Pearl's OysterBed: Libido Boundaries?

In my libido rescue mission, sketchy (questionable) methods have appeared. As a Christian, but not a prude, are there limits in this arena? If I reserve my 'freaky' for only my husband isn't it OK to bring the entire circus to town? What if the initial surge of libido sparks some great romps in the marital sack, but ultimately grieves God?

Pornography (images), erotica and erotic romance (the latter two are literature, and NOT the same thing I've found) are quick fixes. But, are they in line with a healthy restoration of libido?

Healthy Thinking from the Bible

The Bible states a few things about healthy thinking, which spills over into all aspects of a healthy life, including libido and sex.

Think on these things, whatever is....(Phil.4:8)

1. True
2. Noble
3. Right
4. Pure
5. Lovely
6. Worthy of Respect

Virtues from Galatians 5:22-23

7. Love
8. Joy
9. Peace
10. Patience
11. Kindness
12. Goodness
13. Faithfulness
14. Self-Control

The Center for Healthy Sex States (no religious affiliation):
1. Healthy sex is not secretive or shameful to yourself or another person.

2. Healthy sex is not abusive in any way.

3. Healthy sex is not used to ignore or escape feelings.

4. Healthy sex requires an emotional connection with the other person.

5. Sexual health is about love, respect, mutual caring, giving and receiving pleasure, and a desire to know yourself and your partner in a deeper way.

These lists are 'quality control.' Align your libido starters within this range and you are going to have a healthy sex life. There will be no negative emotions lurking in the background to sabotage your emotional connection with the spouse.

Statue of David, Florence, Italy (vichie81)

Are there beautiful nude images that would not be considered pornography? YES. I have stood amazed at the statue of David in Florence, Italy.....breathtaking. God makes good stuff. Our bodies are marvels of physics, biology and beauty.

I recently learned that 'pornography' comes from the Greek word meaning prostitute. Does staring at a stranger's naked body in a sexual pose create an emotional connection with your spouse? NO.

Am I preaching to the choir when it comes to pornographic images? Probably.

But, be careful ladies, in the arena of your reading material. Be careful of the genre you enter. There are dark ideas that once implanted in your brain, you cannot remove.

"Everything is permissible for me"-- but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"-- but I will be mastered by nothing," 1Corinthians 6:12.

Pornographers know that they have an untapped audience and are researching how to get into the pockets (pants?) of women. This will be through the guise of romance and relationship and lead to ever increasing situations that will desensitize the female response and finally desensitize to shocking images. Beware, I foresee a trend where pornographers will increase their pursuit of the female audience. Guard your hearts. According to Mark Kastleman, when women are desensitized enough through media and tv, their brains will adopt a more male-like nature. Kastleman also warns against internet chatrooms as more enticing to women than men because they are relational in nature.

SOUL SATISFACTION

My soul is the Snickers bar and my body is the shiny wrapper. The Snickers bar was left in the hot sun and it melted within the wrapper. So the soul is mysteriously intertwined with the flesh covering. The flesh is extremely sensitive and sensual. It quickens with novel and unusual. But, novel and unusual may not be healthy.

My marriage to Mr. Muscle ultimately focuses on soul and spirit, although much of my postings have to do with the sensual libido. Neither of us are possessions of the other. We serve the community striving to embody the virtues above. Our joy is spiritually connecting with Christ as our focal point.

Jesus said, "The Spirit gives life. The flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life." John 6:63.

Connecting through the literal and physical one flesh marriage is second to cultivating a relationship with the Lord, as an individual and then as a couple.

Ultimately YOU have to decide where your boundaries are. These are my personal guidelines and maybe something for others to ponder.

Practical Tools:
1. Self-Introspection: Candid evaluation of what's going on in your head (Gal. 6:4)

2. Take Positive Action: Do not merely listen to the Word, DO WHAT IT SAYS (James1:22)

3. Frank discussion with your Mister about what he feels are Biblical libido boundaries.

4. PRAY

My prayer for you, beautiful ladyfish, comes from Philippians 1:9-11.

"And this I pray, that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense until the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God,"