-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / HEARTLIGHT(R) Magazine -- http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------
February 13, 2009
|-- HEARTLIGHT NEEDS YOUR HELP... -------------------------|
We truly need your help to keep the light shining! Please
take a moment to see how you can help us continue our
online ministry of 12 years:
|-- http://www.heartlight.org/support/ --------------------|
=========================== TODAY'S ARTICLE ==========================
7 Days of Love Challenge, by Rick Brown
We're used to outrageous Super Bowl ads. But one aired in Texas that
went over the top. A couple was celebrating their anniversary at a nice
restaurant. The husband blows his nose, answers his cell phone, and
leaves during dessert. On his way out he says, "Happy Anniversary,
honey."
A voice-over asks women, "Isn't it time for AshleyMadison.com?"
Thinking this might be a lead on something to get my wife for
Valentine's Day, I checked it out.
Imagine my surprise when the website greeted me with this tagline:
"Life is short. Have an affair." For $249 you can sign up and be
guaranteed one within three months. I decided it was not time for
Ashley Madison. It's bad advice. Problems in your marriage? These
people say run away from each other.
Others say run towards each other. One church issued a "seven days of
sex" challenge to their married couples. Kind of "Challenge Lite"
compared to another church who issued the same appeal, but for thirty
days. One pastor explained that they wanted people to move from
"whining about the economy to whoopee."
Misunderstanding his intent, I ran a search and found Whoopi Goldberg,
who on The View noted that it was a "man who offered the challenge."
Then she asked why the challenge wasn't to "Go out. Be friends. Get to
know each other. Go for a walk."
I wouldn't normally turn to Goldberg for advice, but I think she is on
track. I searched to see if Jesus issued a love challenge, and sure
enough, he did:
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul
and with all your mind ... Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew
22:37-39).
The love Jesus spoke of is agape love. It's an intimate love that seeks
what is best for the other person.
See if the results aren't "outrageous" in the best of ways!
Imagine a world where everyone actually did that. Husbands would do
their best to meet the needs of their wives. Wives would do the same
for their husbands. Those unmarried would trust God and love others by
remaining celibate. They would also learn self-control and what true
friendship means.
And, by the way, aren't those two qualities that actually enhance the
marriage relationship?
So I think it is time to offer a "7 Days of Love Challenge." For the
next seven days, trust God and love the others in your life in the way
he coaches you to.
Your friendships will improve.
And for the married out there, see if the results aren't "outrageous"
in the best of ways!
---------
(c) 2009 Rick Brown <rabrown0@gmail.com>
RELATED LINKS:
* Love Path FAQ:
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200901/20090115_faq.html
* Good News on Marriage
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200706/20070604_goodnews.html
* Relationship Gardening
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200412/20041201_gardening.html
This article can be found on the web at:
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200902/20090213_7dayslove.html
=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================
MORE JESUS, LESS RELIGION, by Arterburn and Felton
In this new book, you'll be set free from manmade rules,
'churchianity,' and legalistic faith. And you'll discover how to return
to the roost of a strong, obedient, yet gracefilled relationship with
your Creator.
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?253
Find more great books, CDs and videos at the Heartlight store! With
each purchase you make, you're helping to support Heartlight's
ministry. Thanks SO MUCH for your help!
HEARTLIGHT DAILY EMAIL /\/\
===============================================================\ /===
http://www.heartlight.org/ \/
Visit HEARTLIGHT on the web for even more articles, plus music,
devotionals and more for your Christian walk!
ABOUT HEARTLIGHT:
Heartlight, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) religious non-profit organization.
Donations are welcome and tax-deductible! Find out how to help!
http://www.heartlight.org/support
EDITOR: Phil Ware, phil@heartlight.org
HOW DO I SUBSCRIBE?
It's FREE! To subscribe send a blank email to:
join-heartlight@maillists.heartlight.org
HOW DO I LEAVE?
To unsubscribe send a blank email to:
heartlight-unsub@maillists.heartlight.org
STILL HAVING TROUBLE?
If our automated unsubscribe system isn't working for you,
send an email to mailmaster@heartlight.org and let us know
what list you would like to leave. We'll take care of you.
======================================================================
