10 Fun Fall Date Ideas for Christian Couples

by email@expeditionmarriage.org | Aug 24, 2024 | Articles, Christian Marriage, Intimacy & Connection

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves start to change, fall offers the perfect backdrop for romance and quality time with your spouse. Amid the busyness of life, it’s important to carve out (don’t mind the pumpkin pun) time for each other, and what better way to do that than with some fun, faith-filled fall date ideas? As a Christian marriage counselor, I’ve seen how intentional time together can strengthen your connection and remind you of the joy God intended for your marriage.

Here are 10 creative and meaningful fall date ideas to help you make the most of this beautiful season:

Visit a Pumpkin Patch or Apple Orchard
Nothing says fall like a trip to a pumpkin patch or apple orchard. Spend the day hand-picking pumpkins or apples, enjoying the scenery, and savoring the simplicity of the season. Use this time to talk about what you’re thankful for and reflect on how God has blessed your marriage. You can even turn it into a mini date night by carving pumpkins together or baking a fresh apple pie when you get home.

Take a Scenic Hike
Fall is the perfect time to enjoy God’s creation with a scenic hike. Choose a trail with beautiful fall foliage, and as you walk together, take the opportunity to connect on a deeper level. Talk about your hopes and dreams for the future, pray together, and thank God for the beauty all around you.

Plan a Cozy Movie Night
With cooler evenings, there’s nothing better than snuggling up together for a cozy movie night. Choose a favorite fall-themed movie, make some hot cocoa or apple cider, and create a comfortable space with plenty of blankets. Before the movie starts, consider reading a short devotional or prayer to invite God into your time together. This simple, relaxing date can be a great way to unwind and reconnect after a busy week.

Go on a Fall Picnic
Pack a basket with seasonal goodies—think hearty sandwiches, pumpkin muffins, and a thermos of warm soup—and head to a local park or your favorite outdoor spot. Spread out a blanket, enjoy the crisp fall air, and take in the beauty of the changing leaves. Use this time to talk about what’s been on your hearts, share what God’s been teaching you, or even pray together. A fall picnic is a simple yet meaningful way to connect with each other and with God.

Attend a Fall Festival or Fair
Many communities host fall festivals or fairs that feature local crafts, food, and entertainment. If yours doesn’t have one, perhaps explore a close by city that does. Spend the day exploring together, trying new foods, and enjoying the atmosphere. These events are often full of fun and laughter, allowing you to relax and enjoy each other’s company.

Volunteer Together
Fall is a season of harvest and thanksgiving, making it a wonderful time to give back to your community. Find a local charity, food bank, or church event where you can volunteer together. Serving others is a powerful way to strengthen your bond and live out your faith as a couple. It reminds you of the bigger purpose God has for you as a couple.

Explore a Corn Maze
Get lost together in a corn maze! This fun fall activity is perfect for working together as a team and enjoying some lighthearted fun. As you navigate the twists and turns, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to laugh and support each other. Afterward, share a warm treat like apple cider donuts and talk about how you’ve navigated the “mazes” in your marriage with God’s guidance.

Have a Fall-Themed Cooking or Baking Night
Bring the flavors of fall into your kitchen with a cooking or baking night. Choose a new recipe to try together, whether it’s a savory dish like butternut squash soup or a sweet treat like pumpkin bread. Cooking together can be a great way to bond, and you’ll have the added bonus of enjoying a delicious meal or dessert afterward. Consider inviting another couple over to share in the fun and make it a double date!

Visit a Historical Site
Take a step back in time by visiting a historical site or museum in your area. Many places offer special fall tours or events that can make your visit even more memorable. As you explore, reflect on the history and how it connects to your own story as a couple. Discuss how God has been faithful through the years, both in history and in your own marriage.

Start a New Tradition
Fall is the perfect time to start a new tradition that you can look forward to each year. Whether it’s a special date night activity, a seasonal devotional series, or a weekend getaway, choose something that you both enjoy and that helps you grow closer together and to God. Traditions can create lasting memories and become something you cherish as your marriage continues to grow through the years.

Fall is a season of change, reflection, and gratitude—all being necessary for a thriving marriage. By intentionally setting aside time for fun and meaningful dates, you’re not only investing in your relationship but also inviting God into the center of your marriage. Whether it’s a simple picnic or a day of volunteering, these fall date ideas offer opportunities to connect, grow, and celebrate the beautiful gift of marriage that God has given you.

So, grab your favorite sweater, head outside, and make the most of this wonderful season together. Your marriage will be all the stronger for it!

Putting Your Marriage First

by email@expeditionmarriage.org | Aug 10, 2024 | Articles, Intimacy & Connection, Parenting & Family

Guest Post by Julie Baumgardner

Our dear friend Julie Baumgardner, Senior Executive Director at WinShape Marriage, knows firsthand the incredible value of prioritizing your marriage. WinShape Marriage offers the perfect setting to unplug and invest in your relationship through their various retreats. Today, Julie shares with us the importance of keeping your marriage at the top of your schedule, even when life’s demands are pulling you in every direction. Be sure to follow Julie and WinShape Marriage on Instagram to stay inspired and informed!

Well, it’s here. The lazy days of summer are coming to a close and the crazy days of fall are within sight! Some of you are counting down the days and others are sad to see the summer end.

Whichever camp you fall into, one thing’s for sure: A new season is here, and there’s a good chance it will be filled with multiple schedules, extra-curricular activities, church commitments, and more to keep up with.

In the midst of trying to make sure your children are taken care of, it’s easy to let your marriage take a back seat – as in, “We’ll do something for us once things slow down.” However, things aren’t likely to slow down anytime soon. So how do you take care of your marriage in spite of the back-to-school chaos?

The One Thing to Help Your Children Flourish

This may sound counter to everything you’re thinking and hearing, but if you want your children to flourish during the school year, you must put your marriage first.

I once heard a talk from John Medina, author of Brain Rules. Someone in the audience asked, “What do I need to do now in order to give my child the best chance of getting into Harvard?”

Medina’s response? “Go home, love your spouse well, and create a safe and stable environment for your child.”

The audience dropped their jaws at this answer. Naturally, they were expecting to hear about all the different activities parents should ensure their children are involved in to set them up for success. So, receiving advice about their marriage probably seemed random at best and illogical at worst.

Connection is the Best Thing For Your Children

The question for all of us is this: What is the merit behind the guidance? How is putting your marriage first a win?

The underlying thought is that when parents are feeling connected and their relationship is in a healthy place, it creates a healthy environment at home where children can thrive—where they can learn, grow, make mistakes, fail, and be loved through it all. It doesn’t mean you won’t experience angst as you raise your children, but when you are connected and working together as a team, it is easier to walk through the challenges you will face as you prepare your children to grow and go.

What I have seen through the years working with families—and have been guilty of thinking myself—is that depriving children of participating in this sport or that activity will impact them negatively over time. Even though there often isn’t time or money to do it, this mentality leads most families to do it anyway and just figure it out. The collateral damage is parents feeling like they live in a hotel, spending the day-to-day like ships passing in the night. There’s no time for downtime and certainly no room for date nights as a couple. All this leads to a loss of connection as a couple and a family.

And, as we all know, feeling disconnected isn’t a good thing.

4 Questions to Make This Year Successful While Putting Your Marriage First

This may be the year you take a different approach. Take a few minutes with your spouse and look at everything – your time, jobs, money, the needs of your children, extended family needs – all the things that are currently on your plate. Then consider the grades your children will be in and the sports and extra activities they would like to participate in.

Once you have a clear picture of your current situation, ask yourselves these questions:

What do we believe we actually have capacity for in this season that will still allow us to maintain our sanity?
How many activities is it realistic for each child to participate in, while still having time together as a family?
What can we financially afford?
What amount of activity can we allow for our children while still making time for us as a couple?

Entering the school year with sure answers to these questions could be a game changer for your marriage and your family on several levels.

Why to Put Your Marriage First

Why? Because clarity is kindness. Once you have a clear picture of your capacity, you can confidently pass that along to your children. It doesn’t mean they are going to love the limits, but you are teaching them what it looks like to prioritize what’s most important and problem-solve toward a goal—and one day they’ll thank you for that. Remember, you are your children’s first and best teacher.

Here’s the thing: Riding the wave of raising children will ultimately end. Their job is to grow and go. When they go, if you haven’t taken the time to nurture your marriage, you will look at each other and wonder why in the world you are together. So many perfectly good marriages end because people failed to recognize the importance of nurturing their relationship over time. Child-centered marriages are the ones most at risk for divorce.

Actually putting your marriage first, making sure you have time to be together— to play, talk (not just about the children, bills or work) and enjoy each other’s company—increases the chances of your home being a safe and stable place, both while your children are growing up and after they leave the nest.

4 Sure Fire Ways to Ruin Date Night

by email@expeditionmarriage.org | Feb 12, 2024 | Articles, Intimacy & Connection, Parenting & Family

If you’ve been married any length of time, especially if you have children, then you know that planning a date night is not as simple as it once was while you were dating. Since it’s hard enough to get a date night on the books, the last thing you want to do is ruin it when you’re on one!

So, you’d be wise to take note of these 4 things that can ruin a date night:

Let’s start by stating the obvious and go with the importance of staying off your phone. This means don’t pick it up, don’t look at it, and certainly don’t use it. If you’ve got kids at home and need to be reachable for them or on call for something important, make sure you can hear it and keep it hidden. This lets your spouse know you are their priority and want uninterrupted time together.

Even something as simple as having your phone on the table at a restaurant says, “I’m paying attention to you now, but the second that little thing makes a noise, I’m out.” Your best bet is to put it down, silence it, and keep it out of sight.

Another way to ruin a date night is to talk about problems. This isn’t the time to vent about work, complain about the kids, or point out how your spouse needs to start loading the dishwasher correctly. Bringing up negative things on a date night quickly kills the mood during your time together. Keep in mind that these things are important to talk about, just not on a date.

One more buzzkill to a great night out is to be too self-focused. Try to ask your spouse questions instead of just talking about yourself. Need some help? Check out 5 Questions to Ask Your Spouse When You’ve Run Out of Things to Say. Don’t only ask good questions but also focus on being a good listener. This way, by the end of the night, your spouse will feel seen, heard, and cared for.

Lastly, not prioritizing your date nights will for sure make them flop. Your night doesn’t have to be perfect, but showing your spouse they matter by prioritizing time with them and putting some effort into planning goes a long way. If you struggle in the ideas department but want to prioritize date night, then we have a gift for you!

We want to give you a FREE Happily Date Box! All you need to do is use code EXPEDITIONMARRIAGE and pay $7.99 for shipping, and you will be on your way to a fun night filled with connection. Get yours today!

Claim My Datebox

Navigating Intimacy: 7 Tips for When You Have a Higher Sex Drive than Your Husband

by email@expeditionmarriage.org | Feb 5, 2024 | Articles, Intimacy & Connection, Parenting & Family

We live in a society where it’s not uncommon to hear about the great need for sex that men have. But the truth is that God designed sex for both husbands and wives, and how much or how little they each desire sex can be varied. It is true that more men statistically have higher sex drives than their wives, but in 1 out of every 4 marriages, it’s the wife who has the higher drive.

What do you do in this stigmatized situation that feels like things are backward?

As a woman with a higher sex drive, it’s likely that your first instinct is to wonder why you’re not desirable to your husband. This form of thinking is self-protective and likely not even close to being the reality of the situation.

There are many reasons why our sex drives are different, and they’re usually not related to our spouse’s attractiveness. It’s actually far more likely for a wife not to have sex with her husband for this reason than it is the other way around. But constantly asking your husband if he’s attracted to you or questioning why he isn’t will not head you in the direction you’d like to go.

For starters, mismatched sex drives are entirely normal. When it can become a problem is when there are sudden drops in libido, slow fades because you’re disconnected as a couple, or when other health issues or aging are factors. Some of these can be addressed and fixed, and others you can learn to adjust to in beautiful and healthy ways. The couple affected by chronic pain, medical issues, or just the aging couple can all still have great sex.

Here are some insights and practical tips to foster a healthy and satisfying intimate connection when sex drives differ:

Open and Honest Communication:
Good communication is important when it comes to the health of a marriage, especially when it comes to physical connection. Good communication leads to emotional connection, which often leads to physical connection. Believe it or not, husbands want emotional connection, too.

You also need to have an open and honest conversation with your husband about your respective needs, desires, and expectations. Create a safe space where both of you can express your feelings without judgment. Make inquiries about health, his mental and physical state, stress levels, or any obstacles that may decrease his libido. Determine if he’s worried about it or if he feels your sex drive is just higher.

Understand Each Other’s Perspectives:
Take the time to understand each other’s perspectives on intimacy. Acknowledge that everyone’s libido is unique, and factors such as stress, health, and personal experiences can influence it. Understanding one another’s point of view will foster empathy and strengthen your emotional connection.
If your husband says it’s not a lack of desire for you, believe him. If you disregard how he really feels, you will likely make him feel inadequate or defective in some way. Remember, a lower sex drive for him can be entirely normal and does not signify a problem, so it’s important to make him feel like he is not flawed in this area.

Prioritize Quality Over Quantity:
Focus on letting quality trump quantity when it comes to intimacy. Instead of focusing solely on frequency, concentrate on the quality of your intimate moments. Ensure that both of you feel emotionally connected and satisfied, regardless of the frequency. When you are physically intimate, be fully present and make the most out of it.

Schedule Intimacy:
While it may sound unromantic, scheduling intimacy can be a practical solution to ensure that both partners’ needs are met. This approach allows for anticipation and planning, creating a dedicated space for intimate connection amidst busy schedules. At the end of the day, we schedule and make room for the things that are important to us.

5. Seek Professional Guidance:
If the differences in sexual desire become a significant source of tension, consider seeking the guidance of a marriage counselor. Professionals can provide insights, tools, and strategies to navigate these challenges and enhance intimacy.

6. Address Potential Underlying Issues:
If there are potential medical reasons or other underlying issues, such as stress, hormonal imbalances, or unresolved marriage issues, address them. Get hormones checked, see the doctor together, or get counseling. Your marriage is worth it.

7. Focus on Overall Relationship Health:Remember that a healthy intimate life is just one aspect of a thriving relationship. Focus on nurturing other aspects of your connection, such as emotional intimacy, communication, and shared activities. A well-rounded relationship can contribute to a more fulfilling and harmonious marriage.

Navigating a situation where you have a higher sex drive requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to explore new approaches.

By fostering open communication and mutual respect, you can create a space where both of you feel valued and satisfied in your intimate connection. Remember, it’s about finding a balance that works for both of you and enhances the overall well-being of your relationship. Mismatched sex drives don’t have to be a problem to be solved. They can often be an opportunity to connect in so many other ways.

Want more Christian Marriage content? Check out the Expedition Marriage Podcast with Chris and Jamie Bailey.

Do you feel like you are all alone in your marriage?

Are your schedules so busy with work and taking care of your family that you are simply too tired to connect?

Wouldn't it be great if you could move from exhausted and alone to connected and supported?

To feel like you were part of a team?

Only $49.99.

Restoring Connection Plan 4 week online course to promote connection points and create connecting habits to improve communication and connection

Find Out More