Comments for Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage

Comment on Oral Sex in Marriage by Crystal

Crystal — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:53:40 +0000

I, my husband, & my in-laws attended the chick-fil-a meeting last night, which was great & lead me to your website this a.m. and I have to say I think what you are doing is just great! You are talking about serious stuff here & making it make sense & doing it all in a laid back way! THANK YOU! We all learned & laughed! I feel like I came out of the conference understanding my mate more & feel super excited to continue our marriage & continue to learn & laugh together as we watch your movies we got last night =) THANK YOU AGAIN! God is really using you!

Comment on Oral Sex in Marriage by Stuart Tutt

Stuart Tutt — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:33:45 +0000

I love your books and my wife and I have watched Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage together. But in May my wife, Jennifer, told me she is longer “in” love with me. I can not fathom the phrase, seeing how she told me after we were married that God had told her she would marry me one day. I love my wife dearly and want nothing but happiness for her. How can I remind her that love is love and that I need her help and God’s help to meet her needs?

Comment on Oral Sex in Marriage by Lori

Lori — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 02:43:58 +0000

Bro. Mark … my spouse and I attended your recent seminar in Richmond, VA. We are currently separated. Quite frankly, we are not doing much talking at the moment, but I have to say that attending your seminar had us both laughing~! Following that seminar, we were able to communicate for quite some time that weekend. Thanks so much. Now, to the subject at hand. I want to say “thank you” for your honesty and frankness in discussing a lot of issues that have a lot of people in church hung up (no pun intended). As a survivor of sexual abuse, I have fought very hard to go against the “imprinting” that took place, which in my case was violent and painful. My spouse has his own imprinting, which is from self gratification and viewing a lot of porn. Prior to our separation and through God’s grace, I was able to tell him “I don’t that type of sexual relationship. I want to be loved for me and I want you to treat me and touch me gently and caring …” perhaps I’m going in to too much detail here, but I just want to say ‘THANK YOU.’ I have gained new insight and courage to communicate what is important to me with someone who is important to me. We have a long way to go, and only God knows the future, but I am willing to wait — pray while waiting — and continue commuicating with my spouse while I’m praying. Thanks again~!!!

Comment on Oral Sex in Marriage by Becky Harmon

Becky Harmon — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 18:39:29 +0000

Mark,
First let me thank you for the boldness you have in addressing issues that everyone is thinking about but so few of us actually address in a healthy way. God cares deeply about intimacy in prayer and in our marriage bed. In my experience coaching women who have experienced abuse sexually in their childhood, these issues definitely overlap into their marriage and they do not feel comfortable (or safe and spiritual at the same time) releasing themselves into enjoying their partners without shame. I agree whole-heartedly that bottom line is serving each other in love, practically, spiritually and sexually. Thanks again for your courage! Bec:)

Comment on The Damage of Sexual Promiscuity by Oral Sex in Marriage

Oral Sex in Marriage — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:32:59 +0000

[...] they received during their first sexual experiences. I’ve written previously about the power of imprinting and how men learn to key off their initial encounters. So if a young man’s first experience is [...]

Comment on When Is It Adultery? by Heidi

Heidi — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:37:49 +0000

I think it would benefit all Christian churches to take a look at how the Roman Catholic Church (Christian) handles marriage and annulment. We treat marriage much more seriously considering it is a Sacrament. An outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace. It is not a simple matter. There are very few reasons to grant annulment even after the couple has been divorced. The cases are looked at individually and presented before a tribunal that either grants or rejects the annulment. Their job is to determine if the couple was ever actually married without reservations. We take marriage very seriously. Until death do us part.

This is an excerpt from: http://home.earthlink.net/~rickpen16/catholicmarriages/id17.html
“There are three ways in which Church Law (also referred to as “canon law”) recognizes that a true and valid marriage does not exist in a previous union:

1) where there was a lack or defect of what is called “canonical form.”

2) where there was an impediment to the marriage.

3) where there was a defect in the consent exchanged between the partners (the most significant in the majority of cases). ”

Heidi L.
Fairbanks, Alaska

Comment on When Is It Adultery? by Derrell B. Thomas

Derrell B. Thomas — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 21:57:12 +0000

I agree. Abuse may not be an valid reason to divorce, but I recognize safety is an issue. Some marriages are so volatile, that one spouse may need to move to another location. Even is these difficult and complicated situations, if at all possible, reconcilation should be the goal. Realistically, that may not always be possible. Yet even in these cases, the marriage bond remains, as Christ did not provide a release. (The disciples’ reaction, knowing the consequences of a bad marriage, was strong.)

What then? Yes, it is a terrbile thing. A painfull reality. Yet the testimony to the church and society is even stronger: be careful who you marry. Give much thought and prayer about it. Marriage is not about “You make me feel good, and if not I’m out.” The marriage bond is a life committment. Even the disciples’ responded, “It is better not to marry.”

Comment on When Is It Adultery? by Derrell B. Thomas

Derrell B. Thomas — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 21:47:26 +0000

Hurray!

Finally, someone with influence and the courage to deal head-on with Christian adultery, and marriage. This has been and remains a critical issue among Christians and our churches.

I disagree with only one point: that if illegitably divorcing and remarrying (making the remarriage an adulterous relationship), then repentance is necessary, as any other sin. That said, salvation is not lost, as our salvation is by faith alone. However, a thief, having come to Christ, must stop stealing. An adulterous relationship should likewise. But I iterate: salvation is not the issue. Marriage and adultery is a standard that our Lord established, howbeit strong; (the disciples’ reaction was strong).

Comment on Double Bagging by Karen

Karen — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 20:22:38 +0000

Anna…you neet to relax…A LOT!! It’s supposed to be funny, a joke. Watch and listen carefully before you make such comments. I recently watched the video for the first time at our church, could not believe it was going to be this much fun! Thank you Mark for existing, thank you LORD for blessing this man in this way.

Comment on Finding the Teachable Moments by carol

carol — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 17:56:18 +0000

hey mark your the greatest! thanks for keeping us balanced.