Day One of "The Love Dare

Hi Ladies- Welcome to those of you who are joining the "Love Dare". I too am nervous, because I want to do this well and not give up. I want to see it through! So, let's be praying for each other in this endeavor...for endurance, for protection for our marriages and families, for God's help to complete this by His grace and for His glory. If for some reason you miss a day, don't let that stop you from doing two dares the next day. Since I only get on the computer about once a week it is important that you each have your own "Love Dare" book as I will only be doing some periodic updates. But I will be praying for you and doing the "Dare" right along with you.
Today's dare is to not say anything negative to your spouse. I am not sure if they mean just negative to your spouse regarding them or just anything negative in general. I am going to assume the latter, as I have issues with being a negative person- so why not go for the bigger blessing to Adam ("If I can't say something nice, than don't say anything at all"- from Bambi).
I am really proud of you for accepting this dare and so excited to see what God does in all of us and our marriages too.
Just something to keep in mind...when I started this dare awhile back I felt quite vulnerable...I wanted approval and recognition from Adam for each dare I successfully completed. Sure there were times that he especially noticed that I was acting different:), but other times when it wasn't verbally recognized...so, my exhortation is to remember that God is "El Roi", the God who Sees. He knows what you are doing and He will bless and reward you. He is well-pleased that you are working at your marriage. I realized that my ego wanted to be stroked, instead of just humbly blessing my man because it pleased God. So, don't get discouraged if your noble attempts seem to go unnoticed. My guess is your spouse will probably be in a little bit of shock and wanting to wait things out to see if you really are changing or if it is just a passing phase (ouch, I know- but true, right?!) So, hang in there and keep plugging away.
I am reading the following Scripture in a friend's upcoming wedding, and I thought it was a great prayer/mediation to use to start this journey:

Colossians 3:12-17 (The Message)
"So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress is the wardrobe God picked out for You: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. Its your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ- the Message- have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives- words, actions, whatever- be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way."

Amen.