Customer Reviews

When God Writes Your Love Story: The Ultimate Approach to Guy/Girl Relationships

5 star:		(88)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(12)

 

 

Subtitled "The Ultimate Approach To Guy/Girl Relationships," WHEN GOD WRITES YOUR LOVE STORY has some big expectations to fill. Remarkably, Eric and Leslie Ludy's work actually stands up well to them.

What the Ludy's have laid out is really more of a philosophy on living that, when applied correctly, encompasses your approach to dating and relationships. WHEN GOD WRITES YOUR LOVE STORY is not about rules. As chapter four nicely explains, rules don't ultimately save you from temptation and making wrong choices. Only a full love-relationship with God can do that, and it is that exact thing that the Ludy's set as the foundation for their approach. Sounds basic and obvious, but when you see how many people are stuck in the cycle of bad relationships based upon sensual passion, physical attraction, or legalistic rulemaking it becomes clear that this approach is anything but basic. In fact, it's quite radical.

WHEN GOD WRITES YOUR LOVE STORY, then, is about giving God the "pen," of your life -- your entire life, not just your love life. The Ludy's do a fantastic job of describing why this matters, how it makes a difference, and what a life married to this choice will look like. Their writing is God-centered yet practical and very balanced. I'll say that again, because it's important -- their approach is extremely balanced, and that's what I admire most about it. The only complaint I have is that some of the dialogue in the book is a bit goofy (they use exclamation points a lot!), but because the substance of the book was so solid I was able to look past that.

If you are looking for a book that will help you not only make right dating choices but transform you entire lifestyle so that you end up in a truly happy, fulfilling and lasting marriage then WHEN GOD WRITES YOUR LOVE STORY is for you. Is it the "ultimate" approach? If not then it's sure close. It is one of the three best books on the subject that I have read (the others being BOY MEETS GIRL and BOUNDARIES IN DATING). Read all three if you can. I give it FIVE STARS.

This book absolutely changed the way I looked at romance and love, and it helped me to realize that only by doing God's will can I ever be truly happy and fulfilled in a relationship. It made me take things in perspective, made me see that I wasn't quite where God wanted me to be, that in order to be able to find the one woman for me, that I would first have to trust in Him, to love Him, to learn to love like Him. He already has a Godly woman set aside for me, somewhere... I finished the book Saturday night, and began to cry, not tears of sadness and depression, but of submission, sincerely asking God to take control of all aspects of my life.

I really think anyone of "dating age" should read this book, as it not only deals with the romantic aspects of Christian life, but really the most important thing in life, total devotion to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Wow! This book is fabulous. I think it's more inspirational than any other Christian book I've ever read. Even if you've already given God control of your life, as I had before I read Eric and Leslie's book, this book is a wonderful reminder of why you gave your life to Him, what your future rewards will be for doing so, and also gives you courage whenever you start to doubt His plan for your life.

The Ludy's often tell us to "give God the pen" and he will write us a beautiful love story. After first-hand experience, I totally agree! But even the most devoted Christians must suffer heartbreak sometimes, and when we do, it is all too tempting to say "God, could you just loan me the pen, just for a minute? I'll just write one thing myself, then I'll give it right back." Eric and Leslie are living proof that God can write a more beautiful page in your love story than you could ever dream of writing yourself. And when you start to get discouraged, remember that everything that happens to you, good and bad, is a part of God's equation for your life, the equation that equals eventual happiness. Hard to remember that sometimes? Don't worry: just buy a copy of "When God Writes Your Love Story", put it next to your Bible on the shelf, and reach for both when times get rough. You won't regret it!

For teens and young adults today, it just may seem that maintaining godly purity while dating is truly a God-sized task. If youre a young person who wants to honor God in your life, this book could open your mind and heart to the sweeter song of Gods plan for your love life.

Co-authors Eric and Leslie Ludy, trading off chapters throughout the book, recount their frustrations with dating while striving to maintain basic standards of purity such as maintaining their virginity and dating only fellow believers. But following rules failed to protect them from emotional turmoil of various relationships despite that they invested heavily in the other person, sometimes even compromising some of their purity to hold onto the guy or girl they were seeing. Independently and long before they knew each other God lead both Eric and Leslie to relinquishing the pen of their personal love stories to Him.

Leslie recounts her struggle with this decision. She asked herself why a sensible, enlightened, with it young adult like herself would entrust someone as old (and most likely outdated) as God with this precious area of life. Similarly, Eric shares his own misgivings, If there is one thing in all of life that we feel sure God has no clue about, its romance.

The revelation that came to Eric was, My lack of trust came directly back to the fact that I didnt truly know Him. Likewise, Leslie admits, While the Christian world indicated that I was following Gods way by keeping the rules as best as possible, deep down I knew I was really the one in control of this area of my life. I had been the one calling the shots, not God!

When they allowed themselves to truly get to know the Lord, they discovered that Gods ideas about romance and sex were not only not old fashioned but He, quite literally, wrote the book of love! Gods desire is to write a sweeter song for each of us if we just relinquish our love life to Him. Gods sweeter song is like nothing this world can touch.

Recounting their own experiences as Christian singles, as a courting couple and finally, as young marrieds, Eric and Leslie offer relevant Scriptures and quotes from renowned Christian thinkers to make their points. While the book primarily addresses single Christians, it may speak to long-married folks as it did to me. I was challenged in a number of areas that I found I could adapt easily to my own situation (as 46-years old and 22 years married).

Some great topics addressed in the book: On faithfulness - I was totally blessed by Leslies explanation about how God showed her, through Proverbs 31:12, that His idea of being faithful to her spouse was not something that began after they met but before. This powerful idea touches on why we should be guarded about our relationships with the opposite sex until were ready for a lifelong commitment and sure weve found Mr. or Miss Right.

On the apparent scarcity of honorable guys or girls who are worth waiting for - Most men today treat girls like sex objects while many girls will willingly forfeit their virtue to the first guy who cozies up to them. Take heart, claims the book. God is raising up real men and virtuous women who are devoted to Him and well worth the wait.

About having ideal standards for a mate  Ever had someone tell you your standards were unrealistic? Prompted by a friend to list her standards for a spouse, Leslie responded, Someone who treats me like a princess, is sensitive, tender, gentle, brave, full of integrity, servant-hearted and honorable to name a few. Her friend challenged her to consider that It was God who put them (the standards) in your heartbecause He wants you to look for a man with the character of Jesus Christ. A warning follows  Often we get anxious and compromise and settle for less than what God has for us.

Partnering with Godly advisors to counsel you about opposite gender relationships - Youll be amazed and blessed when you read the role Leslies dad played when Eric was courting her.

On when the sweeter song is solo (singleness)  A relationship is not meant to make us into a whole persononly Jesus Christ can make us a whole person. An entire chapter is devoted to being single, offering many views about the blessings of this time, even if it lasts a lifetime. Its also a time to learn some life skills that will be needed if and when God leads you into a marital relationship.

Near the end of the book is a chapter subtitled, A glimmer of hope in a world of lost virginity. Although frank about the severity of sexual sin and its devastating effects on people, it offers the hope and healing thats only possible with Jesus.

Overall, this book is a real find with lots of wonderful and tender lessons that will sit with you a long while after youve finished reading. Its an easy read, just 219 pages, comes in paperback and includes a complimentary CD of songs by the Ludys entitled Faithfully  songs about a love worth waiting for.

I recommend it not only for teens and young adults who are in the middle of the dating scene but also youth leaders and parents of teens and young adults.

Although this book has its virtues, I would recommend "Choosing God's Best" or "Boy Meets Girl". I've read all three, and I found this book to be the least useful.

If you enjoy long-winded, overdramatized storytelling, this book is for you. But I found that the authors' extensive use of their own (seemingly perfect?) relationship as a template for everyone else to follow distateful. What about those who are "less blessed"? There is an implicit implication that they are so blessed because they somehow suffered through to earn it through purity. We don't EARN anything but grace through Jesus.

The authors disclaim physical beauty, but seem utterly obsessed with it. This is one of the most disturbing parts of the book. Any worthwhile discussion should, in my opinion, address the problem of physical perfectionism in our society. This book reinforces the problem.

Finally, this book seems to preach a doctrine known as "sanctified ignorance". Meaning, in short, that if you love God and follow Jesus, everthing will work out for you. Regardless of whether you set goals and make plans to achieve them. When in fact, the Bible teaches us to plan, prepare, and yes, even strategize for finding a spouse. When we do these things prayerfully, we might see results, God-willing.

I could envision many Christian singles using this book as an excuse to stay firmly seated on the sidelines waiting for their perfect "hottie" - while life passes them by.

If you do read this book, please take it with a large dose of salt (and coffee).

But thanks to "A Reader", from the West Coast I was able to give life a chance . . . I accepted Jesus into my life as Lord, and finally learned to love myself.

I feel that my earlier opinion of this book was crowded by bitterness and self-hatred. No one wants to be alone, and after discovering the true un-failing mercy of a loving God. I can honestly say that the healing has begun.

Thank you "A Reader" from the West Coast for all of the scriptual references . . . It was the very thing that made me turn my life around. I believe that there is love out there for me -- However I feel that the GREATEST relationship and love is my developing relationship with Jesus.

The good: They give a general map of how to act as a single person, and overall, it's pretty decent. A lot of this is not new, but hey, not a bad idea. Here's their general plan:

* First, give over control of all of your life (especially romantic) to God
* Spend time getting to know God, and have it be on a regular basis
* Keep you heart whole and remain physically pure for your spouse...do nothing that might cause them pain or discomfort
* Prepare yourself for your future spouse, including writing or doing things for him/her
* Be content in your singleness, develop your talents, and build your relationship with God while awaiting your spouse
* Practice being Christ-like with your family, which will serve as preparation for your marriage
* Get people on your team to discern God's will for your love life, starting with your parents

The bad:

The Ludys' tend to be rather irritating in their writing. For instance, they talk about all this time that they spent waiting for the future spouse and abstaining from having sex, and they're like 17 and 20, respectively. Hardly encouraging for those people who make it past college and are still waiting.

Also, as other commenters have posted, some of their language reeks of saccharine (and I have a high tolerance for the stuff). The Princess of Purity and Pearl of Purity...yuck!

Also, they take a rather juvenile position on the kinds of activities they'd want their spouse to have done prior to meeting them. Oh no, a guy put his arm around my future wife and is talking sweet to her! I'm now enraged and jealous over this guy! And obviously, anything beyond this is even worse. Extraordinarily unrealistic.

Its good points got it two stars, but its irritating and immature ideas is what kept its rating to rise above it. If you're looking for a book dealing with sexual purity/abstinence issues, I'd recommend Lewis Smedes' Sex for Christians which was a far more mature, nuanced, and thoughtful book.

This is a well written book, and the authors are very engaging. It is excellent for one who has been brought up with recreational dating, and the maintenance of virginity as the standard for purity. The point is that God loves us more than anyone else possibly could and would always do what is best for us; therefore, we should look to Him in matters of "guy/girl relationship." However, if one has grown up with cautions against dating, and calls to courtship with higher standards of purity and parental involvment, this book may be interesting, but not helpful. If the latter scenario is familiar, you would be better off with "Emotional Purity: An Affair of the Heart" by Heather Arnel Paulsen.

This book is so awesome!! Before I read it I knew that God wanted to have a part in my love life, but not only did I not know how to let Him have control; I also thought a formula had to be found. From reading the words of Eric and Leslie I have learnded that not only does God want to be intimately invovled in my love life, He wants me to learn how to depend completely on Him. What I like most about this book is the honesty and how at the end of every chapter there are scriptures to read and ways to grow closer to God. For anyone who is searching for more than just another relationship read this book!! It has the power to change the way you look at love for eternity. Be ready to see God work and start scripting the most beautiful love story ever told!!!

"Boy Meets Girl" and "When God Writes your Love Story" are two must-reads for anyone who has sturggled in relationships, or if you are wondering if it is worth it to wait for God's will in this area of your life. I was waiting, but was giving up hope. Now that I have read these books, I'm back on my mission to follow God's will, no matter how long it takes. I am totally convinced that when you let God lead in this area of your life, as well as the other areas, you will reap rich blessings and rewards beyond our own imagination. I love the examples given in both books, about the roles of men and women, and the benefit of postponing physical gratification until marriage. I loved both of these books. You can feel secure in recommending them to your friends!