by Brittany Rust

There is something so special about summer not captured any other time of the year; we feel renewed and energetic! At least I do, as the winter chill lifts and those hot nights settle in. I want to be out more - exploring, absorbing, enjoying--the few months of the year that the days are longer. With that, there is no one I'd rather spend time with than my handsome husband.

Research shows time and again that those married couples who date regularly, and furthermore, try new activities together, tend to have more meaningful relationships. A study published by Indiana State University in 2014 showed that couples who engaged in new experiences together on a regular basis had more romantic relationships long-term. Bottom line - get out with your spouse this summer and have fun together!

The ideas below for summer date nights will encourage time together that will hopefully create lifelong memories.

1. Hiking

Getting out with your spouse and breathing in the fresh air does wonders for the soul! It creates opportunity for deep conversation, laughs, and great sights along the way. You could even take it a step further and make a camping trip out of it. Conversations and s'mores around the fire have been some of my favorite memories with my husband! Not sure where to hike? Download the AllTrails app for suggestions.

2. Sunset Picnic at the Park

Who doesn't love sunsets, picnics, and parks, especially when combined?! This can be a very romantic date that's also gentle on the wallet. Fill a backpack or tote with some cheese and crackers, fruit, and light sandwiches, and head to a nearby park. As the sun sets you can enjoy a light meal and as night descends, enjoy some stargazing.

3. Baseball Game

One of America's favorite pastimes! One of my most memorable dates my husband ever took me on was to a local minor league baseball game on a summer night. I'm not really all that into baseball itself but the energy of the crowd, the cracks of the bat, and the lights piercing the warm summer night sent good vibes my way and it was a blast!

4. Local Festival

This is a true favorite of mine, whether it be music, art, or food. Take a look at some local online calendars or search Facebook events to find local festivals going on around you. Peruse the works of local artists while enjoying an ice cream cone, take in the sounds of local musicians, or nibble your way through food stands from nearby restaurants. You'll have a blast!

5. Fishing

Having grown up surrounded by lakes and rivers, few things represent summer to me like fishing. If you already have some fishing poles (or even buy some cheap ones at Walmart), this can be a very affordable date. Go find a nearby lake, pond or river and have some laughs as you both throw lines into the water and wait for the bait to catch!

6. Stay-In Movie

This is a good one for all the movie lovers out there! Grab a Netflix movie, order some take-out (our go-to is Indian!), and build a pallet or get creative with a makeshift fort on the floor. This is a great date in that won't break the bank.

7. Books & Coffee

This date is great for a rainy day; I've tried it a time or two. Head to a Barnes & Noble or locally owned bookstore, grab a cup of coffee, and explore books together. A fun idea: grab some travel books and dream about places you'd both like to explore. Another suggestion: buy a devotional book for couples and read the first day together right there, and let it lead you into meaningful conversation.

8. Painting Class

One of the latest crazes sweeping communities across the country are local painting classes for couples. I haven't done this yet but you believe it's on my list! Find a local studio that offers couples classes--a teacher guides you and your date through a painting process, each person working on one side so that when complete and put together, forms one piece of art for your house.

9. Dress Up & Go Out

The classic date night, but it must be said! I don't know about the guys but most girls love getting dressed up and going out to a good restaurant, whether it's a favorite or someplace new! Maybe you can surprise your date with a note letting them know to be ready in their favorite dress by 6 PM and take them on a surprise night out.

10. Day Road Trip

Is there someplace within a three-hour drive that you've been wanting to visit? Maybe a waterfall you want to see, or an apple orchard you've been wanting to visit. Maybe it's a little town dotted with antique stores and family restaurants. Plan a day trip somewhere close and have a blast as you drive with the windows down, laugh at childhood stories, and explore places you've never been together.

11. Farmers Market & Dinner

How fun would it be to go to a local farmer's market, taste the best resources of your hometown, and pick out ingredients for a creative dinner in. With your finds you can plan a fun night in with yummy food and great conversation.

12. Treasure Hunt

Plan a fun and romantic treasure hunt for your loved one around town. You can come up with little notes and clues that guide you and your date through town, exploring the sights and infusing the relationship with romantic vibes. You can also leave little gifts along the way, such as chocolate, gifts cards, and flowers!

13. Happy Hour & Urban Walk

Happy hour at local restaurants provides great prices and deals on food! Find a spot with an outdoor patio or seating area, order a bunch of appetizers off the menu, and enjoy the company over good food. When your stomach is full, walk through the streets as you hold hands and explore the sights around you. My husband and I have done this many times and always had a great time!

14. Progressive Dinner

My husband did this for me once on my birthday and I had such a blast! Pick three places you either adore and/or have wanted to try and plan a course at each restaurant. Appetizers at a tapa place, main course at another restaurant, and dessert somewhere sweet. Through it all you can walk and talk, hold hands, and decompress from the week.

15. Backyard BBQ

A favorite for me on a summer night! Head to the grocery store and pick up some meat, fruit, and potatoes, and head home for a BBQ out back. Cooking together can be a fun activity and sitting outside to enjoy the summer smells and sights can be the perfect way to spend a summer night.

The date night ideas are endless, and your own city offers unique suggestions for you and your date. Have suggestions you'd like to add? Leave a comment below!

About The Author:

Brittany Rust is a writer, speaker, and has the privilege of serving on staff at Red Rocks Church in Denver, CO. She and her husband Ryan make their home in the Rocky Mountains, pursuing outdoor adventures, great food, and memorable stories together. Her website brittanyrust.com aims to supply encouraging resources for the world-wearied believer.

by Shirley M Dobson

"Take me away with you - let us hurry!"
- Song of Songs 1:4

When Jim and I were dating, I was pleased to discover his creative, romantic side. Little things he did, such as sending me a love note hidden in a Coke bottle, made me feel special. I treasured those romantic moments from our early days together.

After we were married, we were extremely busy - Jim was finishing graduate training and I was teaching school. But we were still able to set aside an occasional weekend for just the two of us. We would wander through department stores, holding hands, laughing, and talking. We loved to window‐shop for furniture and dream about how we hoped to decorate our house of the future. We would enjoy a light breakfast and then plan a candlelit dinner somewhere for the evening.

Life became even more hectic in the coming years, as God blessed our efforts in His service. We came to a point where we desperately needed some time alone. We arranged for my mother to keep the kids, and we drove six hours north to a winter wonderland called Mammoth, California. That weekend turned out to be a highlight of our marriage. I felt like a college girl again. We talked along the way and stopped to eat whenever it suited our fancy. The next morning we donned our ski clothes and headed for a wonderful restaurant, The Swiss Café. Hilda, the bubbly Swedish lady who owned the restaurant, called me "Shoooolie."

Our conversation at the breakfast table took us back into each other's worlds. Jim's eyes never looked bluer, and the love that's always there between us, steady and committed, surged to an emotional peak.

Driving to the ski lodge was equally exhilarating. The roads looked like a Christmas card. The giant evergreens appeared majestic in their white fur coats. I knew it was going to be a great day for skiing. Once on the mountain, we swished back and forth across the slopes like two adolescents.

We were wonderfully exhausted driving back to the condo. Jim prepared a cozy fire in the fireplace while I made our favorite meal of fried burritos. We ate dinner by the firelight, discussing our day and an endless variety of topics. After the dinner dishes were cleaned up, we pulled the pillows off the couch, chose some of our favorite records, and put them on the stereo. We relaxed in front of the fire and talked for hours. We also agreed to try to repeat our private rendezvous at least once a year. The memories of that weekend motivated me for many days to be the wife and mother I needed to be.

Is it time for you to take a similar romantic trip? Even if finances are tight, just being together can rekindle "that lovin' feeling." All that is needed is a little effort and creative flair. Talk with your mate; ask him or her what would bring new interest and excitement to your marriage. Then schedule at least two "getaway" activities a month when you can be alone together. If you keep the fire of your relationship well tended with romance, you'll enjoy its warmth throughout your marriage.

He has his food prepared for him. He can eat whenever he wants. His meals are provided at no cost to him.

He visits the Dr. once a year for his check up, and again during the year if any medical needs arise.

For this he pays nothing and nothing is required of him.

He lives in a nice neighborhood in a house that is much larger than he needs, but he is not required to do any upkeep. If he makes a mess, someone else cleans it up. He has his choice of luxurious places to sleep.

He receives these accommodations absolutely free.

He is living like a King, and has absolutely no expenses whatsoever. All of his costs are picked up by others who go out and earn a living every day. I was just thinking about all this, and suddenly it hit me like a brick ....

I think my dog is a member of Congress.

Source: From a forward by Chandramouli, A., IIT Kharagpur Alumni Group

Editor's Note:

by John O'Leary, johnolearyinspires.com

"What we see depends mainly on what we look for."
- John Lubbock

Sometimes we miss the beauty, the amazing possibility, and the untapped potential of the people and things closest to us. Because of their proximity, we don't always see the remarkable gifts in our spouses, parents, children and friends. Because of their familiarity, we don't always grasp their full worth.

This unfortunate inattentiveness to those closest to us not only negatively impacts relationships at home, but also effectiveness at work. Let me explain.

I've been speaking and writing for almost ten years. Every time I've tried to make a substantial leap to the next level, I've invited outside consultants to help me. Each time we've tried to expand our platform or shift into a new direction, we fly experts in.

It almost seems like the further they travel the more effective they'll be.

Don't get me wrong, a different perspective can be extraordinarily valuable. Sometimes, however, there is even greater value discovered in the perspective and efforts of those who know us best. The decision on who to utilize to help publicize my book earlier this year reminded me of this truth.

My college roommate and dear friend had recently switched careers. After more than 15 years in real estate, Patrick Barry was less than 15 months into working in the PR world. He had never worked on book publicity, never specialized in this genre, and had no big contacts in New York (or anywhere else!) to lean into.

Instead, what Patrick had was intimate knowledge of the story and a contagious enthusiasm for the project.

He also had something you can't purchase: an unshakable belief in me.

Showing unmatched dedication, in just the first month he secured 75 media engagements. Those placements on radio, print and television outlets totaled more than 25,000,000 unique impressions.

Because of his effort, and as a result of so many other friends, coworkers, and family members believing, 'On Fire' became an instant #1 National Bestseller, has been translated into seven languages, and has been purchased by nearly 40,000 people...all since March! The book's message of waking up from accidental living and embracing the limitless possibility within this moment continues to spread.

Too frequently many of us place greater value on ideas from the outside than those coming from the inside. But in doing so, it diminishes the untapped genius of those closest to us.

Instead of looking elsewhere, understand that the best solutions often come from the creative coworkers and committed vendors who believe in our mission and feel empowered to do their best work.

Know that the answers are more likely to come from dear friends and loyal family members who knowing our weaknesses, choose to love us anyway by providing needed honesty into our lives.

Recognize that the talents, gifts, insights and potential of those closest to us may provide the answers we need in our current situation.

And finally, appreciate that perhaps the greatest untapped resource of genius and possibility is much closer than you may think. It's the individual whose reflection stares back at you in the mirror each day.

And because what we see depends mainly on what we look for, commit to looking daily for greatness in yourself and in those you encounter each day.

It is certain to be the most important investment and best decision you'll ever make.

Today is your day. Live Inspired.

By Craig Ballantyne

An alcoholic walks into a bar. An hour later, he's drunk. Two hours later, he stumbles home.

Um, alright, that wasn't a very good "guy walks into a bar joke", I'm sorry.

But it is an excellent, albeit extreme example of a point I want to make today.

If we have a bad habit, putting ourselves into an environment that promotes the bad habit is the first step in making the bad habit worse. Therefore, we need to identify not only the bad habits in our lives that we want to change, but also the environments we must avoid in order to foster this change.

The other night while driving from the big city to my home in the country, I was listening to an interview with Dan Kennedy. On the call he described how he structures his weekly errand's route so that he doesn't drive by a donut shop. For Dan, a diabetic, he's struggled with a lifelong "addiction" to donuts. So he makes the effort to remove himself from the environment that would support the addiction.

Likewise, almost every bad habit we have in our lives can be limited by removing ourselves from particular environments. For example, let's say that you have a problem with gossip. Every day at 10am you find yourself at the proverbial water cooler in your office with the same people having the same useless, negative conversations about other people.

What's part of the solution?

Avoiding the water cooler at 10am.

You see, most bad habits can be significantly reduced by avoiding the environment, yet often we think we can have the willpower to put ourselves in that environment and somehow resist the urge to give in to the bad behaviour.

Do you really think you can go to the all-you-can-eat pizza buffet at lunch while on your diet and just order a salad? That takes a strong-willed person, and really, that willpower is best left to fight against something else more important in your life. Instead of wasting the willpower on this environment, just keep yourself out of the offending environment altogether.

This also applies to the people and items you bring into your environment. For example, one of my friends, nutrition expert Brad Pilon, simply recommends a "no eating in the car" rule for his readers, and this simple little suggestion helps eliminate unwanted and unnecessary calories. After all, the majority of foods you can eat in your car are on the "do not eat" list from your diet.

When you control the environment, you remove the opportunity to fall back into a bad habit. Lead yourself not into temptation and you shall do no evil.

Of course, there will be times when you're thrown into an environment that is no good for you, and you'll need to develop coping strategies for those times as well. But that's another lesson for another day. Today, I simply want you to focus on two things.

First, identify the bad habits and where they most often occur. What people, places, and things contribute to your participation in activities that you want to remove from your life?

Second, identify solutions to these obstacles. For example, in the case of the water cooler gossip, avoid engaging these people in non-work related conversations. Avoid the water cooler at 10am.

I speak from experience. When I was young and foolish I would often meet my best friend in a bar on Saturday evenings. Needless to say this was not conducive to a Sunday full of relaxation and preparation for the week ahead.

In order to maintain our regular meetings and 30-year friendship, we both identified the offending environment and removed ourselves from it. Today we meet on Sunday afternoons (a day on which neither of us drink alcohol) in locations that don't lead us into temptation and our friendship is stronger than ever.

You don't have to lose relationships in order to better your life. You often just need to lose the offending environments that put you in harm's way.

Put yourself in a positive environment with positive people who provide you social support and you'll build better habits without draining your limited willpower.