Family Life Marriage Bible - Dennis & Barbara Rainey

The Marriage Bible at first glance is the Bible (based on the King James translation), however, tucked in between the passages are little notes of one could say wisdom, but definitely 'advice'. Advice on how to make a marriage work, keep the romance alive (see Gen.14 - 'intimate moments') and how as parents and grandparents you can raise your child with God in their heart, but with a good grounding of what everyday life may bring. It is a "declaration of timeless values."

Authors Dennis and Barbara Rainey in their preface have a 'family manifesto' where they highlight individuals (e.g. husbands, wives, childless couples) and explain how God intends for them to lead their lives.

Before each book there is an introduction where the significance of what it contains is explained. And as you reach the end of the Bible, there is a chapter on '30 Days with Jesus' where particular verses are highlighted to guide you through a month.

I didn't read this from cover to cover, as I felt that that wasn't the purpose. It is a Bible where you dip into to find those passages to inspire, motivate or just to reassure where necessary. I particularly like that the authors have an index at the back which shows the 'devotions for couples and romantic quotes..' The sections are highlighted for example, 'Intimacy' or 'Money' so if there is a topic on which you need guidance, you can just look up the relevant passage. As well as an index for couples, there is one for parenting matters too.

I really enjoyed leafing through this Bible; I'm not a Christian that attends church on a weekly basis, my faith is a quiet but deep one; however, a weekly attendance doesn't stop me from having many conversations with God. I came across many lovely passages and rediscovered some verses that I had forgotten all about. What I particularly liked was, as previously mentioned, was the 'intimate moments' sections. An example of this includes : Revelation: 14 - "the next time you get a pair of tickets to a ball game, theater, or concert that she'd like to go to, make a sacrifice. Instead of going with a buddy, tuck them in her purse with a note saying, "You deserve a night off. Have fun with a girlfriend.""

It's the little things like this that Dennis and Barabra believe make a marriage. And I couldn't agree more. God is always in the background but He's there as the backup. It's up to you as a couple to work together, to recognize the good, the bad and the ugly of a relationship. And together, work out the problems if and when they arise.

Knowing I have this version of the Bible in "my back pocket" has resulted in a sense of calmness to my life. I know that I can just dip into it whenever I need 'help' and its a lovely feeling.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Booksneeze.com. I am not required to give a positive review and the opinions expressed here are my own.