Do you ever look at someone with your mouth wide open in awe and think, They are so brilliant! Everything they speak - is said with sincerity, perfect tone, a message that is understood. They can point you in the right direction - because they just know. Yet, they can stand in such humility and tell you story after story of how they screwed their life up over and over, just like me.

It's no secret that I have my struggles - just like anyone else. I may be more vocal about mine because I treasure the thoughts, advice and expertise of others that seem to guide my little world - I get to control the outcome through my faith in God, but the perspective is priceless. Combined, sometimes I've succeeded, sometimes I've failed - but I've made it through over and over.

Church has been simply awesome the past few weeks. Ironically going through my Dare book and then reading the messages from The Book of Matthew have been very enlightening. I have so much enjoyed getting to know THE word. Over the past couple of weeks, the message has been about forgiveness. Today, Divorce. Next week on being single. I can't help but feel intense messages coming my way. Did you know Divorce was rampant in Jesus's day? I do wonder if they went through the turmoil we do today when Divorce happens. I will never go through that again. It's simply not an option unless a life is at stake.

I did realize today though, this, that the relationship cycle I am in is common. I'm divorced because I felt there was someone out there that would understand me better. Have a greater desire to meet my needs. Love me more. Have more of the same interests as me. Appreciate who I was and embrace my free spirit. Someone who thought I was the world. So, there comes a time when you just try to move on. Find THAT someone. The unfortunate thing is, he's not out there. I made a committment to a marriage and I didn't make it work. Learning from that experience over the years of my divorce, I find myself searching for that relationship to make work. A man who loves the Lord as much as I do. Besides the normal things you find a mate to enjoy life with, I've discovered my greatest need is a strong believer. I want to be the best mate I can be. I want him to want to be the best in the Lord's walk he can be. I think a truly great marriage depends on that. I love that saying, when you seek Him, you will find me.

So... that brings us to my week of The Dare. Week 2. The points that had the greatest persepctive to me:

Day 8 - Love is best when God is first! How ironic that Matthew 22:37 was quoted. You Shall love the Lord your God with all your heart.

Day 9 - As you abide in Christ's love, the love you have for your spouse will increase in the overflow.

Day 10 - Ultimately, how you love and respect your mate reveals every day the sincerity of your love and respect for God.

Day 11 - Walking with God is better than a thousand marriage books or counseling sessions.

Day 12 - Loneliness should be absent. Love builds bridges between lonely hearts to make you close companions for life.

Day 13 - Love brings completeness.

Day 14 - Love extends help. God intended for you to assist your spouse as a primary purpose in your marriage. It even meets a need in you to know that you are needed.

On to another week! :) Happy Valentine's Day to those who inspire me!