Have you ever found yourself sitting next to your husband, maybe even in the same bed, but realizing you both feel miles apart?

You’re there physically, but emotionally disconnected.
You’re scrolling your phone, he’s watching something on his, and before you know it, another night passes with little to no real connection.

This is what happens when marriage gets pushed to the margins.
When connection is left for “when things slow down,” it rarely happens.

But what if connection didn’t have to wait for perfect timing?
What if small, intentional rhythms could completely change how you show up for one another?

In Part 3 of the Marriage in the Margins series, we’re getting practical.
We’ve talked about the patterns that keep you stuck in the roommate cycle and what it means to go first in rebuilding connection.

Now, it’s time to build lasting rhythms that move you from roommates to connected partners.

God Multiplies the Moments You Create

The truth is simple: God multiplies the intentional moments you create for your marriage.

But someone has to make them happen.
Your job isn’t to do everything, it’s to make space for what matters most, trusting God to fill in the rest.

So as you read, ask yourself this question:
“What is one rhythm I want to implement this week to create more connection in my marriage?”

5 Rhythms to Strengthen Your Connection

1. Daily Talk Time

Spend 10 minutes of uninterrupted time together, no phones, no distractions.
Sit face-to-face, ask how each other’s day went, and really listen.
It’s not about problem-solving; it’s about seeing and hearing each other.

2. Weekly Budget Meeting

Money can be a major source of tension, but it can also be a source of unity.
Set aside time each week (Sunday mornings work well!) to go over your finances together.
Talk about what matters to you both, what you’re saving for, and how you can steward your resources with purpose.

3. Weekly Calendar Check-In

This quick 10-minute rhythm prevents chaos before it begins.
Look at the week ahead, align on schedules, and confirm commitments.
Use this time to plan date nights, family days, or any upcoming appointments, keeping everyone on the same page.

4. Regular Date Night

It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive.
It could be a quiet dinner at home after the kids go to bed or sitting outside by a fire pit.
The key is consistency.
Pick one night a week, make it non-negotiable, and protect it as sacred connection time.

5. Daily Prayer Together

This one changes everything.
Even short, simple prayers, spoken aloud, invite God into your marriage.
Start or end your day by praying together and watch how He strengthens your bond and softens your hearts.

Simple Everyday Moments That Build Connection

Connection doesn’t have to be grand. It’s often found in the smallest gestures:

• Touch each other when you walk by. That physical connection matters more than you think.
• Set aside no-TV nights. Choose conversation over distraction.
• Put your phones down. Presence is more powerful than proximity.
• Make eye contact. Turn toward each other and truly see your spouse.
• Do things together, even if it’s less efficient. Run errands or drive together, even when it’s not the easiest option.

Small, intentional choices build trust and connection over time. These rhythms may not feel “productive,” but they’re deeply sacred.

A Strong Marriage is Built on Small Moments

Small moments + consistent rhythms = a strong marriage.

You don’t need long getaways or endless hours alone to reconnect.
You just need small, intentional moments, woven into your everyday life, to remind each other that you’re on the same team.

Romans 12:10 says, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

These rhythmsdaily prayer, weekly check-ins, consistent time together, are devotion in action.

Shift from marriage in the margins to marriage with intentional margins.
From coexisting to connecting.
Because when you make space for connection, God will meet you there.

Join Us for the Faith-Fueled Fireside

Let’s keep this conversation going.
Join me and other Christian mompreneurs for our next Faith-Fueled Fireside on November 20th, a free virtual gathering where we’ll unpack all three parts of the Marriage in the Margins series together.

We’ll talk about real rhythms, real struggles, and the real hope that comes when you invite God into your marriage.

Join the Faith-Fueled Fireside

Final Words From My Heart

Marriage isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
It’s not built in grand gestures but in daily faithfulness and intentional rhythms.

So this week, choose one rhythm to begin.
Go first with grace.
And trust that God will multiply your effort and fill your marriage with peace and purpose.

With love and grace,

Related Podcast Episodes: 

1. Ep 225. Marriage in the Margins: Be the One to Go First (Part 2)
2. Ep 224. Marriage in the Margins: Why You Feel Like Roommates (Part 1)
3. Ep 43. Healthy Boundaries for a Stronger Marriage
4. Ep 19. How to Recognize the Conflict Cycle in Your Marriage with Tony Ziolko

Resources:

1. Learn more about the Collective Mastermind – A Christ-centered space for ambitious mompreneurs who are ready to align their life and business with the Lord.
2. Join the Faith-Fueled Fireside on November 20th at 10AM (AZ Time) – This virtual gathering is an opportunity to connect with like minded mamas who are ready to trade hustle for peace this season.
3. Join the Free Purpose Gathering Community – A welcoming space for Christian mompreneurs to connect, grow, and be encouraged in both life and business.
4. Have a question for me? Or a specific struggle you’re dealing with? I’ll address your question on the podcast. Submit your ‘Ask Ashley’ question here.
5. Please connect with me on Instagram @thepurposegathering.