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I want you to take a look at: 6 Ways to Develop Intimacy in Your Relationship, Growthtrac, Articles for Christian Marriage 

What Is Your Love Language?

The Five Love Languages

What if you could say or do just the right thing guaranteed to make that special someone feel loved? The secret is learning the right love language! Millions of couples have learned the simple way to express their feelings and bring joy back into marriage: The Five Love Languages, Dr. Gary Chapman’s New York Times bestseller!Words of Affirmation—Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important—hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten.

• Words of Affirmation

  Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important—hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten.

• Quality Time

  In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, “I love you,” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful.

• Receiving Gifts

  Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures.

• Acts of Service

  Can vacuuming the floors really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes. The words he or she most want to hear: “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don’t matter.

• Physical Touch

  This language isn’t all about the bedroom. A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face—they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive.

Click HERE to take an assessment and learn your love language! Share below in the comments, but most importantly, with your spouse or loved one!

Fireproofing Challenge Session 2

Fireproofing Challenge Session 2: He First Loved Us
This weeks challenge is the same for men and women. There are 2 options this week:

Option 1: If you haven't already entered into a lifelong relationship with God, do it now; you can then use His great love to support a lasting marriage. God's love doesn't require perfection or complicated steps. Although sin separates us from God, God has made a way for us. Jesus came to bridge the gap between a perfect God and imperfect mankind. As the Bible states it:

"If you confess with you mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" Romans 10:9

That's all if takes- just an acknowledgment of your sins, your need for God's love and the sacrifice Jesus made for you. If made with a sincere and open heart, this confession will bring Dog's presence into your soul and give you eternal life with your creator.

If you want to receive this gift of love from God, simply pray a prayer like this:

Dear Jesus,
I don't know why you love me so much that you were willing to die a terrible death just for me. But I know that you did it so my sins could be forgiven and I could enter into a relationship with God. I know that I have sinned against you and that my sins separate me from you. I am truly sorry-please forgive me. Help me avoid temptation and sin as I follow you. Thank you for loving me and dying for me. I offer my life to you today, Jesus, and turn the reins over to you. Thank you for your perfect love. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer, tell your spouse.


Option 2: If you already have a committed relationship with Jesus, then you have His love and the Holy Spirit to help you love your spouse. Respond to the following questions and over the week focus on improvements you can make in your weakest area(s). Pray for your spouse and about the areas in which you could improve.

Below are several ways in which you can love your spouse through God. Rate yourself on each question using Very Infrequently, Infrequently, Neutral, Frequently, Very Frequently:
1. How frequently do you study God's word about love and marriage, and use that wisdom to guide you?
2. When you struggle to love your spouse, how likely are you to pray for God's encouragement, strength and guidance?
3. How likely are you to ask God to help you view and love your spouse in the same way He does?
4. How frequently do you pray for your spouse?

Fireproofing Challenge

Fireproof Your Marriage Session 1: He Said, She Said

Challenge for Women: Focus on one way in which your spouse feels respected. Commit to implementing it this week in a practical way.

Challenge for Men: Focus on one way your spouse feels loved. Commit to implementing it this week in a practical way.

Below, share the practical ways that you implemented showing respect and love.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Movie Kick Off Event

This Friday, join NH for the Fireproof Your Marriage Movie Kick Off event! Refreshments will be served so please arrive on time!

If you haven't registered you can register on Friday! Registration is $10 for individuals and $20 for couples!

Fireproof Your Marriage!!

Learn the Secrets to a Lasting Marriage

Financial pressures, the stress of parenting, differences between men and women, boredom, temptations- they can all scorch a relationship. The fires will come – will your marriage last?

Join us for a Powerful 6 week marriage series!!

Kick Off Movie Event – “FIREPROOF”
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 7:00p.m.

6 Week Marriage Series
Friday’s – February 19th-March 26th
7:00p.m.-9:00p.m.

{Fireproof is primarily for adults of all ages who are either married or in committed relationships. However, the truths in Fireproof speak to singles and college-age students who are dating and preparing for more serious relationships}

Register by February 7, 2010
$20 per couple / $10 individual

Click HERE for Registration Form!