activity / idea
Complete one chore usually handled by your spouse.

suggested time range
20-30 minutes

goal
Show love through an act of service.

activity / idea
Kiss parts of your spouse’s body one by one, thanking God for what you love about that part. (These hands are so good with our kids. This hair is so thick and unique. The vocal cords within this neck speak life to so many people.)

suggested time range
7-10 minutes

goal
Increase your own appreciation of your spouse with affectionate foreplay.

activity / idea
When your marriage is under stress, what patterns tend to repeat themselves? (e.g. My spouse withdraws. I lash out. I get insecure. My spouse gets critical. I work harder. My spouse is immobilized.) Learn to identify stress indicators in yourself and your spouse and take time together to be proactive before those days hit.

• What’s one destructive pattern you could hijack for a more constructive one?
• What’s one positive action you could take together while feeling stressed? (e.g., Taking a date night. Praying together. Eliminating the yelling so you can work against the problem instead of against each other.)

suggested time range
20 minutes

goal
To interrupt destructive stress cycles and replace them with strengthening moves.

activity / idea
How much do you know about what your spouse likes in bed? Begin by lying in bed with one another, clothes optional. Ask:

• What turns you on?
• What do you love that I do in bed?
• Is there something I could do to please you even more?
• What’s one of the best memories you have of us in bed?
• What’s an arousing area of your body that I might not guess?

suggested time range
Once weekly, minimum

goal
Increase your sexual IQ of your spouse.

As you cool down, it’s time to reflect.

Read Song of Solomon 4:10:
“How beautiful is your love, my sister, my bride!
How much better is your love than wine,
and the fragrance of your oils than any spice!”

Pray together, remember to stretch yourself this week for the sake of your spouse, and stay flexible with your growth:

Father, help us celebrate what’s going right. Create gratitude in us for each other and what we have.