By Paula Friedrichsen
Catch for us the foxes,
the little foxes that ruin the vineyards,
our vineyards that are in bloom.
~ Song of Solomon 2:15
Think of your marriage as a vineyard. More often than not, it’s the little things that wreak havoc upon your relationship — those annoying little personality quirks that seemed cute when you and your husband were first dating. (more…)
Most husbands are pretty visual creatures. They love to be proud of the way you look.
Is it possible (just maybe…please don’t take offense here) that you might not be putting forth the effort that you once did, when it comes to looking your best? Do you get dressed to the nines to go out for dinner with your girlfriends, but put on the same old sweatshirt to grab dinner with your man? I know, I know. Life is busy, you have a million things to do everyday, and not one of them is looking like a Barbie Doll every time you two run out to the grocery store.
The problem is our men want to be proud of us. Doing our hair, putting on the cute jeans instead of the super-comfy (read: butt-ugly) sweats, or even just putting on lip gloss shows that you care and are thinking about his needs as well. The next time the two of you leave the house together, put some extra effort in an area that you know is important to your guy.
Prayer for Today
Dear God, help me to see myself through my husband’s eyes. Help me to be creative and have fun so we can both find enjoyment in my appearance.
Getting Creative
Take ten minutes and pull three outfits together; ones you know you look hot in. (If you don’t own anything like that, then it may be time to take two hours and go shopping with a trusted friend, and find some clothes that make you feel smokin’.) Hang the pants, shirts and accessories all together on the same hanger so you have three cute at your fingertips the next time you’re heading out for dinner.
Every girl needs a pair of “go-to” jeans – those great ones that fit just right and look amazing with a pair of high-heels or boots. Make sure your “go-to” jeans are clean and ready to go at a moment’s notice.
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Physical touch is vital to relaxation. I have some friends whose husbands enjoy back massages. Some are more into sheet thread-counts.Find something that will help your husband relax. New pillows, massage lotions…your choice. Make it something that both of you will enjoy.And yes, I do know what massage leads to. Just combine this with one of the Bonus Projects.
Prayer for Today
Dear God, please let me learn to enjoy my husband in every aspect of our marriage.
Getting Creative
Your Project:
Help your husband relax by either giving him a massage or providing some other form of physical comfort.
This is a very popular project with the guys! Read what other project managers have shared, or leave your own comment by clicking here.
Hey ladies –
I am in the final stretch of The Husband Project book and I need your help.
Today, I am looking for stories of:
1. a time you took your husband out to dinner or watched a movie together
2. any changes you have seen in your husband, yourself or in your household since doing the husband project
I am writing those chapters of the book right now and could really use some examples.
If I use your story (or stories), you will recieve a copy of the book when it is published.
Thanks ladies – I know you have some great stories to share!
Kathi
Remember when you were dating, how you couldn’t wait for his phone call? Just the sound of his voice made your heart beat a little faster.
Then real life happens. You have jobs, kids, rent or a mortgage, laundry to fold and lasagna to bake. It’s been a long time since your heart has risen above a waltz, much less a mambo.
Maybe it’s time to put some pitter-patter back into the relationship.
Send your husband a flirty e-mail or text message today. Let him know you cannot wait to see him tonight-that you are counting the hours. A little over the top? I bet he won’t think so.
If you’re going to go beyond flirty to slightly scandalous (which, by the way, I highly encourage) make sure it’s his private e-mail or cell phone. You don’t want Big Brother at his company knowing how little you’ll be wearing tonight.
Prayer for Today
Dear God, may my husband have the security to know he is the only man for me – that you have designed us to be together.
Getting Creative
Your Project:
Send a flirty text or email to your husband.
See how other husbands have responded to a little e-flirting, or to leave your comment, click here.
by Nancy Anderson
Twenty five years ago, my marriage was on the brink of divorce, but through a series of miracles my husband and I made a decision to rebuild our marriage. This is the second of a four-part series, all about giving your husband the V.I.P. treatment: respect him Verbally, Intellectually and Physically. (Click here to read parts one, two or three.)
Respect Him Physically
Ask what he would physically like you to do and then, do it. Find out what his top three needs are. Ron likes the laundry done, sex a least twice a week (guaranteed!) and he likes me to (more…)
OK – Sometimes I am not a very good wife.
I get cranky and selfish and stomp my foot and don’t want to do the Stupid Husband Project.
And, sometime, world famous wonderful Roger, well – he is still pretty wonderful, but there are days when we both look at the group of step-kids we have running around this house and think, “Really? This was a good idea?”
The reality is that marriage with all of it’s blessings, is really, really hard. And sometimes I don’t like hard.
If you are in the spot where you are really not liking the project, I understand. I wrote the project and sometimes, I don’t like it.
I would love to hear what the biggest challenges have been for you. I know it give me hope when other wives are not having that loving feeling. And to know, that someday, it will get easier again.
Tell me what the most challenging project has been for you. I know I would feel better.
It’s time to think about food, glorious food.My husband loves a candy called Cherry Sours. They’re little red sugar balls that he’s in love with. To me, they taste like the stuff your dentist uses to rinse out your mouth after a painful cleaning.
So, I try to find Cherry Sours, whenever I can. They can be very hard to locate, so when I do, I stock up – without Roger knowing. Then, when he’s having a rough time at work, or I want to say congratulations for a job well done, I break out the Cherry Sours.
Is there a treat that you personally find revolting that your husband loves? Get it for him, letting him know through this small act, “This is all for you, baby…” (And if you truly don’t like the treat, he won’t feel obligated to share).
Prayer for Today
Dear God, I want my husband to know he is honored and cherished, even in the little things I do for him.
Getting Creative
Stumped for ideas? Here are some thoughts:
Your Project:
Get a food treat for your husband that he’s not required to share with you or any other family member.
To leave a comment, click here.
By Paula Friedrichsen
Recently my husband and I celebrated our twenty-third wedding anniversary. That morning before Jeff left for work he took me in his arms (ignoring my bad breath, crazy hair, scraggly jammies and all) and told me how much he loved me. He said, (more…)
by Nancy Anderson
Twenty five years ago, my marriage was on the brink of divorce, but through a series of miracles my husband and I made a decision to rebuild our marriage. This is the third of a four-part series, all about giving your husband the V.I.P. treatment: respect him Verbally, Intellectually and Physically. (Click here to read parts one and/or two.)
Respect Him Intellectually
Men like to solve problems and fix things. So appeal to his intelligence by asking him to help you solve a problem. Instead of saying “This garage is a mess, clean up your camping stuff!” Try, (more…)
