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"Straight Talk about Strengthening Marriage!" "Putting Spirituality Back into Sex" e-Newsletter #17 -- March 14, 2006 (#06-2) www.StrengtheningMarriage.com ** CONTENTS **
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1~ MARRIAGE TIP -- "Putting Spirituality Back into Sex" 2~ EVENTS -- Women's Health Conf (Mar 18); BYU-Idaho Ed Week (Jun 30); BYU Campus Ed Week (Aug 21); Couples' W. Caribbean Cruise (Feb '07) 3~ NEWS -- (1) Report on Couples' Cruise 2006!; (2) Phone Consultations-- Monthly Check up; (3) Couples' Photos--Romantic Getaway Winner; (4) Engagement Season 4~ READER'S REVIEWS -- "I have seen miracles take place in my marriage" 5~ STRAIGHT TALK Q&A -- Information on tantra--a spiritual approach to lovemaking 6~ WORDS TO PONDER -- Marriage is honorable in all 7~ MARRIAGE NEWS -- Husband's touch holds key to her peace of mind -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1~ MARRIAGE TIP -- "Putting
Spirituality Back into Sex"
One of God's first commands was for husband and wife to cleave (or join) unto each other and become one flesh...not just one heart, but one flesh (see Genesis 2:24). It seems that God intended physical/sexual communion as a crucial component of marital oneness. The spirituality of sexual relations as a gift in marriage is something often overlooked in a society rampant with Satan's deceptions. Sexuality is a sacred and innate part of our being, given to us by God, and meant to flourish within marriage. If we see sex as solely a physical act, then we are missing out on its grander meaning and godly purposes. Satan strives to deceive us into disassociating sexuality with spirituality. Many of our struggles and addictions stem from a lack of spiritual development regarding our sexuality. When we ignore or avoid developing and mastering this sacred part of our very being, we are incomplete and will someday sense the absence. It is our spirit, longing for wholeness, that will direct us toward the path of perfection and completion—ultimately guiding us to see and experience the spirituality of our God-given sexuality. What can be done to see and experience sex in a more spiritual light? First, we must adjust our beliefs to allow spirituality and sex to coexist. If in your mind, sex and spirituality just don't mix, then it will be difficult for you to find the goodness or spiritual connection inherent in God's creation. Secondly, a spiritual union within lovemaking requires a greater investment of the heart and soul. Husband and wife connect more profoundly on an emotional level rather than merely going through the motions. With the heart in the right place, sex can literally be a rejuvenation of the soul, as husband and wife join their bodies and spirits in an act of communion with God. This kind of sharing brings husband and wife closer together and enhances the relationship. It makes you want to be a better spouse...and a better person. Does sex as a spiritual experience mean that it must be somber and solemn? No. Spiritual sex can be soft and slow or passionate and powerful! It's the intent of the heart and the depth of emotional connection that makes the difference. As a consummation of emotional, physical and spiritual connection, sex can be a sublimely spiritual experience. 2~ AUTHOR EVENTS --
Women's Health Conf (Mar 18); BYU-Idaho
Ed Week (Jun 30); BYU Campus Ed Week (Aug 21); Couples' W. Caribbean Cruise (Feb '07) "Women in Motion" Health Conference Saturday, March 18, 2006, 9 - 5:30 p.m. (Delta, Utah) Presentation Topics: ~ "Good Girls Don't" and Other Intimate Inhibitors ~ "Sexy is a State of Mind--Cultivating Intimate Desire for Your Spouse" Bring your girlfriends and join us this weekend for a fun event! It will be a great opportunity to receive intimate insights for your marriage--not available anywhere else! Register today online at: http://www.wim-ut.com/ BYU Idaho Education Week June 29 - July 1, 2006 (Rexburg, Idaho) Presentation Series Title: "Straight Talk about Strengthening Marriage" BYU Campus Education Week August 21 - 25, 2006, BYU Campus (Provo, Utah) Presentation Series Title: "Understanding the Intricacies of ONEness in Marriage" Couples' Valentine’s Cruise (W. Caribbean) February 10 - 17, 2007 (Leaving from Galveston, TX) Headliner -- Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE, Author of "And They Were Not Ashamed" If you missed out on joining us for this year's fabulous Couples' Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean, you can plan now to join us for next year's Couples' Cruise to the Western Caribbean! Plan to make it an annual marriage celebration by joining us for this Valentine's Cruise. Prices start at $791 per person. To be a part of this great group, call Cruise Planners at 801-446-4218 or 866-446-4218. Click here for more information: http://www.strengtheningmarriage.com/cruise.php For additional information on these events, visit our "Events" page: http://www.strengtheningmarriage.com/events.php. 3~ NEWS -- (1) Report on Couples' Cruise 2006!; (2) Phone Consultations--Monthly Check up; (3) Couples' Photos--Romantic Getaway Winner; (4) Engagement Season (1) Report on Couples' Cruise 2006! Fabulous! sums up the experience had by all on our February 2006 Couples' Valentine's Cruise. Cruise Planners has asked Laura Brotherson to headline their annual Couples' Valentine's Cruise--Marriage Education Week at Sea for two more years! For more information about next year's Western Caribbean cruise, as well as fun photos, and our favorite things from this year's cruise, visit: http://www.strengtheningmarriage.com/cruise.php Here is what some of the cruise attendees had to say: "The cruise was fantastic!!! I only wish next February was already(2) Phone Consultations -- Monthly Check-up We have openings for 4 - 6 couples (or individuals) who would like to continue moving forward toward creating a wonderfully fulfilling intimate relationship. Couples have few options in seeking helpful, personal assistance on this sensitive and delicate subject. By providing phone consultations we hope to address this vital need. If you and/or your spouse are interested in a monthly check up to keep you on track to create the marriage of your dreams, contact Laura@StrengtheningMarriage.com to arrange a time. Time slots are limited, but we'd like to provide this valuable opportunity for couples or individuals to benefit from asking questions and receiving help in applying the principles of intimacy into their relationships. A few phone consultations ($55/half-hour sessions) will also continue to be available for purchase online at: http://inspirebook.com/index.php?cPath=26. For more information and to schedule a half-hour consultation for $55 visit: http://www.strengtheningmarriage.com/phone.php (3) Couples Photos -- Romantic Getaway Winner Congratulations to Mike and Nibs--winners of our Valentine's 2006 Romantic Getaway to the Anniversary Inn (http://www.anniversaryinn.com). Please continue to send us your favorite husband/wife photo to be posted on our website. We want to continue to build a "Strengthening Marriage" showcase of loving couples to provide psychological support for being "unashamed" about strengthening marriages intimately! Even if you prefer to not send us a photo, we hope you'll display a photo of you and your spouse in your home. Send your photo with your first names, and how many years you've been married to: couplesphotos@strengtheningmarriage.com. You can check out our "Couples Photos" page at: http://www.strengtheningmarriage.com/couples.php (4) Engagement Season Spring is in the air! We will be soon be feeling the effects of "Engagement Season," as wedding announcements begin to fill our mail boxes! Save yourself some time and money by conveniently purchasing a supply of the book, "And They Were Not Ashamed--Strengthening Marriage through Sexual Fulfillment" to have on hand for all the new couples that will be embarking upon the adventure of marriage! You can do something about all the comments we receive like, "I wish I would have had this book when I got married" by making this your standard wedding gift. Discount prices available by buying online: http://inspirebook.com/ To stay current on "What's New" on the StrengtheningMarriage.com website visit: http://www.strengtheningmarriage.com/new.php 4~ READER'S REVIEWS -- "I have seen miracles take place in my marriage" "My husband and I have always had a very loving relationship andWe welcome you to share your thoughts about the book "And They Were Not Ashamed" at: www.strengtheningmarriage.com/comments.php. 5~ STRAIGHT TALK Q&A -- Information on tantra--a spiritual approach to lovemaking Question: I was browsing through your website and noticed that one of your radio show appearances was on the subject of tantric love. I've heard of it before and have seen books in stores, but I've never explored it much, since most books are just too explicit and have pictures of real people. Do you know of a book or another reference that would be okay? Answer: Tantra refers to ancient Hindu philosophies where sexual love is seen as a spiritual union or sacrament with a focus on the emotional connection and the sexual energy shared between husband and wife. In researching tantric love, I have found some valuable insights that have helped me see sex as a more spiritual experience. One book I might recommend is called "Tantra: The Art of Conscious Loving" by Charles and Caroline Muir. I may not agree with everything in it, but I did find it to be of value. The information is presented within the context of couples being more conscious or intentional in their lovemaking...and it has no pictures! It may be beyond what most couples are ready for, but it can certainly provide some insights into a more spiritual view of sexuality. To check out other questions and answers visit our Q&A webpage at: http://www.strengtheningmarriage.com/qa.php 6~ WORDS TO PONDER --
Marriage is honorable in all
"Marriage is honourable in all and the bed undefiled" (Hebrews 13:4) 7~ MARRIAGE NEWS -- Husband's touch holds key to her peace of mind "Marriage News" is a new feature to share some of the latest news regarding marriage-related topics. ~~~~~~~~~~ Men hold key to their wives' calm By Jennifer Harper, The Washington Times, February 20, 2006 Forget about bubble baths, chocolate, or lunch with the girls. A touch of her husband's hand is one of the most effective ways to calm and comfort a woman. Women under stress who hold their husbands' hands show signs of "immediate relief," with a powerful decrease in threat-related brain activity. What's more, the better the marriage, the better the relief. To read the entire article (copy and paste link without any spaces/breaks into web browser): http://www.washtimes.com/national/20060219-105052-7891r.htm ***************************************************************************************** Stay tuned for more intimacy insights in upcoming Strengthening Marriage Newsletters...! Visit the e-Newsletter archive at: http://www.strengtheningmarriage.com/signup.php If you missed the last few newsletters, you can catch up here: "Romancing Your Valentine" -- Marriage Newsltr #16 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Straight Talk about Strengthening Marriage" is an electronic newsletter designed to bless lives, strengthen marriages, and build strong families— written by the author of the book "And They Were Not Ashamed — Strengthening Marriage through Sexual Fulfillment." Visit www.StrengtheningMarriage.com for information and articles, or to purchase the book. We welcome your feedback at Laura@StrengtheningMarriage.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUBSCRIBE — If this email was forwarded to you and you would like to subscribe, send an email to Lists@StrengtheningMarriage.com with "Subscribe" on the subject line. Help us spread the good news about this valuable new resource. UNSUBSCRIBE — To unsubscribe from receiving future information and updates send an email to Lists@StrengtheningMarriage.com with "Unsubscribe" on the subject line. If you receive a duplicate of this email, please let us know. All outgoing messages scanned by Norton AntiVirus. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |