Podcasts about marital intimacy

How are physical health and marital intimacy connected—and why does it matter more than we often realize? In this episode, Dr. Kim and Mrs.Nancy sit down for an honest conversation about the link between physical health and intimacy in marriage. They explore how stress, exhaustion, illness, aging, and life seasons can impact connection, desire, and closeness—and why caring for our bodies is not just personal, but relational and spiritual. This conversation helps couples navigate physical barriers to intimacy without shame or pressure, and instead with patience, understanding, and love. Whether you're in a season of strength or struggle, this episode offers hope, clarity, and encouragement to pursue intimacy the way God designed it—rooted in grace and mutual care. You'll hear: • Why intimacy doesn't stay effortless—and why that's normal • How sleep deprivation, stress, and hormones impact desire and connection • Why exhaustion often gets misread as rejection • How physical neglect creates emotional distance • What stewardship of your body has to do with loving your spouse • How couples can talk about intimacy without shame or defensiveness • Practical, realistic steps to rebuild closeness—even in demanding seasons   Quotes from This Episode: Often as women, we feel like we have to do it all. We become physically drained and spiritually drained. -Mrs. Nancy Our bodies aren't machines. They need to be connected to the Lord and good health. -Mrs. Nancy We have to get past the stereotype that if you love each other that your sexual intimacy will be great. - Dr. Kim Body, soul and spirit- you have to work on all three to get yourself in shape, to live life to the fullest. - Mrs. Nancy The better I feel, the better I take care of myself, one our marriage is better, and two I have the energy and focus to serve Him and do the things God has lined out for me to do. -Dr. Kim Physical health and marriage are more connected than we realize. When one suffers, the other does too—care for both intentionally. -Dr. Kim You don't have to be 'super mom' or 'super spouse.' Recognize your limits and give yourself grace in each season of life.- Dr. Kim Taking care of your health is not just self-improvement—it's an act of love toward your spouse and those you serve. -Dr. Kim Even in illness, exhaustion, or stress, don't give up on intimacy. Adapt, support each other, and let these challenges draw you closer.-Dr. Kim You don't need a perfect body—just a healthy one that lets you show up for your spouse and God's call each day.-Dr. Kim Fitness is about being strong enough to live, love, and serve as God intended—not about looking a certain way.-Dr. Kim   Questions for Conversation: How has our current physical season (energy, stress, health, sleep, life stage) been shaping our intimacy—emotionally and physically—and where do we need more understanding for each other? Are there any physical or emotional barriers to intimacy that we've avoided talking about? What would it look like to approach that conversation with curiosity, prayer, and grace instead of pressure or defensiveness? What is one small, realistic way we could care for our physical health together this season as an act of love and connection—not obligation?   Mentioned in this Episode: Dr. Kim mentioned rating your intimacy in order to open the door to communication. We have a great tool for that! Check out our Love Making Survey. Awesome Marriage is on Instagram!Make sex better for BOTH of you — by romancing your spouse the way they actually desire. Check out this month's Sexy Bundle: His and Hers Romance Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word with your spouse? Find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Want to see what God's Word says about sex and intimacy? Check out Embracing the Gift of Sex in Marriage: Looking Through a Biblical Lens Part 1 If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !  Sign up for Dr. Kim's Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips! Now is the perfect time to join our Marriage Changers program. Enjoy every resource of the month plus bonus content from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy. Join now, just in time to receive our Sexy Bundle: His and Hers Romance

Introduction: Genesis 2:24 - Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. Enjoying Your Gift from God. (1 Corinthians 7:1-7) Married? Enjoy God's Gift for MARRIAGE. (1 Cor 7:3-5) 3 Laws of Marital Intimacy: The Law of DEBT. (1 Cor 7:3) The Law of OWNERSHIP. (1 Cor 7:4) The Law of HIATUS. (1 Cor 7:5) Single? Enjoy God's Gift of SINGLENESS. (1 Cor 7:6-7) Matthew 19:10-12 – The disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” But he said to them, “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.” Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! AUDIO TRANSCRIPT 00:36-00:41Open up those Bibles to 1 Corinthians 7.00:43-00:51And as we said last week, it's going to continue for the next few weeks because we go where the text goes.00:54-01:00And today we're going to be talking about the relationship between a man and his wife.01:03-01:44discretion advised. We are going to be direct, but you know some pastors want to be like edgy by kind of pushing the envelope there and that's I don't think that's cool, but I do think we need to teach the Bible straightforwardly. So we are going to be direct but not explicit, okay? So whether you're sitting here or streaming this from home, parents you decide. If you saw last week's message that would be a good gauge as to whether or not your kids should hear this one.01:44-02:01But again I'll remind you that somebody's talking to your kids about this. I think you should really consider you know whether it's time for them to hear this from God, what He says about these matters.02:02-02:17Alright, so with that said, let's just bow our heads. I'm going to ask that you would please take a moment and pray for me to be faithful to clearly communicate what God said and I will pray for you to receive what it is that this passage teaches today. Let's pray.02:23-02:28Father in heaven, we are once again turning to Your Word for wisdom.02:33-02:38And we're dealing with what is going to be for many here a sensitive subject.02:38-03:05And I pray, Father, against distractions, and I also pray that our hearts and minds are open to what You actually say in Your Word. Not our opinion or not what we think your word might say about these matters, but to examine what it is that you have said, and that we would be faithful to apply.03:08-03:53Come meet us now, Lord, through the proclamation of your word, we pray in Jesus' name, and all of God's people said, "Amen." Amen. Many years ago, I was leading Bible study the prison, and one man raised his hand. He said, "I have a question. I have a question about what happens when we die." Well, I was ready for this. You should have heard. You should have heard the sermon. It's probably the best sermon I ever gave. It was just both barrels, and I explained to him, "Okay, first of all, let me explain how death came into the world. We went through Genesis chapter 3. Death We need Jesus Christ.03:54-03:56Jesus died on the cross to take our sin away.03:56-03:59He rose from the dead to give us eternal life.03:59-04:00We all need the gospel.04:00-04:05And if you've received Christ, when you die, the Bible says you are in the presence of the Lord.04:05-04:10Okay, and someday he is going to come and he's going to take his people to be with him.04:10-04:12John chapter 14, we talked about the rapture.04:13-04:17But if you have not received Christ, I talked about the tribulation that's coming after the rapture.04:18-04:21There's seven years of just hell on earth.04:21-04:26and then Christ returns, and I talked about all the millennial kingdom, right?04:26-04:41And then after the kingdom, there's the great white throne judgment, and at that point, you know, if you die and you're not in Christ, you do go to a place of suffering, Luke 16, but then you're thrown into the lake of fire at the great white throne judgment, and you should have heard it.04:41-04:44It was comprehensive.04:47-04:49So I got done, it was about 20 minutes.04:50-04:57I got done and I said, "So, does that answer your question?" He stared at me blankly.04:59-05:01And he goes, "No."05:02-05:03(congregation laughing)05:04-05:25I said, "Why not?" He goes, "I just wanted to know "if we become angels when we die." And I said, "No." He goes, "Okay, thanks." And I learned that day to answer the question that's being asked.05:27-05:30Well, the Corinthians, they had a lot of questions.05:31-05:35They had a lot of questions about marriage, about idols, about women in church, about the Lord's Supper.05:36-05:38Look at chapter 7 verse 1.05:39-05:45Paul says, "Now concerning the matters about which you wrote," stop there, we're entering a new section, okay?05:45-05:49He talked about the church unified, chapters 1-4.05:50-05:55He talked about the church purified, chapters 5-6.05:56-05:58And now you can see there's a shift.05:59-06:06He says, "You sent me questions and I'm going to give you answers now to the questions that you sent me." Do you see that?06:07-06:09And first up, marriage.06:12-06:13You're going to be shocked.06:13-06:14I'm glad you're sitting down.06:15-06:17But the Corinthians had a lot of problems when it came to marriage.06:20-06:28But you know, the problems that we bring into marriage are our own doing, because the Bible was clear on marriage.06:30-06:34Genesis 2.24, this is the most important verse in the Bible about marriage.06:34-06:38I know this because when asked, this is the verse that Jesus quoted.06:39-06:42When writing about marriage, this was the verse that Paul kept quoting.06:42-06:55The most important verse in the Bible about marriage says, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." It's clear.06:55-07:00You leave, you join to your wife, and then the two become one.07:02-07:10Jesus was asked about marriage, divorce, all these matters, Matthew 19, we're going to talk about this later, but Jesus made, it was very clear.07:11-07:15Jesus said marriage is between a man and a woman.07:15-07:19Jesus said in a marriage, it's two people that are brought together by God.07:19-07:24Jesus said it's two becoming one, and He said it's meant to be unbroken.07:24-07:25That's God's design.07:28-07:32Bible's clear about marriage.07:32-07:38But in Paul's day, the Corinthian culture, there were basically four different ways to get married.07:38-07:51I'm just gonna, I don't usually like to preach my homework, But this might be helpful to give us some context as we go through this section, because there are a lot of ways that people got married in that day, all right?07:52-07:54So one way was for slaves.07:54-07:56Slaves weren't considered people, they were considered property.07:57-08:02So for slaves, the owner had the right to just pronounce them married.08:02-08:08If there were two slaves that wanted to get married, it's like, okay, you two are married, so you go stay over there or whatever.08:09-08:09And that was it.08:11-08:14There was also, in that day, common law marriage.08:14-08:20People that were living together unmarried for a year were considered married at that point.08:21-08:23A third way is a father selling his daughter.08:26-08:30And then the fourth way was the sort of the official Roman way.08:32-08:37Interestingly, it's through the Roman customs where we get our customs for marriage.08:37-08:38Did you know that?08:39-08:44from veil to flowers to vows to ring to cake, all came from the Roman culture.08:47-08:49So here's the point of all that.08:50-08:57In this section, Paul is teaching the sacredness of marriage no matter how you got there.08:57-09:07Okay, because there's going to be a lot of people that could raise objections, "But I was married this way, but I..." Paul's like, "However you got there, we're dealing with from here forward.09:08-09:10Let's talk about the sacredness of marriage.09:12-09:14They were a culture that had a high divorce rate.09:16-09:28They were a culture that had homosexuality, a culture of affairs, a culture of, believe it or not, feminists, and a culture of - we talked about this recently - prostitution.09:30-09:32So it's a culture a lot like ours.09:32-10:03There's nothing really new here as far as the kind of sin that they had to deal with with the same stuff. So the question is, "Well, what about sex and marriage?" Well, again, you're going to be shocked, and I'm glad you're sitting down, but the Corinthians had something else that they were divisive over, and that is this. Should you get married, or should you be single?10:06-10:08Which is the godly path?10:09-10:10That's the issue on the table here.10:11-10:13Which is the godly path, married or single?10:14-10:20Because some people said that righteousness is everybody must get married.10:21-10:22That was the Jewish mindset, by the way.10:23-10:24Everybody must get married.10:24-10:27You're not really fully righteous unless you're married.10:27-10:30In fact, you couldn't be a member of the Sanhedrin unless you were married.10:31-10:38So the Jews especially said, "Look, what's right is everybody has to get married." But then there's the other camp.10:40-10:42And the other camp said, "No, no, no, no.10:42-10:43No one should get married.10:43-10:45I mean, have you been paying attention?10:46-10:48Sexual sin is completely out of control.10:49-10:50Marriage is hard.10:50-10:57So being single and never touching a woman, that's the godly way.10:57-11:00In fact, you want to be godly.11:00-11:03If you're married and you want this godly path, you're just going to have to get out of your marriage.11:04-11:05Both of you be single.11:06-11:07That is more spiritual.11:08-11:09That is more devoted to God.11:09-11:13If you're single, you are more devoted to God.11:13-11:17And you know, there's people today that still hold that mindset, like in the Catholic church.11:17-11:18All right?11:18-11:19Priests don't get married.11:19-11:20Nuns don't get married.11:20-11:20Why?11:20-11:24Because you're devoted to God, and you can't really be devoted to God if you're married.11:27-11:30Well, what does the Bible say about that?11:31-11:35Well, let's see how Paul answers this under inspiration of the Holy Spirit.11:35-11:36Look at verse 1 again.11:36-11:48"Now, concerning the matters about which you wrote, it is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman." Okay, stop there.11:48-11:50He goes, okay, first of all, it's good.11:51-11:53He didn't say it's the only good.11:54-11:54Okay?11:55-11:59Paul's not saying singleness is better than marriage.11:59-12:01He's not saying it's worse than marriage.12:01-12:09All he's saying in verse 1 is, "It's not wrong to be single." It is a fine option if you're single.12:11-12:12But there's another option.12:13-12:13Look at verse 2.12:14-12:36He says, "But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband." So Paul says, "The other option, which is marriage, is good too." I mean we saw this, right?12:36-12:42Chapters 5 and 6, there was so much sexual immorality in the church.12:42-12:44They tolerated sexual sin.12:44-12:46They excused sexual sin.12:46-12:48There was no sacredness for marriage.12:48-12:49Huge problem.12:49-12:56So you see, in Corinth and here, it is hard to be pure because of temptation.12:57-12:58That's what Paul is teaching here.12:59-13:04Because there are so many ways to sin sexually.13:08-13:14So Paul here says, because of the temptation to sexual immorality, get a spouse.13:16-13:28Notice he says, "Get your own spouse." design. It's one man for one woman and that one woman for that one man. That is how God designed it. Get your own.13:30-14:11So Paul is saying physical desires are natural and should be enjoyed the way God designed them to be enjoyed. All right? So we're gonna play a quick game here. We're gonna play a game called "Which is Good?" I'm gonna give you a list of two options and you're gonna shout out which is good. You ready for this? You ready? Come on, don't lay an egg here. I need you. I need you. I'll start over. I mean I'll start way over at the beginning. We'll bring the worship team up. We'll start the whole thing over. All right, so you You ready to shout it out?14:11-14:13Which is good, country music or rock music?14:13-14:14Rock.14:16-14:18The answer is both.14:20-14:21All right, which is good?14:22-14:22You ready?14:22-14:23Try again.14:23-14:24I'm gonna give you another chance.14:25-14:26Which is good, pancakes or waffles?14:27-14:28Both.14:28-14:31Both are good, okay?14:32-14:35All right, I think some of you are getting the hang of it.14:35-14:36Let's try one more.14:37-14:39Which is good, baseball or football?14:41-14:42(congregation exclaims)14:49-14:50I'm sorry, the answer is both.14:52-14:53All right, one more, you ready?14:55-14:57Which is good, being single or being married?14:58-14:58Both.14:59-14:59Both.15:02-15:02Both.15:04-15:05The answer's both.15:08-15:12Paul says here - look, if you don't get that, you're going to miss the whole sermon, so you've got to get this.15:12-15:17Paul says here in this passage, look, what you have, church, you have two good options.15:19-15:22Okay? You have two good gifts from God.15:22-15:24You can't have them both at the same time, by the way.15:24-15:26I think I don't have to explain that.15:27-15:29But you have two good options, two good gifts of God.15:30-15:31Single is good.15:32-15:34And married is good.15:35-15:37That's Paul's point here in these first two verses.15:37-16:13expounds on each. So on your outline, draw some things down here. Enjoying your gift from God. Number one, married. Are you married? Are you married? Well, enjoy God's gift for marriage. Okay, now Paul here starts with marriage because it's the norm. Most people are married. Again, one's not better or worse. Most people are married, so that's where he And again in Corinth, many thought you had greater devotion to God if you avoided physical relations.16:14-16:14But there's a problem.16:15-16:22There are some people that thought you have greater devotion to God by avoiding physical relations even if you're married.16:25-16:37And all the men said, "What?" And it's good to not touch a woman even if you're married, and especially if she's not a believer, or vice versa.16:37-16:47If your husband's not a believer, they believe that, look, if you're married to a non-believer, you definitely should not be engaging in any kind of relationship that way.16:48-16:50That was what the people thought.16:51-16:53So here in these verses, Paul's saying, look, are you married?16:53-16:58Then you should enjoy regular times of intimacy.17:01-17:04You should enjoy regular times of intimacy.17:05-17:20And you're like, "Oh, isn't that obvious?" And the answer is it must not be because God spent some time here in His Word explaining some things.17:21-17:22So I don't think it is so obvious.17:24-17:35So what we have here are three laws, three principles for married couples regarding God's design for healthy marital relations, okay?17:37-17:42So we're just gonna break these down by calling them the three laws of marital intimacy.17:43-17:45The three laws of marital intimacy.17:48-17:51First of all, letter A, let's talk about the law of debt.17:52-18:00If you're married, if you're married, You should be enjoying your spouse physically.18:01-18:03And here's the three guidelines, three laws for that.18:03-18:05The first one, the law of debt.18:05-18:06Look at verse three.18:07-18:22He says, "The husband should give to his wife "her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband." Stop there, that's the law of debt.18:22-18:23You're like, why do you say debt?18:23-18:26Because do you know in the Greek, it's literally the debt.18:26-18:30literally in the Greek, it says the husband should give the wife the debt.18:31-18:34And the wife should give her husband the debt.18:34-18:36That's what it says.18:37-18:47Also in the Greek, it's a continuous verb, meaning, Paul's saying husbands and wives, you should continuously be paying a debt to one another physically.18:50-18:57Now listen, the physical part of your marriage is not the most important part of your marriage.19:00-19:06But, it is a very important part of your marriage.19:08-19:09Okay, I'm gonna say that again.19:09-19:13I don't know if I've ever been so careful about the way I worded things in a sermon.19:15-19:20Because I don't want anybody to misunderstand, and I know there's a lot of things that can be easily misunderstood here, so I'm gonna say that again.19:21-19:27The physical part of your marriage is not the most important thing, but it is a very important thing.19:28-19:42And Paul here says, "You owe it to your spouse to allow your spouse to enjoy this." Listen, this is a very sensitive subject.19:42-19:43I know that.19:43-19:46Because there are people that have endured abuse.19:47-19:50There are people who are emotionally scarred.19:50-19:52There are people that have health issues.19:52-20:01And these things make regular, normal relations more difficult.20:06-20:08It might require extra work.20:08-20:12It might require coming to see one of our pastors for counseling.20:12-20:14We can help you with that.20:14-20:17If this is an issue in your marriage, we can help you.20:22-20:24But the principle here is very clear.20:26-20:29If you're married, you are expected to go after this.20:32-20:39God's design is that husbands and wives enjoy meeting each other's needs.20:44-20:59There's a book in the Bible all about that, by the way, right? Song of Solomon. That's what And I know there's some scholars that are like, "The Song of Solomon, you know what the Song of Solomon is about, Pastor Taylor?20:59-21:00You know what it's about.21:00-21:08The Song of Solomon is about the love relationship between Jesus and the church." Spoken like someone who never read the Song of Solomon.21:09-21:10It's not about that.21:12-22:19It is about a couple enjoying the physical aspect of their relationship, their love for another and all its expressions of that love, that's what it's about. God wants you to enjoy each other. I've heard stories of couples that only come together for a physical relationship when it's time to procreate, almost like it's some business exchange. And look, if that happens. If that happens, awesome, awesome. We'll always make room in the nursery. But to reduce the purpose of that just for procreation is still missing the point. The purpose of sex in marriage is intimacy. That's the purpose. It's not just a physical act. It's an act that strengthens love and is an act that sustains love.22:21-22:30But I know, listen, somebody can read this verse, "The husband should give to his wife the debt." Likewise, the wife give to her husband the debt.22:30-22:34Somebody can look at this verse and say, "That sounds so violating.22:36-22:38You mean to tell me…." Is that what you're saying?22:39-22:47I can't… What a patriarchal, male chauvinist church this is, that you're telling me that I can be forced to pay the debt.22:48-22:48Right?22:48-22:49Is that what you're saying?22:50-22:51Not even close.22:53-22:58And I would say that if that's your takeaway, then all due respect, you are completely reading the verse wrong.23:02-23:02Listen closely.23:03-23:10He's not saying that we go into our marriage relationship saying, "You owe me!" No, no, no, no.23:12-23:13Not lording it over.23:14-23:20It's not "You owe me!" It's the mindset of "I owe you." It's submission.23:23-23:26Notice he says to give the debt.23:26-23:27He doesn't say take the debt.23:27-23:28Do you notice that?23:29-23:32He doesn't say, "Husbands, go take what she owes you.23:32-23:35Wives, go take what he owes you." He doesn't say that.23:36-23:43He says in mutual submission, you have to give what you owe your spouse.23:45-23:46That's what he says.23:47-23:52A healthy marriage always focuses on the other person's needs.23:55-23:59And that applies also specifically here to intimacy.24:01-24:02That's what we're saying.24:05-24:09Give your wife, give to her what you owe her.24:10-24:12Wives, give to husbands what you owe him.24:12-24:13It's mutual submission.24:16-24:16All right?24:16-24:17So that's the law of debt.24:18-24:20Secondly, we have letter B, the law of ownership.24:22-24:23Law of ownership, look at verse 4.24:24-24:32And he goes on, "For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does.24:32-24:40Likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does." Stop there.24:40-24:43Again, please do not read it wrongly.24:43-24:48Don't go through this and totally miss what he's saying because it would be easy to do.24:48-24:52This is not a pass for abuse.24:54-25:05This is, listen, this verse is not allowing for any kind of situation where someone is being forced into something in any way.25:06-25:08It is not saying that whatsoever.25:08-25:19You're like, "Well, what is it saying then?" In marriage, listen, when you make the decision to marry someone, you have released the authority of your body to your spouse.25:20-25:22And again, in the Greek, that's continual.25:23-25:26What you have in marriage is an exclusive claim.25:27-25:34It's saying no one else owns my body the way that my spouse does, and that includes me.25:36-25:37That's what he's saying.25:38-25:43He's speaking again of a mutual love and selflessness.25:44-25:45That's what he's talking about.25:47-25:55He's talking about a mentality of a husband going before his wife and saying, "Hey, hey, this is all yours.25:57-26:04This is all yours." And then the wife in turn turns to her husband and says, "Yeah, and you know what, baby?26:05-26:06This is all yours.26:11-26:14So have fun." That's what he's saying.26:18-26:20There's the law of death, there's the law of ownership.26:21-26:23Letter C, there's the law of hiatus.26:24-26:25The law of hiatus.26:26-26:27Look at verse 5.26:30-26:55He says, "Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time that that you may devote yourselves to prayer, but then come together again so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control." The law of hiatus.26:57-26:59Again, he goes, "Stop depriving.26:59-27:07Stop depriving." Again, the Corinthian culture, "Oh, it's holy to deprive my spouse." No, he goes, "It's not holy.27:08-27:08It's just not.27:09-27:14Do not deprive each other, husbands and wives, do not deprive each other.27:15-27:16He says there is an exception.27:18-27:19There are rules for hiatus.27:22-27:23There are rules for hiatus, right?27:24-27:28First part of the rule, number one, is agree, right?27:29-27:30Agree.27:32-27:33That means consent.27:33-27:38That means it's not just one person making the decision.27:41-27:43It's not the wife saying, "You know what, honey?27:43-27:50I've really been thinking about this, and I decided we're taking a hiatus." And the husband's like, "Wait, what?27:51-27:52That's not how it works.27:52-28:00There has to be an agreement on that, all right?" And also number two, it says for a limited time.28:02-28:29a limited time. It's temporary. Again, that time should be agreed upon. You're like, "All right, well, why are we taking a break?" Well, he says very specifically, "If you two decide to take a break for a time from having normal relations, it should be for prayer." And he's not talking about prayer in general. I think he's talking about praying for something specific.28:31-28:43Maybe there's something in your life that is so burdening, so distracting, that you probably can't even enjoy intimacy in that season.28:43-28:45Do you know what I'm talking about?28:46-28:58Maybe you have a child that is really sick and in the hospital and like, "I can't." Obviously neither of us are in the mood for this right now.28:58-28:58We need to pray.29:01-29:33there's the looming threat of a job loss and the stress that comes with, you know, what am I going to do to provide for my family? And you know what, sweetheart, I think we should take a break from this for a season and focus on praying for God's provision in this way. But you agree upon it and you set the boundary of time, but when you're like, man, I just can't get into it as I should, then you take a hiatus, you agree to pray.29:33-29:53But Paul says, "Then, then you have to come together again," he says, "so that you don't get tempted." But the first part of that verse says, "Do not deprive each other.29:55-29:57Stop depriving each other.30:03-30:08Husbands and wives, you cannot use sex to manipulate.30:11-30:19Or more accurately, you can't withhold sex to coerce or punish the other person.30:21-30:35Listen, when you do that, when you use that as coercion or punishment, what you're doing ultimately is only hurting your marriage.30:36-30:37That's what you're doing.30:39-30:42Notice he says, "Come together again." Why?30:42-30:43Why should we come together again?30:44-31:12may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. In other words, closing the kitchen makes you a partner of Satan. All right? Because the urge is still there, and now all of a sudden the person who is supposed to satisfy me absolutely refuses to do that.31:13-31:15And then what happens?31:21-31:23Bitterness is resentment.31:25-31:27Then the evil thoughts start to creep in, right?31:29-31:32I'm so sick of not having my needs met.31:32-31:35I'm so sick of the bedroom being so cold.31:37-31:39And eventually that leads to adultery.31:42-31:55to physical, you find somebody that's scratching the itch that you have, whether it is that emotional itch for affection, whether it's a physical itch.31:58-32:20And then it's justified because, and I've heard it hundreds of times over my ministry, justified because I'm in a loveless marriage." You know, marriages struggle and ultimately individuals walks with Christ struggle because they're so frustrated physically.32:21-32:29It's like I have this appetite and it's just not being met and nothing good comes from that married people.32:30-32:30Alright?32:33-32:35So this is from the Lord.32:37-32:39Enjoy each other as much as possible.32:40-32:40Okay?32:42-32:43It's fun.32:43-32:50It's God's idea and in this passage he reminds us it is the best help in avoiding temptation.32:55-32:56It's the best help in avoiding temptation.32:57-32:58Think about it this way.32:58-33:00Just imagine this scenario.33:01-33:02Imagine this scenario.33:02-33:09Husband wakes up and he comes downstairs and he sees that his wife is baking chocolate chip cookies.33:11-33:13Seven in the morning she's baking chocolate chip cookies.33:15-33:16What a great wife, right?33:17-33:18Oh, it gets better.33:18-33:47He's baking chocolate chip cookies and he sees on the counter, she's obviously been at it for a while because there's a plate and there's a stack of them. And his wife says, "Honey, have all the cookies that you want." And like the dutiful husband that he is, he sits down and he has one, three, six, ten of them! And you know how you feel after eat a dozen chocolate chip cookies, right?33:49-33:50Just me?33:52-33:52(audience laughing)33:54-33:57You know how you feel after you eat a dozen chocolate chip cookies, right?33:59-33:59Thank you.34:00-34:01Thank you.34:02-34:09Your wife says, "Sweetheart, before you go to work, "I want you to have as many of these cookies as you want, "and I wanna tell you something else, honey.34:10-34:17"When you come home, there's gonna be more." So, you indulge.34:20-34:22Let me ask you something, when you get to work, are you hungry for cookies?34:25-34:25No.34:26-34:27Thank you.34:28-34:29Thank you.34:30-34:33One of you is on board now, the rest of you will catch up.34:34-34:35No.34:35-34:39You get to work, you're not hungry for cookies.34:40-34:46So what happens when the co-worker comes over to you and says, "Blink, blink, blink, blink, blink.34:47-34:48Would you like a cookie?34:50-34:56What do you say?" You're like, "I am full.34:58-35:03You wouldn't believe how many cookies I ate before work today." Well, you probably wouldn't say that.35:08-35:09We need to cut that one.35:10-35:11(audience laughing)35:15-35:19You would say, too much Taylor?35:19-35:20Too, oh, okay.35:20-35:27You would say, if she says blink, blink, blink, would you like a cookie?35:27-35:29You would say, no, thank you.35:31-35:31I'm full.35:34-35:35I have all the cookies that I wanted.35:38-35:45And you know, if you go a long time without cookies, self-control is much harder when someone else offers you one.35:49-35:52So if you're married, enjoy the wedding present that God gave you.35:52-35:52Alright?35:54-35:56Number two, single?35:58-35:59Enjoy God's gift of singleness.36:02-36:04I'm going to touch on this quickly.36:04-36:04Why?36:05-36:08He goes way into more detail later.36:08-36:11But right now, understand the point of what he's saying now.36:11-36:14The point of what he's saying now is two good options, right?36:14-36:14Two good options.36:15-36:16Marriage, good option.36:16-36:20And he's like, let's talk about the other good option, being single.36:20-36:21Look at verse six.36:22-36:35He says, "Now as a concession, not a command, I say this." In other words, he's like, look, I'm not commanding everyone to get married.36:35-36:38I'm just putting this out there because of human needs.36:39-36:39Right?36:39-37:19Verse seven, he says, "I wish that all were as I myself am, but each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another." So Paul says, "I have this gift and I wish everyone had this gift." Paul's like, "You may not have this gift." Bible's clear, God gives different gifts to different people and some people are uniquely gifted by God for singleness.37:20-37:21Some people are.37:21-37:24Like that is from God himself.37:28-37:33Quickly, Jesus, Matthew chapter 19, again, we referenced this earlier.37:33-37:38He was speaking of marriage and divorce and adultery.37:38-37:41Look, Jesus, this is where Paul gets this.37:42-37:45Paul's just repeating what Jesus was saying here about singleness.37:46-38:07Like I said, Jesus just got done talking about marriage and divorce, and the disciples said to him, "If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry." But Jesus said to them, "Not everyone can receive this saying, but only to those to whom it is given.38:09-38:19For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.38:20-38:24Let the one who is able to receive this, receive it.38:26-38:28Same thing, same point.38:29-38:32Some people have a gift of singleness given by God.38:34-38:41If you're sitting here, you're like, "Man, I couldn't do it." Well, then you don't have the gift.38:43-38:45That's just all there is to it, right?38:47-38:48If you're sitting here and you're like, "You know what?38:48-38:59am single but I really don't want to be, then you don't have the gift. Because it's a gift from God to be single and content.39:02-39:17It's from God to be single and content, not single and consumed by lust. You don't have the gift if that's the case. Not if single and constantly tempted, you don't have the gift.39:17-39:23Not if single and constantly preoccupied by the fact that I am single, you don't have the gift.39:26-39:26Right?39:27-39:32But for some, it is a gift.39:33-39:45And there are definite advantages to this gift that we're going to talk about very shortly down the road, he picks up on that really in verse 32.39:46-39:56So Paul is saying to the Corinthians, "God's Word preserved by His Holy Spirit saying to us same thing." Look, don't judge the single people, right?39:57-39:58Don't judge the single people.39:58-40:04Maybe they have a gift from God to be single and content, to serve Him in a unique way.40:04-40:04Don't judge them.40:05-40:08And on the other hand, don't judge the married people either.40:09-40:24God has given the gift of marriage, and each side here, the single, the married, each has a gift, so enjoy yours how God intended." Our worship team would make their way up.40:25-40:35You know, in talking about this subject, it's hard to not think about how I heard of this subject when I was but a wee lad.40:38-40:46And you know, growing up, I thought, I'm just gonna be honest with you here, I thought sex was a bad, dirty thing.40:50-41:05Growing up, I thought sex was just this really, it was this really secretive, dirty thing that adults kind of whisper about, and you're like, "Why did you think that?" Because that was the only way it was ever presented.41:07-41:27And you know, so much church, so much church is, "Don't do this, don't do that, don't do this." So much church is, "Let me tell you everything that we're against." And too seldom does the church say what we're for.41:29-41:35But listen, sex is not a bad, dirty thing.41:38-41:41You realize God created it.41:43-41:45You realize the whole thing was His idea.41:46-41:52God is 100% for husbands and wives enjoying the heck out of it.41:55-41:56That's what he intended.41:58-42:01Sex to be one of life's greatest pleasures for a married couple.42:03-42:10So it's a gift for the married and the unmarried get the gift of not needing that wedding gift.42:10-42:13So, which is good?42:15-42:17Married or single?42:20-42:21Both are good.42:23-42:23Enjoy.42:24-42:25Let's pray.42:26-42:31Father in heaven, every good and perfect gift comes from above.42:32-42:55And I pray, Father, that you would give us eyes to see the way that you have blessed and gifted us and that we would use the gifts in a way that honors and glorifies you, whether it's single, to serve you in a unique way, whether it's married, to enjoy this picture of Christ and the church to enjoy the intimacy that comes from knowing somebody so deeply.42:57-43:01Whatever it is, God, let us recognize and enjoy.43:02-43:04And thank You and praise You for all of Your gifts.43:05-43:07We praise You in Jesus' name.43:07-43:08Amen. Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 7:1-7What was your big take-away from this passage / message?Explain the “3 Laws of Marital Intimacy” in your own words (1 Cor 7:3-5).What does it mean that “the wife doesn't have authority over her own body, but the husband does, (and vice-versa)”? Is this making allowance for some kind of coercion to intimacy? Why or why not?How would you respond to a single friend who asks, “How do I know if I have the gift of singleness?”BreakoutPray for one another.

Discovering Joy and Exploring Fair LoveIn this episode, the Relationship Coach Shirah Chante encourages listeners to find joy in their daily lives, despite the chaos of holidays and gatherings. They share inspiration from nature and personal reflections on the ocean's beauty. The episode then transitions to an in-depth reading of the poem Fair Love, Part Four, exploring themes of love, unity, and the unique bond between partners. The host discusses the importance of marital intimacy, the spiritual significance of oneness, and the invincible strength of a committed relationship. The episode concludes with a reminder to cherish divine love and relationships.00:00 Finding Joy in Everyday Moments00:29 The Beauty of Nature and Inspiration01:04 Introduction to the Poem: Fair Love01:46 Reading and Reflecting on Fair Love04:37 The Depth of Marital Love07:54 The Supernatural Aspect of Marriage12:28 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSupport the show

Join Dan and Stephanie Burke as they discuss a way to listen and understand your spouse more deeply and grow in this marital intimacy! Resources: Divine Intimacy in Marriage - retreat Finding Peace in the Storm - Dan Burke Into the Deep – Dan Burke Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits - Dan Burke The Contemplative Rosary - Dan Burke and Connie Rossini A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness - Susan Brinkmann OCDS Avila-Institute.org/events - website Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation EWTN Religious Catalogue – online

Join Dan and Stephanie Burke as they continue discussing how to go deeper in marital intimacy through St. Teresa of Avila's interior castle. Don't miss out as they speak about an exercise to help you listen to your spouse and understand each other more deeply!

Join Dan and Stephanie Burke as they discuss the progression of marital intimacy with the help of St. Teresa of Avila's interior castle and how a daily examen helps marriages! Resources: Divine Intimacy in Marriage - retreat Finding Peace in the Storm - Dan Burke Into the Deep – Dan Burke Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits - Dan Burke The Contemplative Rosary - Dan Burke and Connie Rossini A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness - Susan Brinkmann OCDS Avila-Institute.org/events - website Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation EWTN Religious Catalogue – online

Join Dan and Stephanie Burke as they continue walking through and discussing their marriage retreats. Don't miss out as they speak about the progression of marital intimacy using St. Teresa of Avila's interior castle, and how doing a daily examen helps in marriage!

What perspectives on physical intimacy does our tradition offer? What is the halachic framework for intimacy in marriage? Transcript and sources: https://www.deracheha.org/physical-intimacy-1/ Want to sponsor an episode? Email us at deracheha@gmail.com

Join Dan and Stephanie Burke as they discuss how St. Teresa of Avila's interior castle in important to progressing in marital intimacy! Resources: Divine Intimacy in Marriage - retreat Finding Peace in the Storm - Dan Burke Into the Deep – Dan Burke Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits - Dan Burke The Contemplative Rosary - Dan Burke and Connie Rossini A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness - Susan Brinkmann OCDS Avila-Institute.org/events - website Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation EWTN Religious Catalogue – online

Join Dan and Stephanie Burke as they continue their series on divine intimacy in marriage. Don't miss out as they speak on how St. Teresa of Avila's interior castle is key to journeying together in marital intimacy!

Relationships in God's Design

Teaching on Song of Solomon 7

Pastor Josh McPherson preaches from 1 Corinthians 7:1–5, challenging common cultural lies and calling married couples to embrace God's design for intimacy. Discover why sex is not about mastering technique but cultivating covenant, and how a healthy marriage bed can transform your entire relationship—and even be a powerful form of spiritual warfare.Want to learn how to talk to your kids about sex?  -FREE Resource from Pastor Josh: https://mailchi.mp/strongermannation.com/talktoyourkidsaboutsexSupport the showThanks for listening! Go to www.StrongerManNation.com for more resources.

Marital Intimacy ~ Marital Intimacy: Use it or Lose it - a short interview with Dr. Barry Mccarthy. Listen to caller's personal dramas four times each week as Dr. Kenner takes your calls and questions on parenting, romance, love, family, marriage, divorce, hobbies, career, mental health - any personal issue! Call anytime, toll free 877-Dr-Kenner. Visit www.drkenner.com for more information about the show.

Fear, anxiety, and insecurity are enemies of marital intimacy. We all carry shame and insecurity as the fallen sons of Adam and the fallen daughters of Eve. To cover up those insecurities and shame, we wear “fig leaves” that become patterns of dysfunction in marriage. God can redeem you, redefine your marriage, and renew your relationship. The love story in Song of Solomon can help us take a personal inventory of our fears and anxieties. When we are honest with our spouse, we are better able to exist in marital intimacy where we are more fully known and fully loved. Three things to remember to love and be loved well: 1.) You don't need to get married to be loved—you already are! No one will love you better than Jesus! You will never love well until you rest in God's perfect love. 2.) Your mate is not meant to complete you—only complement you. God gives you a mate to complement who you are but not to complete who you are. If you look to your spouse to complete you, you will begin to compete. 3.) Marriage is more for your sanctification than your satisfaction! Sanctification is the process of God making you become more like Christ. It is in the community of marriage that you're healed from your sin. The number one thing you can do in your marriage is pray together every day. Jesus is the ultimate lover of your soul. Only as you rest in God's love will you be able to give and receive love. Until you rest in His love, nobody else's love will ever be enough. Join Pastor Phil as he shares lessons from the Song of Solomon on how to guard against the patterns of conflict caused by insecurity, fear, and anxiety.

In this candid and biblically grounded conversation, Pastor Josh and his wife, Sharon address real questions about sex in marriage. They open by noting that every couple's situation is unique, and these answers are broad principles rather than one-size-fits-all prescriptions. Topics include how frequently couples should be intimate (emphasizing mutual satisfaction over rigid formulas), the importance of creativity and scheduling when children are older and need constant supervision, and the role of prayer in enhancing sexual intimacy. The conversation also covers the nuances of mutual agreements in marriage, encouraging openness and service rather than grudging obligation. They highlight the importance of staying mentally engaged during intimacy and provide insights for husbands whose wives struggle to believe they are beautiful. Throughout, they emphasize humility, godliness, and mutual edification as the foundation for a thriving sexual relationship.Support the showThanks for listening! Go to www.StrongerManNation.com for more resources.

Send us a textDan Purcell from Get Your Marriage On is back for Part 2 of our deep dive into marital intimacy! In this episode, we're pushing the conversation even further—getting Dan's take on introducing porn into marriage, the impact it can have on connection, and whether it helps or harms intimacy. We're also exploring the power of role play in keeping the spark alive and how couples can step outside their comfort zones in a way that strengthens their bond.And just for fun—we're playing a spicy "Would You Rather" game that'll have you thinking (and laughing) about your own relationship dynamics!If you loved Part 1, you won't want to miss this one! Tune in for expert insights, honest takes, and a few surprises along the way.

Is marital intimacy on the Sabbath a violation of the commandment to keep the seventh day holy? The Rabbis say no, but the author of the book of Jubilees says yes. Which view is more aligned with Scripture?https://davidwilber.com/

In this mini episode of More Than Roommates (our last “Quickie”), Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss what's next—what do you do with all that's been shared in these 12 days of Quickie episodes. We also share some recommended resources to help you take the next step in your marriage and sexual intimacy. Questions to Discuss:Which episode of the 12 days of Quickies was most helpful to you?What's something you learned in this series that you want to apply in your marriage?Are there some concepts discussed in these episodes that would be good to discuss with community to help encourage and challenge each other? Resources:Book – Married Sex: A Christian Couple's Guide to Reimagining Your Love Life, by Gary Thomas and Debra FiletaWebsite – Authentic IntimacyPodcast – Christian Sexuality – Java with JuliPodcasts – The Naked Marriage Podcast with Dave & Ashley Willis and Marriage on the Line with Dave & AshleyBook – A Celebration of Sex for Newlyweds, by Douglas RosenauBook - Secrets of Sex and Marriage: 8 Surprises That Make All the Difference, by Shaunti Feldhahn and Michael Sytsma

In this episode, Dan discusses the importance of establishing and maintaining healthy friendships while avoiding emotional affairs that can jeopardize marital intimacy. The conversation also touches on the need for modesty in speech and the importance of keeping certain aspects of marital life private to foster trust and intimacy between partners. RESOURCES BELOW WANT A BETTER SEX LIFE? Intimacy Guide: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.aweber.com/form/25/71380525.htm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ WANT PEACE AT HOME? Family Culture: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.aweber.com/form/19/955349019.htm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.aweber.com/form/31/202341731.htm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ WHAT WORKS IN MARRIAGE Webinar: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.aweber.com/form/25/437413425.htm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch this before you call a divorce attorney: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.aweber.com/form/32/107630932.htm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chesterton Academy of Buffalo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find a Chesterton School Near You⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mezanine Creative Co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Graphic Design for Small Business

Send us a textWe had to re-record this episode cause of technical issues, but we think it's better than our first attempt.  Here it is: why your mental load may be ruining your marital intimacy. Let's jump in!PRE-ORDER LOVEMAKING! For 30 friends! Our Codes!Mentionables: https://www.shopmentionables.com/TWOBECOMERead and Subscribe to our Substack: We Loved Making Lovemakinghttps://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Inito: Inito.com CODE: MON15SUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing, here are some ways you can support our show:  Support us on Patreon!Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenOur ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelEpisode Music by Alex_MakeMusic from PixabaySupport the Show.Support the show

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Husbands and wives want healthy attachment, intimacy and oneness. Yet, sometimes it can be elusive. In this episode of Breaking Bread, marriage and family therapist Kaleb Beyer helps us see one barrier to intimacy – relational pain. Fortunately, there is a path forward but be forewarned, it will require going backward before going forward.    Show notes:  Intimacy has cleverly been defined as “into me you see.” This is a good definition and a wonderful intention for marriages. It is not uncommon, however, for “blocks” to exist that prove intimacy difficult. One common “block” to intimacy is relational pain.  By relational pain we mean the pain that comes when relational attachment is damaged. That is, safety, security, trust, and vulnerability are compromised. Often this relational stress is not intentional. Sometimes it happens without us putting words to it. However, it often happens in high stakes moments and seasons of transition.   When couples go through moments of loss, disruption and transition in such a way that safety, security, trust and vulnerability are damaged, relational wounds can result. This pain is a block to intimacy. To move forward, it will be necessary to go back to the past and visit these moments. Healing is often found in putting words to the fears, sadnesses and hurts that these moments ushered into the relationship. Further, soothing the fears, grieving the sadnesses and healing the hurt will be an objective in moving forward and growing in intimacy.      

Text us your questions or topics for the show! We got you!Cass Morrow, Author of Disrupting Divorce: The NEW Man. Saving Struggling, Sexless, and Toxic Marriages.Kathryn Morrow, Author of Behind The White Picket Fence.Coming Clean!In Ep211 of The 'NEW' Marriage, we discuss the importance of "Coming Clean." Honesty and transparency are essential for any relationship, and this episode focuses on the power of coming clean in your marriage. Whether it's about past mistakes, secrets, or unresolved issues, we explore how opening up can lead to healing, trust-building, and deeper intimacy. Tune in to learn how to embrace vulnerability, create a more authentic connection, and strengthen your marriage through open communication.

We see, in Proverbs 5, four ways to stay off the path of adultery: spot the false advertising (vv 1-6), avoid the consequences (vv 7-14), take the antidote (vv 15-19), and recognize the reality (vv 20-23).

1 Corinthians 7:1-5 Message Notes Purity First Support The Journey

Have a question you want answered? Submit it here!This episode was recorded in 2022.Unlock the secrets to a more fulfilling marriage with the insights of Dr. Corey Allan, a marriage and family therapist, licensed professional counselor, and author of "Naked Marriage: Uncovering Who You Are and Who You Can Be Together." Dr. Allan shares compelling research on the impact of religiosity on marital and sexual satisfaction, revealing how higher levels of religious dogma correlate with lower sexual satisfaction. Learn why open conversations about sex—even before tying the knot—are vital for overcoming shame and guilt from upbringings, and how these dialogues can pave the way for stronger relationships.Ever wondered why desire differences create friction in marriages? This episode sheds light on this often-taboo topic. Dr. Allan and I dig deep into how communication issues in relationships frequently extend to the bedroom, affecting both high and low desire partners. We challenge the stigma around lower desire and offer actionable strategies to better understand and respond to each other's needs. Discover how foreplay and connection can go beyond physical touch, and how reevaluating the quality of sexual experiences can help mitigate feelings of rejection and frustration.Looking to reignite the spark in your relationship? Dr. Allan offers practical advice on rebuilding intimacy and connection through honesty, emotional regulation, and leadership. We discuss a real-life story about a couple struggling with financial transparency and emphasize the importance of self-regulation in fostering trust. Learn how introducing novelty and spontaneity can enhance sexual intimacy and why staying present and attuned to your partner can lead to more fulfilling experiences. Don't miss the exploration of personal growth within marriage, as Dr. Allan shares insights from his book and podcast, "Sexy Marriage Radio," and highlights resources available through his online practice.Dr. Allan's site - https://smrnation.com/Naked Marriage book - https://amzn.to/3G9mpVmSubscribe to the Sexy Marriage Radio podcast: https://smrnation.com/subscribe/Your Host: Kimberly Beam Holmes, Expert in Self-Improvement and RelationshipsKimberly Beam Holmes has applied her master's degree in psychology for over ten years, acting as the CEO of Marriage Helper & CEO and Creator of PIES University, being a wife and mother herself, and researching how attraction affects relationships. Her videos, podcasts, and following reach over 500,000 people a month who are making changes and becoming the best they can be.

Resources: The Seven Deadly Sins - Dr. Kevin Vost Rooting Out Hidden Faults - James McElhone Finding Peace in the Storm - Dan Burke Into the Deep – Dan Burke Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits - Dan Burke The Contemplative Rosary - Dan Burke and Connie Rossini The Contemplative Rosary App (phones and tablets only) A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness - Susan Brinkmann OCDS Avila-Institute.org/events - website Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation EWTN Religious Catalogue – online

Join Dan and Stephanie Burke as they discuss marriage spirituality on this episode. Tune in as they talk about how going deeper in prayer can bring you closer to your spouse!

Join Dan and Stephanie Burke as they discuss marriage spirituality on this episode. Tune in as they talk about how going deeper in prayer can bring you closer to your spouse!

Hey, Holistic Wellness Warrior

When your first child comes along, it often results in a decline of marital intimacy. You get so caught up with taking care of the baby that you don't have the time or energy to enrich your marriage. Don't resent your spouse - take positive action.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's talk about marital intimacy! Sexual intimacy in marriage should not be underestimated! As Mike Hernon says on the Messy Family Podcast, sex in the grease that keeps the machine running! Sex helps keep our marriages running smoothly and happily along, and should be an ever-present part of our relationships. In this episode, we talk a little about what the Catholic Church teaches about sex and then go through 6 tips for having more and better sex in our marriages! Look out for the next episode, which is an interview with the founder and president of TOBET (Theology of the Body Evangelization Team). We discuss theology of the body--what it is and how to bring it into our families and marriages! Some resources to learn more about theology of the body if you are exploring God's design for sex: Charting Towards Intimacy podcast--TONS of great episodes on all kinds of specific sex questions Vinesinfullbloom.com where there are courses for learning more and availability of coaching for growth in the area of intimacy Good News about Sex and Marriage: Answers to Your Honest Questions about Catholic Teaching by Christopher West Holy Sex by Gregory Popcak

1 Corinthians 7:1-5 Message Notes Purity First Support The Journey

1 Corinthians 7:1-5 Message Notes Purity First Support The Journey

In this episode of "Memoirs of an LDS Servant Teacher," Maurice Harker, Director of Life Changing Services, shares a clip from a live Marriage Repair Workshop. Maurice uses the metaphor of driving a stick shift to explain the delicate balance required to maintain the spirit and harmony in marital conversations. He emphasizes the importance of sensitivity and adaptability, likening the levels of marital intimacy to the gears of a car. Maurice encourages men to take responsibility for the spiritual and emotional atmosphere in their marriages, offering practical advice on how to navigate through different stages of intimacy. Listeners are invited to explore the Marriage Repair Workshops and Lazarus Lectures for further guidance and support. Want to read more about this topic? ⁠⁠https://www.lifechangingservices.org/improving-intimacy-in-your-marriage/ Rather Watch Something? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfBZj-uCiGI&t=3s Check out the Marriage Repair Workshops: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lifechangingservices.org/marriage-repair/

Join us today as our CFL team chats with Carolina Ferrer, founder of Carolinas Compassionate Counseling. It's interesting how our lack of mental and emotional connection affects our marital intimacy! Today we are challenged to fight the enemy through the power of the Holy Spirit to create an environment of health in all areas of your marriage!

Every Christian couple should humbly pursue marital intimacy

What to do when sports is taking up all your time? When you don't have privacy in the bedroom? How to know if you are violating the Law of Priority? How to be a good mother of boys and encourage differentiation? Pastor Josh and Sharon McPherson answer your questions from week 3 of the Stronger Marriage series, "The Law of Priority."  Click on the link below for a free "30 Days to a Stronger Marriage" resource.  Thanks for listening! Go to www.StrongerManNation.com for more resources.

What do you do when you have no time or energy for sex as a mom? What do you do when your husband's mom makes you feel inferior? What do you do when you feel jealousy in a marriage? How do you unlock the mysteries of your wife? Pastor Josh McPherson and his wife Sharon answer your questions from week 3 of the Stronger Marriage series, "The Law of Priority."  Click on the link below for a free "30 Days to a Stronger Marriage" resource. Thanks for listening! Go to www.StrongerManNation.com for more resources.

Naketa Ren Thigpen is the world's number one Balance and Relationship Advisor. With a groundbreaking approach that merges psychotherapy, trauma expertise, and relationship wisdom, Naketa challenges norms and ignites transformative change. She's the host of the Balance Boldly Podcast and author of "Selfish: Permission to Pause.” This episode covers the complex topic of managing your stress so that you can better show up for your relationships. Naketa provides many inspirational, realistic, and practical tips that all busy people will be able to utilize. Key Topics: - Why self care matters for relationships - How negative self-talk hinders your ability to show up in relationships - How being “intentionally selfish” helps relationships - Avoiding burnout and reactive stress - How to instantly shift your nervous system - How to improve your sexual connection when you're exhausted - The importance of being assertive and asking for what you need Learn more about Naketa at Thigpro.com and listen to her podcast Balanced Boldly. Follow her on social media at @asknaketa. Download Erin's stress-busting nutrient guide here: https://mailchi.mp/5bf7e5c21f62/stress-busting-nutrition-guide

Naketa Ren Thigpen is the world's number one Balance and Relationship Advisor. With a groundbreaking approach that merges psychotherapy, trauma expertise, and relationship wisdom, Naketa challenges norms and ignites transformative change. She's the host of the Balance Boldly Podcast and author of "Selfish: Permission to Pause.” This episode covers the complex topic of managing your stress so that you can better show up for your relationships. Naketa provides many inspirational, realistic, and practical tips that all busy people will be able to utilize. Key Topics: - Why self care matters for relationships - How negative self-talk hinders your ability to show up in relationships - How being “intentionally selfish” helps relationships - Avoiding burnout and reactive stress - How to instantly shift your nervous system - How to improve your sexual connection when you're exhausted - The importance of being assertive and asking for what you need Learn more about Naketa at Thigpro.com and listen to her podcast Balanced Boldly. Follow her on social media at @asknaketa. Download Erin's stress-busting nutrient guide here: https://mailchi.mp/5bf7e5c21f62/stress-busting-nutrition-guide

Naketa Ren Thigpen is the world's number one Balance and Relationship Advisor. With a groundbreaking approach that merges psychotherapy, trauma expertise, and relationship wisdom, Naketa challenges norms and ignites transformative change. She's the host of the Balance Boldly Podcast and author of "Selfish: Permission to Pause.” This episode covers the complex topic of managing your stress so that you can better show up for your relationships. Naketa provides many inspirational, realistic, and practical tips that all busy people will be able to utilize. Key Topics: - Why self care matters for relationships - How negative self-talk hinders your ability to show up in relationships - How being “intentionally selfish” helps relationships - Avoiding burnout and reactive stress - How to instantly shift your nervous system - How to improve your sexual connection when you're exhausted - The importance of being assertive and asking for what you need Learn more about Naketa at Thigpro.com and listen to her podcast Balanced Boldly. Follow her on social media at @asknaketa. Download Erin's stress-busting nutrient guide here: https://mailchi.mp/5bf7e5c21f62/stress-busting-nutrition-guide

As a marriage therapist that integrates my faith into my work, it is often difficult to find resources I can share about marital intimacy that are appropriate for Catholic and Christian couples, because what is generally out there is overly explicit and reductionistic. What can faithful couples do who want to improve their physical intimacy? Listen to this episode and share with their friends.     I'm excited to welcome back to the podcast, Dr. Sarah Bartel, Catholic moral theologian, to discuss her new online course: My Delight for Catholic Wives.   This episode is a comprehensive discussion on the topic of enhancing marital intimacy within the context of faith. We focus on common challenges faced by Catholic Christian wives regarding physical intimacy. We discuss the differences between men and women's anatomies, arousal curves, and experiences of lovemaking. The conversation covers various aspects such as dealing with emotional challenges, physical challenges, misconceptions around 'obligation sex,' and other hinderances to healthy sexual expression in marriage. We cover many practical suggestions for improving intimacy that will help your marriage: the need for transition time, seeing intimacy as an important part of your relationship, the significance of foreplay, and embracing novelty while staying connected to each other.   I am giving the caveat that this is a detailed conversation, so you may want to listen to this one with your headphones on. And I strongly encourage that this episode be listened to by folks who are already married or engaged couples preparing for marriage. It'll help you reclaim joy in the bedroom.   Have thoughts about this episode? Join the conversation on Instagram.   Websites mentioned in the show: My Delight Course

"Purity Culture" wields an immense influence over numerous marriages, affecting not only women but also their husbands. From a young age, many of us were taught that sex is bad, taboo, and should be avoided at all costs, and it was a topic that was off limits for many people to talk about. Yet, upon marriage, suddenly it's deemed not only acceptable, but something you should do and enjoy often.. which we believe is true! It's hardly surprising that such ingrained beliefs can create obstacles for spouses, hindering their ability to embrace sexual intimacy without guilt or shame, because of the way they were taught about sex growing up.In this episode, we delve into the profound repercussions of "Purity Culture" on individuals and marriages alike. We'll share insights gathered from our poll on this topic and explore strategies to navigate this challenge within marriage. Our aim is to empower couples to discover joy and fulfillment in their sexual intimacy, free from the burdens of guilt and shame.If you haven't already, go check out the Ultimate Intimacy App in the app stores, or at ultimateintimacy.com to find "Ultimate Intimacy" in your marriage. It's FREE to download and so much fun! Find out why over 700,000 couples have downloaded the app and give it such high ratings and reviews!WANT AMAZING PRODUCTS TO SPICE THINGS UP? YES PLEASE... CLICK HEREThe Ultimate Intimacy Sexual Intimacy Marriage Course can be found HEREThe Intimacy and Adventure Marriage Retreat to connect on a deeper level as a couple! Find out more at https://ultimateintimacy.com/retreats/Follow us on Instagram @ultimateintimacyapp for app updates, polls, giveaways, daily marriage quotes and more.If you have any feedback, comments or topics you would like to hear on future episodes, reach out to us at amy@ultimateintimacy.com and let us know! We greatly appreciate your feedback and please leave us a review.

We're diving deep into nurturing intimacy in our marriages, and we're now on week 4 of our enlightening series. As we journey together, I've been moved by the responses I've received, particularly about the longing for intimacy in relationships. It's a shared desire: connection, belonging, and intimacy. However, nurturing intimacy starts by looking within ourselves, especially when distance creeps in between partners.In this week's episode, we're exploring the profound connection between compassion and empathy, drawing from Brene Brown's Atlas of the Heart. Brown beautifully articulates how compassion is a daily practice, while empathy is a powerful tool within compassion. She highlights the significance of cognitive empathy in fostering meaningful connections, allowing us to understand and reflect on another person's emotions.We'll delve into Theresa Wiseman's research on empathy, exploring the four attributes she assigned to empathy and incorporating a fifth attribute from Kristin Neff's work on self-compassion. From perspective-taking to practicing mindfulness, we'll uncover the essential elements of empathetic connection.To bring these concepts to life, I'll share a vulnerable experience from my own life, offering insights into how empathy can transform conflicts into opportunities for deeper understanding and connection.As we explore empathy, I invite you to pay attention to the riffs that arise in your relationships and embrace curiosity as a pathway to understanding. And if you find yourself grappling with empathy or facing challenges in your relationship, consider booking a Courageous Love Conversation with me. Together, we'll navigate through the complexities and discover actionable steps towards a more connected and fulfilling relationship.Remember, struggles are not setbacks but opportunities for growth and deeper connection. Let's commit to taking steps forward, hand in hand, towards the intimacy we desire.Tune in to Episode 155: Hearts Unveiled Pt 4: Nurturing Marital Intimacy with Empathy, and let's continue this transformative journey together.With warmth and encouragement,ChristineCBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving RelationshipDownload my free Love Affirmations Mini-Course to help you to start thinking and feeling in a way that feels more like love. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings.Book your free Courageous Love Conversation here.InstagramFacebook

Support this podcast, Become a Patron: https://marriageaftergod.com/patron or buy one of our many marriage resources: https://shop.marriageaftergod.comIn this episode, we open up about our personal struggle with a sexless marriage, something we grappled with for many years. We delve into our journey, discuss the common causes of a sexless marriage, and provide potential solutions that helped us and may help other couples too. While each couple's experience is unique, we hope our story provides guidance and hope to those facing a similar situation.Key Points Discussed:Understanding Our Issue: We emphasize that it's crucial not to define our entire marriage by sex. Although sex is a vital aspect of a marital relationship, it shouldn't overshadow the other elements that make a marriage meaningful.Dealing with Our Discouragement: We share how living in a sexless marriage can feel lonely and discouraging. We discuss the importance of identifying and challenging the lies and doubts that may arise in such times.Our Practical Solutions:  We explore the practical steps we took to address this issue in a way that aligns with our faith and spiritual beliefs.Avoiding External Pitfalls: We stress the importance of resisting the temptation to seek fulfillment outside the marriage through mediums like romance novels or pornography, which can worsen the situation rather than help.Maintaining Hope and Encouragement: We discuss our journey through a sexless marriage, which required maintaining a positive mindset, keeping faith, and continually encouraging each other.Prayer:Dear Lord,Thank you for the special gift of sex in marriage. We appreciate the way you designed to experience being one flesh in a physical way. We pray we would continually pursue one another and posture our hearts to be inviting and ready and willing to embrace each other. We pray over our marriage and specifically our sex in marriage that we would be blessed and fulfilled. Please help us to love one another and meet each others needs. We pray when we come together; it would be a positive experience.In Jesus' name AMEN!