With marriage rates decreasing and many people choosing alternatives to traditional marriage, it is becoming an increasingly fragile institution. Further burdening marriage is the toxic cultural narrative around what romantic relationships should look like and provide individuals - making it difficult for couples to achieve the unrealistic romantic ideal the media perpetuates. Under such pressures, the idea of a thriving eternal marriage feels more and more illusive and impossible to achieve.

In this episode, therapist Dr. Ty Mansfield rejoins host Tara McCausland to discuss love, marriage, and how to nurture marital sexual intimacy through an elevated gospel lens which teaches us that marriage is intended to be far more than a utility, meet-my-needs relationship; it is a covenant partnership which at its core is a school of love, providing a context for growth, for true intimate connection, and preparing us to become more like God. Ty shares many helpful and practical insights as to how to nurture sexual intimacy in marriage and how this too helps draw husband and wife closer together and closer to the Divine.

Looking for some gospel-aligned resources on this subject? Here are some talks and books to get you started.

Of Souls, Symbols, and Sacraments - Jeffrey R. Holland4 Truths of Love and Marriage - Wendy NelsonNurturing Marriage (General Conference April 2006)- Russell M. Nelson

Ty's list of suggested books:Sexual Wholeness in Marriage - Dean M. Busby, Jason Carroll, Chelom LeavittAnd They Were Not Ashamed - Laura BrothersonA Celebration of Sex - Douglas RosenauThe Act of Marriage - Tim and Beverly LaHayeSex Begins in the Kitchen - Kevin LemanSacred Sex - Tim Alan GardenerIntimacy & Desire - David Schnarch