Women Living Well Blog

Monday, March 29, 2010

The Importance of Intimacy In Marriage

I Corinthians 7:5 says:"Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control."

I've received a lot of emails asking me about intimacy since the Rachael Ray Show aired in November. Here's a few of my thoughts on this topic, plus I share in the video my all time FAVORITE book on the subject!

If you have further questions, I prefer to dialogue via email rather than on the "world wide web". I have recently added a note on my contact page that I want to be sure my readers are aware of, the wait time for a response to an email from me is around 10 days. So if you emailed two weeks ago and have not had an answer to it yet - I'm working on it.

Please be patient with me as I LOVE hearing from my readers and am working feverishly to give you all the wisest answers I can. I pray over my answers and I like to take some time with each email to find the appropriate scripture passage and counsel.

I love you all and care deeply about your walk with God and your marriages!

Walk with the King!

PS. Now go love on your husbands and have a wonderful day!!

Labels: Marriage, Videos

22 Comments:

Julie@comehaveapeace said...: Courtney, thanks for linking up to MM today. You address such an important topic that is reveals so much about our oneness. It's meant for God's glory and our enjoyment, but it can fall prey to all of the distractions and temptations of life as well.

~ Julie; March 29, 2010 at 8:27 AM
Stephanie said...: Your home is so beautiful.; March 29, 2010 at 8:35 AM
ham1299 said...: Great post. Thank you. It's funny - I had just recently decided I'm going to try to say yes to him every time, too. I haven't been 100% faithful to that decision, but your post has furthered my resolve. Thank you. I do have one question for you, but I'll shoot you an e-mail, as you requested!

Blessings! :-); March 29, 2010 at 9:16 AM
Kela said...: I have that book! Courtney let me tell you. I was so bad in the intimacy issue at one time that I was looking for Christian marriage books that would tell me that it was okay for me to not HAVE to be intimate with my husband. Needless to say, I found no such book but I found liberation and freedom instead! Side note: It is my pleasure (even sometimes forced) to be the wife that God calls me to be in His Word. That command is not contingent on if my husband has an "on" time or "off" time. My husband does a great job in matching that with me. I'm thankful and grateful to have a wonderful marriage.; March 29, 2010 at 9:39 AM
Valencia Jones-Edwards said...: My hubs always says that this is one of the biggest reason he appreciates me because I never turn him away from intimacy. I so agree that I for or do not want my hubs looking at any other women due to lack of closeness at home.; March 29, 2010 at 11:47 AM
AnnaJ said...: I've been married slightly less than a year but from the beginning, I made the decision to never turn my husband down. Instead of thinking, "I'm tired, I don't feel like it, I just want to do my own thing," I remind myself how good it is to have a husband who loves me, is attracted to me, and wants to share himself and be intimate with me. And even if I'm not in the mood to begin with, I always end up that way eventually!; March 29, 2010 at 12:58 PM
Courtney (Women Living Well) said...: Ham1299 - Great job - your husband is lucky to have you!

Kela - it is awesome to hear the testimony of how far God has brought you! You have safeguarded your marriage by your willingness to have a teachable heart- great job!

Valencia - amen! I love that your husband verbally praises you for this - I hope other women see that and realize that when we meet this one HUGE need - most likely their man is going to say a BIG thank you - my man does!

Wordy Wife - what wisdom you have had from the start of your marriage -you are unique!!! As children come into the picture - you will be tempted to waiver on your decision. Your strong foundation from the beginning is going to be a gem to your marriage. Keep it up!

Much Love,
Courtney; March 29, 2010 at 1:16 PM
ham1299 said...: Thank you, Courtney. It's definitely something I have to work at. we've been married 11 years, and old habits die hard. *blush* But, I know God can help me with this. I think I'm going to read the book you recommended. You aren't the first one I've heard speak so highly of it. Perhaps it's a gentle nudge from God ...

Blessings to you!; March 29, 2010 at 1:44 PM
Rebecca.Alburn said...: Thank you for approaching so many important topics for your readers.
Thank you, also, for the book recommendation. This was such an appropriate and well-spoken message!; March 29, 2010 at 3:35 PM
Julie in Scotland said...: May our lord bless you for walking in His truth and being so bold as to share it with us ladies, Sisters in Christ who inhabit blogland. You are blessing me and my home more and more each day. Bless you, bless you, bless you.
In Him
Julie; March 29, 2010 at 6:00 PM
Anonymous said...: Uh oh... I think you have spurred some women to start "praying without ceasing!" LOL!!
No, seriously, this is a very important topic and I'm glad you addressed it. A wisened woman told me the same thing years ago. I wish I could say I'm 100% Yes-girl, but I fail. I've GOT to be better in this!
Thanks, Courtney,for the godly encouragement even in the face of adversity.
Heatherj; March 29, 2010 at 10:02 PM
Unknown said...: Dear Courtney, here is Sandra (Suzel) from France, Thank you for your great post. Since I read your blog I find many answer to question I have.
Thanks for sharing all with us.
God bless you.
I hope you can read my english.
Friendly.; March 30, 2010 at 9:41 AM
Traylor Branch Farm said...: Just wanted to let you know I think your advice is spot on! Very Godly, sound, scriptural advice. Wonderful that you included the scripture references in your video. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the content on your site! Keep up the good work, and may God bless you in your efforts to share the Word with other women.
Jenny
Birmingham, Al; March 31, 2010 at 9:55 AM
kat said...: when i first read this i did have questions, how after all day can you have the energy all the time?. that was the big one. i have struggled with this for a long time. i am a stay at home mom of 4, ages 10,4,3,2. by the end of the day i am so tired. my husband is very understanding, but like you said i fear if i don't change he will just find it elsewhere. i dont think he ever would but i still fear it. so i thought about what you said your word stuck in my head about that it is a mindset. you are so right, i thought and prayed about it and i got it. i am the one who can change my attitude and not only will he be happy but we will be happier because of that one small action. my attitude! thank you so much for your post, i really needs it! also can i say i love reading your blog, it helps me so much, and my family is better because of it. again thank you!; March 31, 2010 at 12:03 PM
Jody said...: I just stumbled across your blog today while looking at your recipe for resurrection rolls. What a fantastic blog! I just thought I'd share my personal experience with this issue. My husband and I have had intimacy issues throughout our marriage of 5 years, which led to counseling and threatened our marriage. My counselor recommended the book "Sheet Music" by Dr. Kevin Lehman and addresses the same issues you have discussed. I have not yet read "Intimacy Issues" and will have to pick up a copy, but "Sheet Music" changed my whole perspective on intimacy with my husband and has saved our marriage (well...no, God saved our marriage-but used the book to speak to me). I highly recommend it!; April 4, 2010 at 9:03 PM
Courtney (Women Living Well) said...: I have not read "Sheet Music" but I have heard great things about it! I need to get my hands on a copy soon! Thanks for the suggestion!

Courtney; April 5, 2010 at 12:49 PM
Susannah said...: Thanks for linking up with Marriage Monday today, Courtney! For some, this was not an easy topic. Thanks for fearlessly diving in!

Blessings on you and your marriage,

e-Mom @ Chrysalis
http://chrysaliscom.blogspot.com; May 3, 2010 at 7:12 PM
Mac an Rothaich said...: Thanks for sharing with us so honestly about how it all works for you! Your view is very similar to how I was raised and I appreciate the selfless twist it has as well as how clear you where that it is too our benefit too. I have to be honest thought, I often pray that my man can be and learn selflessness too and if intimacy is difficult for me that he will be considerate of me as well. I am thankful that the Lord made us both different to reflect different parts of him and thankful that husband and wife have intimacy as a beautiful connection and joining of those two different natures.; May 3, 2010 at 10:25 PM
JonaBQ said...: Very well said Courtney! I can see you inspire lots of women like me. Keep the faith! thanks!

Heartifying!

A Time To Weep and A Time To Laugh; May 4, 2010 at 1:35 PM
Just Me said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; January 26, 2011 at 10:22 AM
Anonymous said...: Courtney than you for posting this today on your FB page. I don't feel comfortable replying on there so I hope that it's o.k to post it here instead.
I read this a while back and made the decision to say yes every time and it truly changed my marriage and changed me, I became softer towards my husband and more aware of his needs. A few weeks ago after speaking to a girlfriend and telling her about your post and video and how making the decision to say yes has truly changes my marriage she didn't seem to agree with it and told about how we have to be careful even when sleeping with our husbands because there is no room for lust in marriage. She just went on about how sometimes it's God's will for is to say no even for long periods of time if when our husbands approach us is because they are lusting after us. It was along conversation in which she did most of the talking and for some reason during that conversation I remember being really confused and then questioning my decision to say yes. Lets just say that for weeks now I almost feel like it's wrong being with my husband and where I once felt free I now feel like i have no clue what I'm doing or how to approach this area. I found it interesting that you posted this again today because it's been such a struggle since speaking to her, I really need to watch this video again and try to get back to the place where I was. I felt so much closer to my husband and vice versa and now I feel like I don't even know how to approach him and almost feel wrong when he tried to pursue me. What a mess, amazing how speaking to her affected me so much and how it changed something in me that is allowing it to mess things up. Sorry this is so long, not sure if it makes any sense but just wanted to share and maybe get your input.; March 22, 2011 at 10:55 AM
Courtney (Women Living Well) said...: Anonymous - oh dear - this friend of yours is completely unbiblical and has whispered a lie into your ear - like the serpent did in Eve's ear. Don't believe this lie - it will lead you astray.

Read Song of Soloman and you will see that their passionate marriage is pleasing to God - he rejoices in the two lovers coming together. So drink your fill and enjoy your man.

God created it for our pleasure - also I recommend you purchase Intimate Issues. It will help you through many of these hurdles.

Much Love,
Courtney; March 22, 2011 at 10:52 PM

Women Living Well Blog

: Name: Courtney (Women Living Well); Location: Ohio, United States

I am a stay-at-home home schooling mom of 2, a son (age 8) and a daughter (6). I have been married to Keith, my high school sweet heart, for 13 years. My passion to know God and share him with others led me to the Moody Bible Institute where I graduated with a degree in Evangelism and Discipleship. Last year, I appeared on the Rachael Ray Show as a 1950's Housewife. To learn more about me visit my "About Me" page.

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Monday, March 29, 2010

The Importance of Intimacy In Marriage

22 Comments:

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