On The Road to Forever.

Day 15: Love is honorable

Live with your wives in an understanding way . . . and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life.

—1 Peter 3:7

TODAY’S DARE

Choose a way to show honor and respect to your spouse that is above your normal routine. It may be holding the door for her. It might be putting his clothes away for him. It may be the way you listen and speak in your communication. Show your mate that he or she is highly esteemed in your eyes.

-I shed everything I had emotionally in a picture message I had sent her. I really am at the point where I know how bad I want to be with her. What really just ruins it is that I didn’t realize it before any of this happened. I know I messed up but I really feel as if I can make it up to her. It’s just hard doing so while being away from her- it’d be much easier to do the dares and work with each other in person, obviously. But about the dare- I sent her a picture of us playing around in the Apple store, and we looked like a bunch of monkeys.. Looking at her pictures really just makes me realize that she’s the one. She is the one.

Day 16: Love intercedes

Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.

—3 John 2

TODAY’S DARE

Begin praying today 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.

-The three specific things I prayed for were health- to make sure that she’ll always be around for our son and I with no problems. I also prayed for success- in not only both of our careers, but our relationship. I believe that when together, we’re unstoppable. I know I’ve been very unappreciative, but I plan to make it all up to her. Last but not least- I prayed for happiness.. Happiness to carry along our family. Happiness to create memories. Happiness to let our son have a wonderful life. He’s such a happy boy already, I don’t ever want to take that away from him. Happiness isn’t something you want to be looking for all your life. I think if both of his parents are together, he’ll be happy. He’ll see how good we are together and he’ll feel comfortable, forever. I’ve gone through a divorce with my parents, and it’s really not something I wanted to do. If you’re wondering if I’m scared, I’m not. I’m not scared of a divorce with my loved one. If I’m lucky enough to get the chance to marry her- I will be most loyal for the rest of my life. I will truly be the happiest man alive.

Day 17: Love promotes intimacy

He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

—Proverbs 17:9 NIV

TODAY’S DARE

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.

-This is today’s dare.. I don’t know if bringing her struggles up right now is the best thing. I know exactly what her personal thoughts and struggles are with me- I messed up bad. I’m trying to think of a way to talk to her about it and comfort her, but it’s hard. I can’t be trusted, so anything I say to ‘make her feel safe’ really just goes out the window. I’m going to see what I can do though, I have to be optimistic about it. I love you J.

Day 14: Love takes delight

Enjoy life with the wife you love all the days of your fleeting life.

—Ecclesiastes 9:9 HCSB

TODAY’S DARE

Purposefully neglect an activity you would normally do so you can spend quality time with your spouse. Do something he or she would love to do or a project they’d really like to work on. Just be together.

-I just never got the chance to do something to where we’d be spending time together. I really had something planned too. I want to get her on Skype and sort of have a ‘Skype’ date… And I was going to order her pizza and have it arrive at the same exact time mine arrives at my house.. That way- we could both ‘go out to eat (pizza :P) and be on a date’… I don’t know.. Thought it was cute. I’m going to try again today to spend time with her or something.. I’m gonna work in the ‘Skype Date’ when it’s the right timing though. If I can’t spend time with her today, I’ll try Day 15’s dare and just come back to Day 14.

Tomorrow’s Dare-

Day 15: Love is honorable

Live with your wives in an understanding way . . . and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life.

—1 Peter 3:7

TODAY’S DARE

Choose a way to show honor and respect to your spouse that is above your normal routine. It may be holding the door for her. It might be putting his clothes away for him. It may be the way you listen and speak in your communication. Show your mate that he or she is highly esteemed in your eyes.

-Okay. If I can’t do Day 14 I’ll definitely try this. I can’t do any physical things for her due to distance, but I will try to emotionally be there, just to show her how much she really means to me.

Day 13: Love fights fair

If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.

—Mark 3:25

TODAY’S DARE

Talk with your spouse about establishing healthy rules of engagement. If your mate is not ready for this, then write out your own personal rules to “fight” by. Resolve to abide by them when the next disagreement occurs.If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.

-I tried doing this but it didn’t end up positive at all. I told her it’d be great to just have some rules to go by just in case we fought but she made it more difficult than it should have been… This is getting harder.

Day 14: Love takes delight

Enjoy life with the wife you love all the days of your fleeting life.

—Ecclesiastes 9:9 HCSB

TODAY’S DARE

Purposefully neglect an activity you would normally do so you can spend quality time with your spouse. Do something he or she would love to do or a project they’d really like to work on. Just be together.

-Just be together. I like that… Today’s dare sounds fun. I think I know what to do.

Tomorrow’s Dare-

Day 15: Love is honorable

Live with your wives in an understanding way . . . and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life.

—1 Peter 3:7

TODAY’S DARE

Choose a way to show honor and respect to your spouse that is above your normal routine. It may be holding the door for her. It might be putting his clothes away for him. It may be the way you listen and speak in your communication. Show your mate that he or she is highly esteemed in your eyes.

Day 11: Love cherishes

Husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies.

—Ephesians 5:28

TODAY’S DARE

What need does your spouse have that you could meet today? Can you run an errand? Give a back rub or foot massage? Is there housework you could help with? Choose a gesture that says, “I cherish you” and do it with a smile.

-I sent her a video of Taylor Swift when she hosted Saturday Night Live. She really likes Taylor Swift so, it was something sweet to do for her. I feel like I’m slowly but surely getting there.

Day 12: Love lets the other win

Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

—Philippians 2:4

TODAY’S DARE

Demonstrate love by willingly choosing to give in to an area of disagreement between you and your spouse. Tell them you are putting their preference first.

-I am listening more, and realizing all of my mistakes. Although I sometimes feel like she needs to apologize for things here and there, I just let it roll off of me. I really just want to prove to her that I’m there for her, and I’m not going anywhere. Yesterday I apologized for getting impatient. I’m proud to say that I’m getting better.

Day 13: Love fights fair

If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.

—Mark 3:25

TODAY’S DARE

Talk with your spouse about establishing healthy rules of engagement. If your mate is not ready for this, then write out your own personal rules to “fight” by. Resolve to abide by them when the next disagreement occurs.If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.

-Very true. And I believe in it. When we get into a fight, possibly a war, things can get ugly. Due to my personality being much calmer, I’d almost dare to say that the fights will be more healthy already. But discussing rules to ‘fight’ by is definitely a great idea. I’ll talk with her about it.

I love you J.

Day 10: Love is unconditional

God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

—Romans 5:8

TODAY’S DARE

Do something out of the ordinary today for your spouse—something that proves (to you and to them) that your love is based on your choice and nothing else. Wash her car. Clean the kitchen. Buy his favorite dessert. Fold the laundry. Demonstrate love to them for the sheer joy of being their partner in marriage.

-Today I didn’t wash her car… I didn’t clean the kitchen… I didn’t even buy her flowers.
I believe I demonstrated that I love her and love being her partner by the words that I said.
Thinking of everything she has done for me and our special time spent together really makes me realize how much I really love her… There was question whether or not I was with her because of our son- which is absolute nonsense. Yes we share the most beautiful baby boy ever placed on this planet, but I want to be with my partner because I, I being the key word, WANT to be with my partner. This past weekend really proved to me all over again how much I really love her… Anyways, before I get off track-
I described to her that I want to be with her and that she’s the one for me. I told her that I never want to be with anyone else except her, and it’s true. I feel progress I hope she does too.

Day 11 Tomorrow-

Day 11: Love cherishes

Husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies.

—Ephesians 5:28

TODAY’S DARE

What need does your spouse have that you could meet today? Can you run an errand? Give a back rub or foot massage? Is there housework you could help with? Choose a gesture that says, “I cherish you” and do it with a smile.

-It’s funny.. Just a few days ago I did this exact thing, with a smile on, and I didn’t even read ahead on all of the dares.. I guess I really am on the right track. I’ve always done this type of thing though. I feel proud.. It’s hard doing most of these dares due to my distance, but I sure will try my best to think of something to do. See you tomorrow.

Day 9: Love makes good impressions

Greet one another with a kiss of love.

—1 Peter 5:14

TODAY’S DARE

Think of a specific way you’d like to greet your spouse today. Do it with a smile and with enthusiasm. Then determine to change your greeting to reflect your love for them.

-I’ve recently just visited my partner for our son’s birthday weekend. It was my first time seeing her since I made the biggest mistake ever. When I greeted her, I smiled, gave her a hug, and gave her a kiss on her head. Throughout the weekend I would greet her nicely. Telling her good morning, or good night, or just saying hi with a smile on both me and our son when she’s done with her naps. I would say that the weekend definitely helped. I feel so much better now that I’ve seen her. I’ve realized even more how much that I love her and want to be with her forever. Hence, ‘On The Road to Forever.’ Onto Day 10.

Day 10: Love is unconditional

God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

—Romans 5:8

TODAY’S DARE

Do something out of the ordinary today for your spouse—something that proves (to you and to them) that your love is based on your choice and nothing else. Wash her car. Clean the kitchen. Buy his favorite dessert. Fold the laundry. Demonstrate love to them for the sheer joy of being their partner in marriage.

-This should be fun.. I won’t be able to do any chores, but I might just buy her flowers
We’ll see how it turns out

Day 7: Love believes the best

[Love] believes all things, hopes all things.

—1 Corinthians 13:7

TODAY’S DARE

For today’s dare, get two sheets of paper. On the first one, spend a few minutes writing out positive things about your spouse. Then do the same with negative things on the second sheet. Place both sheets in a secret place for another day. There is a different purpose and plan for each. At some point during the remainder of the day, pick a positive attribute from the first list and thank your spouse for having this characteristic

-For Day 7, I told my partner that I love when she cooks breakfast. I thanked her for all the times she’s cooked me breakfast and told her that this morning would be absolutely perfect if I woke up to her making her terrific breakfast for me. :P.

I’ve built up a lot of anger and sadness in her… I can tell.
And I can feel it in myself. I’m not the same.
I’m very heartbroken over my stupid mistakes..
I can only hope that it’ll get better.

Day 8: Love is not jealous

Love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire.

—Song of Solomon 8:6 NIV

TODAY’S DARE

Determine to become your spouse’s biggest fan and to reject any thoughts of jealousy. To help you set your heart on your spouse and focus on their achievements, take yesterday’s list of negative attributes and discreetly burn it. Then share with your spouse how glad you are about a success he or she recently enjoyed.

-I’m in the middle of Day 8 but I’ve already told my love about how proud of her I was for continuing school, completing her ACT’s… It’s a big stepping stone. She takes care of our son and goes to high school, mind you, and takes college courses, too. I look up to her. I will forever. She really has a great heart and a good head on her shoulders. Unlike me, I couldn’t even get through high school- although I finished with a diploma like everyone else and I’m currently attending ‘college’.. I still feel like I wasn’t successful with it. I got lucky to land a diploma and still be able to follow my career. What I’ve learned from all of this is that I need to take more care of myself… I need to pay attention to what I’m doing… I need to strive to be the best that I can be. I can’t fail myself any more than I already have. Tomorrow I drive down to Florida, also Day 9, which is listed below.

Day 9: Love makes good impressions

Greet one another with a kiss of love.

—1 Peter 5:14

TODAY’S DARE

Think of a specific way you’d like to greet your spouse today. Do it with a smile and with enthusiasm. Then determine to change your greeting to reflect your love for them.

-I wish I could kiss her.. Day 9’s greeting will be when I see her in FL for the first time in a couple months. I’m very upset that things won’t be the way they should be.. but I will greet her with a smile and a hug. A kiss is reaching for the stars. See you then.

Day 6: Love is not irritable

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.

—Proverbs 16:32

TODAY’S DARE

Choose today to react to tough circumstances in your marriage in loving ways instead of with irritation. Begin by making a list below of areas where you need to add margin to your schedule. Then list any wrong motivations that you need to release from your life.

-I’m a little late on my post due to traveling to Boston and not having the internet. Here’s my list of areas where I need to add margin to my schedule…

-I need to say good morning and I love you whenever possible.
-I need to ask how her day went/is going at the end of the day/during the day.
-I need to say good night and I love you whenever possible.
-When together…if together… me and my partner should always have conversations during the day.. I need to start being more honest if anything ever happens, regardless of the consequences.

-Wrong motivations that I need to release from my life: anything that affects me from being me. I just need to be myself 100% of the time and always do my own thing.

Off to Day 7-

Day 7: Love believes the best

[Love] believes all things, hopes all things.

—1 Corinthians 13:7

TODAY’S DARE

For today’s dare, get two sheets of paper. On the first one, spend a few minutes writing out positive things about your spouse. Then do the same with negative things on the second sheet. Place both sheets in a secret place for another day. There is a different purpose and plan for each. At some point during the remainder of the day, pick a positive attribute from the first list and thank your spouse for having this characteristic.

-This should be very interesting. I kinda wanna tell her about how nice her cheeks are but I tell her all the time<333333 I’ll think of something I haven’t told her yet though. Shouldn’t be hard.

See you tomorrow

Day 4: Love is thoughtful

How precious also are Your thoughts to me. . . .How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.

—Psalm 139:17–18

TODAY’S DARE

Contact your spouse sometime during the business of the day. Have no agenda other than asking how he or she is doing and if there is anything you could do for them.

-This took me two days extra. It just wasn’t the right time to ask ‘how she was doing’ at most times, because I knew exactly how she was doing. But when I picked the right time to call and ask her, she was shocked that that was all I was calling for. I wonder if it made her smile deep down?

Day 5: Love is not rude

He who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be reckoned a curse to him.

—Proverbs 27:14

TODAY’S DARE

Ask your spouse to tell you three things that cause him or 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.

-It’s 5:30pm and I’m in the middle of Day 5. I already asked her the three things and she gave me the most obvious ones. I hoped she would tell me something like, I don’t know, “I don’t like when you don’t kiss me enough.” Haha. Anyways, the day is going by. I feel like progress is happening. She told me today that she hated me and it broke my heart, but it’s perfectly understandable. I’m sorry J. I’m sorry forever. I love you.
See you tomorrow for Day 6; which is-

Day 6: Love is not irritable

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.

—Proverbs 16:32

TODAY’S DARE

Choose today to react to tough circumstances in your marriage in loving ways instead of with irritation. Begin by making a list below of areas where you need to add margin to your schedule. Then list any wrong motivations that you need to release from your life.

Day 4: Love is thoughtful

How precious also are Your thoughts to me. . . .How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.

—Psalm 139:17–18

TODAY’S DARE

Contact your spouse sometime during the business of the day. Have no agenda other than asking how he or she is doing and if there is anything you could do for them.

-Today was a difficult day. I knew the answer to how she was doing… I’m pretty sure that I know what she would’ve said if I asked if there was anything I could do for her… I would understand if she told me to stay the hell out of her life.. :(. Everyday, I realize more and more just what I’ve done. And it’s the hardest. I cannot imagine how she feels. I am so sorry. If I could just prove to her that I’m forever hers, I would have everything. She is my everything. All I want is our family together… that includes her being my wife. I’ve questioned dropping the question, although I feel that isn’t the proper way to get out of the situation. She doesn’t deserve any bit of pain that I’ve ever made her feel. My goal is to prove to her that I love her so much, prove to her that I’m changed, and prove to her that I will love her forever. Once that is done, I plan on making her my wife. If she accepts, of course. But.. she’s a good girl. I believe that I know her enough to know that it’ll all be okay. At least, I hope so deeply that I’m starting to believe it will come true. Either way- I love her to death. I hope one day we can be together.

See you tomorrow, day four to repeat.