Customer Reviews

Marriage 101: Building a Life Together by Faith

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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.

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

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.

Marriage 101 is a great ministry tool for married couples. Those in waiting can also learn valuable lessons from this transparent step by step guide. I have been married for 20 years and lead Couple's Ministry for 10 years. I found Jewel Powell's revelations refreshing and practical. While reading this book, I found myself re-evaluating my commitment to marriage.

Keep listening to God, Ms. Powell.

Marriage isn't something that can just be left behind. "Marriage 101: Building a Life Together by Faith" is a Christian guide to building a stronger marriage that will last decades instead of months or a few short years, as many fear with today's sky high divorce rate. Focusing on scripture in hopes of strengthening bonds between man and wife, author and marriage coach Jewell R. Powell taps into her professional experience throughout. "Marriage 101" is a fine gift for any Christian newlywed couple.