A Gentle Invitation to Intimacy

by | Aug 25, 2024 | concept

CONCEPT FOR THE WEEK

INVITATION TO INTIMACY (Day 1 of 6)

This week is specifically about the marriage relationship.

Draw me away with you … Song of Songs 11:4a  AMP

In context, this scripture is about a bride’s desire to be invited into physical intimacy by her sweetie. Drawing implies a gentle pull, an invitation.

I’d like to explore the idea of invitation into a special place for just the two of you as a married couple. Certainly we are talking about sex, but I think as a relationship principle it could be applied to inviting your spouse to any moment you share together.

INTIMATE LOOK BETWEEN SPOUSES

It could be a look over the dinner table, an invitation to go for a walk, or a moment where you talk intimately about things that matter. It’s that connection that belongs only to the two of you.

Let’s take the day to talk to God about the private oneness and intimacy he designed for a married couple. What does that look like? What helps? What hinders?

I ran across this lovely article. Mastering the Art of Slow Living

TEA ON TABLE

A couple of caveats – It’s probably not a Christian site and I’m sure there’s some AI running around. That said, it covered a number of areas that are helpful when it comes to building a sane, healthy lifestyle. Pick and choose what speaks to you.

 

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Image credits – intimate look between spouses © deagreez / Adobe Stock, tea on table © Pixabay.com
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Step Down From the Fight

by | Aug 24, 2024 | let's chat

SAT AM COFFEE CHAT

Paul and I had an argument on the way to church.

CHURCH BUILDING

(And y’all are saying, really? Yes, really. It happens to us all.)

The thing that helped me mend quickly was that I reminded myself that Paul is good-hearted and his intent is to bless. (Paul was having a similar pep talk with himself.)

Any fussin’ is usually about misunderstanding, or one (or both) of us is dealing with a personal wound.

It’s not terribly comfortable or easy to step down from a fighting stance, but I love knowing I have that option.

Just sharing that friction happens in a marriage. It’s normal and you can get better about dealing with it.

What a fun picture!

SALT

This is actually salt.  🙂

 

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Image credits – church © lembrechtsjonas / Adobe Stock, salt © Topi Pigula / Pixabay
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Any Surprises?

by | Aug 23, 2024 | conclusions

MY THOUGHTS

OPEN TO REASON –  (Day 6 of 6)
(Need to start at the beginning? Day 1)

How did your week go?

But the wisdom from above is … open to reason … James 3:17  ESV

Did anything surprise you? Were you able to listen to others? Did your spouse notice? Did you learn anything about someone else? Yourself?

TALKING COUPLE

I did pretty well with my practice except for one day. I had to tone down my voice and work to stay calm over someone who would just not let me go. I still have to think through that one because I need to handle it differently in the future. Do I overlook it or address it? Being open to reason doesn’t mean you have to let bad behavior slide.

It was messy, but I learned something and I’ll do better next time.

We had a little visitor to our high tunnel in the garden.

VISITING FROG

Apparently, ground cherry leaves are quite comfortable.

 

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Image credits – couple talking © Priscilla Du Preez / Unsplash, visiting frog © Paul / Doing Marriage Well
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Open Up

by | Aug 22, 2024 | second try

SECOND TRY

OPEN TO REASON –  (Day 5 of 6)
(Need to start at the beginning? Day 1)

We have another day to practice being open to hearing others’ hearts.

But the wisdom from above is … open to reason … James 3:17  ESV

Be especially aware of your spouse today.

You could even ask them about what’s on their heart or what they would like for you to pray for them today. Begin a conversation where you can be open to listening and caring about their perspectives (whether you agree with them or not, it is important to them).

COUPLE TALKING

Listen well. Ask another question. Make room for them to be different and think different. (From time to time, Paul and I end up laughing in our discussions. We are really quite different in how we approach life.)

Gotta love a beautiful sunset.

BEAUTIFUL SUNSET

 

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Image credits – couple talking © kurapatka / Adobe Stock, beautiful sunset © Paul / Doing Marriage Well
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Closed Mind?

by | Aug 21, 2024 | road blocks

WHAT'S STOPPING YOU?

OPEN TO REASON (Day 4 of 6)
(Need to start at the beginning? Day 1)

How was your practice day?

But the wisdom from above is … open to reason … James 3:17  ESV

Did you find it easy to be open to others’ opinions and ideas? What did you struggle with?

For me, it’s about making a point to stop what I’m doing in order to listen to others. If I’m busy, I don’t catch the clues that they are trying to communicate to me. I’ve missed some lovely opportunities by just being too busy and focused on something else.

BUSY WIFE IGNORING HUSBAND

I’ve also noticed if someone holds an opinion that I strongly disagree with, it is far harder for me to give them some talk time. I have to remind myself that I don’t have to agree with them, I just have to love them and be open to hearing their thoughts.

I also have to own that I like my way. Giving an opening to another (and possibly less comfortable) option tweaks my personal selfishness.

What struggles did y’all have?

Our corn is not as “high as an elephant’s eye,” but it’s taller than I am and beginning to tassel.

TALL CORN BEGINNING TO TASSEL

We’re trying out three different kinds of sweet corn this year. (I’d like to try some popcorn next year.)  🙂

 

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Image credits – busy wife ignoring husband © Prostock-studio / Adobe Stock, tall corn beginning to tassel © Lori / Doing Marriage Well
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Take the Time to Listen

by | Aug 20, 2024 | first try

GIVE IT A TRY

OPEN TO REASON (Day 3 of 6)
(Need to start at the beginning? Day 1)

OK, we are on for a day of practice.

But the wisdom from above is … open to reason … James 3:17  ESV

Try to take your day at a pace where you can notice when people are opening up to share their thoughts and opinions.

Maybe take the time just to listen or ask a couple of questions. The nice thing about questions is that you can ask them to understand. You’re not saying you agree. You are just being curious and giving yourself time to get another’s perspective.

WOMAN ASKING QUESTION

The scripture doesn’t say you always have to agree with others. It says you are willing to listen, that you are open to reason.

I like this. A lot. It’s such a peaceable and respectful way of relating to people.

We just got a Chinese Checkers board, mostly for something to play with the grandkids, buts it’s an all around quick, fun game.

CHINESE CHECKERS GAME

I love having a few games on hand for a little play. (One of my favorite memories was when the power went out and we played Mexican Train by lamplight.)

 

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.
Image credits – woman asking a question © luismolinero / Adobe Stock, Chinese Checkers game © Lori / Doing Marriage Well
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