Marriage 101: Building a Life Together by Faith [Paperback]

Jewell R. Powell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2009

Marriage is no fairy tale. Author Jewell R. Powell knows from experience. But she also discovered that there is hope for getting through the hard times, and that, with God, a happy and fulfilling marriage is possible. Using the story of Sleeping Beauty as a parable of God's plan for marriage, this book/workbook combination offers an 8-week plan for individual or group study that encourages examining the areas in our lives that need to change. Using biblical examples, reflection questions, and Scripture meditation, Powell challenges those who want strong and healthy marital relationships to lay a spiritual foundation from which to grow. Marriage 101 is a valuable, insightful resource that couples can go to for help when dealing with the real issues they face.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Your marriage can be strong, healthy, happy, and blessed. Marriage coach Jewell Powell shows you how in this 8-week plan for marital success. She reveals how God's truths can transform two individuals into the union he desires. Laying a spiritual foundation is crucial to your marriage. In Marriage 101, you will discover God's purpose for marriage, how to develop godly character, how to communicate effectively, and much more. With biblical examples, study questions, and Scripture meditations perfect for individuals or couples, you will be challenged to examine areas in your life that may need change so that your marriage can thrive. "Jewell Powell knows firsthand what can go wrong in a marriage--and she can help you find your own happily ever after."--Dr. Kevin Leman, author of Turn Up the Heat "Powell is amazingly vulnerable, truly insightful, and deeply grounded. Every Christian couple will find help in this easy read."--Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, authors of Love Talk "For those seeking biblical guidance to enrich or even save their marriages, Marriage 101 is a gift! Be prepared to underline, highlight, and take notes."--Joseph Malinak and Sarah Elizabeth Malinak, MDiv, authors of Getting Back to Love Jewell R. Powell is a teacher and marriage coach. She and her husband, Lewis, founded the "Happily Ever After" Marriage Ministry, which equips couples to overcome marital difficulties. Jewell lives with Lewis and their two daughters in southern Maryland. Find out more at www.marriage101.us.

About the Author

Jewell R. Powell is a teacher and marriage coach. Her education includes the University of Maryland, VCMI Ministerial Training School, and Regent University School of Divinity. She and her husband, Lewis, founded the "Happily Ever After" Marriage Ministry, which equips couples to overcome marital difficulties. Jewell lives with Lewis and her two daughters in southern Maryland.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Revell (February 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800733320
• ISBN-13: 978-0800733322
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #185,353 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for Married Couples, November 8, 2009

By 

H. Lawson (Durham, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Marriage 101: Building a Life Together by Faith (Paperback)

Jewell Powell has done an excellent job of addressing marital issues in a way that encourages couples to have the marriage God intended. After reading the book, I purchased copies for all the newlyweds in my family. Our couples ministry bought copies to distribute to couples in the church. We are truly excited about the upcoming study guide to accompany the book, and we plan to use if for small group study.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars (RAW Rating: 4.5) - The Fairy Tale Will Take A Little Work, July 7, 2010

By 

The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (RAWSISTAZ.com and BlackBookReviews.net) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Marriage 101: Building a Life Together by Faith (Paperback)

In my dreams as a little girl, I would meet my handsome prince; we would fall madly in love (whatever that means), get married, have a couple of kids and live happily ever after. Nobody told me that in order to get to the happily ever after, you and your husband must put in some serious work. Now as an adult, I recognize that all relationships require work; however, the covenant of marriage is one that needs a little extra work. In MARRIAGE 101: Building a Life Together by Faith, Jewell R. Powell teaches you a marriage really needs to have God as its center to have the best potential for success.

In this guide, Powell first walks you through the fairytale of Sleeping Beauty to demonstrate the plan God has for marriages. She uses the story much like how parables are used in the Bible. The rest of the guide is centered on the word and acronym, ALTRUISM. Altruism means to care more about others than self, which defines Christ's entire being and the sacrifice He made. He is much more concerned about our spiritual well being than about his comfort and safety. We all need to strive to be more like Christ, and particularly so in a marriage. As we strive to become like Him, we should Act biblically, Love biblically, Talk biblically, Repent biblically, Unite biblically, Identify biblically, Submit biblically and Minister biblically. Hence, she delivers what the acronym stands for and develops an eight-part plan to building a marriage by faith.

MARRIAGE 101 is an excellent tool for not only those already married and needing to breathe new life into their relationship, but it is also for those who are about to take the leap into matrimony. Powell's writing, the added biblical scriptures, the deep personal examinations and her personal story all point to one thing--God has a purpose for marriage and we need to allow Him to work through us while building that marriage. Each part of her plan follows a format that is clear and easy to understand which leads you to discover what God's plan is. This is a great guide to have and well worth the investment of resources and time to acquire the knowledge Powell has to share.

Reviewed by Brenda Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Marriage Guide you can turn to again and again, November 29, 2009

By 

Sheila A. Dechantal (Brainerd, Minnesota) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Marriage 101: Building a Life Together by Faith (Paperback)

I enjoyed how author Jewell R Powell used the story of Sleeping Beauty to reflect Gods Love. In today's world, I don't think it matters if you are about to be married, newly weds, or on 22 years (like me), this book has something we can all benefit from. The study questions and places to leave my reflections were wonderful as I like to take notes when I am learning.

The book is interesting and laid out in an 8 week format. In a quote by Mother Theresa :

Spread Love wherever you go: first of all in your own house. Give love to your wife or husband, toy our children, to a next door neighbor... Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of Gods kindness, kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting.

~ Mother Theresa

The part that got me there was the first sentence. How often do I spread myself so thin throughout the day that by the time I land back at home with my husband there isn't a whole lot of me left? A wonderful read - a great study guide for individuals or couples. I would recommend this book to anyone who is planning to get married or is currently married.