Let's talk about Sex

I gave up alcohol and soda for lent. I love a glass of wine at the end of the evening a few times a week so this will be a challenge. So far it looks like I've substituted chocolate and I don't think that's a good thing.

Ok that's all good but what does this have to do with sex?
As the season of lent approached people started having conversations about what they would sacrifice. Well on at least 2 occasions, a person in leadership at my church threw out sex as a possible sacrifice for lent. I was not present on either occasion but I can say it was not said from the pulpit, but in smaller group settings. The point is, I think that's a sorry idea for married people.

I put love making high on the priority list of things-to-keep-a-marriage-healthy. I'm more likely to encourage married people to sacrifice their evening rituals of watching tv, playing video games, or reading independently and instead spend more time connecting with their spouse.

I think I'll ask this person why they thought it was a good idea to suggest a love-making sacrifice. That ought to be an interesting conversation. I'll be sure to blog the response I get. Expect it after bible study on Wednesday.

All this talk about sex reminds me to mention a book I highly recommend to married couples, 101 Nights of Great Sex by Laura Corn. I told my husband, I thought this book would be a better gift than any piece of lingerie given at a bridal shower - I'm not certain he agreed. I think he worried I'd look like a dirty old lady. I don't know. He likes the book very much ;) Anyway, the book has 101 sexual escapades for couples to try. Use the link to learn more about it, I can't do it justice now, but believe me, it's a worthy purchase.

To bring this topic back to church (sort of), let me introduce you to The Relevant Church. The pastor here challenged the married couples in his congregation to make love for 30 days straight. At first I was skeptical, thinking this was such a man thing to recommend, but when you take the time to read the logic behind the challenge it makes a lot of sense. It's a win win situation for spouses and has a positive effect of marriages. It's not just about the sex, there is a workbook you use each day that points to scripture and lays out reflection activities.

It's really worth a peek. When I first learned about it, the workbook was online for free. It might still be free at the church website, but I discovered that they've published a book, 30 Day Sex Challenge: A Journal to Intimacy. They desire to strengthen the marriages in their church and abroad and I think they're taken a positive step towards that end.


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