Feb 18, 2010

The Love Dare: 1

Max and I bought this new book called The Love Dare.

The book is about two things God and love. The purpose of the book is to teach couples about what real unconditional love is and to dare to love. The set up of the book is where they take a aspect of love (think Corinthians 13) uses other references in the bible to change (or applaud) the way you treat your husband. The book really gives you a different perspective on situations. Max and I have a beautiful relationship, but I figured this could help us keep it beautiful, plus I really like Corinthians 13 and that is what sold me on it.

So far we are on Day 4, we have been reading it for about two weeks. I have really enjoyed reading the short passages with Max on the nights we get to it, and I have enjoyed the dares as well.

To give you an example of the dares that we have accomplished so far... Day 1: Love is patient-say nothing negative to your spouse at all, Day 2: Love is kind- Say nothing negative and do at least one act of unexpected gester as an act of kindness, Day 3: Love is not selfish- Say nothing negative and buy your spouse something that states "I was thinking of you today", Day 4: Love is thoughtful-Contact your spouse sometime during the day just to say hey and ask how they are doing.

Day 1 was easy sheezy for Max and me, we aren't usually mean to each other. Well its alot easy for Max because he thinks alot more before he speaks, but we got through that day with in a day so it was a success.

Day 2- was a little harder. I had gotten aggravated with Max and blown it one day. I wasn't very mean but I was just snippy with him a couple of times, so... But we both also had a problem with figuring out what the book meant by gester. We do things for each other all the time. So we took a few days and finally when I was fed up that we hadn't moved on, we sat down that night and thought of the kindest thing that we had done for one another that day, wrote it in the journal part and moved on. Max's act of kindness was making breakfast, lunch and dinner the day I was sick and pathetic, and mine was all the homemade dinners I had made that week. Doesn't sound like a big deal right but it is rare for us to cook in that much, especially with things that take good work for me.

Day 3- this day was also easy for us. I knew I had wanted to buy Max this Punch house plan program, and Max got me the Lady Gaga Cd since I am obsessed with the Paparazzi song right now.

Day 4- We finished this, but it was easy to. We usually talk at least sometime during the work day via texts.

While we have liked this book there have been several times that I have marked through some of the things in the book that I didn't agree with.

Day 3: Love is not selfish.
"When a husband puts his interests, desires, and priorities in front of his wife, that is a sign of selfishness. When a wife constantly complains about the time and energy she spends meeting the needs of her husband that is a sign of selfishness." It made me angry that this was there example. The wife gives her all to her husband, he is obviously not appreciative, and she complains, so she is selfish... didn't she just devote her time and energy to her husband. This book was written by men, and sometimes has a pretty sexist outlook on Christianity, love, and marriage. But I just strike through them and keep on reading. I figure the pros will out weigh the cons with this book.


Ill skip ahead to see Day 5 to tell y'all the dare. Day 5: Love is not rude- Ask your spouse to tell you three things that cause him/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. ha ha... Wish me luck getting Max to participate on this one! :)

I'll blog about this again sometime!

7 comments:

  1. Hi there! I'm stopping by from the Friday follow! Cute blog!

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  2. Hey Cheryl!

    Found you from Friday Follow..

    Happy Friday!

    Keely

    www.mannland5.com

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  3. Glad I found you! I'm now following from Friday Follow. Hope you'll stop by soon....
    Susan
    www.BlackberryJamCafe.blogspot.com

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  4. ADORABLE blog!!!

    Visiting from "Friday Follow"! I'm your newest follower! Love for you to come visit me!

    Have a great weekend :)
    ~Shelley @ Shelley's Swag

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  5. Have you seen the movie "Fireproof"? It is based on the book & concept of The Love Dare. You should see it, if you haven't already.

    Secondly, I must comment about your comment regarding selfishness when complaining. I think they're trying to say that when a woman complains about her work, she does that because she is thinking of herself and the rewards she should be receiving for her work, instead of her focusing on the work and the gift it should be to those she does it for. I must agree with the statement that when we complain, it is out of selfishness. I want to be acknowledged more for my efforts, rewarded, praised, given a break, etc - when I should be focusing on just doing these things without a concern for myself.

    I hope you and your husband find the book helpful. I have not read it, but have heard lots of good things regarding it.

    Glad to be stopping by from Friday Follow! Happy to be your newest follower. I'd love for you to drop by my blog sometime! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

    http://savingsandstewardship.blogspot.com

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  6. Stopping by from Friday Follow to say Hi!
    I am adding you so I can come back & read more!
    Please stop by!
    http://extremepersonalmeasures.blogspot.com/

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  7. Catching up with some Friday Follows - nice to meet you.

    I saw "Fireproof" awhile back and have considered getting The Love Dare. I enjoyed reading your review - I'm looking forward to hearing more.

    Would you follow me back? Email subscription would be appreciated too, if you are so inclined.

    Kelly www.kellysluckyyou.blogspot.com

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