Closer: Devotions to Draw Couples Together [Kindle Edition]

Jim Burns (Author), Cathy Burns (Author)

Book Description

The Love Dare challenged individuals to love their spouse more. Closer shows wives and husbands how to grow and love together. Introduced with Scripture verses and engaging stories, these 52 devotionals will inspire couples to draw closer through faith conversations--those quiet talks so vital for emotional and spiritual intimacy in a marriage. Guided, practical action steps round out each reading.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Over the past thirty years we have tried almost every marriage devotional, and to be perfectly honest, we have usually failed at having the discipline to continue. The busyness of life or the feelings of guilt because we missed so many days often caused us to silently ignore what we knew was important. Then we came up with the idea to meet once a week and just talk. This book is an outgrowth of our desire to grow closer as a couple. And now we challenge you and your spouse to do what it takes to connect spiritually and emotionally. Start small and invest thirty minutes a week together, being inspired and communicating with the help of these devotionals. If you miss a week, don't quit--just pick up where you left off. This is not about a legalistic time. It's about making practical spiritual growth and connection a priority. Take the challenge! --Jim and Cathy Burns

From the Back Cover

A Simple Way for You and Your Spouse to Connect This collection of 52 devotionals helps couples to draw closer through faith conversations--those quiet talks so vital for emotional and spiritual intimacy. Written with today's busy schedules in mind, each reading includes inviting discussion questions and practical action steps to provide a focused time to learn and talk about what's important in life. Devotional topics include: Creating Connection The Happiness Effect A High-Maintenance Marriage No Regrets Too Busy Strategic Romance Set aside just 30 minutes a week to stay connected with your spouse. Marital intimacy takes work, but the work can be enjoyable and interesting. Let Jim and Cathy Burns show you how!

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• File Size: 1470 KB
• Print Length: 224 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House (October 1, 2009)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B002P3K6X6
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #155,202 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for those who generally dislike couples devotionals May 18, 2010

By C. Anderson

Format:Hardcover

For this book review I had to employ the help of my hubby. Closer is a couples devotional by Jim and Cathy Burns. If you are like me, you read the phrase "couples devotional" and threw up a little bit in your mouth. Don't worry, if you are part of a "couple" and you hate the typical "couples" devotionals on the market, this book might just be for you.

Jim and Cathy Burns divide this devotional into 2-3 page chapters that focus on a specific topics related to relationships and faith. The devotional is very narrative based and many of the entries tell stories from the Burns' past or stories from other couples. But the thing that sets this devotional apart from other devotionals of our past was the questions at the end of the chapter.

There are two sections at the close of each chapter that help you as a couple "dig deeper" into the topic in question. The first section is called "Faith Conversations" and it contains questions for couples to ask and answer. Here is an example: "When was the last time we had a significant conversation?" For the most part, they are deep questions. Marc and I call them coffee shop questions; the kinds of questions that you want to ask over a yummy iced latte (or your drink of choice).

The other section is called "A Step Closer" and it gives an activity that you can do as a couple to apply the things you talk about in the "Faith Conversations" section. Here is an example: "Decide when would be the soonest time, as a couple, that you could take a short sabbatical...for reflection, rest, refreshment, restoration, and recreation..." This section helps you to do what you learn rather than just talk about it. Very cool, in our opinion.

And the best part is that you can do one devotional a day, or one a week, or pick it up when you are able. I think devotional time as a couple is very important, but I know we haven't always been consistent over the course of our marriage. This book, by not dating the entries or telling you when you should do them, takes off the pressure and allows you to focus on God and one another, not your sense of guilt. Also very cool, in our opinion.

Overall, I give this book a five out of five. If you are a couple seeking a devotional that isn't all about women submitting to their husbands and is a lot more egalitarian, this is for you.

Note for Full Disclosure: While I do not receive any monetary compensation for my book reviews, I am provided with free complimentary copies of each book. That being said, this review is completely my own, and free from the influence of Bethany House Book Publishers.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Every married couple should have this book November 8, 2009

By Cafe Lily

Format:Hardcover

Jim and Cathy Burns, married for more than thirty years, tried almost every marriage devotional out there and couldn't seem to find the time or discipline to continue them.

Determined to make spiritual intimacy and growth a vital part of their relationship while drawing closer together, they came up with a book that couples can work on at their leisure.

They challenge couples to start small and invest 30 minutes a week. The scriptures and devotionals are intentionally kept short, so that couples can read them together and then spend the rest of their time, discussing what they've read. Their personal experience and observation has been that couples who pray together daily and have a spiritual growth time once a week, do not end up divorced.

The devotionals in this book cover a wide variety of topics such as attitude, thoughts, jumping to conclusions, "thank therapy", regrets, longevity in marriage and eternal perspective.

They also share one of their secrets for a successful marriage which is A.W.E. (affection, warmth and encouragement). Their marriage "to do list" includes 15 scripture references that help cultivate a healthy, thriving marriage. The last chapter of the book is "Learning to Apologize" and demonstrates the steps each couple should know, in order to offer a genuine apology.

This is a great book that every married couple should have in their library.

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Happy Wife Happy Life November 9, 2009

By Bonnie M. Holtz

Format:Kindle Edition

Jim and Cathy Burns have written a book filled with "timeless truths" in their new book "Closer."

This inspirational devotional for couples is overflowing with wisdom and practical advice intended to draw couples closer together. There is something about their "down to earth" simplicity, coupled with the longevity of their own marriage, that resonates pure authenticity on every page.

My favorite chapter "Reactions Speak Louder than Words" will forever stick to my marriage ribs!

Our three daughters were married this past year and you can be sure they will be getting "Closer" for a Christmas gift this year.

If there was a button I could push for TEN STARS I would.

Jim and Cathy, I've never met you, but thank you for this much-needed resource.

Dixie Phillips
Pastor's Wife

More About the Author

Jim Burns, PhD, founded the ministry HomeWord in 1985 with the goal of bringing help and hope to struggling families. As host of the radio broadcast HomeWord With Jim Burns, heard daily in over eight hundred communities, Jim's passion is to build God-honoring families through communicating practical truths that will enable adults and young people alike to live out their Christian faith.
In addition to the radio program, Jim speaks to thousands around the world each year through seminars and conferences. He is an award-winning author, whose books include The 10 Building Blocks for a Happy Family and Creating an Intimate Marriage.
Jim and his wife, Cathy, and their three daughters live in Southern California.