As Long As We Both Shall Live Study Guide: Experiencing the Marriage You've Always Wanted

by Gary Smalley, Ted Cunningham

Designed as a companion to the "As Long as We Both Shall Live Study Guide," this DVD is a collection of six sessions of teaching from Gary Smalley and Ted Cunningham. Gary and Ted share personal stories and keen insights into the concepts explored in each session, adding a fresh dimension to the Bible study and discussion format of the study guide. Couples and small groups won't want to miss the biblical teaching offered by these two trusted authorities on successful relationships--and they will be glad they didn't miss it when they experience firsthand the contentment and beauty of a life-giving marriage!

Genres: Marriage, Counselling, Relationships, Nonfiction, Christian

144 pages, Paperback

First published December 11, 2009

About the author

Gary Smalley was one of the country's best-known authors and speakers on family relationships. He was the award-winning, best-selling author or coauthor of sixteen books, as well as several popular films and videos. The Blessing and The Two Sides of Love have won Gold Medallions, The Language of Love won the Angel Award as the best contribution to family life, and his other titles have received Silver Medallions. His national infomercial Hidden Keys to Loving Relationships has been viewed by television audiences all over the world.

Dr. Greg Smalley graduated with his doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology at Biola University in Southern California. He also holds master's degrees in counseling psychology (Denver Seminary) and clinical psychology (Rosemead). Dr. Smalley is the director of research and development at Smalley Relationship Center in Branson, Missouri. He lives in Ozark, Missouri with his wife, Erin, and their two daughters, Taylor and Madalyn.

Reviews

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very helpful book on marriage and the gaps between expectation and reality that leave us disappointed. They explain why we come to have these expectations and how to evaluate the appropriateness of them. It would be helpful to have identified and discussed them prior to marriage, but we can do it now. Some expectations need to be adjusted to line up reality, but there are quite a few that should never be lowered.

[Gena Tarrell · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you have read marriage books this is probably a lot like them. But it is always a great reminder to appreciate the blessing a spouse is.

[Saz Jibson Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

El libro me hizo darme cuenta de que “el problema” no está con mi pareja. Soy yo que debo tener las expectativas realistas para estar en harmonía con la realidad de nuestra relación.

[Rebekah]

This was a good book. It did have a handful of spots that I would skip (sensitive topics for married couples). It's hard to skip them because they are interspersed throughout the book.

[Tim Gillen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chosen for a small group study for our church. Helpful.

[Tim Wester · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good thoughts

[Abbie Riddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book, Study Guide and DVD are each sold seperately but are most certainly worth the purchase for all 3. I think the best use of this material is in its complete set allthough they may each be used seperately.

This study guide is a wonderful resource to use with the book by the same title. As the cost is very affordable I would recommend purchasing both. This is excellent for small groups but is equally enjoyable and beneficial for personal couple study. If you are seeking to strengthen your marriage through scripture study this is an excellent study. In it you will explore the gap between what you expected from marrieage and what actually came to be. I think this should be required for engaged couples as it invites couples to explore their expectations in light of the scripural expectations so that they are not disenchanted or discouraged with marriage. This book helps to strengthen a marriage's foundation - turning the focus on what is biblical instead of what society (movies, stories, tales) have painted marriage to be.

I would thoroughly recommend this book, study and Dvd to all couples if you want to truly understand the impact our expectations have on our married lives and how to reconcile the unmet expectations we face. The book is very easy to read. At times I was amazed at how the applications and illustrations so closely mirrored some of the seasons of my married life. This can truly be a blessing for couples who whoose to reach for a closer walk with Christ and their mate.

Thank you Gospel Light for this review material.

[Jim Marsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a fellow ecclesiastical leader, I was excited to see a book about marriage from a Christian perspective.

The main focus of the book is managing expectations of relationships based upon what we've experienced, what we have picked up from media and what we dream our marriages can be.

Both Pastors Small and Cunningham trade off throughout the writing so we get to see multiple perspectives on the advice.

This book is seeped in Christian doctrine and theology (to the point that it sometimes drowned out the narrative of helping marriages.) If you are not a devout Christian this might not be the book for you.

[Todd · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was kind of dull. It started good, talking about differences in expectations, but then it just went downhill from there. Lots of stuff you've heard before repackaged with a new cover.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book that you won't want to put down

[ryan Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read

My small group did this study. I liked it. It was very eye opening way of looking at my marriage

[Tim Gillen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Utilized alongside the book as part of a small group study for our church. Helpful.