A Simply Romantic Idea
Sabrina Beasley
January 2003
After attending a FamilyLife marriage conference, Dale and Carol Leatherman of Harleysville, Penn., decided in 1999 to lead a small group using the HomeBuilders Couples Series™. They got three or four couples together and began meeting once a month. As a result of that commitment they continue to meet with a small group of four couples monthly.
In the spring of 2001, Carol took out her box of Simply Romantic Nights®, a FamilyLife resource that includes 24 cards with exciting ideas, thoughts, and plans—half for him and half for her—designed to rekindle passion in marriage.
With her HomeBuilders group in mind, Carol decided to give a card to each couple as "homework" to do for the month. One month all the men get a card with instructions to complete the romantic activity described, and the next month all the women get a card.
"It just really took off from there," Carol says. "The next month, when we came back, everyone was laughing and having a great time because they had done the homework—even though we don't talk about the details!
"Simply Romantic Nights has added a neat flavor to our meetings. The cards promote romance and enthusiasm," Carol says. "Everyone is always surprised with the card they draw. The card titles promise to encourage lots of creativity."
One couple, Ron and Michelle, has benefited the most. "A year ago, Michelle would stay after meetings and cry to me about their relationship; they just weren't connecting, and their relationship was heading for destruction," Carol says.
But after a few months of being in the HomeBuilders group and fulfilling the homework on the cards, Ron and Michelle's relationship went from one of pain and hurt to one of sweeter romance and enjoyment.
"Their marriage has really blossomed," says Carol. "It's very easy to see the love between the two of them. They're relaxed and happy, sharing new excitement, resulting in positive changes in their relationship. They enjoy each other's company, and the glue is the fun and intimacy brought about by Simply Romantic Nights."
The Leathermans plan to continue using Simply Romantic Nights for their HomeBuilders group. They plan an annual Sweetheart Banquet for their congregation, and Dale and Carol anticipate inviting each couple to participate in a "Simply Romantic Night" by using the card that has been placed at their table, taking it home and opening themselves to a new opportunity for romance in their marriage. | 
Rekindling the Romance By Dennis and Barbara Rainey Rekindling the Romance is organized into a collection of short, easy-to-digest, biblically based chapters. Packed with practical insight, this tastefully candid and inviting resource provides the Christian couple with the keys to unlock their relational and sexual intimacy.