555-Married (Sacred) Sex: Interview with Gary Thomas — Listener Favorite (Re-release)

Married (Sacred) Sex: Interview with Gary Thomas - Listener Favorite (Re-release)     What if growing closer to God could also help you grow closer to your spouse?     In this Listener Favorite re-release, Belah welcomes bestselling author and international speaker Gary Thomas for an honest conversation about faith, marriage, and sexual intimacy.     Gary's books—including Sacred Marriage, Sacred Pathways, and Cherish—have helped readers explore spiritual growth and deeper relationships. His work draws on Scripture, church history, and Christian wisdom to encourage people toward greater love for God and one another.     In this interview, they discuss Married Sex, which Gary coauthored with licensed counselor Debra Fileta. Together, their perspectives invite husbands and wives to understand and appreciate each other.     Gary offers practical ideas: ask what your spouse enjoys instead of assuming; consider how music, scent, and touch shape connection; and build anticipation through what he calls "simmering"—preparing for intimacy before the moment arrives.     They also explore barriers involving beliefs, emotional wounds, physical challenges, and creativity. Gary shares how noticing his wife's everyday sacrifices deepened his appreciation for her.     As you listen, consider where you might be approaching your spouse with an expectation when a question would be more helpful. What haven't you asked lately? What effort have you noticed but haven't acknowledged? Sometimes a meaningful next step begins with helping your spouse feel seen.     You don't need to turn the conversation into a list of things to fix. Choose one idea that catches your attention and share why it matters to you. Give your spouse room to respond, and look for something you would both welcome.     After listening, try asking: "What is one way I could help you feel more cherished this week?"     We hope this conversation encourages you to keep learning about each other and making room for connection.

At DYM we coach husbands and wives to transform their marriage even if only one does the work, but we encourage the husbands to go first.

With love,

The Delight Your Marriage Team

Originally shared as Episode 325.

(Ai helped summarize this podcast & shownotes)

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