Strengthening Marriage through Sexual Fulfillment

Straight Talk About Strengthening Marriage Intimately

	Published Articles
	Author Laura M. Brotherson is a columnist for Meridian Magazine, Hitched Magazine, Mormon Times, and SelfGrowth.com. You can also find "mini-articles" on "Laura's Strengthening Marriage Blog." All articles -- © Copyright 2004-2010 Laura M. Brotherson. All rights reserved.

	The Twilight Obsession and Its Effect on Marriages By Laura M. Brotherson, Meridian Magazine, Jul 2, 2010 If Twilight-obsessed women would direct even half of their intimate and erotic energies towards their husbands and the real-life fantasy available to them, their marriage relationship would be greatly strengthened and become infinitely more satisfying.

	Making Passion a Priority By Laura M. Brotherson, Meridian Magazine, Apr 28, 2010 Men regularly rate sex as a high priority in their marriage, but often feel that it is much less important to their wives. Spring is a time of fresh new beginnings. What better time than now to make our marriage, our spouse and that intimate relationship a little higher priority in our lives.

	Promoting a Better Image of Intimacy in Marriage By Laura M. Brotherson, Mormon Times, Nov 28, 2009 I applaud anyone who is willing to publicly promote a positive message about intimacy in marriage to counteract the constant barrage of negative messages.

	Finding Couple Time -- Q&A By Laura M. Brotherson, Mormon Times, Oct 10, 2009 Even though our lives are all so busy, we tend to find time for the things that are important to us. The key is to set your priorities and schedule your time and energy accordingly.

	Men, Society and Sex By Laura M. Brotherson, MormonTimes.com, Sep 12, 2009 Men and women have been culturally conditioned in ways that do not lead to a healthy and mutually fulfilling intimate relationship.

	Characteristics of a Healthy Sexual Relationship in Marriage By Laura M. Brotherson, Meridian Magazine, Aug 12, 2009 Characteristics of a healthy sexual relationship in marriage include mutual fulfillment, open communication, a satisfactory frequency of intimate relations, and emotional connection beyond the bedroom.

	Affair Proofing Your Marriage, Part 2 By Laura M. Brotherson, Meridian Magazine, Jul 30, 2009 You CAN avoid being the next casualty in Satan’s snare of infidelity.

	Affair Proofing Your Marriage, Part I By Laura M. Brotherson, Meridian Magazine, Jul 14, 2009 Extramarital relationships may be enticing, but they are nothing more than Satan’s great counterfeit of the real thing in marriage. Do what you must to strengthen and protect your marriage, and keep it alive and thriving.

	Love Letters By Laura M. Brotherson, Meridian Magazine, Jul 15, 2009 How long has it been since you wrote your sweetheart a love letter? My challenge to you is to write some loving thoughts about your spouse, to your spouse—this week.

	Take The Marriage Myths Quiz By Laura M. Brotherson, MormonTimes.com, Jun 20, 2009 Myths about marriage often lead people to make unwise decisions. See for yourself how "with it" you are in knowing the truth about marriage by taking this marriage myths quiz.

	Standing Strong for Marriage By Laura M. Brotherson, Meridian Magazine, May 15, 2009 It warms my heart to see such courage and conviction in the face of such an overwhelming onslaught of contempt. I join Miss California, Carrie Prejean, in her call to stand for marriage, and never back down. We must not ever allow ourselves to be silenced. What's at stake is simply too great.

	Taking the Heat for Marriage—Miss California and the Rest of Us By Laura M. Brotherson, Meridian Magazine, Apr 24, 2009 As a marriage strengthening advocate, I'm all for supporting those who are willing to take the heat for the divine institution of marriage. Marriage was defined and created by God. It's not up for human redefinition.

	Embracing Sexuality for Marriage's Sake By Laura M. Brotherson, Meridian Magazine, Apr 14, 2009 God designed each of us as sexual beings. We must embrace that fact. It's not only our marital relationship, but also our personal wholeness that is at stake.

	The Surprise Grab Bag of Marriage By Laura M. Brotherson, MormonTimes.com, Mar 28, 2009 Accepting the unexpected challenges in marriage and focusing our efforts on our own personal growth can stop the divorces, and stop the parallel marriages.

	Happily Married Couples Needed By Laura M. Brotherson, Meridian Magazine, Mar 18, 2009 Thriving in marriage is a worthy goal, but it's more than just for the benefit of the couple. There are too few examples of happily married couples to show young people that long-term happiness in marriage IS possible. Happily married couples are needed now more than ever to shine a light on the joys and possibilities in marriage.

	The Greatest Gift You Can Give Your Children By Laura M. Brotherson, MormonTimes.com, Feb 28, 2009 Parents who maintain a strong and vibrant marriage set a positive example of working through the inevitable ups and downs of marriage. This creates a haven for children.

	Be Your Spouse's Chocolate Substitute By Laura M. Brotherson, MormonTimes.com, Jan 31, 2009 This Valentine’s Day, commit to becoming an expert at loving your spouse in the way they need to be loved.

	Date Night is NOT Optional By Laura M. Brotherson, MormonTimes.com, Jan 31, 2009 Date night is not optional for those couples who want to stay close and connected. A babysitter costs a lot less than a marriage counselor -- or a divorce, for that matter.

	Edward, Self-Mastery and the Marital Fire By Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, Meridian Magazine, Jan 14, 2009 Exquisite efforts at self-mastery coupled with a willingness to protect rather than destroy make Edward Cullen of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series an easy object of admiration. I'm inspired by what his character traits could add to our lives, and how it could strengthen our marriages.

	Happy Holidays for Your Honey By Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, Meridian Magazine, Dec 24, 2008 Don't make your husband last on your list this Christmas. Make the holidays a little happier for your honey by paying attention to the Four A's: Appreciation, Admiration, Attention and Affection.

	Your Relationship Wish List By Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, Latter-day Woman Magazine, Dec 1, 2008 (go to pages 39 - 41) This Christmas make a list of everything you want your marriage to be—as if you could have it all! What you focus on you get more of, so be more conscious of your thoughts and focus on what you want rather than on what you don’t want.

	Happily Married Couples Needed By Laura M. Brotherson, MormonTimes.com, Nov 14, 2008 There are too few examples of happily married couples to show young people that long-term happiness in marriage IS possible. Happily married couples are needed now more than ever to shine a light on the joys and possibilities in marriage.

	Reflections on the Protection of Marriage By Laura M. Brotherson, MormonTimes.com, Nov 8, 2008 Through multiple state initiatives, traditional marriage has been preserved yet again by no small miracle. As faithful and committed followers of Christ, how do we stand strong for the divine order of marriage, while also conveying God’s love and concern for all His children? What will be our role in promoting marriage and morality, as society strays further and further from the things of God?

	Fireproof Your Marriage By Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, Meridian Magazine, Oct 9, 2008 It's not everyday that you find a movie that is dedicated to strengthening marriages. Fireproof is just that. It's got action and drama, love and humor, and intense emotion. Yet it sends a message that is rarely seen on the big screen that your marriage is worth fighting for by including God in the process.

	Thriving in Marriage By Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, Latter-day Woman Magazine, Oct 1, 2008 (go to pages 67 - 71) What does it take to not just get by in marriage...but to really thrive!?

	Palin, Politics and Premarital Sex -- Counteracting the "Juno" Effect By Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, Meridian Magazine, Sept 5, 2008 http://www.ldsmag.com/ideas/080905palin.html By Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, MormonTimes.com, Sept 13, 2008 http://www.mormontimes.com/ME_blogs.php?id=3525 One of the things that I think bothers me the most is that while the Palins are trying to be loving and supportive, no message is being sent about the poor choices that were obviously made, or that sex outside of marriage is not a good idea. Such a message may have been conveyed privately, but it’s the public message I am most concerned about when you know impressionable ears are listening.

	Good Girls Do! By Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, Latter-day Woman Magazine, Aug 1, 2008 (go to pages 37 - 39) In our efforts to teach youth that sexual activity is reserved for marriage–that good girls don’t…before marriage–we forget to mention that after marriage good girls do! That mental transition never fully occurs with many couples.

	Parents are Chicken! — Finding the Courage to Talk to Your Kids about Sex By Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, Meridian Magazine, June 3, 2008 Most parents know they should talk to their children about sex, but don't know what to say, or where to begin. How do we find the courage to take on this parental responsibility that is otherwise quite terrifying for many of us?

	Finding Self-Confidence in the Bedroom By Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, Meridian Magazine, May 7, 2008 Sexual self-confidence is the self-assurance — and God-assurance, even — that one is loved and acceptable to one’s self and to God. This is coupled with sexual knowledge and application within marriage.

	Don't Kid Yourself: Lovemaking Takes Effort By Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, Meridian Magazine, January 18, 2008 The mechanics of "having sex" are fairly simple, but really "making love" and developing a good intimate relationship take some time and effort. Movies, pornography and other media tell us that sex is — or should be — easy, which is a set-up for problems in a real relationship. For those who have ingested pornography, it's difficult to have a healthy and accurate perspective of sexuality, and to separate fantasy from reality.

	"Date Night is NOT Optional" By Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, Meridian Magazine, October 19, 2007 A babysitter costs a lot less than a marriage counselor, or a divorce, for that matter. Date night is not optional for those couples who want to stay close and connected.

	Six Tips to Strengthen Your Marriage Sexually By Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, Meridian Magazine, April 30, 2007 Sexual intimacy is as important for the health and vitality of the marriage relationship as are emotional closeness and spiritual connection. Sexual nourishment that feeds both husband and wife is the dessert of married life. Cultivating your sexual potential in marriage leads to greater mental, emotional, and physical health, happiness and wholeness.

	From Honeymoon to Happily Ever After—Preparing for an Intimately Fulfilling Relationship By Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, Meridian Magazine, August 2, 2006 A positive and mutually pleasing honeymoon begins the foundation upon which the richest and sweetest relationship ever created by God can be built. A negative honeymoon experience can sow seeds of dissatisfaction that may fester for many moons.

	"The Spirituality of Sex" by Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, Meridian Magazine, March 27, 2006 Sexuality is a sacred and innate part of our being, designed by God not only for procreation, but also for expressions of love in marriage. There are few things that can bring greater joy and richness to a husband/wife relationship than spiritually connected sex.

	"The Greatest Gift You Can Give Your Children" by Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, Meridian Magazine, December 28, 2005 also available at DeseretBook.com, January 17, 2006 One of the best gifts we can give our children is a mother and father that love each other. Parents who maintain a strong and vibrant marriage set a positive example of the inevitable ups and downs of marriage, while also showing that problems can be worked through. This creates a haven of security and well-being from which children can flourish.

	"How Do I Get My Spouse to Change?!" by Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, Meridian Magazine, November 28, 2005 also available at DeseretBook.com, December 5, 2005 Many of us focus on the imperfections of our spouse, thinking rarely of our own weaknesses and the role we play in creating the dynamics of our marriage. It’s the “how-do-I-get-my-spouse-to-change” syndrome. We think if only our spouse would change this or that, then we’d be happy.

	"A Light in the Darkness—Finding Healing and Wholeness from Depression" by Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, DeseretBook.com, November 14, 2005 Laura Brotherson is a Latter-day Saint who learned first-hand how devastating depression can be--and how you can heal from its ravages.

	"What’s Okay and What Isn’t, Part II Dealing with Sexual Differences in Marriage" by Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, Meridian Magazine, October 24, 2005 Determining what's okay and what isn't within the intimate marital relationship is no easy task. But if we will take the opportunity to seek God's perspective on these delicate matters, we can develop greater spiritual self-reliance, and be blessed with greater spiritual insight.

	"What’s Okay and What Isn’t, Part I Determining What’s Okay within the Intimate Marital Relationship" by Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, Meridian Magazine, September 22, 2005 What's okay and what isn't? It's the million-dollar question about sex, and the most requested line of questioning I get. Yet it is also the single most complex, delicate, and potentially dangerous topic of discussion there is.

	"Cultivating Intimate Desire for Your Spouse" by Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, Meridian Magazine, August 17, 2005 “I'm just not a sexual person. I don’t ever feel sexy." Feeling amorous and sexy is a state of mind that many women must learn to nurture.

	"God's Wedding Gift — Why Save Sex for Marriage" by Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, Meridian Magazine, August 2, 2005 God has designated sexual intimacy as a "wedding gift" given only to those who are legally and lawfully married. But, are there additional benefits in saving sex for marriage — beyond obeying God's command? Yes! There are many.

	"Divine Designs of Marriage" by Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, Meridian Magazine, July 7, 2005

	"The Adventure of Marriage" by Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, Meridian Magazine, June 8, 2005 also available at DeseretBook.com, July 18, 2005

	"Why Do I Keep Doing That?--Understanding Why We Sin" by Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, Meridian Magazine, May 10, 2005 also available at DeseretBook.com, June 17, 2005

	"Marriage Traditions — Cultivating Couple Connections" by Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, Meridian Magazine, Mar. 17, 2005

	"Don't Forget the Honeymoon!" by Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, Meridian Magazine, Feb. 17, 2005

	"Why Is Sex Such A Taboo Subject in Marriage?" by Laura M. Brotherson, Meridian Magazine, Jan. 6, 2005

	"Why Is Sex Such A Taboo Subject in Families?" by Laura M. Brotherson, Meridian Magazine, Feb. 2, 2005

	"What the Scriptures Teach about Physical Intimacy in Marriage" by Laura M. Brotherson (Excerpted from Chapter 2—"The Sanctity of Sexual Relations in Marriage") Click here for this article in Spanish

	"A Light in the Darkness—Finding Healing and Wholeness from Depression" by Sean E. Brotherson and Laura M. Brotherson

	"Part I—"Preparing Your Children for Intimacy in Marriage—Preparing to Teach" by Laura M. Brotherson (Excerpted from Chapter 14—"Preparing Future Generations...")

	"Part II—"Preparing Your Children for Intimacy in Marriage—What to Teach" by Laura M. Brotherson (Excerpted from Chapter 15—"Preparing Future Generations...")

	"Part III—"Preparing Your Children for Intimacy in Marriage—When and How to Teach" by Laura M. Brotherson (Excerpted from Chapter 16—"Preparing Future Generations...")