Confused Duck

We've got a duck in our hen house. A sadly confused duck. He's the only non-chicken in there, but he doesn't know he's "not a chicken." He's very interesting to watch, and watching him prompts some questions. For example, do I really know and act like I'm a son of a Heavenly King living in a world under siege; that my mission is to anticipate my Father's return and his reestablishing order to a planet besieged by a wonton Prince? OK, I know that reads like a Harry Potter series flyleaf.

As you know, Smarter Romance (<--you can click on that) specifically targets the dating and courtship experience. For those of you married men and women who follow this blog and/or who may be in roles to support and encourage couples' relationships...I offer the following humble recommendation:

Just a short time ago I ran across what I think is the very best book on marriage I've ever read, and I've read and followed a few of them. From my perspective, Dr. Gary Thomas' The Sacred Marriage (<--you can click on that too) stands up head and shoulders above all the rest. Gary writes candidly about his own marital experience and growth, introduces all kinds of valuable first-hand, historical, and biographical illustrations, and he speaks from his heart integrating what the Bible really says about marriage. He touches what we all experience personally, see all around us relationally, and face culturally on a daily basis--as men and
women.

He appeals to the real citizenry of Christian men and women.

Gary is conceptually, theologically, and realistically ON TARGET! If you've not found this gem already, I heartily suggest you get it and read it with your wife or husband. I believe it will be a blessing of major influence for you and those you influence. It's already been a great blessing and a source of deep encouragement to Judi and I.

A couple things (tongue in cheek...of course): 1) Gary Thomas is a graduate of and an adjunct at Western Seminary (one of my fellow alums!), so he's coming from a rock solid background (just like me....ha). 2) He lives in the Pacific Northwest, AKA God's country, so that makes him just that much more "a really special person" (again, just like me...ha, ha).

As is the case with so much of life's experience, "we're all in this together," but many times we forget; we're not "chickens." It's just so completely chicken to act like one!

Till next time...have fun, be smart, and let's help other people know how to do that in a world besieged!

Dick
smarterromance@gmail.com