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Showing posts with the label relationships

Healthy Marriage Movie Guide-- The Ultimate Gift

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This 2006 film is heart-warming, intense, and has so much to give. Grab some snacks and your favorite person and be prepared to experience all the emotions! Discuss: è Jason is sent to Texas to work on a ranch owned by one of his grandfather’s friends. He spends a lot of time waiting for his circumstances to change, does half baked work, and then realizes that ultimately, he needs to do the work to get the results he wants (getting back to the city). In what ways have you learned this lesson in your marriage, that wanted results come from hard work: time, energy, focus, diligence, etc? è The posterity of Red Steven somehow did not get his kind, humble, generous spirit. We see this at the beginning of the film, as they are gathered, wondering what he left them in his will, but also when Jason gathers the family for Thanksgiving. Jason was hoping that everyone could share what they are most thankful for, but he is laughed at. What are you most thankful for? Who do yo...

Healthy Marriage Movie Guide--- The Hundred-Foot Journey

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There are so many different relationships happening in this movie. Enjoy the film and then discuss the following: è “I am no mechanic, but I think it is something to do with brakes”. The family enters Europe (France) and the brakes go out on their van. The rest of the family is getting frustrated and worried about things, while the father remains calm and has hope that they will find a place that will suit them. What kind of calm can be in your marriage and family if you remain calm in uncertain times? è “…I think my family believes they died in the accident and now we are in heaven”. The family is very grateful to Marguerite for helping them, but especially for such delicious food. Do you show gratitude for the things that others do for you, even if it has become “expected” that they will do these things? How does gratitude change the atmosphere of your marriage? è “Asking for a discount does not mean I am poor, it means I am thrifty.” What are some characteristics o...

Healthy Marriage Movie Guide: Hitch

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This movie is all about getting to know someone. Discuss: è Scene 1: “90% of what you’re saying, ain’t coming out of your mouth.” Hitch is trying to teach relational concepts to the men he his helping. He expresses that body language is very important. Do you have good body language in your relationship? Where can you improve? è Scene 1: “Listen to what she is saying.” This is another piece of advice that is given from the “expert”. How are your verbal communication skills and listening skills in your marriage? When we are with the same person for so long, after awhile things become lax; we are comfortable with who we are and who they are, but we begin to focus less on that other person. Days go on and we all change and grow. Making it a priority to listen to one another is important so that we may know our companions. è Scene 3: “It’s so beyond anything physical.” Hitch’s Brother-in-law is talking about the depth of love that is present when you fully invest in s...

Healthy Marriage Movie Guide: The Pursuit of Happyness

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Discuss: Sacrifice è Chris Gardner works very hard, wanting to provide for his wife (girlfriend) and son (scene 1). What does the expression of sacrifice show to those we love? Should the effort be good enough? è When Chris was told he was chosen out of the 20 interns, the head of the firm asked him, “Was it as easy as it looked?”   No, but it was worth it. Marriage takes work, but it is something to be worked for, because there can be immense joy found by having someone to share everything with, someone you can be completely transparent with. What advice would you give someone asking you about marriage as a whole? Morals è Chris tells the Man at the day care that they should fix the wall, where there are inappropriate words graffitied on it. He points out things that do not uplift. How can you implement this in your marriage? How does having strong morals add dimension to your marriage relationship/do they? è   Chris is left in a taxi cab; he has ...

Trail Run!

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This year is the 14th Annual Round Mountain 5k Sunrise Challenge. Running as a couple can be so therapeutic, as you are challenging yourself, but also given an opportunity to push yourself to help your partner. I am more of a runner than my husband, but he has longer legs than I do....he's 6'4''. When we run together, typically he feels as though he is holding back to stay with me, but that changes after the endurance part comes to it and he is worn out before I am set on quitting. How ever you and your spouse work through such challenges, get outside and push yourself  on the sunrise challenge morning. It will soon be too hot to be out running. Head over to the Facebook Event Page  to get the details and try it out. It is a great way to support the community and get your Saturday started early and very productively. Marriage Reconnect "More than 80 percent of the time, it's the wife who brings up sticky marital issues, while the husband tries to avoid...

If You're Into It, I'm Into It!

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My husband LOVES when I just want to watch him "in the zone" of his hobbies. He finds it very attractive. A perfect date to him would be where I went outside to where he has all of his "toys" and watched him "tinker" with his tools. He would build a new contraption by cutting and welding metals together and I would look very quizzical. Explaining how or why he is doing something or how something works is also something he loves. I love watching him in his element, too. Another great part to this kind of date is when I might try my hand at these things he is expertly inclined for. One night a couple weeks ago, after the kids were in bed, I joined him in the yard as he was finishing up a trailer he was building. I grabbed his second welding hood and was handed his square pad to kneel on so that I could get up close and watch his welding techniques. I had my knees in about the center of this smooth, leather pad. When the sparks started flying, I started sc...

Old Dominion Historic Mine Tour

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It all started with mining and it really is still all about mining. Head to the Historic Old Dominion Mine Park to get some fresh air and take a self-guided tour of old mine property. Go hand in hand on this date and enjoy the view off the side of the hill. Seeing the pictures on the information boards throughout the park really made me think about what life was like back in the Old West. Standing on the very ground where work was bustling and being able to see and touch a lot of the actual equipment that was used for years. Marriage Reconnect After you do all the exploring and learning about mining and the old Globe life, change focus to your own work life. Are you on track to where you want to be?  Talk about the dreams and goals you both have and look back on how far you have come while married. Times when we have discussed how we got to where we are, we have been humbled and also seen how our relationship has developed along the way. Day in and day out work i...

Wedding Bells!

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I feel like I can hardly remember my wedding day. There was so much excitement, but also so many places to be...it went by fast. I am so grateful to have pictures from that day. Cuddle up on the couch for date night and pull out your wedding album...or the file on your computer... (guilty of not really having any printed yet...almost 5 years later) and reminisce on that day. Tell each other the different thoughts and feelings you remember or things that people said to you on that day. Marriage Reconnect Reminiscing on your wedding day is sure to bring back all the wonderful feelings of fresh love. Resolve to be a little more loving to your spouse. Think of them first---when you get up in the morning, what can you do to serve them and show them love?

Act it Out!

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Surely you have lines from your favorite movies down by heart. My husband will attest to me quoting Finding Nemo at very least weekly since he has known me. Not to say that is my all time favorite movie, but scenes and words sometimes really stick with us. Have you ever thought of getting into acting? Tonight is your night to practice...both of you.  This is sure to bring out some laughs and smiles. Life sometimes becomes so serious and it is hard to find the time or even know how to break loose with each other. You could even do this at the park at dusk...que dramatic lighting. If you need to, print off some lines or refresh your memory by watching some clips of your favorite scenes. Record each other as you act out these parts. Be dramatic! 1.       “….such playfulness is extremely good for relationships. What does it require? A willingness to turn toward another’s sense of silliness, give oneself over to the moment, and have a little bit...

Oh, a Little to the Left...Down...Ahh! Right There!

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Massage night! Who doesn't love getting a massage? OK, so I guess some people don't, but I am almost positive you or your spouse does...so just enjoy each other's company and help relieve the tension build up in their back, shoulders, face or any place they need massaging. Marriage Reconnect Podcasts are a big thing these days. Most people are tuning in to some kind of podcast or listening to audio books. Tonight try a direct focus on marriage. Linked here are some great options for marriage podcasts. Choose one that sounds interesting and listen together. You will be able to have a great conversation from what you learn together.

Rah, Rah Radish!

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Got gardening on the brain? Ever dabbled in gardening? In college my husband and I took a home gardening course together and really enjoyed the content. The most important thing I learned was that no matter where you live, how small your living quarters are, you can find a way to garden. There are so many great ideas online since the whole tiny living movement. You can garden in old soda bottles, cups, and more. When we were first married we got permission from our landlord to tear out some ugly bushes from a planter under our window and use the space for a garden. To maximize my gardening area I also planted tomato plants in some buckets that I bought for $1 at the Walmart bakery (they were old frosting buckets). (My first home garden! I think I need to take my advice on this date idea and get my garden going with my husband!) Marriage Reconnect  Put your heads together and decide on a gardening project, be it big or small, and get to it! Gardening is known to be very...

Game Time!

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This is a pretty simple date and though it is a well known couple or group activity, I have found that my husband and I rarely use it as a go to. Surely you have a game or two in the closet. In our house, we each have our favorite game and it is so fun when we pull out the games to find out who is going to win, even at the game that I claim to not understand! 😜 Go all out with popcorn, pop, and favorite snacks. Even better, invest in a game that you have heard all about, but haven't yet played. My all time favorite two player game is Rubik's race. It is pretty much finishing one side of a rubik's cube, but two dimensional. It's the BEST. It isn't really my husband's cup of tea...because I slaughter him. He prefers Settler's of Catan, so when we do pull out the games we typically play both. Marriage Reconnect Whatever type of game you choose, even if it be a simple card game...enjoy the competition. Fun competition like playing games can be so f...

Splish, Splash! Time to Cool Off!!

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Swimming can be some of the best summer fun in Arizona. Leave the kids behind with friends or a babysitter and head to the local pool as a couple. When married and as parents it can be hard to relax when around water, so here's a chance to just have fun. Have swim competitions, coolest jump off the diving board, really anything you can think of. The Miami Hostetler Pool is a great place to get in some swim time and enjoy the sun! When you are all done with the fun in the sun, go right down the street to Soda Pops for some ice cream and old fashioned soda! Marriage Reconnect Do you see your spouse as a safe place? Can you talk to them about things that worry you and bother you? Open up and be in a judgement free zone. It is such a great thing to be able to be completely vulnerable within marriage. Lift each other up and encourage. Just listen and only offer advice if it is asked for. 

Visiting the Elderly

This date night activity is sure to bring smiles to you and your spouse, but also to those you visit. Spending time at nursing homes is time well spent. Many residents often do not have visitors or new faces to talk to and interact with. There are different things you can do when visiting a nursing home. Ideas: Call ahead and ask what supplies may be needed for residents (collect and then donate) Play board games Sing to them Read books or poems Interview residents   Questionnaires:   https://www.huffingtonpost.com/karl-a-pillemer-phd/listening-to-elders_b_4200329.html https://www.aegisliving.com/resource-center/30-questions-to-ask-your-grandparents/ (Add and search for more questions!) There are two skilled nursing facilities in Globe: Haven of Globe Heritage Health Care Center Contact the before heading over to see if there are any specifics on best times to chat with residents and what kind of interactions would be most beneficial! Marr...