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Closer: Devotions to Draw Couples Together
 
 
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Closer: Devotions to Draw Couples Together [Kindle Edition]

Jim Burns (Author), Cathy Burns (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews) |
Digital List Price: $19.99 What's this?
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Editorial Reviews

Product 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.

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
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Product Details

  • File Size: 1471 KB
  • Print Length: 224 pages
  • Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0764207032
  • Publisher: Bethany House (October 1, 2009)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B002P3K6X6
  • Text-to-Speech: Enabled
  • Lending: Enabled
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,460 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
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.
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8 of 10 people found the following review helpful
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.
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7 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Happy Wife Happy Life November 9, 2009
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
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Entertaining & Practical
Haven't completed this book because it is a devotional book to be savored throughout the year. However, thoroughly enjoying the thought provoking devotions and especially the... Read more
Published 1 month ago by ReadingGramma
Madatory for making a marriage better.
Jim and Cathy Burns have written a most helpful marriage primer. Get it, read it and use it. We have been married over 50 years and wish that we had this resouce to assist us... Read more
Published 11 months ago by M.Prete
Excellent Book
I am very pleased with this book. My husband and I have been doing it for 3 weeks now, and I love the way it is laid out. I think it will prove to be very useful....
Published 16 months ago by Jenni
Year-long devotional for Christian couples
Closer by Jim & Cathy Burns is a year-long devotional for couples looking to strengthen their marriage. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Christina Lockstein
Very Interesting Reading....
Written by Kevin Sorensen:

This was a relaxing book to read... for review purposes! If Ann and I were going to work through it, over the course of a year (which we just... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Corn Feed
GREAT tool for relational intimacy!
My husband and I were looking for a book study that would encourage deeper relationships between us. This book does it! Read more
Published 22 months ago by L. Hebling
Good Devotional
My wife and I started doing this devotional at night before we go to bed. It is balanced in accomplishing two goals. (1) It will help a couple grow closer to the Lord together. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Charles H. Thompson III
great book for couples
The Love Dare challenged individuals to love their spouse more. Quiet Conversations for Couples shows wives and husbands how to grow that love together. Read more
Published 23 months ago by E. K. Collins
My husband and I both LOVE this book!
Closer, by Jim & Cathy Burns is a book I highly recommend to any married couple! Whether you've been together a few months or a lifetime, this book helps couples to communicate! Read more
Published on May 14, 2010 by M. Parrish
Drawing Together
Jim and Cathy Burns have put together, in this book, one year's worth (using 1 per week) of devotionals for couples that will help to strenthen their relationship and help them... Read more
Published on March 12, 2010 by C. Burleson
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More About the Author

› Visit Amazon's Jim Burns Page
Jim Burns
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.

Popular Highlights

 (What's this?)
&quote;
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. -PROVERBS 3:5-6 &quote;
Highlighted by 12 Kindle users
&quote;
Too many times, though, the weight of home responsibilities, work pressures, kid worries, and all the rest fog our vision for closeness. &quote;
Highlighted by 8 Kindle users
&quote;
The way not to grow weary and lose heart in your marriage is to keep your eye on the goal. Stay focused on Jesus, our goal, our sustainer, our Savior. &quote;
Highlighted by 7 Kindle users

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