Next March I am helping to lead a retreat on marriage. Those attending have good marriages and are seeking ways to strengthen their connections. Topics are communication, vision, sex, and, of course, spirituality.
I have been gathering material for the spirituality section since that is one I am leading and found this small devotional that I plan to recommend – Love and War 
by John and Stasi Eldridege. The tag line is “The eight week adventure that will help you find the marriage you always dreamed of.”
by John and Stasi Eldridege. The tag line is “The eight week adventure that will help you find the marriage you always dreamed of.”
This is a companion book for the full-length book of the same title,
but you don’t have to read that in order to enjoy the devotional. Each week there is a different emphasis such as Remembering What We Wanted, the Journey, Companionship, and Your Spouse is Not your Enemy.
but you don’t have to read that in order to enjoy the devotional. Each week there is a different emphasis such as Remembering What We Wanted, the Journey, Companionship, and Your Spouse is Not your Enemy.Each devotion starts with a Bible verse, a meditation, a prayer, and an exercise to try. Easy to read and very practical. A great resource for couples. This book will help you see God in your marriage and perhaps your spouse in a new light.
Disclaimer: WaterBrook/Multnomah Publishers provided me with this book free of charge for review.
If you are married, take a moment to ponder why you love him or her. I actually wrote down a list of things I love about Bill. As I reviewed our life together since 1972, the joys and challenges, and his ever-steady nature balancing my excessive enthusiastic personality, my heart filled with grateful prayer. One of our strengths is our sense of partnership and respect for each other as individuals.
Growing spiritually involves reflective living. Insights can be gained by taking the time to ponder all the dimensions of life (God, marriage, work, finances, relationships, etc), and its strengths, challenges, and blessings. Looking back over my marriage I feel blessed.
What will you reflect upon this week?
We both can be very thankful, Phil. thanks for stopping by
It sounds like a wonderful book Jean… Thank you for the referral.
Like you, I feel very Blessed to have an amazing marriage. 🙂
Thoughts and prayers for a successful retreat!
Have a Blessed Day!
Marti you have a great point. I think our intentions are good and we really don’t mean to neglect our spouses, we just get busy with life. time to refocus!
I’ve read positive reviews of LOVE AND WAR but hadn’t seen anything about the devotional. Thanks for sharing this, Jean.
I’m examining my writing life this week as I gear up for a heavy season of work and conference preparation. As with marriage, it’s easy to overlook the joys amidst the daily grind. Thanks for this reminder to remember and reflect.