Evaluate Your Physical Intimacy (Week 14)

January 22, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Filed under: 50 fridays, Marriage

It’s you I like,
It’s not the things you wear.
It’s not the way you do your hair,
But it’s you I like.
The way you are right now
The way down deep inside you
Not the things that hide you
Not your diplomas…
They’re just beside you.
But it’s you I like,
Every part of you,
Your skin, your eyes, your feelings,
Whether old or new.
I hope that you’ll remember
Even when you’re feeling blue,
That it’s you I like,
It’s you yourself, it’s you
It’s you I like!
- Mr. Rogers

Evaluate your physical intimacy. Where are you satisfied? Where would you like to see change?

When you saw this week’s question, what came to your mind? For many men, the first thought was “Finally! A question about sex!” But today’s question is broader than just the topic of sex. The question today invites each couple to talk about physical intimacy (don’t worry men, there will be some specific questions about sexual intimacy soon).

Physical intimacy certainly includes sexual intimacy, but it includes so much more – hand holding, hugs, sitting close to each other on the couch, foot rubs, massages, tender kisses, cuddling and so much more. It’s the things that most of us did naturally when we were dating. And yet over time, it’s easy to stop doing those things and then we miss out on some special and tender moments together. Often it’s these simple things that communicate not only our love for our spouse, but also how much we like and enjoy being with our spouse.

There’s a great benefit in evaluating your physical intimacy. There’s even a greater benefit in enjoying it together. Look for some specific ways this week that you can grow in this important area of marital intimacy.

Jeff Helton
Marriage and Family Pastor
+ Fellowship Bible Church
+ 50 Fridays Challenge

Every part of yo

Tags: love, physical intimacy, sex

How will you use the 50 Fridays Challenge each week? (Week 1)

October 8, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Filed under: 50 fridays, Marriage

A marriage in which each person brings ideas, attitudes and approaches—even to the point of creating disagreements—is a marriage that will build on the best that both partners have to offer. -Neil Clark Warren

Over the past few weeks many of us have said “yes” to taking the 50 Fridays Challenge. In doing so, we are declaring our desire to grow our marriages in spiritual, emotional and physical intimacy. We are committing to a weekly, intentional time to proactively engage about our marriages.

Today’s question should lead you to think through your expectations for these weekly emails. Take some time together this week to discuss how you will use each week’s question. For example:

When will you discuss the question? (Bedtime might not be a good idea!)
Where will you discuss the question? (Let me recommend face-to-face, not over the phone or email.)
Who will be responsible for initiating that time? (Husbands, this is a great opportunity for us!)
How will you decide who answers the question first?
Will you commit to spend some time praying with each other at the end of the discussion?
What will you do when one of the questions creates some tension?
Would this be a good time to start a journal together?

Don’t use any of these questions to create pressure. There’s not a right or wrong way to do this. What works for your marriage is what matters. Remember, the purpose of the challenge is to encourage dialogue together about your relationship. Have fun with this!

Jeff Helton
Marriage and Family Pastor
+ Fellowship Bible Church
+ 50 Fridays Challenge

Tags: emotional intimacy, physical intimacy, spiritual intimacy