After today we only have four letters left in our Alphabet Date Night series. It has been a surprisingly fun journey, and one we’ll glean from for years to come. Now we have to decide what to replace this series with, and we want to hear from you!
We’re thinking of these three ideas: Passport Dates – exploring the world one date at a time, Colorful Dates – exploring the beauty of colors, or Our Personal Favorites. Have another idea other than these? We want to hear from you. Simply click the “comment” button located at the top of this post, and vote for one of these three or add your own idea. We’ll make our decision in the next couple of weeks. Thanks for your help!
Now onto this week’s letter:
“V” Activities
- Vacation – plan a surprise vacation getaway – or plan a mini “stay at home” vacation by watching home DVD’s of a place you’d love to Visit some day and dine on their cuisine. For instance…Vienna, Austria would be a fun country to Visit Via teleVision!
Others to consider: Victoria Falls, - Volleyball – play some one-on-one beach volleyball
- Valentine – celebrate this romantic holiday anytime of the year as an unexpected treat!
- Victory – watch a favorite sports game and celebrate when your team wins!
- View old photographs recounting the many joys you’ve shared.
- Video – make your own video of a date night location you both enjoy. Want to share it? Send it to us and maybe we’ll post it on our blog!
- Renew your vows to each other privately or somewhere with a beautiful View. Spend some time writing what you want to say and enjoy the intimacy this creates.
“V” Food
- Vietnamese Dinner
- Veal – this is a favorite specialty entree of mine for I had Veal Oscar on our first date!
- Vienna Sausages – just kidding! Those aren’t romantic at ALL!
- Vegetarian – Veggie pizzas are the best.
- Napa Valley Vineyards – plan an evening celebrating this beautiful part of the country.
- Make pancakes or waffles with Vermont Maple syrup as a way to introduce your “V” date night
- Penne ala Vodka – Rachel Ray makes this dish and says it’ll win the heart of any man or woman, depending on who’s cooking!
- Vanilla Ice Cream – spend an evening eating or sharing a cone or sundae.
“V” Special Touches
- Flowers – Violets
- Violin music
- Voila – Pronounced “wah-lah”. It’s French for “there it is”. Have fun with this word all evening long.
- Value – make a list together or separately of all the things you value as a couple or about your spouse. These can be material or not.
- Verse – write several verses expressing your love to your spouse as a way to introduce the night.
Recently Tom and I were talking with a good friend about some issues for which we care deeply. As I was asked my thoughts on the conversation, I was immediately overcome with emotion and couldn’t speak.
Our friend asked what was wrong. While I was trying to regain composure enough to answer him Tom spoke for me, “Give her a minute – she’ll tell us what she’s thinking.”
He was right, and he knows me well enough to speak for me when I can’t. What a comfort this was to me in that moment. Although Tom’s words were probably given without much thought on his part, it spoke volumes to me of how much we have become one!
He understands me like no one else. He cares for me like no one else. And I can trust him like no one else.
What a gift the marriage relationship can be, and what a reflection of how Christ loves and cares for us. He daily speaks on our behalf to the Father, making intercession for us, even when we don’t know what to say for ourselves.
How well do you know your spouse? Why not pick some heart-probing questions from our “Soil Samples” Room to help you dig deeper into this God-glorifying relationship? After all it is for Him, but it’s of great benefit to us as well.
This is the best time of year to enjoy date nights in Central Florida. Since we live in the vacation capital of the world, make the most of your nights out together. Here are a few events happening this week:
CENTRAL:
- Harry P. Leu Gardens – Autumn Jazz Stroll on Saturday, November 14th. Gardens open at 6p and the music is from 7p – 10p. Cost is $19 General, $15 Members. Bring your chairs, blankets and cooler to enjoy a beautiful evening of romantic music until the clear autumn sky.
- Taste of Maitland – Monday, November 9th from 5:30p – 8p. around beautiful Lake Lily Park. Tickets are $15.
- Popcorn Flicks in the Park – This time its around Lake Lily in Maitland and the featured movie is My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Showtime is 8p. FREE
- Orlando Museum of Art presents its Annual Festival of Trees. Beginning Friday, November 13th – Sunday, November 22nd. Cost is $10.
NORTH:
- Altamonte Springs – Cranes Roost Park hosts Friday Night Live. Friday, November 13th enjoy the sounds of Al Morse from 7p – 9p. FREE
- Mount Dora – Dancing in the Park on Saturday, November 14th from 7p – 10p. Tickets are $10.
EAST:
- Casselberry – Art Exhibit: Dearly Beloved. Located in Casselberry’s City Hall enjoy the artistic talents of several married couples. Exhibit is open weekdays from 8a – 5p., Monday – Friday and is FREE.
SOUTH:
- Celebration Founder’s Day Carnival – Friday, November 13th from 6p – 9p enjoy an old-fashioned carnival with rides, cotton candy, popcorn and games.
WEST:
- Lakeridge Winery Annual Holiday Open House – Friday, November 13th thru Sunday, November 15th. Hours 10a – 5p. This event welcomes the holiday season with hot mulled wine and lots of specials in the wine shop. Local Artists and Crafters are invited to display their work, just in time to pick out that perfect gift for a loved one. Enjoy live music on outdoor stage by our most popular musicians throughout the entire weekend. Lakeridge wine, beer, soft drinks and a variety of food is available for purchase, along with complimentary Winery tours and tasting.
- Walt Disney World – Electrical Water Pageant. Each night the lagoon surrounding the Magic Kingdom host this spectacular parade of lights. Plan to take a stroll by the lagoon at the Polynesian (maybe even select an empty cabana) or choose any of the other resorts, and enjoy the sights and sounds alone on the beach.
Since Christmas is only 6 weeks away we thought it would be a great Freebie reminder to watch this hilarious video! Have a wonderful weekend!
“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” 1 John 3:16
I had a very good conversation with my two married daughters yesterday. When asked how things were going in their relationship with their husband, my daughter-in-law shared how they had been encouraged to sit down together and ask each other this question:
What five things do I do or can I do to make you feel loved?
After giving it some serious thought they both had their list, and it wasn’t what either of them expected. You see, we tend to show love to our spouses in the way we want them to love us. It may be good, but not what is important to them.
So we challenge you to do the same. And then let’s lay our lives down in love for them…making sure we show them our love not only in word, but in deed.
I love the internet for so many reasons…but here’s one in particular; I remember when my children were little and loved watching Sesame Street, that Smokey Robinson sang his song “You Really Got A Hold On Me”. It was as entertaining for me as it was educational for my children. Knowing we were doing the letter “U” this week, I wondered if I could find this video on You Tube – Voila! I did!! We thought this would be an appropriate way to get you motivated for this Unusual Letter of the Alphabet. Enjoy!
“U” ACTIVITIES
University – go to a local university ball game. Always lots of excitement and fun. Be sure to yell at the “Ump”.
Ultimate Date – plan an evening that is full of everything your spouse loves – A personal “Utopia” of sorts.
Umbrella Date – Plan a picnic under an umbrella. Make iced drinks with umbrellas (virgin blends if you’re in a park), and read portions of “My Utmost For His Highest”, by Oswald Chambers to each other out loud.
Underwater Date – visit a local aquarium, go snorkeling or swim with the dolphins. Whatever you’re budget and location will allow. This can be quite a memory. Don’t forget your “Underwater Camera”.
Undress each other and celebrate your “Union” as husband and wife.
Uphold your marriage vows. Take an evening and reread your marriage vows to one another. Recommit to “Uphold” them “Until death do you part.”
U.S. Armed Forces – pick a division and celebrate by watching movies from that branch. If you have access wear a “Uniform” to add to the theme.
“Up” the movie! A great way to enjoy an evening at home.
“U” FOOD
Udine – a city in northeastern Italy. Plan a romantic dinner at home with the homestyle food from this unspoiled region of Italy.
U.S.A. – pick a region of America and enjoy dining on their specialties. For example: New England, New Orleans, Tex-Mex, Heartland, etc. Better yet, I think we’ll explore this idea once we finish the Alphabet Date series.
“U” SPECIAL TOUCHES
Ukelele Music – This is an unusual instrument, but as you see in this video it can be very romantic.
Ulta – Let your wife go shopping at this mega beauty store in preparation for your “U” date. Consider letting her get an “Updo” for a formal evening out on the town.
Undone – Make it a point to finish something that has gone “undone” for a long time. Write a note announcing your “U” Date.
UPS – ship a special surprise of “Underwear” to your spouse. This one is sure to be “Unexpected”.
Upon A Time stories. If you’re creative why not write a special “Once Upon A Time” story for your spouse explaining your “U” date.
Debi and I had the opportunity to go on a hike in the Sequoia National Forest a few years ago. As we set out on the trail, Debi was struck by the number of cow patties dotting the trail.
I laughed at her (as I often do) saying, “Debi, there aren’t cows in the California mountains!”
She questioned, “Well, what are they then?”
“Probably bear!” I responded.
With this fact we should have realized the hike we were about to take was indeed more dangerous than we knew.
John Piper, the pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, provides an excellent metaphor about marriage using cow patties of all things, to describe the difficulties all marriages encounter as the days proceed following the “I do’s”.
This video excerpt titled, “Forgiving and Forbearing”, is about 8 minutes long and well worth your time. We pray it will help you see the danger lurking in this path we call marriage, and assist you in how to deal with the mess.
This week the night’s come earlier allowing us to enjoy the moonlight longer. Take advantage of the Full Moon tonight by taking a romantic moonlight stroll with your spouse. Here are other events happening this week:
CENTRAL
Ivanhoe Village – “First Fridays on Ivanhoe Row,” November 6th – Shops open late with lots of fun things to do and see.
Harry P. Leu Gardens – Date Night in the Gardens featuring the movie, Footloose. Friday, November 6th. Gardens open at 6p – movie begins at 8:30p. Cost $7 per person – member are free.
Orlando Magic play the Detroit Pistons on Friday, November 6th at 7p. Show your team spirit and enjoy a night out in O-Town. Stub Hub offers greatly discounted tickets for all kinds of events worth checking out!
NORTH
Mt. Dora – Mt. Dora Plant and Garden Fair – November 7 & 8 from 9a – 5p. Or you might enjoy the 6th Annual Garden Tour – November 7th from 10a – 4p and November 8th from 1p – 4p. In lieu of the Garden Club’s 60th Anniversary all tickets for this event are free.
Altamonte Springs – celebrates it’s first Hispanic Festival at Cranes Roost Park on Sunday, November 8th from 12p – 6p. Follow the link and click on the calendar date for more info.
EAST
Avalon Park – Second Sunday Market on Sunday, November 8th from 9a – 3p.
Daytona Beach – Halifax Art Festival, November 7th and 8th. Or you might enjoy First Fridays on E. Granada on Friday night, November 6th from 5p – 8p
SOUTH
Sunset and Symphony at The Bok Tower Gardens featuring the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra – Saturday, November 7th. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
WEST
Winter Garden – The Garden Theater presents, The Games We Play, Friday and Saturday – November 6th and 7th at 8p and Sunday at 2p. Tickets are $18 the two nights and $15 on Sunday.
We love Backyard Burger, and if you haven’t noticed they actually have “smiles” listed on their menu. The cost? FREE. I usually order one each time a drive thru for the best burgers in town!
We love smiles, and seeing the Brackins smile yesterday as we gave them their gift basket, made us want to bring more smiles to more faces…so here’s the scoop:
Starting in November we’re going to have a monthly giveaway. Anyone who is signed up for our blog either here or on Facebook will be eligible to win. If you’re signed up in both places you’ll have two chances to win! The drawing will be for a gift card to different places that we choose. And it will take place on the 24th of each month – why? Well, that’s the day we got married! We love the 24th, and we love celebrating the 24th, so now we will each month with you – our faithful readers.
Now take on your day with that free smile! We hear they’re contagious!
…David Brackin! David wins our Fall In Love contest and will receive a gift basket made just for them.
David and Julie Brackin will celebrate there 27th wedding anniversary on December 18th. When asked how they first met, we weren’t expecting such an amazing story of God’s grace. Here’s what Julie said:
We met at a little Baptist church where both of our parents were attending. Julie’s parents, who were not Christians divorced when she was a little girl. After both remarried and divorced two times, the Lord arrested Julie’s dad, and he became radically saved – a new creature. In faith he began attending this little church with the hopes the Lord would restore his family to him. Week after week he would ask the church to pray for his family to be saved. David Brackin, who attended this little church with his parents heard this heart-felt request of a desperate man. He prayed specifically for Julie’s salvation before they had ever met.
The Lord miraculously answered the prayers of Julie’s dad, for through a series of separate events his ex-wife was saved and they were remarried after being divorced for 16 years! One by one his three daughters encountered the Lord as well, and were saved.
When Julie first came to this little church for Sunday School, David just so happened to be in the same class. He stared at her the entire time. Within a week he asked her out, and three weeks later proposed!
After watching her parents struggle maritally her whole life, she was frightened at the prospect of marrying someone she hardly knew. She told him, No! This didn’t deter David. A month later he asked again, certain Julie was to be his wife. Julie loved David and said yes this time…however, within 24 hours the fear gripped her heart again, and she had to talk to David explaining her fear and the fact that she wasn’t ready to commit. David apologized for being selfish and agreed to take things slower. He returned to graduate school in New Orleans for the fall semester still certain Julie was to be his wife, but willing to wait as long as it would take to assure her of his love.
They dated long-distance while writing letters back and forth. It was a growing time for Julie and by Christmas she was confident David was a man she could not only love, but trust with her future.
The rest, they say, is history! A history that includes four children: Benjamin – 21, Rebekah – 19, Bethany – 16, and Ruthanne – 14.
This is the story of how they fell in love. When asked what their idea of a perfect date night is? Julie said without hesitation, “Going to the local bookstore, reading and drinking coffee together! It may sound boring, but this is what we love to do!”
Not boring at all, Julie! Date nights are for the purpose of doing things together you both enjoy that will strengthen your marriage not only as husband and wife, but as best friends. After nearly 27 years, it appears you have the right idea! Thank you for sharing your amazing, God-glorifying story with us. We pray you’ll be blessed in the years to come!
Thanks to everyone who participated in our Fall In Love Contest. We have more opportunities for you to win prizes – check back tomorrow to hear the details! We love surprising you don’t we?
Fall In Love Gift Basket
