First Years of Forever, The [Paperback]

Ed Wheat (Author), Gloria Okes Perkins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1988 | Series: Pyranee Books

Nearly half of all serious marital problems develop in the first two years of marriage; yet on the average, couples who seek counseling for the first time have already been married seven years. This five-years counseling gap allows more than enough time for the mortal wounding of a marriage. The First Years of Forever closes the gap by providing much needed, but hard to obtain, counseling for engaged or newly married couples. It is written as a marriage handbook to be read and then referred to again and again. Dr. Ed Wheat, co-author of the best-selling Love Life for Every Married Couple, draws on his training and experiences as a family physician and certified sex therapist to prepare couples for their lifelong journey together. The First Years of Forever provides the practical wisdom most people have to learn the hard way -- or not at all. It tells how to develop skills in communicating with each other and resolving conflicts. And most important, it demonstrates the difference Jesus Christ can make in the quality of marriage.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Nearly half of all serious marital problems develop in the first two years of marriage; yet on the average, couples who seek counseling for the first time have already been married seven years. This five-years counseling gap allows more than enough time for the mortal wounding of a marriage. The First Years of Forever closes the gap by providing much needed, but hard to obtain, counseling for engaged or newly married couples. It is written as a marriage handbook to be read and then referred to again and again. Dr. Ed Wheat, co-author of the best-selling Love Life for Every Married Couple, draws on his training and experiences as a family physician and certified sex therapist to prepare couples for their lifelong journey together. The First Years of Forever provides the practical wisdom most people have to learn the hard way -- or not at all. It tells how to develop skills in communicating with each other and resolving conflicts. And most important, it demonstrates the difference Jesus Christ can make in the quality of marriage.

About the Author

The late Ed Wheat, M.D., collaborated on a number of books with Gloria Okes Perkins. He was a retired physician and certified sex therapist.

Gloria Okes Perkins has collaborated with Dr. Ed Wheat on a number of books. She is a writer and biblical counselor.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (December 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031042531X
• ISBN-13: 978-0310425311
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #197,897 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #64 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Health, Mind & Body > Relationships > Marriage

More About the Author

Ed Wheat, MD (1926-2001) was a family physician for decades and an authority on premarital and marital counseling.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars PHENOMENAL!!!, February 10, 1999

By 

[e-mail] - Edith Chase (New York City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: First Years of Forever, The (Paperback)

This book is the best book for any couple or single Christian person who is considering marraige. It has completely changed my life for the better. As I was reading chapter 4 about forgiveness, I was convicted about not forgiving my father for something and right at that very moment I was able to confess and cry out to God for forgiveness and freedom. Not only is this book great for my fiance and I as we go through pre-marital counseling, but it has helped both of us in our personal lives. This book has allowed me to dig deep into my soul to become the best woman of God I can be now and the best wife I can be in the future. I love the author's candid approach to topics about sex and intimacy. I was surprised but thrilled that the authors realize that we as Christians can discuss these topics openly. Thank you Ed & Gloria for writing such a fabulous book.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars kick in the head, July 18, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: First Years of Forever, The (Paperback)

This is a great book, I read it over every so often just for a reality check, it has great examples, quotes, stories and wonderful Christian principals. It really makes you think about how to relate better to your mate, and understand why we do the things we do sometimes. It help me see what I should be doing and what to expect. I think so many books like this tell you things I would hope we should know, but fail to practice. I really wish husbands and wifes would read this book together, they maybe surprised to find out this is not like any other book off the shelf and they would have nothing to lose only something to gain in their relationship. Sometimes we just need a kick in the head sometimes. We can seek out friends for advice,counselors, but we should first be seeking God, He will help us better than anyone could possibly, but God does use books and people and I believe He can use this book to help us. I hope you will get this book you won't be dissappointed.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Christian Marriage Staple, April 20, 2008

By 

Monty Rainey (New Braunfels, TX) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: First Years of Forever, The (Paperback)

For over twenty years now, THE FIRST YEARS OF FOREVER by Dr. Ed Wheat and Gloria Okes Perkins has been a staple in the arsenal of marriage building weapons. The introduction touches on the thing that poisons more marriages than, I believe, anything else, particularly in the early stages of marriage. Unrealistic Expectations.

The first couple of chapters focus on the various aspects of love. Here we learn how it is that we see faults after marriage that were totally invisible to us before. Chapters 3 & 4 focus on two cornerstones of marriage, faithfulness and forgiveness. Many today have no concept of the true meaning of forgiveness. They say they forgive, but then continue to bring it up. They tell their friends and families. They never truly forget it. Wheat will teach couples God's rules of forgiveness.

Next, Wheat and Perkins cover the art of communication. How to replace arguments with effective communication and the dangers of the dreaded "silent treatment". In the chapter on sexual fulfillment renders an excellent Biblical study of the subject. Chapter 7 covers a variety of warning signals to watch out for. Things like debt, ego trips, guilt trips, and jealousy.

Chapters 8 & 9 are a husband's handbook and wife's handbook respectively. This is some of the finest Biblically based assessments of marital roles and responsibilities you will find anywhere. After twenty years, this is still one of the best books you'll find on building a Christian marriage.

Pastor Monty Rainey