I’m a member of Mothers of Preschoolers (aka MOPs). One of the recent topics was intimacy in the marriage and how to keep it hot after kids. I’m sure everyone with kids can relate to the weariness that follows. Anyway, I happened to miss this particular meeting but the girl who took notes for me sent them along and added was a book, Sheet Music: Uncovering Secrets of Sexual Intimacy in Marriage.

I, of course, googled and read the description. There is always room for improvement in this area in our marriage (isn’t there in everyones?) so I thought why not. My Pastor is so good about reminding us to watch what we are reading/watching/etc, because so often even “Christian” books can get into some trouble. But, after praying, I felt comfortable with this book.

Yall, I’m not going to go into details as I know better than that, but I must say, this is a great read. I was enjoying it so much that EP actually went to two stores in NC to find, buy and read while he was gone. EP does not read much outside of scripts. He has never shown any interest in any book I have ever read fiction or non fiction. So, imagine my surprise (and sheer delight) when he was willing and wanting to read this to!!

We both agree this book hits the nail on the head with respect to intimacy in marriage. I thought the author (male) was reading my mail when reading the “husbands this is what your wife needs” sections (including help around the house more!!  i nearly fainted!)  and EP said he agreed with everything in his section as well. At the same time, it was hugely convicting of how selfish we can each become. Our generation is so “its all about me” –but when you are married, by scripture, it isn’t all about you first. This book really opened the lines of communication in our marriage. We are talking much more about things that we put aside for a long time due to kids.

This book is for MARRIED or engaged couples. It will have no relevance to you if you are not married. God created sex as an institution between husband and wife. He addresses both the previously sexually active and the virgins about to get married…every chapter was worth reading. We’ve been married almost 6 years but both had a lot to comment on the “before you get married” chapter. In fact, that chapter had both of us longing for a second honeymoon. (Because, if you’ve never heard, our first one was a doozy) Taking time off from parenting is a little hard right now, but we are bypassing gifts of all kinds this year to really go all out for 24 hours alone.

We owe it to our marriage to make every aspect outstanding. God created husband and wife to be this way.

Anyway, HIGHLY recommend. I would offer you locals one of my two copies, but I’m afraid we both underlined and took notes…and you don’t really need to know THAT much about us now do you??

****PS I did ask EP permission to write this.  We both agreed that it was so insightful that we thought we should share. *****

One thing I have found in reading my Bible is you really should check out several versions.  I typically read the New King James version in church and study, but more often than not, the New Living Translation helps me at home when just reading in general.

This morning I read the following and thought, “that is perfect for the first scripture in my blog.” It’s long so I’m bolding the portion I’m committing to memory (however, I’ll attempt the whole thing!).

Galations 4:21-24 (NLT): Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, ²² throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. ²³ Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. ²⁴ Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

I want to put on my new nature and take on that of Christ!! I want my thoughts and attitude to reflect my Savior!

Bless you!!

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This Thanksgiving I was dealt a very large reminder of being thankful for my health and family.

Last Friday, I had a wonderful girl day.  My friend L and I went to see New Moon, had a fabulous lunch and did a tiny bit of browsing on Main Street.  We laughed, chatted, and enjoyed every second before having to return to our everyday lives with kids and husbands.  I love those days.  But this day ended up horribly wrong and left me longing for my husband…and wanting to hug my friend.

L’s husband, J, woke up that morning just fine, but while getting dressed for the day suddenly had this horrible pain in his back.  Like our generation always does, L & J googled the symptoms and were pretty sure it was only kidney stones. He had some other things to finish that day so he pressed through the pain.  After we got out of the movie, L got a call from her husband saying he was still in some pain and going to run to an urgent care in the area.  After our lunch she he said he was going back for x-rays to confirm kidney stones.  L & I shared a small laugh about men and pain and I wished her well nursing her husband through the weekend as we all know how terribly painful kidney stones are.  We hugged and parted ways around 3pm.

I get a text later in the evening (maybe around 7) that is was not kidney stones, it was a bleeding abdominal mass and that he needed surgery.  What?  Are you serious?  Immediately I was struck with guilt over joking so lightly!  Who would have ever known??  Even J didn’t realize it was something worse…I mean come on, we are young and healthy!! What was going on??

L blogged about it here.  I won’t even try to rewrite what she has said. But what a reminder of being thankful for health!

My dear friend who I was laughing and joking with was faced with possibly losing her husband just hours later. I couldn’t imagine. I prayed for hours for his recovery…..for her strength…for my own family and health.  Be thankful.