Are y’all doing any sort of pre-marital counseling? John and I are – our pastor calls it a series of “conversations” :) We’ve had the first one, which was fairly casual. We already know our pastor pretty well, but we chatted a bit more about our families, where we were in the planning process, and our thoughts about the wedding ceremony in general. Our second meeting will actually be two meetings – we’re going in separately!! I’m a little nervous, as I’m guessing this is where we’ll have a more in-depth conversation. I’m not nervous about the conversation, but more about accurately expressing my feelings on the spot – you know? Our third conversation will be in August, and we’ll be wrapping up and confirming ceremony details at that point.
Of course, John and I spend a lot of time chatting about our marriage and marriage in general outside of these meetings. In fact, it’s one of our favorite topics of conversation :) We’ve also done a fair amount of reading on the subject – I just finished “This Momentary Marriage” by John Piper, and y’all know one of our favorites is “Mere Christianity,” which is not a book only on marriage, but which I think has lots of things to say about marriage. Any other suggestions, feel free to send them my way!
Because this sort of stuff was right up my alley, I was excited to learn more about this week’s sponsored post – the Engaged Couples’ Bible and the Couples’ Devotional Bible from Zondervan!
The Engaged Couples’ Bible is an awesome resource for those of you who aren’t doing any sort of pre-marital counseling. In addition to the full text of the NIV translation of the Bible, it has 52 devotions on all sorts of topics, which could serve as great points of entry for difficult but vital conversations. Think communication, in-laws, careers, finances, and children, among other things. There are also lots of discussion questions for couples who are interested in further exploring their faith together.
Newlyweds, we’ve got you covered, too! The Couples’ Devotional Bible also contains the full text of the NIV, along with weekday and weekend devotions. Topics include communication, work and career, money, sex, fears, setting goals, and forgiveness, among other things. There are also quizzes, activities, and “let’s talk” sections to stimulate conversation.
So tell me: Did you and your fiance(e) do any sort of pre-marital counseling? If so, was it a positive experience? I’d love to hear!
Can’t wait!! Such a great idea!! Will share with my brides to be
Thanks, Terrica! We’re excited to see it all come together! xx
I’m already a sponsor but I fit into this category too and would love to be a part of it! http://www.etsy.com/shop/MagnoliaPapers?ref=si_shop
We’d love to have you in the General Store, Kristyn! I’ll send you an email with all the details soon!! xx
Love this~ I wish you had it for when I was planning my Memorial Day Weekend wedding!
LOVE this idea!!!! It will be such a good resource! Am getting married in September and can’t want to see any last minute things you all may have for my wedding!!! :)
Wahoo, this is a wonderful idea! I’m excited that this store will be running a few short months before my own wedding