This weekend at FOTP we will continue the Homelife series.  This Sunday’s message is The Master Bedroom.  By applying simple Biblical principles, every couple can improve their marriage.

As I shared with our people last week, today we have access to a wealth of information that can help us build healthy families.  My philosophy has always been that someone out there has already done this and I am going to learn from them. 

While I have some books listed here on my blog that Pat and I have found helpful, I thought it would be a good idea to list all of those plus some, so here you go:

For Women Only and For Men Only by Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn – These short books based on extensive research, give concise practical steps for improving your marriage.

Men Are From Mars and Women Are From Venus by John Gray – It is hard to believe that this book came out in 1997.  While it is not written from a Christian perspective, it is still one of the most helpful books I have ever read.  It is a bit long and not for the fainthearted.

His Needs Her Needs by Willard Harley – In an easy to read concise fashion this book helps husbands and wives give each other what they need.  The book has been out for 15 years but the information is still right on target showing that the basic needs of men and women don’t change over time.

7 Things He’ll Never Tell You (but you need to know) by Dr. Kevin Leman – Written with a very humorous syle, this book gives wives keen insight into how their husband thinks.

The DNA of Relationships by Dr. Gary Smalley – Reading this book will give you the whys and hows of the marriage relationship.  His insights are based on 5 years of research and have shown an amazing 90 percent success rate in resolving conflict.

This morning I spoke at FOTP as we continued the ABC’s of Financial Success series.  I mentioned this book by Dave Ramsey in my message.   Dave has been used to help tens of thousands of people become debt free. 

This book will help you have a reality check in regards to your finances.  It is filled with inspiring testimonies of people who have taken Dave’s advice and have truly experienced a total money makeover.

Dave’s website is www.daveramsey.com He can be heard Monday through Friday from 1-4 on KLIF Radio at 570 AM.

This short easy to read book by Andy Stanley is a great book for Christians who are struggling to take the step to begin tithing.  He contrasts the difference between “fearful” giving and cheerful “giving.”

One of my favorite lines from the book; “As a pastor, I see two kinds of givers: people who give what’s left over, and people who give off the top and live on what’s left over.”

I firmly believe that financial giving is the stumbling block that hinders more Christians from maturity than any other challenge.  God can definitely use this book to help someone get past that hurdle.

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High by Kerry Patterson is a very practical book that is applicable for business as well family relationships.  I have used the information in this book to help families learn how to discuss challenging issues and I have used it in training people in the corporate world as well.

This book is not written from a spiritual perspective. However, I believe that there are solid Biblical principles that are the foundation for the reasons why what is taught in this books works.  Learning how to stay in the “safe zone” during crucial conversations is absolutely a life skill that everyone needs to master. 

Boiling Point – Understanding Men and Anger by Stephen Arterburn takes a hard look at the roots, realities, and results of masculine anger.  He gives constructive steps that will help a man learn to cope with his anger as well as practical steps for a wife to help her husband on this journey.

This is the best book I have read on this subject.  It not only has given me insight to help others, it was very insightful as far as my own life is concerned.

In Gary Smalley’s book, The DNA of Relationships he states that how we feel about life boils down to how we feel about relationships.  We are designed for relationships.  It is a part of our relational DNA.

The most important concept I learned from this book was how to recognize and avoid the fear dance.  If you read it and this all you get out of the book it will be worth it.  This one concept has helped me to have a better marriage and healthier relationships in all aspects of my life.

His Needs Her Needs – Building an Affair Proof Marriage by William Harley is a great book for a couple to work through together.  As is the case with most books I recommend it is another of those easy to read books – very practical and straightforward.

After years of counseling couples who were going through marriage difficulties Dr. Harley decided to stop concentrating on what was wrong with marriages and instead focus on what was right.  He wanted to help couples to focus on restoring love rather than resolving conflict.

You can’t go wrong with this book.  If you are having difficulties in your marriage this book can help.  If you have a great marriage reading this book will make it better.