Day 4 Love is thoughtful

Well it is 10 at night, and I just got around to readig today's dare. Just sent her an e mail- I am still out of town and never sure when she will fall asleep.

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? I guess I just need to slow down and think more of my wife and do the little things. Women appreciate the little things so much, and they really don't take that much effort, just need to put a little brain power into thinking about her.

Day 3 Love is not Selfish

Do I truly want what's best for my husband or wife? Unfortunately- not all of the time.

Do I want them to feel loved by me? Yes.

Do they believe I have their best interests in mind? Some of the time.

Do they see me as looking out for myself first? Probably part of the time.

What did you choose to give to your spouse?- A book.

What happened when you gave it? I am out of town, so I UPS'd it. I am excited for her to get it. It is a surprise. I put a card in with it, which was fun.

Day 2 Love is Kind

What discoveries about love did you make today? I found the four key words about love helpful to my thinking about love. They were Gentleness, Helpfulness, Willingness, and Initiative.

What specifically did you do in this dare? How did you show kindness? I emailed a note of appreciation to my wife today.

Day 1: Love is Patient

I had never realized how much patience is a part of love. Wow.
Since the day isn't over yet, I won't answer the questions yet.

Someone told me many times in regards to marital separation and wanting reconciliation, that the turtle wins the race.

I guess if I was always patient with my wife, and she was always patient with me- that would be a wonderful way to live each day.

Later post-

Well day is about over, moving towards midnight.

Actually I am out of town, so I only had a brief e mail exchange this morning with my wife and then a longer conversation a few minutes ago.

Did anything happen today to cause anger towards your mate? Nothing that I am aware about.

Were you tempted to think disapproving thoughts and let them come out in words? Not really.

I did have a few thoughts pass through my head of old stuff from the past about my wife, but really didn't dwell too much on it, thankfully.

Read First

I saw the movie Fireproof when it was in pre screening and then again last night. It touched me deeply. If you have found this blog you are probably aware that the book "The Love Dare" that was featured in the movie is now for sale.

I went down the street and bought a copy at Barnes and Noble right after the movie

I like journaling by blogging as opposed to writing, partly because my handwriting is terrible. My intention was just to create a private blog for my journaling of "The Love Dare" but on a fluke I just typed in thelovedare.blogspot.com and the name was available. I was shocked that it was available.

I decided that it might be interesting to go on this journey together with some others. Each person can chose whether to post their real names or anonymously.

I plan to title each day.

At this point in time, I have comment moderation turned off and I hope to leave it that way- I have other things to do with my time than moderate comments and I hope that anyone serious about doing The Love Dare has enough common sense to have respectful though honest posts.

Good luck to everyone.

Dear Jesus,

Please help anyone willing to take this love dare to draw close to You and close to their spouse. We all need Your help Lord to love our spouses with Christ's love.

In Jesus name,

Amen