7 Secrets to an Awesome Marriage, by Kim Kimberling

If there's one thing I want, it's an awesome marriage.  What married person doesn't?  Now Dr. Kim Kimberling reveals the secrets in 7 Secrets to an Awesome Marriage: Strengthen Your Most Intimate Relationship.  As much as it drives me crazy when authors (or their editors) when they use "secret" in their titles, Dr. Kimberling comes around; he clarifies that these 7 secrets are no big secrets.  They are steps any married couple can take to strengthen their marriage.

Secrets or steps, Dr. Kimberling's seven points are well-taken.  In sum: stop destructive patterns, put God first, listen to each other, learn to fight right, find balance in your schedules, practice sex as the "mingling of souls," and remember you're on the same team as you fight for your marriage.  Each step is worth reading and putting into practice.  

Although he puts it at number 2 of 7, I think he would agree that putting God first should be first in marriage.  God first, spouse second.  Prayer is central; studies have demonstrated that couples who pray together have very low divorce rates.  "Prayer, reading the Bible, worshipping, and serving together al work to align you and your spouse both relationally and spiritually."  These are "intimate and personal acts" which, almost inevitably strengthen a marriage.

Dr. Kimberling provides abundant examples from couples he has counseled as well as from his own marriage.  His principles are sound.  His next steps and suggestions are practical and doable.  Every marriage will have its struggles, one way or another.  Secrets or steps, Dr. Kimberling's seven points will get your marriage headed in the right direction.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!