Customer Reviews

Closer: Devotions to Draw Couples Together

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

Jim and Cathy Burns put together an excellent weekly devotional for couples. Their format is very helpful (scripture, personal thought, faith conversations and a step closer). Not only the format, but the topics they discuss are very timely and helpful (trust, attitude, forgiveness, etc.). This is an excellent book for any couple no matter how long they have been together. One of my favorite chapters is titled "The Happiness Effect." I really like the reminded that our circumstances do not dictate our happiness, but our happiness comes from within. This book is full of these kind of helpful reminders and it is well worth the reading.

Each chapter in this book builds on the others, but each one can stand alone as well. The best part about the questions and activities in this book was that it wasn't all about "how do you feel about . . . .," but actually gave practical things that you could do to enhance your relationship with your spouse. The questions cause personal reflection and the authors provide practical advice and suggestions. This book can be read together by couples or by just one partner if the other one is not ready to be involved in it. There was good balance of scripture and personal observations of the authors. I enjoyed this book and it will become a permanent part of my library. Thank you Bethany House for another great book.

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

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 might this upcoming year), it would be refreshing, fun, challenging, hard work and potentially transforming. Each chapter is anywhere from two to four pages long. The reading portion is followed by a section of questions (Faith Conversations) to get you and your spouse talking about what you've just read together. Next is "A Step Closer" - the action steps you'll take individually or together in order to put what you've read and talked about into practice. All in all, this is a very practical book.




Devotional topics include:

* creating connection

* high-maintenance marriage

* the happiness effect

* no regrets

The Burns suggest that 30 minutes a week would accomplish more than most couples are doing currently, so why not jump right in and give it a go.




A chapter entitled, "Servant Love or Selfish Love" has some great discussion starters; e.g., "Are there situations right now that make it difficult for you to respect me?" "Are there times when it is difficult to love me?" The personal anecdotes are helpful. Insights gleaned from working and helping other couples prove to be a great encouragement.




Whether your marriage is rock solid or on shaky ground even at this moment, I think this is a tool you could use and greatly benefit from. Very practical, very specific.

My husband and I were looking for a book study that would encourage deeper relationships between us. This book does it! It's designed to be read a few pages once a week, and each section has a few questions at the end to encourage discussion between you and your spouse. My husband isn't a huge reader, nor are we extremely diligent in putting aside time specific to going deep on important marital topics. If this sounds like you, you won't be disappointed with this book!

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. (2) It will help the couple grow closer to one another. The discussions are helpful. The information is condensed enough to not take a longtime before calling it a night. It offers things to do which could take extra effort or you can bypass it.

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! My husband and I have a 3 year old and getting out on a "real date" is a rarity, especially since most of our family live clear across the country. So, one night a week we try to have a "coffee date." I'll put on a pot of coffee after our son is in bed, I'll either make or purchase a yummy dessert and we enjoy conversation and coffee together. The questions in the book help us get a little deeper into each other's heads and hearts! Definitely worth the investment into your marriage. Buy it!

*I receive a copy from the publisher for review.

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 along our incredible journey. We are now using the book in a couples study group and it is being extremely well received. Buy it and use it. Any relationship will be better for having done so.