Marriage Partnership Newsletter

If this page is not displaying correctly, please click here.

The official newsletter of Marriage Partnership magazine
Thursday, December 27, 2007

Welcome

It's a scenario we've seen in countless sitcoms and romantic comedies: right before a couple's set to say "I do," cold feet set in. The pacing, hyperventilating bride whispers, "Is he going to be the last man I ever sleep with?" The groom's buddies tell him to enjoy his last night of freedom before the "old ball and chain" prevents him from ever having fun—or sex—again. In a culture where premarital sex is so common, sex within marriage is seen as dull, or worse … non-existent.

But the truth, for Christians in committed marriages, is that you are responsible for your spouse's sexual fulfillment, and it can be a blessing in your relationship. It's not about "getting some" for yourself; it's about generously "giving some" to your husband or wife. Keep reading for a candid look at what being good in bed truly entails.

Blessing your spouse at Christmastime doesn't mean that you have to buy the biggest, splashiest gift. But no one wants to totally drop the gift-giving ball, either. This resourceful husband discovered a creative solution to the dilemma and started a new holiday tradition.

The early days of marriage are often characterized as blessing heaped upon blessing. But what happens once joy and fun drain from your relationship? Our "Couple Counsel" column tackles that question and others.

Have you ever wondered what other married couples argue about most? Or who fixes things around their house? Take our marriage quiz and find out how your marriage compares to other MP readers', in serious and silly ways. The results will be included in an upcoming issue of Marriage Partnership magazine.

Take some time to stop by MarriagePartnership.com to find more articles and resources on building a godly marriage. And this week, may you delight in the everyday blessings of your marriage.

Blessings,

Elizabeth Diffin
for Marriage Partnership

To reply to this newsletter: marriage@christianitytoday.com

You're In Control: Christianity Online Web Content Filter
Don't let inappropriate websites ruin your family's Internet experience. The filter is easy to set up, works with your existing Internet connection, features intuitive blocking controls, provides detailed reports monitoring all Internet activity, and offers free 24/7 support.

Featured Marriage Article

BETTER SEX /
HELP & HEALING /SPIRITUALITY
Will We or Won't We …
Who holds the real power in your sex life?
by Gary Thomas

John and I stopped at a fast-food restaurant for a quick meal on the way to his farm. My friend had one of the "cleanest" sexual pasts of any man I've ever met; on the day he married, the only woman other than his bride he'd ever kissed was his mom.

The young man taking our order noticed that both of us had on wedding rings.

More …

More Articles on the Marriage Channel

COMMUNICATION / HUMOR & FUN / ROMANCE
Twelve Days of Christmas
How one husband reinvented gift giving.
by Linda Gilden

COUPLE COUNSEL
"We Don't Have Fun Anymore"
Also: "My Wife Is a Hypocrite"
by Gary J. Oliver

Good Buys

The Excellent Wife
Who is an excellent wife? What's she like? Using the woman in Proverbs 31 as a model, trusted Christian counselor Martha Peace offers detailed practical answers to most-asked questions from Christian wives.

Love & Respect
Without love from him, she reacts without respect. And without respect from her, he reacts without love. Learn to break this cycle and live together as God intended.

Amazing Grace, DVD
The acclaimed story of William Wilberforce, chronicling his epic struggle to pass a law to end the slave trade in the late 18th century. Inspired by a true story.

Find Answers!
With over 7,000 questions and answers, the Quest Study Bible is a fantastic resource for discovering the truths found in God's Word. Order your copy today!

One Flame
The unity candle is a popular element in many wedding ceremonies, symbolizing the joining of two single lives into one. What happens when the winds and storms of life threaten to extinguish the flame? With warmth and humor, relationship expert Gary Smalley uses real-life examples to show you how to maintain unity.

Quick Tips

The 30-Second Clutter Cure

"If it takes 30 seconds or less to do a job, do it immediately."

I'd memorized that tip from Sandra Felton, founder of Messies Anonymous. Though good advice, it wasn't happening. Our house was cluttered, and my husband, Robert, and I were blaming each other rather than dealing with the mess.

Then I invented a game called "The 30-Second Cure." Here's how it works:

1. Establish a time limit (three days, a week).

2. Put up 30-second rule posters as reminders.

3. Agree on a service each player can provide as a penalty for breaking the 30-second rule. Robert and I agreed on a foot massage, but chore penalties such as dusting or pulling weeds can work as well.

4. Each person has a penalty card to keep track of violations. When you see socks on the floor or a glass left on the counter, point it out gently. Then either you or the offender will mark their card.

5. At the end of the time period, present the card for services to be rendered. Each violation is worth a corresponding 30 seconds of the agreed upon penalty.

It worked for us. The house is cleaner, Robert and I argue less … and our feet feel great!

—Nancy Lucas

Marriage Connection
Delivered free via e-mail to subscribers every other week. We encourage you to distribute this newsletter freely and ask only that you not change its contents.

Subscribe to this newsletter.
Subscribe to more free newsletters.
Subscribe to Marriage Partnership magazine.
Subscribe to other magazines from Christianity Today International.
Read our privacy policy and find more information here.
Advertise in this newsletter.

Copyright ©Thursday, December 27, 2007 ChristianityToday.com, Christianity Today International
465 Gundersen Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188
All rights reserved.

https://w1.buysub.com/pubs/L2/MGP/MGP_RFTO.jsp?cds_page_id=27210&cds_mag_code=MGP&cds_response_key=I8NA01

Marriage Partnership
Subscribe Now!

Get a Free Trial Issue

Give a Gift Subscription

Manage My Subscription

This Week's Poll

Do you and your spouse set a price limit on your Christmas gifts for each other?

Vote here, and see how your answer compares to others'.

Results of Last Week's Poll

Where are you spending the holidays this year?

With both sides of the family: 39%
With my family: 23%
At home by ourselves: 19%
With my spouse's family: 11%
With friends/non-family: 3%
Other: 3%

Total votes: 298

Most-Read Articles of the Week

"He Wants to Try New Things"
Also: "Too Dry for Sex"

Not Tonight, Honey
I just knew we'd pray together every day. Uh … right.

The Three Most Important Choices
Your marriage depends on them.

Christian Sex Rules
A guide to what's allowed in the bedroom.

Keep Sex Fun
Use these 13 tips!

New Articles from
Today's Christian Woman magazine

Rachel
She had it all … and still wanted more.

Almost Famous
Lessons I've learned behind the scenes.