Two things that will shape your life the most are the people you meet and the books you read. Head to your local library or bookstore and pick out a book that you and your wife would both enjoy.

Read a chapter a day and discuss your thoughts.

My wife and I are reading a book called "Praying the Scriptures for Your Children" by Jodie Berndt.  It has 20 chapters and a list of scriptures to pray over your children each day.  We have been doing this book for a few months and going back through again and again.

Now that spring has sprung, its time to enjoy the great outdoors. Surprise your wife by planning a family picnic.

Grab a bucket of chicken or make some sandwiches. Don't forget a blanket,  picnic supplies, drinks, a ball and glove or whatever else you like to do before heading to your favorite park for an afternoon of family fun.

This might be a great time to turn off the electronics... or even leave them in the car. Enjoy each other as you experience the beauty of God's creation.

As we remember and celebrate the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, discuss areas in your marriage and family that need resurrecting.

Life comes at us fast and without time to reflect, we can let good things die. Relationships are like gardens, they require constant attention. Weeds can grow up and kill off the best parts of our lives.

What things do you need to resurrect? Perhaps family dinners, long walks, vacations, game night, or weekend getaways.  Do whatever you need to restore your marriage and family.

Our family has spent the last two weekends planting and cleaning up our yard. My wife loves hydrandgeas. Here is one that we planted.  

Head outside this week and find a small project you and your wife can do together. Plant a bush or flower or clear a flower bed. Enjoy the time together.

One way to keep the right career perspective is to intentionally include your wife in your day.  Many of us have worked from home most if not all of the time in the last couple of years.

Step out and meet your wife for lunch or FaceTime during the day. Keeping your wife informed about what is going on at work helps you stay grounded in your marriage.  This week be intentional to include your wife in your workday.

As the temperature warms, get the fam together to clean up the dirt and clean out the clutter. One tip that works well for us is for your wife to go through each room and put post it notes on what needs to be done.

Assign each room(s) to someone, and have a competition.  The one who finishes first can choose where to go for some ice cream or other treat.

Marriage inevitably brings conflict and disagreement.  The apostle Paul admonishes us, “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,"  Ephesians 4:26 NIV.

Early in our marriage, Lydia and I committed to this principle.  I have to admit, I didn't always abide by this.  After one heated discussion, I left and went to spend the night in another bedroom. As I was getting settled and about to fall asleep, Lydia came in with her pillow and snuggled up to me to finish the discussion and make up.  She refused to let us go to sleep until it was resolved. 

Over the course of nearly thirty-two years of marriage, there have been a few nights we just didn't go to sleep at all.  Anger at bedtime turns to bitterness in the morning.  Don't close your eyes to fall asleep until you have resolved the issues of the day.  

Happy Valentine’s Day!  You have time to find something thoughtful and let your Valentine know how special she is.  Of course, the time-honored flowers, candy, cards, and dinner are great, but how about taking a little time to find something special just for your wife?   A little extra thought can make the difference between a good Valentine’s Day and a great one.

The original meaning of the word "Valentine" is strong, vigorous, and healthy. A strong, vigorous and healthy marriage builds upon lasting special memories. For the next seven days celebrate with the love of your life by choosing a special memory to reflect on. Text details of the memory to your wife, sharing what you love about it. On the seventh day celebrate Valentine’s Day with a romantic dinner and a gift to commemorate your life together. For added points you could include a picture related to the event. Examples could be…

Our wives can be on the road so much that their car is the last thing that gets any attention.  Surprise your wife and get all your children together to do a mobile makeover for mom.  Have one person wash her car, another vacuum, another wash the windows, wax and detail.  If your children are already out of the house or you don't have children, you can do the job yourself or take it to a car wash and let them detail it to the max.  In any case, your wife will appreciate you taking care of her and her car.