A Peek At My Bookshelf: The Best Year of Your Marriage by Jim & Jean Daly

About the Book:

This beautiful 52-week devotional provides Christian couples with an easy way to read Scripture, pray, and engage in spiritual discussions and activities to strengthen their relationship and marriage. Perfect for younger couples in building a strong spiritual foundation early on, it’s a great resource for couples of any age or stage who want to grow closer as they follow God together.

Presented in a relaxed and easy-to-use way and edited by Focus on the Family president Jim Daly and his wife, Jean, each devotional offers foundational, practical, and wise material from members of the Focus counseling staff.

The content is divided into 13 sections, with topics including getting to know each other better, listening, mastering money, building a Christ-centered home, going the distance, and more. Each section is introduced by the Dalys, and each of the 52 devotions is followed with discussion questions and activities.

My Thoughts:

First of all, the design for this book is gorgeous! Bound in a 'leather' cover, "The Best Year of Your Marriage makes an ideal gift. Have the book embossed in a meaningful way for the receiving couple, or make getting your book and embossing it one of your together activities. Either way, this is the perfect gift for weddings and/or anniversary celebrations.

Even more important than the beauty of the cover is the content within the pages. I've read samples from each of 13 sections, and found the information shared spot on. Covering topics of communication and shared activities to intimacy in marriage to when the babies start coming, you'll find several readings on all topics concerning marriage.

Jim and his wife Jean share their story as the opening to each section, and their love for God and for each other is evident in their tale of romance and commitment. As you read each of the 52 devotions you'll learn from other couples and what they've done well, and what they've done not so well. The entire book is engaging and applying what you've read is easy.

At the end of each devotion you'll find three activities or readings, plus food for thought. Worth Reading About includes Scriptures and thoughts to meditate on and talk with one another about.

Worth Praying About gives suggestions for praying together. The concept is clear, but the prayers are yours...no repeating words written down. Praying together most definitely builds intimacy, both with your spouse and with God.

Finally, Worth Doing gives you ideas for taking what you've read and putting it into practice. Sometimes you'll find conversation starters; other times you'll find activities suggested. All of the Worth Doing sections are geared to help improve your marriage relationship and to draw you both closer to God.

My thanks to my friends at Tyndale Publishing for my complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review, via the Tyndale Blogger Network. Again, ideal as a gift for you and your spouse or a newly married couple, or as an anniversary gift. I'm suggesting to my husband that he end his marriage counseling sessions by giving a personalized gift to the couple on their wedding day!

Happy Reading!

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