224. Best Hotel Date Ever (After a Year Without One) - Intimacy in the Hard Winter Seasons

When was the last time you felt truly connected—to your body, to your husband, to yourself? If life has felt heavy… If intimacy has taken a backseat to survival… If you're wondering where desire, connection, or joy has gone—this episode is for you. In today's honest conversation, Francie opens up about walking through a year of exhaustion, illness, and survival mode—when hotel dates were off the table and emotional oxygen was running low. And yet, somehow, that winter season planted the seeds for the most connected, joy-filled intimacy her marriage had experienced in 20 years. What changed? Not the circumstances. But the intentional decision to grow anyway—in small, daily ways. You'll Hear About: What it means to walk through a "winter season" in your marriage How to stay connected when resources (and energy) feel scarce Why befriending your body matters more than you think The surprising power of slowing down, tuning in, and learning to receive Why small steps toward pleasure and presence can actually transform your marriage Up Next: This episode launches the Intentional Intimacy Summer Series—ten short, practical episodes to help you grow connection, one simple step at a time. Resources and Invitation to Go Deeper:   Brand New Before & After You Say I Do Masterclass A 90-minute masterclass for engaged and married women who want clarity, confidence, and connection when it comes to sex in marriage. If you've ever wondered: What should we expect on our wedding night? How do we prepare without fear or shame? What's okay—and what's not? How do we build trust, connection, and joy? This class is for you. Real talk. Faithful perspective. Honest guidance. So you can start your marriage—emotionally, spiritually, and physically—on solid ground. Register Now   201 Course: Permission for Pleasure, Orgasm 101 - From Pre-Orgasmic to Orgasm  This 90-minute masterclass is a deep dive into embracing God's good design for your body and the gift of intimacy in marriage. Francie Winslow offers practical, faith-based guidance on arousal, pleasure, and connection, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to fully experience intimacy with joy and freedom. Whether you're navigating challenges or simply want to deepen your connection, this session is an invitation to step into intimacy that is naked, unashamed, and full of joy. Get Access Here.   101 Course: Strong Foundations to Starting Well - Claiming a Healthy Vision for Married Sex To build a love that lasts, you must begin with a strong foundation. Whether you're newly engaged or in need of a new lens, this course is essential. You'll be equipped to set a Biblically integrated and practically grounded vision for sex, marriage and the calling to steward the gift of pleasure and intimacy. This course is pivotal as you begin to unlearn unhelpful perspectives and sift through shame, lies and painful messages you've received over the years. Learn more here.   Get Connected Inside the Circle Group Mentorship Keep learning and get direct access to Francie! Join the Circle group mentorship. This is a SWEET community of women, connected with the purpose of seeking God's heart for their reclaiming a redeemed view of sex and sexuality. Inside the Circle, we talk practicals and get support to grow. Learn more here:  The Circle   Donate to Heaven in Your Home: Your one time donation will allow us to continue to produce and distribute teaching and resources. Thank you for partnering with us! Donate here.   Connect with Francie: Receive Francie's weekly newsletter