Good lesson on marriage
598512
I watched this title a couple of years ago, and liked it then, and now that I've seen it for a second time, I really love it. The changes wrought in the principle charactor in his relationships (mostly his wife, but also towards his coworkers) is what would go a long way to having a lasting peace.
183848
I am not married, nor in a relationship but read this as a friend is getting married. As a single I appreciated the focus on mission, not having/playing happy families. I see a lot of people just focussed on their relationships. I appreciated the authors pointed to the importance of Christ and His mission being central to marriage. It was a very simple message within the pages.
1311683
This video really helps one to see what's important in a marriage and how to keep it together. I sent my copy to my son and his wife and they were blessed by its content. Thank you.
3757033
I think Gary Thomas has a lot to teach us on having a happy and successful marriage. I read sacred marriage and thought it was excellent This was a great follow up to that book. It gives the reader practical advice about how to truly love our spouse and receive many blessings in our marriage. I enjoyed reading this book and will continue to look for anything the author writes in the future.
4948201
I have read several books on marriage, and observed as much as I can while living as a single adult. I have come across some excellent books which are obviously life-changing in the realm of marriage. Since I am single, I judge marriage books on God's word and basic Biblical wisdom as well as my parents' marriage. I try to imagine them, or myself in the future, using the book and its wisdom. This particular book didn't impress or excite me. The title sure gets the reader's attention. And I do agree that couples need to talk through their conflicts. That was a major point of the book I totally agreed with. I agree that marriages can crumble if either the husband or wife- or both- will not discuss hurts and problems. But some of the advice in the book included to much arguing which I didn't agree with. I understood where the authors were coming from because their personality types lead to argument. But more peaceable and loving people shouldn't get the impression that they need more arguing to make their marriage work! In short, this book has a lot of good and will probably help many couples who need more vocalization in their marriage.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
4399561
My LDS Marriage and Family teacher recommended this book and it is EXCELLENT, whether you are married, engaged, dating, or just want to have a successful marriage! VERY good advice in here and an enjoyable read.
723645
I've been married 21 years and I still am not the perfect wife, nor do I have the perfect husband. While it is a continual effort (and worth it), having some biblical guidance will make the effort fruitful. Reading the complimentary book I received from XXXXXXX, I have discovered some things I can do to improve myself and my marriage.  While not all of these are issues for my marriage, I do believe they are subject matters that influence many marriages.

Many couples enter marriage with unrealistic expectations, as well having worldly views of gender vs. Christ-centered gender expectations.  They may have anger issues, lack listening skills and fight discontentment. They may not know the importance of confession and forgiveness within a marriage. These issues are covered in this book which reference God's Word in regard to each one.

The part of the book that spoke to me most was the section on joy. I love my husband, my children, my life in general, yet I tend to be discontent.  Why? While I can't recite the entire book, I do have to say that I understand joy much better after having read the book. It's something I must fight for through worship, gratitude and prayer.

Whether you've been marriage a year or twenty, this book has plenty in it to cover what you may need to improve in your marriage. Be sure to open your Bible and look up the Scriptures as the book references them. The book can be read by an individual or couple and offers a study guide. Each chapter ends with some questions for deeper evaluation.
571996
I would recommend even couple read this book.  If practiced, it could prevent problems, save a marriage, or enhance a marriage.
1893032
This is a good devotional for newly weds.  Jimmy Evans is one of my favorite marriage topic authors.  This devotional is not for those who have listened to his material AND are putting what they have learned into action.  It is well written and does provide time for discussion and action.  If you have a good marriage and your wanting a challenge I would suggest the Sacred Marriage devotional by Gary Thomas be added to your list of books to read
2208850
Life Promises is a part devotional part school book.  What I mean is that the format is such that you can read a section in about 10 minutes and carry the idea through the day.  Mr. Chapman sets the book up as something that can be used as a couple, or as an individual.  Each topic starts with 3 Bible verses that address the issue and then a short message on the topic.

I have enjoyed this book.  Marriage is a constant learning process and maintenance.  Having good, sound advice presented in a small, bite-size format is my cup of tea.  I can see good solid teaching making it into my marriage.

I'd give the book 5 out of 5.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers  as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
4287297
If married couples would follow the Biblical principal's  of marriage laid out in Scott's book, I think there would be much less divorce and more happily married couples. His knowledge of the Bible and the wisdom of old, is a true inspiration to those willing to partake in "Marriage God's Way".
3771196
This book teaches solid, Biblical principles.  If you follow them, and truly apply them to your marriage you can expect good things.
3731665
"7 tips for a successful marriage, even when opposites attract," is a quick, enlightening read; however, you will want to take your time, or even revisit again and again, to absorb author Rose's wisdom. Not because she imparts something that you have never heard of or thought about, but because sometimes, the things that should be common sense in marriage, are often the easiest to forget. It is an excellent book for newly weds, those who have been married for twenty or thirty years, and anyone in between.

This book covers many issues, such as: marrying someone of a different faith, parenting, finances, expectations, infidelity, and just about any topic you can think of.  One of my personal favorites, was the idea that it is okay to approach most situations with a sense of humor. For me, in my marriage, I agree: having a sense of humor is one of the best parts of realizing that we are both human and doing the best we can to conform and compromise.

The author expertly uses her own personal experiences as a wife and mother, bringing readers into her kitchen, her living room - her conversations, discoveries and wisdom. One account, describes something I have found to be at the root of many problems in not only relationships, but in life: EXPECTATIONS. Author Ernestine Rose shared a situation in which she had gone to the trouble of learning several different ways to prepare rice, which to me, is a metaphor; she was eager to please, as I'm sure, many of us can relate. In learning these methods of cooking and spicing things up, she found that hubby drenched the rice in ketchup no matter how she prepared it. At times, he had to work late, and could not sit down to eat with her, let alone appreciate said rice.

Eventually, after sulking, she learned, that he was doing the best he could. Sulking did not help. What did, was realizing that she needed to figure out a way to maintain peace within herself. If eating together could not always happen, she would compromise her expectations, and expect more of herself, to make herself happy. Her life could not, would not, revolve around him - he is only human, and again, he was doing the best that he could.

I enjoyed the closing thoughts: No matter how long you've been together, no matter how old you are, no matter what you have been through, make sure that no matter what, you make it crystal clear that you love your spouse.

These are some of the many excellent points in the book. I enjoyed it, and I think you will, too.
4074528
I was impressed by the message of this movie and will recommended to not just married couples in trouble but to anyone in a relationship to watch. It teaches some valuable lessons that we can all learn and put into practice even if we are not Christians.
3185048
It was a good story and there are lessons to be learned from this story.  All families could get a good lesson from this.
46340
Dr. Beeke does an excellent job of tackling two subjects that are rarely handled, let alone well. First, he emphasizes the friendship aspect of a good marriage. There is so much emphasis in the literature upon romance, that this aspect of marriage--which gets a large proportion of the treatment of the subject in the Bible--is too often neglected. Second, he deals quite straightforwardly with sexual intimacy in marriage, addressing several important Scriptural principles, and giving practical suggestions, without being puerile or lurid. It is a book that will instruct without tempting. I would recommend that a couple that has moved past the beginning courtship stage but isn't yet quite too close to the wedding date read this out loud with a pastor or a parent there to affirm and/or expand upon the counsel that Beeke gives in this book.
541082
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: a married person can't read too many books about marriage.  I can't speak for husbands everywhere, but I know I need all the help I can get.  Greg and Julie Gorman offer some help in What I Wish My Mother Had Told Me About Marriage: Unlocking 10 Secrets to a Thriving Marriage.  By looking at their own marriage, at lots of scripture, and at solid wisdom about marriage relationships, the Gormans offer their take on improving and loving together.

The first "secret" (it's not really a secret) is "the key to experiencing a thriving marriage is our complete surrender to God."  This is the non-negotiable starting point for all the rest of what they say.  In marriage, as we surrender to God, we commit to serving one another: "Marriage requires us to exchange our selfish nature for Christ's servant-like nature."  That commitment is not easy, and takes a deliberate effort.  They write, "Just because two Christians marry does not mean they'll automatically have a Christian marriage."  Both partners must "cultivate and practice servanthood within your marriage relationship."  If you master that point, the rest of the book is unnecessary.  But it's still helpful.

Without "revealing" the other 9 "secrets" I thought I'd add some general thoughts about the book.

Some things I liked about WIWMMHTMAM:

-- The Gormans are honest and open about their own marriage and struggles they've had.  Julie discusses the abuse she suffered, they talk about their blended family, and they recount the knock-down, drag-out fights they had early on.

-- Each chapter includes "A Letter from the Father," which takes scripture and mashes it together in letter form pertaining to the theme of the chapter.  It's very effective in bringing scriptural thoughts to a first-person divine voice.

-- The book is primarily written by Julie, but each chapter includes "Greg's Turn," in which Greg corrects all of the errors Julie makes.  Just kidding, of course.  He affirms Julie's piece and provides the male perspective.

What I didn't like as much about WIWMMHTMAM:

 -- "Secrets" is overused in book titles.  The 10 "secrets" promised in the subtitle aren't secrets, but age-old, time-tested truths.  This will surprise no one.  Nobody picks up a book like this thinking that they will find among the pages some previously hidden secret formula.  So why do publishers insist on putting this in so many book titles?

-- Many books with "secret" in the title are in the self-help/motivational genre.  Julie makes her living as a motivational/inspirational speaker.  Some of that tone carries over into the book, in both her style and in her selection of writers from which she quotes.  This is a taste issue as much as anything.  The more you sound like Tony Robbins, the more turned off I get.

Whether you've been married for decades or just starting out, you will glean some truth from and be challenged by WIWMMHTMAM.  The Gormans and the couples they discuss here have probably been through whatever you're going through and will help you remember that marriage is worth the effort to make it work and thrive.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!