I grew up with parents that always had a garden. The original farm to table. For this week, get the family outside and plant a vegetable garden. If you have space, talk through all the things you want to grow. We just planted squash, okra, corn, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, and peppers. We also have blueberries, strawberries, black berries and peaches.

If you are limited in your space, get a pot and plant tomatoes or some herbs.

Working together to grow something and then sharing in the harvest helps build memories and bonds your family together.

 Photo by Sandie Clarke on Unsplash

This week has been set apart as Passion Week, the last week of Jesus' life on earth. From Palm Sunday through His crucifixion, Christ had a solitary goal, which was driven by His passion and love for all of humanity.

What is your passion? Do you have a true passion for others, your wife and your children? How do you show this on a daily basis? Allow Jesus's sacrifice to inspire you to lay down your own life for our family.

What can you do to show intentional passion this week?

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It is the perfect time to get in the great outdoors and plant something. 

We just finished transplanting Irises that originally came from my grandmother's house. My mom had taken some sixty years ago and planted them at her house.  I got some bulbs early in our marriage thirty years ago and have taken them with me whenever we moved. Every time I see them blooming it reminds me of my family heritage. 

Plant some bushes, flowers or a garden with your family and begin your own family heritage.

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I am sure you have heard the old adage "We have two ears and one mouth for a reason", but how good are you actually listening?

Watching TV, checking out social media, or doing anything when someone is talking to you is not truly listening. There is a concept called "active listening". It is intently engaging in conversation and hearing the other person. Here are a few tips to help build better communication:

• Put away all distractions. We have a rule at dinner that cell phones are not welcome.
• Look your wife in the eye. My wife constantly reminds me to look her in the eye to make sure I am paying attention. This is a great way to show your spouse respect.
• Observe tone and body language. Only 10% of communication is the actual words we use. Tone and body language convey a whole lot more. I am sure you have asked your wife if something is wrong and her words say "No", but everything else tells a whole different story.
• Repeat back what you heard. This makes sure you heard what the o...

Start spring cleaning early. Spend the evening having a fashion show together while cleaning out your closets. Turn work into romance!

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Plan a getaway with your bride and make this Valentine's special. Time away is critical to keeping the romance alive and staying connected. Get at least one night, if possible two together. Focus on your relationship only, don't discuss children or issues.

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Live with intention.  When you think of the end of your life, what is it you want to leave behind? Do two things this week for your wife and family with this in mind. Maybe you need to get a will or life insurance or have a discussion about goals with your kids. Think about what you need to do to build a better future for your family, and then do it.

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Build a fire and spend the evening together. Tell stories from your childhood.

I told my children about the first time I built a fire using a Christmas tree as kindling. I was only seven or eight years old. I forgot to open the flue and the dry tree started so fast we almost lost control!  It was definitely a family memory and learning experience. I have never forgotten to check the flue since.

If you don't have a fireplace, pull up a fire scene on your TV and reminisce. 

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As the sun sets on 2024, gather the family and discuss what went well, what didn't go well, and what you would like to change during the coming year. Have each person make a list of things they would like to do differently in 2025. Review your progress with each other throughout the year.

Have a blessed New Year!

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We have a tradition to read the Christmas story before we open any presents at Christmas. As a twist, this year put all the names of the main characters in a hat and have each person draw a name: Joseph, Mary, the Shepherds, the Wise Men, Herod, the Angels, etc. Have each person share what their character was thinking on their journey to the birth of Christ.  You can find the stories in Luke 2 and Matthew 1-2. 

If you have a Nativity you can have each person hold the character as they tell their story.

Photo by Xulong Liu on Unsplash