Are you getting past the surface in communicating with your spouse? Life can come at us so fast, that all we have time for is "What's next?", "Who's doing that?", "When is this?"... To keep our marriage healthy, we need to take time out to really talk.

I have to admit that I am not very good at this. I am working on going deeper with my bride and will provide updates as I uncover things to help in this area. For this week, I challenge you to take time to share your dream, goals, and plans for your career.

Where do you want to be in 5, 10, 20 years? What would you really like to do? Let your wife encourage and help you make plans to achieve your goals.

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Write a heartfelt handwritten note to your wife.  Include a quote or scripture that fits her well and share a few things you admire about her. 

Leave the note with a piece of chocolate on her pillow to find before she goes to bed one night this week.

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We were out of town this past weekend and had family that had a medical emergency. They needed a place to stay but we weren't available to come back, and we didn't have any way for them to get in. You never know when you'll need to have a spare key for just such an emergency.  

If you don't already, have a hidden place or neighbor keep a spare key in case something unforeseen happens. If you prefer there are also Wi-Fi enabled locks that can be accessed via your phone from anywhere.

Part of our job as husbands is planning ahead and being prepared for the unexpected.

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Plan a family vacation for at least 3-4 days, preferably a week. Discuss when you want to go, where to want to go and some specific things you want to do while you are there.

It doesn't have to be expensive, just a time to get away with the family and spend quality time together. Decide who is doing what to plan and get at least some preliminary reservations made.

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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.

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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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