Intimate Covenant Podcast

In this episode, Matt & Jenn compare the sexual relationship to a hurricane. Sex, like a hurricane, is a powerful, God-given force. While we can’t direct the path of a hurricane, quiet the gale-force winds, or suppress the rising waters, we do have control over the effects of sex in our own marriages.

• The forces of a hurricane are mostly destructive. But the power of sexual desire can be channeled to constructive, passionate and intimate relationship.
• The damage of hurricane-driven wind and water is unavoidable, but the damage of poorly planned sex is entirely preventable.
• When confronted by unexpected storms in your sex-life, use these challenges to further demonstrate your creativity and self-sacrificial love.

Please support these companies that support Intimate Covenant:

• Married Dance — https://marrieddance.com/?aff=29 
  Shop from this link for special savings and part of your purchase will support Intimate Covenant.  
• Coconu — http://www.coconu.com 
  Your purchase helps support Intimate Covenant AND you get 15% OFF. Coupon Code: intimateconvenant
• Dating Divas — https://thedatingdivas.myshopify.com?sca_ref=6278443.H6eWDeXGfx
  Shop from this link and your part of your purchase will help support Intimate Covenant. Check out their Sexy Subscription Boxes!

 To send your comments, questions and suggestions, go to our website: www.intimatecovenant.com/podcast and click on the button: “Contact the Podcast” for an ANONYMOUS submission form. Or, send an email: [email protected]
 
Thanks for sharing, rating, reviewing and subscribing!

  
  Cherishing,
  Matt & Jenn

PS — If you have been blessed by the message of this podcast, we would deeply appreciate your support by donating to our mission of spreading God’s plan for intimate marriage and holy sexuality.

Join us at Patreon: www.patreon.com/intimatecovenant

Consider a one-time gift: www.intimatecovenant.com/donate

 www.intimatecovenant.com
Intimate Covenant | Matt & Jenn Schmidt

In this episode, Matt & Jenn respond to a listener's email from a wife who is feeling rejected because her husband, the usual sexual pursuer, has stopped initiating. We'll explore some of the reasons this might be happening and what she can do about it. Plus, we give some personal updates and exciting announcements about the future of Intimate Covenant.

1. Sexual pursuers may stop for many reasons and it’s often more complicated that just hormones.
2. A change in this dynamic in your relationship should never be ignored and requires an important conversation.
3. The pursuer in this dynamic must be willing to respond with enthusiasm and continue to reach out to make connections wherever possible.

Use this link to get your 2024 Dating Divas Marriage Bundle: https://shop.thedatingdivas.com/discount/INTIMATE2024?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fmarriage-bundle-2024

Kingdom Singles - Houston
For more information and to register: www.intimatecovenant.com/HOUsingles

Intimate Covenant eCourses:
www.intimatecovenant.com/courses

Please support these companies that support Intimate Covenant:

• Married Dance — https://marrieddance.com/?aff=29 
  Shop from this link and part of your purchase will support Intimate Covenant.  
• Coconu — http://www.coconu.com 
  Coupon Code: intimateconvenant for 15% off your purchase
• Adventure Challenge — https://www.theadventurechallenge.com
  Use coupon code: intimatecovenant for 10% off your purchase.

 To send your comments, questions and suggestions, go to our website: www.intimatecovenant.com/podcast and click on the button: “Contact the Podcast” for an ANONYMOUS submission form. Or, send an email: [email protected]
 
Thanks for sharing, rating, reviewing and subscribing!

  
  Cherishing,
  Matt & Jenn

PS — If you have been blessed by the message of this podcast, we would deeply appreciate your support by donating to our mission of spreading God’s plan for intimate marriage and holy sexuality.

Join us at Patreon: www.patreon.com/intimatecovenant

Consider a one-time gift: www.intimatecovenant.com/donate

 www.intimatecovenant.com
Intimate Covenant | Matt & Jenn Schmidt

In this episode, Matt & Jenn discuss some of the latest TikTok relationship tests and whether there is something we can learn about our marriages from these viral trends. 

1. If you really want to test your relationship, pick up a mirror rather than a microscope. Only you can change you. 
2. “Turn towards” rather than “turning away” from your spouse by making and receiving bids for connection.
3. Whether your prior rejections have been intentional or unintentional, challenge yourself to see and lean into those bids for connection from your spouse.

Please support these companies that support Intimate Covenant:

• Married Dance — https://marrieddance.com/?aff=29 
  Shop from this link and part of your purchase will support Intimate Covenant.  
• Coconu — http://www.coconu.com 
  Your purchase helps support Intimate Covenant AND you get 15% OFF. Coupon Code: intimateconvenant

 To send your comments, questions and suggestions, go to our website: www.intimatecovenant.com/podcast and click on the button: “Contact the Podcast” for an ANONYMOUS submission form. Or, send an email: [email protected]
 
Thanks for sharing, rating, reviewing and subscribing!

  Cherishing,
  Matt & Jenn

PS — If you have been blessed by the message of this podcast, we would deeply appreciate your support by donating to our mission of spreading God’s plan for intimate marriage and holy sexuality.

Join us at Patreon: www.patreon.com/intimatecovenant
Consider a one-time gift: www.intimatecovenant.com/donate

 www.intimatecovenant.com
Intimate Covenant | Matt & Jenn Schmidt

In this episode, Matt and Jenn discuss the resurging popularity of sleeping in separate bedrooms. We'll consider the  reasons why a couple might choose this option and whether it might be wise for your marriage. In addition, we'll discuss some of the consequences of spouses who have separate bedtimes.

1. Every step we take away from our spouses, especially physically, has inevitable negative long-term consequences for the relationship. The decision to sleep apart should be weighed carefully and be constantly reevaluated. 
2. As much as is within your power, eliminate the barriers to sleeping together so that you can get be in bed with each other as often as possible.
3. Likewise, separate bedtimes also promote emotional and physical drift away from each other, allowing opportunity for selfishness and betrayal.

As promised, here are the sources for the data that we referenced in this episode:

•  Elsey, Taylor et al. “The role of couple sleep concordance in sleep quality: Attachment as a moderator of associations.” Journal of sleep research vol. 28,5 (2019): e12825. 
• Drews HJ, Drews A. Couple Relationships Are Associated With Increased REM Sleep-A Proof-of-Concept Analysis of a Large Dataset Using Ambulatory Polysomnography. Front Psychiatry. 2021 May 10;12:641102.
• Richter, K., Adam, S., Geiss, L., Peter, L., & Niklewski, G. (2016). Two in a bed: The influence of couple sleeping and chronotypes on relationship and sleep. An overview. Chronobiology International, 33(10), 1464–1472. 
• Troxel WM; Buysse DJ; Matthews KA; Kravitz HM; Bromberger JT; Sowers M; Hall MH. Marital/cohabitation status and history in relation to sleep in midlife women. SLEEP 2010;33(7):973-981.
• Chiao, Chi et al. “Loneliness in older parents: marital transitions, family and social connections, and separate bedrooms for sleep.” BMC geriatrics vol. 21,1 590. 22 Oct. 2021
• Larson JH, Crane DR, Smith CW. (1991). Morning and night couples: The effect of wake and sleep patterns on marital adjustment. J Marital Fam Ther. 17:53–65.
• Ulfberg J, Carter N, Talback M, Edling C. (2000). Adverse health effects among women living with heavy snorers. Health Care Women Int. 21:81–90.
• Gordon, A. M., & Chen, S. (2014). The Role of Sleep in Interpersonal Conflict: Do Sleepless Nights Mean Worse Fights? Social Psychological and Personality Science, 5(2), 168-175.
• Cartwright, R D, and S Knight. “Silent partners: the wives of sleep apneic patients.” Sleep vol. 10,3 (1987): 244-8. 
• Cascais Costa C, Afreixo V, Cravo J. Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment on Marital Relationships: Sleeping Together Again? Cureus. 2023 Oct 5;15(10):e46513.

Please support these companies that support Intimate Covenant:

• Married Dance — https://marrieddance.com/?aff=29 
  Shop from this link and part of your purchase will support Intimate Covenant.  
• Coconu — http://www.coconu.com 
  Your purchase helps support Intimate Covenant AND you get 15% OFF. Coupon Code: intimateconvenant

To send your comments, questions and suggestions, go to our website: www.intimatecovenant.com/podcast and click on the button: “Contact the Podcast” for an ANONYMOUS submission form. Or, send an email: [email protected]
 
Thanks for sharing, rating, reviewing and subscribing!

 
  Cherishing,
  Matt & Jenn
 www.intimatecovenant.com
Intimate Covenant | Matt & Jenn Schmidt

In this episode, Matt & Jenn share some experiences from their recent trip to China and some life-changing lessons they are bringing back. We think these lessons will impact your marriage too!

1. It’s easy to lose focus on eternal priorities and purpose. Revisit this conversation with your spouse frequently.
2. Changing your circumstances will not change your marriage. To improve your marriage, you have to lean into the conflict and learn to better serve your spouse.
3. We are deeply grateful for all of the amazing and beautiful people whom we have encountered in our Intimate Covenant journey — even those on the other side of the world. Thanks for sharing yourselves with us!

Please support these companies that support Intimate Covenant:

• Married Dance — https://marrieddance.com/?aff=29 
  Shop from this link and part of your purchase will support Intimate Covenant.  
• Coconu — http://www.coconu.com 
  Your purchase helps support Intimate Covenant AND you get 15% OFF. Coupon Code: intimateconvenant

 To send your comments, questions and suggestions, go to our website: www.intimatecovenant.com/podcast and click on the button: “Contact the Podcast” for an ANONYMOUS submission form. Or, send an email: [email protected]
 
Thanks for sharing, rating, reviewing and subscribing!

  
  Cherishing,
  Matt & Jenn

PS — If you have been blessed by the message of this podcast, we would deeply appreciate your support by donating to our mission of spreading God’s plan for intimate marriage and holy sexuality.

Join us at Patreon: www.patreon.com/intimatecovenant

Consider a one-time gift: www.intimatecovenant.com/donate

 www.intimatecovenant.com
Intimate Covenant | Matt & Jenn Schmidt

In this episode, Matt & Jenn share excerpts from several different live Q&A sessions recorded at previous live events.

- How do you differentiate between responsive sexual desire and a medical problem resulting in a lack of sex drive?
- How can I keep striving for spiritual and emotional intimacy when my spouse is reluctant to do so?
- How can I overcome shame in my physical appearance that hinders me from giving myself to and fully enjoying physical intimacy with my spouse?
- Is it primarily a man’s responsibility to redeem a marriage?
- Do you have suggestions to make the bedroom a special place for us?

Please support these companies that support Intimate Covenant:

• Married Dance — https://marrieddance.com/?aff=29 
  Shop from this link and part of your purchase will support Intimate Covenant.  
• Coconu — http://www.coconu.com 
  Your purchase helps support Intimate Covenant AND you get 15% OFF. Coupon Code: intimateconvenant

 To send your comments, questions and suggestions, go to our website: www.intimatecovenant.com/podcast and click on the button: “Contact the Podcast” for an ANONYMOUS submission form. Or, send an email: [email protected]
 
Thanks for sharing, rating, reviewing and subscribing!

  
  Cherishing,
  Matt & Jenn

PS — If you have been blessed by the message of this podcast, we would deeply appreciate your support by donating to our mission of spreading God’s plan for intimate marriage and holy sexuality.

Join us at Patreon: www.patreon.com/intimatecovenant

Consider a one-time gift: www.intimatecovenant.com/donate

 www.intimatecovenant.com
Intimate Covenant | Matt & Jenn Schmidt

In this episode, Matt & Jenn share some important news and updates, including a fun blooper reel.

There are multiple ways to help support Xander Moody and his family.

GiveSendGo (https://www.givesendgo.com/supportxander) - This is a crowdfunding site launched by Xander's baseball team organization. 

Blessings Overflow:

• Mail checks (avoid transaction fees) with “Xander Moody” in the memo line to:

Blessings Overflow 

9114 Hermitage Ln

Alvaton, KY 42122

• Venmo (https://account.venmo.com/u/BG-BlessingsOverflow): "Xander Moody" in the message.
• @BG-BlessingsOverflow

FaceBook: Xander Moody Updates  https://www.facebook.com/people/Xander-Moody-Updates/61557283076688/

We would love to see you blow up their social media and their donation site. Thank you for supporting the Moodys and for remembering them before our Father’s throne in your prayers.

Please support these companies that support Intimate Covenant:

• Married Dance — https://marrieddance.com/?aff=29 
  Shop from this link and part of your purchase will support Intimate Covenant.  
• Coconu — http://www.coconu.com 
  Your purchase helps support Intimate Covenant AND you get 15% OFF. Coupon Code: intimateconvenant

 To send your comments, questions and suggestions, go to our website: www.intimatecovenant.com/podcast and click on the button: “Contact the Podcast” for an ANONYMOUS submission form. Or, send an email: [email protected]
 
Thanks for sharing, rating, reviewing and subscribing!

  
  Cherishing,
  Matt & Jenn

PS — If you have been blessed by the message of this podcast, we would deeply appreciate your support by donating to our mission of spreading God’s plan for intimate marriage and holy sexuality.

Join us at Patreon: www.patreon.com/intimatecovenant

Consider a one-time gift: www.intimatecovenant.com/donate

 www.intimatecovenant.com
Intimate Covenant | Matt & Jenn Schmidt

In this episode, Matt & Jenn share segments from the live Q&A session at the Tampa Marriage Day on March 2nd, including:

• How to connect sexually, even during periods of conflict
• How to learn contentment when I desire a certain sex act, but my spouse doesn’t
• How to avoid complacency when things seem “good”
• How to navigate different preferences for sexual frequency
• How to encourage spiritual growth and accountability

Don’t miss early-bird pricing for the Annual Marriage Retreat. Save your spot and save some money with just a $200 deposit by March 15th. Space is limited.
https://www.intimatecovenant.com/retreat

Please support these companies that support Intimate Covenant:

• Married Dance — https://marrieddance.com/?aff=29 
  Shop from this link and part of your purchase will support Intimate Covenant.  
• Coconu — http://www.coconu.com 
  Your purchase helps support Intimate Covenant AND you get 15% OFF. Coupon Code: intimateconvenant

 To send your comments, questions and suggestions, go to our website: www.intimatecovenant.com/podcast and click on the button: “Contact the Podcast” for an ANONYMOUS submission form. Or, send an email: [email protected]
 
Thanks for sharing, rating, reviewing and subscribing!

  
  Cherishing,
  Matt & Jenn

PS — If you have been blessed by the message of this podcast, we would deeply appreciate your support by donating to our mission of spreading God’s plan for intimate marriage and holy sexuality.

Join us at Patreon: www.patreon.com/intimatecovenant

Consider a one-time gift: www.intimatecovenant.com/donate

 www.intimatecovenant.com
Intimate Covenant | Matt & Jenn Schmidt

In this episode, Matt & Jenn share their responses to a few anonymous questions posed by attendees at a recent Marriage Day in Austin, TX.

• What are some ways we can help prevent our children from feeling shame about sex in marriage to stop the feeling we were raised with?
• Is it OK for me time in a successful marriage?
• How to deal with past relationships interfering with current one… as in constantly comparing oneself to another…
• If I am disinclined toward sex and my spouse feels guilty for initiating (or vice versa), what can we do to improve our time spent on sexual intimacy?
• Is it a sin when saying no to sex due to the demands of the day?
• Is it OK to "keep a secret" from your spouse?

Please support these companies that support Intimate Covenant:

• Married Dance — https://marrieddance.com/?aff=29 
  Shop from this link and part of your purchase will support Intimate Covenant.  
• Coconu — http://www.coconu.com 
  Your purchase helps support Intimate Covenant AND you get 15% OFF. Coupon Code: intimateconvenant

 To send your comments, questions and suggestions, go to our website: www.intimatecovenant.com/podcast and click on the button: “Contact the Podcast” for an ANONYMOUS submission form. Or, send an email: [email protected]
 
Thanks for sharing, rating, reviewing and subscribing!

  
  Cherishing,
  Matt & Jenn

PS — If you have been blessed by the message of this podcast, we would deeply appreciate your support by donating to our mission of spreading God’s plan for intimate marriage and holy sexuality.

Join us at Patreon: www.patreon.com/intimatecovenant

Consider a one-time gift: www.intimatecovenant.com/donate

 www.intimatecovenant.com
Intimate Covenant | Matt & Jenn Schmidt

In this episode, Matt & Jenn answer a listener's question about shifting roles roles in the pursuer/responder dynamic. But first, a few important announcements:

• "Covenant Conversations" is the official name for the daily exercise formerly known as "Daily Check-in." Our thanks to Lamar Schrei for suggesting this!
• Registration for the Intimate Covenant Annual Marriage Retreat opens on Valentine's Day! www.intimatecovenant.com/retreat

1. Plan to join us for the 7th annual Marriage Retreat in Houston, TX — September 19-21. Registration opens on Valentine’s Day.
2. A shift in the roles of pursuers and responders is common in all relationships. Sometimes these role changes signal something detrimental to the relationship. Often they simply represent typical patterns of growth or seasonal shifts in the relationship.
3. In a healthy relationship, labeling who is the pursuer and who is the responder is far less important than making sure that there is frequent and healthy pursuit and response in all realms of intimacy.

Please support these companies that support Intimate Covenant:

• Married Dance — https://marrieddance.com/?aff=29 
  Shop from this link and part of your purchase will support Intimate Covenant.  
• Coconu — http://www.coconu.com 
  Coupon Code: intimateconvenant for 15% off your purchase

 To send your comments, questions and suggestions, go to our website: www.intimatecovenant.com/podcast and click on the button: “Contact the Podcast” for an ANONYMOUS submission form. Or, send an email: [email protected]
 
Thanks for sharing, rating, reviewing and subscribing!

  
  Cherishing,
  Matt & Jenn

PS — If you have been blessed by the message of this podcast, we would deeply appreciate your support by donating to our mission of spreading God’s plan for intimate marriage and holy sexuality.

Join us at Patreon: www.patreon.com/intimatecovenant

Consider a one-time gift: www.intimatecovenant.com/donate

 www.intimatecovenant.com
Intimate Covenant | Matt & Jenn Schmidt