LOVE DARE #1

Today begins the first of the forty day “Love Dare” emails, culminating on Feb. 12th. On Sunday, Feb. 13th Dale and I will teach a onetime “Championship Marriage” class at College Church – just in time for Valentine’s Day. If you’ve not had a chance to watch the movie, “Fireproof,” do so as soon as possible. (We would be happy to share a copy with you if you need one.) Regardless if your marriage is blazing and amazing – or a fizzle with no sizzle, it’s never too late to ignite the fire! :) (Sorry, couldn’t resist.) It’s our prayer that the marriages of the people we know and love (that’s you) burn with a passion for a “Championship Marriage.” In 2011, let’s all lock arms and encourage one another – pray for one another – to win – and to never settle for just a mediocre marriage. Fire up!

Day 1: Love is Patient

Although we communicate love in a number of ways, words often reflect the condition of our hearts. For today’s dare, resolve to demonstrate patience and to speak only positive words to your spouse. If the temptation arises to complain, hold your tongue rather than to say something you'll regret.

When choosing to be patient, we choose to respond in a positive way to a negative situation. When we're slow to anger, we extend mercy. We choose to control our emotions rather than allowing our emotions to control us. Anger stems from not getting something we want - a reaction based on selfishness. And exhibiting patience reveals wisdom.

VERSE FOR TODAY’S DARE: "He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly" (Proverbs 14:29).

THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S DARE: Few of us easily demonstrate patience well, but wise men and women pursue it. So today, our first dare to express true love begins with - patience.

(Want to take it a step further? Purchase the “Love Dare” book by Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick for additional information and to record your results.)

Blessings to you as we embark on this forty day journey together!
Dale and Susan

Olathe girl puts her American Girl doll to good use - nbcactionnews.com

Olathe girl puts her American Girl doll to good use - nbcactionnews.com

Not me!

“Uh-oh. Look at this,” he motioned to his assistant. Face-down on the examination table in the oh-so-typical and not-so-cute little hospital gown, I realized my worst fears may have just come true.  As my dermatologist searched for signs of skin cancer on my back, I searched for the strength to face what might lie ahead.

“You have skin cancer,” was actually a familiar phrase. Been there, done that. However, my prior experience consisted of basal cell carcinoma – the less severe and slower growing type of skin cancer on my face and chest. My greatest fear had always been - melanoma – the very serious kind – the kind that can metastasize and spread like wildfire if you don’t catch it early. The kind that takes one life every hour.  
 
“Most likely it’s melanoma,” my dermatologist continued. “We’ll find out what stage when the biopsy comes back,” launching the longest five days of my life.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. More than 1 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year. Yes, that’s scary. As with any cancer, early detection is the key. Prevention is even better.

Are you at risk? I’m aware that it is possible that you feel that this couldn’t happen to you. I felt certain that I was exempt. OTHER people get skin cancer. OTHER people need sunblock. OTHER people have to be concerned with the damaging rays. Besides that, it’s a pain in the pale-white-booty to apply this stuff.

But, we’ve gotta’ do it. We’ve got to take the time and effort to protect our skin – ours and our kids. In summation, everyone’s at risk.

The best ways to enjoy an active summer, but lower the risk of skin cancer are to:

• Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.  
• Seek shade. If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s rays are at their strongest.
• Cover up with protective clothing (tightly woven fabrics you cannot see through).  
• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Apply a generous amount (about a palmful) and reapply after swimming, toweling dry, or perspiring (even on hazy or overcast days).
• Cover your head with a wide-brimmed hat, shading your face, ears, and neck.  
• Wear sunglasses with 99% to 100% UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes.
• Avoid tanning beds like the plague. They’re 15 times as intensive!

 As adults, we’re also responsible for protecting our children from overexposure to the sun. Kids don’t always “get it.” In fact, they usually complain that applying sunblock is a hassle and delays their fun. So, check out the new scents, fun colors, and cute shapes.

Fortunately, we caught the melanoma on my back early. Following surgery (and many prayers), I can say I’m “C” free again. But I will continuously go for check-ups (modeling the latest fashion in hospital gowns), experience the slice and dice of a biopsy, and anxiously await the results. It’s worth the effort. In fact, compared to the risk of skin cancer, it “pales” in comparison.

I’m passionate that you enjoy your summer – but more importantly – you are able to enjoy a long life to the fullest! 

Join with me in reminding your friends and family that the month of May is Skin Cancer Awareness month.

Do-over Day!

I’ve often said, “Enjoy today - make it your best day ever because we don’t get a do-over!” But today’s different – it's a do-over day! Here’s why - I’ll begin the day in Sydney, Australia, then fly to Hawaii tonight - actually arriving in Honolulu – this morning! Because of crossing over the international dateline, it’s a do-over day!

Wouldn’t it be great if we had do-over days? Think of the possibilities. Impatient with your child before school? Do-over! Snapped at your spouse for working late? Do-over! Missed an opportunity to show kindness to a stranger? Didn’t take time to share that cup of coffee with a friend? Tasks not completed? Passed on the exercise class? Do-over!

Granted, it’s an unusual circumstance to actually do-over a day, but it’s not too late to place at least one or two priorities on our list each day, every day – love others, choose joy, show kindness, and yes, the biggie – patience. Regardless if your day’s just beginning in Australia - or ending in the States, we can begin now.

If only I could do-over yesterday’s television appearance on the Morning Show in Sydney! I can think of a thousand things I “could-a/would-a” said on their “Happy Families” personality segment! Urgh! Oh well, as we know, not every day’s a do-over. Sometimes we just have to accept that we did our best and tomorrow – thank goodness - we’ll get another shot.

Until then, may this be your best day – or two – ever!