Top Ten Ways To Spend More Time Building Your Marriage - Part 1

By Joseph and Linda Dillow & Peter and Lorraine Pintus

1. Talk to God.

If your heart is not right, you will dismiss even the best suggestions for how to spend more time with each other.

2. Schedule time on your calendars.

Sit down together with your calendars and compare activities and time allowed for each activity. Discuss how you can grab at least two hours a week to focus on each other, and mark out that time on your schedule. This will allow you to protect your marriage from the fox of overwork and overcommittment.

3. Interview an older couple.

Invite one or two older couples whose marriage you respect over for dinner. Ask them questions such as:

When you were younger, how did you keep your marriage a priority? How did you make time for romance and intimacy? What is your most memorable romantic time together?

Their wisdom will inspire you to create "Marriage Minutes" together.

4. Brainstorm with couples your age.

Organize a "Potluck with a Purpose" and invite couples who also want to spend time together. Ask every couple to be prepared to share three creative things they have done to grab Marriage Minutes. Compile a master list and ask the couples if they are willing to meet every six months or every year to update the list.

5. Fast from television for one week

We think you will be shocked how much time you will have for romance when you turn off the tube. Try it for one week and see the difference it makes in finding time to enjoy for intimacy.

Part 2 Tues. 

God bless your family and your marriage.

Jim Stephens