love dare. day 30. love brings unity..

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..

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...

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...

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..

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..

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

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