The truth is I saw it had a forward by Gary Chapman whose books I love. That's originally what got my nose in the book. It was hard to get into at first because my mind is always scattered, but with a deadline approaching I had to do some of my fancy speed reading while still getting that knowledge into my brain. Such wonderful information packed into this semi-quick read. I love the title....TEAM US...That's what marriage is...a team!
About The Book
What are you agreeing to when you say "I Do"?
When a couple promises "I do," they agree to more than just a shared last name, a joint bank account, and no more dateless nights. This husband and wife duo forms a new team. "Life Together" becomes their mantra. Nothing can come between them. At least, that's the plan.
But then real life sets in. With it comes disappointments and frustrations. If the couple isn't intentional in their day-to-day interactions, that once enthusiastic "we" can slowly revert to "you" and "me." Before long, the couple's left wondering what happened to their team spirit.
Team Us: Marriage Together offers couples practical ways to cultivate and strengthen unity in their marriages. The author shares from her own marriage as she presents couples with realistic ideas on how to foster cooperation, deepen commitment and exercise grace on a daily basis.
This isn't your typical "therapeutic" marriage book. It's filled with insight, humor, and relatable circumstances. I love the little blurbs on the pages by husband Ted. It's great to have the hubby's input when speaking about marriage. We are wired differently, after all. What comes to mind after reading this book is DO NOT GIVE UP! With God, all things are possible, including a lasting marriage when you think all hope is lost. IT'S NOT!!! You are a team! Sure, we don't agree on everything and it takes work. A LOT OF WORK!! It also takes the whole team! Not just the wife changing how she treats situations and frustrations. It's important for the husband to be intentional in his day-to-day interactions with his wife as well.
My husband and I were friends for 4 years before we even got married. Which means I was loved and pursued, but also "one of the guys" if you know what I mean. We are great friends still, but I've had to remind him in the past that I am his wife too! Heck, he should be feeling pretty blessed that God gave me to him. OK, maybe that's a little overboard ;). But he should!
I really loved the chapter about conflict. I am like the author there...I avoid at all costs. We used to be so proud of ourselves in the early years of our marriage because we got along too well! Never an argument or disagreement. He would give in and let me be right and vice versa. Well, some years later I realized how unhealthy our marriage was. We NEVER dealt with things that bothered us because we wanted to be that couple that was always happy :). We worked through it, but I can tell you that I hate confrontation still. I shared with a friend that sometimes I get so upset that I get emotional and the tears fall and maybe I just don't want to appear weak in his eyes. Not that I would, but in my mind that's what I think. Or maybe it's because I grew up in a family of yellers. My parents fought and ended up divorced. Maybe some of that is branded into my mind. I really need to give that to God if that's the case. God's giving me the guts to be stronger when it comes to conflict resolution in person. I have a wonderful husband and I wouldn't want to trade him for the world. God is helping us and we are growing in His knowledge every day.
Read The 5 Love Languages...both of you. Discover what your love languages are so you can be successful with your intentional living and loving. That's a great starting point.
We must remember that our marriage is not a Hollywood movie. We don't have a prewritten script that will make everything instantly better. It takes real work. We have choices to make every day. My husband and I came from divorced families so from the very beginning we told each other that no matter what we are together forever. When you take out that option it's like you HAVE to work it out because there are no other options. I know I would not be married if God hadn't placed this man in my life. I had a rough upbringing and I despised all the lying, cheating, evil men that roamed the earth. When I gave my life to Christ He changed me and delivered me from those crazy thoughts. So yeah, I'm grateful for the guy He gave me. I need to be careful, not to take advantage of him though. We know we're stuck together, but it's not OK for us to get complacent either.
"Team Us" Official Book Trailer from Ashleigh Slater on Vimeo.
"Finishing your marriage story well is definitely within your reach, no matter what your history tells you"
Geez Louise! This book brought up so many things! I recommend it to everyone! I'm going to stop rambling and you need to enter this giveaway!
About The Author
Ashleigh Slater is a writer and editor passionate about seeing marriages at every stage thrive. As the founder and editor of the popular webzine Ungrind and a regular contributor at Start Marriage Right and www.iBelieve.com, The Time-Warp Wife, and For the Family, she unites the power of a good story with biblical truth and practical application to encourage couples. She has almost 20 years of writing experience and a master's degree in communication. Ashleigh and her husband, Ted, have been married for more than a decade. They have four daughters and reside in Atlanta, GA. Check out her blog HERE
GIVEAWAY TIME
Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.
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