Valentine’s Day is often associated with love, but not necessarily marital love. At least not in the commercial sense. Each year I try to read a book that will strengthen my marriage, but I have been lax the last few years. I rarely can finish the ones I begin. Their advice seems silly, or even worse condescending or unattainable.

After being married for thirty-four years you wouldn’t think I’d be interested in reading a book on marriage. I mean if I add the number of years I’ve been married + the fact that I’m happily married, that should equal expert status, right? Um, wrong.

I was definitely intrigued because of the authors, Hal and Melanie Young. I’m a big “Young” fan and have enjoyed their book on raising sons, since I have three. And, I love their seminars on the Ultimate Homeschool Expo and on this website, with their own podcast, Making Biblical Family Life Practical.

Besides that the Young’s are my friends.  I remember attending a conference in Missouri in September 2011. I was freezing, as I sat outside talking to Hal and Melanie. Melanie and I were sitting on a wooden bench with a stuffed Frosty the Snowman on one end. Hal stood there with a little one in the stroller.  Being from North Carolina the weather felt great to them, being from Florida I was happy with Frosty on one end and Melanie on the other. During this impromptu chat session outdoors in the evening air, we discussed many things. And, in the course of our conversations which often happen with Christian friends I asked how I could pray for them. They shared they were writing a book on marriage. Marriage! I was so excited and agreed to pray for them. I couldn’t wait. From time to time I’d ask how the book was coming along, and it was one thing after another that delayed the manuscript.

But, God is victorious and true to His word! The book is now out, just in time for Valentine’s Day and what a wonderful work it is, a legacy on what Christian marriage ought to be. Not in the esoteric and theoretical sense, either. This book is practical. That is so typical of the Youngs! It is a roll-up-your-sleeves, deal with financial issues, cancer and day-to-day happenings that can only happen in a life lived to the fullest.

It is a behind the scenes look at a couple who isn’t perfect but who is perfected in Christ. I believe this book should be read by anyone wanting to deepen their marriage. It goes without saying that every newly engaged couple should get a copy of this book. It surely would have made my early years of marriage much easier!

There were so many things I could relate to in the book. My mother also predicted that my “friend” would someday become my husband. And, I like Melanie responded that I didn’t want to ruin our friendship. Good marriage is based upon a good friendship and I can’t wait to see all the powerful testimonies that come from those who read this book. The Young’s have blessed my life, just knowing them, and now more so with the writing of this book. I know you will find a nugget to take away, or begin taking notes like I did – we are never too old to learn ways to make our marriages better.

What way have you made your marriage better? For me it is learning to spend time with my husband. I’d rather bake him a batch of cookies to show my love and he’d rather spend time with me. Comprise is the thing marriage is made of, and I’ve learned the hard way that it is so worth it!

Share your marriage tips with me! And – one winner will receive a wonderful prize from the Youngs! Win a copy of the book (digital) and the audio! (One for you to read and one to give your husband, or vice-versa!) A $40 Value!

[I received a digital review copy – but I plan on purchasing several copies of this book to give as gifts, hope you will join me in sharing what Christian marriage is really about!]