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."
I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. Then you will know the Lord. – Hosea 2:20
So we were just laying in bed, and I turned over and just told him... Levi, no matter what happens between us or in the world, I will always love you. He was like, I don't know where that came from, but I love you, too. It's funny how much just an "I love you" can make two people feel so connected. I think that in marriage, we kind of tend to forget to say it. That it is or should be implied. But just like in the beginning of a relationship, those "I love you"s are crucial.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Day 21 - Love is Satisfied in God
Be intentional today about making 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 (Matthew, 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.
You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. (Psalm 145:16)
So I'm blogging since I haven't in so long. But I have read the dares and done them, so I'm just writing here. I have been fairly good about doing this every day and making time, and let me tell you - It really has made a difference. I just really didn't realize that without God in our relationship, things aren't going to work. We can't fix it on our own when it's THAT broken.
You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. (Psalm 145:16)
So I'm blogging since I haven't in so long. But I have read the dares and done them, so I'm just writing here. I have been fairly good about doing this every day and making time, and let me tell you - It really has made a difference. I just really didn't realize that without God in our relationship, things aren't going to work. We can't fix it on our own when it's THAT broken.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Day Twenty - Love is Jesus Christ
Dare to take God at His Word. Dare to trust Jesus Christ for salvation. Dare to pray “Lord Jesus, I’m 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.” 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?
While we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. –Romans 5:6
This really resonates with me, especially today. I've been contemplating divorce. I can't stand Levi not talking to me, can't stand him not looking at me. I can't stand being this unhappy. But as I'm feeling like Levi is denying me, I can't help but thinking about all the times in my life that I've denied God. Today, God has reminded me that the reason why my marriage may not be successful right now is because both Levi and I are lacking God in our lives. And without Him, it's harder to get things done. Heck, it's next to impossible to get things done. I need to have faith in God, and trust in Him. I want our marriage to be successful - I don't want it to end! Through God, I know that is possible, and I know Levi and I can be loving again.
While we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. –Romans 5:6
This really resonates with me, especially today. I've been contemplating divorce. I can't stand Levi not talking to me, can't stand him not looking at me. I can't stand being this unhappy. But as I'm feeling like Levi is denying me, I can't help but thinking about all the times in my life that I've denied God. Today, God has reminded me that the reason why my marriage may not be successful right now is because both Levi and I are lacking God in our lives. And without Him, it's harder to get things done. Heck, it's next to impossible to get things done. I need to have faith in God, and trust in Him. I want our marriage to be successful - I don't want it to end! Through God, I know that is possible, and I know Levi and I can be loving again.
Day Nineteen - Love Is Impossible
Look back over the dares from the 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.
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?
This is impossible, but with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)
A lot of it seemed impossible. Praying for the first time in ages and actually feeling like God heard me... Being nice and expecting nothing in return... All of these dares have been challenging in one way or another.. But through God, all of it is possible. And if I trust in Him, I can do it. I just seem to forget that too often. I just have to learn to trust in God 24/7, in all that I do.
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?
This is impossible, but with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)
A lot of it seemed impossible. Praying for the first time in ages and actually feeling like God heard me... Being nice and expecting nothing in return... All of these dares have been challenging in one way or another.. But through God, all of it is possible. And if I trust in Him, I can do it. I just seem to forget that too often. I just have to learn to trust in God 24/7, in all that I do.
Day Eighteen - Love Seeks To Understand
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.
How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding. – Proverbs 3:13
This went interestingly... I did the whole she-bang and lit candles, etc. He was pretty surprised when he walked in, and we did sit down and eat, but when I tried to start up conversation or talk to him, he just wouldn't talk and wouldn't open up. So then I got frustrated, but remembered "Determine to make it an enjoyable evening for you and your mate." So I just talked and he listened. I don't know what's up with him. :/
How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding. – Proverbs 3:13
This went interestingly... I did the whole she-bang and lit candles, etc. He was pretty surprised when he walked in, and we did sit down and eat, but when I tried to start up conversation or talk to him, he just wouldn't talk and wouldn't open up. So then I got frustrated, but remembered "Determine to make it an enjoyable evening for you and your mate." So I just talked and he listened. I don't know what's up with him. :/
Day Seventeen - Love Promotes Intimacy
Determine to guard your mate’s secrets (unless they are 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.
He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. – Proverbs 17:9
This one is hard. I know that Levi has a lot of personal and internal struggles. And he used to open up to me all the time, but now I feel like I have to pry it out of him. It hurts me that he can't open up like that, but I know that I also put out a lot of hurtful words and say mean things about his past when I'm angry, which I know is bad... I know I need to be conscious about what things like that I say. I don't want to hurt him.
He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. – Proverbs 17:9
This one is hard. I know that Levi has a lot of personal and internal struggles. And he used to open up to me all the time, but now I feel like I have to pry it out of him. It hurts me that he can't open up like that, but I know that I also put out a lot of hurtful words and say mean things about his past when I'm angry, which I know is bad... I know I need to be conscious about what things like that I say. I don't want to hurt him.
Day Sixteen - Love Intercedes
Begin Praying 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.
Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. – 3 John 2
My prayer is that Levi can feel like he can open up to me whenever he needs someone. I feel like in that sense, we don't go to each other first when we feel like we need to talk or we're upset. I also pray that I can be more understanding and less demanding when it comes to his feelings. I pray that God can impact his heart, because I feel like Levi hasn't felt His presence in a long time.
Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. – 3 John 2
My prayer is that Levi can feel like he can open up to me whenever he needs someone. I feel like in that sense, we don't go to each other first when we feel like we need to talk or we're upset. I also pray that I can be more understanding and less demanding when it comes to his feelings. I pray that God can impact his heart, because I feel like Levi hasn't felt His presence in a long time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)