Don't settle for an "okay" marriage...
We live in a culture with a tragically high divorce rate. Couples that stay together, far too often find themselves living in a state of boredom and mediocrity. Once passionate couples end up living as roommates, in a relationship best described as "okay". Without focus and intentional effort, marriages naturally erode over time.
God created marriage and intends it to be the most intimate and dynamic relationship you have while here on Earth. A shocking marriage is one that follows God's design where couples love being together and commit considerable attention and effort toward making it better over time.
Shocking Marriage brings you a framework called Marital Rules of Engagement. This framework shows you how to refocus your relationship by putting Christ at the center. You will discover how to protect your relationship from negative influences (both internal and external). And finally, you will learn how to reinvigorate your marriage by keeping the spark alive and enhancing intimacy.
Don't wait another day to tend to the most critical relationship you are in. This book is a powerful tool for use by individual couples or as a part of a small group study. It will transform okay marriages to good, good marriages to great and great marriages to - Shocking!
Jerry is the founder of Shocking Marriage, an organization focused on helping couples to have the most satisfying relationship possible. As an author, coach and speaker, Jerry works with couples around the country to accomplish this goal. You can learn more about Jerry and Shocking Marriage at www.shockingmarriage.com
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION IX
PART 1: REFOCUS YOUR MARRIAGE
CHAPTER 1: DESIRE A SHOCKING MARRIAGE 3
CHAPTER 2: BUILD A SOLID FOUNDATION 18
PART 2: PROTECT YOUR MARRIAGE
CHAPTER 3: RULES OF ENGAGEMENT - FRAMEwORK 39
CHAPTER 4: DEALING wITH CONFLICT 50
CHAPTER 5: WEATHERING LIFE'S STORMS 71
CHAPTER 6: OUTSIDE INFLUENCES 87
Part 3: REINVIGORATE YOUR MARRIAGE
Chapter 7: KEEP THE SPARK ALIVE 105
Chapter 8: PHYSICAL INTIMACY 121
Chapter 9: MODELING YOUR MARRIAGE 138
Chapter 10: EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION 152
LEADER'S STUDY GUIDE FOR SMALL GROUPS 165
ABOUT THE AUTHOR 175
