Books That Can Help...and Why Part 1

Join Dave and Bethlie as they begin a study on a few select chapters of the book Ten Pillars of an Awesome Marriage by Charles Shoemaker. 

Here's the notes from this episode.

1. Introduction to the author
   1. He and His wife Sharon have been married for 50 years
   2. They have conducted Marriage and Family Conferences throughout North America, Asia, Central America, and Europe
2. Overview of the book
3. There are Ten Chapters - Neatly Alliterated
   1. Core Values - building a strong foundation
   2. Compatibility - understanding each other
   3. Commitment - staying connected
   4. Communication - learning to share openly and lovingly
   5. Conflict Resolution - solving disagreements peaceably
   6. Charity - loving unconditionally
   7. Choices - making wise decisions
   8. Companionship - living as positive partners
   9. Chemistry - enjoying marital intimacy
   10. Christ and His church - Going the distance with God's help
4. Chapter 3 - Commitment
   1. A reminder of our wedding vows
      1. For better of for worse
      2. In sickness as in health
      3. Forsaking all others
      4. Until death do us part
   2. Why is commitment such a struggle for us today
      1. The culture we live in
      2. Low standards of many Christians
      3. Delayed consequences
   3. A section about truths to remember
      1. Commitment is a choice
         1. We choose to stay married
         2. We choose to make our spouse happy to be married
            1. Bring joy to your spouse
            2. Bless your spouse
            3. Serve your spouse
         3. We choose to continue growing together
            1. Two illustrations 
               1. No gas in a car it will stop running
               2. We have to grow the marriage relationship by putting fuel in the tank
               3. A plant ignored will die
               4. For a plant to thrive it has to receive a lot of attention