Laura's Strengthening Marriage Blog

The Twilight Fervor

The Twilight fervor seems to be heating up again with the release of the next movie in the Twilight saga. What isn’t being talked about though is its potentially negative effects on relationships.

After seeing this disturbing Twilight parody music video, and hearing about “Twilight Moms” and such on Oprah, it seemed necessary to comment on the Twilight phenomenon, and it’s detrimental effects on marriages.

What may begin as harmless fun or a little escapism from the rigors of real life can easily become an obsession–especially if there is a void in one’s life that is hankering to be filled.

If the connection in marriage is already weak, and there is little happening to nourish it, filling the void with a fantasy is an easy snare to slip into.  Read the rest of this entry »

This post is in connection with episode #030 “I Am a Sexual Being, and It’s Good” of The Marital Intimacy Show. For your convenience, the questions from that episode are posted here.

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I’ve recently come across some interesting research about women and the sexual issues they face, and what some of the best approaches are for helping women with these issues. It really boils down to women developing a sexual identity, or having that foundation for their intimate relationship in marriage.

Sexual Identity

What is a sexual identity? Basically it means that you see yourself as a sexual being, and embrace that as a good thing. And I’d even take it a step further to say that part of a healthy sexual identity is understanding the fact that your sexuality is of God. Read the rest of this entry »

In a recent sex therapy training I attended at The Institute for Sexual Wholeness (ISW), it was a bit disturbing to hear that some people have very mistaken ideas of what sex therapy is all about.

Just to be sure that everyone is clear on what sex therapy is and what it isn’t I thought I’d share a few things to dispel any fears or misconceptions that may be lurking out there.  Read the rest of this entry »

Many couples have lost that lovin’ feeling when it comes to kissing and making out. 

When was the last time you and your spouse made out?! Many couples have lost that lovin’ feeling when it comes to kissing and making out.

When couples were dating, kissing was an exciting and savored experience. But after marriage many couples seem to have abandoned sensual, lip-to-lip (face or neck) kissing not only because additional sexual pleasures are now available, but maybe for other more intimate reasons of which they may not be aware.

Read the rest of this entry »

4th Annual — Couples’ Valentine’s Cruise (Eastern/Southern Caribbean)
Hosted by The Women’s Information Network (The WIN)
Sun, February 6 – Sun, February 13, 2011 

Marriage Enrichment at Sea
Headliner: Laura M. Brotherson — Intimacy Expert, Author of “And They Were Not Ashamed,” and Host of “The Marital Intimacy Show” on The Women’s Information Network (The WIN)

Join us for a fabulously fun Couples’ Cruise to the beautiful Caribbean Islands! We’ll set sail on the Norwegian Pearl for 7 romantic days. Leaving from Miami, we’ll visit the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, Tortola and the Bahamas. This group cruise includes marriage enrichment seminars, group dinners, group excursions … and so much more!

Cabins start at $599 (+ taxes) per person. This group price includes the cruise (with higher category cabins for the group), meals–24/7 food!, fabulous evening entertainment, port charges, as well as the Couples Cruise marriage seminars and onboard group events.

Reserve Today!

Deposit is $250/person with the balance due Nov. 1, 2010. Only 50 couples will be able to join us, and previous Couples Cruises have sold out, so book early! This cruise fills fast!

Contact Columbus Travel to answer all your questions about this Couples’ Group Cruise with Laura M. Brotherson and The Women’s Information Network. Gather your friends and reserve your cabin today!

         Call to reserve today: 1-800-373-3328 – ext 2009
          Reserve Online with your deposit
          Email: info@columbusvacations.com

“Benefits of Belonging” — Cruise with us and enjoy…

• Couples Cruise “Opening Social” event
• Fun marriage seminars to strengthen your marriage intimately!
• Group dinners (option to schedule dinners with Laura and her husband)
• “Newlywed/Not-so-newlywed” game show!
• The opportunity to schedule a consultation with Laura (limited openings/additional cost)
• Group excursions
• Couples Cruise “Closing Social” event
• Associating with fun people who make their marriage a priority
• Upgraded category (higher level) cabins.
• Reduced group prices for Miami, Florida hotel
• Help with hotel, ground and air transportation arrangements

For additional information and to check out fun photos from past Couples Cruises click here!

Read the rest of this entry »

Thanks for making “And They Were Not Ashamed–Strengthening Marriage through Sexual Fulfillment” the #1 bestselling Marriage and Parenting book at DeseretBook.com.

It’s a perfect Valentine’s gift for this season of love and romance!

How many episodes of “The Marital Intimacy Show” have you heard? In case you haven’t heard them all yet – here’s the latest list of what you’ve been missing! You just won’t find this stuff anywhere else! Check it out today and subscribe for email alerts so you won’t miss a single episode!

#019    Overcoming Obstacles of the Big “O” — Part 1
#018    Stories of Hope — Finding Fulfillment
#017    Desire is a Decision
#016    What Sex Means to a Man
#015    Making Passion a Priority
#014    Auditory Arousal
#013    Awakening Sensuality
#012    Three Keys to Help You Thrive in Your Marriage
#011    Tiger Woods, Marriage and Infidelity
#010    Secrets of Sexually Satisfied Wives -Part 2
#009    Secrets of Sexually Satisfied Wives -Part 1
#008    Affair Proofing Your Marriage, Part 4 — Vulnerability and Opportunity
#007    Affair Proofing Your Marriage, Part 3 — Dealing with Your Issues
#006    Affair Proofing Your Marriage, Part 2 — Specific Steps
#005    Affair Proofing Your Marriage, Part 1 — What’s Not Enough
#004    Jumpstarting Your Marriage–Part 2
#003    Jumpstarting Your Marriage–Part 1
#002    Six Tips to Strengthen Your Marriage Sexually–Part 2
#001    Six Tips to Strengthen Your Marriage Sexually–Part 1

Read the rest of this entry »

It’s Friday night. Do you have some plans for date night with your spouse?! It need not be expensive, just something to give you a chance to reconnect after a long week. It’s also great for emotional foreplay for both husband and wife! : )

Read the rest of this entry »