Tez Brooks's Blog: TezBrooks.com, page 2

A sneak peek at what’s inside “Is God Calling Us to Marry?” dropping in February.

On the first week of February, Tez’s 20th book will release. This one comes from his experience doing premarital counseling. Couples using this resource will ask/answer ten questions each week (for ten weeks) on varying topics from commitment and communication to salvation and sex. Contact Tez to pre-order packs of ten or more (discounted) for your church or ministry. Here is a peek at the content.

Week 1 – Spiritual Inquiries

Week 2 – Relationships Questions

Week 3 – Views on Marriage

Week 4 – Roles

Week 5 – Beliefs about Finances

Week 6 – About Your History

Week 7 – Communication

Week 8 – Intimacy Topics

Week 9 – Parenting Questions

Week 10 – Miscellaneous

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Tez Featured on “The Boundless Show” on Focus on the Family Radio (airing in February)

I had the privilege of being interviewed by The Boundless Show (a ministry of FOTF) twice in January. Once on the topic of single parenting and again on the topic of adulting. They wanted to promote both of my books on these topics. The Boundless Show is a ministry to adult Christian singles, in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. When it airs I will post the link.

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Is God Calling You and Your Loved One to Get Married?

Tez’s new book will help you decide. But what’s it about?

So you’re considering an engagement. That’s a big step. You may be asking yourself if this is the right person to marry. How will you know?

Maybe you’ve already popped the question then discovered amid all the excitement, planning, and reserving, that your officiant has a few questions you can’t answer about your relationship.

A national survey of divorced couples revealed that 45 percent cited “unrealistic expectations” as one of the top reasons for the breakup. [1]

As a minister, I ask each engaged couple to attend six premarital counseling sessions before I agree to officiate their wedding. Premarital counseling prepares the man and woman for a lifelong marriage while revealing any red flags that may signal a need for deeper conversation. If any issue is severe, this gives the couple a chance to reconsider the union altogether. Not only do I want to know where the couple stands spiritually and relationally, but it’s also my hope they come to know each other better. For this reason, it’s wise to complete any counseling before ordering those wedding announcements.

A pastor can’t possibly cover every topic. Even if he could, once an engagement occurs, it’s hard to backpedal if you discover things that cause you to reconsider marriage. Talking through some topics before an engagement allows you to have rich and enlightening dialogue together for a more informed decision.

With that in mind, I designed a list of one hundred discussion questions to give you a jump start on your premarital counseling. These are not superficial inquiries like “Share your favorite love song” or “What’s your most embarrassing moment?” Prepare for deeper, more meaningful, and often probing matters. Ask one another the same questions to ensure neither of you is leaping into a lifelong commitment without knowing as much as possible up front.

These days, most couples know when a proposal is on the horizon. You might have both been alluding to marriage long before the ring appears. Therefore, it’s critical you begin this resource before investing in an engagement ring or saying “yes.” You might find some of these questions have already been discussed, even as boyfriend/girlfriend. Why not know as much as possible (within reason) before you commit to getting engaged?

If you are already engaged, these questions will still be quite helpful. Much of what will be revealed through these discussions will help you discover if you should even get married at all. Start as soon as possible. Asking these vital questions only weeks before the wedding is gambling with your emotional well-being and possibly your entire future.

While the list in this book isn’t comprehensive, the amount of questions can still feel overwhelming. They have been broken into categories. You may tackle one section in its entirety or skip around. But avoid the temptation to rush through. They are meant to be explored slowly, so delve into five to ten questions per week and enjoy the conversations over coffee. These may very well be some of the most cherished dates you’ll remember.

Read the Bible passages before each section and pray together, asking the Lord to give you wisdom regarding this union. Ask Him to reveal the truth for what his Word declares. Once finished, you’ll be well on your way toward a better relationship with a deeper understanding of one another.

It’s impossible to discover everything. Still, as you begin making plans, I recommend you schedule time in a relaxed, semi-private setting to discuss these topics. This allows you to have rich dialogue uncovering vital information about one another. Depending on your age, consider having your parents or an older married couple nearby to help you decide which questions are appropriate for your relationship and how much to share. How close you are to an engagement or wedding also plays a part in this.

While some of these questions have no wrong answers, others may be clearly spelled out in Scripture. It’s best to explore what the Bible says about each of these topics rather than merely settle on an opinion or preference, which may or may not be biblical. In the end, I pray your conversations will be valuable to you both. May your relationship be blessed and God-honoring. The book releases in February 2025 on Amazon.

[1] “With This Ring, A National Survey on Marriage in America,” National Fatherhood Initiative, 2005, p. 32, https://www.fatherhood.org/with-this-....

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COMING SOON: A New Book for Dating Couples

I’m excited to announce that my latest book, Is God Calling Us to Marry? is set to be released in February 2025. Here’s what others are saying:

“What a powerful resource! A great addition to premarital counseling, encouraging excellent communication. A must-read for couples considering marriage.” Dr. Deborah C. Bauer, Licensed counselor and author of Marriage on Purpose

“Initiate honest, nonthreatening conversations with your significant other to help discern your readiness for marriage. A concise, practical resource covering important topics dating couples must discuss before saying ‘I do.’” Michael E. Osborne, Pastor, seminary professor, and author of Surviving Ministry: How to Weather the Storms of Church Leadership

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An Interesting Interview: Think You Know Tez? Maybe Not!

My friend Kevin gave me one of the most enjoyable interviews I’ve had all year. Check it out on Kevin’s website.

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$75 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

CHECK OUT MY “Adult-o-Nomics” BOOK GIVEAWAY!!!! https://www.guildmaster97.com/posts/adult-o-nomics-author-interview-giveaway/

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A Spotify Playlist for “Adult-o-Nomics” Readers

I created a great Christian music playlist on Spotify for those young adults who are moving out on their own for the first time. It’s called “Adult-o-Nomics” Music. Packed with artists singing about topics that young adults (18-25) deal with as they launch into the world. Enjoy!

Featuring: Love and the Outcome, Consumed by Fire, Natalie Grant, Cory Asbury, Kari Jobe, Elevation Worship, Amy Grant, Mac Powell, Building 429, Cochran & Co., for King & Country, CAIN, Lauren Daigle, Phil Wickham, Micah Tyler, Zach Williams, Nicole C. Mullen, Jack Cassidy, and more!

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Celebrate Lit’s Interview with Author of “Adult-o-Nomics”

AN INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR TEZ BROOKS

Q: Tez, you’ve written six other books by yourself and another nine with other authors. Your newest, Adult-o-Nomics shares insights and encouragement from high school and college students, parents and your own experience as a youth pastor and father of four. What led you to write it?

I wrote it because I see so many young adults struggling with anxiety after moving out on their own. By asking around, I realized that anxiety comes from a lack of know-how. It’s so stressful to attempt something with little to no information. Google makes it so easy to avoid asking real people by just looking it up online. The trouble is that it alienates us, and it doesn’t give us everything we need. People don’t know what they need to learn. I thought it would be nice to have an easy-to-read gift book filled with one-liners and tips – something you could pick up when you have a free minute just to learn something new. Many don’t have time to invest in reading a complete “How-To” book but 30 seconds of advice is easier to digest….bite-sized pieces. So I wrote it!

Q: Would you be willing to share a little bit about your observations from watching young people launch from home?

I have observed a lot of young adults boomerang back home after a few years because they underestimated the cost of living or they forgot to plan for unexpected expenses. But we’ve all had stuff happen that caught us off guard, right? It’s impossible to anticipate everything. But parents who want to be a safety net to rescue their kids don’t really help. Helicopter parents cause their adult kids to lack confidence and become overly dependent upon them. Im not saying parents shouldn’t help in time of need. I’m saying help by all means but with clear expectations and specific end dates. One parent I know bought their daughter a security camera for her apartment so they could watch her sleep and wake her if she overslept for work. Ugh! Another dad insisted on talking to his son’s professor about his grades. It’s my hope this generation will find the peace that comes from total dependence on God and total independence from Mom and Dad. Anxiety doesn’t have to be the norm for those launching out for the first time. Adulting should be a rewarding right of passage, not a dread.

Q: Many young people think living on their own is going to be either really difficult or super easy. You had a difficult event that affected your launch. Can you share with us, what was your experience as a young college student? 

Soon after I graduated high school, my mom died unexpectedly after a minor surgery. I went off to college five states away with little to no experience living on my own. My mom prepared me a little bit before she died. I knew how to do laundry and clean a bathroom but not much more. I experienced a lot of trial and error as I adapted to life away from home. When I returned home after that first semester, my dad had already re-married and started a new life that I was not a part of. My step-mom was not the nurturing type like Mom, and it was clear I needed to take care of myself. It wasn’t easy but I made it. So I have an understanding of young adults trying to adapt to adulthood. It’s way harder for them now than it was for me. Anxiety doesn’t have to rule us though. It’s my hope they will find comfort from some of the tips others have provided in this book.

Q: Adult-o-Nomics is filled with practical advice on topics like romantic relationships, employment, car maintenance, housekeeping, what food to keep in your fridge, and even financial tips. But you also include physical, emotional and spiritual advice? Why are these important?

In the end, our spiritual condition is all that matters. If we get that correct, all the other areas of our life will fall into place. But yes, I do address physical, emotional, and other aspects because these things are vital to our success. Let’s face it, if we know how to get hired for a job but don’t know how to respond in a healthy way to criticism from our employer, we’re not going to have that job very long. Many of the tips in the book are connected and play off each other. Some of the advice I got from watching my own four children do it right…and a few times, not so right.

Q: Anxiety is a common issue for this generation. They deal with it more than other generations have. This causes some young adults to delay, avoid, or even abandon their launch. Do you have any advice?

Yes, there’s no need to avoid your launch when God is in your corner. If you have large financial debt and you’re delaying the launch temporarily, that makes sense. I’d pray about how you might trust God to be your Provider. God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. He’s in your corner, cheering you on!

Q: What’s the most important thing a young adult needs to know before they move out? If you could pick one thing to tell them, what would it be?

I’ve said it before, learn total dependence on God. Seek his face. Be sold out to Him…all the rest will work itself out.

Q: “Adult-o-Nomics” is available now on Amazon. What is your next book?

It’s a book based on the pre-marital counseling I have done. It’s called “Is Calling Us to Marry?: 100 Questions for the Well-Prepared Couple”

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Update on the New Book

Some of you are wondering when “the book “Adult-o-Nomics is actually launching. Although the Ebook is available for pre-order now on Amazon ($.99 for a limited time), the paperback won’t be released until April 30th.

Excitement is building in the Brooks household because the shipment of the advance author copies will be arriving sometime today with one final endorsement added by best-selling author and worldwide evangelist Nicky Cruz. What a blessing!

Last week it rated as Amazon’s #7 in the Christian counseling category. I’m not sure how it’s considered “counseling” because it’s more of a self-help or Christian living book, but hey, I’ll take it.

I’ve been bathing this book in prayer. It contains a lot of scripture and Biblical truth for young adult believers who are living on their own (or about to). So, I’m praying it’s a blessing to many. If you have a podcast or blog and you’re looking for content, I would be happy to book an interview or provide an article on the topic of anxiety-free adulting.

IT’S A PARTY!

If you live in or near Colorado Springs, I’d like to invite you to the book launch on May 3rd (5:30 pm to 7:30 pm). It’s an Open House gathering so you can come and go as you like. The location is Wayfinder Coffee, 6140 Austin Bluffs Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80923. Stop by and grab some cake, win a door prize, or purchase a copy of the book. TTFN.

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Want to Overcome the Anxiety of Adulting? NEW BOOK COMING

Adult-O-Nomics: How to Nail it On Your Own is my newest book set for release this spring!

The book is a short gift book for graduates. Think of it as a survival guide for young adult Christians who are moving out out of their parent’s for the first time. It contains 500 modern proverbs, suggestions, and tips for adulting in today’s world (Tentative release date: April 2024).

International speaker and author of Evidence That Demands a Verdict, Josh McDowell says, “Preparing for adulthood can be challenging and filled with mixed ideals. Tez’s book offers help.”

Steven Douglass, former CEO for Campus Crusade for Christ says, “I am excited about how the Lord is using Tez to advance the Kingdom of God for this generation.”

Here’s a sneak peek at the content from the manuscript:

Tip #2

Chew with your mouth closed and talk with it open.

Tip #5

Explore a museum. Go to a parade. Watch the sunrise. Jump in a pool fully clothed.

Tip #8

That sexy tan you work on each summer turns into skin cancer when you’re forty. Use sunscreen now.

Tip #12

Fighting a traffic citation is risky. If the cop shows up to court, you will more than likely lose your case and end up paying all court costs.

Tip #20

Go to church faithfully. Let nothing distract you from being there each week. (See Hebrews 10:25).

Tip #21

Yikes! According to James 4:4, tight friendship with the world and its values means you are choosing to be God’s enemy.

Tip #22

Keeping an open mind all the time, means others can easily throw trash into it.

Tip #40

Where does your mind go when you’re idle? Whatever you are passionate about is what you’ll always talk or think about. How often do you talk about God?

Tip #50

Girls, be firm and clear with a guy when you need him to leave you alone. Dancing around the issue makes them think there’s still hope.

Tip #89

Sex outside of marriage includes much more than intercourse. Living close to the edge is a compromise in the name of technicalities. God commands us to save our bodies for our spouse alone.

Tip #101

Guys, be the pursuer when it comes to romantic relationships. If a girl is chasing after you, it’s time to man up.

Tip #131

Dress like an adult and people will treat you like one.

Tip #267

Save thousands of dollars, floss your teeth.

Tip #390

Never allow friends or family to sit in with you during a job interview. Employers want secure applicants.

Tip #404

Get close to the godly and wise. Watch them, imitate them. (See Prov. 13:20)

Tip #425

Our most valuable weapon against anxiety is harnessing our thoughts. (See Phil. 4:8)

Tip #455

Why get upset if your old bedroom back home doesn’t remain a shrine to your honor? It’s all part of the circle of life.

Tip #456

Never answer a text when you’re angry. Pray, then wait until the next day to respond.

Tip #479

Whoa! Malachi 3:8-10 says if you neglect giving God his portion of your income you will be financially cursed.

Tip #481

Start an emergency fund and add to it each payday. You’re gonna need it sooner than you think.

Tip #484

Sometimes, when someone pulls up your credit score, it lowers it. Be selective when giving merchants permission to check.

Tip #494

Learn how to develop a budget and stick to it.

Tip #496

Never forget who your Provider really is. (HINT: It isn’t you!)

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