Resources for Additional Support

If we aren’t growing and learning, we are slipping backwards. That’s true in business, life, and marriage. We compiled a list of resources that we have found beneficial in our marriage. Explore the many resources below to see if any may address an area where you want to grow in or a need you have.

Books

There is an endless number of great books to help strengthen marriage and faith. Check out some of the ones we feel are the best.

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Programs & Events

Marriage programs can be a great way to enrich your marriage. Check out some that we've found to be most beneficial.

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Organizations

Many organizations have offerings to support growth in faith and marriage. Check out some that have helped us grow the most.

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Books

Faith in Marriage: The Strength to Persevere, Overcome, and Thrive

Written by Doug Bierl, co-founder of Reclaiming Wholeness, Faith in Marriage provides couples with a guide for how to live out a Christ-centered marriage.

It is challenging to be married today, possibly more than at any other time in history.

How do you address issues that come up in marriage?

Many couples don’t handle them well. As a result, they end up living in or settling for an unhealthy, stagnant, and unfulfilling marriage. They disengage emotionally, and eventually, physically, through separation and divorce.

If there was one thing that you knew would give you the strength to persevere and overcome challenges in your marriage so that it is healthy and thriving, would you do it?

Good news! There is. It has to do with making faith in Jesus as the focal point of your marriage. This book is filled with timeless truths, personal experience, and practical applications for living out faith in marriage.

Faith in Marriage is available as an e-book and paperback through Amazon and at other retailers. Download a sample of content here.

The Divorce Pill

Written by Doug Bierl, co-founder of Reclaiming Wholeness, The Divorce Pill provides couples who are considering divorce a glimpse into what divorce could look like. In the book, the main character, Brian Walker, is considering divorce and he finds out about a pill, the “Divorce Pill,” that puts him into a 24-hour hallucinogenic state where he vividly sees and experiences what divorce could look like for him and his family. Afterwards, he can decide whether to follow through with his plans or take steps to restore his marriage.

Although the The Divorce Pill is fiction, the situations are real, based on the experience of the author and others. It is the author’s hope that The Divorce Pill will open the eyes of readers to how much divorce might impact their lives, and that it will prompt them to seek the help and resources they need to overcome the challenges they are having in their marriage. Reclaiming Wholeness is one of those resources.

The Divorce Pill is available as a paperback, e-book, and audio book through Amazon and at other retailers. Download sample content here.

Additional Books by Other Authors

Our faith journey and the work we do has been informed and influenced by a number of authors and experts. The books listed below are some that have had more influence on us. The list is by no means exhaustive. There is an endless supply of content for each of the topics listed.

The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts by Gary Chapman
The Marriage You’ve Always Wanted by Gary Chapman
Fight Fair! Winning At Conflict Without Losing At Love by Tim and Joy Downs
Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs
Love and War by John and Stasi Eldredge
Marriage On The Rock by Jimmy and Karen Evans
The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages by Shaunti Feldhahn
Why Marriages Succeed or Fail by John Gottman
Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage by Mark Gungor
The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller
Before the Last Resort: 3 Simple Questions to Rescue Your Marriage by George Kenworthy
Relationships, A Mess Worth Making by Timothy S Lane and Paul David Tripp
Defending Your Marriage. The Reality of Spiritual Battle by Tim Muehlhoff
Becoming Soul Mates by Les and Leslie Parrott
Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts by Les and Leslie Parrott
Your Time Starved Marriage by Les and Leslie Parrott
The DNA of Relationships for Couples by Greg Smalley and Robert S Paul
Real Marriage: Seeing the Soul by Tammy Smith, Ph.D.
Cherish: The One Word That Changes Everything In Your Marriage by Gary Thomas
Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas
It Only Takes One by Gary Whetstone
Vertical Marriage: The One Secret That Will Change Your Marriage by Dave and Ann Wilson
Courtship After Marriage by Zig Ziglar
Remarriage/Blended Families
StepPARENTING. 50 One-Minute Dos & Don’ts for Stepdads and Stepmoms by Randall Hicks’
The Smart Stepfamily. 7 Steps to a Healthy Family by Ron Deal
The Smart Stepfamily Marriage. Keys to Success in the Blended Family by Ron Deal
Blending Families. 18 Successful Stepfamilies Share Their Secrets to Growing a Healthy Marriage and Family by Jimmy Evans and Frank Martin

Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation by Ruth Haley Barton
The Smart Stepmom by Ron Deal and Laura Petherbridge
Becoming Myself by Stasi Eldredge
Captivating by Stasi Eldredge
For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn
The Power of A Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian
Uninvited: Living Loved, When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely by Lysa Terkeurst

Men of Courage by Dr. Larry Crabb
Healing The Masculine Soul by Gordon Dalby
The Smart Stepdad by Ron Deal
Waking the Dead by John Eldredge
Wild at Heart by John Eldredge
The Kingdom Man by Tony Evans
For Men Only by Shaunti Feldhahn
The Love Dare by Stephen & Alex Hendrick
The Happy Wife Happy Life Deception: How to Stop Walking on Eggshells & be the Man Your were Made to Be by Jim Lange
Chasing Daylight. Seize the Power of Every Moment by Erwin Raphael McManus.
The Power of A Praying Husband by Stormie Omartian Crazy Good Sex: Putting to Bed the Myths Men Have About Sex by Dr. Les Parrott The Heart of a Warrior by Michael Thompson

Who I Am In Christ by Neil T. Anderson
Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God by Henry and Richard Blackaby, Claude King
All Things New by John Eldredge
Beautiful Outlaw by John Eldredge
Moving Mountains by John Eldredge
Walking with God by John Eldredge
Stay Above the Line: Kingdom Strategies for Living Beyond Limits by Dr. Diana Morgan
The Spiritual Man by Watchman Nee
Choosing A Life That Matters. 7 Decisions You’ll Never Regret by Dennis Rainey
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero
Faith-Based Deep Healing
Healing an Orphan Heart by Rick Evans
Soul Care: 7 Transformational Principles For a Healthy Soul by Dr. Rob Reimer
Soul Healing: Living Beyond the Pain of Your Past by Tammy Smith Ph.D.
Draw Close to the Fire: Finding God in the Darkness by Terry Wardle
Every Breath We Take by Terry Wardle
The Transforming Path: A Christ-Centered Approach to Spiritual Formation by Terry Wardle
Wounded: How to Find Wholeness and Inner Healing in Christ by Terry Wardle

The Bondage Breaker by Neil T. Anderson
Victory Over Darkness by Neil T. Anderson
Defeating Dark Angels. Breaking Demonic Oppression in the Believer’s Life by Charles Kraft
I Give You Authority. Practicing the Authority Jesus Gave Us by Charles Kraft
Defending Your Marriage. The Reality of Spiritual Battle by Tim Meuhlhoff
Make Fear Bow by Gary Whetstone

Programs & Events

As we plan marriage programs and events, or find out about ones that are organized by others, we will post information about them here for your consideration. We hope you find one or more that is of value to you.

Men's and Women's Boot Camps

A marriage is only as healthy as the individuals in it, and the closer each is to God, the stronger the marriage will be. We’ve found that it helps to get away with others of the same gender to focus on their relationship with God and who he created them to be. Some may call it a spiritual retreat, but these are called Boot Camps for Men and Women. They are held at Eagle Wings Lodge in Hocking Hills. The investment you make in yourself will have unmeasurable returns on your marriage. Check out your options here.

XO Marriage Conference

Put on by Marriage Today, XO Conference is a one or two-day experience that provides expert marriage advice and practical teachings to help couples navigate their marriage journey. You’ll hear from Christian marriage expert Jimmy Evans, Dave and Ashley Willis, and many other leading speakers about the secrets to a healthy, thriving marriage. At XO, you can expect dynamic teachings, worship, and an inspiring environment that will help you and your spouse escape the ordinary and build a strong marriage. For more information and to register, click here.

A Weekend to Remember

FamilyLife’s Weekend to Remember® is a two-and-a-half day getaway weekend that is a time to be together as a couple to invest in and strengthen the foundation of your marriage, no matter how firm or fragile it is. By getting away from the distractions of life, you can fortify your most important relationship and work toward building wonderful memories together, for decades to come. For more information, including dates and locations for the getaways, and to register, visit the FamilyLife website. When you register, be sure to use our group name (ForEachOther) at checkout to receive $100 off your registration as a couple.

Gary Chapman

Whether you’re looking for a weekend conference, a romantic evening out, or a full-blown vacation, Dr. Gary Chapman offers a variety of speaking events designed to help you and your loved one put the wisdom of The 5 Love Languages® into practice. Every year, thousands of couples nationwide attend to build on the principles of The 5 Love Languages® and to gain new insight into their relationships. Click here for event dates and locations.

Gary Thomas

Gary Thomas is a bestselling author and international speaker whose ministry brings people closer to Christ and closer to others. He unites the study of Scripture, church history, and the Christian classics to foster spiritual growth and deeper relationships within the Christian community. Marriage books include Cherish, Sacred Marriage, and Lifelong Love. Click here for dates and locations of speaking events for these and other topics

Jay and Laura Lafoon

Jay and Laura offer a variety of fun and funny events for married couples, including cruises, The Ultimate Date Night, and the Celebrate Your Marriage conference. Visit their website to for dates and locations.

Marriage Date Night

Laugh and have fun as a couple, while learning things that can help keep your marriage healthy and strong. For dates and locations, and to register click here.

Organizations

There are many resources available to support the health of individuals and their marriage. Some of the ones we’ve found most useful are listed below. Each individual organization is responsible for its content.

marriage and family

Since 1976, FamilyLife® has been committed to helping people find biblical help for their marriage and family relationships. FamilyLife provides transferrable, biblically-based help for people at every stage of their marriages and family life. Through the Weekend to Remember® marriage getaways, FamilyLife Today® radio broadcasts, The Art of Marriage® video event, and many other resources and content, God has used FamilyLife to restore hope for millions of couples and transform their lives. It’s never too late to apply God’s truth to your relationships, and we stand ready to help. For more information, visit http://www.familylife.com/.

XO Marriage exists to help couples have a healthy and strong marriage by hosting conferences, creating resources, and offering encouraging digital content. World-class speakers offer leading marriage advice to equip couples with the necessary tools for a successful marriage. The XO Marriage Conference is the signature event for married couples. For information about this and other resources, visit  https://xomarriage.com/.

Love Thinks is all about relationships with a mission to develop engaging, entertaining, and informative resources for personal growth and the development and maintenance of healthy relationships. All programs are based around the Relationship Attachment Model (RAM), which is a picture of a relationship and the five dynamic bonds that make up a relationship. Love Thinks offers five programs. The PICK Program for singles teaches how to choose a healthy partner and develop a relationship in a safe way. Couple LINKS teaches couples how to rebalance the natural fluctuations in closeness in their relationship and how to deepen intimacy. Home Runs is a family program and provides a framework for building closeness and openness between parents and their kids. Ultimate Spiritual R&R teaches how to build resiliency through exploring and deepening spirituality. And Counseling with the RAM provides professionals a theoretical framework for developing the therapeutic alliance, as well as developing a treatment and follow-up plan. For more information, visit http://www.lovethinks.com/.

Les and Leslie Parrott are a husband-and-wife team who not only share the same name, but the same passion for helping others build healthy relationships. In 1991, the Parrotts founded the Center for Relationship Development on the campus of Seattle Pacific University – a groundbreaking program dedicated to teaching the basics of good relationships. The Parrotts have written a number of books, devotions, marriage and pre-marriage programs, and have produced videos about marriage. These resources and more can be found on their website. For more information, visit http://www.lesandleslie.com/.

Personal and Spiritual Growth

EHS is dedicated to pointing you to an authentic, vibrant and deeply transformational relationship with Jesus. EHS found that spiritual maturity and emotional health are inseparable and has developed a strategy for discipleship that integrates both of these key components with a slowed down lifestyle that puts being with Jesus before doing for Jesus. EHS has a wealth of media rich resources, webinars, experiential conferences and seminars all dedicated to help transform the quality of leaders, relationships, churches and organizations. For more information, visit http://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/.

FICM has always been committed to teaching the message of freedom, taking people through The Steps to Freedom in Christ and training individuals to use the “Steps” in their personal ministries. People are encouraged and strengthened by the books and teaching conferences FICM produces and conducts, and many have learned how to minister freedom to others through “encourager training.” FICM-USA has the tools and training needed for community ministries. For more information, visit http://ficm.org/.

At the GWWM website you can Experience the Life of Jesus Christ. God has called you to this experience through the power of Jesus’ death and the abundant life of His resurrection power revealed within. GWWM’s passion is to see you and your family Experience Jesus’ Life in your everyday life. Through Jesus’ resurrection, you were born again to fulfill His original design and specific purpose for your life. Jesus’ death and resurrection truly is the power of God transforming you from the dominion of darkness to the liberating experience of Jesus Christ living through you! This reality of Jesus Experience is for everyone that believes in Jesus’ resurrection and has received Him into his heart. Then the very nature of Jesus Christ is alive within as Jesus Christ is declared as being Lord. The website has free teachings, sermons, webinars, bible school and much more. For more information, visit http://jesusexperience.com/.

HCM provides help to broken people in three ways: pastoral counseling and care, equipping professional and lay caregivers to effectively minister to people through the various aspects of formational prayer, and providing specific venues of spiritual direction/ formational prayer. HCM provides seminars, skill development retreats, and written resources that equip professional and lay caregivers to minister to broken people through the various aspects of formational prayer. HCM provides specific venues of care for men, women and children who are struggling with deep emotional wounding. These include Extensive Care Retreats, personal spiritual direction, and formational prayer. For more information, visit http://www.healingcare.org/.

Dr. Tammy Smith helps men and women on the path of healing and freedom that is only found through Jesus Christ. She has written several books, including Soul Healing, Soul Satisfaction, and Real Marriage: Seeing the Soul. She is an energetic speaker and presents at events throughout the country. For more information, visit https://drtammysmith.com/.

Original Design comes from Genesis, with a purpose to see couples, leaders and individuals renewed, revived, and restored to the blessed and productive life of the garden. ODI’s goal is to equip the Body of Christ to “stay above the line,” to live as part of the Kingdom—in the world, but not succumbed to the world. ODI currently has developed four teaching modules (Staying Above the Line, Kingdom Communications – Speak Life, Marriage Empowerment, and Senseless Coaching) that are supplemented with bootcamps, workshops, and seminars, as well as free resources, emails, and books. For more information, visit http://www.originaldesigninternational.com/.

Bruce Wilkinson founded Teach Every Nation (TEN) in 2013 as the culmination of four decades of ‘best practices’ learned from his teaching, training, and international leadership and ministry. TEN exists to grow Christianity in every nation as quickly and as effectively as possible. We train others by using technology to deliver courses at thousands of TEN sites and providing in-person teaching on the TEN Campus. The site includes many resources developed by Bruce Wilkinson, including 70X7 Finding Peace By Forgiving Others…And Yourself, which can be life-changing for men, women, and married couples. For more information, visit https://teacheverynation.org/usa/.

Wild at Heart Ministries hopes to change the face of Christianity by recovering the treasure of the Gospel, transforming the lives of men and women, and teaching men and women to walk with God while living it themselves. Wild at Heart desires to equip men to rescue others, provide ongoing nourishment, and show the way to new wineskins. For more information, visit https://wildatheart.org/.

Zoweh is a discipleship and friendship initiative that serves men, women, and marriages, and functions as both a Medic Team in the spiritual battle for the heart and a Strategic Outpost offering tools, resources, and encouragement for people to experience the life God has for them. For more information, visit https://www.zoweh.org/

Assessments are a way for people to gain insights into one or more areas of their life, such as skills and abilities, personality style, interests, values, health and well-being. An assessment can be a useful tool to use during a coaching engagement, where the coach helps the person being coached to uncover new insights and determine what to do about them. There are a wide variety of assessments (and costs), but here are two that help couples understand each other that are free (sometimes a shorter version of a more expensive one) or inexpensive and accessible for you.

Love Languages

Take the 5 Love Languages® official assessment to discover your love language and begin improving your relationships. Your love language profile will explain your primary love language, what it means, and how you can use it to connect to others. To take the free assessment, visit http://www.5lovelanguages.com/profile/.

Enneagram

The Enneagram is a psychological system consisting of 9 different personality types. These types make up the range of basic personality styles. Rather than describing how we behave, the Enneagram speaks to the why of personality, our core motivation. To take this free assessment, visit http://www.exploreyourtype.com/details. If you would prefer to dive more deeply afterwards, visit https://tests.enneagraminstitute.com/test/1/code to take a longer assessment for $12.00.