Reviewing Collaborative Marriage Skills ( Couple Communication I)

Collaborative Marriage Skills is a 143-page book Megan and I used in a small group several years ago. This fifth edition was published in 2007 and consists of five chapters:

1. Choosing Communication Styles
2. Identifying Issues
3. Using Your Awareness Wheel
4. Applying the Listening Cycle
5. Mapping Issues

The book contains many charts and diagrams and is organized well. Key words are often italicized, have bold red or black letters, or are part of a bulleted list. We used a version of the book that doesn't have Scripture; however, everyone in our group was Christian so we integrated the Good Book into our discussions.

Collaborative Marriage Skills is very practical and can be used by both Christian and non-Christian couples. You'll get the most out of the book by taking notes in it and reading and discussing the material with others. Although Collaborative Marriage Skills did not solve all of our marriage problemos, I recommend it if you desire to better resolve conflict and enjoy your spouse.

Reviewing Stephen Altrogge's Game Day for the Glory of God: A Guide for Athletes, Fans, and Wannabes

With my increased role in coaching this past year, I decided to read Stephen Altrogge's Game Day For the Glory of God. Stephen Altrogge blogs at The Blazing Center, a blog I frequent from time to time and is the author of several books including Create and My Friend, My Hero, My Dad.

I enjoyed Game Day For the Glory of God more than Create (4.5/5 stars - 66 Amazon reviews), and I found it to be solid and making me smile at times, much like Altrogge's blog. Game Day For the Glory of God is 128 pages and is divided into the following seven chapters:

1. A Life for the Glory of God
2. The Source of All Talent
3. The Joy of Sports
4. Game Day Priorities
5. Winners and Losers
6. Parents, Children, and the Glory of God
7. Tying It All Together

The book was published in 2008 and Altrogge is from Pennsylvania so you may not recognize all of the sports references if you are young and from a country outside the States. Regardless of that, I recommend the book to any Christian who desires to have a biblical understanding of watching, playing, or coaching sports. Game Day For the Glory of God is a theological sound and enjoyable read that is sure to bless many coaches, athletes, and sports fans.