Hello Friends!  (Lesson 11)

This week in our Family 300 class, we learned about intimacy and fidelity in marriage; I am going to breach my typical level of comfort and share openly some of our readings from the lesson. Following the example of one of the authors we read from this week, I am going with the teaching that we can speak reverently and respectfully regarding intimacy and fidelity. As the mother of an older teen, I know that it is important to speak frankly to him in regards of what to expect later in life. I am thankful for the resources we were given this week to help me in that quest and in my personal quest to be a responsive spouse.

Following is a quote from our reading: “In our spiritual lives, we are counseled to return to the temple often after we have received our personal temple blessings to give of ourselves in service to others and be reminded of the great and powerful meanings of the standards that we have committed ourselves to live. Likewise, in our marital lives, a frequent return as a couple to the union of sexual intimacy makes it possible to give of ourselves in service to each other and be reminded of the commitment we have made to unity and fidelity and love to our marital companion. What a powerful blessing this can be to a marriage relationship! And so, how disappointing it is when couples allow themselves to drift from seeking solutions in this area of marriage or fail to recognize that their inhibitions may be robbing them of marital blessings" (Brotherson, S.E. (2003). www.meridianmagazine.com) (Links to an external site.).

How important is it to discuss sexual issues, expectations, and desires in our marriage? One of the authors we read from this week describes these conversations as important as conversations regarding finances, recreation, and daily goals. As spouses take the time and energy to really talk and counsel about intimacy, they will usually grow closer in having a shared understanding as well as talking through possible moments of misunderstanding. Our loving Father in heaven commanded Father Adam and Mother Eve to multiply and replenish the earth; He likewise asks the same of us in these days. He expects that we will love and care for one another and that we will teach our children to respect the sanctity of marriage (as taught in "The Family: A Proclamation to the World").

May we each be blessed as we strive to improve our marriages and keep our covenants, whether they be for time or for time and eternity as set forth in temples of the Lord. 

With love,

Katie