Marriage Monday

Ben and I before our zipline tour in Gatlinburg, TN.
There are a lot of things that make me feel closer to Ben but definitely trying new things together and the trust that it takes is one of the best things to me!

Julie had this to say today about Intimacy in marriage. I strongly recommend reading the rest of today's blog as well!

Most wives consider sexual intimacy to be the expression of/by product/end result of a relationship that is close and loving.
Most husbands consider sexual intimacy to be the doorway to/beginning of/invitation to greater closeness in marriage.
Isn't it so awesome (and frustrating) that God created us to be so opposite to complement each other's needs?! 
When a couple needs to strengthen their bond, the wife may want to see the relationship improve before there's a physical expression of their love. The husband may try to express his love and desire to get closer by initiating some romance. As a wife, the temptation may be to think, "What?? You've got to be kidding?? You must not care about how I feel." This is when a wife needs to think: "Press 2 for MAN language." Ask God to help you understand what MESSAGE your husband is communicating. In truth this is often the way many men reach out to begin or reinforce closeness.
Golly I wish that I had that button ALOT and the manual on how to deal with your husband!

Courtnery from Women Living Well had this to say today. I love her writing and perspective on marriage so I thought that I would share with y'all.

In what ways can we water and tend to our marriages?
1. Accept the fact that all marriages are flawed. ‎"Conflicts are not a sign that you have married the wrong person.They simply affirm that you are human." Dr. Gary Chapman
And if we agreed all the time wouldn't that be so boring?!
2. Make your husband second priority only to God. Flip flop your life so your marriage is not coming in dead last and you will find grass that looks burnt out start to grow green again.
3. Set aside one night a month as a date night. Spend some time just enjoying your husband. Hold hands, steal kisses, talk, and listen. Slow down and enjoy each other like you did during the dating days!
I have been SO much happier since we have started doing this again. It instantly transfers you from a worn out mommy and daddy into a couple enjoying each other again!
4. Smile at your husband.
Is this the same as laughing at him? Just sayin........
5. If your grass is looking brown in some spots tend specifically to those spots with prayer. Do not let it die!
And water it!
6. Do not neglect your marriage and assume that it will grow all on its own. That's not how it works. My brown grass is not going to turn green on its own. It needs our attention. Discipline yourself to tend to it.
Even when you think that the workload alone is going to kill you. It is so worth it to put your effort back into your marriage.
Know that you are NOT alone! There are some pretty crazy seasons of life where spots of the grass just start to die. Dora cups and Chuck E Cheese take the place of romantic dinners out. Enjoy your family moments at Chuck E Cheese - but remember ALSO to tend to your marriage...don't let it get shoved aside because in 15 short years - your Dora cup drinkers will be out of the house and it will be back to just you and your husband. Will your grass be green at that point or dead?
The choice is yours.

Proverbs 14:1 "A wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down."