Today we celebrate Memorial Day to honor those that have fallen defending the freedom we have. My father, pictured here, served in WWII as part of the greatest generation that fought against tyranny and won.

Ronald Reagan stated, "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction." There have been and will always be those who want to take freedom from us. Stand with those who have given their lives for us and don't allow our freedom to be taken from us. Let your voice be heard in the marketplace, in the political spectrum, and at the ballot box.

As you remember those who gave their lives for the greatest nation in the history of the world, discuss as a family how you can take action to defend the freedom we have and never let it be taken from us.

Take a long walk and discuss one thing you would like to accomplish individually by the end of this year. Then come up with one thing you want to do together. Hold hands, look at the stars, and enjoy just being together.

Calling your wife to encourage her is a great way to strengthen your marriage. This week make a point to call just to see how her day is going. Ask what you can do to make her day a little better.

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.