Welcome to another monthly roundup of recent posts, podcast episodes, recommended resources, and much more. Scroll through to find what you might have missed or your next great resource for marriage.
This Month on the Blog
I’m back to blogging twice a week in most weeks! Let’s hope I can continue.
- Is Abstinence Before Marriage the Right Goal?
Should Christian focus on making sure we refrain from sex before marriage? Or is there a different, higher goal we should pursue? - “But What About…?”: Challenges to the Church’s Ban on Premarital Sex
We look at some exceptions to the marriage-then-sex sequence in Scripture and whether the typical biblical example still applies. - What Does the Bible Say About Premarital Sex?
Is premarital sex wrong, or is that an outdated notion? What does the Bible really say about premarital sex? Let’s talk about it. - Why I’ve Never Told a Reader to Seek Divorce
Is divorce an option for believers? Should it be? Here’s why I haven’t personally told a reader to get a divorce. - Want Your Marriage to Thrive?
Wouldn’t it be great if your marriage wasn’t just surviving but thriving? Learn how to help your marriage thrive with a free upcoming event! - My One Word for 2022 (and What It Means for My Ministry)I never remember who thought up choosing a single word to guide your year. But the idea appeals to me—and many others—and I’ve done it several years in a row. Sometimes the word I choose really does help steer my decisions throughout the year, and other times I forget the word by, say, March. Last year, …
My One Word for 2022 (and What It Means for My Ministry) Read More »
- What Has Broken Your Heart, and Where Can You Find Hope?
J shares about three rough seasons of her life, including the last two years—how they broke her heart and where hope can be found.
From Sex Chat for Christian Wives Podcast
- Episode 108: Prioritizing Sex – Sex Chat for Christian Wives
- Episode 109: Your Sexual Self – Sex Chat for Christian Wives
From Knowing Her Sexually Podcast
- Episode 32: What Does Your Wife Need Before You Enter?
- Episode 33: When Sex Hurts Her – Knowing Her Sexually
My Post at KHS Ministry
Click the image below to read.
A Few Great Reads Elsewhere
- Wow. Gary Thomas nailed it with this one! An Incompatible Marriage that Glorifies God | Gary Thomas. “What if, instead of telling everyone how good we have it at home, we honestly testified that it is God’s grace alone that keeps us together?”
- I keep sharing posts from Chris Taylor, but she’s been writing some great stuff. This one I totally relate to and appreciate! It’s “real advice from real Christian wives who suffer from chronic illness or pain.” Sex Advice for Wives with Chronic Illness – Honeycomb & Spice
Recommended Resources & Products
I recently attended my best friend’s son’s wedding! What a wonderful experience, since I’ve known that kid since he was two years old and now he’s grown, married, and thriving.
But it brought to mind that I want to put together a resource list for newlyweds. I’ll work on that, but in the meantime, did you know that I have quick tips for the wedding night? Add your choice to the shower or wedding gift with a wink and a smile. Help a couple start out right!
What J’s Up to These Days
- In 2010, I got breast implants, and this past month, I got them removed. Based on my recovery, explant was the right choice for my health going forward. You can read more about my reasons here: Are Breast Implants Bad for You? Now I don’t believe that implants, breast or otherwise, are necessarily bad, but we should inform patients better and screen candidates for immune issues that could cause problems later on. Anyway, I’m feeling much better!
- Now that I’m healthy again, I’m eager to travel more! Wanna invite me to speak in 2022? Check out my speaking page and/or shoot me an email.
Biblical Inspiration for the Coming Month
After the Last Supper, Jesus told His closest followers, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35). We believe Jesus’s command applies to Christian community today.
What if it’s true of marriage as well? That is, what would people conclude about our discipleship to Christ based on our marriage?
What would people conclude about our discipleship to Christ based on our #marriage? @hotholyhumorous Click To TweetWhen I think deeply about this, I’m more aware of all the times I don’t treat my husband the way I should. I consider all the opportunities I miss to show him kindness, respect, affection, and covenant love. I ask God to intervene and prompt me to do better.
Not only will my marriage reap the benefits of sowing such good seed in our relationship, but my marriage then becomes a larger witness to the world of what I believe about righteousness, redemption, and love.
What about your marriage?
Another great selection of resources. Thank you.
J– is there any way you can round up some resources for those of us struggling with men with porn addictions? I am realizing after a year of new marriage and needed counseling in this year that the rarely there sex drive on my husband isn’t so much an actually low sex drive or potentially a hormonal issue but a still recovering porn addiction issue. It’s hard to be rejected by my husband frequently but even harder to hear that most days he’s fighting not to look at others while my naked body only occasionally earns a second glance. Looking forward to my honeymoon and getting very little sex and then this has not only shattered the hopes of prayers I’ve had but also the intimacy between us. My husband isn’t to a place where he can really say he has a porn addiction because it’s not active which makes this road even more incredibly difficult.
I’ve read more and more studies that are finding more lower drive young men have porn issues more than anything else. A list of resources to help us women in the crossfire would be so appreciated.
HUGS. What a hard journey! Praying for you. And yes, I can round up some resources on that. Thanks for the suggestion!
I deeply feel for you and know that this is a difficult place to be. I don’t have answers, but I will pray to the one who does have answers. God wants so much more for your marriage and He can bring healing. I also pray that J will have God’s wisdom in sharing resources.