Charting Toward Intimacy

We'd like to present the term "Responsible Parenthood" as the new word we start using when we are describing what Catholic married couples do when they discern children, use NFP, and really just live out their lives as married couples, regardless of fertility status.The term NFP falls short when we have discussions about what Catholic married couples are called to. NFP, after all, is just a tool. Responsible Parenthood, according to St. Pope Paul VI is a way of life that all married couples are called to live.Read along in Humanae Vitae with us.___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

NFP Basics is an add-on marriage preparation module that any marriage prep/pre-cana program can easily implement into their program. NFP Basics covers the theology behind why the church teaches NFP for family planning and why the church has a prohibition on contraception and fertility treatments like IVF. Then the program covers basic fertility science and gives an overview of most of the major methods available to couples to track the woman's cycle and plan their family.In this episode, Ellen is on to tell you a little more about the program and her experience implementing this in a number of dioceses in California.___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Do you still struggle with reconciling that sex is good and holy? It's so common for us to think of sex as something bad or dirty, but it's not, I repeat NOT bad and dirty. Sex is good, it's better than good, it's HOLY.If you're wondering what we meant by unity cross, click here! Sorry that Googling "unity cross" doesn't actually give you what we meant!___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Let's chat about the marital debt! Who owes who sex? Who is supposed to be the one to sacrifice? What even is sacrificial love?We'll get into all these questions and more in this week's episode.Here's the book we mentioned called Theology of the Body in Simple Language___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Your marriage is a battleground. Truly, the forces of good and evil are fighting against each other in your marriage and in all marriages. If you've ever felt like something is just fighting against you having a calm, peaceful, and good marriage.... it's because there is. Today in the episode we're talking about the particular difficulties of living in marriage in today's world.My Delight is open February 13-15, sign up at this link here. Listening to the episode after Feb 13-16 2023? Sign up at the link above to get on the waitlist to be the first to know when the course opens again!Here's the letter from "St. Valentine" (Thanks Chat GPT)Dear Married Couples,Greetings to you on this special day in honor of love and commitment. I am St. Valentine, and I am writing to encourage you in your journey as a married couple.I know that being married in today's world can be filled with many challenges, but I want to remind you to always trust in God and His plan for your marriage. He has brought you together for a purpose, and He will be with you every step of the way.Lean on your faith in God to provide you with the strength and wisdom you need to navigate the ups and downs of marriage. Seek His guidance in every decision you make and turn to Him in prayer when you face difficulties.Remember that God is the source of all love and that He is the foundation upon which your marriage should be built. Trust in His love and grace to sustain you, and you will find peace and joy in your relationship.I pray that God will bless your marriage and fill it with love, joy, and peace. May your love for each other continue to grow and flourish, and may you always find comfort and support in your faith in Him.With Love, Your Valentine___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

We hear it a lot: "Contraception would be easier" "Why can't my husband and I just use a condom?" "I wish we could just have the option." Let's dive into why contraception isn't even a choice. We're pulling from Humanae Vitae as well as the Theology of the Body to get some answers. We get it, this topic isn't easy. Reach out to us, we want to hear from you!___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

You're looking at your chart and you see the signs of ovulation and know phase 3 is coming. You're excited to finally be able to come together with your spouse after abstaining for a few weeks, the first time is great....then... well you're tired, you just don't feel like it, and suddenly phase 3 is over and you're looking ahead at more time of abstinence.Sound familiar? We've been there and in a lot of ways, we're still there! Let's chat about some things you can do to increase your desire in phase 3!Looking for Lingerie? Shop Mentionables, one of our partners here. Use code ELLEN10 for 10% off too!___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Are you checking off the "NFP box" or is your heart really in it? We're bringing you this podcast episode to encourage you and your spouse to dig a little deeper into your "why" behind using NFP in your marriage.___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Kathleen takes over today and interviews Ellen about the past, present and future of the podcast. We chat about what started the podcast and where the spirit is leading us for the future of the podcast. ___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Having trouble with discerning God's call for your family planning intentions? So are we! Join us to chat about discernment and we'll share with you the biggest secret to discernment. Spoiler alert! It's prayer.___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses