Use this inexpensive couples journal to show your spouse how much you appreciate them.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner I was reminded of something my husband and I did a few years back as a simple way to show each other how grateful we are for one another. Since getting married it seems like each year life gets a little busier. This unfortunately means that Iām not always as intentional as I used to be about showing my husband how much I appreciate him.
Couples Journal
We decided to do a couples journal one year and it ended up being such a blessing to us both. It truly is amazing how simply taking a few minutes out of your day to write some words of encouragement to one another can strengthen a marriage.
Creating (and surprising my husband with) this couples journal idea was a fun experience for me! I purchased an inexpensive journal and developed some photos of the two of us from our dating months through the current year.
Then I simply glued the photos randomly throughout the journal and wrote a quote, Bible verse, or meaningful memory down every few pages or so. Each day we would both write down something that we were grateful for about the other. Some were short and sweet and others were more lengthy. Some were serious and others were pretty silly.
We kept that journal going every day for a few months. Itās been fun to reread it every once and a while and look back and remember just how good God is in giving us a best friend to do life with.
Couples Journal Prompts
I realize that some people may be a bit intimidated when it comes to brainstorming things to write in a couples journal. If youāre excited about the idea, but arenāt quite sure what to say here are a few simple journaling prompts to help point you in the right direction š
- Why you are thankful for your spouse- List specific things that you appreciate.
- What you admire most- Think of some character traits to mention
- Encourage your spouse
- Share something that they have taught you that has helped strengthen your relationship
- List ways that they are a help to you
- Reasons they make you smile
- Remind them of why you fell in love with them
- Write down a favorite memory you shared together
- Write a Bible verse reference that sums up what you appreciate or are trying to say
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Alternative Ideas
And for those of you who feel like your marriage isnāt exactly where you hoped it would be and this idea might not work out so well, Iād like to encourage you to try showing your gratitude in a different way.
- Send a note in your spouseās lunch (or place it in their car) to tell them something you admire and appreciate about them.
- Cook them a favorite meal or bake a tasty treat.
- Rent their favorite movie and sit shoulder to shoulder.
- Place a sticky note on the mirror to encourage them or remind them of a special time you shared together that meant a lot to you.
- Wash their car or fill up their gas tank
- Do an act of service that would be a help to them
If you humbly make an effort, your spouse will take notice and their heart will likely soften along the way.
My marriage isnāt perfect because my husband and I arenāt perfect. However, Iāve definitely been learning that itās often the most things that make the biggest difference. A little appreciation and respect can go a long way.
I hope that if you decide to give this couples journal a try that it is a genuine encouragement and blessing to you both!
paula shank says
Tabathaā¦ā¦ā¦..we have been married for almost 48 years and I am amazed at your wisdom! Such good practicle ways of showing appreciation even when life gets hard. I used to do the same thing for Jeff when he worked away from home. Our marriage is like a garden.
Tend your garden with acts of appreciation (like pulling weeds) and respect toward each other. It is the best fertilizer for growth and the health of your relationship. Keep it up, God will bless your efforts!
Tabatha says
Thank you for the encouragement, Paula =) Iāve never heard the garden analogy before, but I like it, thank you for sharing! I guess when we each marry a sinner there are bound to be some difficulties along the way, but Godās gift of marriage can be so beautiful if we simply put Him first and follow His design =)
Janice Weikart says
I love this idea, Tabatha! Itās such a simple idea, yet so meaningful. You and Derek will truly enjoy reading them as time goes by. Thanks for sharing.
Tabatha says
Thank you, Janice =) I look forward to reading through it again every couple of years. I can only imagine how precious it will be many years down the road and I imagine we will look back and realize just how quickly life passes by. Thank you for the kind comment!
Lisa Marie Alioto says
WHat a cool idea! Iāve never heard of this before but it seems like a wonderful idea. Especially if you feel youāve hit a rut ā what a great way to give yourselves a boost
Tabatha says
Thank you, Lisa! I hope it is a blessing to you if you decide to give it a try =)
Betty says
Wow! I love this idea, it is sure to spice up any marriage.
Tabatha says
Thanks Betty! Sometimes its the simplest things that can make the biggest difference.
Jenna | Peaches & Prayer says
This is such a thoughtful idea! It would be fun to look back at old journals as the time passes <3 Love it!
Tabatha says
Thank you =) Yes! Itās brought a lot of smiles looking back on what all we were experiencing at that time in our lives.
Elizabeth says
āInitiate The Appreciation, Even If It Isnāt Deserved Or Reciprocated.ā What if Iāve been doing that for years, and heās just gotten farther and farther away? How long do you do this before giving up?
Tabatha says
Hello Elizabeth, thank you so much for reaching out. I sent you an email in response. Please let me know if you donāt receive it.
April says
Same :/
Tabatha says
April, itās hard to understand why certain things happen the way they do. My heart hurts to know that many wives are feeling so broken. I donāt know exactly what youāre going through but God does. Please seek Him. He loves you beyond understanding. You may want to check out http://www.marriedbyhisgrace.com and specifically this article https://www.marriedbyhisgrace.com/fighting-for-my-marriage/
Thank you for reaching out. Iām praying for you <3