The best marriages are not necessarily the most perfect and picturesque. Marriage is about walking together through all of life's ups and downs, its challenges and triumphs. And no relationship offers more chances for personal and spiritual growth, love and support, and just plain fun. Collecting true stories from some of today's best writers, Dawn Camp offers readers a chance to sit back and reflect on the heart of marriage. With beautiful photographs and poignant prose, this collection is a great gift for the bride-to-be, the couple celebrating a significant anniversary, or for any time readers need a lift. Contributors include Holley Gerth, Kristen Welch, Emily Wierenga, Renee Swope, and many more.
Marriage is God's idea. He has no bad ideas. He brought Eve to Adam, married them and they lived as husband and wife for over 900 years (Genesis 2:21-25 and 5:5). By this, we can conclude that divorce was not God's idea but Satan's idea, to destroy God's ideas, plans and purpose of marriage between a man and a woman. We seek to find the right person when the greater picture is to be the right person. Man sets the time for the wedding, but God sets the time for the marriage. There is a great difference between a wedding and a marriage. Many walk down the aisle to be wedded for all the wrong reasons. Saying "I do" and placing wedding rings upon fingers does not always mean they are married within their hearts. This book reveals that a man and a woman may marry, and yet not be a true husband and wife. It stresses the importance of friendship, courtship, engagement and being married from the heart. Introducing a revolutionary approach to the covenant of marriage, this book addresses commitment, romance, love, keeping a right heart, a sound mind and a pure relationship. Dr. Donald R. Downing is a heart physician and specialist from God to the body of Christ. He has written over 12 books, and considers Marriage from the Heart to be one of his most important writings. He believes the only way to defeat the high rate of divorce and separation is to restore romance to the relationship and to be truly married from the heart. FEATURING DRS. MELVIN AND ROBIN THORNHILL Melvin and Robin Thornhill are the founders and presidents of Destiny New Image Ministries. They have a combined 50 years of experience in family and marriage counseling.
The wedding is planned, but are you spiritually prepared for your wedding day? Trusted relationship author Gary Thomas coaches engaged couples on how to grow closer to the Lord in the days leading up to the wedding as a means of preparing them for all the days after the wedding. Engagement is bursting with promise, hope, joy, and anticipation of all kinds. It can also be one of the busiest times your life. For some, planning a wedding, with all the decisions involved, can feel less like the exciting onset of marriage and more like a tedious to-do list. Amidst the busyness, this devotional is designed to encourage and guide you through the spiritual priorities and challenges that lie ahead in order to grow a joy-filled marriage filled with love, grace, and God's blessing. In addition to helping you celebrate the joys of marriage and become radically connected as you create an even deeper passionate relationship, this lovely book also provides encouraging entries that will help you deal with common issues such as: Building physical and emotional intimacy Repairing trust Celebrating differences Being a team player Managing finances With a special section on the marriage vows and thoughtful meditations for the bride and groom, Preparing Your Heart for Marriage will help you grow in your relationship as a couple on your journey from “me” to “we.”
Isn't sexual -- or emotional -- intimacy enough? "No," says Christian psychologist Dr. David Clarke. "Spiritual bonding is the process by which a couple cultivates the presence of God in their relationship," he says, "and it's the only 'glue' that sustains relationships long-term." Working with hundreds of couples, Clarke observes that when we take specific steps to keep God at the center of our relationships, every area of intimacy is energized. This book teaches men and women in a committed relationship how to pray together, create "spiritual conversations," read and study Scripture together, hold private worship sessions, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide them. It's extremely practical counsel all couples need today.
"The Art of Marriage consists of six video sessions and an accompanying manual that provides couples with projects to help apply the principles taught during each session. The manual is also designed for couples to use after the event by offering articles, date night ideas, and useful tips for continuing to strengthen their marriage."--Publisher's website.
From the bestselling author of The Courage to Be Yourself and The Woman's Book of Courage comes an invaluable tool for couples who want to attain greater closeness and happiness in their partnership. Topics include how to enhance loving communication, harmonize gender differences, and create trust.
Designed for use with the Love & War eight-session DVD group video study will help participants take their marriage to new levels through deeper intimacy by stepping into the great adventure God has waiting for couples. (Relationships)
Clayton and Ashlee Hurst share the principles and Scripture they have learned to lean on and preach at Lakewood Church. Foreword by Joel Osteen. Are you willing to do whatever it takes to have the marriage you dreamed of? Interestingly, this is the question Clayton and Ashlee ask young couples before they get married and married couples in crisis. If they answer yes, then there is hope for the couple. If they are willing to commit to the hard work ahead, they have a very good shot. Hope for Your Marriage is a book designed for couples who desire to have the best marriage possible. Every marriage has the potential to be incredible when God is at the center. In Hope for Your Marriage, Clayton and Ashlee share personal stories on overcoming fairy-tale pitfalls; keeping Jesus at the center of your marriage; practicing healthy communication on sex, conflict, and forgiveness; declaring life over your marriage; and leaving a God-honoring legacy. Praise for Hope for Your Marriage: “Clayton and Ashlee Hurst are on the forefront of marriage ministry. This book is full of practical wisdom that’s a must-read for anyone looking to grow in their marriage.” —Jimmy Evans, founder and CEO, MarriageToday, Southlake, Texas “This book, layered with scriptures and personal stories of overcoming obstacles, will bless every couple ready to have a healthy and happy marriage with God at the center!” —DeVon Franklin, CEO, Franklin Entertainment; bestselling author “Whether you are a newlywed or married for decades, this encouraging book will give you new and practical insight into how to make your marriage the best relationship in your life.” —Shaunti Feldhahn, social researcher, bestselling author “A hope-filled book for all those who desire a loving, supportive relationship.” —Gary Chapman, PhD, bestselling author “Ashlee and Clayton transparently tell their story of honestly misunderstanding each other. Yet, God revealed insights that enabled them to love and respect each other in meaningful and friendly ways. We are blessed by their lives and testimony.” —Dr. Emerson and Sarah Eggerichs, Love and Respect Ministries
Updated with Discussion Questions and Two Bonus Chapters When you say "I do," you begin the journey of a lifetime— and you have dreams of that journey being perfect. But it won't take long for expectations of the perfect marriage to fade away in the struggles of everyday life. A long-term, vibrant marriage needs to be grounded in something sturdier than romance—it needs the life-changing power of the gospel. In this rebranded edition of What Did You Expect?, popular author and pastor Paul David Tripp encourages couples to make six biblical commitments to the Lord and to one another. These commitments, which include a lifestyle of confession and forgiveness, building trust, and appreciating differences, will equip couples to cultivate thriving, joy-filled marriages built on Christ.
Describes what marriage should be according to the Bible, arguing that marriage is a tool to bring individuals closer to God, and provides meaningful instruction on how to have a successful marriage.
