By: Angelique Matthews
I believe in the power of date night because it focuses your attention on each other as a couple and away from the distractions and pressures of life. Valentine’s Day should be no exception.
The Song of Solomon talks about a couple spending time together and sharing in the joy of being together. The Lord encourages you to take time out for yourselves along with focusing on activities as a couple that will bring each of you pleasure and joy. Song of Solomon 7:10-12 (ISV) Below are some fun ideas to take your expression of love to the next level:
1. Trip Down Memory Lane
For a fun and nostalgic date, work on re-creating your first date. See how much you remember as a couple and try to get the details as close to the original as possible.
Budget: Depends on how elaborate your first date was and how closely you want to imitate the original date.
Take it Over the Top: Re-create your proposal and plan this as a couple. To make the event even more special, you could give each other a new wedding band or special gift.
Search the Web: Search the web for locations you’d like to revisit, order tickets to movies or events or find specific items to make your re-enactment more authentic.
2. Romantic Getaway
Sneak away to a bed-and-breakfast for a relaxing weekend of romance. Choose an inn that fits your personalities and style.
Budget: A stay at a bed-and-breakfast tends to run slightly higher than a night at a hotel, but the quality of amenities, gourmet breakfasts and personal touches outweigh the difference in price.
Take it Over the Top:
- Check out local restaurants for a romantic dinner
- Plan a longer trip
- Take a trip overseas and stay in a castle
Search the Web:
- To locate a bed-and-breakfast in the United States, visit www.bbonline.com
- To locate a bed-and-breakfast worldwide, visit www.bnbchoices.com or www.bedandbreakfast.com
3. Let’s Build Something
Visit a hobby store and pick out something you would enjoy building together, like a model car, train, airplane or puzzle.
Budget: You should be able to find a project to suit any budget, large or small.
Steps to Success:
- Make sure you have all the supplies you need before you get started
- Play fun music in the background
- Have something delicious to snack on
Take it Over the Top:
Spend a little more on your creation and enter it in a contest, i.e., a county or state fair.
Search the Web: Key word search: hobby shop, craft store, model airplane, model cars, dollhouse, model train sets, county/state fair.
shineblog 
I don’t think I would like to recreate our first date. Gene asked me to go fishing with him and I agreed. He was to pick me up at my apartment at 5:30 AM!!! He stood me up saying “I didn’t think you really would get up to go”. Here we are 45 years, 2 kids and 6 grandkids later. The Lord really does work in mysterious ways.
Sharon Wamser