Before "I Do": Preparing for the Full Marriage Experience [Paperback]

K. Jason Krafsky (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 16, 2005

Before I Do - Preparing for the Full Marriage Experience is an in-depth workbook that prepares couples to go the distance and experience all marriage has to offer! In a day and age where too many marriages end in divorce, Before I Do provokes personal introspection and fosters dynamic couple interaction through its short, power-packed exercises. After reading Before "I Do," couples will walk down the aisle and exchange their vows with greater confidence, broader understanding, and a deeper sense of purpose. In just eight interactive sections, couples: Build the foundation for a lasing marriage. Eliminate common relationship obstacles and barriers. Frame their relationship with God's insights found in The Message and NIV Bible. Obtain practical skills to make divorce a non-factor. Read, write, and discuss on all things marriage. Explore vital issues: money, future goals, faith, and sex. How is this book different from other pre-marital books? K. Jason Krafsky pools his experience as a pastor and knowledge as a relationship educator to create a dynamic workbook for today's engaged, pre-engaged and newlywed couples. Designed with a visually appealing layout, thought-provoking questions, and in-depth content, Before "I Do" is packed with practical insights, Scriptural principles, and must-have relationship skills. Before I Do is ideal for long-distance relationships, church-based pre-marital programs, small groups, pre-marital classes, and mentoring programs. If a couple is not connected with a church, Before "I Do" is formatted for them to go through the book on their own. Before I Do is more than just a good book. It gives couples a vision that will reduce their chances for divorce, increase their chances for a healthy, lifelong marriage, and make a difference in their marriage for years to come. They will prepare to live the Full Marriage Experience ... Before "I Do".

Editorial Reviews

Review

Before I Do Preparing for the Full Marriage Experience is a premarital workbook that helps couples dig deeper into their relationship and really focus on their marriage during the crazy time when so many couples are focusing on their wedding. This study guide, which is written from a Christian worldview, challenges couples to explore relationship insights, Scriptural references, and practical relationship skills to discover God s eternal plan for a happy, fulfilling, lifelong marriage. The book is divided into eight sections: Lay the Foundation for a Lifelong Marriage; Discover God s Gift to You Your Mate; Survive a Positive Identity Change; Fight With Your Mate & Please God Too; Ensure the I Do s Last a Lifetime; Walk on the Spiritual Side of Marriage; Plan for Your Future Together, Together; and Prepare the Marriage Bed for a Lifetime of Pleasure. Each section is broken down into seven-day increments the first five to do on your own, the sixth day to do as a couple, and the seventh day to do with a Marriage Investor someone older and wiser, such as a pastor, an older married couple who has a healthy marriage, or a marriage counselor, who will lend their wisdom and insight to each lesson. Although most churches require some kind of pre-marital counseling, Before I Do could easily be used alone or as a supplement to counseling and will help couples take their relationship to a deeper, more spiritual level by presenting them with questions that will help them think about and discuss many topics and potential problems before their wedding day, and will help them avoid misunderstandings and hurt feelings by discussing issues they ve maybe never thought about before. Each section contains Bible verses, recommended books to read, helpful quotes, and questions to answer all designed to help you get to know your mate on a deep, intimate level. There is also a website, www.FullMarriageExperience.com which has tons of information relevant to each topic cov --Amanda Strom, Teach Magazine

I highly recommend his (K. Jason Krafsky's) thoughtful and thorough approach. --Scott Stanley, author of The Heart of Commitment

Invaluable ... we discussed things we hadn't thought to discuss (even in six years of dating). --M & J, married 5 years

From the Publisher

How is this book different from other pre-marital books?

K. Jason Krafsky pools his experience as a pastor and knowledge as a relationship educator to create a dynamic workbook for today’s engaged, pre-engaged and newlywed couples. Designed with a visually appealing layout, thought-provoking questions, and in-depth content, Before "I Do" is packed with practical insights, Scriptural principles, and must-have relationship skills.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Turn the Tide Resource Group, LLC; 1st edition (September 16, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976955601
• ISBN-13: 978-0976955603
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #611,683 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, Applicable, Inspiring Guide for Marriage!, November 27, 2005

By 

Michael Miller - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Before "I Do": Preparing for the Full Marriage Experience (Paperback)

It was perfect timing since we took a one on one retreat to Anderson Island on Friday night. We talked about the points the workbook brought up and we were inspired and feel re-charged and re-connected. This was one of the best getaways largely because of the topics this book brought up. We've been married for over 12 years and it's amazing how much the premarital topics still apply. As a guy, I really appreciate the funny quotes, relevant factoids and quick bible references in the margin. The Section on intimacy is right on! And the best thing is the idea to "be the soul mate" rather than expect someone to be yours! Wow! that was good! OK, I'm going to go get it and read it again!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Before "I Do" - Simply the Best!, March 8, 2006

By 

Joe Donaldson (Federal Way, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Before "I Do": Preparing for the Full Marriage Experience (Paperback)

My wife and I have conducted pre-marital counseling for several years. Our daughter recently became engaged and I gave her and her fiance' copies of "Before "I Do." (You should consider that as a very strong endorsement!) This workbook has now become our primary pre-marital counseling tool. We use Prepare/Enrich for 2 sessions and then Before 'I Do'. It's a great combination. The format in each chapter of individual homework, review by the couple, and feedback with "Marriage Investors" is simply the best I've seen. If you do pre-marital counseling you should be using this great resource. Give copies as engagement gifts. Give a copy to your minister. Buy copies for you and your spouse and strengthen your own marriage.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, July 11, 2010

By 

Vsecret (sd CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Before "I Do": Preparing for the Full Marriage Experience (Paperback)

I am now married 7 months but read this book after my engagement. I wish I read this before my first date. I recommend this as good reading by those who are dating so they know what to look for, what to ask, and how to even begin to form the kind of mate suitable for them. I loved the part where we had to list where we are going to be in 1 year , 5 , 10, 15, 20 and so forth after marriage. It made me list what age my children, parents /significant others will be and bring into reality the facts of life we are to face and whether we know these maybe some challenges too like aging parents, or grandchildren responsibilities. This is a must read!!!