Marriage from the Heart: Eight Commitments of a Spiritually Fulfilling Life Together

By Nellie Bly, Lois Kellerman, Nelly Bly

Book Overview

Americans today have rediscovered a need for safety and belonging. Pastoral counselor Lois Kellerman, many of whose clients' weddings have been covered in The New York Times"Vows" column, has helped hundreds of couples find (or regain) a sense of "home" in their partnership. Marriage from the Heartis her compelling and sensitive blueprint-for readers of all ages, backgrounds, beliefs, and stages of marriage-for building a spiritually fulfilling relationship. At its center are eight commitments, both daily and lifelong, that build a lasting marriage and fortify it against everything from betrayal to "dry spells" to fiscal hard times: * Centering-the home as a sanctuary * Choosing-wise decision making * Honoring-deep, mutual respect * Caring-nurturing each other * Abiding-resiliency through life's ups and downs * Repairing-mending what's broken * Listening-open communication * Celebrating-enjoying your marriage Beautifully designed, Marriage from the Heartis a perfect wedding or anniversary gift. Based on a fourteen-year study of core life values, the book is filled with touching anecdotes, words of encouragement and here-and-now exercises. It offers spiritual guidance that transcends religion and speaks to every season in the life of a marriage.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0670031186
• ISBN13: 9780670031184
• Release Date: April 2002
• Publisher: Viking Books
• Length: 266 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.6" x 7.6"

Customer Reviews

Wisdom from the Heart

Marriage from the Heart is one of those books that doesn't come along often enough. The text is chock full of words of wisdom to share with friends and loved ones from authors who have obviously learned the truths contained therein from the trenches. This book does not belong on a dust collecting bookshelf, but on the nightstand or on the coffee table to be referred to frequently, by couples young and old, sharing relationships fresh and tarnished. Marriage from the Heart breaths new life into the self-help genre with its weaving of life experience with a good dose of philosophy and psychology, a dash of theological insight, and a splash of humor towards life's challenges, making it a perfect recipe for an open, honest, and lasting relationship.

Strengthening

I like how this book applies itself more towards strengthening an existing relationship rather than fixing a broken one (although the techniques presented are applicable to both situations). In fact, the content of this book could easily be applied to non-romantic relationships as well. The authors style and liberal use of applicable anecdotes yields an easy and enjoyable read. I will be sending copies to both of my sisters.

A book with heart about heart

This is a surprisingly deep book -- surprising because the eight commitments are simple yet are challenging enough for a lifetime of growth together, surprising because the ideas are told with stories instead of preaching grand philosophy.Too many books on relationships are focused on fixing what's wrong -- this one is about building something right.I've already copied out the 8 commitments and posted them in our kitchen where my husband and I can have a daily reminder of where to pay attention to the task of building our marriage.

Wonderful insight into real life.

This book gives such valuable and detailed insight into dealing with realistic situations that arise in a marriage. Their writing is thoughtful, accessible and filled with believable examples. So often, these kinds of books address only extreme situations. This is for any couple - happy or somewhat struggling - that wants to be more connected.

Required reading for all couples

Marriage from the Heart: Eight Commitments of a Spiritually Fulfilling Life Together provides vivid, personal stories that beautifully illustrate the eight commitments necessary for a satisfying and healthy marriage. This book provided a special confirmation not only of what works in my thiry-five year old marriage but why. The writing is practical and accessibleand provides a clear and inspiring guide to ways to build and keep a marriage strong and happy.The numerous supporting quotes from literature and philosopy that appear throughout the book are a welcome addition. Each chapter contains a section to review the key points as well as questions to ask yourself, that are both very helpful. The size and format of the book is very compatible with its place on my night table, to be used as a constant guide. Marriage from the Heart is definitely a book that I will read again and again. I highly recommend Marriage from the Heart to anyone contemplating marriage, newly wed, or celebrating any anniversary.