Friday’s post was a little serious, so today’s HAD TO be a little lighter…

As you know, a few weeks ago, we introduced a new resource, Tastefully Illustrated Sexual Positions For Christian Couples.

It includes well over a hundred different positions, so, I know that the premise of the following question (not from one of our readers/visitors) is false.

If the person in the video is you (after you get a shave and ditch the prison issue garb), I suggest that you buy your wife some flowers and work on your persuasion skills!

Posted: March 10th, 2008 under Christian Sex, Christian Marriage, Christian Romance, Kama Sutra, Sex Positions.
Comments: 1

This week’s edition of “The Christian Marriage Secrets Newsletter is now posted HERE.

Posted: March 6th, 2008 under Christian Sex, Christian Marriage, Christian Romance.
Comments: none

One of the predictable downsides of any “holiday” is that the pressure to fulfill our own (and society’s) expectations for the holiday turns something potentially positive into a negative.

And, Valentine’s Day is no different…

In addition to the wonderful stories that we received about how Valentine’s Day was an opportunity for many couples to express their love for each other, we also received quite a few emails from people that found the whole “Valentine’s Day thing” to be a painful experience.

They experienced pain because their reality during this “romantic holiday” was far from what they had hoped and wished for.

If they were single, they longed for the love that “everyone else” was (supposedly) experiencing.

If they were married, their spouse’s actions (or lack of actions) during this holiday left them feeling somewhat disappointed and depressed.

Overall, the feeling that was most expressed was of loneliness.

Feeling “alone” is one of the toughest emotions to deal with.

And, as Christians, we sometimes exasperate this problem because we (wrongly) give too much weight to the emotional “feelings” that surround loneliness.

We believe that our feeling of being alone means that we ARE alone.

For those of you that are dealing with feeling alone right now, we want to encourage you by reminding you that you are never alone…no matter how you “feel” right now.

One of the most beautiful parts of the Christ story is that Jesus experienced EVERYTHING that we, as humans, experience.

And, this includes loneliness.

On the cross, Jesus screams, “Why have you forsaken me?” In Scriptures, forsaken is the word that means abandoned, deserted, left behind. (Matthew 27:46).

Jesus also faced feeling loneliness.

But, we know that God did not abandon Jesus. And, he has not abandoned you.

In fact, one of the clearest and most repeated themes that Jesus expresses is that we are never alone…because he will is always with us.

In Hebrews 13:5, he says, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU.”

Once saved, we are always his (John 10:28-29).

The God of the universe has made his home in our very hearts (John 14:23).

As are shepherd, he will never leave his sheep (Psalm 23:4).

The real “trick” is to consciously IGNORE your feelings in this matter.

God is with you. You are NOT alone…no matter how you “feel.”

One of my daughter’s favorite Christian bands is a group called “Barlow Girl.”

One of their songs deals with this issue in a very powerful way. It is called, “Never Alone.”

In my opinion, it expresses a mature and faithful way for us to deal with feeling alone. It basically says, “no matter how I feel, I know God is with me.”

The lyrics are…

I waited for you today
But you didn’t show
No no no
I needed You today
So where did You go?
You told me to call
Said You’d be there
And though I haven’t seen You
Are You still there?

[Chorus:]
I cried out with no reply
And I can’t feel You by my side
So I’ll hold tight to what I know
You’re here and I”m never alone

And though I cannot see You
And I can’t explain why
Such a deep, deep reassurance
You’ve placed in my life

We cannot separate
‘Cause You’re part of me
And though You’re invisible
I’ll trust the unseen

I encourage you to trust God that he is with you…no matter how my may be feeling.

The video is below.

Posted: February 18th, 2008 under Uncategorized, Christian Romance, Christian Culture.
Comments: none

With this week being Valentine’s week, we have talked much about communicating our love for our spouse.

Many of you tried Romantic Printables, Instant Sexy Letters or 101 Great Love Letters.

And, if you are currently in “the dog house” over your romantic performance (or lack thereof) yesterday, it’s not too late.

Sometimes, it is best to keep it simple.

Like the song below, just tell your spouse, “I wanna grow old with you.”

You might not want to use the EXACT words below, but you can communicate the gist and score some big points!

Use the lyrics.

Have a great weekend!

-Robert & Susan

The lyrics to “I Wanna Grow Old With You”…

I wanna make you smile whenever you’re sad
Carry you around when your arthritis is bad
All I wanna do is grow old with you

I’ll get your medicine when your tummy aches
Build you a fire if the furnace breaks
Oh it could be so nice, growing old with you

I’ll miss you
Kiss you
Give you my coat when you are cold

Need you
Feed you
Even let ya hold the remote control

So let me do the dishes in our kitchen sink
Put you to bed if you’ve had too much to drink
I could be the man who grows old with you
I wanna grow old with you

Also, enjoy the video. It’s one of our favorites.

Posted: February 15th, 2008 under Christian Marriage, Christian Romance.
Comments: none

The Valentine’s Day edition of the Christian Marriage Secrets Newsletter is now posted here.

Posted: February 13th, 2008 under Christian Sex, Christian Marriage, Christian Romance.
Comments: none

The clock is ticking…

Only two days until Valentine’s Day…

So, I thought I’d try to help by posting the following article by Larry Barkdull, “How To Write The Perfect Love Letter.”

If, after reading his article, you still need some help, check out Instant Sexy Letters. They are very popular with our readers.

How to Write the Perfect Love Letter

by Larry Barkdull, Award-Winning, Nationally Recognized Writer

Maybe your heart is beating wildly or maybe it is broken. Either way, you wish you could say what you feel, but every time you try, you come up short. Welcome to the complicated world of love! Take comfort in knowing that poets and statesmen have struggled with the same question–”How do I write the perfect love letter?” Here are some simple guidelines that can help.

1. Presentation. Use beautiful stationery (a neutral, soft color, such as cream or white) and a flair pen with black or brown ink–no blues, greens or reds! Remember, your Love Letter is being written to someone special. Hand-written letters are best. This is personal–you are not writing a business letter!

2. Ambience. Go to a secluded place and put on soft, romantic music. A quiet room would be nice. Dim the lights. Stimulate a romantic mood.

3. Keepsake. Date your Love Letter (month, day, year). This is a letter that will be treasured and remembered. You can bet that it will be read over and over and safeguarded in a special place.

4. Greeting. Choose an endearing salutation. Don’t be formal. Use you love’s first name. For example: “My dearest Jennifer . . .” or “My darling Matt . . .”

5. Beginning. Start your Love Letter by telling your beloved your reasons for writing. For instance: “I have lain awake many sleepless nights trying to compose words that might adequately describe the feelings of my heart. But every time I have made the attempt, I have failed miserably. Please forgive my poor effort and accept a trite and simple phrase: I love you. I think I can say it no better than that . . . .” Never insult your beloved’s feelings or belittle yourself by saying something like: “I know you probably don’t feel this way,” or “You must think I’m crazy.” If you are timid in your Love Letter, your attempt at conveying heartfelt words will fall flat and might be misunderstood.

6. Body. The body of the Love Letter should include reasons for why you fell in love. Here are some ideas:

* recall when you fell in love with him/her
* explain how your life has changed for the better
* describe how much you miss your love when you’re apart
* explain that you can’t imagine life without him/her
* list some of the many things you have in common
* tell how wonderful and complete he/she makes you feel
* recall some special moments you’ve shared together
* mention times you’ve picked him/her out of a crowd
* list qualities that set him/her apart from everyone else

Avoid being casual, too light-hearted, or openly erotic. A Love Letter is a letter of respect that coveys deep, difficult-to-express feelings. Don’t discount the impact of poetry in place of, or in addition to, your words. Maybe your beloved has a favorite author or poet. It will be seen as a compliment if you take the time to quote someone he/she admires. Be sure to give proper credit where it’s due. Don’t forget the Internet is a great place to find that poem or song you are trying to quote!

Be real. Your Love Letter should be a carefully crafted work of art, but it also needs to sound sincere. You want your Love Letter to make your beloved fall in love, not fall into laughter. Be confident as you express your emotions, dreams, and vulnerability.

NOTE: don’t expect your first attempt will be the letter you send. Practice on scrap paper before you start writing on your good stationery. REVISE, then leave it for a few hours, then return and revise it again. Read it again in the morning before you send it. You’ll improve it, as well as have fewer regrets–guaranteed!

7. Closing. End your Love Letter with carefully worded prose: “There, I have said it. I can rest now. And as I dream, I will dream of you.” Make your closing upbeat and positive.

8. Valediction. Don’t just end with: “Love, Eric.” Even if you said, “All my love,” it would be better. You become even more romantic by writing something like: “Dream of me, my love . . . .” What you want is a simple, yet heartfelt goodbye: “With undying love,” or “Forever yours.” Remember, you may think this is too sappy, but your loved one will treasure each word. Be prepared to have it quoted to you in years to come.

9. Insert. Include a special extra: petals from a flower, sprinkles of stars, a teabag of your favorite tea . . . . You get the idea. That little extra effort means you really put some thought (and heart) into this.

10. Neatness counts. Gently fold the Love Letter and place it in a neatly addressed envelope–hopefully, one that matches your stationery. The correct way is to fold a small stationery sheet (or sheets) in half with the text on the inside. Place the letter in the envelope with the crease at the bottom and the salutation facing the back. Hand address the envelope. Remember what your elementary teacher taught you about penmanship–make sure your love is able to read your writing! Add a stamp that looks romantic–the Garden Bouquet stamps are nice–and affix it upside down. It is a custom that means, “I love you.” Drop the letter in the mail. That’s it! Expect an emotional response. And here’s another tip: buy some breath mints–you’ll need them!

11. Be expressive. Here are some popular words to use in your Love Letter: angel, angelic, lover, giving, alluring, tempting, sensual, sensuality, seeing, tasting, touching, holding, caressing, memories, memorable, darling, gorgeous, absence, velvet, voyage, beautiful, vision, elation, blossoms, happy, kisses, innocent, passion, dreaming, delirious, temptation, complete, desire, content, embrace, rainbow, rose, adoring, stars, privileged, heart.

Posted: February 12th, 2008 under Christian Marriage, Christian Romance.
Comments: none

Christianity Today posted the following “Ways To Love Your Lover.”…

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I thought you might find them helpful.

And, if you are looking for additional Romantic Ideas, check out our Christian Romance Resources.

33 Ways to Love Your Lover

1. At the movies, share the armrest.

2. Save the last cookie or last piece of cake for your spouse.

3. Don’t hog all the Jeopardy questions on TV.
—Jim and Candace Walters; El Cajon, California

4. Squeeze toothpaste on your partner’s toothbrush when you’re doing your own.

5. Get your spouse’s pajamas out and lay them on the bed.
—Jodie, Joel and baby Caleb Haberstock; Vernon, British Columbia

6. Leave a favorite snack on the seat of your spouse’s car.

7. Compliment your mate in front of friends or family.

8. Light a candle in the bedroom.
—Michele Smither; Rochester, Michigan

9. Put down everything to greet your spouse at the end of the day.

10. Fill the gas tank in your mate’s car—as a surprise.

11. Light candles with dinner.
—Julie Jones and Greg Rohde; St. Louis, Missouri

12. Make a snack for both of you before bedtime.

13. Turn your socks right-side out before throwing them in the hamper.
—Betty Arthurs; Tempe, Arizona

14. Be adventurous—meet for lunch at an ethnic restaurant you’ve never tried.

15. Choose a novel, then read it out loud to each other in the evenings.

16. Rent a movie you watched during your courtship days.
—Donna and Ernie Siefert; Winfield, Illinois

17. Buy an “I Love You” card and mail it to your spouse at work.

18. Make plans to re-create your first date.

19. When the dryer buzzes, instead of looking at your mate, volunteer to fold the clothes.
—Wayne Goff; Kansas City, Missouri

20. When one of you is indoors and the other outside, knock on the window and blow a kiss.

21. Don’t put away stuff your spouse might want left out.

22. When you’re finished driving, put the seat back to your mate’s preferred position.
—Amanda Brailsford-Urbina and Gerardo Urbina; Dearborn, Michigan

23. Hold hands instead of holding the remote control.
—Conley J. Mercer; via e-mail

24. On cold mornings, go ahead and bring in the newspaper.

25. Kiss at stoplights.
—Mike and Lesley Steenbergen; Garden Grove, California

26. Hide love notes around the house where your spouse will find them.

27. When you disagree, always acknowledge the possibility that you could be wrong.

28. When stopping for gas while traveling, buy a treat for your partner without buying anything for yourself.
—Russell and Cynthia Atherton; via e-mail

29. Next time you shop for clothes, let your spouse vote on an outfit.

30. Get involved in a new ministry together.
—Karen and Bruce Anderson; Spokane, Washington

31. Shower together and wash your spouse’s back.

32. When your mate lies down on the couch, get him or her a pillow.

33. Get to know your in-laws.

Posted: February 11th, 2008 under Christian Sex, Christian Marriage, Christian Romance.
Comments: none

A great cheap (or free!) idea for Valentine’s Day…

Make a “Love Coupon Book.”

Coupons are fun, inexpensive, easy to make, and just as much fun to give as
to receive! You can be as creative or simple as you desire, and still have a
wonderful gift to give to each other. For more ideas read on…

Love coupon books are a perfect birthday, anniversary or special occasion
present. Or you can give one just because! If you are considering creating your
own love coupon consider these tips.

- Make a series of theme coupon books. For example, during summer create coupons
that are perfect for that season. Or, if your partner especially enjoys a
certain thing like sports or relaxing, create coupons good for those things.

- Coupons should be something you will enjoy doing for your partner. Don’t
create one that you won’t fulfill.

- Think about your partner’s desires when creating your coupons. If they work a
lot, give them coupons that will give them time to relax.

- Have fun with your coupons. Some of the best coupons involve fun, spontaneous
acts such as, 2 minutes of tickling or 3 rounds of thumb wrestling. This not
only gives your partner ideas of ways to spend time with you, but shows how easy
it is to be romantic and in love.

- Presentation is everything. The more quality time you spend on this activity
the better your results will be. Make use of free romantic clip art or use
Romantic
Printables.

- Laminating your coupons will keep them in an excellent condition so you can
continue to use them. A perfect example of this is when your partner redeems
their coupon, you then get to give it to them to redeem at a later date.

Ideas for coupons…

- One free car wash
- A romantic dinner for two
- A chocolate splurge
- A 5 minute, knock-you-off-your-feet kiss
- A night of stargazing
- One hour of uninterrupted free time
- 30 minutes of cuddles
- A movie date to any movie of your choice
- A romantic candlelit bath for two
- A night of romantic pampering
- A weekend getaway
- A free wish
- A quickie
- A romantic rendezvous of your choice
- A night at home of kissin’ and lovin’
- A romantic picnic for two anytime, anywhere
- An afternoon of getting to know each other again
- A day of games and fun
- An intimate fantasy
- A session of truth or dare
- One evening of dancing
- Shower for two
- A one hour massage
- Dessert for two
- Breakfast in bed
- An evening of uninterrupted conversation
- One escorted date to a restaurant of your choice
- One big bear hug
- One evening treated like royalty
- 24 hours of no arguments - no matter what!
- Champagne in bed…
- One kiss and make-up session
- Personal servant for one day
- One late night craving delivered
- Your choice of one household chore completed
- One bedtime story
- One breakfast date
- One coffee break
- One revealing fact: My biggest dream
- One revealing fact: What I love most about you
- One revealing fact: My deepest desire
- One cultural event
- One evening listening to romantic music
- One shopping spree
- One body painting session
- One morning of rest
- One semi-formal date
- One night out on the town
- One picnic in the park
- One get out of the doghouse free
- Free access to the remote for one night
- One evening out with the guys/girls
- One perfect date
- A hotel room with room service

You can find more ideas and a complete (and cheap) package of printable
coupons, like the ones above, at
Romantic
Printables.

Posted: February 6th, 2008 under Christian Marriage, Christian Romance.
Comments: none

Below is a cute video that shows the power of the written word.

With Valentine’s Day coming up soon, you might want to make your own impact with some well-written words.

If you need some help getting started, you might want to check out Instant Sexy Letters. Many of our readers have found this resource to be the perfect way to impress their spouse with the written word…customizable love letters.

Enjoy the video…

Posted: February 4th, 2008 under Christian Marriage, Christian Romance.
Comments: none

The “Christian Marriage Secrets Newsletter” for January 24th, 2008 is posted HERE.

Posted: January 24th, 2008 under Christian Sex Advice, Christian Marriage, Christian Romance.
Comments: none