Real Marriage

Pastor Mark Driscoll and his wife Grace have co-written a novel book about marriage in which they discuss marriage and sex, replete with anecdotes, not meant as voyeuristic but to provide real examples of how once couple worked through marital issues to have a healthier marriage. With a chapter devoted to men written by Mark and another to women written by Grace, the book speaks issues shared by all of us. One important chapter discusses how to work through issues: bitterness, forgiveness, repentance, and fighting for your marriage. Sex is a topic left for its own half of the book, including topics such as the proper place of sex in a marriage, pornography, and a discussion of various types of sexual activity.

I found this to be a very candid book on marriage and sex. I've read a number of these types of books and none are as honest as this. I appreciate the insight the authors provide from their personal lives, as it gives hope to those struggling with their own issues. Yes, this is a good book, one to be read and digested.

Advanced Reader's Copy of the book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.

A Confident Heart

In this book Renee Swope tackles self-doubt and appropriating God's promises in our daily lives. Tailored to women, Renee uses stories, often autobiographical, to illustrate her points. Each chapters closes with a sample prayer based on the chapter, and questions to help you work through the concepts brought out in the chapter.

Although I was looking forward to reading the book, I lost interest after the first few chapters. However, on picking it up again, I my interest returned. Yes, it's a book directed to women, but in many ways it's message is applicable to men as well. The concerns and doubts identified by the author plague humanity and the ways she suggests conquering them are also universal: relying on the promises of God. Our God answers prayer and does not renege on his promises. I found the author's style a little more on the chatty side of things: not my cup of tea, but it may suit someone who enjoys sitting with a friend (or just this book) over a cup of coffee. In the end, I did think it a good book. It challenges you to grow deeper into a relationship with God and provides some tools to help in the task.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Amish Values for your Family

Amish Values for Your Family provides an interesting look at how Amish life and culture might provide a positive role model for one's family life. Plenty of short chapters provide insight into the rhythm of daily Amish life, from pets to pastimes, from marriage to mothers-in-law, from new babies to grandparents, from bears to bulls, from early deaths to eggs discovered by twins. Each chapter focuses on a vignette into Amish culture, a short discussion of how it might apply into one's life, and Amish quotes relevant to the chapter's theme. The author is obviously taken with Amish culture and their attraction to living life simply.

I did enjoy the book. I find that there is always something to learn from other cultures. And when a group intentionally strives to live apart from the mainstream and actually thrives, it's good to see what they are doing well. Although the book does not describe negative aspects of Amish life, there are a lot of positives to learn from. I did find some differences in attitudes in the stories, notably how the discipline resulting in a prank gone awry versus the response to gasoline being stolen; however, that illustrates richness in their culture and the importance of context. Take-aways for me include industriousness in the whole family, the importance of the extended family, finding value in nature, and humility.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.