The Whispering Creek House

2011-10-05T08:59:00.000-07:00

Looking for great ideas for my party..ooooh I'm excited!!! This is a goodie right? Loving Fall...Thanks for stopping by love ya mean it! Stephanie

imagematthewmead

Falling in love again..

2011-10-01T14:40:00.000-07:00

You know I love fall! And I'm gonna be trying to get into the groove of posting for that reason!! It's been awhile hasn't it? Life has been a bit strange and unusual..but for me things always get a bit better when the leaves turn colors and I'm inspired again..isn't that how it goes? I am working up ideas in my head for my harvest party and hope to share that with you..if there is anybody still reading this ol' blog of mine..oh, I do hope so!! Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

image country living

2011-09-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

Goodbye Summer
Hello Fall!
What is your favorite season?

a sad day..

2011-07-25T17:41:00.000-07:00

It was a sad day here this last weekend for our cat- loving daughter Camalee..her sweet kitten Pumpkin met her tragic end while the kids were playing in the barn..older brothers where tossing a plastic pipe to each other when one of the brothers was unable to catch the pipe and it hit little Pumpkin..Pumpkin number#2 for our family, as we gave the Pumpkin #1 to my sister Janel to finish raising..all was calm when we heard Camalee screaming somethings wrong! somethings wrong! Cradling her beloved kitten, one look told me it wasn't good..after watching my little girl hold her dying kitten my heart was breaking.... her brothers grew quiet and little sister was quietly whispering "You can have my kitty Camalee"..I was filled with love for all my children as they came together over this little kitten who had given them so many laughs in her short little life..its really something watching how this all unfolded and I was pleased that my kids reached out to each other to comfort and show love at such a trying time..explaining death wasn't easy but necessary..we had a good talk and as the sun went down Camalee let her dad take Pumpkin away..
before the sun was even up Camalee had already shown tribute to her precious kitty..
and took these pictures to remember..I'm in awe of my children..it feels like we might be doing ok..thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

2011-07-14T17:52:00.000-07:00

Darling...your stunning!
image unknown

Something to do...

2011-07-05T17:58:00.000-07:00

We have been enjoying one of these in the evenings around here..the kids ask each night..can we? and almost before its out of their mouth... we know it's a campfire..the chairs are left out in hopes of the next nights entertainment and we love it! When the day is done and the wind dies down, it's time to head out and build a fire. Grab the marshmallows, gram crackers, peanut butter and chocolate bars..maybe even some hot dogs if someone is a little hungry still..coffee in hand we settle in and start little chit chats among ourselves about the day..start bantering about who did what or what not's and off we go.. stories and giggles, talks about the Lord come to the surface..things are tough our there in the big ol' world and there is something pure about sitting and sharing what one thinks about things together..I love getting to know my kids..even though we have only had the youngest ones with us some of the times.. it is wonderful so share this part of the day together..its a relaxed and loving place to be and I can't wait for the next one..even though my black hair beckons the most smoke to come live in it and I have to wash it and look a little frizzier that usual... its is a joy! So, if your looking for something to do..you don't have to leave home..just build a nice little campfire and relax..you will love it! hugs and thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

Land of the Free! Home of the Brave!

2011-07-04T13:35:00.000-07:00

National Anthem

of the
United States of America

Lyrics by Francis Scott Key :

First Verse

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say, does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Second Verse

On the shore, dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream;
'Tis the Star-Spangled Banner, O long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Third Verse

Oh, thus be it ever when free men shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation!
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto, "In God is our trust"
And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

graphicfairy and patrioticsongsand hymns

pretty little garden gift

2011-06-28T16:34:00.000-07:00

Easy peezee kids craft..cant figure out where I found this...I think a "green" blog..but anyway thought it is a great way to share gardening with the kids..its looking like another year of dreaming about a real one..hmmmm oh well..a pot, a plant and an old plastic bottle or glass if you can get one cut..great gift too..cute right?...thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie
p.s. if you know where i found this let me know i wanna give credit where credit is do..Thanks Debra! go here to see more!

paper doily craft..summer is here!

2011-06-21T19:26:00.000-07:00

Country living presents..

Turn paper doilies into drink umbrellas

To re-create these adorable accents by blogger Olivia Kanaley (afieldjournal.blogspot.com), cut a two-inch- diameter circle out of card stock.

Using a glue stick, paste the circle to the solid center of a four-inch doily (for similar, $3.39 for 12; www.sugarcraft.com). Cut the doily from one edge to the center and bend it into a cone, with the card stock circle on the underside; secure the cut ends with a glue stick. Hot-glue a wooden skewer (75 cents for 100; amazon.com) to the umbrella’s underside, then hot-glue a 1⁄4-inch button plug (15 cents each; widgetco.com) on top.

Read more: Easy Crafts Ideas- Summer Activties - Country Living

GENIUS!!!! Summer is here!! Thanks for stopping by!! Stephanie

AAAAACHOOOOO!

2011-06-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

Allergies..gonna go lay my swollen head down...ugh... hope your Friday is better than mine! love ya mean it! Stephanie

Please pray!

2011-06-14T18:53:00.000-07:00

Praying for our Pastor Ron's son... Denton, who is only 16..he has been diagnosed with acute leukemia and has been taken directly in for chemo..will you join us as we lift him up in prayer to the ultimate healer, our Heavenly Father, who knows all things! May His hand be on this family during such a difficult time! Thank you my friends! love you! mean it! Stephanie

happy friday!

2011-06-09T13:57:00.000-07:00

Looking for adventure..don't know if they would take a youngster like me but if I could I would!

sisters on the fly

worn and useful...

2011-06-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

There is something about this that I love..the colors are so attractive to me..the worn finish and the usefulness of the things we see...its weird that a photo like this gets my heart to pitter patter..
imageelledecorating

This with coffee...would be perfect! Dont ya think?

2011-06-08T07:45:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite mags is Beautiful Life..I think I have talked about this awhile ago..but truly it has the classiest pictures and ideas...

This place mat is gorgeous to me... the simple flower and ribbon..in Christ we are woven together..beautiful..
the photos, along with scripture, give me such a visual..the meaning is clear...

Now, I just have to get it sent to my house...ahh...maybe someday..Thanks for stopping by! love ya! mean it! Stephanie

RSVP and the Economy

2011-06-06T09:08:00.000-07:00

RSVP's have been something that has been debated and debated..what is it and why should I or you do it? I have been thinking about how important this topic is right now with the economy in the shape that it is..and now more than ever I truly respect this form of communication..I have hosted parties, seminars and events and have tried this form of communication with my guest as a way of being able to serve my guests better..you see when I have a party or event and invite you..I really want to take as good of care of you as I can...so by answering my RSVP..you make that possible for me..I want you to feel acknowledge and seen..that you are valued and loved..and by using the RSVP system it really allows for that care.. regarding the economy and being good stewards, I can see this as another befit to the hostess..we all know that throwing a party can be costly..and by being responsible and responding whether you will attend or not can really be helpful in keeping cost down and even allowing another guest to be invited if you cannot make it..some parties and event are dictated by how many guests will be invited and with that knowledge a budget is given and the party planned..in these times...a budget is very important ..I think of weddings, showers, and parties that are getting out of control with budgets limits and I cringe to think how much money could have been saved with just a simple yes or no to the attendance of that event..if we each do our part and RSVP we can be good stewards and make planning for the host a joy instead of a headache..below I looked up the meaning of RSVP and thought... wow..that's easy enough..

This tip should help hosts and guests alike, because there seems to be a lot of confusion about the meaning of the term RSVP.

Lack of RSVPs - A Growing Problem

I hear more and more often, and have found in my personal experience, that hosts often do not receive receive responses to invitation that tell them whether guests plan to attend their parties, even if an RSVP is clearly requested. This could mean either one of two things. First it could mean that rudeness is a growing trend in our society. Or, as I would prefer to believe, people no longer understand what the term means. Assuming the best, and that the reason guests don't RSVP to an invitation is a case of ignorance, not rudeness, I will clarify this for the record.

What RSVP Means

The term RSVP comes from the French expression "répondez s'il vous plaît", meaning "please respond". If RSVP is written on an invitation it means the invited guest must tell the host whether or not they plan to attend the party. It does not mean to respond only if you're coming, and it does not mean respond only if you're not coming (the expression "regrets only" is reserved for that instance). It means the host needs a definite head count for the planned event, and needs it by the date specified on the invitation.

Why It's Inconsiderate to Not RSVP

An incomplete list of respondents can cause numerous problems for a host including difficulty in planning food quantities, issues relating to minimum guarantees with catering halls, uncertainty over the number of party favors and difficulties in planning appropriate seating, among other things.

So the next time you see RSVP on an invitation you receive, please call your host and respond promptly. (About.com)

So what do you think about this topic? I would love to hear! thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

image unknown

Party outside!

2011-06-03T14:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday Friends!!! I am soooo excited about this weekend! It's gonna be so sunny and nice outside and we are throwing ourselves into the yard with clean up, mowing and all kinds of good things!!! I want to have the best summer ever this year at our humble little home so I have lots of plans and I'm hoping to figure out my new camera and start posting some of my own photos again..this photo is from Country Living... I'm in love with this ideas! I picked up a free wheelbarrow last year that had holes in the bottom..I was gonna use it for plants and I may still but now, I'm thinking about pulling it out for this cute little party idea! Hope you all have a great weekend! Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

Introducing.. Shoppe on the Corner

2011-05-30T11:59:00.000-07:00

Introducing....

My beautiful, stunning, cousin Donna (on the right) with her wonderful business partner Sabrina!! They opened the Shoppe on the Corner in Watertown, SD .....a whimsical boutique that features darling little girls clothing, vintage pieces of chippy treasures and furniture pieces...

Congratulations to these creative and talented ladies! And may God bless you!!! Please hit their website and tell them I set ya! Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

What is home birdy?

2011-05-23T15:48:00.000-07:00

Spring showers and birdhouses..I love birdhouses..can you imagine what a bird even thinks when they enter into something so fancy as this?The mod bird= so sophisticated and posh

The simple and no fuss birdy

The oh- so- natural bird

Down home and traditional

And my favorite=on the go birdy

Have a good one love ya mean it Stephanie
image flickr

cleaning..

2011-05-20T17:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday friends! I have plans of getting dirty in the barn this weekend..figure if I say it and put it out there... I will have to do it! Lots of things to go through and hopefully I'm going to get some garage sale items figured out..that sounds so overwhelming... but it is necessary... so off I will go..what will be your plans this fine weekend? Hope you have a great time no matter what you end up doing!! love ya mean it! Stephanie
imagecountryliving

When your feet hit the floor...

2011-05-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

Be the kind of woman that

when your feet hit the floor each morning,

the Devil says "Oh crap, she's up!"

I heard this quote and laugh so hard..yes! Put on God's whole armor that you may be able successfully to stand up against all the strategies and the deceits of the devil. Eph. 6:11

I need this reminder that with God all things are possible! I am not alone! He will not give up 'til my feet land in glory! Be strong and carry on even in the face of struggles, addictions, trials, injustice! And thank Him ....for each new day that you can begin again! I love ya! I mean it! Stephanie
imageunknown

Inspired!

2011-05-09T15:31:00.000-07:00

The day after Mother's day....I did this..for my family..it smells good in here..my kids are gonna love it..Danny already had some...and he LOVES me..funny what flowers and cards inspire..am I right? Love ya mean it! Stephanie

2011-05-07T14:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day weekend!

imagephotobcket

Fostering closeness in your family..

2011-03-04T09:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday!! What are some activities you do with your family to foster cooperation and appreciation in your home? I find it encouraging and even hopeful (lol) to hear how others come up with ideas to bring the families closer..In this day and age we sure need to be vigilant in this area ..am I right? I hope you have a glorious weekend! thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie
imagebellanote

Reckless fun for "perfect" people!

2011-03-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

Is this white stuff getting to ya? Have you gotten beyond the "romance" of it? Are the kids off school and you are wondering why? Has your day been interrupted by it? Do you have wet boots and more laundry than usual? Are you out of ideas for kids crafts and making forts in the living room and need a break? Well. IF you are..I have a nice little "big girl" adventure for you! A little black book that can take anything you give it..because it wants you to..

I found this book awhile ago and I LOVE IT!!!! Do you feel guilt when you fold the corner of a book page to mark where you are reading? Well, if so, your gonna be sooo naughty.. library rules are out and librarian's are catching their breaths everywhere..you are gonna WRECK this book!

your gonna scrub pages off..

write a word over and over..

drag this book on the ground mind you!..

And become secretive ..and creative...

And on top of that you get to make coffee spills and it's ok!!! Yes, I know!!! My hearts- a- fluttering right now!!! Is yours?

I challenge you to grab this book and really find out how "perfect" you have tried to be..isn't that interesting and reckless at the same time? This is a creative experience for ANYONE!!!!! You don't have to be an artist to do it!..I would love to start a series where we do this book together and share our thoughts on what we discovered..would you be interested? Lets open this for discussion..anyone who is interested..please leave a comment and we can see if its is something we can do together! Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

images amazon

Spring in your mouth!!

2011-02-28T08:45:00.000-08:00

Fresh basil is AMAZING!! It's like spring in your mouth! And since its snowing or raining somewhere today.. I think I will share my absolute favorite snack ....that I could live on..... if needed!! So here goes..

Fresh, grape tomatoes, cut in half..

Fresh basil...

Fresh mozzarella..

and cracked pepper Triscuits crackers..

So.... I take a cracker, layer a sliver of fresh mozzarella on top and gingerly add a beautiful piece of fresh basil across it and top off with a grape tomato sliced in half and take a deep breath people.... spring it here!!! At least for today.... Happy Monday!!

Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

images flickr

If I could and caramel popcorn..

2011-02-25T11:17:00.000-08:00

When I asked "If you could"..I actually had to think for a few days before I could really answer that question myself..I still don't know if I have an answer! There are so many things that I would want to give them and when I think about it.. I would give them each something different.. mainly, I would give them discernment...the world is a scary place and it can be really hard to live above the influence of the world surrounding them ..I know it is a battlefield for me at times and I am a young, healthy 30 something! lol Thank you for sharing your "if I could's" I love each of the answers as they spoke to me too..what a mom wouldn't give to their children..and we can!! Being Mom..it's the best gift you can give! Caramel popcorn recipe

for the weekend!!

Ingredients
3 (3.5 ounce) packages microwave popcorn, popped
2 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup corn syrup
1 cup butter
1 (5 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

Directions
Place the popcorn in a large bowl. Shake and toss the bowl to make the unpopped kernels go to the bottom; discard.

In a sauce pan over medium-high heat, cook the brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter, stirring constantly. Heat to 270 to 290 degrees F (132 to 143 degrees C), or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms hard but pliable threads. Remove from the heat, and carefully pour in the can of condensed milk; stir until smooth.

Pour 1/4 of the caramel at a time over the popcorn, stirring until all of the popcorn is covered. Cool at least 10 minutes before serving..

Have a great weekend everyone!!! love ya mean it! Stephanie

If you could....

2011-02-23T15:33:00.000-08:00

If you could give your child one thing nonmaterial what would it be?

image southern living

It's all about the B..

2011-02-21T17:12:00.000-08:00

Today is all about "b" for break..

chicken soup on the stove

all my chicks at home

poor sick hubby who needs t.l.c

did my bible studies

snuggled in bed

loving the day off...

Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

image bell note

wise words.. to good to tuck away..

2011-02-19T16:11:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share a comment that I received from Julie.. Stephanie,Just checking in to say a BIG thank you for all of the work and effort and time you have taken to post EVERY day for us to participate in this wonderful exercise on Love and Marriage and Commitment. Sure can make a girl think...and I for one am grateful. It was hard sometimes because of my current circumstances, but hubby is flying back in for a whole week, so all the ones I could not do because he wasn't here...well...they will be accomplished this week. Looking forward to it. I shall continue to do this Dare for my marriage. I told Dianna that I was going to make my own personalized LOVE DARE booklet/journal to match my marriage specifically, and try to just keep the effort going. Selfishness to Selflessness..sounds like the formula for a Happily Ever After...And of course Releasing Expectations of any returns back to me...doing it simply because I know it is a GOOD thing. It is GOD thing. God will take care of me where any gaps occur on my husband's part unintentionally. After all, he's a man....different...NOT wrong.**The one thing that has left a large impression in my heart is that whatever little things my man does that rub me the wrong way...are rubbing on me for a reason..to CHANGE me. God wants me to change from the RUB. When I change, I think I will see a change in my man. God always works upside down from the way we do. :-) And I can certainly motivate, inspire, encourage, model and "helpmeet" him along the way. Whatever is CAUGHT by my example of love, will be extremely more profitable than what is poorly or wrongfully TAUGHT by my words or verbal pressure or nagging... yes?! Thanks so much again Stephanie. (had comp. technical problems lately and haven't left comments.) Hugs to you!! Joy and Happiness on your Marriage Journey.

Is this not the reason for sharing out loud? The blessings keep coming every day as I read comments and see friends that have "dared to be dared" in their marriages..I love that Julie was inspired to be a the "help meet" her husband deserves and I quote "Whatever is caught by my example of love, will be extremely more profitable than what is poorly or wrongfully taught by my words or verbal pressure or nagging"..WOW..good stuff! Thanks Julie for sharing and I hope your not embarrassed by my sharing your comment..but I felt it was to good to be tucked away in the comment section! Hugs to each and everyone of you and thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

A huge thank you to Lisa, Dianna and Karen and Connie Lou who were consistent commenter's ..you ladies are the best!!

Visit my friends blogs that are highlighted in blue! enjoy!

love dare. day 40. love is a covenant..

2011-02-17T16:36:00.000-08:00

It is finally here..the very last dare..looking back I can really see the benefits of being brave, willing and teachable..I have learned things about myself and Danny that I may not have gotten to for years..giving from a place of love can be so rewarding..we have enjoyed each other at a different level and it is soooo good!! A big thanks to all of you for following along even if you didn't comment, I appreciate that you came and visited my blog..it means alot..so, take a deep breath and be glad.. I hope you have been as blessed as I have.. Day 40

Where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. -Ruth 1:16

Love is a covenant

Today's dare

Write out a renewal of your vows and

place the in your home. Perhaps, if appropriate, you could make arrangements to formally renew your wedding vows before a minister and with family present. Make it a living testament to the value of marriage in God's eyes and the high honor of being one with your mate.

Questions for you:

What has God revealed to you during this Love Dare?
How have your views of your marriage changed?
How committed are you to God and to your spouse?
Who can you share this with as a testimony?

I hope you will share all that you have recieved from doing the love dare..and thanks for stopping by! Love ya! Mean it! Stephanie

image stephanie fay photography/ book excerpts from the "love dare" by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare. day 39..love endures...

2011-02-16T19:26:00.000-08:00

Day 39

love never fails.-1 Corinthians 13:8

Love endures

Today's dare

Spend time in personal prayer, then write a letter of commitment and resolve to your spouse. Include why you are committing to this marriage until death, and that you have purposed to love them no matter what. Leave it in a place that your mate will find it.

Questions for you:

What were some of the hesitations you had in writing this letter?
How do you expect you spouse to respond to it?
How did God help you in writing it, and what did the process teach you about yourself?

Tomorrow is the last day of our love dare..hard to believe, but true..the last two dares are so beautiful..I think you will enjoy this and will feel very happy that you stuck it out..I know at times it became very challenging..it is worth it..thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it Stephanie

image southern living/ book excerpts from the "love dare" by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare. day 38. love fulfills dreams..

2011-02-15T16:15:00.000-08:00

Two posts in one day..whew! can you handle it? I think so!!! Day 38

Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.-Psalms 37:4

Love fulfills dreams

Today's dare

Ask yourself what your mate would want if it was obtainable. Commit this to prayer, and start mapping out a plan for meeting some(if not all) of their desires, to whatever level you possibly can.

Questions for you:

What has made you resistant to fulfilling your mate's desires in the past?
How would it change your relationship if they knew their dreams were a priority to you?
What desires are you attempting to meet?

2 days left!!!! I cant believe it!!! thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

image unknown/book excerpts from the "love dare" by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare. day 37. love agrees in prayer..

2011-02-15T08:09:00.000-08:00

Wow..I had such a busy busy day yesterday..I hope you can forgive me as I didn't get the chance to post last night..so as today is a new day..lets begin fresh.... Day 37

If two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father.-Matthew 18:19

Love agrees in prayer

Today's dare

Ask your spouse if you can begin praying together. Talk about the best time to do this, whether it's in the morning, your lunch hour, or before bedtime. Use this time to commit your concerns, disagreements, and needs before the Lord. Don't forget to thank Him for His provision and blessing. Even if your spouse refuses to do this, resolve to spend this daily time in prayer yourself.

Questions for you:

What can you do to help your mate be willing for the two of you to begin praying together?
If you agreed to pray together what was it like?
What did you learn from it?

I love this dare..Tell me if you pray together how that came about..did you always pray together? I have several times asked my sweet man to pray with me..but he becomes so uncomfortable, to do it out loud is hard for him..I respect him, I know that he is a praying man and it is enough for me..I am so thankful for a praying husband and knowing that we pray whispers for each other all day, I would say we love and agree in prayer..I hope you all had a beautiful valentines day! Did you tell your loved one about this dare yet? What was the response? thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

image country living/ book excerpts from the "love dare" by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare. day 36. Love is God's Word..

2011-02-13T21:04:00.000-08:00

Day 36

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.-Psalm 119:105

Love is God's Word

Today's dare

Commit to reading the bible every day. Find a devotional book or other resource that will give you some guidance. If your spouse is open to it, see if they will commit to daily bible reading with you. Begin submitting each area of your life to it's guidance and start building on the rock.

Questions for you:

What parts of your life are in the greatest need of God's counsel?
Where do you feel that most susceptible to failure?
What are you asking God to show you through His Word?

Well, it looks like our dare will be done this week..a little after Valentines day..I have been so blessed by your thoughts and hearing about your marriages..truly its been an honor..Lets make this week count! I hope you will take the opportunity to share with your spouse that you have been doing this dare and that you can finish it together..God bless you and thanks for being a part of this with me...Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

image southern living/ book excerpts from the "love dare" by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare. day35. Love is accountable..

2011-02-12T19:08:00.000-08:00

Day 35

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.-Proverbs 15:22 NIV

Love is accountable

Today's dare

Find a marriage mentor-someone who is a strong Christian and who will be honest and loving with you. If you feel that counseling is needed, then take the first step up an appointment. During this process, ask God to direct your decisions and discernment.

Questions for you:

Who did you choose?
Why did you select this person?
What do you hope to learn from them?

Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

image unknown/book excerpts from the "love dare" by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare. day 34. Love Celebrates Godliness..

2011-02-11T19:14:00.000-08:00

Day34

(love) does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth.- 1Corinthians 13:6

Love celebrates godliness

Today's dare

Find a specific, recent example when your spouse demonstrated Christian character in a noticeable way. Verbally commend them for this point today.

Questions for you:

What examples did you choose to recognize?
How many other ways could you celebrate their growth in godliness?
How could you encourage them to preserver in it?

This is such a neat dare..thinking about Danny demonstrating Christian godliness and character is easy...it comes so natural to him..I love that man for it! I am thanking God for a closer look at the man he gave me! Wow! I'm impressed Lord!

Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

image Stephanie Fay photography/ book excerpts from Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare.day 33. love completes each other..

2011-02-10T20:08:00.000-08:00

Day 33

If two lie down together they keep warm, but how can be warm alone?-Ecclesiastes 4:11

Love completes each other

Today's dare

Recognize that your spouse is integral to your future success. Let them know today that you desire to include them in your upcoming decisions, and that you need their perspective and counsel. If you have ignored their input in the past, admit you oversight and ask them to forgive you.

Questions for you?

What are some upcoming decisions you can make together?
What did you learn today about the role of your mate?

I can hardly believe we are here at dare #3!! WOW!! Well done!! We can do this!!! Thanks for stopping by! Love ya mean it! Stephanie

image garden party/book excerpts from the "love dare" by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare. day 32. love meets ...

2011-02-09T20:22:00.000-08:00

yikes..dare 32..blushing..blushing..blushing**** Day 32

The husbands must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband.-1 Corinthians 7: 3

Love meets sexual needs

Today's dare

If at all possible, oh help me..the book says this..ok here it is..If at all possible, try to initiate sex with your husband or wife today...there i said it..ohmylanta..Do this in a way that honors what you spouse has told you(or implied to you) about what they need sexually. Ask God to make this enjoyable for both of you as well as a path to greater intimacy....oh mylanta..why didn't i just say the 39 day dare? lol

No questions ..

Thanks for stopping by..

Love ya mean it..Stephanie *blush*

image country living/ book excerpts from the "love dare" by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare. day 31. love and marriage..

2011-02-08T21:11:00.000-08:00

Yikes! I almost didn't get time to post! I cant have that! We are on a roll!!! day 31

A man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.-Genesis2:24

Love and marriage

Today's dare

Is there a "leaving" issue you haven't been brave enough to conquer yet? Confess it to your spouse today, and resolve to make it right. The oneness of your marriage is dependent upon it. Follow this with a commitment to your spouse and to God to make your marriage the top priority over every other human relationship.

Questions for you:

Has this been a hard thing for you to deal with?
How has it affected your relationship?
If the worse offender in this area is your spouse(with your in- laws), how can you lovingly move toward a better situation?

I love my in laws! They have been so good to me! I'm very fortunate! Can you believe we are almost done with the love dare? wow! What a trip! Your all doing great job! I love reading about you..you inspire me!! thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

image unknown but lovely!/ book excerpts by the "love dare" by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare. day 30. love brings unity..

2011-02-07T21:22:00.000-08:00

Day30

Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have forgiven Me, that they may be one even as We are.-John 17:11

Love brings unity

Today's dare

Isolate one area of division in your marriage, and look on today as a fresh opportunity to pray about it. Ask the Lord to reveal anything in your own heart that is threatening oneness with your spouse. Pray that He would do the same for them. And if appropriate, discuss this matter openly, seeking God for unity.

Questions for you:

Did the Lord open your eyes to anything new that might be giving fuel to this point of disagreement?
How do you intend to respond?
What do you hope to see God do in your spouse as well?

I'm sorry.. I don't have alot of time..its late and I'm really tired..we are almost there! Keep going no matter what tries you..be encouraged you will be rewarded with blessings beyond measure! Thanks for stopping by love ya mean it! Stephanie

image stylemepretty/book excerpts from the love dare by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare. day 29. love's motivation..

2011-02-06T21:56:00.000-08:00

I am so moved by you ladies and how serious you have been taking this dare..sharing what you are going through is very inspiring..thank you! I am honored to be a small part of your walk..stay strong in the Lord! day 29

Render service with a good attitude, as to the Lord not to men.

Love's motivation

Today's dare

Before you see your spouse again today, pray for them by name and for their needs. Whether it comes easy for you or not, say "I love you," then express love to them in some tangible way. Go to God in prayer again, thanking Him for giving you the privilege of loving this special person-unconditionally, the way He loves both of you.

Questions for you:

How will this change of motivation affect your relationship and reactions?
What does this inspire you to do?
What does it inspire you to stop doing?

Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

image joyfolie/book excerpts from the "love dare" by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare. day 28. love makes sacrifices...

2011-02-05T18:18:00.000-08:00

Day28

He laid down His life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers.- 1 John 3:16

Love makes sacrifices

I just want to point out something a little funny to me...in the book it asks...Is he hungry? (sexually) Is she thirsty? (needing time and attention) Do people die from thirst or hunger first? just wondering..hehee.. Sorry... does he feel like a stranger? (insecure in his work needing home to be a refuge?) Is she naked? (frightened or ashamed needing covering of your loving affirmation?) is he sick? (physically tired?) does she feel in prison?(needing safety and intervention?)

Today's dare

What is one of the greatest needs in your spouse's life right now? Is there a need you could lift from their shoulders today by a daring act of sacrifice on your part? Whether the need is big or small, purpose to do what you can to meet the need.

Questions for you:

How much of your mates stress is caused by your lack of concern or initiative?
When you express a desire to help, how did they receive it?
Are there other needs you could meet?

Congratulations on your efforts this far! Keep your chin up! Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

image unknown/ book excerpts from the "love dare" by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare. day 27. love encourages...

2011-02-04T19:49:00.000-08:00

I am loving this! Ladies, thank you for sharing your experiences with us! Julie..you have very wise words that are really true..we are being changed for the better! Day 27

Guard me soul and deliver me; do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in you.-Psalm 25:20

Love encourages

Today's dare

Eliminate the poison of unrealistic expectations in your home. Think of one area where your spouse has told you your expecting to much, and tell them your sorry for being so hard on them about it. Promise them you'll seek to understand, and assure them of your unconditional love.

WOW! WOW! WOW! Great stuff right?

Questions for you:

When you place high expectations on your spouse that they don't feel internally motivated to attain, what does that tell you about your self?
What are better ways to deal with these disconnects?

Thank you all so much for coming every day and doing this dare! I wait all day to see how your doing..and feel like everyday I'm learning something new about myself too. thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

image Stephanie fay photography/ book excerpt from the "love dare" by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare. day 26. love is responsible..

2011-02-03T17:46:00.000-08:00

Day 26

When you judge another, you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the same things.-Romans 2:1

Love is responsible

Today's dare

Take time to pray through your area of wrong doing. Ask for God's forgiveness, then humble yourself enough to admit them to your spouse. Do it sincerely and truthfully. Ask your spouse for forgiveness as well. No matter how they respond, make sure you cover your responsibility in love. Even if they respond with criticism, accept it by receiving it as counsel.

Questions for you:

What does your mate need to see in order to believe that your confession was more than just words?
Hey, has your husband made any comments about wondering what has been different about you yet?

I have been hanging in there..learning new things about myself that are hard to look at..but praying for change in heart to give my best to the Lord and to my husband..the dares can be personal and hard..that's ok..we are being molded..and that hurts but it is good! Thanks for sharing and for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

image unknown/ book excerpts from the "love dare" by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare. day 25. love forgives..

2011-02-02T19:52:00.000-08:00

Day 25

What I have forgiven, if I have anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ.-2 Corinthians 2:10

Love forgives

Today's dare

Whatever you haven't forgiven in your mate, forgive it today. Let it go. Just as we ask Jesus to "forgive us our debts" each day, we must ask Him to help us "forgive our debtors" Each day as well. Unforgiveness has been keeping you and your spouse in prison too long. Say from your heart, "I choose to forgive."

Questions for you:

What did you forgive your spouse for today?
How long have you been carrying the weight of it?
What are the possibilities now that you've released this matter from God?

I have a question too. Has your spouses been wondering whats up with you lately? Have they noticed the changes? Would love to hear! I just want to say your all so faithful..God be with you again today.Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

image Stephanie Fay photography/ book excerpt from the"love dare" by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare. day 24. love vs. lust

2011-02-01T17:13:00.000-08:00

Day 24

The world is passing away, and also it's lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.-John 2:17

Love vs. Lust

Today's dare

End it now. Identify every object of lust in your life and remove it. Single out every lie you've swallowed in pursuing forbidden pleasure and reject it. Lust cannot be allowed to live in a back bedroom. It must be killed and destroyed-today- and replace with the sure promise of God and a heart filled with His perfect love.

Questions for you:

What did you identify as an area of lust?
What has the pursuit cost you over time?
How has it led you away from the person you want to be?

God be with you all my friends! Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

image country living/ book excerpt from the "love dare" by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare. day 23. love always protects..

2011-01-31T18:34:00.000-08:00

What can I say..we are on day 23! Resolve to be consistent my friends! That is becoming my motto..Resolve to be consistent! Day 23

(love) always protects.-1 Corinthians 13:7

Love always protects.

"Unfortunately your marriage has enemies out there. They come in many forms and use different strategies, but nonetheless they will conspire to destroy your relationship unless you know how to ward them off."

Harmful influences: Such as Internet and T.V. draining time from your family and keep you separated.

Unhealthy relationships: Friends who undermine your marriage do not deserve the title of friend.

Shame: Exposing your husband or wife's vulnerabilities in public..not cool.

Parasites: Addictions that suck the life out of your marriage such as gambling, drugs, pornography.

"The Bible speaks plainly here about the protective role. God warned "My flock has become prey...and food for all the beast of the field. How so? They lacked a shepherd. Not because they were too weak but because they didn't pay attention!"

Today's dare

Remove anything that is hindering your relationship, any addiction or influence that's stealing your affections and turning your heart away from your spouse.

Questions for you:

What did you throw out first?
Are there others that need to go as well?
What do you hope the removal of these things will do for you and your marriage, and your relationship with God?

Thank you to those of you who are doing this dare...and thanks for stopping by! Love ya Mean it! Stephanie

image unknown/ book excerpts from the "love dare" by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare. day 22. love is faithful..

2011-01-30T17:57:00.000-08:00

How are you doing? Hanging in there? Boy, this gets hard at times..while starting with good intentions is all good..life has a way of making things challenging..lol I have found that lack of time is our enemy! lol But I believe that taking what you do have and making it quality can make all the difference! Day 22

I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. Then you will know the Lord.-Hosea 2 :20

Love is faithful

Hosea the prophet completely has me in awe! "Against all logic and propriety, God instructed him to marry a prostitute. He wanted Hosea's marriage to show what Heaven's unconditional love looks like toward us"...this part of scripture is truly amazing because he went through so much with this woman and yet God called him to go and reaffirm his love for his wife despite what she was doing. Luke 6:27-28 says"Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." And in Luke 6:32-33 "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same."

Today's dare

Love is a choice, not a feeling. It is an initiated action, not a knee jerk reaction. Choose today to be committed to love even if your spouse has lost most of their interest in receiving it.. Say to them today in words similar to these, "I love you. Period. I choose to love you even if you don't love me in return.

Questions for you:

Why is this kind of love impossible without the love of Christ beating in your heart?
How does His presence within you enable you to love, even when it's primarily one-sided?

A big one this time..be encouraged! Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

image unknown book excerpts from the "love dare" by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare. day 21. Love is satisfied in God..

2011-01-29T19:42:00.000-08:00

Day 21

The Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire.-Isaiah 58:11

Love is satisfied in God

Today's dare

Be intentional today about making a time to pray and read your bible. Try reading a chapter out of proverbs each day(There are thirty-one-a full month's supply), or reading a chapter in the Gospels( Mathew, Mark, Luke and John). As you do, immerse yourself in the love and promises God has for you. This will add to your growth as you walk with Him.

Questions for you:

How do you think spending time daily with God will change your situation and perspective?
How can you make Him a bigger part of your day?

Don't give up! This takes dedication and I know it can be hard..do your best! I look forward to hearing from you!! Even if you didn't get a couple days done here or there..pick up and start here! thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

image unknown book excerpts from the "Love Dare" by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare. day 20. love is Jesus Christ..

2011-01-28T17:27:00.000-08:00

Day 20

While we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.-Romans 5:6

Love is Jesus Christ

Today's dare

Dare to take God at His Word. Dare to trust Jesus Christ for salvation.Dare to pray, "Lord Jesus, I am a sinner But you have shown your love for me by dying to forgive my sins, and you have proven your power to save me from death by your resurrection. Lord, change my heart, and save me by your grace.

Questions for you:

Write about what this experience has been like for you.
Even if you are only renewing your commitment to receive and express His love, what has He shown you today?

thanks for stopping by! off on a date! Love ya mean it! Stephanie

image stephanie fay/book excerpts from the "love dare" by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare. day 19. love is impossible..

2011-01-27T17:21:00.000-08:00

No dinner tonight..So I was unable to do this dare..oh, that's ok ..right? Danny is running late so another time I guess..I hope you were able to make a nice dinner for your man..so it is on to the next dare! yay!! Day 19

Let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.-1 John 4:7

Love is impossible

Today's day19

Look back over the dares from previous days. Were there some that seemed impossible to you? Have you realized your need for God to change your heart and to give you the ability to love? Ask Him to show you where you stand with Him, and ask for the strength and grace to settle your eternal destination.

Questions for you:

What do you believe God is saying to you?
Is there a stirring in your heart?
What decision have you made in response to this?

Enjoy! Thanks for stopping by! Love ya mean it! Stephanie

image country living/ book excerpts from the "love dare" by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare. day 18. love seeks to understand..

2011-01-26T17:14:00.000-08:00

Day 18

How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding.-Proverbs 3:13

Love seeks to understand

"If you miss the level of intimacy you once shared with your spouse, one of the best ways to unlock their heart again is by making a commitment to know them. Study them. Read them like a book your trying to understand.

Listen to them
Ask questions
Ask God for discernment

"By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge the rooms are filled with all the precious and pleasant riches" (Proverbs 24:3-4)

Today's dare

Prepare a special dinner at home, just for the two of you. The dinner can be as nice as you prefer. Focus this time on getting to know your spouse better, perhaps in areas you've rarely talked about. Determine to make it an enjoyable evening for you and your mate.

Questions for you:

What did you learn about your spouse that you didn't know before?
How could you continue this process of discovery in other ways at other times?
What were some of the moments that made this moment memorable?

Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

image unknown/ excerpts from the "love dare" by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare. day 17. Love promotes intimacy

2011-01-25T17:25:00.000-08:00

Prayer was easy for me today because Danny asked me too! hahaa He woke up and said "Will you pray for me today? I'm so stressed between school and having so little work.." I love that he knows I pray for him..many times he has said he felt them throughout the day..it feels like we are connected even while we are apart.. Day 12

He who covers an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.-proverbs 17:9

Is your marriage a safe haven to your spouse? Does your spouse trust that you have his or her back when trouble comes a calling?

" Marriage has unloaded another persons baggage into your life, and yours into theirs. Both of you have reason to feel embarrassed that this much has been revealed about you to another living soul. But this is your opportunity to wrap all this private information about them into a protective embrace of your love, and promise to be the one who can best help him or her deal with it."

"Some of these secrets may need correcting. Therefore, you can be an agent of healing and repair- not by lecturing and criticizing, but by listening in love and support.

"Some of these secrets need to be accepted. They are part of this person's make up and history. And though these issues may not be very pleasant to deal with, they always require a gentle touch."

Today's dare

Determine to guard your mate's secrets(unless they are a dangerous to them or to you) and to pray for them. Talk with your spouse and, resolve to demonstrate love in spite of these issues. Really listen to them when they share personal thoughts and struggles with you. Make them feel safe.

Questions for you:

How much of an effort is it for you to hold back from saying something, critical or otherwise?
What have you learned about your spouse today simply from listening?

God be with you! thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

image/ country living/ book excerpts from the "love dare" by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare. day 16. love intercedes

2011-01-24T13:25:00.000-08:00

I chose to honor Danny today by telling him how much I trust him...it means alot to me that he is acknowledged..he has been there for me as I made my way back from some trauma that I had experienced early in my life..he loved me through that and has made it possible for me to get the help I needed..he has worked extra hard to help me with trusting others and himself..I thank God he is a such a great helpmate to me.. Day 16

Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers-3 John 2

Love intercedes

This dare is about interceding on the behalf of your beloved...when we pray for our spouse we go humbly before the Lord with good intentions..turn your complaint into prayers..God can do a much better job at "changing" the heart of our spouse..pray for his heart, his attitude, his relationship with Christ..and then pray for your hearts desires- for love and honor to become the norm..

Today's dare

Begin praying today for your spouse's heart. Pray for three specific areas where you desire for God to work in your spouse's life and in your marriage.

Questions for you:

Have you experienced the power of prayer in the past?

What did you choose to pray about?

Was it easy for you or foreign to you?

Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

love dare. day 15. love is honorable

2011-01-23T13:51:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh...Love delights...beautiful....just like when we first set our eyes on our beloved..we are delighted to give and receive...and that is why is it so important to practice our next dare... Day 15

Love is honorable

"To honor someone means to give them respect and high esteem, to treat them as special and of great worth."

I love this ..listen up.."There is another word that calls us to a higher place, a word that isn't often equated with marriage, though its relevance cannot be understated, it's a word that actually forms the basis for honor- the very reason why we give respect and high regard to our husband or wife. That word is holy. Not perfection. But, set apart for a higher purpose. A person who has become holy to you has a place no one can rival in your heart. He or she is sacred to you, a person to be honore, praised and defended. Two become one in holy matrimony." Joining with the Lord...Beautiful.

"Is that the way it is in your marriage? Would your mate say you honor and respect them? Do you consider them set apart and highly valued? Holy?"

Today's dare

Choose a way to show honor and respect to your spouse that is above your normal routine. It may be holding the door for her. It might be putting his clothes away for him. It may be the way you listen and speak in your communication. show your mate that he or she is highly esteemed in your eyes.

Questions for you:

How did you choose to show honor?

What was the result?

What are some ways you could demonstrate honor in the coming days?

Well there ya have it..I have to share that my husband has been totally enjoying this love dare..he has known I'm doing it... so each day he looks for what I may do in the day to show my love for him..he has a sparkle in his eyes and had given back as much as he has been given.. the biggest compliment we have gotten has been from our kids who have thanked us for showing Christ love to them through our marriage. God Bless them babies of ours! And may you all love and honor each other.. therefore, honoring our Heavenly Father..thanks for stopping by! Love ya mean it! Stephanie

image country living/ excerpts from the "Love Dare" by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare. day 14. love takes delight..

2011-01-22T20:54:00.000-08:00

Day 14

Love takes delight

Enjoy life with the wife you love all the days of your fleeting life.-Ecclesiastes 9:9 hcbs

Today's dare

Purposefully neglect an activity you would normally do so you can spend quality time with your spouse. Do something he or she would love to do or a project they'd really like to work on. Just be together.

Questions for you:

What did you decide to give up?
What did you do together?
How did it go?
What new thing did you learn (or relearn) about your spouse?

Thanks for stopping by! I'm off to do something with my babe! love ya mean it! Stephanie

love dare. day 13. love fights fair..

2011-01-21T15:49:00.000-08:00

Love and fighting...love lets the other win and now we have to fight fair..hmmm.Now, here's a dare that will really have ya thinking! I'm going on a date with the love of my life and I'm pretty excited..however, there is always a little tension 'til we figure out where we are gonna go for dinner as I can only eat certain things which limits our selection..he usually tries to be accommodating bu,t I do feel for him, being that we have such few choices...so we compromise alot and manage to work out the little things..we haven't had any real issues that we cant work out somehow..it seems like we figured out a way to get through things that we can control..like our mouths and thoughts..somethings you cant control though and you have to find ways to be gracious and forgiving and move along..we have a pretty good handle on that..so I'm pretty proud of us! Not perfect, just a good handle on it..I'm gonna post the dare and get outta here..I love ya, but nothing is keeping from my love and our date! continue on! Day 13

If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. Mark3:25

The Love Dare says.. "We" boundaries are rules you both agree to before hand."

never mention divorce
never bring up old unrelated items from the past
never fight in public or in front of kids
call a "time out' if needed
never touch each other in a harmful way
never go to bed angry
failure is not an option..whatever it takes do it.

"Me" boundaries are boundaries you personally practice on your own:

I will listen before speaking (I'm seeing where the challenge is....lol)
I will look at the speck in my own eye first
I will speak gently and keep my voice down

Disagree with dignity people!

Today's dare

Talk with your spouse about establishing healthy rules of engagement. It your mate is not ready for this, then write out your own personal rules to "fight" by. Resolve to abide by them when the next disagreement occurs.

Questions for you:

If your spouse participated with you, what was their response?
What rules did you write for yourself?

Thanks for stopping by! Can't wait to hear how its going! Love ya mean it! Stephanie

image flickr/excerpts from the "Love Dare' by Stephen and Alex Kendrick

love dare. day 12. love lets the other win..

2011-01-20T17:35:00.000-08:00

Hey there! What!? Day 12 already! yeah! It is glorious thinking how marriages are growing stronger as the days go by! Cherishing our husbands are a gift to ourselves! And I can see your enjoying it! So, what does day 12 hold? let's see!

Day 12

Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others-Philippians 2:4

love lets the other win

"The Bible applies to us in one sentence summary statement: "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5)-the attitude of williness, flexibility, and humble submission. It means laying down for the good of others what you have the right to claim for yourself."

This speaks for itself..continue on to the dare!

Today's dare

Demonstrate love by willingly choosing to give in to an area of disagreement between you and your spouse. Tell them you are putting their preference first.

Questions for you:

What issue did you choose?
What did giving in cost you?
How will this help you in the future?

Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

image flickr/ book excerpts from the Love Dare by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare. day 11. love cherishes..

2011-01-19T18:12:00.000-08:00

Dear friends..I hope you are all doing well! How was dare 10 for you? I really loved it..an easy one for me..today I took some time to write a love note to Danny..he loved it! Now, I cant wait for dare 11! I'm gonna shorten my posts though ok? I'm taking to much time writing these things and want to just summarize the content a little more.. I really hate to do it.. but, I have to be realistic about my time.. I know you will understand! I wanna do a dare! How about you?

Day 11

Husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies-Ephesians 5:28

Love cherishes

I love this verse! "Husbands ought able to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it."

"This verse speaks to husbands, but notice how each member is viewed. Both are considered to be the same flesh. You must treat them with the same nurture as you treat yourself..when you show love to your spouse you show love to yourself. When you attack your mate you attack yourself."

"Realize that your spouse is as much a part of you as your hand, eye or heart. They need to be loved and cherished. If they have an issue with pain or frustration you need to care for these injuries as much as if it were a bodily issue."

"Don't let the culture around you determine the worth of your marriage. To compare it to something that can be discarded or replaced is to dishonor God' purpose for it."

Treat yourself (husband) with love today! Cherish and nourish him, you will feel great for it!

Today's dare

What need does your spouse have that you could meet today? Can you run an errand? give a back rub or foot massage? is there housework you could help with? Choose a gesture that says. "I cherish you" and do it with a smile.

Questions for you:

What did you choose to show that you cherish your mate?
What did you learn from this experience?

Don't become discouraged if your mate at times doesn't respond as you would like..remember that this is about becoming more loving even when you don't feel like it or they don't seem to deserve it! And please I want to add to this dare- I want you do do something nice for yourself today..take a walk, drink a special cup of coffee, spend a little time in the Word! Take care of you, so you can take care of him! love ya! mean it! Stephanie

image flickr /book excerpts from the Love Dare by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare /day 10/ love is unconditional

2011-01-18T19:06:00.000-08:00

Greetings my friends! I dont have alot of time tonight! So, here ya go! Love ya mean it! Day 10

God demonstrates hos own love towards us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.- Romans 5:8

Love is unconditional

Today's dare

Do something out of the ordinary today for your spouse-something that proves(to you and to them) that your love is based on your choice and nothing else. Wash her car, clean the kitchen, buy his favorite dessert. fold the laundry. demonstrate love to them for the sheer joy of being their partner in marriage.

Questions for you:

Has your love in the past been based on your spouses attributes and behavior,or on your commitment?
How can you continue to show your love when it's not returned in a way you hoped for?

Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

image unknown/ book excerpts from love dare alex and stephen kendrick

love dare/ day 9/ love makes good impressions..

2011-01-17T20:00:00.000-08:00

Mylanta! Was the last dare hard or what!?!? Writing the list about my husband..well,the positive was easy..the negative was worse that going to the dentist..I am gonna tell you, I wrote the positive with flourish and the negative in tiny letters ..I guess in hopes if i didn't write them in large letters they wouldn't really mean anything..it felt like a betrayal and I hated every minute of it..I wont lie.. the minute it was done I got rid of it..it triggered feelings that I didn't want to look at and I was crabby and unsure all day..So to be able to get rid of it was good for me..how about you? What did you learn? I know for sure that the only thing I wanna do is be his biggest fan! period.

Day 9

Greet one another with a kiss of love...-1 Peter 5:14

love makes good impressions

Learning to demonstrate aspects of love like patience, kindness, and encouragement are not always easy but are certainly crucial to a healthy relationship. So dealing with the way you greet your spouse each day may seem inconsequential, but this small issue carries surprising significance.

The Bible has more to say about greetings than you might expect. The apostle Paul took time to encourage his readers to greet one another warmly when they met. In fact, near the end of his letter to the Romans, he asked fellow believers to greet twenty -seven of his friends and loved ones for him. He even took time to list each other by name. Jesus noted in His Sermon on the Mount that even pagans speak kindly to people they like. This is easy for anyone one to do. But He took it a step further and said that being godly included being humble and gracious enough to address even your enemies with kindness.

What difference would it make in your spouse's day if everything about you expressed the fact that you were really, really glad to see them? When someone communicates that they are glad to see you, your personal sense of the self worth increases. You feel more valued and important. That's because a good greeting sets the stage for positive and healthy interaction. Like love, it puts wind in your sails...My aunt Naomi came here for my little sisters wedding..oh mylanta! She came running outta the car across the way yelling "look at all the beautiful, beautiful sisters together!" I can honestly say I was soooo touched!! I felt so loved and appreciated! Like the prodigal son who was greeted so lovingly by his father! What kind of greetings would make your mate feel like that? How could you excite his or her various senses with a simple word, a touch, a tone of voice? A loving greeting can bless your spouse through what they see, hear and feel.

It doesn't have to be bold and dramatic every time. But adding warmth and enthusiasm gives you a chance to touch your mates heart in a subtle unspoken way..this works on your kids too...I change my greeting and have had much happier teenagers around here! Love is a choice. So choose to change your greeting. Choose to love.

Today's dare

Think of a specific way you'd like to greet your spouse today. Do it with a smile and with enthusiasm. Then determine to change your greeting to reflect your love for them.

Questions for you:

When and where did you choose to do your special greeting?
How will you change your greeting from this point on?

Congratulations so far! I may post comments in the comment boxes for you so check in there too. Thanks for stopping by! love ya! mean it! Stephanie

image country living book excerpt Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare / day 8/ love is not jealous..

2011-01-16T13:56:00.000-08:00

Oh! love is in the air!! Glory to God for His great mercy and grace! That by His hands we are blessed and our hearts are filled with the love for our spouses! Granted, with the help of the Holy Spirit, may it always be so...as we cannot do this alone! Love believes the best...was yesterday's dare..I enjoyed this one as I do try to look at the positives about my hubby rather than dwell on the negative..I don't like to talk or think about Danny in a depreciating way..I have seen what it can do to marriages..it can kill love..I know what I am and if he can do that for me and overlook my negatives..well, I am his biggest fan! I want him to feel his best and know I support him no matter what (even when I disagree). I want to build him up! Not tear him down! What goes on with him is a reflection of me, I believe. I like that. Day 8... what you got for me? Day 8

Love is as strong as death, it's jealousy unyielding as the grave, It burns like blazing fire.-Song of Solomon 8:6 (NIV)

Jealousy comes from the root word for zeal and means "to burn with intense fire." The Scripture pointedly say, "Wrath is fierce and anger is a flood, but who can stand before jealousy?"

(Proverbs 27:4)

There are two forms of jealousy: a legitimate jealousy based upon love, and a illegitimate jealousy based upon envy. Legitimate jealousy sparks when someone you love, who belongs to you, turns his or her heart away and replaces you with someone else.

The Bible describes God as having a kind of righteous jealousy for His people. He is not envious of what we have (since he already owns all of that) It's that He deeply longs for us, desiring for us to keep Him as our first love. He doesn't want us to let anything take precedence over Him in our hearts. The Bible warns us not to worship anything but Him because "the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God" (Deuteronomy 4: 24)

With that established, we will shift our focus to the illegitimate kind of jealousy that is in opposition to love- the one that is rooted in selfishness. This is to be jealous of someone, to be "moved with envy".

Jealousy is a common struggle. It is sparked when someone else upstages you and gets something you want. This can be very painful depending how selfish you are. Instead of congratulating them, you fume in anger and think ill of them. If your not careful, jealousy slithers like a viper into your heart and strikes your motivations and relationships. It can poison you from living a life of love God intended.

If you don't diffuse your anger by learning to love others, you may eventually begin plotting against them. The Bible says that envy leads to fighting and quarreling, and every evil thing.(James 3:16, 4:1-2).

When you were married, you were given the role of becoming your spouses cheerleader and captain of his or her fan club. Both of you became one and were to share in the enjoyment of the other. But, if selfishness rules, any good thing happening to only one of you can be a catalyst for envy rather that congratulations.

Because love is not selfish and puts others first, it refuses to let jealousy in. It leads you to celebrate the successes of your spouse rather that resenting them. It is time to let love, humility and gratefulness destroy any jealousy that spring up in your heart. It's time to let your mate's success draw you closer together and give you greater opportunities to show genuine love.

Today's Dare

Determine to become your spouse's biggest fan and to reject any thoughts of jealousy. To help you set you heart on your spouse and focus on their achievements, take yesterday's list of negative attributes and discreetly burn it. Then share with your spouse how glad you are about a success he or she recently enjoyed.

Questions for you:

How hard was it to destroy the list?

What are some positive experiences that you can celebrate in the life of your mate?

How can you encourage them toward future successes?

I want to say before I go..please keep checking in here and sharing if you can, how things are going..remember even if there are things that are hard to do right now..do them anyway..if you need prayer please allow for others to pray for you..lets hold one another up and be blessed! thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it Stephanie

P.S. check back in the comments I may leave you special messages there!

image countryliving /book excerptsAlex and StephenKendrick

love dare/ day 7/ love believes the best..

2011-01-15T20:05:00.000-08:00

I have been so busy today that I almost forgot to post! Today was good. I know that stress is a real issue for me and it can throw me over the edge pretty fast. So just being conscience of it is helpful..I took a nap and feel back in the game! Are you ready for day 7? Day 7

(Love) believes all things, hopes all things.-1 Corinthians 13:7

Love chooses to believe the best about people. It gives them the benefit of the doubt. It refuses to fill in the unknowns with negative assumptions. And when our worst hopes are proven true, love makes every effort to deal with them and move forward. As much as possible, love focuses on the positive.

It's time to start thinking differently. It's time to let love lead your thoughts and your focus. Your spouse is a living, breathing, endless book to read. Dreams and hopes have yet to be realized. Talents and abilities may be discovered like hidden treasures. But the choice to explore them starts with a decision by you.

You must develop the habit of reining in your negative thoughts and focusing on the positive attributes of your mate. This is a crucial step as you learn to lead your heart to truly love spouse. It is a decision that you make weather they deserve it or not.

Today's Dare

For today's dare, get two sheets of paper. On the first one, spend a few minutes writing out positive things about your spouse. Then do the same with negative things on the second sheet. place both sheets in a secret place for another day. there is a different purpose and plan for each. At some point during the remainder of each day, pick a positive attribute from the first list and thank your spouse for having this characteristic.

Questions for you to answer:

Which list was easier to make?
What did this reveal about your thoughts?
What attribute did you thank your spouse for having?

This is a good dare! Blessings to each of you as you continue on in the love dare challenge! Love ya mean it! Stephanie

flickr image Alex and Stephen Kendrick book excerpt

love dare/ day 6/ love is not irritable

2011-01-14T15:03:00.000-08:00

What a day! I hope your all doing good..I am going to have to get back to you on how my dare #5 went..I am posting really early because I have so much going on today..I had to text my questions to Danny because I haven't seen him or talked to him except briefly on his breaks..and I wont be seeing him 'til later tonight on the way to a wedding..So we shall see..On we go! Day 6

He who is slow to anger is better that the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.-Proverbs 16:31

Love is not irritable

To be irritable means "to be near the point of a knife." not far from being poked. people who are irritable are locked, loaded and ready to overreact.

People become irritable for two key reasons: Stress. Which weighs you down , drains your energy, weakens your health, and invites you to be cranky. The other is selfishness. When your irritable, the heart of the problem is primarily a problem of the heart. Jesus said," Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34 nkjv)

Being easily angered is an indicator that a hidden area of selfishness or insecurity is present where love is supposed to rule. But selfishness also wears other masks:

Lust, for example is the result of being ungrateful for what you have and choosing to covet or burn for passion for something that is forbidden.When your heart is lustful, it will become easily frustrated and angered(James 4:1-3). Bitterness, takes root when you respond in a judgemental way and refuse to work through your anger. A bitter person's unresolved anger leaks out when he is provoked(Ephesians 4:31). Greed for more money and possessions will frustrate you with unfulfilled desires(1 timothy 6:9-10) coupled with dissatisfaction will make you lash out on anyone in your way. Pride leads you to act harshly in order to protect your ego and reputation.

These motivations can never be satisfied. But when love enters your heart, it calms you down and inspires you to quit focusing on yourself. it loosens its grasp and helps you to let go of unnecessary things.

Love will lead you to forgive instead of holding a grudge. To be grateful instead of greedy. to be content rather that rushing into more debt. Love encourages you to be happy when someone succeeds rather that being envious. Love says "share the inheritance" rather than "fight with your relatives." love ultimately lowers your stress and helps you release venom that can build up inside. It then sets up your heart to respond to your spouse with patience and encouragement rather than anger and exasperation.

Today's day

Choose today to react to tough circumstances in your marriage in loving ways instead of with irritation. Begin by making a list of areas where you need to add margin in your daily schedule. Then list any wrong motivations that you need to release from your life.

Questions for you to answer:

Where do you need to add margin in your life? (to reduce stress)
When have you recently overreacted?
What was your real motivation behind it?

You are all amazing me! Thank you for your comments it really inspires me! It takes me about an hour to do these posts! I have lots of kids who pop in and ask questions so it takes awhile to get it done..but it is worth it! Your worth it! Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

image who knows book excerpts Alex and Stephen kendrick

love dare / day 5 / Love is not rude..

2011-01-13T10:24:00.000-08:00

Hello! I am soooo enjoying this! And I can tell you are too! So, our dare was to do something thoughtful..I chose to call my sweetie and make plans with him in the evening..it built anticipation and really helped make the day go by..I try to do something helpful and thoughtful everyday..I believe it is a love language we both speak and it works. One thing he loves is when I dish up his dinner and bring it to him..he never asked me to, I just did it and when I saw how cared for he felt... I knew I had an easy way to please him everyday!
It makes me feel good to do something that helps him unwind from the day and feel at home when he gets here.

Day 5

He who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be reckoned a curse to him. -Proverbs 27:14

Love is not rude

Nothing irritates others as quickly as being rude. Rudeness is unnecessarily saying or doing things that are unpleasant for another person to be around. To be rude is unbecoming, embarrassing, or irritating. In marriage, this could be a foul mouth, poor table manners, or a habit of making sarcastic quips. Rude behaviour may seem insignificant to the person doing it, but it's unpleasant to those at the receiving end.

As always love has something to say about this. The bottom line is that genuine love minds it manners. good manners express to your wife or husband.."I value you enough to exercise some self-control around you. I want to be the person who's a pleasure to be with."When you allow love to change your behavior-even in the smallest ways- you restore an atmosphere of honor to your relationship. People who practice good etiquette tend to raise the respect level of the environment around them.

For the most part, etiquette you use at home is much different that the kind you employ with friends or even strangers. You may be barking or pouting around the house, but if that front door chimes, you open it all smiling and kind. Yet if you dare to love, you will also want to give your best to your own....I have a terrible memory when I didn't have self control and was yelling, I even said a swear and a friend of mine came into my home and "caught" me..I still cringe when I think of how humiliated I was that she saw my behaviour but more ashamed that I was treating my family to such an unbecoming part of myself..I am glad that God allowed that painful time to happen because it became a lesson for me I never want to repeat..Having habits like this can be hard to break..I am not perfect but in my heart I want desperately to be thoughtful of times when I become rude and to change my selfish way. If you don't make changes in your behaviour, the quality of your marriage will suffer for it.

There are two main reasons why people are rude:ignorance and selfishness. Neither, of course is a good thing. A child born of ignorance needs help with training..Adults on the other hand display their ignorance at another level. You know the rules, but you can be blind to how you break them or be to self-centered to care. In fact, you may not realize you are unpleasant to live with.

Treat yourself with these questions:

How does your spouse feel about the way you speak and act around them?

How does your behavior affect your mate's sense of worth and self esteem?

Would your husband or wife say your a blessing, or that your condescending and embarrassing?

If your thinking that your spouse- not you- is the one who needs work in this area, your likely suffering from a bad case of ignorance, with a secondary condition of selfishness. Remember, love is not rude but lifts you to a higher standard. Do you wish your spouse would stop doing the things that bother you? Then it's time to stop doing the things that bother them. Will you be thoughtful enough to discover and avoid the behavior that causes life to be unpleasant for your mate? Will you dare to be delightful?

Here are three guiding principles when it comes to practicing etiquette in your marriage:

Guard the Golden Rule: Treat your mate the same way you want to be treated. (see Luke 6:31)

No double standards. Be as considerate to your spouse as you are to strangers, co-workers and friends.

Honor requests. Consider what your husband or wife already asked you to do or not do. If in doubt, then ask.

Today's Dare

Ask your spouse to tell you three things (gulp) that cause him or her to be uncomfortable or irritated with you. You must do so without attacking them or justifying your behavior. This is from their perspective only.

Questions for you:

What things did your spouse point out about you that need your attention?

How did you handle hearing it?

What do you plan to do to improve these areas?

Listen, this is scary..don't I know it. But when we face things about ourselves we always learn and that's a good thing.. besides, our marriages benefit from it.. so its worth it. Your probably wonder why you got yourself into this..Be Brave! We knew it was gonna get hard..keep going! Do not give up because of fear or humiliation.! It is a tool of the enemy my friends..shine God's truth and light on and into those secret places..you will be blessed!! I look forward to hearing from you.. I love you! I mean it! Stephanie

imageflickr book excerpt Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare/ day 4 / Thougthfulness

2011-01-12T14:28:00.000-08:00

I am loving your comments ladies!! Your all doing great! Sounds like some wonderful things are happening! It is exciting for me to hear the details of what you doing! Good ideas..like Karen, I love that you left a message on the mirror! And Julie, nice going sending that picture message across the miles! Lisa, doing this on your daughter is excellent! As for me, today I hardly get to see my man so we have been talking on the phone when he gets breaks..its been great..I can tell in his voice that he is happy and excited to share his day..my attitude helps alot..he is feeling the support and that helps make all the sacrifice doable..giving of self feels great for everyone. Are you ready for the next dare? I am..lol Day 4

How precious also are your thoughts to me..How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.-Psalm 139:17-18

Love is thoughtful

When you first fell in love, being thoughtful came naturally. You spent hours dreaming of what your loved one looked like,wondering what he or she was doing, rehearsing impressive things to say, then enjoying sweet memories of the time you spend together, you honestly confessed,"I cant stop thinking about you."

But for most couples, things begin to change after marriage, the wife has her man; the husband has his trophy. The hunt is over and the pursuing done. You drift into focusing on you job, your friends, your problems, your personal desires, yourself. After awhile you unintentionally begin to ignore the needs of your mate. If you don't learn to be thoughtful, you end up regretting missed opportunities to demonstrate love. Thoughtlessness is a silent enemy to a loving relationship.

Lets be honest. Men struggle with thoughtfulness more that women. A man can focus like a laser on one thing and forget the rest of the world. Whereas this can benefit him in that one area, it can make him overlook other things that need his attention. A woman, on the other hand, is more multi-conscious, able to maintain an amazing awareness of many factors at once. She can talk on the phone, cook, clean house and know where the kids are all at once. Adding to this, a woman also thinks relationally.

Both of these are examples of how God designed women to complete their men. As God said at creation, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make a helper suitable for him."(Genesis 2:18) Don't ya love that we are suitable? But these differences also create opportunities for misunderstanding.

Men tend to think in headlines and say exactly what they mean.. But women think and speak between the lines. They tend to hint. A man often has to listen for what is implied if he wants the full meaning.If a couple doesn't understand this about one another, the fallout can result in endless disagreements. He is frustrated wondering why she speaks in riddles and doesn't just come out and say things. She is frustrated wondering why he is so inconsiderate and doesn't add two and two together and just figure it out. Oh mylanta!

Love requires thoughtfulness- on both sides- the kind that builds bridges through the constructive combination of patience, kindness, and selflessness. Love teaches you how to meet in the middle, to respect and appreciate how your spouse uniquely thinks. A husband should listen to his wife and learn to be considerate of her unspoken messages. A wife should learn to communicate truthfully and not say one thing while meaning another. But to often you become angry and frustrated instead, following the destructive pattern of "ready, shoot, aim." You speak harshly now and determine later if you should have said it. But the thoughtful nature of love teaches you to engage your mind before engaging your lips. Love thinks before speaking. It filters words through a grid of truth and kindness.

When was the last time you spent time thinking of how you could better understand and demonstrate love to your spouse? What immediate need can you meet? What is the next event (birthday, anniversary, holiday) can you be preparing for?

Today's Dare

Contact your spouse sometime during the business of the day. Have no agenda other than asking how he or she is doing and if there is anything you could do to help them.

Questions to answer:

What did you learn about yourself or your spouse by doing this today?
How could this become a more natural, routine, and genuinely helpful part of your lifestyle?

The photo I chose on this post is a example of how much care and thought we might put into a special event or time even our homes..what if we took this much care on our spouse? How beautiful it would be! A delight! I have assumed that only women are doing this dare..if there are men out there doing this..you rock! Hey, if you think this is something that your friends would enjoy post about it! Remind your followers too! Blessings to each of you! Love ya mean it! Stephanie

flickr image excerpts Alex and Stephen kendrick

love dare day 3

2011-01-11T16:53:00.000-08:00

What an amazing time we are having! You ladies are inspiring! Well done on your love dare! Today, my specific act of kindness was to bring Danny his favorite candy bar home. I had to stop and grab a few things from the store and in the checkout I thought "hey this would be unexpected" So I grabbed one up and was rewarded with a smile..love that. I do have to confess I was a bit tired today and felt cranky as the day went on..my dog has been barking for two days straight and I have become a bit edgy.. I found that I too was getting a bit snippy and once again caught myself grumbling about that "stupid dog". My hubby made a comment and I started to nip a bit and stopped..I realized that things that are out of my control are causing me to be unkind. wow! How often does this happen and I don't even realize it? Yes! This is working! I want to be honest here because if we all behaved as we should this dare wouldn't even be necessary... lol How often do we stop, really look and correct ourselves? I wonder how often we justify and don't "count" what we do but have no problem naming the faults of others? I raised my hand just so ya know! lol Dare 2- thank you..you taught me that things I cant control dont justify my being cranky..lol day 3

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.

Romans 12:10

Love is not selfish

"If there were ever a word that basically means opposite of love, it is selfishness. It is something that is in all of us from birth. Almost every sinful action ever committed can be traced back to selfish motive. It is a trait we hate in other people but justify in ourselves. Yet, you cannot point out the ways your spouse is selfish without admitting that you can be selfish too. That would be hypocritical.

Why do we have such a low standard for ourselves but high expectations for our mate? the answer is painful..we are all selfish.

When a husband puts his interests, desires and priorities in front of his wife, that's a sign of selfishness. When a wife constantly complains about the time and energy she spends meeting the needs of her husband, that's a sign of selfishness. But, "love does not seek it's own"(1 Corinthians 13:5)

Loving couples-those who are enjoying the full purpose of marriage are bent on taking good care of the other flawed human they get to share life with. That's because true love looks for ways to say "yes."

One ironic aspect of selfishness is that even generous actions can be selfish if the motive is to gain bragging rights or receive a reward. If you do even a good thing to deceitfully manipulate your husband or wife, you are still being selfish.....the bottom line is that you either make the decision out of love for others or love for yourself...

When you prioritize the well being of your mate, there is a resulting fulfillment that cannot be duplicated by selfish actions. This is a benefit that God created and reserves for those who genuinely demonstrate love. The truth is, when you relinquish your rights for the sake of your mate, you get a chance to lose yourself to the greater purpose of marriage.

Nobody knows you better than your spouse. And that means no one will be quicker to recognize a change when you deliberately start sacrificing your wants and wishes to make sure his or hers needs are being met.

"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conciet, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important that yourselves"(Philippians 2:3).

Today's dare

Whatever you put your time energy and money into will become more important to you. Its hard to care for something you are not investing in. Along with reastraning from negative comments, buy your spouse something that says" I was thinking of you today."

Sorry it took so long to post but I want to fill you in with how I am doing too! Blessings for your day! Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

flickrimage/book excerpts from Alex and Stephen Kendrick

love dare day 2

2011-01-10T17:05:00.000-08:00

I love it!!!! Thanks so much to you gals that are checking in to let me know how the first day of the love dare went!!!! Please anyone who wants to check in.. even to hold yourself accountable.. do it! I love, love, love to hear that your all being blessed!!! Today, I did good too..I found myself making a sarcastic remark and caught myself and we both laughed so hard!! Danny is giddy with all this attention he is getting..what a goof ..he already knows I'm doing this so half the fun is when I "catch" myself doing the dare! lol Day 2

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Chris also has forgiven you...Ephesians 4:32

Love is kind

"Kindness is love in action. The Bible keys in on the importance of kindness:"Do not let kindness and truth leave you: bind them around your neck,write them on the tablets of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man." Proverbs 3:3-4

Kindness in four basic core ingredients:

Gentleness: Operating from here, you tend to treat your spouse carefully. Your sensitive. Tender. Knowing even as you rebuke or challenge, you make it as easy to hear as possible. You speak truth in love.
Helpfulness:being kind means you meet the needs of the moment. Kindness graces the wife with the ability to serve her husband without worrying about her rights. kindness makes a husband curious to discover what his wife needs, then motivates him to be the one who steps up and ensures those needs are met- even if his are put on hold.
Willingess: Kindness inspires you to be agreeable. instead of being obstinate, reluctant or stubborn, you cooperate and stay flexible. A kind husband ends thousands of arguments by his willigness to listen first rather than demand his own way.
Initiative: Kindness takes the first step. Be the one to smile first, serve first, forgive first. Kindness doesn't require the other to get his or her act together before showing love.

Jesus creatively described the kindness of love in His parable of the Good Samaritan. When years of racism had caused strife and division, one act of kindness brought two enemies together, Gently. Helpfully. If it is difficult to demonstrate love when you feel little to no motivation. Remember love in its truest sense is not based on feelings rather, love determines to show thoughtful actions even when there seems to be no reward. you will never learn to love until you learn to demonstrate kindness..."

Today's Dare

In addition to saying nothing negative to your spouse again today, do at least one unexpected gesture as an act of kindness.

When you have complete today's dare answer these questions:

What discoveries about love did you make today?
What specifically did you do in this dare?
How did you show kindness?

There it is! Blessing to you all and thanks for stopping by! Love ya mean it! Stephanie

imageflickr /book excerpts from kendrick, Alex and Stephen

love dare. Day one

2011-01-09T12:52:00.000-08:00

I want to start this challenge with a few things to let you know how I am going to do each days dare. I will, on the night before each challenge, post the next days dare. So, todays dare was posted Sunday night. My motivation is to be done by, on, or near February 14, Valentines day. Even if you don't start on day 1, please feel free to join the dare at any time. Also, if you want to share how you are doing please do so in the comments as everyone can benefit and we can encourage each other as we go! DAY 1

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift if prophecy, and know all the mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.....1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Love is patient

Today is the first day of the Love Dare challenge. As we follow the book written by Stephen and Alex Kendrick we must acknowledge that we cannot do this on our own accord..but with the help of the Holy Spirit we are able to see ourselves as we are..sinners in need of grace. That is why patience is a perfect place to start...

Love will inspire you to become a patient person because you desire to be loved. We all do. It motivates us to go against our selfishness and be selfless. "Love always does what is best for others and can empower us to face the greatest of problems. When you choose to be patient, you respond in a positive way to a negative situation. You are slow to anger. You choose to have a long fuse instead of a short temper.Rather than being restless and demanding, love helps you to settle down and begin to show mercy to those around you. It is a choice to command your emotions rather than allowing your emotions to control you. Anger is usually caused when a strong desire for something is mixed with disappointment or grief. It is often and emotional reaction that flows out of our own selfishness, foolish or evil motives. (ouch. right?)

Patience, however, makes us wise. It doesn't rush to judgement but LISTENS to what the other person is saying. I like how the authors put it here: Patience stands at the doorway where anger is clawing to burst in, but waits to see the whole picture before passing judgement. Patience allows your spouse to be human. It understands that everyone fails. When a mistake is made, it chooses to give them more time than they deserve to correct it." I want to say here as a note that sometimes patience is letting go of your spouse and letting God do the work that is needed..some things take the power of God to fix and we can get in the way..being patient while the Lord takes over can be the challenge.. just to let go and let God!

So, moving on.."What would the tone and volume of your home be like if you tried this biblical approach: "See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another" 1 Thessalonians 5:15

"Few do patience well, and none of us do it naturally. But wise men and women will pursue it as an essential ingredient to their marriage relationship. That is a good starting point to demonstrate true love."

Today's dare

The first part of this dare is fairly simple. Although love is communicated in a number of ways, our words often reflect the condition of our heart. For the next day, resolve to say nothing negative to your spouse at all. If the temptation arises, choose not to say anything. It's better to hold your tongue than to say something you will regret.

When you have completed today's dare reflect on these questions:

Did anything happen today to cause anger towards your mate?
Were you tempted to think disapproving thoughts and let them come out in words?

Ok. The first step is always the bravest I say..I wish you the best as you take today's challenge..please share with us if you can how you did and what you learned..we can really encourage each as we take each day at a time..Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

imageflickr

take the love dare challenge!

2011-01-06T17:33:00.000-08:00

The Love Dare Challenge

Are you up for a dare? A love dare? I would like to host a Love Dare challenge every day until February 14! For forty days we will- with the guidance of the Love Dare book by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough, be challenged to commit one day at a time to enriching our marriage in a positive way..the challenge can be difficult on days where you feel like the last thing you wanna do is bless your man..however..it is a look at ourselves and how we impact our marriages on a daily basis...you may find out more about yourself than you ever realized..the first page in the book gives a warning..and here it is...

Receive this as a warning. This forty day journey cannot be taken lightly. It is a challenging and often difficult process, but an incredibly fulfilling one. To take this dare requires a resolute mind and a steadfast determination. It is not meant to be sampled or briefly tested, and those who quit early will forfeit the greatest benefits. If you will commit to a day at a time for forty days, the results could change your life and your marriage..consider it a dare, from others who have done it before you.

I love how the authors write "It will take courage. If you accept this dare, you must take the view that instead of following your heart, you are choosing to lead it. Jeremiah 17:9 says "the heart is more deceitful than all else"and it will always pursue what is right at the moment...this dare is not about changing your spouse rather, this is a journey of exploring and demonstrating genuine love, even if your desire is dry and motives are low. Love is a decision and not just a feeling. It is selfless, sacrificial and transformational." Now these three things remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13

My marriage has been blessed from day one..The Lord knew the man I would need would be a very special man..I love him deeply and have felt loved every day of my marriage with him and I thank God for him every day.. I would like to bless him in the next few weeks and challenge myself to find new and exciting ways to express it...I'm realistic... after all, I am a woman with five kids with daily duties I attend too..I wake up in ugly moods and am not fit for social consumption some days but, I soldier on realizing that without Christ I am unable..I hope that no matter where your marriage stands you can choose to give it to the Lord and be strengthened in the knowledge that He is in control. Please share this challenge on your blog and link back here so we can all do this together..I will start the challenge on Monday January 10th. I will do a summary of the chapter and give the dare at the end with some questions for you to answer. You may remain anonymous if you like...if you have a question you would like me to post, I can do that..comments and thoughts are always welcome. However, I will not respond to cruel and unusual inquires that do not benefit this blog and it readers. This challenge is here to inspire not to debate..if you have questions or suggestions please let me know..I'm excited for us! What do you think? Are you ready for a dare? Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

imageflickr

clean recipe

2011-01-06T07:48:00.000-08:00

Sparklingly clear windows can be yours with a simple and inexpensive home recipe. Using a funnel, pour three tablespoons of ammonia and one tablespoon of vinegar into a one-quart screw-top or spray bottle, then fill with cool water. For safety, remember to label the bottle. If your windows have a low-e coating on the exterior surface of the glass, leave out the ammonia and increase the vinegar content from one to two tablespoons. Use newspaper to polish your windows! My mother in law Judy shared this recipe with us girls in the family and I'm sharing it with you!

I want to thank you commenter's for your thoughts and ideas..I love you gals! I just treated myself to the latest issue of Country Living magazine which is my favorite mag to read and became inspired! So, let see what comes of it all! Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

image / recipe paragraph from country living

2011-01-03T14:41:00.000-08:00

I love this mirror image..its like you could walk right through it no? It says to me..look what's ahead, while it reflects back at me..funny isn't it? How mirrors work? I'm trying to be hopeful about 2011..but I can't seem to grasp it, like it seems everyone else has managed to do...I have been thinking about the things I would like to accomplish and do...I'm a bit overwhelmed..I think..I should like to improve my blog for one..but not sure how..would love to have a camera so I can use my images...it feels more personal and I feel inspired to do crafts and project to share with you..but since mine has given herself over to the grave..I have lost interest a bit...do you have any thoughts on this my friends? How are you doing with your blogs? Are you lost in blog land trying to be inspired too? I want blogging to be fun again....thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie
imageflickr

2011-01-02T19:09:00.000-08:00

MONDAY after it all...2011 here i come....

2010-12-31T20:38:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years! Love ya! mean it! Stephanie

unknownimage

God bless you all!

2010-12-23T19:28:00.000-08:00

From our home to yours...Merry Christmas and Happy New year! Thank you so much for sharing the year with me..may you all be blessed! Talk to you soon! love ya mean it! Stephanie
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while you wait....

2010-12-22T15:08:00.000-08:00

ok..... these are some little goodies I have been stashing away..but we are that close to Christmas and the kids are in need of some thing to do while they wait and I think its time to go outside and start making some all natural crafts...So here are a few ideas that I LOVE and want to share with all you nature lovers and inspire you to make some of your own!

If you do any.... please share with me..I would love to see your take on this idea!

Enjoy! Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

images..sorry i cant remember where i found them

2010-12-21T19:12:00.000-08:00

I have been looking around and there are some great ideas out there for sheds and outdoor spaces...this year I did not get around to my outside decorating..so I have been enjoying everyone elses! Hope your having a great week! Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie
image unknown

2010-12-15T17:13:00.000-08:00

well..I am stopping in to say I'm off for a long weekend..baking with the kids..doing some fun stuff with my family before the holiday festivites next week....I hope you all enjoy the rest of your week and weekend!

Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

happy holidays all around...

2010-12-14T11:02:00.000-08:00

O stop it! I love it! I gotta try this sometime..the happy holiday banner....is genius! Dont ya think? thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

pottery barn image

Seeing red....

2010-12-13T18:08:00.000-08:00

Look at the simple red ribbon..perfect right?

stockings..another touch of red...easy...

you can do it..grab a branch, add your favorite red decorations..

add red to your day..

and don't forget your taste buds..they like red too..hehee

Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

2010-12-12T22:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a spicy weekend! Please, do tell...what did you do this weekend? I'm finally feeling better and the tree is up and decorated..I find that when we take out the Christmas decor the kids wanna dig right in. So, I let them do the tree and enjoy a hot coffee while they do their thing...the tree is usually enough for them and then I'm free to do the rest of the house..it works well for all involved...I see no reason to get all worked up about how perfect it should look..it takes the joy out of it for everyone and its so not worth it. As long as I get the rest of the house..I'm good! I hope you enjoyed the Hostess gift week! It was fun for me cuz your all so sweet and generous with your comments..thanks for stopping by..love ya mean it! Stephanie

Our family to your's hostess gift's

2010-12-09T16:39:00.000-08:00

How about this little idea for a hostess gift? Bake a special cookie or goodies, add a photo that is special to you, maybe even your Christmas portrait..add a beautiful satin ribbon and a little thank you note on the back and wa la! Who says good ideas like this are only for wedding favors? Not me! lol Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

for you..dear hostess

2010-12-08T19:13:00.000-08:00

This hostess gift is another favorite! I can picture this done in those small photo frames from the dollar store ..you know the ones that come three in a pack? Paint 'em, add Christmas scrap paper or if you don't scrapbook you can use some leftover Christmas paper in a neutral tone and press (ahead of time) flowers that are special to your friend..add a personal note to the back of frame, cut a long piece of satin ribbon and you have a very unique gift! thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

jewelry for your friends fridges..

2010-12-07T08:04:00.000-08:00

Another easy hostess gift..one that I know I would love! Vintage brooches and pins made into magnets! ok...go make them.. Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

easy hostess gift

2010-12-05T11:40:00.000-08:00

Print your favorite cookie recipe and baking instructions on white paper or vellum. Tie it around a frozen log of dough wrapped in parchment for an easy Christmas gift. I think its a perfect hostess gift! thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

southernliving

Wreaths on the weekend!

2010-12-03T08:37:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday! I want to thank the ladies who left a comment on my last post..you are all so gracious and encouraging! Thank you!

I found all these wreaths at Country Living and thought it would be fun to post....the one above cracks me up..its made from scarves..what!? That is so smart! love it!

this edible one is perfect for a cook!

for all the sentimental types..like me..

just plain pretty...stunning

awww... this is so cute! Hope you all have a fabulous weekend! Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

shaken but not broken!

2010-12-01T19:27:00.000-08:00

Hello there..today I'm doing a demonstrative post with a feeling photo for you so you can relate if you can, how I am feeling of late.. I am going to be honest here as I feel it is necessary..I have because of this nasty recession..been holding things in, putting on a happy face and feeling the above..I am a very blessed woman..I have an amazing husband..the most wonderful kids and in- laws that anyone would be lucky to call their own.. more family and a home with every blessing I can think of right now...but the uncertainty of this economy is torturing me..I think my faith has been tested in a way that has stretched me and caused me to catch my breath daily as I have needed to rely completely on my faith, to make it through the day..as parents we have sat down and had conversations we would have missed had we been doing "better" and had plenty of work to sustain us..but work is trickling in and as a woman my security is a little shaken..do you feel the same way? Have you ever been braver? Is that the right word even? I feel braver..anxoiusly...I guess when I took this picture I thought about how if I can be real about how I'm feeling maybe it would be helpful to others and we can reach out and take this tool of the enemy and turn it into something positive and enduring..I would like to be calm and carry on as they say..(heheee) and maybe if you can relate..you can too..thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

Thanksgiving dressings...

2010-11-29T19:54:00.000-08:00

Our Thanksgiving table...

enjoy...we did! love ya mean it! Stephanie

thankful hearts..beat here..

2010-11-29T08:06:00.000-08:00

Good Monday morning! This photo was taken by my daughter in the days before Thanksgiving. isn't it lovely? We had a fun and warm Thanksgiving with family and ate til we could no more..I will post photos if I can figure out my daughters little camera..we pulled out old family videos and had some good laughs and skiped(dont know if I spelled that right) family in S.C. We did crafts and received our Christmas mugs from Grandma and Grandpa filled with hot cocoa and candy..even my nieces boyfriends got one this year! So much fun!!!! The day after feasting I ended up sick though..until today..feeling a bit better and have high hope of getting a productive week in..can you believe we are on our way to Christmas? Time to get the Christmas decor out and get busy...thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

looking pretty while you bake!

2010-11-24T13:08:00.000-08:00

Hey.... if we are gonna be baking..its time to make some cute aprons...if you dont bake but you sew....this would make great gifts for friends who do bake ..go here to grab these patterns and more!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Love ya mean it! Stephanie

This means.. Thanksgiving is this week!

2010-11-21T16:21:00.000-08:00

Ok here is my most FAVORITE fall recipe..you better make it..cuz its good!

Spice Cookies with Pumpkin Dip

Cookie part:

1 1/2 c. butter, softened

2 c. sugar

2 eggs

1/2 c. molasses

4 c. all purpose flour

4 t. baking soda

2 t. ground cinnamon

1 t. each ground ginger and cloves

1t. salt

Pumpkin Dip:

1 package (8oz) of cream cheese, softened

2 c. pumpkin pie filling

2 c. confectioner's sugar

1/2 to 1 t. ground cinnamon

1/4 to 1/2 t.ground ginger

Directions:

In a bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add molasses; mix well. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt; add to creamed mixture and mix well. chill overnight.

Shape into 1/2 in. balls; roll in sugar. place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375* for 6 minutes or until edges begin to brown. cool for 2 minutes before removing to a wire rack.

For Dip: beat cream cheese in a bowl until smooth. Add pumpkin pie mix; beat well. Add sugar, cinnamon and ginger; beat until smooth. serve with cookies. store leftover dip in refrigerator. yield; about 20 dozen and 3 cups dip.

The cookies are like little chips that you dip and it is a special treat. Enjoy! Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

from taste of home

o my dear..

2010-11-21T10:21:00.000-08:00

Dear little black dress...I am still in love with you and I know your worried about this week and all the competition your gonna have for my affections..but I am devoted to you still and will keep my grazing to a minimum this year..last year I suffered for you. But, this year, I must be good to both of us so I don't become discouraged and give up all together..so in regards to this week you will always be on my mind even as I lift..... the Thanksgiving fork..love ya mean it! Stephanie

I still say "gross me out the door"

2010-11-17T17:48:00.000-08:00

I washed bedding today...for my boys..their room was starting to reek and the sour smell made me feel that it was time to venture in....to their room..I'm not gonna lie..I went in there three times...to look around..trying to talk myself into digging in..the first time to really check to see if it was indeed still a bedroom and not a rank end of a dirty garbage bin..yep..it was indeed a bedroom..barley..I looked around and left..I went into my quiet living room and sat on the couch and bit my nail...could it be done? Maybe I should just make them do it...but who am I kidding? They live in there.. what the rip do they care? I sat for a minute and wandered over by the door and peeked in again..awww maaaaan! Pure, unadulterated, disgust came from my lips, I say! What is wrong with these boys? What are their wives gonna say about me? How am I gonna defend myself? Maybe they won't say anything..yeah... right. I know their gonna rat me out! I have got to sit down! Out I go... to the quiet couch, to dwell on my future as a mother in law....I'm a little more inspired now..as I hate to think I will have to face daughter in laws with questions about my parenting skills and how I raise such well adjusted sons...hmmm..oh. sorry. I was daydreaming a bit at the end there..."Well, I better have a look" I say to myself and I walk with purpose this time..to the door..what are you crazy? It looks like it needs caution tape and masks to enter..good thing I love them..I started by throwing myself under the bed..no sense putting off inevitably the worst part! yep...just like I thought... a million and one rolled up socks..all filthy and rank...well, that got me and I kept going only to realize, they have been sleeping on the mattress and not sheets..oh, isn't that nice? poor things...I rip off the blankets that are rolled up and tossed off the side and hanging haphazardly all over the "room" I use that term loosely here..for now...I spent the rest of the day going through art work, pellet guns and Lego's..and decided it was time to hit Walmart and get some cheep, cheep, fitted sheets..I don't use flat sheets on kids beds..as you can see they barley use blankets properly. New pillows, pillow cases and clean bedding.. I waited..holding my breath for them to arrive home..the youngest came in dumped his bag and went to his room........he came back and threw his little body into my arms and grabbed me by the shoulders like my grandpa use to do when he had something VERY important to tell me and said.."Mom, thank you sooooo much!" Oh, it was nothing..really. I just bopped in there and picked it up a bit..I look over to my other son. The fifteen year old...you know, the one who I am letting risk my life for three days a week at drivers ed? Yeah, he said (not even looking at me)"Yeah, it's ok."...Excuse me!?!?! So, I took out the guilt stick and wrapped him along side the head with it.. I said "What?! I spent the whole day in that stinking mess! I had to take a shower when I got done in there! I had talks in my head with your wife all day and I'm exhausted! ( silence) "Mom, it looks good, I like it"..fine then. I think to myself. I'm a good mom. So, There.

thanks for stopping by! love ya! mean it! Stephanie
imageflickr

I wonder..

2010-11-15T09:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday! I am glad it is Monday... because on three days during each week, I get the terrifying experience of drivers education. I get to ride along with my son as he learns. I get to pray daily and kiss the ground when we make it there and everywhere we go. I wonder why I have to get in the car and not the instructor who is going to undo everything I am teaching him and scold me for bad habits I have picked up..I wonder why I get to be the one who grabs the door handle for dear life and quickly says.. good! yes! your doing good! very good! Just put your brake on a little sooner next time....I am having a time with the whole thing as I know freedom is exciting for him...but I am watching him grow into another chapter and it makes my heart twinge a bit...driving means such different things to each of us..he is moving forward and I'm trying to put on the brakes...slamming them sometimes and gently touching them at others..I'm learning as I go too..and wondering...how did I get so blessed? I love it! Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie
image flickr

doing guilty things...

2010-11-11T13:37:00.000-08:00

I don't feel very interesting today.... lol around this time of year, I wonder if I should focus on Thanksgiving or Christmas projects? Last year, I held out and I missed Christmas projects because after Thanksgiving there is to much to do to do crafts and projects...I do however listen to Christmas music a bit already..don't tell..I feel guilty a tiny bit. And I'm drooling over baking ideas..I'm sure that is somewhat natural..but really.... I'm drooling ...dieting...who DOES that around this time of year? oh, yeah...I do..ugh! I guess I should focus on projects..that don't add to my butt...
Thanks for stopping by! Love ya mean it! Stephanie
image unknown

memories sweep us away..

2010-11-10T08:06:00.000-08:00

Don't those look good? A cup of coffee perhaps? Baking is such a fun thing to do..eating it... even better! What are some of your favorite recipes that you make around this season? Do you have a family favorite that brings you a special memory that you would like to share? I hope you do! I would love to hear from you! Touching stories make the holidays what they are..faith, family and love. Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

cozy family gatherings coming...

2010-11-08T07:55:00.000-08:00

Ok, here we go....I'm doing Thanksgiving at my house! gulp....don't get me wrong... I have done it plenty of times..it just that this time my house is a bit smaller than the houses I have entertained in before..but, I'm throwing caution to the wind and going for it!

And I'm excited to decorate for it of course! Paper or real plates? Pretty napkins..centerpieces and fun crafts for everyone...ooooo sounds fun right?

A home is a house filled with love... no matter what...Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

image martha and unknown

2010-11-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

I am madder than a wet hen! Miss camera, I believe, has more than one toe in the grave if ya know what I mean...she has given up and is completely useless..so now what am I to do? I can't buy a new one any time soon...so I'm not sure what to do about The Whispering Creek House blog right now... I am going to work on her (miss camera) but its looking bleak...I love blogging but its getting to be work rather than a hobby with all these difficult tech issues..so I will keep you updated as I go and try to stay encouraged with me hey? thanks for stopping by! love you all !mean it for real! Stephanie
image; unknown

Missing October..

2010-11-01T08:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday and November warm wishes to you! What!? It's November? where.. how.. what?!?! October came and went and here we are! Having to cancel the harvest party... which we were completely cheated and robbed of because the weather reports claiming 60% rain..never happened.. the weather was fine... we could have gotten the bonfire roaring and saved the day but it was to late and so fall for our family was not the same. On to the next holidays I guess! Hope you had a productive weekend..I turned my breakfast nook into an office for my husband..more on that later..but thanks for stopping by! Enjoy the day! Love ya mean it! Stephanie

all for you baby...

2010-10-28T20:22:00.000-07:00

It's been one of those days..long...laundry, dishes, dinner and drivers ed class. And like a lot of moms I am making homemade costumes for my kids school parties late at night as if I didn't know they were gonna have a party....denial is a terrible thing...so,with little money, I ran to Freddy's and grabbed wings off the discount rack and started to dream a little dream...and that's how this post happened...and this little headband came to be...

and how right now I'm picking at keys like a chicken because hot glue hurts...

but look at her...

.... how could I not? I cant wait to hear about her day....til then, I'll keep my hand in ice water and pick at the keys of my computer with a silly grin on my face! Thanks for stopping by! Love ya mean it! Stephanie