Dating ideas

Get Off the Interstate: Picnic for Two With a View

August 30, 2022September 4, 2022 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Love, Marriage, Men, Scenic Route In Marriage, Uncategorized

A hurry-up life-style results in a throwaway culture.
Chuck Swindoll

Indeed, many, many marriages are thrown away or put-on-the-back-burner because of the hurried pace and expectations of today’s society. There’s little time to develop attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterize the culture of a good, godly marriage.

So, I offer a simple solution that can have positive “cultural” effects by way of two examples. If you don’t live in East Tennessee or travel these roads, just adapt to your neck-of-the-woods!

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Marriage Matters

February 11, 2015February 10, 2015 by Dale, posted in Marriage, Men, Renewal

V-A-L-E-N-T-I-N-E. That holds special significance to my wife and me. Monday, we went on our special Valentine’s date to celebrate 36 Valentine’s Days together! Because marriage matters, each day is an opportunity to grow your relationship. As I’ve said so many times in the past, it’s the little things that add up to a big marriage! Valentine’s Day is not a make-up day for a sad, little marriage. It’s just one more day to make special and enjoy the gift of marriage!

So, while seated in the corner of the restaurant, by the window, all alone, Denise started V-A-L-E-N-T-I-N-E. She took each letter and used it as an acrostic for why she loves me, using one word for each letter of the word valentine. Wow! Then I did the same with her. Wow, again! As we looked into each other’s eyes, at times it was a smile and then tears. We reminisced, became nostalgic, and were removed from all other distractions. Oh, the meal was delicious, but my memory from our dinner will be this special moment together.

Sometime this week, on your Valentine date or after the kids have gone to bed or whenever you are able to do so, look each other in the eye, hold hands, and share V-A-L-E-N-T-I-N-E. Why? Because marriage matters to God (Ephesians 5:18-33).

For some additional thoughts, check out my wife’s blog post: Improve Your Marriage Today

A Quiet, Peaceful Date in East TN

August 22, 2014August 21, 2014 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Marriage, Renewal

Pack your picnic basket with your favorites. Take a blanket, camera, a book, and ears to listen. Leave your cares behind and head on up to Unaka Mountain Overlook. My wife and I have sat all alone on the picnic table and watched the sunset. Absolutely beautiful! By the way, I recommend that you do not take the family car on this trip!

Directions: From I-26 take the Unicoi exit (#32). At the end of exit ramp turn east towards town. At the stop sign, turn right onto Route 173/Unicoi Road (which is also known locally as the Erwin Highway) and proceed for 0.7 miles. Follow the signs pointing to the Cherokee National Forest by turning left onto Rt. 107 (Limestone Cove Road). Drive 7.8 miles, turn right on Red Fork Road (it’s also referred to as Unaka Mountain Road). Reset your trip odometer and proceed up the mountain. I’ve listed below some of the things to experience on Unaka…(listed in the order you’ll find them — with mileage listed as distance from Hwy 107):

Red Fork Falls (1.2)

Clear Fork Falls (2.2)

AT Connector Trail (4.9)

Stamping Ground Ridge (6)

Horseback Ridge (6.3)

Unaka Mountain Overlook (7.2)

Unaka Flat Rock Overlook (7.2)

Trailhead to Unaka Mountain Summit (7.9)

Deep Gap (9.3)

Beauty Spot Gap (9.8)

Beauty Spot Overlook (10.2)

AT Crossing (11.3)