Books

Anna and I love great books, especially those that will strengthen our marriage purpose, nurture intimacy, and keep the gospel of Christ at the core.  Each book has been selected after being read in our weekly small home groups or on our own time. Listed below are resources that we love and would recommend to all marriages.

 

Married for God by Christopher Ash. Anna and I loved this book! It pulls no punches and really gets to the heart of marriage quickly: We are married on purpose. God’s design is that we are more effective together in fulfilling our purpose in this life through our gospel-centered marriage. Married For God is thoughtful, challenging, and a practical read.  Get it here.

 

 

Marriage Management by Tim Russo. Marriage Management focuses on balancing your Marriage Budget, which has nothing to do with money! Through open communication and an honest look at your circumstances, you can “get out of the red” as a couple and intentionally invest in a healthy growing relationship. 

A practical approach to evaluating your marriage deposits and debts, while serving as a useful tool in leading other couples into next steps for inspiring marriage growth. The figurative terms of budget planning translate easily and nurture a refreshing marriage economy. Get it here.

 

 

The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller. You can never go wrong reading Timothy Keller. The Meaning of Marriage is theologically rich, keeping Jesus always at the center.  A thorough exploration on God’s design for marriage and includes both Kathy and Tim’s personal stories from their own marriage journey.  Get it here.

 

 

The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman. This is definitely a favorite! Have you ever felt like you are spinning your wheels to please your spouse? Loving and serving tirelessly but you’re still not feeling appreciated or loved in return? We often resort to the Golden Rule when trying to repair our relationship with our spouse, but treating them the way we want to be treated is not always the right approach.

The 5 Love Languages flips that concept into an even more beautiful tailspin by simply teaching us how to love others, mainly our spouse, according to how they define love. Learning how we each best receive love has equipped us to love each other better. If you have not read this book, get it today! It is such a valuable tool for every marriage. Get it here.

 

Happily Ever After: Finding Grace in the Messes of Marriage by Desiring God Ministries. 

We experimented with this book and decided to work through it with a small group in our living room. We read a few chapters each week and regrouped in hopes the chapter would spur thoughtful conversation among the couples in our group dynamic. With 14 couples and chocolate fondu, you can’t go wrong. Fellowship was sweet and conversation was enjoyable. While we definitely recommend this devotional, but we believe it is best according to its purpose as a devotional for couples, not a large group setting.

Happily Ever After provides daily insights and biblical reference for a variety of topics relevant to marriage. Each chapter is written by a unique contributor, which allows the reader to enjoy a multitude of testimonies, encouragement, and gospel perspective for marriage. Get it here.

 

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know by Meg Meaker

It’s often difficult for parents to connect with their daughters–and especially so for fathers. In this unique and invaluable guide, Dr. Meg Meeker, a pediatrician with more than twenty years’ experience counseling girls, reveals that a young woman’s relationship with her father is far more important than we’ve ever realized. To become a strong, confident woman, a daughter needs her father’s attention, protection, courage, and wisdom. Dr. Meeker shares the ten secrets every father needs to know in order to strengthen or rebuild bonds with his daughter and shape her life–and his own–for the better. Get it here.

 

Raising a Modern Day Knight: A Father’s Role in Guiding His Son To Authentic Manhood by Robert Lewis

The medieval custom of knighthood offers a unique approach to shaping a boy into a strong, godly man. Centuries ago, select boys went through a rigorous, years-long process of clearly defined objectives, goals, and ceremonies―with the hope of achieving knighthood. Along the way, they acquired a boldly masculine vision, an uncompromising code of conduct, and a noble cause in which to invest their lives. They were the heroes of their age. Get it here.