0 Book Review: Crazy Love by Francis Chan

Crazy Love
Overwhelmed By A Relentless God
Francis Chan

Description:
God is love. Crazy, relentless, all-powerful love. Have you ever wondered if we’re missing it? It’s crazy, if you think about it. The God of the universe—the Creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor—loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs, and try not to cuss. Whether you’ve verbalized it yet or not...we all know somethings wrong. Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isn’t working harder at a list of do’s and don’ts—it’s falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, as Francis describes it, you will never be the same. Because when you’re wildly in love with someone, it changes everything. - Amazon.com

Review:
I heard good things about Crazy Love, and I'm going to be honest - I didn't really feel that moved by the first half of the book.  It wasn't till about Chapter 5 that I began to realize the impact that this book was going to have on me.  Francis begins to create a profile for the "lukewarm" throughout the book.  I never really considered myself a lukewarm person - for better or worse I usually have pretty strong feelings about things in life.  Francis states, Lukewarm people do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to.  They don't have to trust God if something unexpected happens - they have their savings account...They don't depend on God on a daily basis - their refrigerators are full and, for the most part, they are in good health.  The truth is, their lives wouldn't look much different if they suddenly stopped believing in God.  Ouch - that hits home doesn't it.  I find myself only truly trusting in God in the matters where my safety nets have failed me.  Do we desperately run to God each day or do we offer him a few minutes of our time before we pass out at night?  As Francis puts it - our leftovers.  Again, the truth hurts.  What if we were in LOVE with God like he is with us - you know, that crazy puppy love?  Stay up till two in the morning talking on the phone kind of love.  What if we gave all of ourselves to God, what would that look like?  Would we sell our house that is too big anyway so we could give more to him each month? Well that's just - you get it now - crazy.  So how do you show God you love Him?  Well, what do you do for him?  Francis says that it is human nature to love our equals, we love our friends, we love other Christians.  To love the less fortunate or our enemy though, that's the kind of love that Jesus has shown us.  It's just the kind of crazy thing that Jesus has asked us to do too.

Recommendation:

Crazy Love went from been there done that to I need to reevaluate things quickly.  It's the kind of book that makes you ask yourself, What am I doing in my life that requires faith?  I recommend this to anyone who feels like there walk with Christ should become more of a run!  It speaks to the heart of the "everyday Christian" - which is really a title and nothing more.  God is in love with you, Crazy Love explores how you can let Him know the feeling is mutual.

Leave some feedback below and let us know what your thoughts are on Crazy Love.

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3 Book Review: Out Live Your Life by Max Lucado

Outlive Your Life
You Were Made to Make a Difference
Max Lucado

Description:
These are difficult days in our world's history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did.

Review:
I have been very fortunate to receive an advance copy of Max Lucado's Out Live Your Life to provide you with an opinionated review of the book.  I feel the need to let you know in advance that I was not paid, nor do I have to give a positive review - I just like the book that much!

Out Live Your Life is a book about action.  God has called us all - believe it or not, it is simply a matter of whether or not you are going to act on his calling.  Max states in the first chapter that "God doesn't call the qualified.  God qualifies the called."  Regardless of where you find yourself in life right now, you have been blessed beyond your imagination.  You have a responsibility to your brothers in Christ to pass on your gifts to those in need.

One of my favorite things about Max Lucado is how his books are always grounded in scripture.  Every single lesson or story directly ties back to the word of God.  Much of the scripture in this book comes from the appropriately named Book of Acts; where we are encouraged to go beyond surface level judgments of our brothers and to give one another a genuine look to find out who they are and where they have come from.  Max references Bono, from my favorite band U2, when he describes the "accident of latitude".  Two men can be born with the same God-given abilities but because one was born in the wrong place he is seen by the world as a lost cause.

Mathew 25:40 (MSG) states, Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me - you did it to me.  Out Live Your Life delivers this point with such clarity, that a message you have heard your whole life feels new again.

Recommendation:
As I stated before, Max's books are deeply grounded in scripture.  Combine that with the fact that he has broken the book down into sixteen easy to read chapters that get straight to the point and this book makes for an excellent daily morning read.  Although, I think you will find it rather hard to stop reading it in one sitting once you get going.  The book is what I would call gender and age neutral - it takes a message that many would label under "broken record" and puts a welcomed and needed fresh perspective on our calling.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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2 Book Review: The Shack

The Shack
William P. Young
272 pages
2007


Description:
Mackenzie Allen Philips' youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later in the midst of his Great Sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend.  Against his better judgment he arrives as the shack on a wintry afternoon and walk back into his darkest nightmare. What he finds there will change Mack's world forever.
In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant The Shack wrestles with the timeless question, Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain? The answers Mack gets will astound you and perhaps transform you as much as it did him. You'll want everyone you know to read this book.

Review:
If you haven't heard of The Shack, then you probably live in....well, a shack. The Shack came out in 2007 and hasn't really lost any of its momentum since.  Because of it not being "new" when I read it, I thought I new everything about this book already.  I had heard what takes place at the shack itself and some of the big ideas it presented.  Let me say to anyone who is in this camp - there is plenty of revelation to go around.  On the same note, I had a lot of expectations for this book as well as preconceived ideas of what this was about.  I will honestly tell you that this book did not disappoint.

The Shack will make you question fundamental principles in your beliefs only to bring you back to the original truth you knew all along - only now your belief is stronger than it was before.  As I said before, the book feels familiar.  Even if you know nothing about the book - one chapter in and you know exactly where its heading.  The strength of The Shack is how it responds to your expectations.  Some might say that it turns them upside down, but I think a more appropriately, it clarifies them.  I am not going to tell you that you should or will agree exactly with how everything plays out in The Shack, but it will make you question them none the less.  Questioning things in life is not evil or a lack of faith, it's actually critical to make sure we haven't stopped moving closer in our relationship to Christ.

The first third of the book plays out much like a crime drama.  They are there to help you understand exactly where the lead character is in life so that you can fully understand the significance of what is about to take place.  The last two thirds of the book is like one giant breath of fresh air.  Literally each page makes you feel as if you are learning what it means to have a relationship with Christ again.  The book feels as if it had a checklist of misunderstand things it needed to properly explain, and each word reveals a new mindset.  The amazing thing is that these revelations are not really new mindsets but new perspectives of established beliefs.

At one point in the book, Jesus describes "the church" to Mack.  He states, "It's simple, Mack.  It's all about relationships and simply sharing life.  What we are doing right now- just doing this - and being open and available to others around us.  My church is all about people and life is all about relationships.  You can't build it.  It's my job and I'm actually pretty good at it."  Those three sentences alone have blown away mine and Christen's prayers for what this blog could be!  And that's just the blog, now apply that to your whole life - you see what i mean.  Later, Jesus speaks of his presence and says, "You might see me in a piece of art, or music, or silence, or through people, or in Creation, or in your joy and sorrow.  My ability to communicate is limitless, living and transforming, and it will always be tuned to Papa's goodness and love.  And you will hear and see me in the Bible in fresh ways.  Just don't look for rules and principles; look for relationship - a way of coming to be with us."  Again, it's not that he is trying to drastically change what you have been taught, but to change the way you think about it.

Recommendation:
If you haven't noticed, I really loved this book.  If you haven't read this book, READ IT.  If you have read it, read it again - it won't hurt you - or pass along the book to someone else.  If this were a classroom, this would fall under the required reading list.  Even if none of this sounds appealing to you, read it because it's an extremely well told story.  Honestly, you could buy this book for a non believer and they wouldn't know till a third of they way through that it is not just a very well written mystery novel.  I actually dare someone to try that and just see what happens when they actually reach "The Shack".  In all seriousness, this book is excellent.  You will truly miss out on an opportunity to connect with Christ like you never have before.  Please, do it for yourself, read this book.

Post some feedback below or over in the community forums and let me know what you think about the book.  If you read it when it was fresh, let some of the newcomers now how amazing of and experience this book is.

-Raleigh

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0 Music Review: Tenth Avenue North - The Light Meets The Dark

Description:

The Light Meets the Dark is the second major label studio album from Christian pop rock Tenth Avenue North. It was released on May 11, 2010 by Reunion Records. Vocalist Mike Donehey said, "On this record I really tried to be honest about how messed up I am. We wanted it to be a collision between our hearts and God's truth. His grace collides with the dark inside of us. His blood can cover us and I'm trying to call people out and say 'Look, please do not hide your darkness. Expose that to the light.' I know that's the scariest thought, but its where freedom and healing starts to take place. It's where it all starts to happen." 

Review:

After their first album Over and Under was quite a success, there was a good bit of hype for Tenth Avenue North's second album.  The Light Meets the Dark is an amazing album that speaks of the imperfections in each of us.  The lyrics are extremely well written and the whole album seems to be be a journey of missteps that are covered by God's grace.

1. Healing Begins is the feature track on this album.  It's the one that you have most likely heard on the radio.  Healing Begins kicks off the set with a sweet melody that quickly sets the tone for the rest of the album.

"This is where the healing begins, where the light meets the dark"

4 Stars

Listen

2. Strong Enough To Save plays directly off the opening track but steps up the tempo to create an anthem for God's amazing power.

4 Stars

Listen

3. You Are More is a very catchy melody that speaks about forgiveness/God's grace and sacrifice for us

“This is not about what you’ve done but whats been done for you” 

4 Stars

Listen

4. The Truth Is Who You Are is full of energy as the album builds to a climax

“You came to break the chains apart, to wake the dead and sleeping of our hearts”

4.5 Stars

Listen

5. All The Pretty Things is the peak of the album.  This track has more pep and spirit than all the others

“Lord I love so many things that keep me from your face, come and save me”

4 Stars

Listen

6. Any Other Way 

“Its not enough just to say that your okay, I need your hurt, I need your pain, its not love any other way”

3.5 Stars 

7. On And On

3 Stars 

8. Hearts Safe

2.5 Stars

9. House Of Mirrors

“but a house of mirrors never helps you see any clearer, its yourself you cant see past” 

3 Stars

10. Empty My Hands 

“empty my hands, fill up my heart, capture my mind with you”

2.5 Stars 

11. Oh My Dear

“until the tears have left your eyes, until our fears can sleep at night”

3 Stars

Recommendation:

Tenth Avenue North is what I would consider pretty mainstream.  They are very accessible and are extremely popular with those of you who aren't only looking for "christian music."  The Light Meets The Dark is an album wonderfully woven with moving melodies and lyrics that will speak to the heart of all who have fallen short at some point in their life.  The entire album is a nice purchase, but it does hit a peak at Track 5, so if you can't afford the whole thing you should definitely pick up Tracks 1-5 because they won't disappoint at all.

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1 Book Review: Eat, Pray, Love

Book Description:
In her early thirties, Elizabeth Gilbert had everything a modern American woman was supposed to want - husband, country home, successful career - but instead of feeling happy and fulfilled, she felt consumed by panic and confusion.  This wise and rapturous book is the story of how she left behind all these outward marks of success, and of what she found in their place.  Following a divorce and a crushing depression, Gilbert set out to examine three different aspects of her nature, set against the backdrop of three different cultures: pleasure in Italy, devotion in India, and on the Indonesian island of Bali, a balance between worldly enjoyment and divine transcendence. 

My Review:
Last summer, I picked up the book Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert as a fun beach read.  When I opened the cover to begin reading this memoir of Liz's travels to Italy, India, and Indonesia, the aspiring traveler in me was looking forward to reading about these wonderful places that she visited.  If I could travel the world for a year I would do it in a heartbeat.  Unfortunately for me, I do not have the money or the time to check out of my Alabama home for a whole year so I decided to live this dream through her delightful experience.  As Liz traveled across the globe, she was searching her soul for a balance between God, inner peace, and everything in between.  She tells her story with honesty and wittiness; which made her vulnerable to her audience.  Whenever a storyteller wears their heart on their sleeve, I am hooked.  I would much rather read a book that has true feelings and emotions rather than a fantasy world that I will never live in.  As Liz searches for God on her bathroom floor, I understand the exact emotion that she is feeling.  When she goes on a "No Carb Left Behind" diet I decide to eat pizza for dinner just because she made it sound so good.  While Gilbert travels to India, I find myself interested in learning about her Guru and her teachings because those beliefs are different from my own.  Finally, as Liz finds her balance in Bali, I am reminded that life is about learning to love who we are.

Recommendation:
To begin this book, Liz states her religious beliefs.  *She says, "Culturally, though not theologically, I'm a Christian.  I was born a Protestant of the white Anglo-Saxon persuasion.  And while I do love that great teacher of peace who was called Jesus, and while I do reserve the right to ask myself in certain trying situations what indeed He would do, I can't swallow that one fixed rule of Christianity insisting that Christ is the only path to God.  Strictly speaking, then, I cannot call myself a Christian.  I have always responded with breathless excitement to anyone who has ever said that God does not live in a dogmatic scripture or in a distant throne in the sky, but instead abides very close to us indeed - much closer than we can imagine, breathing right through our own hearts.  I respond with gratitude to anyone who has ever voyaged to the center of that heart, and who has then returned to the world with a report for the rest of us that God is an experience of supreme love."  When I first read these words, I became a bit uncomfortable because I realized that I was reading a book that did not directly coincide with my beliefs.  As a Christian, I believe that Jesus is the way, and the truth and the life and no one can come to the Father except through him (John 14:6).  Early into this book I was faced with a decision: Do I read a book that doesn't share my belief on God or not?  I decided that I would continue to read this book because I was strong enough in my Christian belief to recognize that others have different viewpoints than I do and I was interested to learn what views she had on God.

As I read the book, I found myself agreeing and disagreeing with her thoughts; especially when she visited the Ashram in India.  When she arrived at her Ashram, she sang a morning prayer that said, "I adore the cause of the universe...I adore the one whose eyes are the sun, the moon and fire...you are everything tome, O god of gods..."   In the Old Testament of the Bible, it clearly states that "You shall have no other gods before me.  You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.  You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God" (Exodus 20:3-4).  Even though I disagree with the Sanskrit that she recited, I do agree with her that the practice of mediation and prayer can bring us closer to God.  While she chose Eastern meditation; I am a believer in Christian meditation.  **In the book, Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster explains the difference in these two as Eastern meditation being an attempt to empty the mind and Christian meditation is an attempt to fill the mind.  He says that what happens in meditation is that we create the emotional and spiritual space which allows Christ to construct an inner sanctuary in the heart.  Simply put, Christian meditation is the ability to hear God's voice and obey his word.  Many times, meditation is mentioned in the Bible (Gen. 24:63, Ps. 63:6, Ps. 119:148, Ps.1:2) as a way for us to seek guidance from God and to listen for his direction.  In regards to prayer, I agree with Gilbert when she states, "Prayer is a relationship; half the job is mine."  Foster states that, "In prayer, real prayer, we begin to think God's thoughts after him: to desire the things he desires, to love the things he loves, to will the things he wills.  Progressively, we are taught to see things from his point of view."

In conclusion, I would recommend this book but I do want to point out that it does not directly correspond with the teachings of Christianity.  If you are struggling in your walk with Christ, this book might not be the best to read at this time because it does not coincide with the major points of Christianity which is the belief that we worship only one true God, Jesus is the way to our Father, and the belief that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit make up the Holy Trinity.  Also, some R language is sprinkled throughout the book but it is not heavy handed.  I will probably go see the movie because I enjoy Julia Roberts and I also like to see if the movie is the same as the book.  Altogether, I enjoyed reading this memoir because it provided me the opportunity to learn about another persons' search for God and I was able to recognize that I could read this book without totally agreeing with her views.  We are all in search for inner peace and after closing this book I confirmed that my peace is found in Christ.

Till next time, let your light shine!

Blessings, christen

*Eat, Pray, Love. Elizabeth Gilbert, 2006. Penguin Books.
**Celebration of Discipline. Richard Foster, 1978. Harper Collins Publishers.

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0 Hillsong United: I Heart Revolution

Hillsong United
The I Heart Revolution: With Hearts As One

Product Description
Best-selling worship band Hillsong UNITED is back with a new project to help spread their encouraging message of The I Heart Revolution. This 2 CD release is made up of 28 Hillsong United favorite songs recorded live over the last few years as the band shared compassion and love to people in North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Review
The I Heart Revolution may not be the newest contemporary worship album, but it has proven itself as the standard which I compare all other contemporary worship to.  The massive set list that is compiled over various parts of their world tour to create this album defines the kind of power that can be found in worship and praise.  Much like a U2 concert the audience must be given as much credit as the band themselves for the amazing experience that can only be found when thousands of people are united in lifting up his name.  The variety of songs found here can be played practically anywhere.  Often I will find myself truly worshiping in the workplace while these tunes play in the background of a busy day.  Powerful songs, like Shout Unto God, were meant to be sung as loudly as possible while cruising down the road or going for a run.  Others such as All I Need is You and From the Inside Out, will make you fight to hold in your emotions as you realize how true the lyrics are.

Recommendation
This 2-Disc set has been out a while and you should be able to find it at a decent price.  With 28 tracks there is something for everyone.  The track listing covers numerous themes and tempos.  I would absolutely recommend this album to anyone.  It is perfect for those who have not found a way into the contemporary worship scene.  I promise, let both discs play through all they way and I assure you that you will be moved regardless of your musical preferences.  For those familiar with modern praise and worship, if you don't have this already, pick it up - it's basically a greatest hits CD.  This album has encouraged me to sing louder and prouder than I ever have at church - I hope it does the same for you.

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2 Book Review - Fathered by God

Hey everybody, its been a while, but I'm back with another book review. This one comes just in time for Father's Day. It's not to late to rush out and pick up something special - if you have no ideas whatsoever, then I am here to help you out with this review.

Description:

New York Times best-selling author John Eldredge unveils the six stages men must complete to become who God designed them to be.

In this life-changing message from John Eldredge, readers discover a paradigm-shifting path to manhood. He unveils the six stages many men miss, stages they must complete in order to become the man God designed them to be. Inspiring, insightful, and challenging for men and the women in their lives, Fathered by God delivers the very thing men need, a way to forge companionship with God the Father while undergoing a transformation, releasing the fullness of life and the passion God designed them to live.

Review:

I picked up this book a while back when I was looking for Christian books on parenting. I'm not one who really likes to be told how to live his life or raise his children, so that eliminated 99% of the books out there. I stumbled upon this book simply because it had "fathered" in the title. I had read Wild at Heart by John Eldredge when I was in high school and it was one of the first books I read in my life that compelled me to truly be a Christian Man, so I thought I would give this one a go too.

The subtitle of this book is Learning What Your Dad Could Never Teach You. I am extremely blessed that I have had a Christian father that has directly shaped my life. Not all boys are this lucky. Eldredge hits at the heart of our modern society - the "Self-Made Man" - a false sense of security that we hold onto when no one in our life has gone before us and shown us the way. It comes from a very real sense of fear that we are alone in this world. While true that these men do show a great sense of determination, most are "driven" by the fear of abandonment they have felt in their lives. Eldredge states that the real discovery comes when we find ourselves in such a need that we ultimately realize the answer that has always been in front of us. Only our heavenly father can truly show us the way.

Realization of the truth is only part of the task. All men desire to be tested, and the Lord has created an initiation process that spans our whole life. This Masculine Journey is broken down into six phases - Boyhood, Cowboy, Warrior, Lover, King, and Sage. While these stages are somewhat chronological, it is not uncommon to experience them throughout life or even several of them at once. In Boyhood, we learn what it feels like to be safe in our father's arms - safe in the presence of a real man who can handle anything in the world - or the crushing reality of a rejection that becomes the defining point of an individuals life. As a Cowboy, we ask "Do I have what it takes" because men and boys alike learn by doing. Warriors learn that there are certain things in life worth fighting for. It's a difficult reality for the modern Christian who is to often labeled a pacifist. The Lover is not merely the stage a young man falls in love with a girl but the moment that the Lord moves him. He is awakened to notice the glory of God in all of his creation. The heart of a King is tested when mankind trusts him with power. Eldredge boldly claims that the Bible is the story of God wanting to entrust men with his power, and men not being able to handle it. His power is given to us for influence that benefits others, too often it is to our own. All Kings come to a time when they must step down from their throne. It is at this moment that his influence actually increases. The Sage's wisdom and experience has been forged with humility and compassion. Too often our world dismisses the elderly in favor of the young and beautiful.

Any initiation will test you physically and emotionally - it is the only way we will discover that there is more to ourselves and that God is our strength.

Recommendation: This book is a must read for any boy or man. I would recommend it to anyone who is at least in high school. There truly is something to learn at all stages in our life, but it may be hard to comprehend some of these ideas until one has experienced each of these stages in some way. Eldredge has a very simple way of story telling that draws you in; you will pass through the book in no time. The book is rooted in scripture but it does not throw it in your face. Often he relates these truths to classical adventures such as Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings. I know we have a large female following, yet I hope you experience this book in some way too. If you are struggling to understand the journey a man in your life is on; I would encourage you to read this book.

-Raleigh

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0 Book Review - The Love Dare

Hey everybody, today we are happy to bring you the first of many book reviews to come. Throughout the reviews you will notice that many of the books, Christen and I will both give a review. I think this will give us a unique opportunity to have two different opinions on one book. Of course, over time we will also do individual reviews as well. As always, we would love any suggestions for a particular book you would like reviewed. Also, after five years of Architecture School, you learn to take criticism rather well; please comment on your likes and dislikes with the review process as well. Now that I've beaten around that bush…

Description:

Too many marriages end when someone says "I've fallen out of love with you" or "I don't love you anymore." The Love Dare discusses how these statements reveal a lack of understanding about the fundamental nature of true love.

As featured in the popular new movie Fireproof, from the team that brought us the #1 best selling DVD Facing the Giants, The Love Dare is a 40-day guided devotional experience that will lead your heart back to truly loving your spouse while learning more about the design, nature, and source of true love. Each reading includes Scripture, a statement of principle, the day's "dare," and a journaling area and check box to chart progress. Dare to take The Love Dare, and see your marriage change forever.

Review:

When our small group decided that we were going to read The Love Dare as a group, I must admit, I had my doubts. This is a book that I imagined to be an extremely personal experience between two people. I wasn’t too sure about sharing how well we had done the Dare’s. Now that we have successfully gone through all 40 days, I can honestly say that I really enjoyed the book, but also the group study of it as well. Our days fill up quick, and it was nice having a level of accountability to The Love Dare.

The book really felt like it broke down into three parts. The first part starts out as rather simple ways of showing affection for your spouse that we simply forget to do because of our busy schedules. To put it bluntly, you basically realize all the things that you’re really not that great at anymore. Whether it be preparing a special meal for the two of you every now and then; or simply biting your tongue when your spouse irritates you. These dares, although they require the most physical effort, will turn out to be the easiest really.

The second part of the book takes more of an inward focus. It establishes through scripture the fact that our God loves us with all of our imperfections. He never holds back his love from us simply because we have not loved him. Here, we learn what true love really is- love that is about commitment, sacrifice, and forgiveness. Yet, most importantly, that it is a choice and not a feeling. A choice that has been exemplified by Jesus Christ.

The final part of the book dares you to take what you have learned and work with your spouse, not only as you build a relationship with each other, but a relationship with Christ. You will quickly find that your relationship with God directly affects your relationships on earth. Love never fails. That is probably one of the boldest things ever written. Love never fails. God never fails. As humans, we lose our way sometimes and let each other down. But if you and your spouse truly seek out the Lord together, your love will not fail. This He has promised.

Recommendation: I highly recommend The Love Dare to any couple, whether newlyweds or those in the retirement home together. There is no wrong time in a marriage to read this book. If you and your spouse commit the The Love Dare, your marriage will not go unchanged. If your spouse is unwilling to take the challenge, I dare you to take this journey and see if you can love as God has.

In our small group we have a couple that is months away from getting married and although they may not have been able to fulfill all the dares just yet; I know that it has helped build a solid foundation for their marriage to come. However, I would be hesitant to recommend this book to those that are in a casual relationship.

-Raleigh

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