’ll Mature When I’m Dead. He used to write a newspaper column for the Miami Herald and was syndicated in our local paper.  We love his sense of humor.  Anyway, the chapter about the hit TV series, 24, is worth the price of the book alone.

While standing in line, I started reading it to Tom – aloud, but quietly, so as not to disturb those starving patrons around us.  However, I failed to notice the couple in front of us.  Finally she couldn’t stand it any longer and asked what we were reading.  Her comment went something like this, “I’ve been watching you two and you haven’t stopped laughing since you’ve been here.”  🙂  I guess I wasn’t being so quiet after all.  It was the highlight of our challenge, and something I wouldn’t have thought of doing if the challenge wasn’t presented.

So, do you have one special moment you would like to share with us?  This post will be up throughout the holiday weekend, so comment when you can.  Let’s keep the laughter going – who knows maybe we’ll shed  a few pounds.  After eating dinner at 4Rivers I could stand to lose a few!  Now that’s something worth laughing for.

Pulled Pork Dinner

Have a safe and memorable weekend together.  We’ll be back  on Tuesday!

Posted in Dinner Dates, Fun Dates, humor, Orlando Date Ideas | Tagged | Comments Off on So Did You Lighten Up?

Freebie Friday Farewell

Posted on September 3, 2010 by Tom Walter

In the making of wine the nose plays a very significant part.  Since the tongue can only taste sweet, bitter, salty and sour, the nose plays a pivotal role in distinguishing the thousands of varieties available in wine.  When wine is tasted, it is the nose that will pick up the more subtle flavors, which otherwise might have been missed.

This leads us to a change we are making at The Romantic Vineyard.  Since we began this blog in November 2008, Fridays have been known as “Freebie Friday”.  It has been the day where free things we came across throughout the week would be mentioned.  Since free things are harder and harder to come by, we figured it was time to say…

Art by davidfooks.com

After talking to our small group from church (made up of several young married couples), we have decided at their request to make a change. One we are very excited about, and we hope you will be too!

The new name of our Friday posts will be:  A Fragrant Aroma

It’s redundant on purpose because this is what our Friday posts will entail.  We will remember something personal Debi and I experienced in our marriage that week, and we will share it here with you.  It may be a humorous story, a sad experience or a sentimental reflection.  It can be anything really, but mostly it will be personal.  This is our way of opening up our lives and sharing with you what we’re seeing and learning as God is leading us.  Just like swirling an ounce of wine around in a glass in order to release the variety of aromas, we will “swirl around” something we’ve experienced for your benefit.

We pray this will be helpful to you as you witness first hand what marriage looks like practically after 31+ years.  We also pray the fragrance produced in our vineyard will be a refreshing aroma reaching out to your vineyard, how ever many miles away it may be.

Until next week – Au Revoir!

“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.”  2 Corinthians 2:14


Posted in A Fragrant Aroma, Freebie Friday | 2 Comments

Fruit of the Spirit: Love

Posted on September 2, 2010 by Tom Walter

Can you imagine owning a vineyard where the fruit is always ripe and fresh, no matter the season?  There would be no need, no worries, no fear of the future.  This is what the Fruit of the Spirit produces in our hearts.  It’s a confidence not in ourselves, but in the One who is above all things.  God has promised to complete the work He’s begun in us.  He is the gardener who prunes and shapes us into who He wants us to be.

Photo from WREEL Women of Praise

First of all, we must emphasize the Fruit of the Spirit is produced within a heart fully surrendered to God; for it is in surrendering our lives to Him that humility is born leading to Christlikeness.  When we see ourselves honestly and humbly, the Spirit comes and breathes new life into our vineyard allowing us to produce fruit that remains.  It is a work He does in us individually and as a couple.

The fruit God produces in Debi’s life, is for my benefit as well as her good.

The fruit God produces in my life, is for her benefit as well as my good.

So we must be clear – any fruit produced is solely because Christ is at work in us, and He is the One to be praised.  I am showing love to my wife when I pursue growth in godliness.  To neglect Him is to neglect her.

With this in mind, let’s begin looking more closely at the vineyard God is cultivating in us:

The first quality found in the Fruit of the Spirit is LOVE.  We covered this extensively in our last series titled, Love is.  Love is the rich soil from which the other fruits grow.  For without love we are nothing, and any fruit we produce will not last.  But fruit born of the Spirit will remain.  It will produce lasting fruitfulness.

Photo by Coach Jen

But what if love is lacking?  How do we cultivate love?  We ask God who has promised to give us what we ask:

“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”   Luke 11:13

Love is not a feeling, but a choice we make daily.  I choose to love Debi by how I treat her, prefer her and lay down my life for her.  Left to myself this would be impossible, for the weed of selfishness would choke out all my efforts.  But God, who is rich in mercy, helps me love her the way He has loved me.

How has God helped you love your spouse?  In what ways do you see this fruit in your marriage?

Posted in Fruits of the Spirit, Growing Strong Marriages, Love is, Spiritual Intimacy | Tagged , | 2 Comments

The Marriage Stage

Posted on September 1, 2010 by Debi Walter

Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra

It’s easy to think a good marriage is played out with beautiful background music by a well dressed symphony orchestra.  The stage is lined with dimly lit candles adding the perfect ambiance.  The main characters always know what to say and how to say it.  Life has been scripted and everyone knows they must follow their part in order to secure a happy ending.  We love happy endings, don’t we?

But this is not reality.

Marriage doesn’t play out on a stage…or does it?  We DO have an audience: our children, neighbors, friends and most importantly – God!  He is the audience who matters most!

Photo from Courtesyland.com

A good marriage is one where commitment is the main character no matter how the scenes change.  One day it may be a romantic comedy, and the next day a full-fledged drama.  There are accidents, unplanned conflicts and illnesses.  It’s as if the director throws in unexpected twists in the story.  The director in our marriage is God.  He’s the One who took two completely opposite individuals and decided to do a miraculous thing – join them together as one flesh.  He is the One who plans our days and months and years.  He knows what we need more than we do.  He is rightfully the director, and He should be listened to daily.  In times like these commitment is required to stay engaged.

Photo from revoltfpcc.org

Our struggles are as much a part of the story as our most romantic times together.  How we respond to each other and all of life matters.  What glorifies Him is living our life in the way He desires and considering others (insert spouse here) as more important than ourselves.

So, how ready are you on the marriage stage?  Have you studied your part well?  Do you know what is required of the husband’s role and the wife’s role?  It’s a part made just for you.  Those who study well will receive accolades from the only One who matters.

Posted in Christian Marriage, Difficulty, Growing Strong Marriages | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Project 52: The Taulbees Visit Italy

Posted on August 31, 2010 by Tom and Debi

For those of you who don’t remember, Jeff and Vicki Taulbee are good friend of ours who have taken the Project 52 Challenge, but tweaked it down to fit their schedule.  Vicki plans a special date once a month to a different Passport location.  She has been faithful all year to take Jeff all over the world.  And she’s been kind to share their journey with us.  So, if you’ve missed her previous post – click here!  You’ll discover how creative she is when it comes to romancing her man! So without further adieu…

_____________________________________

This month our travels took us to the wonderful land of Italy.

I decided to hint at the theme by emailing Italian love messages to Jeff throughout the day.  For example:

  • • Ti amo con tutta l’anima – I love you with all my heart
  • • amore mio – my love
  • • Un milione di baci – Love and kisses
  • • Voglio vederti stasera – I want to see you tonight

He had a pretty busy day and didn’t get a chance to decipher them, but he enjoyed the mystery.

Once again I was able to involve the kiddies in this date night.  It was a lot of fun listening to the boys tell their dad that he can’t go in the “special room” (aka our dining room)!  Then proceed to shut off all access to it when he would come through the house.  It was pretty funny.
In the “special room” we strung up green yarn back and forth between opposite walls and hung up large paper grape clusters that we cut and colored that afternoon.  We also made large green paper leaves and hung those on our “vine”.  Thus our dining room was transformed into an Italian vineyard.

For dinner I picked up a couple of dishes from a great local Italian restaurant – Amalfi’s Italian Restaurant around the corner from our house.  Jeff loves Chicken Marsala, so that was on the menu for sure.  Coupled with a salad and some bread, there was plenty for all of us to share.  The kids enjoyed eating in the vineyard.  Truth be told, dinner was a bit hectic…..as it tends to be with 3 little people needing to be corrected, fed, encouraged or cleaned.  But, it made the second half of our evening all the more appreciated.

When our babysitter arrived, we headed out to a local resort hotel called the Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Studios.  The entire resort is dedicated to replicating Italian architecture and atmosphere.  There are large piazzas, a lagoon with boats anchored in the water, restaurants, shops and nightly entertainment all focused on representing some aspect of Italian life.


The resort is located on Universal Studios property and you can enter the resort via the parking lot or a ferry.  We opted for the ferry and it was worth the effort it took to get there.  So beautiful, so scenic, so relaxing……….just what we needed.

We made our way upstairs to the hotel lobby, found one of many vacant and extremely comfy couches, propped our feet up and let out a big exhale!!!   Ahhhhhh!  So nice to be chatting and relaxing with the man I love the most in this world!

After awhile, we headed back downstairs to this cute Italian shop that we spotted on the way in.  We chose a chocolate pistachio gelato and shared it on the piazza while a woman sang Italian opera on the terrace above.

All of this under a full moon!  Truly an amazing night………..what a blessing.

Until next month
Ciao!!

Want to join Project 52?  It’s a weekly date night challenge thought up by the Simply Modern Mom blog.  To get all the details, simply click on the button below.  It has been such a fun journey doing this challenge with other couples.  Why not check it out!

Posted in Date Night Ideas, Dating Your Spouse, Free Dates, Project 52 | 1 Comment

Mark Your Calendar

Posted on August 30, 2010 by Tom and Debi

School is back in session; the days are getting shorter.

The store shelves are lined with fall decor.

Labor Day is one week from today; it’s the official end of summer.

Why not plan a Kiss Summer Goodbye for Two party?  It would be simple, really.  First, come up with a menu for two:  Anything on the grill would be appropriate.  Or make some chicken salad and serve it inside one half of a fresh pineapple with the center removed.  Second, print your favorite pictures from the things you did this summer and scatter them around a table with lots of candy kisses. Third, lay a blanket on the living room floor with a beach ball and maybe a favorite board game.  Finally, with the Beach Boys playing in the background you’ve got the setting for a perfect way to end the summer.  The best part is kissing – kissing is always a big part of saying goodbye.

By: David Wise

While you’re “kissing summer goodbye,” use this time to plan ahead for the busy fall and holiday season.  It’s easy to push date nights aside because there’s no time to think or plan.  This would be the perfect time to think of what will work for you, ensuring your most important relationship isn’t neglected.

Now for what’s happening around town:

CENTRAL

  • Harry P. Leu Gardens – Date Night in the Garden on Friday, Sept. 3rd.  This month’s featured movie is “That Old Feeling”, and it begins at dusk.  Enjoy an outdoor movie in a beautiful garden setting.  Patrons may bring a blanket or chairs and dinner picnic basket.  Garden Admission is $7.00 plus tax;  FREE for members.
  • Lake Ivanhoe Village sponsors First Friday Art Stroll September through December.  Each month the location varies to a different part of Ivanhoe Row.  This month it will be on Sept. 3rd between Lake Ivanhoe Blvd. & New Hampshire on Orange Ave.  The stroll runs from 5p – 9p. and is FREE.

NORTH

  • Altamonte Springs – Uptown presents Friday Night Live Unplugged on Friday, Sept. 3rd from 8p – 10p.  Bring your chairs.  FREE.
  • Mt. Dora – Celebrate Mt. Dora all Labor Day weekend.  There will be a chili cook-off for $5.  All other events are free.  Saturday from 2-6PM a Chili Cookoff & Pie Baking Contest and a Water Sports Demo on Lake Dora will be held in town. Also on Saturday the Lawn Bowling Club will be offering free lessions from 11AM-4PMLive music by The Insecurities at Grantham Point from 5-8PM. Fireworks finish off the event on Lake Dora at 8PM. For more information please contact 352-383-2165.
  • Eustis – First Friday Street Fest on Sept. 3rd from 6p – 10p.  The event will take place at Ferran Park on the lake.   This event will be themed “That 70’s Reunion”.

EAST

WEST

  • Winter Garden – The Garden Theatre Summer Movie Series continues.  On Thursday, Sept. 2nd – Saturday, Sept. 4th, enjoy a classic movie on the big screen.  This month’s feature presentation is His Girl Friday (1952).  Showtime is 7p  and tickets are $5.
  • Clermont – The Yalaha Bakery is an authentic German Deli and Bakery which provides live entertainment on their outdoor stage.  This Saturday, Sept. 4th the entertainment will be provided by Grant Peeples from 11a. – 2p.  FREE, but you’ll want to take home some great bread and/or pastries!
Posted in Creative Dates, D.R.A.B., Date Night Ideas, Free Dates, Fun Dates, Mark Your Calendars (time sensitive), Orlando Date Ideas, Romantic Ideas | Tagged | 2 Comments

Freebie Friday: Meet Chad and Sarah Markley

Posted on August 27, 2010 by Tom and Debi

We have had the privilege of getting to know this couple through the blog Sarah writes titled, Best Days of My Life.  She is an excellent writer, but what makes her writing worth reading is her heart to serve God and help others who may be facing similar challenges in their marriage.

She is honest.

She is humble.

She is real.

And we believe their testimony is worth sharing with you today.  They were recently interviewed on CBN, and the video of their interview is now available for us to see.  Are you facing trouble in your marriage?  Is it because of hidden sin or a mutual love of worldliness?  Both are detrimental to any marriage, but you are not alone.  And you are certainly not without hope.  God’s mercy is able to reach the lowest among us and lift us out of the filthy pit we may have dug for ourselves.

Listen to Chad and Sarah and learn from them.  You will be changed.  Not because of who they are, but because of the God who made forgiveness possible through the life, death and resurrection of His only Son, Jesus Christ.

Posted in Blog Love, Christian Marriage, Growing Strong Marriages, Testimonies | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

A Walk Through The Vineyard

Posted on August 26, 2010 by Tom Walter

Photo by Steph Lightfoot

It is August.  This is the month when the fruit on the vine is examined and carefully pruned to make for the highest quality harvest.  There can be an abundance of fruit, which produces a less-than-average quality of grape.  What can be done?  The answer is simple, but not so easy to do; Remove a portion of the grapes, so those which are left grow best.

This relates quite well to the new series we want to begin on The Fruit of the Spirit:

Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

Most of us have been married several years.  (If you are a newlywed, congratulations, and by all means – don’t stop reading.  This will apply to you soon enough.)  In our years together we develop habits that may or may not be producing the quality marriage we had hoped for.  We can assume an attitude of “it is what it is!”, or we can get busy doing the hard work necessary to change the fruit our marriage is producing.

The first thing to do is make an honest assessment of what’s growing in your vineyard.

  • There may be weeds – sins that have taken root and not been dealt with;
  • There may be too many grapes – busyness of life squeezing out the quality you had hoped for;
  • There may be pests who have crept into your vineyard, whether uninvited or welcomed in – these are bad relationships which tear down your marriage, instead of building it up.
  • There may be flood-like conditions or drought-like conditions – leaving the vines saturated with one thing or completely lacking what it needs to survive.

Whatever the condition of your vineyard, there is hope!  But first, two important things are necessary: honesty and humility.  It isn’t easy to take an objective look at your own vineyard.  It is hard to admit the fruit you had hoped for isn’t there – yet.  We say yet, because God has promised to complete the work He’s begun in us – this includes our marriage.  We must be honest in our confession and humble to seek the help needed.

Won’t you join us as we walk through the vineyard?

Photo by Steph Lightfoot

Tomorrow we’ll introduce to you a couple who has been doing just this.  Their vineyard was nearly destroyed, but today they are harvesting quite a crop!  You will be inspired and motivated to change as the Holy Spirit brings things to light.

Posted in Date Night Ideas | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Harvest Time

Posted on August 25, 2010 by Tom and Debi

We have one winery nearby in a small town called Clermont just west of Orlando.  Lakeridge Winery had their annual Grape Stomp Harvest this past weekend.  We’ve always wanted to go, but haven’t been able to yet.  However, a good friend, who also happens to be a great photographer, was there on Saturday, and her pictures speak one truth loud and clear; harvest time is messy!  Here are a few of our favorite pics:

Photo by Steph Lightfoot

It’s true that harvest time can be fun and profitable, but we often miss the fact that it can be messy.  We become discouraged when we’re in the middle of crushing “issues” or “sin patterns” in our marriages, yet harvest is just around the corner.  Don’t give up – keep crushing and before long there will be a shelf full of rich wine from which to draw lasting nourishment.

God has promised to help us in our weakness.  He will give us strength to endure hardship and embrace the discipline necessary to reap the rewards.  The question is are we sleeping in the vineyard, or standing in the barrels ready to roll up our sleeves and work!

Posted in Christian Marriage, Difficulty | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Harvest Time

Project 52: Tom’s Turn

Posted on August 24, 2010 by Debi Walter

This week Tom planned our date, and it was great!

First, we got in the car, and he knew exactly where we were going.  I know I’ve said it before, but I LOVE it when he has a plan.  It’s romantic – mwah!

Second, we drove to one of my favorite malls – The Mall at Millenia.  A place where I rarely go since it’s quite a drive.

Photo by Waymark

Third, we ate dinner at Brio Tuscan Grill, one of my favorite Italian restaurants.  He chose a table for us on the patio overlooking the mall entrance.  We sat French-style at our table for two.  What is French-style, you ask?  Sitting side-by-side, facing the people.  This is fun for two reasons, we can touch each other (always a plus!), and we get a great view of the changing scenery (the people).

Both were great, although I won’t elaborate on the first one – but the second one?  Ah, this is where the fun began.  We paid attention to the couples entering and exiting the mall to see which men would open the door for the women in their party.  It was quite revealing!

Tom and I would try to guess the men who would be gentlemen, only to see the woman with him unresponsive to his kindness.  Other times, the women would expect the door to be opened for them and the men totally missed the chance.  One time a little boy opened the door for his Mama.  Now that one made me smile!  There were couples who hit the door at the same time, yet chose to walk out separately through their own doors.  There were women who opened the door for the men.  And there was one man who walked through first and kept walking without looking back once to see if his wife/girlfriend made it through okay.

It made me grateful for a husband who cares for me with such a simple, yet kind gesture.  I love it when he opens my door.  Although, I must confess, as we were leaving our church service on Sunday, he opened the door for me, and I almost walked out a separate door!

I caught myself just in time, and it’s a good thing…You never know who may be watching and taking note or worse, writing a blog post about it!  🙂

Tell us, do you open the door for your wife?  Wives, do you allow your husband this privilege?

Want to join Project 52?  It’s a way to romance your spouse one simple date at a time thought up by Tiffany at Simply Modern Mom.  It doesn’t have to be fancy, just something you’ll both enjoy.  We could have had this great date anywhere – without the dinner.  People watching can be quite fun and relaxing!  Click the button below for all the details about this challenge!

Posted in Date Night Ideas, Dating Your Spouse, Dinner Dates, Project 52 | Tagged | 6 Comments

Mark Your Calendar + Lighten Up Challenge

Posted on August 23, 2010 by Tom and Debi

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We’re about to engage in a race together around a very familiar track – LIFE.  We take a lap a day, and it can become quite predictable for all of us.  We have decided to add to our routine a bit of laughter. Like STP to your engine, laughter is sure to clean out all the gunk that weighs us down helping us to lighten the load.  If you didn’t get a chance to read Friday’s post, please do so as we provide links to two great articles to help you “rev your engine,” so to speak!  Our goal for the next two weeks is to…

“Lighten Up With Laughter”!

Our laughter should be loud enough to be heard by others.  Each day for the next two weeks we’re going to provide a tip to help you lighten up! At the beginning of each day’s post we’ll have something for you to think about or maybe laugh about.  We’re not sure what all this will entail, but it’s sure to be fun.

Photo by Moomette

Today’s Laughter Inspiration comes from Victor Hugo:

“Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.”

Please post a quick comment to let us know you’re joining us on this challenge, as well as share with us your laughing moments, we all could use the help, not to mention the accountability.

Now for what’ happening around town this week:

CENTRAL

NORTH

EAST

  • Titusville – Thursday Night Live on August 26th in Nevin’s Courtyard, downtown.  The concert if FREE, and takes place from 6p – 8p.
  • Titusville – TitusNites – Blues, Brews and BBQ’s – on Friday, August 27th from 6p -9p. Located on Mariner Way and Main Street.


Posted in Date Night Ideas, humor | Tagged | 9 Comments