Results tagged “Daniel”

Last Christmas, my husband surprised us with Guitar Hero. I tried it a couple of times, but just didn't get it. The kids and Daniel enjoyed it though and played it from time to time.

Well, last night, Daniel surprised us with Rock Band 2. We like to sing Karoake as a family, but it can get a little old, so Daniel thought this would be a great way to spiff up our fun family time. Of course, my first concern was...where the heck is this stuff going to sit when not in use...we literally have no room for it. My second thought was...oh geez...I couldn't play the guitar in guitar hero, how will I ever manage this....

I have to tell you that after about 4 hours of singing and playing last night, I love this game! We had so much fun!!!!!! My favorites were playing the bass guitar and singing. I am awful at the drums. Jack and Daniel and Katrina are great with everything...I think it is because of their piano training.

I am already thinking how much fun it is going to be to play this at Thanksgiving when all of our family is here! Still don't know where I am putting the band stuff when not in use...perhaps it is time to try hanging stuff from the ceiling!

Pictures are truly worth a thousand words, aren't they?

Bedford County has many fun places to offer those who love the great outdoors. National Forest Land, the Blue Ridge Parkway, The Peaks of Otter and Smith Mountain Lake are just a few. Smith Mountain Lake is considered the Jewel of the Blue Ridge. Smith Mountain Lake is the most popular lake destination in the state of Virginia. It has over 500 miles of shoreline.

From Smith Mountain Lake.Com

Why is there a gorgeous, 40-mile long, 20,600 acre lake, with 500 miles of shoreline, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of rural southwestern Virginia? Because Smith Mountain Lake was created to generate electricity, and to help manage water flows downstream and nearby. The damming of the Blackwater and Roanoke Rivers formed Smith Mountain Lake in a filling process that began on September 24, 1963 -- and ended almost 2.5 years later on March 7, 1966.

Smith Mountain Lake's surface covers 32 square miles. Its highest normal water level ("full pond") is 795 feet above sea level. There is typically very little seasonal variation in the water level. The daily variation for electricity production is 12-24 inches. During severe drought conditions, including 2007, lake levels have fallen by five feet. Under extreme flood control conditions, the water level could reach the top of the Smith Mountain Dam -- 802 feet above sea level. (The US Army Corps of Engineers publishes a daily water level report that is also available graphically over time.)

Yesterday was Father's Day. I had asked Daniel if there was anything in particular we could get him this year, but since we have been purchasing several items lately that we have been wanting, he said that we need not get him anything. He said for Father's Day he was going to sleep in, get up and go exercise, then come home and read a book. I thought that sounded like a great idea.

But...the best laid plans of mice and men...Daniel did sleep in and he did go and exercise. He ended up doing some other things besides reading a book. Then he wanted to go out to a local Italian restaurant he had been told about for 'lupper' around 3:30. We found Avanti's and had just finished figuring out what we were going to eat when the electricity went out! Needless to say, you can't cook a lot of food without electricity. We waited for about 20 minutes, but since Daniel wanted to eat relatively early so he could go to bed at an early hour, we had to go. Our waiter suggested we try Alexander's Steakhouse.

We typed the name into the GPS and away we went. Boy were we in for a surprise! In Alexander's Steakhouse the diner gets to choose their steak from a refrigerator and grill it to perfection. There are two grills set up in the restaurant and people were gathered around grilling steak and Texas toast. There were seasonings you could use and you chose the piece of steak you wanted. It was very cool! Daniel was thinking it would be a great experience for one of his coaches meetings.

Daniel received a text message from Charles in Roanoke. Jack and Katrina got him cards. His mother sent him a Father's Day card. And he was told Happy Father's Day by Katrina's best friend, Kaylie and by our neighbors in Virginia who are busy watching our house. Bruce, the oldest, forgot to call yesterday, but did call today. And he has a good reason for his forgetfulness...he gets it honest from his Dad:)

"...This is my beloved, and this is my friend..." Song of Solomon 5:16b

From Revive Our Hearts

Friends can be completely honest with each other, but friendships are strained when truth is not spoken in love. How are you speaking to your beloved? Are you so "used" to him that you don't appreciate the wonder of his friendship? That is your challenge today.

The way to have and be a good friend is to cultivate and celebrate the relationship. As you end this "30-Day Encouragement Challenge," celebrate your friendship with your husband. Get alone and reflect on your beloved friend. Write him a letter, listing the qualities you admire and appreciate about him. If you are creative with words, write and frame a poem about him.

"A prudent man foresees evil, and hides himself; the simple pass on, and are punished." Prov. 27:12

We live in a world of temptations. And they are not all 'wicked' on the surface, but can lead the way into wrong behaviors. One thing that Daniel has never done is go out with the 'boys'. He has a friend that a couple of times a year they go to the movies together, but he prefers to spend his spare time here. His concern is that if we were to spend regular time with a group of others that we might be tempted to stray. For instance, the guys go out for an evening at a bar and playing pool. Well, while there, gals are around, alcohol is around and one thing can lead to another. He prefers to stay away from such temptations.

"The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility." Prov. 15:33

From Revive Our Hearts

Sometimes, when we just "know" we are right and our husbands are wrong, it takes great humility to honor them. It is difficult to speak well of our husbands when our own hearts are puffed up with pride.

The humility that comes from a right relationship with God - the humility that comes when a man is willing to listen to God and be taught from His Word - is indeed a beautiful quality. Jesus was an example of this kind of humility when he was willing to submit to His Father's will (John 6:38; Matt. 26:39).

Humility is a hard stance for most of us to take. We prefer to believe we know what's what and that we are correct. And to admit that we might be mistaken or not know what's best makes us feel like children or stupid. But true wisdom comes from being able to accept that others can know what is best for us and can have a better understanding of where we are than we do ourselves.

"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD." Ps. 31:24

It is easy to go along with the flow. To not stand up and say what you think, to not stand out. But belief in God and what our Lord, Jesus Christ stands for, demands that we trust in him and that we don't take the easy way, but the right way. There are plenty of Christians who proclaim their faith, who have prejudices, who ignore the Commandment that Jesus left us with. And that Commandment is to love God above all and to love one another. Jesus supped with prostitutes and tax collectors. He pointed out that all sins have an equal footing in the eyes of God (to think lustful thoughts is as wrong as to actually act them out). But so many Christians judge. They place themselves above others because they feel like their sins are not as bad as others.

Daniel has this kind of courage. He doesn't go with the flow, but is instead outspoken in what he believes. He is flawed and openly admits it and he doesn't believe that his flaws are worse or better than anyone else. He believes God put him here to make a difference and he does his best to rise to this calling. He inspires me to have courage and to not let others sway what I believe to be right.

"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." Luke 2:52

From Revive Our Hearts

Jesus led a balanced life. He grew mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially. If your husband is out of balance - focusing on one area to the exclusion of the others - consider whether there are things you can do to help restore or create balance in his life. Can you encourage times for sports or exercise? Keep the children quiet for a study time? Invite friends over for dinner? Stimulate his mind?

Be sure you are working toward balance in your own life, as well. Be an example!

Balance is something we all struggle to attain. And in these busy times, it seems to be really, really difficult. It is hard to find time to be learning, exercising, spending time with your family, spending time with God....but we need to all strive for that. And not just personal balance, but balance between husband and wife. I have no good suggestions for how to do that. We just need to be aware and do the best we can.

"...seek peace, and pursue it." Ps. 34:14b

"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." Is. 26:3

When my husband and I first got together back in 1990, and in the years that followed, we did not live in a peaceful household. We were young, stressed by finances, I became an instant mom as he had two sons from a previous marriage and we took custody of them. We argued about everything from finances to child raising. It wasn't a pretty time, but we stuck through it and grew because of it.

"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." Eph. 6:4

From Revive Our Hearts

Children can be quite a challenge to the marriage relationship. A wise wife will support her husband's leadership in the home as much as possible, and will praise him for his fathering skills. Negativity makes a man feel like a failure, and may make him to want to give up.

Does your husband discipline your children wisely? Does he show them love and encourage them? Does he take an interest in their activities and dreams? Does he spend time with them? Does he take part in developing their character? Praise him for these important life skills.

"Let your speech always be with grace..." Col. 4:6a

"In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works..." Titus 2:7a

Maybe it is the nature of human beings, or maybe it is the nature of wives, but we tend to focus on the negative features of those closest to us. We treat our spouses worse than we would treat a friend or an acquaintance. How many friends would we have if we were always nagging them about how they don't do enough or how they don't help us the way we think they should?

Why then do we treat the loves of our life, the men we have spoken vows to honor and love for a lifetime with any less honor and love. We turn blind eyes to the faults of our friends, we try to lift them up, to aide them as we may. But our own spouses, we do not follow this same code of love and care.

Today(and everyday), concentrate on your spouse's excellent qualities. Lift him up by praising those and be there to help him where he is lacking (for instance...if your dh is unorganized, then you help him by keeping schedules and paperwork together and easily accessible.)

Daniel desires to make his mark on the world, to help others, to spend time with his family. He prizes honesty, creativity, and people's desire to better themselves. He loves to travel and does what he can to make sure all of us get that opportunity whenever possible. He doesn't go out with the boys, spend endless hours watching sporting events, or otherwise try to find ways to spend time away with his family. Instead, it grieves him to be away from us.

No, he is not perfect. There are things I wish he did, that he does not, but that is not his fault. That is the fault of my own expectations. It is my goal to spend more time attending to his fabulous qualities just like I would any friend.

"Let your speech always be with grace..." Col. 4:6a

From Revive Our Hearts.com-

Focus today on how you represent your husband in your home, your church, and your community. In this challenge to encourage, ask: "If all my family and friends knew about my husband came from a filter of what I've said about him, what would they think of my husband?"

Don't forget: you are always criticizing - or encouraging - before an audience. God hears your conversations when you are alone with your husband in your own home. May your speech be always seasoned with grace.

I think this is one that we as wives, should pay attention to. How we speak of our spouses to others influences how others see our spouses, and in all likelihood, how they see us. We must be certain we aren't building ourselves up by tearing them down.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matt. 6:33

From ReviveOurHearts.com

If we are living in light of eternity, everything we think, do or say is seen from an eternal perspective. We will someday give an account for our failure to speak words of love and encouragement. Determine today that your words will be sweet and helpful.

So often we have unrealistic expectations of the people around us. Our husbands, our friends, our family. We expect them to meet all of our needs and then we are disappointed when they do not. But we are the ones setting them up for failure. A deep love and trust of God is the only thing that can satisfy all of our needs. When we focus on Him, the rest of our lives will become more loving, forgiving and wonderful. When we stop expecting those around us to be perfect, it frees us up to try to love them the way God loves us without burdening our love with the failures that we perceive.

"And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you." Eph. 4:32

from Revive Our Hearts

It's time for some heart examination. As you continue in this 30-day challenge, have you found any roots of bitterness that are contaminating your relationship with your husband? Do you understand that as long as you are unwilling to forgive your husband - by God's grace and in His power - you will not be able to encourage him? Your own resentment will keep getting in the way. Now is the time to deal with any unforgiving attitudes. Forgive him, even as God has forgiven you.

Is your husband a forgiving man? Does he keep short accounts of your problems? Express your thankfulness for such a man.

This is something I definitely should work on. My memory tends to be way longer than it should be and I have been known to keep accounts that I shouldn't. Daniel has a much shorter memory of my transgressions. One of the most detrimental things to any relationship is when you start arguing and then you bring up things long done and over.

If this is a problem for you, pray that God will help to change your ways in this area.

10 My lover is radiant and ruddy,
outstanding among ten thousand.
11 His head is purest gold;
his hair is wavy
and black as a raven.

12 His eyes are like doves
by the water streams,
washed in milk,
mounted like jewels.

13 His cheeks are like beds of spice
yielding perfume.
His lips are like lilies
dripping with myrrh.

14 His arms are rods of gold
set with chrysolite.
His body is like polished ivory
decorated with sapphires. [a]

15 His legs are pillars of marble
set on bases of pure gold.
His appearance is like Lebanon,
choice as its cedars.

16 His mouth is sweetness itself;
he is altogether lovely.
This is my lover, this my friend,
O daughters of Jerusalem.

- Song of Solomon 5:10-16

When was the last time you said these things or similar things to your husband? As women, we love poetry, but we forget that our husbands can be moved by words of love as well.

Why don't you write a poem to your hubby today? Or share a favorite poem or quote that makes you think of him.

"You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy...Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!" Ps. 16:11a; 144:15b

"A merry heart does good like medicine..." Prov. 17:22a

From Revive Our Hearts.Com

It's hard to criticize others when we are enjoying their company. Instead of speaking negatively to your husband today, enjoy him! Encourage him! As you experience fullness of joy with God, share some of that joy with your husband.

This is a wonderful part of who he is, and a great strength. Let him know that you appreciate his joyfulness and his playful spirit. Find opportunities to join him in positive play times.

This is so true. If we are busy searching for the good and happy, we will find it hard to spend much time finding fault. And the other effect of this is that when we are busy looking for the good and happy, we feel good and happy ourselves which in turns helps to promote a happy household.

Daniel often encourages me to do things that are fun. Either playing a game of darts in the yard, listening to some music, singing some Karaoke, or taking a boat ride. These are just some of the ways that he brings fun into our home.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy Oneis understanding." Prov. 9:10

Daniel is the visionary in our family. He has dreams and hopes for us that has often led us into incredible adventures. It was his dreams and plans that has enabled us to travel so many places. That has enabled us to purchase 10 acres of land. And that has him with a patent under his belt.

Neither of us always makes the best choices, but I am grateful that he has dreams that pull us forward.

"And the LORD God said, 'It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him." Genesis 2:18

Truth be known, it is not good for man or woman to be alone. We have strengths and weaknesses that complement one another. This is why children need a mom and a dad. We can provide them balance between the two of us.

We had a cookout today. Daniel's birthday is tomorrow and his mom and stepfather are here from Florida. Both of Daniel's older sons and their significant others came with them. Daniel's sister and her family came. Daniel's uncle and wife came. We had a lovely time and Daniel helped me quite a bit. He helped prepare the food, he cooked some yummy hamburgers and hotdogs and he helped to clean up the grill afterwards.

We had a lovely visit with family and the weather was perfect.

I am pooped and grateful.

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ..." 2 Pet. 3:18a

From ReviveOurHearts.com:

Sometimes we live so close to our spouse that we fail to see him as others do; we only see our husband's faults. But take a step back. Perhaps he is growing spiritually in ways you have failed to appreciate. How can you encourage his growth in a fresh, new way? Remember - your husband is accountable to God for his spiritual development. You are accountable to God to encourage and not hinder that growth.

Can you identify an area of spiritual strength in your husband? Does he pray or read his Bible regularly? Does he like to read about or discuss spiritual matters? Does he go to church with you? Is he a spiritual leader? What do others say about him? If you can identify a specific area, praise him for that. If not, pray earnestly that God will work in his heart, and watch for signs of spiritual growth in the future.

Daniel knows a great deal about what is in the Bible. He grew up very churched in a Baptist church. He now prefers not to attend church. We have interesting conversations about religion and we look for different things in the churches that we attend.