Honey, Can You Take Out the Trash? 

“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’”—James 4:6 (NIV)

With the arrival of the new year and all the possibilities that come with it, this can be a good time to try new things in our marriages. And one of those things can be taking out the trash. You’re probably telling yourself, “What? Take out the trash? I do that every day!” We’re not talking about the trash you pull out of your kitchen garbage can but rather the emotional trash in our lives. We all know trash that doesn’t get taken out will stink up the house. This also happens with our emotional trash if it’s left unattended—it only brings an unwanted aroma into our relationships. So, you may be wondering, how do you take out emotional trash?

The first step is to schedule a time to sit down together. Try to pick a place in your home that you feel safe and secure. The next step is to ask a series of questions, and the key is to really listen to the answers your spouse gives without interrupting. This will allow you to show humility and love towards each other. And don’t let pride set in by letting your anger or hurt feelings take over. This is a time for your spouse to share their heart with you. Here are some questions to ask:

• What are you mad about? What else are you mad about?

• What are you sad about? What else are you sad about?

• What are you scared about? What else are you scared about?

• What do you want to be different? What else do you want to be different?

• What are you glad about? What else are you glad about?

When you start applying this to your marriage on a regular basis, it will open doors of communication that will help you grow stronger together as you support each other’s emotional needs—and not let them stink up the house. In this new year, the Married Couples Ministry would like to challenge you to be stronger together by helping you “take out the trash.”

Happy New Year!

Date Night Ideas for January 

Challenge 1: Midnight Stroll
There’s nothing more romantic than a long walk together, just strolling hand and hand at each other’s side. How about taking it up a notch and take a midnight stroll? You can plan it for when the moon is full and go to the beach to enjoy the quiet and beauty of God’s creation together. End the evening eating breakfast at a 24-hour diner together!

Challenge 2: Fast and Furious
If you or your spouse is a lover of cars, plan a date to a car show! It will be a unique date together as you enjoy looking at exotic, antique, or muscle cars. You can make it even more fun by picking out your favorites and taking pictures with them. Be careful though, you may not be able to choose a favorite car!

Challenge 3: S’mores Please!
With the arrival of cooler weather, plan an evening setting up a fire pit in your backyard. Then you can enjoy the fire pit by making s’mores and drinking your favorite hot beverage. Bring out your cozy blankets, romantic music, and enjoy the cool evening together cuddling up in front of the fire. 

Did you take advantage of one of these ideas? We want to hear from you! Share your dates on social media by using the hashtag #SoFloDateNight and tagging @CCFLCouples. You can also e-mail MarriedCouples@CalvaryFTL.org about your date night story! 

Do you want to hear about upcoming events and news from Calvary Couples? Make sure you opt in to receive text messages from us! We want to stay connected with you, so you don’t miss any opportunities for you and your spouse! To sign up, simply text “MARRIAGE” to 91868.