I  have been married for 25 years.  We have had our share of joyous times, hard times and sorrow.  No matter how long you’ve been married, there is always room for improvement.  Always.  My husband and I have struggled more in the last five years of our marriage than we ever have.  But even with the challenges, we are committed to each other and we are committed to our marriage.  If there is one thing I know and understand, marriage is work, and couples must be willing to work on their marriage in order to remain satisfied and fulfilled.

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review a copy of The Marriage You’ve Always Wanted by Dr. Gary Chapman.  My husband and I enjoyed reading The Five Love Languages in the past so I was really looking forward to diving into this one.

About the book.

You can picture the perfect marriage in your mind, but re-creating it in reality doesn’t come easy. Trusted counselor and relationship expert Dr. Gary Chapman reasons that the most sought-after ingredient in any marriage is true oneness. In The Marriage You’ve Always Wanted, he presents expert wisdom and common sense methods to establishing that true unity on emotional and practical levels. Discover the wit and insight that makes his worldwide presentations and marriage conferences so popular. Are you trying to change your spouse? Do you know what it means to really love someone? Do you feel ignored or even alone in your effort to improve your marriage? Dr. Chapman has answers and action steps on topics from expressing your emotions to managing your money, all in a format that will have you and your spouse talking and learning with every page.

My thoughts

At just 143 pages, this book is not too overwhelming.  But it shouldn’t be read too fast.  Packed with scripture, it is meant to take you and your spouse on a journey into the heart of God for your marriage. There are 9 chapters in the book dealing with very practical issues:

Why Do People Marry?
“Why Won’t They Change?”
What Love Really means
“Listen to Me!”
Who Takes Care of What?
Decisions, Decisions
“You Mean We Have to Work at Sex?”
Leaving and Honoring Parents
Love and Money

Out of the 9 chapters included in the book, one of the chapters that I got the most out of was the one entitled “Listen to me!”.  I have found that over time, marriage communication can become routine. Personally, I am all too often quick to speak and quick to get angry.  I really need to have a listening ear and continually ask God to give me a heart of understanding towards my husband.  After each chapter there are reflection questions geared toward building greater discussion and togetherness, as well as allowing God to work on your own heart concerning your marriage.

I believe this book is a good choice for any married couple, whether you’ve been married 2 years or 22 years.  No marriage is perfect.  This book gives you the scriptural foundations to help you bring true happiness and satisfaction in your marriage.

The giveaway.

I am excited to provide a copy of The Marriage You’ve Always Wanted to one of my readers.  All you have to do to enter is follow the instructions on the PunchTab entry form below.  The giveaway will remain open until 9PM (Pacific Time) on Friday, February 21st.  The winner will be chosen and notified by email.