Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Got Married..

Most people spend far more time in preparation for their vocation than they do in preparation for marriage,” Dr. Gary Chapman No wonder the divorce rate hovers around fifty percent. Bestselling author and marriage counselor, Gary Chapman, hopes to change that with his newest book. Gary, with more than 35 years of counseling couples, believes that divorce is the lack of preparation for marriage and the failure to learn the skills of working together as intimate teammates. So he put together this practical little book, packed with wisdom and tips that will help many develop the loving, supportive and mutually beneficial marriage men and women long for. It’s the type of information Gary himself wished he had before he got married. This is not a book simply to be read. It is a book to be experienced. The material lends itself to heart-felt discussions by dating or engaged couples. To jump-start the exchanges, each short chapter includes insightful “Talking it Over” questions and suggestions. And, the book includes information on interactive websites as well as books that will enhance the couples experience. Dr. Chapman even includes a thought-provoking appendix. By understanding and balancing the five key aspects of life, dating couples can experience a healthy dating relationship. A revealing learning exercise for dating couples is included at the end.

Forty Ways to Say I Love For Christian couples who want to keep their love alive was written by James R. Bjorge and published in 1978 by Augsburg Publishing House of Minneapolis. This book, containing 93 pages, answers the questions, How can I keep my marriage vibrant and alive?" and "What can I do to unlock my creative potential to keep our love growing and fulfilling?" A satisfying and stimulating marriage doesn't just happen. It takes a lot of love to maintain a happy union - along with imagination, cooperation, and dedication. Christian couples who want to keep their love alive will find new and special ways to nurture their relationship in these brief, personal, and scripturally based meditations. James Bjorge's gentle insights show the way to deeper understanding of what makes a marriage work. His fresh ideas will spark your imagination and help you find new ways to say I love you. James R. Bjorge is pastor of Roseville Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is in demand as a speaker to civic and business groups, and author of several books, including And Heaven and Nature Sing.