Whiteley Creek Homestead

If you are formulating plans for Valentine's Day, I have a movie suggestion that will be much more than just an entertaining Saturday night out… It will be life-changing. If you internalize the movie's precepts, it will be Valentine's Day everyday. I will explain how it all came about for us and provide a movie synopsis.

On Sunday, Dick and I enjoyed a delicious meal of spaghetti served in small individual serving-size spaghetti squash prepared by our friend Cindy. We then watched a movie… her husband John was tech support… in a mini large-screen theater at the clubhouse in the housing development where they live. The name of the movie was "Fireproof" which opened in theaters Sept. 26-28, 2008 and is now available in DVD.

The movie features Kirk Cameron as Capt. Caleb Holt, who continually drives home to his fellow firefighters, "Never leave your partner behind." However, this wise advice does not transfer to his home setting where his marriage is crumbling and divorce is imminent. It's the little stuff… "jobs, finances, housework, and outside interests" that they continually argue about. We can all relate to that, right? Caleb's father steps in and challenges his son to a 40-day Love Dare. Each day of the Love Dare, which is available for purchase, is three-pronged: First, an aspect of love is discussed. Secondly, you're given something to do for your spouse. Lastly, you journal what you are learning, doing, and how your spouse responds. Caleb reluctantly agrees to take a shot at it, more to appease his father than anything else. Caleb's wife, however, is not receptive to this sudden change in behavior that is so out of character.  

Throughout the movie, Dick and I were on the edge of our seats, we laughed, and cried… oh, yea the tears flowed even after the movie's conclusion. I'm telling you, Dick and I came away from the movie changed in so many ways… wanting to grow not only in our relationship with each other but how we approach and choose to live our life here on earth, in general. I recommend this movie for both a stuggling marriage, as well as a strongly bonded one. It is also equally beneficial for unmarried couples.        

Feb. 12, 2009

Today's mileage: 2 mile walk 

Total monthly mileage: 32.5 miles

Bible reading? You bet.