100 Ways to Make Your Marriage Rock

I had to repost this article.  It's got such great wisdom for keeping your marriage thriving. These are for the husbands and the wives, both.  Pick just a couple and do them this week!

1. Write him letters
2. Go on regular date nights
3. Write his name on lipstick on the bathroom mirror
4. Revitalize the romance with intimate dates
5. Pray together
6. Hide notes in secret places
7. Go to bed at the same time
8. Listen to music together-share earbuds
9. Send him on a scavenger hunt in the house
10. Buy him gifts he will love
11. Hide a treat in his glovebox or desk at work
12. Read the Bible together
13. Wear shirts that tell the world you love your spouse
14. Praise your spouse to other people
15. Let them overhear you
16. Read a marriage devotional
17. Porn-proof your home
18. Be best friends
19. Sleep in his t-shirts
20. Look to him to make the big decisions (see comment section for my opinion on #20, #21)
21. Let her make the small ones
22. Don’t nag him
23. Put down the seat, pick up your socks for her
24. Renew your vows privately with whispers and memories
25. Renew them publicly with cake and bubbly
26. Fight naked
27. Tell him you like him
28. Receive his compliments
29. Pick your battles
30. Show her you love her and tell him you respect him
31. Go away together at least once a year
32. Frame your wedding vows
33. Her: Read For Women Only
34. Hang pictures of the two of you around your house
35. Kiss in front of your kids
36. Make his favorite dessert
37. Have pictures of just the two of you made
38. Make sex a priority
39. Spend time apart occasionally
40. Learn to enjoy something he loves
41. Surprise each other
42. Meet him at the door
43. Dreamstorm
44. Text each other from across the room
45. Be accountable to each other
46. Set reminders on your phone to remember him/her throughout the week
47. Call him right now and tell him you appreciate him
48. Be affectionate
49. Him: Read For Men Only
50. Leave work and come home early
51. Wash, vacuum her car. Keep it full of gas.
52. Give each other romantic coupons
53. Engage every day in meaningful conversation
54. Compliment each other
55. Touch your spouse several times throughout the day
56. Take one day a month to make your spouse your total focus
57. Let each other sleep in
58. Be spontaneous!
59. Argue fair: avoid these words “you always” and “you never”
60. Kiss every day
61. Find tangible ways to serve your mate without complaining
62. Forgive quickly
63. Be honest.
64. But not hurtful
65. Get on the same page: plan your budget together
66. Look your best as often as you can
67. Guard your marriage
68. Get out of debt (and stay out)
69. Laugh together
70. Have a date night in
71. When your together-BE TOGETHER (take a break from phones, technology, etc)
72. Talk about your favorite memories together
73. Tell him he’s sexy just because
74. Tell her she’s pretty, especially when she’s not feeling it
75. Make him breakfast in bed
76. Do her chores for her
77. Get a couple’s massage or host your own privately
78. Read a book out loud together
79. Dance together-soft music (alone) or rocking music with the kids
80. Bring her/him a favorite drink during the middle of the day
81. Exercise together-hikes, bike riding, etc
82. Choose not to be annoyed by an irritating behavior/disappointment
83. Tell him a secret he doesn’t know about you
84. Thank your spouse just because, often
85. Sit on the same side of a booth at a restaurant
86. Lay in bed together and stare into each other eyes, without talking
87. Learn something new together-take an art class, cooking lessons, etc
88. Leave a sweet comment on the Facebook wall
89. Teach your kids about marriage
90. Stop what you’re doing, look them in the eye and listen to their answer
91. Create art together
92. Support each other’s goals
93. Know when to talk and when to hush
94. Consider counseling (even if there’s not conflict)
95. Doodle his name
96. Bring her flowers (even when she says they are too expensive)
97. Wear something he loves
98. Share furniture-sit in his lap
99. Fight for your marriage
100. Remember your spouse rocks-even when they don’t

Taken from www.wearethatfamily.com

Why Church is Important for Teens

The most recent publication of Pine Cove Camp's 'Transformed' magazine shares the story of a pastor's teenage daughter who had completely rebelled against all her parents had taught her.  She struggled with depression, anger and low self-esteem.  When her family came to Family Camp, the daughter experienced authentic love and acceptance from the youth counselors.  The counselors were not teaching anything different from what the girl had been taught her whole life but somehow she finally heard the truth of God's love for the first time.  She experienced tremendous healing and freedom through this youth outreach.

Teenagers experience constant attack on their self-esteem.  They are searching for significance, purpose and truth.  While mom and dad may be sharing these things with their kids, as children get older they want to hear it from another source.  A great youth ministry is just what teens need.

The purpose of youth ministry is to share God's love and truths in a relational manner.  Most kids are not into religious exercises.  They want relationship.  God is a God of relationship.  Find a youth ministry that relates to kids.  Great options are available.  Many churches use small groups with a leader that will take a genuine interest in your child.

Here's what a good youth ministry will do for your teen:

• Make them feel accepted and loved.
• Give them a place where they can be themselves.
• Meet new friends who go to their school.
• Encourages accountability among peers.
• Be influenced by positive leaders.
• Hear about God's love and purpose for their lives.
• Learn to serve others and become leaders in their community.

Don't underestimate the importance of youth ministry in your child's life.  This is huge.  I was blessed to be part of a thriving youth group growing up.  These dear friends loved me and challenged me to make good choices.  I’m still close with these friends many years later.  Beg, threaten or bribe but do what it takes to get your teen involved in youth group.  Send her to youth camp and summer mission trips.  It’s life changing! 

For more see my book, 'Intentional Parenting: Tween Edition'. www.lisaarchinal.com