Getting Ready for Marriage Workbook

by Jim Burns, Doug Fields

Overview

Pulling off a successful wedding is one thing but fortifying a lifelong relationship is an entirely different endeavor. Relationship experts Jim Burns and Doug Fields invite couples to take a proactive approach to their marriage union—one that doesn’t shy away from sticky areas and tough topics—in order to develop a solid course from the very beginning. Jim and Doug apply decades of frontline experience working with couples into this fresh and practical resource. Organized in nine highly relevant sessions, each centered on key biblical and relational touchstones, Burns and Fields equip participants to confront big issues including communication, finances, spirituality, and intimacy—prior to their wedding day.

Great as a stand-alone resource or partnered with the Getting Ready for Marriage: A Practical Road Map for Your Journey Together book and companion video package.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780781412186
Publisher:	David C Cook
Publication date:	02/01/2015
Edition description:	Workbook
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	243,374
Product dimensions:	7.25(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.58(d)

About the Author

Jim Burns is president of the HomeWord Center for Youth and Family at Azusa Pacific University. Jim speaks to thousands of people around the world each year. He has over 1.5 million resources in print and a radio broadcast heard on over 800 stations daily. He, his wife, and three daughters live in Southern California.

Doug Fields is the executive director of the HomeWord Center for Youth and Family at Azusa Pacific University. Doug has been a youth and teaching pastor at Mariners Church and Saddleback Church, and has authored over 50 books. He is a passionate speaker and blogger reaching thousands of leaders, teenagers, and parents every year. Doug resides with his wife and three children in Southern California.

Table of Contents

Congratulations! 6

How to Use This Book 7

Questions to Ask 10

Chapter 1 Are You Ready for Marriage? 13

My Story

Five Crucial Question

My Baggage

Chapter 2 Writing Your Marriage Script Through Goals, Hopes, and Expectations 29

My Expectations

Making S.M.A.HT. Goals

Where I See Hope in Our Relationship

Chapter 3 In-Laws: You Marry the Family 45

Your Family Map

Holidays and Traditions

Honest Conversations about Your in-Laws

Chapter 4 Communication: The Fastest Route to Connection 59

Your Personality Inventory

Replenishing Your Relationship with A.W.E.

Blocks to Healthy Communication

Chapter 5 Conflict: The Rules of Engagement 69

The Conflict Dance

The Power of an Apology

Conflict Triggers

Chapter 6 Finances: The Best Things in Life Are Not Things 81

Your Budget

Creating a Debt-Reduction Plan

The Big Ten: Just Say Yes!

Chapter 7 Sexuality: The Naked Truth 95

The Sex Questionnaire

The Purity Code Challenge

The Five Sex Needs of Men and Women

Chapter 8 Spiritual Intimacy: The Power of Compatibility 105

Your Spiritual Journey

Committing to the "Closer Challenge"

Finding a Marriage Mentor Couple

Chapter 9 Remarriage: A Fresh Start 115

What I Have Learned from My Past

Successfully Blending a Family

Remarriage Readiness Survey

A Message to Pastors, Counselors, and Marriage Mentors 124

Notes 126

Acknowledgments 127