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This week, Matt & Jenn ask the question, "Am I expecting too much for my marriage?" 

1. One of the most harmful misunderstandings about marriage is when we behave and act like my spouse is given for the sole purpose to make me happy. As a result, we often expect too much from marriage.
2. It’s not wrong to want to improve your marriage relationship. But, it is wrong to first fail to acknowledge the ways that God has provided for you.
3. You will also continue to be disappointed if you expect that your spouse can solve your emotional, spiritual, and sexual problems. That’s your job!

Download our free resource titled, What Does Sex Mean To My Spouse?
at our website: www.intimatecovenant.com

Please send your comments, questions and suggestions to [email protected]
Thanks for sharing, rating and subscribing!

Cherishing,
Matt & Jenn

PS — If you are interested in bringing Matt & Jenn to your church or small group to speak about the beauty of God’s plan for marriage and sexuality, please contact us: [email protected]



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

Credits:
 Announcer — Daniel DeGarmo
Music — Jonathan Dow

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Matt & Jenn discuss setting goals for your marriage in this New Year by asking the question, "What do I want from my marriage in 2021?"

1. Mature past the selfish motivations of relationship and begin to see the true fulfillment of covenant love built on self-sacrifice — in your marriage and in your relationship to God.
2. For 2021 (and everyday), ask the questions, “What do I want FOR my marriage?” “What more can I give to this covenant?”
3. Begin the assessment of your relationship with humility and self-reflection. Then, have a conversation with your spouse to determine what you can do for them and for your marriage.

Download our free resource titled, What Does Sex Mean To My Spouse?
at our website: www.intimatecovenant.com

Please send your comments, questions and suggestions to [email protected]
Thanks for sharing, rating and subscribing!

Cherishing,
Matt & Jenn

PS — If you are interested in bringing Matt & Jenn to your church or small group to speak about the beauty of God’s plan for marriage and sexuality, please contact us: [email protected]



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

Credits:
Announcer — Daniel DeGarmo
Music — Jonathan Dow

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This week, Matt & Jenn unpack their emotions after giving away their daughter in marriage. How are we feeling and how does this experience change our perspective on our own relationship?

• Be sure that you've invested in your own marriage. Otherwise, when you give your kids away, you'll have given yourself away, too.
• It's possible and necessary to hold both joy and sorrow at the same time. Acknowledge that and share it.
• Real joy and fulfillment is in a lifetime of intimacy. It's worth the effort and pain!

Download our free resource titled, What Does Sex Mean To My Spouse?
at our website: www.intimatecovenant.com

Please send your comments, questions and suggestions to [email protected]
Thanks for sharing, rating and subscribing!

Cherishing,
Matt & Jenn

PS — If you are interested in bringing Matt & Jenn to your church or small group to speak about the beauty of God’s plan for marriage and sexuality, please contact us: [email protected]



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

Credits:
 Announcer — Daniel DeGarmo
Music — Jonathan Dow

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This episode includes an excerpt from the 2020 Retreat titled, Redeeming Sexual Desire — Unlocking the Path to Sexual Arousal. The section that we’re sharing with you is about addressing a common sexual brake  — self-criticism. Jenn will challenge you to consider that how you treat yourself will impact how well you can enjoy your sex life.

If you would like to join us for next year’s Retreat, save the date: September 23-25, 2021. That’s a Thursday evening through Saturday afternoon in Houston, Texas. 

Download our free resource titled, What Does Sex Mean To My Spouse?
at our website: www.intimatecovenant.com

Please send your comments, questions and suggestions to [email protected]
Thanks for sharing, rating and subscribing!

Cherishing,
Matt & Jenn

PS — If you are interested in bringing Matt & Jenn to your church or small group to speak about the beauty of God’s plan for marriage and sexuality, please contact us: [email protected]


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

Credits:
Announcer — Daniel DeGarmo
Music — Jonathan Dow

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This week on the podcast, we're sharing an excerpt from the 2020 Retreat titled, Honoring the Romance of Redemption. This session considers principles from the timeless, romantic love story of Ruth and Boaz. We hope that your marriage is blessed and motivated as we approach the new opportunities of a New Year!

Download our free resource titled, What Does Sex Mean To My Spouse?
at our website: www.intimatecovenant.com

Please send your comments, questions and suggestions to [email protected]
Thanks for sharing, rating and subscribing!

Cherishing,
Matt & Jenn

PS — If you are interested in bringing Matt & Jenn to your church or small group to speak about the beauty of God’s plan for marriage and sexuality, please contact us: [email protected]

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

Credits:
 Announcer — Daniel DeGarmo
Music — Jonathan Dow

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Today on the podcast Matt and Jenn are talking about Christmas. We all know Christmas time is supposed to be the “most wonderful time of the year” but reality is- it’s often full of a lot of tension, stress, and conflict. Specifically, for married couples, there is often conflict regarding how sexual Christmas should or should not be.

Credit Paul Byerly for starting the the Annual Christmas Eve Quickie. Read more excellent thoughtful writing from Paul at: https://themarriagebed.com

Consider how you would answer these questions. Would your spouse agree or disagree with your response?

• Do you have more or less sex over the holidays?
• Do you have better or worse sex during December?
• Is your relationship more or less connected by Christmas Eve than the rest of the year?
• What would it take for us to have a more sex this Christmas?
• What would it take for us to feel more connected this Christmas?

Wrap up:

1. Recognize and discuss the challenges of the season to your relationship. What are you going to do to prevent and repair the conflicts in your relationship, specifically when it comes to sex?
2. Pursuers, acknowledge the challenges that your spouse is facing during the season. Bring realistic expectations and do what it takes to maintain connection. Find out what your spouse actually needs.
3. Responders, acknowledge that your spouse deeply desires you — that’s a good thing! Sexual connection for your spouse is one of the greatest gifts that you can offer during this season. 

Download our free resource titled, What Does Sex Mean To My Spouse?
at our website: www.intimatecovenant.com

Please send your comments, questions and suggestions to [email protected]
Thanks for sharing, rating and subscribing! Merry Christmas!

Cherishing,
Matt & Jenn

PS — If you are interested in bringing Matt & Jenn to your church or small group to speak about the beauty of God’s plan for marriage and sexuality, please contact us: [email protected]



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

Credits:
 Announcer — Daniel DeGarmo
Music — Jonathan Dow

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Matt & Jenn  discuss the wide wet world of sexual lubricants. Who needs them? When to use them? And how to choose one?

1. Wetness and hardness are not accurate indicators of your arousal level.
2. Accessory lubrication can enhance the sexual experience, even if you are a perfectly normally functioning person.
3. Sex lubricants are broadly categorized as water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based. Each category has its own pro/cons.  Try them all to know what works best for you!

Download our free resource titled, What Does Sex Mean To My Spouse?
at our website: www.intimatecovenant.com

Please send your comments, questions and suggestions to [email protected]
Thanks for sharing, rating and subscribing!

Cherishing,
Matt & Jenn

PS — If you are interested in bringing Matt & Jenn to your church or small group to speak about the beauty of God’s plan for marriage and sexuality, please contact us: [email protected]



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

Credits:
 Announcer — Daniel DeGarmo
Music — Jonathan Dow

Support the show

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Matt & Jenn discuss the relational, emotional, and physical challenges of pregnancy and introducing babies into your marriage - specifically, how these challenges affect your sexual relationship.

1. Both husbands and wives must recognize the strain that conceiving, carrying, and raising babies will have on a marriage relationship, especially in the bedroom. Be willing to frequently express your feelings, needs and desires. As always, be eager to serve your spouse.
2. Married life will present many challenges and even the tremendous blessing of children will bring opportunities for growth or resentment. Be intentional maximize the opportunities to grow
3. Have a “you and me together” mindset because ultimately, Lord willing, the kids will leave and you’ll be left to spend your remaining years celebrating your covenant.

Helpful resource: https://www.christianfriendlysexpositions.com/tag/while-pregnant/

Please send your comments, questions and suggestions to [email protected]
Thanks for sharing, rating and subscribing!

Download our free resource titled, What Does Sex Mean To My Spouse?
at our website: www.intimatecovenant.com


Cherishing,
Matt & Jenn

PS — If you are interested in bringing Matt & Jenn to your church or small group to speak about the beauty of God’s plan for marriage and sexuality, please contact us: [email protected]



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

Credits:
Announcer — Daniel DeGarmo
Music — Jonathan Dow

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode, Matt & Jenn discuss making the moves to make it happen — that anxiety-filled, over-thought, and over-done vulnerable moment when a one spouse propositions the other for sex. We'll tackle some questions like:  Who’s responsibility is it to initiate sex? How does one initiate sex? Is there a reliable go-to move or pick up line? And we’ll even offer some playful suggestions to help mix it up.

1. Who is supposed to initiate sex? It doesn’t matter as long as you are both pursuing and connecting with the other in every way: spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. This requires ongoing vulnerable conversation.
2. Pursuers, you should assume that initiating sex is going to be your responsibility most of the time. Be direct. Be realistic. Be solid.
3. Responders, do what it takes to open your mind, heart, body and soul to the benefits of connecting in this important way with your beloved. Recognize what it would mean to your spouse for you to initiate something sexual once in a while.

We referenced this interesting option for helping initiate sex:  LoveSync app

Please send your comments, questions and suggestions to [email protected]
Thanks for sharing, rating and subscribing!

Download our free resource titled, What Does Sex Mean To My Spouse?
at our website: www.intimatecovenant.com


Cherishing,
Matt & Jenn

PS — If you are interested in bringing Matt & Jenn to your church or small group to speak about the beauty of God’s plan for marriage and sexuality, please contact us: [email protected]



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

Credits:
Announcer — Daniel DeGarmo
Music — Jonathan Dow

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode we’re talking about maintaining your sexual relationship during the stress of the holidays.

1. Protect your spouse. Make sure they know that you’ve got their back when you are at family gatherings.
2. Prioritize your spouse and your relationship. You absolutely MUST make time to continue to connect with your spouse, even at the expense of making others happy - including your kids.
3. Plan ahead so that you are prepared to overcome challenges to your sex life during this holiday season. 

Download our free resource titled, What Does Sex Mean To My Spouse?
at our website: www.intimatecovenant.com

Please send your comments, questions and suggestions to [email protected]
Thanks for sharing, rating and subscribing!

Cherishing,

Matt & Jenn

PS — If you are interested in bringing Matt & Jenn to your church or small group to speak about the beauty of God’s plan for marriage and sexuality, please contact us: [email protected]



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

Credits:
 Announcer — Daniel DeGarmo
Music — Jonathan Dow

Support the show