Week 32: Power Couple & Prayer

 

 Fun Activity This Week:  Have a pie party to celebrate your love!  Pie can be pizza, a dessert pie, or both!  Invite friends and family if you wish and include decorations!

Week 32:Power Couple & Prayer

Power Couple:  In today’s society, the term “Power Couple” is a common phrase.  This term usually refers to two people from prestigious backgrounds that have gotten married.  For example, two well-known celebrities, or two rich people from prominent families combining their power and wealth.  The problem with this type of power couple is that they tend to get married for all the wrong reasons.  You also know such marriages rarely last.  How often do we see the popular couple of the week getting a divorce, stay single for less than a year, then remarry the next popular actor for a few years, and then repeat this same pattern many more times?  Lesson number one: marry the right person for all the right reasons, not for money, fame, power, or family pressures.  Marry only for love.  If you choose to get married because you cannot stand to live even one second apart from your dearest, then you are already on the right track.

However, as wonderful as being madly in love with your spouse is, you can always take your marriage to an even higher level and make it even better.  You can truly become part of a marriage that is full of love, peace, joy, respect, romance, and that lasts forever.  You and your mate can be a literal power couple.

The best way to become a power couple is not to rely on your own strength as individuals or as a couple, but to call upon the Power of God with prayer, praise, and Bible study.

O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places. The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!  Psalm 68:35

Do not be fooled into thinking that God only listens to people when they pray in large groups.  Your prayers as a couple are just as powerful. 

“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”  Matthew 18:20

This means that God listens just as intently to what you have to say when it is just as the two of you and is right there with you. (And of course, even listens when it is just you alone.)

I would like to stay on the subject and say a few more things about praying.  God does not just answer any prayer.  The Bible clearly states that God listens best to those who are righteous and abide in Him and obey His commands.  In other words, if you are cheating on your mate, yet are begging God to give you a job you want, do not expect miraculous results.  I am not saying that God only answers the prayers of the righteous, but you are more likely to get positive results when living a pure life.

And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. "If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever.  John 14:13-16

Prayer also requires faith.  If you and/or your mate are lacking faith, please still pray together and talk about the reasons for your lack of faith.  Oftentimes your spouse can encourage you and help build your faith, thus increasing the power in your prayer life. God is gracious and only requires faith the size of a mustard seed.  That’s great news not only for me, but for you as well.

"The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches."  Matthew 13:31-32

Another way to be a Power Couple and call upon the Power of God is through praise.  If you are shy like I am, singing in front of your mate may seem awkward the first few times, but just remember that you are not singing to your mate, you are singing to God, and He does not care about the quality of your voice.  Be sincere and be ready to listen in case God has something to say back to you.  You will see in the below scripture that Paul and Silas had results while “praying and singing.”

At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake so that the foundations of the prison were shaken and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed. Acts 16:25-26

And yet another way to enhance your prayer life and increase your strength as a power couple is through fasting. Notice in the verse below that again, the mention of having faith the size of a mustard seed.

And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17:18-21

Another great way to be a power couple is to pray for each other.  Pray for specific needs as well as encouraging each other in your spiritual walks.  Encourage faith and boldness.  Encourage the gifts you see in your mate. 

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.  James 5:16

Being a Christian does not assure an easy road and it is very easy to get discouraged.  Pray for your mate even when he/she does not ask you to.  Lay hands on one another and pray for peace and security.  Mel and I both really appreciate it when one of us sees the other having a down day and we say, “Let me pray for you.”  

I remember you in my prayers day and night.  II Timothy 1:3

I am sure there are many more topics I can include on enhancing your life as a power couple, but I will just list one more: Bible study.  Whether you are new believers or have been practically born in a church, there is always the need for studying your Bible as a couple as well as individually.  And don’t just simply read a few chapters together, discuss what you have read and honestly share what you think the verses meant and even how you can apply them to your life.  

Prayer:  I realize I mentioned prayer in the above section, but because it is so important to the health of your marriage, I would like to write a little more on the subject.  

Praying every day as a couple, as well as individually, is vital to the health of your marriage.  Praying aloud for each other's needs will strengthen your bond.  God is there to hear your petitions, as He is a God full of compassion and truly wants to help you.  So approach His holy throne with humbleness and ask Your Heavenly Father to meet your needs and to strengthen your marriage. 

Try not to just pray when you need something.  Take time to praise Him for your spouse and for all you love about your mate.  Thank God for loving you enough to bring you and your honey together.

There is no such thing as upholding your spouse too much with prayer!  I Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."  

Pray for each other every single day, even if it is for the same things repeatedly. No matter how many times you pray the same thing, it never hurts to pray it again. Praying daily for renewal is even encouraged in Romans 12:2, which states, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

Luke 18:1-8, "The Parable of the Persistent Widow" tells us that it is perfectly acceptable to be persistent with prayer "that men always ought to pray and not lose heart."  Which means it is perfectly acceptable to pray until you see results.  Just make sure you pray to stay within God's will.

And Galatians 6:2 says, "Bear one another’s burdens."  So never lose heart and please continue to pray for each other's needs.  Pray for strength, hope, peace, joy, security, and for his/her specific needs every day as often as he/she needs it.   

And, of course, praying for the needs of other people is important to. It encourages love and compassion for others which will always make you stronger as a couple.

Marriage-Enhancing Ideas for the Week:  

Power Couple:  What can you do together this week that is powerful? If there is a church that matches your beliefs in your area that offers Bible studies, consider attending.  If not, start a private Bible study together and, if you feel God calling you to do so, consider teaching or hosting a Bible study in your home.

Prayer:  If not already doing so, start a new habit of praying with each other when you first get up, right before bed, or both.   Art Project Option:  Write (either individually or together) a prayer for your marriage.  Print it out on computer paper and glue it onto a piece of scrapbook paper.  If you have it, include a picture of the two of you praying, or take a new picture, and include the photo on the scrapbook page.  As with all the art projects, later this week I will post our prayers and show you how I turned them into an art project.

Week 31 Short Video

Correction: I mention a song sung by a turtle, however, that song did NOT come from "Bullfrogs & Butterflies," it was from "The Music Machine."

Week 31 Art Project

 

 

The art project for this week was to create a treasure hunt for your spouse. Here is where you can make it an art project.  For each clue, write the instructions on a piece of cardboard, cardstock, or construction paper and include words, drawings, pictures, or a combination.  For example, if clue #1 is to send your honey to clue #2 hidden behind a picture of your wedding day, you could draw a baseball pitcher (or a water pitcher) and wedding rings or veil or some other picture that depicts marriage.  You can even use all scripture verses for clues.  The idea is to send your partner all over the house from room to room (this even works in small houses) finding clues in obscure places.  Think dryer drums, hampers, cat food container, refrigerator, a collectible item, piece of clothing, etc.  The final clue should lead him/her to the bedroom where you have prepared a treasure of passion. Gifts are optional. 

My first clue was handed to my hubby and said, "Feline the need for a cookie?"  Therefore, clue 2 could be found in the cat cookie jar.  Clue two said, "Biography of a Holiness Preacher," which would lead my hubby to the bookshelf where inside the front cover of David Wilkerson's biography was taped #3 that would lead to clue #4.  Etc.  

You can make your clues as easy or complicated as you like but remember to be sportsmanlike and if your spouse is getting frustrated, give hints.  Remember, the goal is to have fun!

Week 31: Passion & (The Sin of) Pornography

 

Fun Activity This Week:  Spend as much of your day as possible in your pajamas!  Have a relaxed day at home, take it easy, and just enjoy being together!  (If you have kids, they will probably enjoy a pajama day as well!)

Week 31: Passion & The Sin of Pornography

Passion:  It is important to have more than just a sexual passion in your marriage, but also a passion for making sure your marriage is successful.  Sincerely work at your marriage with a positive attitude and do everything you can to make it a happy, safe, respectful place. 

On June 10, Mel and I celebrated our thirteenth anniversary! We do not have children, but no matter how busy we are, we still take the time for romance!  No matter how tired we are, we still find enough time for pleasure.  We have always had a phone-off policy during our intimate times do not let anything or anyone interfere with our time.   We love having a full free morning of romance where we can simply focus on just the two of us and snuggle in each other’s arms.

We once knew a couple at our old church that, even though they have five children, and several foster children, both had jobs and were active in the church three nights a week, they still made the time nearly every Wednesday to have dinner together at The Cheesecake Factory.  What a great example they are.  When they celebrated their 20th anniversary, they took a romantic trip for two!

Passion does not always have to include sex, especially if one or both of you are ill, and other circumstances beyond your control get in the way. Just spending time snuggling and simply showing affection that lets your partner know that loving them has less to do with sex and more about the person you chose to marry. In that way, making each other feel secure and loved no matter what you are facing in life can show even more fiery passion than sex!

I have read and seen by example that regular romantic connections with your spouse will even make you a better parent. 

Mel and I have never lost our adoring love for one another, but that is also because we always take time out for passion as well as daily engaging in good conversations. Let's face it, good romantic and passionate times equal good moods.  So, be in an amazing mood as often as you can!

The Sin of Pornography:  My husband Mel co-authored this subject with me.  

First, we want to make several things clear: we do not believe men are the only offenders of viewing pornography.  That brings us to the other thing we want to make clear: we do not see pornography as just naked pictures, but sex scenes in movies and books can be pornographic as well.  Both sexes can be just as addicted to smutty movies/novels as well as to naked pictures. 

Society will tell you it is the spouse’s fault if his/her mate looks at pornography.  We once read a statement on a major news source website that said something like (not an exact quote), “your husband looks at pornography because you are not properly arousing him, and you must work harder to do so.”  The writer of the article wrote a big lie!  Just as it is NOT your fault if your spouse cheats, it is NOT your fault if he/she looks at porn! It is the offender who needs deliverance from sin.  

But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.  Matthew 5:28

Pornography is not a victimless sin.  Your family will always suffer if you allow viewing such filth to corrupt you. If you make it clear that you do not see anything wrong with looking at naked people to whom you are not married, you are teaching your children it is okay to demean women and that their mother is not enough for you.  You are raising them to be disrespectful of women and see women as only sexual objects and are teaching your children, especially your daughters, that it is okay for females to be overly sexualized and treated as objects not people with feelings.  If you have a daughter, how would you feel if men were ogling her the way you lust over someone else’s child? And yes, even adults are obviously someone's son or daughter.

“Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him?” says the Lord; “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the Lord.  Jeremiah 23:24

You may assume that most of the people in the magazines and web sites are there by their own choice.  Yet, the viewer does not know this as absolute fact.  That young-faced adult could very easily be a child forced into the sex trade very much against his/her will.  Now, you are not only supporting smut, but you are also supporting robbing children of their innocence.  Do you think those viewers ever think of that?  They would if suddenly their missing child showed up on a pornography site.  This does not just happen in foreign countries; sex trade for underage children of both genders and even adults is a very real problem in this country too.    

For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light.  Mark 4:22

It is a proven fact that pornography creates serial killers and rapists.  Ted Bundy is a notorious serial murderer/rapist that admitted his addiction to porn is what piqued his interest in killing.  We are not saying all who are addicted to porn become killers and/or rapists, but it is a very real trend.  Just as an alcoholic needs more and more booze to get drunk, so the smut addict needs more and more provocative images to turn him on.  He (or she) searches out other types of porn, often leading to live performances, and when he cannot get satisfaction (not even from his own wife), it is a very real possibility he will take it by force.

Pornography is so well accepted that men/women of all ages are walking around continually seeking visual stimulation.  The way women dress becomes more and more obscene every year. Women and even children dress in shorts so short their rear ends hang out, their tops are see-through or low cut, and they have no problem bending over in a skirt so short you know what color underwear they have on, and the trend of leggings, showing off their behinds in such a disgusting manner, is designed only to titillate.  There is very little modesty left in our society.  It makes it very difficult for those who choose to dress modestly because men have been trained to believe that all women want to be drooled over and gawked at.  We hate this because we are married and extremely loyal to one another.  

Pornography is also a huge problem with Christians because the church has the culture well ingrained within it. We were shocked by a comment made by a leader of a home Bible study group.  He asked the people, “Do you know why more than 60% of Pastors view some form of pornography?  Because they are human, that’s why.”  This man is the product of the modern-day lukewarm church that tolerates everything. God’s Word teaches us that we must repent of our sins and be born again in order to be saved. To be born again means to put off our old sinful nature and to become a new creation in Christ.  God’s Word is clear that we must not touch what is unclean!

Therefore “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.”  II Corinthians 6:17

Marriage-Enhancing Ideas for the Week:  

Passion:  No matter what is going on this week, make time for passion.  If you need to lose a little bit of sleep and get up early, then do it at least once.  Or stay up a little later if need be.  Better yet, if you can come home for a lunch break, why not skip the meal and go straight for dessert!  

Art Project Option:  Okay, so this one does not have to be an actual art project, but just a very fun activity.  Create for your mate a treasure hunt where you are the treasure!  I know other books may also offer this suggestion, but the end prize always costs money, or requires you to have two phones or two vehicles where one of you sends texts to the other that leads your mate in a chase all over town and ultimately to a restaurant and/or hotel.  While this also sounds like a lot of fun, Mel and I have never had the money for two phones or two cars, so I created a much cheaper, but just as fun option (however, you can still do it the more costly way if you choose). 

Here is where you can make it an art project.  For each clue, write the instructions on a piece of cardboard, cardstock, or construction paper and include words, drawings, pictures, or a combination.  For example, if clue #1 is to send your honey to clue #2 hidden behind a picture of your wedding day, you could draw a baseball pitcher (or a water pitcher) and wedding rings or veil or some other picture that depicts marriage.  You can even use all scripture verses for clues.  The idea is to send your partner all over the house from room to room (this even works in small houses) finding clues in obscure places.  Think dryer drums, hampers, cat food container, refrigerator, a collectible item, piece of clothing, etc.  The final clue should lead him/her to the bedroom where you have prepared a treasure of passion. Gifts are optional. 

The Sin of Pornography:  The easiest advice I can give for this week is just walk away. Pray that the Holy Spirit help you:

 

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

If pornography is a sin in your life, do whatever you need to do to be rid of it. My husband had a friend that canceled his Internet service, quit watching television, and switched to a basic phone in order to help him deal with his addiction.  Although I believe God can deliver someone from habitual sins if they are truly repentant, I also strongly encourage counseling if you cannot let this issue go. You need to replace one addiction for another, so when you are tempted, quote scriptures or sing songs to Jesus and praise the Holy Spirit for His help in overcoming your sins.

Week 30 Fun Activity

 

 

This week's fun activity was to "Go through old photos and discuss what you know about family history.  If you do not have any old photos, then just talk about your family.  Go as far back in time as you can."

Mel has a large box full of old photos that goes back to great grandparents. They were all disorganized. I love to organize items, so I sorted through hundreds of pictures, categorized, bagged, and alphabetized them. We always have a fun time looking through these photos and I love learning about my husband's family history. I wish I had such wonderful pictures of my family history. If you are so blessed, cherish these photos and share with your spouse.

Week 30 Short Video

I apologize; this week's video will not post (only 1 minute, 17 seconds long).  Due to a lack of interest, I no longer have a Facebook page for the ABCs of a Joyful Marriage so I cannot share a link to it.

Paraphrasing the video (filmed in front of our shower curtain): The word of the week for the letter O is "ocean."  Maybe you have heard the song how God's love is like an ocean.  Very true!  Now think about how your marriage is also like an ocean. Is it, fascinating, vast, full of beautiful things, mesmerizing?  

When you are standing one the beach you cannot see the other side of the ocean, and sometimes life is like that.  We can't always see God's big picture for our lives. However, God is always in control of the oceans, skies, lands, and everything in them. 

Think of all the words you can to describe how your marriage is like an ocean and celebrate all those things by telling your honey how much you appreciate the wonderment of your love!  If you want to do another art project, you could write those words on fish or other ocean creatures and place them around the house this week. 

Week 30 Art Project

 

This week's art project is: "To celebrate your oneness, create a jigsaw puzzle, for when you put the individual pieces together, they create one beautiful scene, just like you and your honey!"

I used a free child's puzzle I had once received and traced around each piece so I could create this design, but it was not a durable enough to be used as workable puzzle.

Week 30: One & Open

 

 

Fun Activity This  Week:  Go through old photos and discuss what you know about family history.  If you do not have any old photos, then just talk about your family.  Go as far back in time as you can.  The fun thing about this is that no matter how long you have been married, you are sure to learn new things about each other’s pasts and their family's history.

Week 30: One & Open

One:  Being one means you are of one body, heart, and mind.  You are still you, an individual, but more importantly, you are a we.  You should make decisions together as a couple as much as possible.  I lived alone for fourteen years before marrying Mel. When it came to making decisions, I was used to answering to no one or consulting anyone.  Yet even before we were married, I was very glad to have another person to share my thoughts and opinions with and help me make important decisions and in turn help him when he needs advice.  I am very happy I am no longer the "lone wolf" I once called myself.  I am very proud to be one with my husband.

I want to focus this week on being of one mind. 

The man said, “This is now bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Genesis 2:23-24

I have heard or read the above scripture verse many times throughout my life, but the concept of being one never really sunk in until I became a wife.  Before I was married, I could never have imagined what it truly felt like to be so linked to another person, you literally feel as one flesh.  It is actually difficult to put precisely into words, but I will do my best.  I am still amazed at how connected I feel to Mel.  We finish each other’s' sentences, say the same phrases at the same time, think of the same random topics at the same time, crave the same foods at the same time, and when we play board games such as Scattergories we come up with the exact same obscure answers!  

What is also funny is that when I talk about things I did before I met Mel, I will say, "When we were..." but I was just an "I" then!  Mel is so much a part of me it seems as if he was in my life even before we knew the other existed!  Mel does the same thing.  He’ll talk about his home states of Missouri or Arkansas as if I had been there with him because it often seems strange that we were ever apart!   

Mel and I have become so intertwined with each other that we can tell when the other is not feeling right without the other saying a word.  If I ask, "Is everything okay?  You don't quite seem yourself," before he says a word, and he says, "How can you tell?"  I can say, "It's because I know you so well."  It is also because I love him so much and am very in tuned to his every facial expression and tone of voice.  It shows him how much I care about what he is feeling and if he wants to talk, it opens up a great dialog, which typically ends with prayer and Mel feeling better and he does the same for me.  (This goes along with what I said last week.)

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15

Another way being of one flesh can really benefit your marriage is that it almost completely obliterates selfishness.  I wish I could be 100% selfless, but that would make me non-human!  Being so bonded with Mel makes me care for his needs so far beyond my own.  I feel his pain and joy.  It means I will do everything in my power to make sure he is happy and put his needs far above my own.

If you feel this does not describe your marriage and you feel disconnected to him/her, chances are you are not spending enough time together.  Sex in a marriage is the most pleasurable form of bonding and very fun and wonderful, but only takes half an hour or so out of a day and isn't typically every day.  Continually talking and really getting to know each other is what helps you truly know how best to make him/her happiest.  Going on walks, playing games (buying games at secondhand stores and yard sales is a super cheap way to add to your game collection), going for long drives, and especially prayer time are just a few ways to spend time getting to know your spouse better.  Dating does not end just because you got married.  Marriage is having a permanent dating partner and having endless dates.  It is choosing to give up being a single person to become two people, to become one flesh! 

Open:  Be open and honest with your spouse about everything.  There should never be any secrets in your marriage.  There is no such thing as being too open or honest.  Mel and I are so very open with one another that we share everything, even the silly, insignificant details.  Of course, no one shares literally every little thought that goes through his or her head.  Sometimes it is better to keep thoughts of annoyance to yourself if it is not an issue worth discussing - something you know you will be over in an hour or two.  However, letting your spouse know when he/she says something that hurts your feelings is a good idea since he/she is not always aware he/she has hurt you.  Especially speak up if you know you will still be brooding over the issue a day or two later.  It is better to make peace and clear the air.  My husband lets me know when I am too sarcastic with my tone because I cannot always hear it myself.  And I may need to tell him he is being too grouchy if he takes his grumpiness out on me (although I usually try to do it in a teasing way by saying he needs to replace his grouchy pants for happier ones). It is a great way to improve on the way you treat your spouse when you are open about the way his/her words or actions affect you.

For a long time, I avoided talking about the pain of never having children as I did not want Mel to think he was not enough for me. But after assuring him my sadness over the lack of children did not mean I loved him less, I was finally able to be honest about my heartache. God is the ultimate healer of all pains, but it was also a release to talk to my hubby about it. So please, talk about your hurts past and present with one another, and you should also find a healing comfort in your marriage.

The only times secrets are acceptable are in areas of gifts or events.  Even then, I am horrible about surprising Mel.  I always give things away because I cannot wait to see him smile.  Plus, he is very smart about figuring out clues.  Otherwise, keeping things secret or doing things behind your partner’s back is the same as lying and is detrimental to your marriage.  If you feel the need to cover something up, chances are, it is something you should not be doing.

Some people say it is okay to lie when trying to spare your mate's feelings.  This is just as bad.  If you heard someone say a rude thing about your spouse and choose not to tell him because it will hurt his feelings, that is not helping him.  I would want to know if someone was saying mean things about me so I could avoid that person.  Also, I would rather have my husband tell me when I do something that upsets him, so I do not repeat my mistakes. In addition, knowing my spouse was lying to me to spare my feelings would be more offensive to me than the truth because I do not like being treated as if I am too weak to handle the truth.

Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds.  Colossians 3:9

Marriage-Enhancing Ideas for the Week:  

One:  Are there any areas in your marriage where you could be more united?  Perhaps you are spending too much time apart.  Consider combining activities so you can see more of each other.  Focus this week on thinking and acting not as separate entities, but as a bonded unit of one.

Art Project Option: To celebrate your oneness, create a jigsaw puzzle, for when you put the individual pieces together, they create one beautiful scene, just like you and your honey!  Here’s how I made mine: I traced actual puzzle pieces from a kids’ puzzle with large pieces approximately two inches each.  I traced the pieces of the still-put-together puzzle onto a piece of cardboard; each puzzle piece was outlined with a colorful marker so they would stand apart from one another.  Here is what I wrote (also in marker), “Our marriage is like a jigsaw puzzle.  Each piece is different and tells its own unique story – put all the pieces together, and a new picture is being formed every day!  I love how the pieces of our lives are forever interlocked – creating our own beautiful masterpiece of oneness.  Mel, you are the perfect piece my life had been missing – you complete me and now my life makes sense.  Love, Julie.”  I did not cut the pieces apart because it was temporarily on display on the dresser.  However, feel free to cut it and present it to your mate as a fun gift to be put together (if your mate enjoys puzzles) and feel free to add artwork!  Note: Cardboard does not cut smoothly so if you choose to cut it, keep in mind they do not go back together as a professional one would.  However, if you want one that can be disassembled, you can buy blank puzzles specially made for creating your own design. 

Open:  Are there any areas in your life that you are keeping hidden from your spouse?  Let all things be brought to the light this week.