tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post4114698594720701673..comments2023-11-02T10:26:12.388-04:00Comments on Rachel Olsen: About the Shulammite WomanRachel Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14666181671944102358noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-67923420511117491762008-04-27T17:47:00.000-04:002008-04-27T17:47:00.000-04:00This book of scripture makes me so incredibly sad....This book of scripture makes me so incredibly sad...it is so beautiful and it is how God designed men and women to be together. When you have sex outside of a covenant marriage it is so messed up and it messes up the people involved so badly. <BR/><BR/>I lost my virginity when I was a teenager--thought it was no big deal. My mother who raised me on her own was not a Christian, in fact she was the complete opposite--so I was not raised to put any real value on my maidenhood. I married--I divorced--I married--I divorced--I married--I divorced--I was so looking for love in all the wrong places--just like every other young girl who does not have a good relationship with her father--but that's a whole 'nother subject!<BR/><BR/>My husband and I got married because we were living together I knew we could not keep praying for the Lord to bless us (after I came to know Him 12 years ago) when we were living in sin. Not because my husband had some undying love for me. We did not have sex on our wedding night and have only had it about 3 times those first 2 years of marriage. We have not had anything even remotely similar to sex in 10 years and what's equally sad is the fact that when did have sex after we were married it was so, so wonderful--way better than it was before we were married! <BR/><BR/>My love language (for those of you who have read Gary Smalley's, Five Love Languages) is physical touch. So, to me I feel like Tom Hanks looked in Castaway!!!<BR/><BR/>So, this book just breaks my heart because I know that this is what God would want for our marriage just as much as He wanted it for the Shulammite Woman and Soloman. <BR/><BR/>Becky, you were right when you said that when you and your husband have gone too long without having sex you start snipping at each other--it seems to be to oil that allows two people to get along smoothly. Little things don't matter so much. My husband and I are like two porcupines every little thing sets us off. I read this book and I remember what it is supposed to be and it breaks my heart. Believe me 10 years is a long time--it's another one of those things in my life that needs the miraculous hand of God.<BR/><BR/>I tried to teach my daughter to value herself and to save herself for her husband--so she would truly know what it is to be loved and cared for--just like the Shulammite Woman. But, she didn't believe it was true and she gave her most prized possession away and now she's going to be a teen mom. This breaks my heart so terribly I can't hardly bear it.....<BR/><BR/>Gwendolyn<BR/><BR/>I do know that ultimately the relationship I have with Jesus is the most important and I know He loves me like no one else ever can or will.Gwendolynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00119866036123673478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-89436280269454884562008-04-23T22:57:00.000-04:002008-04-23T22:57:00.000-04:00this is just a reminder of why i've given my body ...this is just a reminder of why i've given my body back to the Lord after 38 years. I'm so excited to share this w/my future husband & watch God's hand take over our life together.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-77841803507470451782008-04-21T07:15:00.000-04:002008-04-21T07:15:00.000-04:00I'm not sure anyone will even read this because I ...I'm not sure anyone will even read this because I don't know if I should post here regarding this or post on the newest blog, but here it goes anyway....At the retreat I was at this weekend, we learned about certain places in the Bible where the term "to lay with" or "to know" is it's Hebrew translation is "yada" which means to know, to be known. We also saw about verses that use the word "sakab" which in hebrew means the exchange of bodily fluids. This is a term God uses for sex that is not in His image. The verses we read today discuss the "Yada" kind which means that God wants to know us, to have us know him. Reading the Hebrew translation can add so much depth to a Bible study. Dannah Gresh was the speaker at the retreat, and she was totally great.tatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16073791307201286013noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-65375746619041725302008-04-18T17:33:00.000-04:002008-04-18T17:33:00.000-04:00These passages have always made me sad...tears eve...These passages have always made me sad...tears even now. I always WANTED this passion but my husband has so little interest. I've spent years wondering what's wrong with me that he doesn't adore me. In earlier days we were ok, but life just went awry, I guess. I have held in here, raised the 2 kids and am still here. But no, we don't share love in our later years and we tread lightly to get along. Much fault was mine and mostly I got frustrated in his lack of leadership, unfinished projects, laziness...that I kept to myself and lost the love.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-83342605339080585352008-04-18T16:12:00.000-04:002008-04-18T16:12:00.000-04:00I read it.I read it.mdcarterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09170205028513538778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-86593422820290537882008-04-18T11:13:00.000-04:002008-04-18T11:13:00.000-04:00I agree with the last anonymous.My praises to Josi...I agree with the last anonymous.<BR/><BR/>My praises to Josie for being a true vessel of God's love and I commend you for that. You will indeed be blessed with many crowns in Heaven.Paula Vhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-89275455611086953352008-04-18T11:03:00.000-04:002008-04-18T11:03:00.000-04:00I think I have read most if not all the comments ...I think I have read most if not all the comments and I was especially touched by the comments that Josie made.<BR/><BR/>Thank you for your beautiful insight and being an example to your husband to what true love is all about! And the beauty of a greater love with Jesus!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-81299653580578105342008-04-18T08:15:00.000-04:002008-04-18T08:15:00.000-04:00When we first started this study I was having trou...When we first started this study I was having trouble posting. Now I am able to, and it is such a joy to read what everyone else has to say.<BR/>Lynn, thank you for the resources for youth. We are taking 18 teenagers tonight to a pure freedom retreat (it's hosted by Bob and Dannah Grecsh, and it's focus is teaching the teens to have lives of integrity and remain pure in all areas of their lives, focusing on sexual integrity). Please pray that God will move in a mighty way in the lives of these teenagers. Pray for the adults going that they would be comfortable in talking and would develop a mentor relationship with these teens.<BR/>Becky, you're not young and naive. It sounds like you have found the man God has intended for you. As a young person in college I was so in love with my now husband. People thought we were young, naive, unrealistic. I'm glad to prove them wrong, as we just celebrated our 11 year anniversary and are still ever so much in love and the "D" word isn't even in our vocabulary. <BR/><BR/>I also agree with the woman (sorry, I forget who it was) who said about her and her husband being snippy with one another if too much time has gone psat without having sex. My husband and I are exactly the same way. We don't even realize what we are doing, and then a light bulb will go off, and we realize we need intimate time. (Kind of hard with a 4 year old, 7 year old, leading a youth group, having jobs etc...but it is every so necessary in order to have the relationship God wants for us.)<BR/><BR/>Sorry to blab on and on, but I guess that is what this is for. Thanks for reading! Love and prayers to all who are participating in this study.tatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16073791307201286013noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-84089277509526478782008-04-18T07:36:00.000-04:002008-04-18T07:36:00.000-04:00Have been sitting on the sideline enjoying the com...Have been sitting on the sideline enjoying the comments and trying to keep track of the prayer requests. It is a thrill to see comments from so many far places..........this book has always made me uncomfortable at times even tho knowing it's likening it to Christ's love for us as believers............Blessings & Joy! ClareAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-3075014569662040412008-04-18T07:29:00.000-04:002008-04-18T07:29:00.000-04:00Thanks, Rachel, for your insight and explanations,...Thanks, Rachel, for your insight and explanations, and for all of you who have certainly added more! I’ve read this book a number of times, but like so much else in the Bible, when I reread a passage again and pray over what I’m seeing, I find something new and applicable in my life. This time I was struck by how the Shulammite woman’s beauty was not inhibited by her dark skin. Her lover pursued and received her as she was—“dark, but beautiful,” and from a very different and lower state than his kingly position. Even in the harem situation she later probably found herself in, she was not forgotten and at her request, her husband rekindled the spirit of their initial passion. It’s a lovely story, full of love, passion, and pursuit, but in appropriate ways. We can thank the Lord it’s available in God’s Word! <BR/>I was also touched by her intense pursuit to find her husband when he came and she missed him. It even led to her being beaten and abused by the nightwatchmen! Although we don’t learn more about how she recuperated from that experience, she did go on to find her love… so we can assume that healing did come. May those of our group suffering realize, too, that the Lord is near and will bring healing to each in His way. Thanks for your open sharing and requests for continued prayer. You are included!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-55952051755692466262008-04-18T06:38:00.000-04:002008-04-18T06:38:00.000-04:00Hello Ladies, I'm late in posting, many things goi...Hello Ladies, I'm late in posting, many things going on in my life at this time. My husbands test have been rescheduled until next week 22 & 23 due to his being very ill with another UTI he is on IV antibiotics now, please remember him in prayer.<BR/><BR/>Now to the Shulamite Woman...My husband and I enjoyed a wonderful sex life together very fulfilling, very intimate and sweet...then 11 yrs ago he had a major stroke and brain surgery that left him totally paralyzed on his left side and mentally he is as a 5-8 year old, I still love him deeply and miss what we had. I believe this book is in the Bible to teach about intimacy in marriage...but...I also believe it shows Christ love for His bride the Church, (us).He is our bridegroom and He wants intimacy with each one of us, try inserting His name in this text, it isn't a sexual love you will feel but a very intimate love with your Saviour. Jesus is the head over all and our husbands are second under Him, I've learned to let Jesus be my husband over these past 11 yrs. He truly blesses my socks off, when I go to His word with an open heart and mind seeking intimacy with Him, He fulfills that need every time. The entire Bible is a love letter written to each one of us as believers, Jesus is choosing His church and we are sooooooooo blessed to be a part of it.<BR/><BR/>Matthew Henry's Bible Commentary explains this passage so well, I highly recommend reading it for further study helps.<BR/><BR/>Psalm 91:1 "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will abide under the shadow of the Almighty", I believe God's secret place is His heart and when this passage in Song of Solomon talks of "him lying all night between my breasts", where is our heart? Think of holding Christ in your heart and longing to drink in all of the love He has for you. No one could ever love you like Jesus.<BR/><BR/>As I go down this list of prayer request I lift each one of you to the Lord.<BR/><BR/>God Bless, JosieJosiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03896009573902139380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-14450752402853127452008-04-18T01:43:00.000-04:002008-04-18T01:43:00.000-04:00Has anyone given any thought to the awesome and ma...Has anyone given any thought to the awesome and magnificent power that God shows in everything He does. We live in a world where just about anything goes nowadays and alot of people are more concerned about keeping up with the Joneses, such as having the best car, the best house, the best brand name anything. They rush around trying to fill themselves up with "stuff." In the end, they still aren't fulfilled because that emptiness they're feeling cannot be filled up with material things, only God can fill that void.<BR/><BR/>Now I want to say that I tried doing that very same thing for alot of years and I can truthfully say that when I would make a purchase and bring it home, I still felt like something was missing. It took alot of unpleasant things taking place in my life over about a seven year period for me to finally take a assessment of my life and figure out that what I was doing and thinking was definitely not what God wanted for my life. It is not easy admitting that you have messed up, made some lousy choices and now here come those consequences.<BR/><BR/>I beat up on myself for a long time and even though I asked God to forgive me for many bad choices I made, I wasn't forgiving myself.<BR/><BR/>You might ask, what does this have to do with the Shulammite Woman? I read about her beautiful relationship between her and her husband and thought...wow, this is what God wants not only for my lfe, but for everyone. If we as a people would just hold on and ask God for wisdom and guidance in All we do, alot of the choices we make would have not been made. Again I would like to say...."we should pray first and get God's plan, not plan first and then pray for God to make our plan work."<BR/><BR/>He wants us to fall in love, perhaps get married. But most of all He wants sexual intimacy to be only for married couples and that's where alot of us have and will go wrong. What some think is love may be only lust. Satan is busy and sex without marriage is Satan's work. See how he takes something God has created for good and twists and distorts it. He is so slick and wicked.<BR/><BR/>I want what the Shulammite Woman has and I will have it when I keep my focus on Jesus and consult Him in all I do, but before I do it.<BR/><BR/>See what we have to look forward to? Of course they're some who are experiencing a beautiful relationship with their husbands or their boyfriends. I pray that we as a people get it together and instead of focusing on stuff, focus more on Jesus. He loves us and only wants the best for us. I thank God for Him because if I had to go through life without Him, I would be lost, forever lost.<BR/><BR/>Girls, I pray that all of us find the love that God has planned for us and accept no substitutes. Be blessed! Jo Ann/DenverJo Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00826719870549579464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-58587300847691616782008-04-18T00:53:00.000-04:002008-04-18T00:53:00.000-04:00God doesn't promise this kind of erotic, intimate,...God doesn't promise this kind of erotic, intimate, earthly love to everyone. He blesses many marriages with it, but it is not something everyone enjoys. However, God does promise to love his people with the same depth of love described here. We are his treasured one, his beloved and he delights in us just as these lovers delight in each other.<BR/><BR/>I am currently reading a book called " A Wife After God's Own Heart" by Elizabeth George. I thought it was interesting that the chapter I read today was entitled Enjoying Intimacy. <BR/><BR/>For those that need a change of heart and attitude in their sex life she gave a list of 7 things titled "Little Things That Make a Big Difference". <BR/><BR/>1. Take you calendar in hand and schedule sex!<BR/>2. Talk about sex with your husband.<BR/>3. Take time to prepare for sex.<BR/>4. Try to go to bed at the same time as your husband.<BR/>5. Tackle the excuse of "I'm too tired!"<BR/>6. Take care of yourself.<BR/>7. Take a short trip together <BR/><BR/>A marriage counselor was asked to create their Top-Five List of "most basic needs," time and time again husbands expressed that "#1" was "sexual fulfillment." And when wives were asked for the same information, sex did not appear at all on the Top-Five List!Sunshinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12624602262377139873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-7284754111934444102008-04-17T23:13:00.000-04:002008-04-17T23:13:00.000-04:00Even though it's late I am going to post I got beh...Even though it's late I am going to post I got behind with Esther but was able to get this reading in tonight. I have read all your comments and ask you to ponder this- I am single so what this story and your comments have meant to me is if we can't have intimacy with husbands, how can we have intimacy with God. This story also teaches God desires intimacy with us. remember the scripture how can you love God whom you have never seen but not your brother whom you have seen- paraphrased from memory. change the words How can I have intimacy with God whom I have never seen and not my husband who I do see.<BR/><BR/>Father God I lift up Ashley Marie to You for healing. You are a healer and we know and are trusting You for a negative report, for by your stripes we are healed. Father at Your Feet we place anonymous, L, Sweetpea. Tate, Sally asking that You will bless them according to Your Holy word. In Jesus Name we Pray.God Chaserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03083318015857052077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-53079798164436978702008-04-17T22:48:00.000-04:002008-04-17T22:48:00.000-04:00Fivedesigns (Donna),Welcome back! Glad to hear you...Fivedesigns (Donna),<BR/><BR/>Welcome back! Glad to hear you are OK. We've missed you and your comments that mean so much.<BR/><BR/>I imagine you have a lot of catching up to do. I don't remember if I told you to stop by my blog, Plant Lady's Ponderings and register for a drawing I'm doing - one of my apple gourd birdhouses to be announced on Sunday, May 18, 2008. It is described on the post, Apple Gourd Birdhouse.<BR/><BR/>Just post and let me know if you want to enter. I'll announce the winner and we can arrange for shipment at that time. <BR/><BR/>Everyone is invited to enter, so spread the word.<BR/><BR/>Blessings To You,<BR/>Plant LadyPlant Ladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08568211345190806277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-67727633938958392262008-04-17T18:21:00.000-04:002008-04-17T18:21:00.000-04:00Boy am I late!! My computer has been down for 4 da...Boy am I late!! My computer has been down for 4 days..I haven't been able to put anything on my blog..I know Sweatpea has been wondering if I'm alright too!! Well the enemy has been working on me and after this I am going to post a blog that has a lot to do with this posting..its amazing how the Lord gave me something to write about in conjunction with Song of Songs!!<BR/><BR/>I am amazed at what others are writing about..how they like it or not thrilled about it. Some don't understand it and others aren't sure why it's even in the Bible. Well first our Lord is our Beloved Bridegroom and we, the church, are represented as the Shulammite bride in this book of the Bible. There is actually so much to talk about but I chose to speak about this part. Our Father, our beloved has a passionate love for you. It's so intense that He gave up everything and left His heavenly home to walk and live among the sin of the world. He willingly suffered and poured out his blood for you and I on the cross. Think about it..if you were the one and only person on the earth for Jesus died for...He would do it all over again.. Praise God!!<BR/><BR/>Christs experience on the cross was the ultimate example of selflessness and the epitome of passion. Did you know that the word "passion" means to "endure and to suffer". The word itself has an overwhelming intensity of feeling, emotion, and affection. Jesus' passion was motivated by His deep devotion and obedience to the Father. They are one, aren't they? The Father's heart are His. <BR/><BR/>So now He desires an intimate relationship with His children, you and I. In order to become intimate, we have to trust. So many of us say, "It's hard to trust, I have been abandoned, my husband doesn't love me, or he abuses me" I've been there, I've been abused horribly and have been abandoned also by man. Think about it..Jesus was also abandoned and abused..on the cross, for you and I! Even though he was abandoned, abused, forgotten, and all the other things that happened..He would never leave you nor forsake you. Open your heart and let Him in on your most secret thoughts and failures. I wrote, on my blog, 2 postings ago, about going to the Father's feet and just sitting there to crave His love for you..you are accepted in the Beloved not matter what you have been through. He has plans for you to do good and not harm...he wants to prosper you in every way for the rest of your days..Jer 29:11<BR/><BR/>Jesus never had a thought or word that was out of the Father's will..that is His desire for us! Our Beloved is calling you to spend more time with Him..not just in Bible Study but in a more personal loving way..like it was written in Song of Songs. Is there so much oneness with you and Him that you can feel His heartbeat with yours? You know the scripture that says you can hear His voice in a small whisper..are you still enough to hear that?<BR/><BR/>Let us have that sweet fellowship with Him and chose to become close to Him...He will cleanse you as if you were in a stream..<BR/><BR/>Jesus, our Beloved, takes delight in us...everytime he looks into your eyes it makes His heart beat a little bit faster. So Ladies if you look at this book as a love story from Jesus to us it makes it so much better..I love Jesus...Jesus loves me...<BR/>Donnafivedesignshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10886733249754681528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-89956323607379031322008-04-17T17:35:00.000-04:002008-04-17T17:35:00.000-04:00I read the entire book but for some reason vs.4 in...I read the entire book but for some reason vs.4 in Chapter 1 just stood out to me:<BR/><BR/>"The king has brought me into his chambers."<BR/><BR/> My mind thought about the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Creator of the Universe, calls me into His chamber! He makes His love known to me and draws me close to Himself.<BR/><BR/>The physical love that we have with our husband is beautiful but the Holy, Holy, Spiritual and Pure Love that we have with the one who said, "Come boldly to the throne of grace" far excells the physical realm.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-91730388519754808552008-04-17T16:22:00.001-04:002008-04-17T16:22:00.001-04:00Thanks Rachel for your insights on this bible read...Thanks Rachel for your insights on this bible reading. I have read this book before but never understood all of it. You gave me a new understanding. Thank you. I am blessed to have a great husband and now that we are almost empty-nesters we are finding we each other again after all the busy-ness of raising children. I am so happy we still have a passion for each other after all these years.<BR/><BR/>I just wanted to let everyone who has shared their pain on this blog I am praying for you.<BR/><BR/>Deb - OhioDebhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03069975801025176656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-65015419046770017902008-04-17T16:22:00.000-04:002008-04-17T16:22:00.000-04:00This Bible study has been such a blessing to me in...This Bible study has been such a blessing to me in so many ways. It is bringing me closer to God, my husband and my children. It is releasing me from past hurts and wounds. It is increasing my faith. I find that I need this every day now and I look forward to being filled up with the Word of God.<BR/>Blessings to you all.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-44048979993643236632008-04-17T14:02:00.000-04:002008-04-17T14:02:00.000-04:00Hi ladies! I'm posting very late but I wanted to b...Hi ladies! I'm posting very late but I wanted to be sure to do so anyway. This bible study has been so good for me. I look forward to reading everyone's comments and prayer requests.<BR/> This has given me a great opportunity to learn more of God's word and it really helps to have different view points. This was a really great love story. The details and vivid descriptions are so beautiful. I'm glad that God created sex as a gift of love for us to share with our husbands.<BR/> I just want to say "Thank you!" to all of you that prayed for me and that I enjoy praying for all of you that have prayer requests.<BR/> Rachel, I pray that you will be greatly blessed for all that you do! I certainly feel blessed to be a part of this group of wonderful ladies learning God's word.IwanttobeGodlyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13939823384071650943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-1967175643774382272008-04-17T13:16:00.000-04:002008-04-17T13:16:00.000-04:00This Bible study has been so awesome to me. When ...This Bible study has been so awesome to me. When I read the chapters assigned God has helped me read with understanding and given me a desire to read more of His word. Rachel your comments always helps me to understand what I don't see. I believe this study<BR/>shows us God's love for Israel or Christ's love for His Church. God made man and woman from his rib as a helpmate. After the fall in to sin God told the woman she would have to bring children in to the world. In my opinion God also gave us a guide, in the Song of Songs, to pure love and sexual relationship between a husband and wife. How I wish I had learned that almost 46 years ago. I have a wonderful husband who has been very kind and considerate and helped me to become the wife I was supposed to be. Not that it was always perfect, nor that we did not<BR/>have our problems, but he always looked out for my pleasure as well as his. To God be the glory.<BR/><BR/>To all of you who have prayer requests don't give up God's not through with you yet. And with all these women praying, wow, the Throne of God is being bombarded. All of your prayers I believe will be answered.<BR/><BR/>I have started a blog and am still in the early stages of figuring out how it works. Please feel free to visit and if you have any suggestions I would appreciate them and your prayers that God will show me what I'm to do with this.<BR/><BR/>I still cannot figure out how to sign in using my Blogger account.<BR/>My website is litlal.blogspot.com<BR/>Alicee.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-90255626354866494932008-04-17T12:39:00.000-04:002008-04-17T12:39:00.000-04:00Hi Ladies...I'll have to say that I am encouraged ...Hi Ladies...<BR/><BR/>I'll have to say that I am encouraged by the intimacy described in this reading. I know it has helped to heat things up around my house!<BR/><BR/>That aside, I too, have read that this is a parable of Christ's love for Israel and the church. Someone mentioned how awkward that is with all the sexual connotation but I see it as totally, unashamed passion! God is more passionate about us than we can even imagine. He is, to quote my study Bible, "the true Lover of our souls". So... reading this passage as a wife, it helps me to understand the intensity of Christ's love for me. At first it was hard for me to separate the sexual aspects as I don't view my love for Christ that way- but the pictures painted through this "poetry" really helps me to accept that Christ's love for me is even more fulfilling than the intimacy I share with my husband. Does this make sense? <BR/><BR/>"Ising4him"... I appreciate your point of view. I don't think this Book excludes single people but rather is meant to stir each of our emotions (whether single or married) to a new height as we try to grasp the Love of God. For me, there are certain passages that I can relate to more now than perhaps I did in the past. Likewise, I'm sure there are other passages that I will better relate to at some other season of my life. <BR/><BR/>To all with prayer requests... You are lifted up... It is an honor to join so many sisters in prayer for all of you. May God Bless you with the desires of your heart.5SKIShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15251707209440632771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-64968477985186241442008-04-17T10:35:00.000-04:002008-04-17T10:35:00.000-04:00Hi all. I periodically listen to Marriage Today w...Hi all. I periodically listen to Marriage Today with Jimmy & Karen on the INSP channel...at least I listen if they happen to be on tv while I'm getting ready. So, today they were talking about sex in a marriage. Karen mentioned how she knew it was wrong for her to withhold sex from Jimmy. Jimmy talked about how it was wrong to approach Karen with a self-serving attitude. Karen expressed how when he did that, it made her desire it less but when he came with a servant attitude it made her feel wanted for herself and not just the gratification of the physical act. Jimmy said that when both partners go into the physical act with the attitude of servant and with the motivation to serve and please the other person then both come out fulfill. <BR/><BR/>I only wish I had learned this and listened to this couple during my marriage. I was so oblivious to the sin of saying "no" to my husband and denying him because of no desire, tired, no time, whatever. I remember when I first heard of this new perspective last year and I really believe if I had gone into it with a desire to solely please him, then in return I too would be pleased even though I was tired, exhausted or whatever. <BR/>Their website is marriagetoday.org.<BR/><BR/>I strongly encourage married couples to visit this site.Paula Vhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-12744647771671009722008-04-17T00:34:00.000-04:002008-04-17T00:34:00.000-04:00Ladies, I so enjoy reading about you and praying f...Ladies, I so enjoy reading about you and praying for you as I read. I look forward to the times I can get online and "catch up" on the latest news and prayer requests. Rachel, it amazes me how your insight really opens up the Word. I never would have understood that passage without your interpretation.<BR/><BR/>I agree that the physical relationship is so very important to the health of a marriage. I have been married almost 19 years now and my husband and I are on an uphill cycle after some bumpy times. He is a wonderful husband, father and provider and I am very fortunate to have him in my life. We are about to enter a new phase of life as our daughter will graduate next month and head off to college soon. Fortunately, we have an 8th grade son who will be going to high school next year. It's difficult to have one 'leave the nest' - so I would appreciate prayers as well!<BR/><BR/>Blessings to you all!<BR/><BR/>Sally from TexasSallyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05256381666931231472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-28564477207816492462008-04-16T23:36:00.000-04:002008-04-16T23:36:00.000-04:00I have never read this book before so it was an ey...I have never read this book before so it was an eye opener for me. I know that this is the type of relationship God wants for us married couples and for the ones that are not married yet, this is the type of relationship He wants for you and your future groom to have. How amazing is that? <BR/><BR/>I was feeling convicted last month about always saying no or making excuses because I am always so tired by the end of the day with 2 kiddos.( 15 month and 4 yr old). I knew it wasn't right and not fair to my husband so I started to pray and ask God to change my way of thinking and to make me "want" that part of my marriage again. Ladies, He answers prayers. I really have to work on it and I still pray that he continues to help me make that special time for my husband and share what He intended for us to share. <BR/><BR/>All of the requests are being lifted up. Stay strong in the Lord!<BR/> <BR/>Blessings ~ Christi in TXAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com