Project 52: Laughter in the Rain

Posted on April 20, 2010 by Debi Walter

This week our normal date night (Monday) was forfeited to celebrate our son’s birthday, so we did it a day early.  It happened to be raining…so we did something we haven’t done much of, if at all…we went for a mile walk in the rain!

Not only was there no one else out walking, but the air smelled sweet with night blooming jasmine.  It was strangely quiet too, with only the occasional frog hopping across our path.

Florida, although called the Sunshine State, is one of the states with the highest annual rainfall amounts – 50 inches a year!  So being a native, I have grown to love the rain!  The few times we’ve visited the southwest region of the United States, I feel as though I’m a fish out of water – I can’t breathe!  Walking with Tom as the rain softly hit our umbrella was very romantic to me!  We talked about our busy week ahead and enjoyed a lingering kiss. 🙂

After our walk, we read one chapter from a book we’re enjoying together called, A Praying Life, by Paul Miller.  It is changing the way we pray generally and for each other.

I love moments like these with  Tom; he is my best friend, and even doing spontaneous things – like a walk in the rain – are very special.

Curious as to what Project 52 is all about?  Simply click the button to join this year long adventure of romancing your spouse – one date at a time.

Posted in Date Night Ideas, Free Dates, Project 52, Rainy Day Dates, Romance in Marriage, romancing your spouse, romantic date nights | Tagged | 13 Comments

Mark Your Calendar

Posted on April 19, 2010 by Debi Walter

Our Backyard

It is raining as I write this post.  I love it when it rains – the air smells cleaner and it’s usually cooler (something always appreciated in Florida).  It often rains in the Spring in order to water the seeds that have fallen to the ground from the blossoming trees!  Jesus often used nature to hone in on important Truths to His listening disciples.  Watering is necessary to insure new growth in all plant life.  So, too, it is necessary for us to receive fresh water in our relationship in order to promote growth in health and godliness.

What does watering look like in the marriage relationship?  I would suggest it’s taking time to notice growth in each other – evidences of God’s grace.  It’s also making time to be together – purposing to strengthen your relationship, not just “going out on a date”.  Sure, we can go out and have a great time together, but unless we’re purposing to talk and relate to each other as husband and wife, we’re missing out on great opportunities together.

So, as you peruse our list of what’s happening around town – remember to make the most of your time together.  This will result in great fruitfulness in the years to come.

Watering the vine produces deeper roots, which produces sweeter and more mature fruit.

CENTRAL

  • Winter Park Playhouse presents Golf, The Musical on Friday, Saturday and Sunday – times and prices vary.
  • Downtown Orlando – SAK Comedy Lab at CityArts Factory presents Hillarity for Charity on Wednesday, April 21st from 6p – 8:30p.  Cost is $25.
  • Orlando Greek Fest – Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church presents authentic Greek cuisine and entertainment.  Friday, April 23rd – Sunday, April 25th.  Cost is $3.
  • Lake Eola Park – Earth Day Celebration – Saturday, April 24th from 10a – 6p.  FREE.
  • Lake Eola Park – Orlando Turkish Festival – Sunday, April 25th from 12p – 7p
  • College Park – Taste of College Park 2010 will be Thursday, April 22nd at the Dubsdread Golf Club from 6p – 9:30p.  Cost is $50 in advance and $55 at the door.

NORTH

EAST

SOUTH

WEST

Posted in Christian Marriage, Mark Your Calendars (time sensitive) | 1 Comment

Freebie Friday: Just Peach-y!

Posted on April 16, 2010 by Tom Walter

Chik-Fil-A has become the fast-food restaurant of choice for many people, and this, despite their conviction to stay closed on Sunday.   I must admit, we choose their chicken sandwich over a Whopper or Big Mac anytime!  So we thought it would be fun to share this video with you to encourage you to treat your spouse to a special treat this weekend – they are offering, as a tribute to Spring, a peach milkshake.  Get one while you can!  We pray you’ll have a peachy weekend  and Lord willing we’ll be back next week for more romance and marriage encouragement!

Posted in Date Night Ideas, Freebie Friday | Tagged | 1 Comment

Romance is Lovely

Posted on April 14, 2010 by Debi Walter

Today’s post is devoted to our women readers.

I recently discovered a world of amazing blogs by women who create lovely things.  Rachel, of Lovely Clusters came up with a great idea – gather together everyone who enjoys blogging about the things they create, so those of us who are unfamiliar with what’s out there are able to find them more easily.  So, this is my chance to tell the blogging world about creating romance in marriage.

Photo by Aubrey Reel

We are Tom and Debi Walter.  We have been married now for 31 years .  We have three grown children – two are married with two children each.  We are affectionately called “Papa and Nana” by the most adorable grandchildren this side of Heaven.   Personally, I love writing and photography.  Blogging is an opportunity to showcase both as I learn and grow.

Our passion as a couple is to see marriages grow stronger as each year passes – in the good times and in the more challenging ones.  We have had our share of both! Doing this takes great effort; left to ourselves we would certainly drift away from each other not grow closer.

For at least 25 years we have had a regular date night – Monday is our favorite day of the week!  But in order to have a strong marriage it takes more than simply planning a romantic date night.  It requires a deep faith in an Almighty God – the Creator of the Universe who made  all the things we call lovely.  We offer help and hope for those struggling as well as  encouragement and ideas for those with strong relationships.

This is one place where couples can come to cultivate their own romantic vineyard.  We offer creative date night ideas galore (check out the Alphabet Date series)  as well as offering the Soil Sample room where you’ll find great questions to stir up meaningful conversations;  there’s rooms for Husbands Only and Wives Only.  Here you’ll find creative ideas on how to surprise your spouse on special days and ordinary days.

We have purposed to devote our lives to helping couples create a God-glorifying relationship.  Won’t you join The Romantic Vineyard?  We pray you’ll graft some great vines into your own Vineyard creating a lovely place for a lifetime that bears much fruit!

Posted in Christian Marriage, Purpose, Romance in Marriage | Tagged | Comments Off on Romance is Lovely

Project 52: The Masters

Posted on April 13, 2010 by Debi Walter

Tom and I love to play golf.  After watching the Masters Tournament on Sunday, I thought if would be fun to plan a date night around this theme.

It actually worked out perfectly, since Tom was playing golf with a colleague on Monday.  Here was my plan:

  • I would drive to the golf course and leave a change of clothes with the Pro Shop worker to give to Tom when he finished.
  • Text Tom while he was still playing telling him to stop and see [name of the employee] at the Pro Shop before he left.
  • The employee was to show him to the locker room where he could get showered and dressed for our date.
  • With the spare keys of Tom’s car, I was to leave Tommy Bear* (see NOTE below) on the driver’s seat, along with a cooler with one of his favorite drinks and a light snack of cheese and grapes.

  • Inside Tommy Bear’s pouch I was to leave a Golf Quiz for him to fill out.  Once completed this would give him a clue as to where we were meeting for dinner.
  • He was instructed at the end of the quiz to call me with his conclusion (so I’d be sure he ended up in the right place.)  🙂
  • The final destination was a restaurant named after a famous golfer, Sam Snead’s, located on a beautiful golf course nearby.

It was a perfect date, and I had hopes it would all go according to plan.   It didn’t!

The plan began unraveling when I was halfway to the golf course…Tom called to tell me they had finished an hour early.  He was in the car about to head home.

I had a choice to make:  spill the beans and have him meet me at the restaurant, or tell him to stay put until I called him with instructions.  I chose to continue the date, but I needed a few minutes to rearrange my plans.

I told him I was on my way there with special plans for our date night.  However, finishing early changed everything.  He apologized for ruining my plans…I assured him he hadn’t ruined it, only rearranged it.   I needed time, so he drove to a nearby grocery store and was told to call me when he got inside.  Here’s how the rest of the date played out:

  • Inside the store, go buy your favorite drink.  (It’s an Arnold Palmer, which is half lemonade, half tea).

  • Take I-4 and exit on Princeton Street.  Call when you get there.
  • The phone rang…I’m here!  Go to Starbucks on Edgewater Drive.  Call when you get there.

  • The phone rang…I’m here! Go inside and ask for “Nick”.
  • Nick handed Tom the Quiz I had made.  He was instructed to take the quiz and call when he finished.
  • “I’m finished!” but he still wasn’t sure where to go.  That’s because he got the last question wrong. (see quiz below)
  • I helped him figure it out, so he would come to where I was waiting – Dubsdread Golf Course – Sam Snead’s Tavern.
  • I told him to call when he got there.
  • The phone rang…I’m here!  Go to the hostess.
  • He walked into the restaurant where the hostess handed him Tommy Bear.  Inside the pouch was a note expressing my heart.

  • She escorted him to the table on the back porch overlooking the golf course, where I was waiting for him.

  • We ordered Spaghetti and Meat”balls” – the closest dish on the menu to coincide with our theme – golf!

The date was so much fun, but it was a lot more work than I had planned.  I didn’t anticipate a need for a Plan B, so I had to make it up as I went along.  If you could have been a bird watching from above, I was only a few paces ahead of Tom on this “Masters Date”.   Next time, I will be sure to have a Plan B ready, just in case.

It would have been easier to simply give up on the idea and plan it another time.  But I really wanted to bless Tom.  I’m glad it worked out.  Here’s the Quiz:

DATE NIGHT QUIZ

  1. Who won the green jacket yesterday?  _______________________________ (Mickelson)
  2. Name of the golf course where the jacket was won?  _____________________________ (Augusta)
  3. What time of year is this tournament played?   ______________________________ (Spring)
  4. Who came in fourth in yesterday’s finals? _________________________ (Tiger Woods)
  5. What do you call it when you score two under par?  _____________________________ (Eagle)
  6. Name of your drink. _____________________ (Arnold Palmer)
  7. Name of a famous golfer whose first & last names start with the letter “S” ___________________________________________________________ (Sam Snead)

Now take the first letter of each answer and fill in the blank below…except for #6, use the second letter of that answer:

_______    _______    _______    _______    _______    _______    _______  (M A S T E R S)

This is the theme of our date night!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

*NOTE:  Tommy Bear has a six year history in our marriage.  We’ll post about him another time!  🙂

Want to join Project 52 – the Date Night Challenge.  Simply click the button below for all the details!  It’s loads of fun!

Posted in Creative Dates, Fun Dates, Project 52 | Tagged | 8 Comments

Mark Your Calendar

Posted on April 12, 2010 by Debi Walter

We had another weekend of celebrating marriage – we helped with a friend’s wedding on Friday night and Saturday morning, and I (Debi) attended the Bridal shower of another dear friend’s daughter!  Love is certainly in the air…so why not celebrate your love this week?  Plan a surprise or something special to tell your spouse how much they mean to you!

Here are some clues as to what you could do:

CENTRAL

  • Maitland Spring Arts Festival – Saturday and Sunday, April 17th and 18th at Lake Lily Park.  Over 130 Vendors – FREE
  • Winter Park – Popcorn Flicks in the Park salutes the 50th Anniversary of the Florida Film Festival on Tuesday, April 13th. by showing The Apartment at 8p.  Bring your chairs and blankets for a night under the stars.  FREE.

NORTH

EAST

SOUTH

WEST

Posted in Mark Your Calendars (time sensitive) | 1 Comment

Freebie Friday: Even The Little Peaces

Posted on April 9, 2010 by Tom Walter

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will
fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.” Matthew 10:29

Big or small, God is over all.

Sovereign. Supreme. Unlimited. Those are words that speak of power and might and greatness. They describe our Father who art in heaven and rightly so. Ken reminds us that we serve a God who is “totally independent of any other influence.” It’s reassuring to know that our great and mighty God is fully involved in bringing peace to situations and circumstances too big for us — the BIG peaces. Peace in Jerusalem. Peace in Darfur. Peace in inner city New York.

But it’s humbling to remember that our great and mighty God is also totally committed to bringing peace to those places and spaces that aren’t so big and grand —

the little peaces.

Such as peace between two families in a church of fifty people tucked away in the hills of Carolina. Peace between a husband and wife who squabble over financial matters; not a lot, but just enough to keep distance between them. These situations-in-need-of-peace will never make the evening news or the front page of the Sunday paper. But neither do sparrows falling to the ground. But he sees them. And our Sovereign, Supreme, and Unlimited God sees and cares and desires his peace to reign, regardless of the size.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT,  by Peacemaker Ministries

Posted in Freebie Friday, Fruits of the Spirit | Comments Off on Freebie Friday: Even The Little Peaces

Cultivating Patience

Posted on April 8, 2010 by Tom Walter

One who plants a vineyard quickly discovers there is much work

and devotion involved in caring for the vines.

In our society we have become so far removed from the farmer’s perspective; we want fresh produce so we go to the store or local farmer’s market to buy what we need.  We do this without thought as to what it took to get the fruit there in the first place!

Here are some basic tips for growing a vineyard:

  • Farmer’s must be patient.
  • They must properly prepare the soil by removing stones and weeds and old roots, mixing in good nutrients.
  • They must nurture and water regularly, especially the first year – watering heavily to encourage deep root growth.
  • All fruit must be pinched off the first year encouraging a greater crop the next.
  • Diligently protect the new vines from pests like wasps – which will strip the grapes of their skin in order to feast on the meaty flesh.

In marriage, as in farming, these truths apply.

This is why Jesus often used farming metaphors in order for us to understand more clearly what He was teaching.  He is patient with us as we grow in wisdom and Truth.  And we must learn to be patient as our marriage makes slow and steady progress.

We must also be diligent in our pursuit.  A lazy farmer has no hope for a healthy crop.  Left to itself a vineyard will:

  • produce weeds not fruit.
  • be vulnerable to the little foxes that come and spoil the fruit.
  • be open to outside harm – like wind, drought, floods and pests.
  • hindered by becoming root bound.

Cultivating patience must be practiced diligently in order for there to be fruit in the years following.  No matter how many years you’ve been cultivating your marriage vineyard – these truths always apply; we will never outgrow our need to be patient and diligent.  It is what encourages growth in godliness.  Some years our fruit will be abundant and other years will barely produce enough to sustain us, yet God is faithful!

Even though the farmer does all these things,

he is still dependent on God for the growth – so are we!


Posted in Christian Marriage, Growing Strong Marriages | Comments Off on Cultivating Patience

Project 52: Ladder Ball

Posted on April 6, 2010 by Debi Walter

This week ended up being quite busy with Easter and a wedding, but we managed to have a fun date night anyway!

The weather has been absolutely beautiful, so we pulled out our Ladder Ball set and challenged each other to a friendly competition.  It was red against blue, and sadly (for me) blue won!  For those of you who have never heard of this game, the rules are simple and anyone can play.

What I’ve learned about playing games with Tom: Never, ever feel sorry for him when he’s down – because inevitably he’ll always come back and win!  (Except when we’re playing Scrabble – but for some reason I can never get him to agree to play this game with me – hmmm.)

What I’ve learned about losing games with Tom: Whether I win or lose, I still win because I get to play these fun games with Tom for “as long as we both shall live!”  It’s not about the winning or the losing anyway – it’s about enjoying the game.  How like marriage this is; when you know you’re in it for life, who wins the little battles aren’t quite as important.

If you would like to join the challenge of a weekly date night with your spouse – simply push the button below for all the details.  Each Tuesday we post about what we did the previous week – it’s fun to glean ideas from each other – not to mention the great time we have as a couple!

Posted in Cheap Dates, Date Night Ideas, Free Dates, Fun Dates, Project 52 | Tagged | 4 Comments

Mark Your Calendar

Posted on April 5, 2010 by Debi Walter


It’s hard to believe it’s the first full week of April, and last Thursday we had our 300th post on our blog!  It was April Fool’s Day, so we didn’t tell you then because we figured you’d think it was a joke.  All this to say, “thank you” for being a part of our Vineyard.  We love hearing from our readers, and especially how your marriage is growing healthy and strong.

These are challenging days; it’s so much easier when the one you’re walking with is not only beside you, but supports and encourages you as well.  Plan a special night with your spouse, whether at home or on the town.

Here is what’s happening this week:

CENTRAL

NORTH

  • Sanford – Alive After Five’s Shrimp Shindig – Thursday, April 8th from 5p – 8p.  Cost is $7 and includes food and beverage samples.
  • Altamonte Springs – Cranes Roost Park – Friday Night Live presents Da Boys – from 7p – 9p.  FREE
  • Altamonte Springs – Cranes Roost Park – Sunset Cinema presents The Wizard of Oz.  Movie starts at 8p. FREE

EAST

  • The Plaza Theatre presents Jimmie Vaughan Live – Sunday, April 11th at 7:30p.  Tickets are $20.
  • The Plaza Theatre presents The Peking Acrobats – Tuesday, April 6th at 8p.  Tickets vary.

SOUTH

WEST

  • Winter Garden – Spring Fever In The Garden – Saturday, April 10th from 9a – 5p,  and Sunday, April 11th from 11a – 4p. FREE
  • Mt. Dora – Art Stroll – Friday, April 9th from 6 – 8p. FREE
  • Mt. Dora – Movie in the Park – Friday, April 9th featuring Back To The Future II.  Movie starts at dusk.
  • Mt. Dora – 57th Annual Sailing Regatta – Saturday, April 10th and Sunday, April 11th.
Posted in Date Night Ideas, Mark Your Calendars (time sensitive) | Comments Off on Mark Your Calendar

True Love Died

Posted on April 3, 2010 by Debi Walter

Our marriages – our true love for one another – is only possible because God ordained that True Love would die over 2,000 years ago on a lonely hill!  Enjoy this production by Northland Church – Easter 2009.

True Love

Come close listen to the story

about a love more faithful than the morning

The Father gave his only Son just to save us

The earth was shaking in the dark
All creation felt the Father’s broken heart
tears were filling heaven’s eyes
The day that true love died
The day that true love died
When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn’t move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day that true love died
The day that true love died

Search your heart you know you can’t deny it
Come on, lose your life just so you can find it
The Father gave his only son just to save us

The earth was shaking in the dark
All creation felt the Fathers broken heart
tears were filling heaven’s eyes
The day that true love died
The day that true love died
When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn’t move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day that true love died
The day that true love died

Now, Jesus is alive

Jesus is alive
Oh, He is alive
He rose again

When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn’t move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day that true love died
The day that true love died

Come close listen to the story

Posted in Celebrations, Christian Marriage, Holidays | Comments Off on True Love Died

Freebie Friday: E.G.G.s

Posted on April 1, 2010 by Debi Walter

Okay – first we must tell you – yesterday’s post on McRomance Cafe’ coming to McDonalds was completely an April Fools joke! Of our many hits yesterday only a few of you clicked on the link to get your free dinner!  If you had the truth would have been discovered – see for yourself by clicking HERE! The good news is this reveals that even if given a free meal you wouldn’t take your spouse out on a date to McDonald’s!  Kuddos to you! 🙂

____________________________________________________________________________

Today is Good Friday.  It’s the day where we remember what Christ has done for us – giving His life as a ransom for many by His death on a cruel cross – What a Savior!

It is because of this one act that we have hope as husband and wife to grow up in all aspects of grace and godliness.

He not only died, but He Is Risen and lives to intercede for us – each and everyday!

As a way to remember and celebrate – consider giving your spouse a basket full of:

E.G.G.s = Evidences of God’s Grace.

Think of the many ways God has changed your husband/wife in the years since you’ve been together.  Write them out on small strips of paper and insert them into plastic eggs.  Add a couple of jelly beans or their favorite candy and give it to them this weekend.  You may even want to celebrate Communion together in the privacy of your own home.  We have done this before, and it was a powerful reminder of what Christ means to us as a couple.

Have a blessed Easter – May your marriage be filled with Christ’s love and peace!


Posted in Celebrations, Christian Marriage, Freebie Friday, Growing Strong Marriages, Holidays, humor, Spiritual Intimacy | Tagged | 2 Comments

McRomance

Posted on April 1, 2010 by Tom Walter

We just learned of a new marketing plan with America’s favorite fast food restaurant – McDonald’s.  Restaurant officials say that due to the success of their McCafe’s, they will begin drawing the date night crowd to many of their locations nationwide.

Beginning this summer, one night a week will become known as “McRomance Cafe”.  To add to the ambiance of the usual kid-friendly restaurants,  lights will be turned down low, candles lit on every table and romantic music will play softly in the background.

What do you think?  Do you like the idea?

You can find out for FREE: The first 1,000 couples who register before May 1st as a “McRomantic” will be given a free dinner for two as a way to encourage the success of the all new “McRomance Cafe”.

We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Posted in Fun Dates, Romance in Marriage | 7 Comments

Just Ask

Posted on March 31, 2010 by Debi Walter

We were asked at a seminar one time what we thought we were most passionate about.  Of course, we had our immediate, cut and dry answers, but the challenge that followed is what intrigued us.  The assignment was to go home and ask our children what they thought Mommy and Daddy were most passionate about. Hmm, now that’s taking it to a whole new level – children always tell the truth; how they see it anyways.

We weren’t surprised – their answers didn’t match ours,

But their answers took us completely off guard!

They revealed blind spots – areas we didn’t realize had captured our hearts and possibly our passion.  It was painful to hear, but oh so helpful!

Since then, we listen to what our actions are saying to the little ears around us.   Our children are grown, but we have four young grandchildren.  Bristol, (almost 3) was over today, and I told her about Nana’s Special Chimes…

(You see, Tom bought me Corinthian Bells for our anniversary last year, and each time I hear them chime in the wind I think of Tom’s love for me.)

What a joy it was to have a nice spring day with a gentle breeze blowing softly on my chimes.

“Do you hear Nana’s chimes, Bristol?  Every time they ring they’re saying, ‘Papa loves Nana’.”

Her face lit up as she listened.  What do you have around your house that assures your children that Daddy and Mommy are passionate about each other?  Not sure?  Then, just ask – you might be surprised at what they say!

Posted in Christian Marriage, Growing Strong Marriages, Romance in Marriage, Testimonies | Tagged | Comments Off on Just Ask

Project 52: The Taulbee’s Jolly Good Time

Posted on March 30, 2010 by Debi Walter

This month our adventures took us to England!  Well…….not exactly……..so let me explain.

The original plan (which I cant share with you right now because my husband reads these posts, and I’ll probably try it again another time!) included a restaurant that happened to be closed on the night we would be going out……….so………….having found this out 2 nights before, plans needed to change at the last minute.  Admittedly I did get a little nervous that I’d be able to come up with something for us to do.  But……as it turns out, even the plans I did come up didn’t come to pass.  Nonetheless, what DID happen was much better.  Don’t you find that to be true with many situations in life?   So……here is what happened…..and what didn’t!

The Plan:  Check out some Beatles CD’s from the library and play them in the car as we traveled.

There were absolutely NO Beatles CD’s available …………instead………..while driving, we recalled a few lines from some Beatles songs and had a couple of laughs as my husband tried to get me to sing them.

The Plan:  Eat dinner at an authentic English Pub that televises live sporting events from the UK. (Jeff loves sports so I thought he would like this)

NO sports were scheduled for that evening………….instead …………the restaurant was quiet and slow, so we were able to have some great conversation about possible changes with work, updates on the kids and the joy it is to be married to each other.

The Plan:  Take a Trolley ride after dinner.

After enjoying our delicious fish and chips dinner we thought walking would do us some good.  So, we took a stroll through the HUGE Bass Pro Shop (otherwise know as Outdoor World) which was right next to the restaurant.  It was lots of fun for both of us as we walked around, amazed at the vast amounts of gear that is available for just about any outdoor sport you can imagine.  We even had the privilege of engaging in conversation with one of the employees as he talked about his recent fishing adventures, paying $350 to get his truck out of the mud at 11 o’clock at night.  Confidentially, I think he was pretty proud of that fact!

So, there you have it!

  • Did plans come off as hoped? No.
  • Did it matter?  Not at all!

What did matter is that in the midst of some pretty busy schedules we were able to get some undistracted time away and enjoy each other and that was……..(insert English accent)……. “JOLLY GOOD!”  🙂

Cheerio ’til next month

Vicki

Project 52 is a challenge to enjoy an evening together for a minimum 1 hour date.  It can be at home or out on the town.  The choice is up to you.  By joining you’ll be able to glean ideas from hundreds of other couples who are posting their dates each Tuesday at the Simply Modern Moms’ blog.  It’s never too late to join – simply click the button below to get started!

Posted in Creative Dates, Dating Your Spouse, Dinner Dates, Fun Dates, Project 52, Unique Dates | Tagged | 5 Comments

Why We Blog

Posted on March 29, 2010 by Debi Walter

This past weekend we attended Memorial Services for two young men, age 22 and 21 – they were separate services, completely unrelated.  One was held Saturday morning, the other Sunday afternoon.  We also shared dinner with two separate couples whom we have known for decades, and I, (Debi) attended a bridal shower for a dear friend who is getting married this coming Saturday! She has been a single mom for 15 years, and he has never been married.  What a wonder God has done!

These are the moments of our lives when we stop and take notice of what’s most important.

The Bible tells us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice and to weep with those who weep.” We certainly have!  At dinner tonight – one friend told us about a DVD he recently watched of a husband retiring from his long held career in order to care for his wife who had Alzheimer’s Disease.  They had been together for 42 years, and he could think of nothing he would rather do than to care for her in her need as she had so lovingly done their entire marriage.  What love; what devotion!

This is why we blog!

Not so you can check “date night” off your to-do list, but in order to help build marriages that will stand the test of time when life is nearing it’s end.  Our goal here is to prepare our hearts for eternity!  Date nights won’t get us there, only faith in Christ will.  But how we treat our spouse counts, for this is what storing up treasure in Heaven looks like.  God notices when we treat our spouse in a way that represents Him well.  He notices when we sacrifice our wants and desires in order to honor and bless our spouse.

I feel I’m rambling, but honestly it has been an emotionally packed season for us.  In fact, I don’t think we’ll get to what’s happening in Orlando this week!  Maybe with it being Easter the best date would be to spend time together as a couple thanking God for the gift of His Son.  He is the reason we are growing and changing.

It’s all for Him – our lives, our love and our marriage.

And one day we’ll stand before Him reflecting back on our lives, and we pray He will say “Well done my good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of the Lord!”

Posted in Christian Marriage, Growing Strong Marriages, Holidays, Spiritual Intimacy | Tagged | Comments Off on Why We Blog

Freebie Friday: Get Googling Orlando

Posted on March 26, 2010 by Debi Walter

The internet has changed our world forever!  Think of it – what started as a resource for businesses, like an electronic phone book, has turned into a social network where we plan our activities, announce our accomplishments and declare our devotions.  It is larger than we ever imagined, and now it can be faster than we ever dreamed!

Google is looking for a City like ours to test their experimental ultra high speed internet network. That means our residents would have access to an internet connection 100 times faster than anywhere else. As you can imagine, the possibilities for this infusion of technology are endless. From media to communications, it would dramatically change the way we experience the internet in our homes.

Since Google is looking for a city to experiment with the fastest internet speed anywhere, our very own Mayor Buddy Dyer, has nominated Orlando.  Now it is time for us to do our part, and if we’re selected we will have a great opportunity to see what the internet will be like in the future!

So…Get Googling Orlando! Follow the link and look for the survey to be filled out by Orlando residents.  Then, put on your creative hats!  They want videos, poems or any other art form shared with them as to why Orlando is the best choice!  Oh, want to see what I wrote for this challenge?  Check it out HERE!

Have a great weekend!

Posted in communication | Tagged , | Comments Off on Freebie Friday: Get Googling Orlando

A Good Reminder

Posted on March 25, 2010 by Debi Walter

This past weekend I caught up with a friend I hadn’t talked to in a long time.  She shared with me the joy her new marriage of two years had brought to her life  and how she wished she had met him years ago!  Because they are older, they realize their time is precious.

I’ll never forget her words as she gripped my arm and said, “We live each day as if it were our last together!”

The sparkle in her eyes revealed her sincerity.

What a good reminder to all of us!

Last Thursday we attended the funeral of a dear friend, not old enough to be my mother.  She died only 4 weeks after being diagnosed with her disease!  Her time was shorter than she knew, yet she spent her last days with no regrets!  She lived each moment for God’s purposes and His kingdom.  Her husband of 31 years, daughter and granddaughter showered her with love, and still she was ready to meet her Savior face to face.

Our marriages are precious!  The time we have together is to reflect God’s love for His church.  But the ultimate reward will be when we meet HIM face to face.  The choices we make, the words we choose and the habits we form are all indications of what’s most important to us.  May we choose those things that will matter for eternity.

As Russell Crowe said in the movie Gladiator, “What we do in life echoes in eternity.” What we do in our marriages matters as well.

Posted in Christian Marriage, communication | 2 Comments

A Silent Maturity

Posted on March 24, 2010 by Tom Walter

A couple of weeks ago we began a discussion about “Words” and the effect they have on our marriage – either for good or bad.  We referenced the verse from  Proverbs 15 that says,  “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Today we offer you wisdom from a man we have had the privilege of hearing in person on several occasions; his name is Paul David Tripp, and he has authored, in our opinion,  one of the best books on the subject, War of Words.   Mr. Tripp speaks in this 3 minute video from another excellent verse that says, “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” Proverbs 10:19.

There is wisdom and maturity in choosing to be silent.  This is a different kind of silence, than giving your spouse the “silent treatment“.  Take a few moments to listen:

Posted in Christian Marriage, communication, Growing Strong Marriages | Tagged , | Comments Off on A Silent Maturity

Project 52: Double the Fun

Posted on March 23, 2010 by Debi Walter

What a wonderful date we had on Saturday!  Some long time friends were in town for the weekend, so we spent the day together.  First, you must know it was the first warm, clear Saturday we’ve had in Orlando in a long time.  We spent the entire day strolling the Winter Park Art Festival and talking about everything under the sun.

Dear Friends

For lunch we found a table at our favorite Turkish restaurant, Bosphorous,  for some delicious healthy food: a sampler platter of stuffed grape leaves, roasted eggplant, hummus, tabbouleh, and the best Turkish Lavas (flatbread).  It comes out of the oven puffed up and hot.  Simply poke it with a knife, which allows the steam to escape, then rip it and dip it!

Sampler Platter

Turkish Flatbread

For dessert we spent an hour or so sitting outside at the local Starbucks  sipping dessert from a grande cup!  Today, is FREE Pastry Day at Starbucks.  Click the link to print your own coupon and enjoy!

Want to join Project 52?  It’s easy to sign up, and you can start anytime!  Simply click the button for more information!

Posted in Daytime Dates, Free Dates, Outdoor Dates, Project 52 | 3 Comments