Women Living Well Blog

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

What a Majority of Men Want For Valentine's Day and a Giveaway

Photo credit Boston Herald

This Monday is Valentine's Day. In a lot of marriages, this day comes and goes without a whole lot of acknowledgement. We women see it on the calendar - we know it's there, we've helped our children write out all their little Valentine's Day cards...and we cross our fingers that our husband NOTICES it is Valentine's Day.

If you are a lucky one - you will get a card, flowers, dinner out, maybe some chocolates and some romance. And well - the rest of us...it might not happen and we'll just have an annoying day lol!

But rather than waiting around for something that might not happen - how about we use this day to show our husbands appreciation for the blessing that they are in our lives. This day gives us a reason to shower our husbands with some extra Tender Loving Care!!!

Remember - there are no exceptions in the Bible where it says on Birthdays, Mother's Day and Valentine's Day we have permission to get selfish and self-centered.

Philippians 2:3,4 says "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

My husband is thoughtful. It is not uncommon for him to show up with my favorite drink from Starbucks, a late night run to fill my car up with gas, or a timely back rub. But he's not Mr. Romance. I am 100% secure in his love for me by the way he works so hard to provide, listens to my long detailed stories lol!, protects me and the children and does a whole slew of other things 365 days a year! I don't want to despise him on February 14th for not coming up with a soap opera type romantic extravaganza. I know it's not gonna happen and it probably won't happen for about 90% of us!

So why not have some fun planning something special for our husbands and making a memory! Do you know what your husband wants? There's still quite a few days left - so ask him!

Let me make a suggestion as to what a majority of men want even if they aren't willing to say it:

1. A great tasting, looking, smelling home cooked meal and home cooked dessert (I plan to make an all red dinner - red drink - red spaghetti - red dessert)

2. You pursuing him for a night of passion (remember you are married - HAVE fun! God created passion for us married folk! lol!) Don't be afraid to flirt again - wink at him across the table - suggest what is for dessert after the kids are in bed *wink*. Loosen' up and have fun! Make a memory that neither of you will forget!

3. Write a letter expressing all the things you admire about him. Consider reading it out loud to him at dinner in front of your children. Or if you are going out to dinner - put your list in your purse and then pull it out in the middle of dinner and read it to him. Trust me - he will LOVE it!

Which of the three does your husband need from you right now?

*****I am excited to share that I have a giveaway today!!! It's the "Love and Respect For a Lifetime" hardback Gift Edition!!! This is a GREAT book to read together with your husband (if he is willing). My husband and I have led his marriage study in our home and it has been a huge inspiration in our own marriage.

Dr. Emerson Eggerich says:
"When you touch your husband's deepest need something good almost always happens!"

To enter to win just leave a comment below before Monday, February 14th!

I want to invite bloggers to link-up if you are participating in this challenge. If you are not a blogger - please leave a comment below to let me know that you have committed to the challenge!

Join the fun, do a little blog hopping and don't forget if you join below -please add the Women Living Well Wednesdays button or the Marriage Challenge button to your post so your readers can find us here! (posts can include the topics of marriage, parenting and homemaking)

Walk with the King!

I am linked up at Titus2days (Time Warp Wife), Raising Homemakers, and Works for Me Wednesday.

Labels: Giveaways, Marriage, Marriage Challenge 2, Women Living Well Wednesdays

139 Comments:

Brooke D said...: Courtney-
THANKS!!! Great post! You are so right about selfishness creeping up on us on b days, mothers day, etc... great ideas for Valentine's. Challenging!
Thank you for your ministry.; February 8, 2011 at 10:50 PM
Sarah beth said...: I love your ideas and reminding us that we shouldnt be selfish~thank you! My hubby is away for a few days, so that will give me sometime to think of what to do! ;}

I am excited and I am linking up again!

Sarah beth
http://hislovingpresence.blogspot.com/; February 8, 2011 at 11:54 PM
Annie Kate said...: Great post!

I think you're right about selfishness on those 'special' days. Many relationships suffer because we women believe what advertisers tell us about love.

We also tend to buy into the world's view of how we ought to love our hsubands. I posted about an alternative viewpoint.

Blessings,

Annie Kate

PS I'm glad I found your blog!; February 9, 2011 at 6:55 AM
Anonymous said...: Love this post. I LOVE Valentine's Day! My hubby is not romantic either. But, I still love celebrating! And this year I am bringing all the girls in my office a few flowers. Women get so down on this holiday... we do not need to... we just need to show LOVE to each other!!!

Melodie; February 9, 2011 at 6:58 AM
Heather said...: This is awesome advice, Courtney! Thanks! I had no idea what to get my hubby for Valentine's Day- now i know. :) I'm doing the challenge!; February 9, 2011 at 7:35 AM
Carol said...: I came across yours and a few other blogs yesterday and I am really appreciative of them.

This is a really fabulous post and thank you for sharing. I've been reading quite a lot of what you have written and have been very bless.

Thank you.; February 9, 2011 at 8:01 AM
Dianne said...: Very timely post! When we release the expectations the world has set us up for, we won't be so disappointed when our man doesn't perform according to worldly standards. Everyone enjoys romance, but the romance that is spontaneous on other unplanned days of the year is so much better! If you think about it, this is how Valentine's Day goes: Advertisers set up a standard to judge your husband by which he is expected to perform by to show you he loves you, and you are to act completely surprised and delighted when he does it. Who gave someone else the right to set up fake standards by which to judge my husband's love by? His love for me is so much greater in the daily responsibilities and spontaneous surprises as you pointed out Courtney! I feel sorry for guys who probably feel anxiety to perform as the day draws nearer.; February 9, 2011 at 8:01 AM
Unknown said...: I agree! I think our expectations are (at least) half the problem as wives! Thanks again for this gentle reminder and the opportunity to win a great book - I've heard really good things about it!; February 9, 2011 at 8:15 AM
Anonymous said...: I've lost count the number of times God has had to remind me of this very lesson!; February 9, 2011 at 8:16 AM
Courtney Jean said...: I was just looking at this book on Amazon to buy! I hope I win! Thanks for the give away!; February 9, 2011 at 8:16 AM
Unknown said...: Thank you, as always, for your encouragement in areas where I need it most. I need to start speaking my husband's love language more instead of always waiting for him to speak mine.; February 9, 2011 at 8:23 AM
Holly Lynne said...: Thank you so much for holding me accountable for loving my husband in a selfless way! I love your challenges!
Thank you for your ministry!; February 9, 2011 at 8:24 AM
Sara B said...: Thank you Courtney. I'm going to start working on my list of what I admire the most in my husband. He'll enjoy that.; February 9, 2011 at 8:26 AM
Heather said...: Thank you so much Courtney for this post! Its a great reminder what love really is...being selfish! I am off to plan somethinf special for my husband, thanks for the inspiration and encouragement!

Thanks again Courtney
Blessings,
Heather; February 9, 2011 at 8:27 AM
Amie said...: Hi Courtney,
Great post! Thanks for taking the time to encourage us to be better wives to our husbands!! You are such a blessing!

Amie
www.rosesalongtheway.blogspot.com; February 9, 2011 at 8:28 AM
Melissa Sutton said...: I have been thinking of creating a cookie bouquet to deliver to my husbands work. He loves oatmeal raisin cookies. So I thought to make them into hearts and decorate them with loving messages about why I love him. ie Godly Man, Hard Worker, Encouraging etc. I think he will be surprised. It will mean an extra trip to town (he works 37 miles away)but It will be worth it.; February 9, 2011 at 8:29 AM
Maryann said...: I sure would love that book!! ;0); February 9, 2011 at 8:32 AM
Mrs. V said...: I am going to try to do something special this year for valentines day.. along with our annual "go out the day after and get all the 50% off candy" tradition!; February 9, 2011 at 8:39 AM
Jamie said...: Loved your post! It's such a great reminder that we need to "romance" our hubbies and not just leave it all to them. I love your link ups too, it's become one of my favorite days! :); February 9, 2011 at 8:40 AM
Kellie said...: I would love that book!; February 9, 2011 at 8:40 AM
Anna said...: Thanks for the reminder Courtney! Instead of dreading the ignored 'love holiday', I am now excited to express my love for my husband... can't wait =); February 9, 2011 at 8:41 AM
mariangela said...: Thank you so much for your posts,it really made an impact in my life.; February 9, 2011 at 8:41 AM
timi said...: WOW! Thank you for keeping our hearts, heads and faith grounded and for reminding us not to follow the 'world's expectations' for Valentine's Day. I think I will keep my list of my husband's admirable qualities with me to remind me of all the wonderful things he does for us on a daily basis. Every day can be Valentine's Day if you let it. Incredible post!; February 9, 2011 at 8:44 AM
Courtney (Women Living Well) said...: Melodie and Melissa Sutton - I LOVE LOVE LOVE your Valentine's Day plans!!!

Courtney; February 9, 2011 at 8:47 AM
Freedom Acres Farm said...: Thanks for a wonderful post! I've seen the whole Love & Respect video series and now I'm trying to view it again with my boys and their girlfriends. I haven't read the book but I hope to - I'm sure it's as good as the video series!!
Thank you for inspiring me always!!; February 9, 2011 at 8:47 AM
~Lindsey said...: I am so thankful to read your blog, I am always excited to find a new post to read. I would love to read the book with my husband, I think we would could really benefit from it! Happy Valentines to you and your family!!; February 9, 2011 at 8:54 AM
Anonymous said...: Thank you for some great thoughts on Valentine's Day. I especially like the verse you tied to it. Perfect! I will be putting that up somewhere as a gentle reminder. We have a birthday in our family, on Valentine's Day, so we focus more on that, but there will be little things, that express love and thoughtfulness.; February 9, 2011 at 8:57 AM
Suzanne said...: My husband and I are starting a yearly tradition of hand writing love letters to each other on valentine's day and saving them in a box. We found some of his grandparents love notes to each other and LOVED seeing how intentional they were about expressing their love to one another (with specific words to describe what they love and details about what the other has done that they admire! even with just high school education they were such strong writers back then...and had such great penmanship, too!) We're afraid in the world of text messages, emails and IMs...our sweet romantic words will be lost! So at least once a year we are trying to make a point to write a love letter to each other! I'm excited about it!

Oh and yes I will be giving my husband what every husband wants for Valentine's day, too! ;-); February 9, 2011 at 8:57 AM
Josh and Jenn said...: I found your blog last summer and I've been keeping up with it ever since. I love it! That book would be a great book to read too! I hope I win ;); February 9, 2011 at 9:05 AM
hollisterlyn said...: I'm actually excited now about blessing HIM for Valentine's Day. We've been out of touch for a week due to him being called out of town on an emergency. I was already getting annoyed knowing that he would forget Valentine's Day. I'm turning it around to how I can make HIS day wonderful. Off to plan! Thanks Courtney! ~Holly; February 9, 2011 at 9:06 AM
Chele said...: OH I would love this book! Thank you for the chance! I always share on my blog that my marriage is my priority... I also have no doubt he loves me! It's an awesome feeling and I feel sympathy for those who don't have that in their marriage. Your response of one way to show you love him is winking across the table. Little story that just happened last night. He winked at me across the dinner table. My 5 yo DS says "Daddy you want to kiss Mama don't you?" LOL. :); February 9, 2011 at 9:08 AM
Anonymous said...: Thank you for this post. That is so true... Women shouldn't sit around and wait to be disappointed that some fantasy day didn't come true. We have the power to make the Valentine's Day we want! :); February 9, 2011 at 9:09 AM
Still In Progress said...: Thanks for sharing again Courtney!; February 9, 2011 at 9:14 AM
Becky said...: Thank you sooo much for your blog!! You are an inspiration for me, and give me great encouragement that I'm not the only "50's" housewife out there!! Through reading your blog I found that I wasn't the mom, wife, and Christian that I wanted to be. The Lord dealt with me on these issues, and now I feel GREAT!! So thank you!! I will be spending Valentines Day making it special for my husband and children...now I need to brainstorm!! p.s. I would LOVE that book!!!!; February 9, 2011 at 9:21 AM
mama hall said...: yes. my man wants that extra TLC *after the kids go to bed*winkwink* ;)
thanks for the chance to win. i have read that book (more than once!) and it is really impacting!; February 9, 2011 at 9:24 AM
Momrempel said...: This book would be fantastic to win! Your ideas are a wonderful example of loving on our husbands in ways that we can do all year not just Valentine's Day. Love it! Thanks for the reminder:); February 9, 2011 at 9:26 AM
Denise said...: Thanks for a great reminder about being selfish. I am trying to do better on a daily basis of being more appreciative and thankful for my husband. Valentine's Day will be our 24th wedding anniversary. We will celebrate the weekend before due to work and son's basketball game. I will try some of these ideas-throughout the year also.; February 9, 2011 at 9:27 AM
Cyndi said...: Your ideas are always so great!; February 9, 2011 at 9:28 AM
Naomi's Mom said...: Thanks for your post. I'm in the 90% and appreciate your encouragement!; February 9, 2011 at 9:42 AM
Cassie said...: Thanks for the giveaway, but more importantly, thanks for the challenge.

13cls13 at gmail dot com; February 9, 2011 at 9:42 AM
Tancy said...: Thanks for your encouragement and example in the area of marriage. We are in those baby years and it can be hard to make or find the time to be creative. Thanks for the reminder!; February 9, 2011 at 9:42 AM
RWebb said...: I've wanted to read Love & Respect for a while now. This would be a great start!; February 9, 2011 at 9:49 AM
Anonymous said...: I love reading your blog...but I have never commented! You are a blessing to all of us and we are all encouraged and grateful for the wisdom you share! I would love to do the Love & Respect study!!! Happy Valentine's Day!!!
-Alicia
aliciahoward03@yahoo.com; February 9, 2011 at 9:55 AM
dhimes said...: You are so right...for most of us it will be pretty uneventful, but I like the idea of taking the lead. I might try the idea of writing the note of why he's so great! :) I'm pretty sure I will be receiving something and I did actually pick up something small for him too this year...hope your day is special in some way too !; February 9, 2011 at 9:58 AM
Kelly said...: seems like a great book, and what a great post!; February 9, 2011 at 10:06 AM
Michelle said...: I am inspired by your suggestion to make a 'red' dinner for V-day! My hubby and I have a cash flow that leaves much to be desired (like more cash...lol!) So this V-day, we've decided to not go out to dinner but stay home and exchange something --small--. I was lost for ideas on how to make it special...and you've helped me to figure it out (even using our small budget)! Thank you!!!; February 9, 2011 at 10:14 AM
Renee said...: Such a great post. So true. Sometimes I think we over think Valentines day. Thinking basic can be the best!; February 9, 2011 at 10:24 AM
WARRIOR CHIC said...: I was thinking this Valentine's, which is also our anniversay, I would recreate our belated honeymoon to Hawaii last summer. A bright floral shirt, a yummy meal we shared in Hawaii, music, and reminiscing of our growing together these past 18 years. I love your thoughts that you share, thank you!; February 9, 2011 at 10:30 AM
Christy, The Simple Homemaker said...: Wonderful post! I have been blogging about the same thing this month. Our husbands are such treasures and it is too easy to take them for granted. Thank you for encouraging women to cherish their husbands.; February 9, 2011 at 10:32 AM
Becky said...: Great post! I told my husband what it said about what men wanted and we both got a chuckle out of the dinner suggestion. Not laughing at you but laughing at the fact that I am NOT the cook in the house (for the obvious reason I am HORRIBLE at cooking and always set the fire alarm off). He is our 'chef'. I hope to treat him to a meal out and then take the rest of your advice. wink wink! Thanks! Praying for you and your family. Great to have a kindred spirit out there in blogland. :) God bless you!; February 9, 2011 at 10:33 AM
Gwen said...: Love your blog! Looks like a good book! Thanks!; February 9, 2011 at 10:33 AM
Anonymous said...: Thank you for all your posts, this one being no exception. This month, my husband and I began a new anniversary to celebrate our new beginning. We have spent the last 3 or 4 weeks shining Light and Truth into some dark corners of our lives - corners that have really derailed our 22 years of marriage. It has been such a painful process (many late and sleepless nights), but we have found such freedom and true forgiveness; all the tears and hurt from hearing and sharing have been so worth it.

I would encourage all wives to pray for courage and strength to hear, really hear, their husband's heart. It may take a long time and a lot of Qs and prayers, but every husband has emotional needs very much like our own that they stuff into a corner. Our willingness to listen, without anger and judgment, to draw them to us in intimacy (which even for them is a time to emotionally connect with us) will serve to build, heal, and protect them from what they face in the world.

Through God's strength alone have I been able to hear my husband's heart and minister to him to help heal the pain he felt. Had I not cried out to the Lord, I would have certainly crushed his heart and my marriage with it.

This Valentine's Day will have so much more depth for the two of us now. I am so thankful.; February 9, 2011 at 10:37 AM
Kelley Jo said...: Thank you for the post! It is so important to be reminded of what we can do for our husbands! I plan to follow your advise for a romantic day with the one I love. I haven't read Love & Respect yet but I have heard it's a wonderful book.; February 9, 2011 at 10:55 AM
Anonymous said...: Right on point as usual. Thanks for the chance to win.
oencrypticmama AT yahoo DOT com; February 9, 2011 at 11:00 AM
Mandy said...: Love the chalanges and your ministry, you are such a blessing. I love the ideas of sharing our admiration for our husbands IN FRONT of the children. We are modeling for them what a healthy happy marriage in Christ should look like, lovely.; February 9, 2011 at 11:03 AM
Unknown said...: I would love to win this book! I do not blog but am a new reader of your blog. I love it. I have been doing the " challenge" and I jus t love some of your suggestions. Thank you!t; February 9, 2011 at 11:18 AM
Lisa notes... said...: My husband would choose option 2 every time. :-) But like you said, we're married! That's our privilege! Thanks for the post.; February 9, 2011 at 11:19 AM
Michelle said...: I Have loved this Challenge even more then most of yours. I had been focusing on myself because we had been having some trails and this has changed my perspective back to where it should be its nice to see my wonderful husband flourish under such praise and the renewed bliss and end to stress it has brought to us. God bless and thank you so much for being an Inspiration Courtney.

Michelle; February 9, 2011 at 11:32 AM
Ashley said...: Thank you for your ministry of writing this blog!; February 9, 2011 at 11:44 AM
Rebecca M. said...: This post was a great reminder. My husband and I just heard about this book last week!; February 9, 2011 at 11:45 AM
Kathleen said...: Thanks for this post! A good reminder that marriage is about sacrificing for the other person, not seeking your own desires.; February 9, 2011 at 11:49 AM
Heather said...: Thanks for the great advice. I'm doing the challenge! :); February 9, 2011 at 11:56 AM
{MrsH} said...: thank you Courtney! I was just about to fall in the trap of "meh V day is just another day. Why should we do anything special??" Now I am excited to turn the day around to be my chance to spoil my hubby. Can't wait ;); February 9, 2011 at 12:03 PM
Honeycutt Family said...: I have heard great things about that book and have wanted to read it!; February 9, 2011 at 12:10 PM
Unknown said...: Thanks Courtney for making me realize I am not the only one with a husband that is not mr romance. So many of my friends are in the early stages of a relationship or marriage and my husband and I have been together for 15 years. To him it's just another day and he like your husband shows love 365 days in other ways. I needed that reminder, with V Day coming up. I think cooking him his favorite not so healthy dinner would be a good way to celebrate since we haven't had that meal in a few years. Thanks for sharing your life with us! Alea; February 9, 2011 at 12:15 PM
c said...: I have been reading your blog for some time now but never comment. We live in the same town, or at least the Hall of Fame area, I keep hoping I will run into you at the grocery store! Your blog is very encouraging, thanks for the ministry. I would enjoy having this book to read.; February 9, 2011 at 12:29 PM
Mama Chocolate said...: I just stumbled across your blog again...don't know how I lost it! :-)
You always have such encouraging and uplifting posts!
Thank you!

http://childrenchoresandchocolate.blogspot.com/; February 9, 2011 at 12:38 PM
Teresa said...: Courtney - Thanks for the post! I loved it! I am one of the lucky ones - a great husband who is thoughtful. But, I have long since asked, "Why is it the man's job to plan a romantic anniversary/Valentine's/etc?" Who made that rule? If I waited for him, it would never happen. He'll give me nice gifts, but won't think about places to go or meals out. So I take that as my responsibility. I take care of making food, or getting take out, or planning an overnight trip for our anniversary. And, I try to plan a special nightie for various holidays. *wink* He LOVES it! You're right - the holidays aren't just about the wife - they're about the couple! Each of them blessing the other!
Your blog has made me brainstorm for other ways to bless my wonderful hubby this Valentine's Day! Thanks!!!! :); February 9, 2011 at 12:43 PM
Amy von Oven said...: Valentines Day is also my Birthday, so often my husband makes it all about me to make it a double birthday/Valentines for me and I feel like he gets pushed aside because of that. I am going to try so hard to not let my birthday hide the fact that I still love him too....; February 9, 2011 at 1:01 PM
Melissa said...: I have been trying to show him more appreciation recently. I LOVE the idea about the list of things we appreciate. I will get strated today!; February 9, 2011 at 1:09 PM
Just Me said...: Wow, how genergous of you! I'd love to do this Bible study with my husband.

I was convicted by the verse you used. :( My husband isn't 'Mr. Romance' either but that is the only thing I can complain about in our marriage. Thanks for the reminder!; February 9, 2011 at 1:18 PM
Jody said...: Thank you for the ideas! I have really been challenging myself to be more attentive to my husband's needs, particularly when it comes to praising him for all he does. Not only does it seem to please him, but its a reminder to me not to take him for granted.

I would LOVE to win this book!; February 9, 2011 at 1:43 PM
April said...: Love your blog!! I check it out daily! It has blessed my life and marraige. Thank you Courtney!; February 9, 2011 at 1:49 PM
Missi said...: What a great reminder not to be selfish on Valentine's Day! I try to think of my husband with a gift and card or love letter, but I have to admit I put the pressure on him for our date.; February 9, 2011 at 1:55 PM
Madonna said...: Thanks so much for the chance to win a copy of the book!; February 9, 2011 at 2:02 PM
Elizabeth Mullins said...: I always take away something great from your posts! Thanks for all you share with us!; February 9, 2011 at 2:09 PM
Marybeth said...: Thank you for this great post. My husband isn't so romantic either but he is very thoughtful and hard working. I would love to win this book so we could read it together. Thanks for the reminder about not being selfish. Blessings on you and your ministry.; February 9, 2011 at 2:33 PM
Katie M. said...: Thanks for the giveaway! I've been wanting this book for a long time! Thanks for your constant encouragement to live for the King!

durhamgirl.vdm@gmail.com; February 9, 2011 at 2:36 PM
Anonymous said...: Funny that I was just looking up to see if there was a Love & Respect seminar going on soon nearby. The book would work better with our schedule!! Thank you!; February 9, 2011 at 2:41 PM
Kelly said...: Great advice! Thanks for sharing! The book looks like a good one too.; February 9, 2011 at 3:03 PM
TheCampbellcrew said...: Thank you for such great advice! I have never commented before, but I wanted to say that you have really taught me a lot and I greatly appreciate your heart for women:-)

~Christy from GA; February 9, 2011 at 3:15 PM
Sarah Marcum said...: Courtney,
Your blog is such a blessing! Great post about Valentine's Day...so true. Thanks for all the great tips/advice.; February 9, 2011 at 3:20 PM
Anonymous said...: Courtney,
This was a great reminder that men do not want or need the same things a women does. A reminder of the five languages of love. Would love a good read while my husband is working 24/7 for the next 3 months.

Deb
dkotsonis77@yahoo.com; February 9, 2011 at 3:31 PM
Anonymous said...: I'm in for the challenge. Thanks for the giveaway and great post.

I know my hubby loves it when I am in "persuit" of him and give him praise and appreciation.

Blessings,
Lori G.; February 9, 2011 at 3:34 PM
Anonymous said...: I would love to win the book!

Thanks, Courtney!

SaraA
scottanderson@bbtel.com; February 9, 2011 at 3:40 PM
ashley said...: This is so true. It is easy for me to get selfish and think I deserve a little romance once in a while. I think I need to swallow my pride and think about what makes him happy. :)

ashleydunn2003 at yahoo dot com; February 9, 2011 at 3:52 PM
Geiger Family said...: What good ideas. We are planning to have our second baby next Wednesday so this would be good for me to read while I'm home on maternity leave.; February 9, 2011 at 3:59 PM
Lisa @ Simply Things Family said...: Thanks for doing this challenge. I have really enjoyed your posts and creating my own.
I would love to win this book!; February 9, 2011 at 4:15 PM
The Samples Sampler said...: My husband and I don't celebrate Valentine's day, and it was my suggestion. We met just a few days after Valentines day, and that day has more meaning for me than Valentine's day, so I suggested that we celebrate that day instead. It's a great way to remember how and when we met. Every year, I learn more about what his first thoughts and feelings were that night. We have playful discussions about how "exactly" things happened (his memories differ from mine!). This is the one day of the year he buys me flowers, and I always try to come up with something that he would like. This year, I plan on recreating the night we met. Hopefully the dress still fits; it's been a few years!; February 9, 2011 at 4:48 PM
Delilah said...: Great Post:) You are a great inspiration!!; February 9, 2011 at 4:53 PM
Jodie said...: Sounds wonderful. Thanks for the chance to win!; February 9, 2011 at 5:15 PM
Forever Changing said...: I have been looking for a study that my husband and I could do together! This book would be great :) I love the challenges that you present, they help me to really think about doing great things with my husband and he loves it!; February 9, 2011 at 5:30 PM
Lynn said...: What a great give-away. My hubby and I are in the middle of watching the Love and Respect videos in SS.

Lynn
Keithlynn6@msn.com; February 9, 2011 at 5:43 PM
Angie B said...: love your blog! thank you!; February 9, 2011 at 5:49 PM
Jackie Koll said...: As always, so inspiring. Haven't joined up as much with this linky party only because I had already planned something for the 14 days of Valentines for my hubby but I'm reading the posts and learning lots!; February 9, 2011 at 5:55 PM
amber said...: thanks for the encouragment. my husband and i never really celebrate vday but it would be fun to surprise him this year.; February 9, 2011 at 6:12 PM
Special K said...: What a great giveaway!

My hubby needs the note telling him all the things I love about him in front of the kiddos :) Thanks for the suggeswtion!; February 9, 2011 at 6:22 PM
Megan F. said...: I love your ideas and am encouraged with every new post. Thank you.; February 9, 2011 at 6:52 PM
Unknown said...: "LOVE AND RESPECT" BOOK GIVEAWAY
02/09/11 Thank you for posting my comment. I would love to win this book.
The way to a man's heart is through his stomach, a home-cooked meal, made by me, to him, or him to me. Love reading the Bible, and God's word. Tenderness, caring, love & respect ( mutual ) is important. Love grows, God nutures.
Judy Haggarty; February 9, 2011 at 8:49 PM
Anonymous said...: That is a book I've been looking for--I couldn't remember the title, but I saw someone reading it several months ago.; February 9, 2011 at 8:52 PM
Unknown said...: Wow Courtney. All my life I've waited for a man to do for me. This year I'm doing for my man! Thanks love!; February 9, 2011 at 8:56 PM
The Waites Family said...: Whoops. Nathanael's comment was mine. I didn't realize his account was logged on in my computer! Whoops...he's the man I'll be planning a hot date for this year! Eight years ago on V'Day he proposed to me. I love him!; February 9, 2011 at 8:58 PM
Judy Haggarty said...: "LOVE AND RESPECT", comment- BOOK GIVEAWAY

Thank you for this blog. I would love to win this book.It has been a very long time, since I have won anything. For this is a topic-so close to my heart. My Dad was the love of my life. He passed in 1997. He adored my Mom so !! He treated my Mom-with great tender love & respect, for he was my role model. If Men, could be like him, ...oh my gosh !!! A great meal, homeade, by a Man to me, or me to Man, is what makes the world go around. Love & respect & sweet tenderness -mutual respect- is most awesome, & key in a marriage, or relationship.Studying God's word, and keep HIM close balances all Love out. May God bleess you, always this Valentine's day.

Judy Haggarty 2/9/11; February 9, 2011 at 9:00 PM
Candice Brevard said...: Love your blog posts. I have been following along with your challenges. Thanks for the inspiration :)

BTW my husband loves that I read your blogs too :); February 9, 2011 at 10:36 PM
Mandy Alexander said...: I've wanted to do this study for so long, just haven't broken down and bought the book yet. I have enjoyed the challenges of your February love challenge.; February 9, 2011 at 10:41 PM
Meagan said...: Courtney,

I stumbled across your blog a week or two ago and I love it. I love all the Valentine's Challenges--you see I love Valentine's Day so much, well, I got married on February 14th. :D When I was a girl, my Dad ALWAYS remembered Valentine's Day and left trails of roses around the house, red or peach (her favorite) for mom and pink for me. Their anniversary often went unnoticed for the most part, however. So I was going to make sure that I had one VERY special day of the year with my hubby! lol

Just thought I'd share my little Valentine's story.

Meagan
http://furtheringhiskingdom-matthew28-20.blogspot.com/; February 9, 2011 at 10:44 PM
Anonymous said...: A great entry! I just found your blog the other day, and am thoroughly enjoying it. Thank you! My husband have been talking about just this - the love and respect cycle that is so key in our relationship, and this book sounds great!; February 9, 2011 at 11:04 PM
Bridget said...: I have loved this challenge. It really reminds me to show my hubby some love....and some great ways to do that :) Thanks for the giveaway!; February 9, 2011 at 11:54 PM
Amanda @ Gods Highest Calling said...: Thanks for the encouraging post, Courtney. I have been following it since you've started it and loving it. I love your red themed dinner idea and included a super easy cherry cobbler dessert in my post. Date nights in are so much fun, any time of the year.

Much Joy!
Amanda; February 10, 2011 at 12:11 AM
Becks said...: Thanks for this giveaway! I would love to win this book! Great challenge and so true about how Valentine's Day is not an exception to be selfish!!; February 10, 2011 at 3:52 AM
Tami @ ThisMomsDelight.com said...: It's hard work fighting self-centeredness. Yet, it has provided better days for my marriage!; February 10, 2011 at 9:09 AM
Renee said...: What a great word. I love the part about nowhere in the Bible does it make mention that we can be selfish on our B-day, M-day and V-day. So true!; February 10, 2011 at 9:35 AM
Erynn said...: I love it! Especially about keeping our attitudes right! <3; February 10, 2011 at 9:36 AM
momshelly said...: Wanting ,but not always "feeling",to serve.I'm sure he would want it all.Learning what it is to unconditionally serve.Maybe one of the suggestions will be speaking his love languages.I'll do all three.Thank you,Shelly Watson; February 10, 2011 at 12:27 PM
Sophia said...: Courtney,
Thanks for the final week of this challenge. I've been trying to incorporate these kinds of things in my weekly life already (which was of great encouragement to realize that I'm ALREADY doing many of these things on a somewhat regular basis :) but your challenges have helped motivate me to be SURE that I'm doing them this month.
I've already been working on a fun & romantic Valentine's Day night for us so I'm definitely taking this week's challenge!!
Thanks for encouraging me (and all your readers :) to love my husband unselfishly! :)
Sophia; February 10, 2011 at 1:44 PM
Unknown said...: Thank you so much for your great ideas. I enjoy reading your blog!; February 10, 2011 at 5:43 PM
Darlene Schacht said...: That's a beautiful post, Courtney. It gives me much to think about while I prepare for Valentines Day.; February 10, 2011 at 6:27 PM
L Harris said...: I'm not specifically doing the challenge. I'd love to win the book. And I plan to do something special next Monday for my man, but I'm still in the planning stages. :); February 10, 2011 at 8:02 PM
Anonymous said...: I love your blog but the big and small font makes it so hard to read, thanks.; February 10, 2011 at 9:48 PM
Janelle Nehrenz said...: I just love you. Enough said.; February 10, 2011 at 10:34 PM
melissa said...: sometimes i think we get lazy with this as we get into a rut of lives and marriage. Thanks for the reminder of not to expect, but to be the first one to do something. I need to add that book to my reading list!; February 11, 2011 at 7:17 AM
Kathy Fannon, CHHC said...: "[He] does a whole slew of other things 365 days a year...I don't want to despise him on February 14th for not coming up with a soap opera type romantic extravaganza."

Thank you for saying that, Courtney! We forget what our husbands do for us the rest of year and so easily take on rejection or disappointment when he forgets one or two dates per year. (At least I do.)

I like the all-red dinner idea too!; February 11, 2011 at 8:41 AM
Sara said...: I loved this post! Thanks for the reminder to be selfless and think of my hubby before myself!; February 11, 2011 at 8:58 AM
Holly @SurvivingOnAShoestring said...: OOh I'd love to win, Teh original is fantastic. Great challenge again courtney, it's a pleasure to link up and follow along; February 11, 2011 at 9:58 AM
MoneySavinDiva said...: I love this challenge - I have been participating even though I don't have a blog! Our church has a small group doing the Love and Respect book right now, we missed the sign up for it but will definetely be participating next time!; February 11, 2011 at 10:22 AM
McKissicks said...: Great ideas!; February 11, 2011 at 10:32 AM
Michelle said...: Thanks! We need to be reminded of these things! I will commit to this challenge. Although I do not have a blog I love to follow them!; February 11, 2011 at 11:29 AM
Michelle said...: Thanks we all need to be reminded of these things! I will join this challenge!; February 11, 2011 at 11:55 AM
Christine said...: I've always wanted to read this book; I've heard about it from so many women. Loving our husbands the way they experience love and not the way we want to be loved is an important lesson to learn in marriage. Great post!; February 11, 2011 at 1:17 PM
pinkcombatboots said...: This was challenging and beautiful! Thanks for writing this. I've been thinking along similar lines, so it was doubly good to run across your post! May God bless and hope you have a wonderful Valentines' weekend!; February 11, 2011 at 2:10 PM
Brenda Psalm 91 said...: I like the letter suggestion.; February 11, 2011 at 2:39 PM
Neisey said...: i have been following you on youtube and just realized you blog also. so now not only do i subscribe to your youtube page, i am following you here also.
it is so nice to see another family living well and walking with the king! :); February 11, 2011 at 5:32 PM
Sharon Wang said...: There is a Love and Respect seminar this weekend in our city and I am soo bummed that we can't go. Would love to win this!; February 11, 2011 at 8:00 PM
FaerieRose said...: I've enjoyed your blog! I would love the chance to win the book.; February 11, 2011 at 10:09 PM
Christina Boucher said...: I hope I win!

Chrisgelica@hotmail.com; February 11, 2011 at 10:14 PM
Christy said...: You have so much wisdom regaurding family and marriage. I enjoy your blog so much and have now sent it along to my sister. Thank you for sharing your heart.; February 12, 2011 at 4:43 PM
Unknown said...: As the wife of a man with severe intimacy issues, I struggle almost daily with how to love my husband the way he can appreciate it. I want to be held, kissed, be softly told that he loves me, etc., but he wants clean floors and adelicious (I.e., gourmet) healthy dinner served nightly. We are both devout Christians and so I REALLY appreciate the gentle reminders to ask God for His love which satisfies all needs and which will enable me to love my husband who works hard everyday for our family! I love my handsome hubby and he loves me, too. Focusing on being unselfish makes our family strong and a blessing. It's only possible with God!!; February 13, 2011 at 7:11 AM
blessed_theresa said...: Thanks for the ideas! I am thinking we may use my new creative scissors and some construction paper to make table settings for dinner! I am not sure what we are going to do but reading that list in front of the children is an EXCELLENT idea, thanks!

Oh and the giveaway would be awesome! I could pass it on to my engaged brother and get my copy of the book back! I think this would make an excellent wedding present!

Thanks again!; February 13, 2011 at 9:29 PM
Kim said...: What a great idea. I'm just reading it (the night before Valentine's). This year, I've been doing the 14 days of Valentines. Each day I've given my husband a small little gift. Most of it has been food items..but its been fun. Both of us have enjoyed it.; February 13, 2011 at 11:04 PM

Women Living Well Blog

: Name: Courtney (Women Living Well); Location: Ohio, United States

I am a stay-at-home home schooling mom of 2, a son (age 8) and a daughter (6). I have been married to Keith, my high school sweet heart, for 13 years. My passion to know God and share him with others led me to the Moody Bible Institute where I graduated with a degree in Evangelism and Discipleship. Last year, I appeared on the Rachael Ray Show as a 1950's Housewife. To learn more about me visit my "About Me" page.

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Tuesday, February 8, 2011

What a Majority of Men Want For Valentine's Day and a Giveaway

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