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Your Marriage Today. . .And Tomorrow: Making Your Relationship Matter Now and for Generations to Come
Build a marriage now that your kids will thank you for later
Your parents’ marital choices have greatly affected your own attitudes and actions in marriage, for better or worse. Your choices will affect your children, and grandchildren, and so on. It’s time to get proactive about your marriage legacy.
Dr. Crawford and Karen Loritts have been married 45 years and have spent the last 30 years speaking on marriage. This book contains their most successful, proven material. Interlaced with personal stories and letters from their four children this book will teach you:
the biblical and theological foundation for marriage
godly disciplines and habits that will improve your marriage
how to use your marriage to shape future generations
Whether you’ve been married 40 years or just got engaged, this book is for you. Your marriage will change the lives of countless people. Start thinking about the kind of legacy you’ll leave, today.
Your parents’ marital choices have greatly affected your own attitudes and actions in marriage, for better or worse. Your choices will affect your children, and grandchildren, and so on. It’s time to get proactive about your marriage legacy.
Dr. Crawford and Karen Loritts have been married 45 years and have spent the last 30 years speaking on marriage. This book contains their most successful, proven material. Interlaced with personal stories and letters from their four children this book will teach you:
the biblical and theological foundation for marriage
godly disciplines and habits that will improve your marriage
how to use your marriage to shape future generations
Whether you’ve been married 40 years or just got engaged, this book is for you. Your marriage will change the lives of countless people. Start thinking about the kind of legacy you’ll leave, today.
160 pages, Paperback
Published June 5, 2018
About the author
Crawford W. Loritts Jr.
16 books20 followersCRAWFORD LORITTS (B.S., D.Th., Philadelphia Biblical University; D.Div., Biola University) is the senior pastor of Fellowship Bible Church in Roswell, Georgia. He has served as a national evangelist with the American Missionary Fellowship and the Urban Evangelistic Mission, and as Associate Director of Campus Crusade for Christ. He co-founded Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas. He is a frequent speaker for professional sports teams, including three Super Bowls and the NCAA Final Four Chapel, and has spoken at conferences, churches, conventions and evangelistic outreaches throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the United States. He is also the host of Living A Legacy, a daily radio program.
Dr. Loritts has written numerous articles and is the author of six books, including Leadership as an Identity, Lessons from a Life Coach, and For a Time We Cannot See. He co-authored Developing Character in Your Child with his wife, Karen.
Dr. Loritts and his wife have four grown children and live in the Atlanta, Georgia area.
Dr. Loritts has written numerous articles and is the author of six books, including Leadership as an Identity, Lessons from a Life Coach, and For a Time We Cannot See. He co-authored Developing Character in Your Child with his wife, Karen.
Dr. Loritts and his wife have four grown children and live in the Atlanta, Georgia area.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 1, 2018
Are you looking for a book that will help your marriage last long after the honeymoon ends?
In their new book Your Marriage Today And Tomorrow: Making Your Relationship Matter Now And For Generations To Come, Crawford and Karen Loritts – a couple who has been married for 47 years – shows us to develop the qualities that will contribute to a lasting marriage and how to apply the biblical principles that will help us to impact the people around us and the generations to come.
Your Marriage Today And Tomorrow is a relatively easy to read book filled with lots of profound information.
The book opens by introducing marriage as the first institution that God established in the Bible and shows how our marriages are to reflect the same unity and portrait of love as we find in God and the Trinity. Through a biblical lens, the authors share the habits and gifts that husbands and wives need to cultivate individually and collectively as a couple if their relationship is to last, and techniques for resolving conflict. The final chapter addresses creating a godly family environment where lives will be generationally transformed through the presence of God.
Woven in-between the biblical lessons are the personal story of Crawford, Karen and their family and questions for further reflection.
If you’re looking for practical biblical advice on how to create a successful marriage from a couple who has lived their message for close to 50 years, then this book is for you!
This excerpt is part of my original review that first appeared at Create With Joy.
In their new book Your Marriage Today And Tomorrow: Making Your Relationship Matter Now And For Generations To Come, Crawford and Karen Loritts – a couple who has been married for 47 years – shows us to develop the qualities that will contribute to a lasting marriage and how to apply the biblical principles that will help us to impact the people around us and the generations to come.
Your Marriage Today And Tomorrow is a relatively easy to read book filled with lots of profound information.
The book opens by introducing marriage as the first institution that God established in the Bible and shows how our marriages are to reflect the same unity and portrait of love as we find in God and the Trinity. Through a biblical lens, the authors share the habits and gifts that husbands and wives need to cultivate individually and collectively as a couple if their relationship is to last, and techniques for resolving conflict. The final chapter addresses creating a godly family environment where lives will be generationally transformed through the presence of God.
Woven in-between the biblical lessons are the personal story of Crawford, Karen and their family and questions for further reflection.
If you’re looking for practical biblical advice on how to create a successful marriage from a couple who has lived their message for close to 50 years, then this book is for you!
This excerpt is part of my original review that first appeared at Create With Joy.
July 12, 2018
Every marriage is a model and a message. Marriage is designed to say something, become something, and initiate something beyond where we are today and touching and shaping a future we will not experience. Marriage is about today and tomorrow. Marriage is intended to be a living, dynamic expression of the person and work of Jesus Christ (Eph. 5:22-33). It is intended to be an inviting model of what the power and love of Christ can do in transforming our lives and serving as a portrait and hope and encouragement. Marriage is the foundation and the cornerstone, for the family and future generations. In short, marriage is a mission. Marriage is the sacred conduit by and through which the image of God is passed on from one generation to the next. This implies at least two things. One, we have to be intentional in honoring God in our marriage and in how we raise our children. Second, this can be no causal pursuit.
Author Crawford W. Lorittis and his wife show thru scripture and their own experience how marriage can be missional. This goes without saying, however, that husband and wife must be on the same page or have the same goal to honor God in their marriage. In honoring God in their marriage, their children will be a byproduct of that intention. This does that not mean if we do everything right, that our children will follow God but we as parents have given our children an opportunity to know God and own their own faith. It is owning their own faith, that they to will pass on to the next generation of a missional marriage.
There must vulnerability and transparency in our marriage to be a safe place for us to grow in the Lord. Without it, we live in fear, hostility, isolation which is not from God. I like to think that our marriage displays the fruit of the spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. It is in the fruit of the spirit where trust can take root and grow. God uses marriage to expose our weaknesses and to be transformed by humility and dependence.
The text gives a history of the authors own stories and how their marriage became a ministry. The struggles they faced and the needs of their spouses. The pitfalls we can fall into in our marriage but also the victory we can have in spite of our poor choices.
Such a great example of what a Godly marriage looks like, how we can practice humility and leave a legacy for future generations.
Highly recommend.
A Special Thank You to Moody Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Author Crawford W. Lorittis and his wife show thru scripture and their own experience how marriage can be missional. This goes without saying, however, that husband and wife must be on the same page or have the same goal to honor God in their marriage. In honoring God in their marriage, their children will be a byproduct of that intention. This does that not mean if we do everything right, that our children will follow God but we as parents have given our children an opportunity to know God and own their own faith. It is owning their own faith, that they to will pass on to the next generation of a missional marriage.
There must vulnerability and transparency in our marriage to be a safe place for us to grow in the Lord. Without it, we live in fear, hostility, isolation which is not from God. I like to think that our marriage displays the fruit of the spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. It is in the fruit of the spirit where trust can take root and grow. God uses marriage to expose our weaknesses and to be transformed by humility and dependence.
The text gives a history of the authors own stories and how their marriage became a ministry. The struggles they faced and the needs of their spouses. The pitfalls we can fall into in our marriage but also the victory we can have in spite of our poor choices.
Such a great example of what a Godly marriage looks like, how we can practice humility and leave a legacy for future generations.
Highly recommend.
A Special Thank You to Moody Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
July 30, 2018
This super-quick-to-read book (only 151 pages) covers not only how a husband and wife's background can influence a marriage, but how couples should also consider the consequences their marriage will have on the lives of their children and grandchildren.
I have to say, this concept is one I'd never stopped to think about before. I can remember reading plenty of "preparation for marriage" books which discussed the influence of the marriages of a couple's parents and grandparents, but I'd never read anything focused on thinking ahead to how a current marriage can influence subsequent ones.
The authors believe that marriage is the sacred conduit by and through which God's plan and purposes are passed on from one generation to the next. They have plenty of experience (from pastoring a church to living through marriage themselves for more than 47 years) to help form this view.
They illustrate this belief by filling the book with personal stories, Bible verses and topics such as:
God's plan for marriage
How your past impacts your view of marriage
The importance of putting boundaries on your marriage
Three "habits" every marriage must have
The crucial need to make sacrificial "gift" deposits into the life of your spouse
How conflict can be constructive and lead to meaningful change, if handled correctly
I really liked the impression that although it's helpful to know where we've come from, we can't do anything to change this influence on our lives. According to the Loritts, "we can, however, do something about our legacy, the determined choices and decisions we make during our journey that will give the next generation a foundation of hope and confidence.”
A marriage changes the lives of countless people. This book will help couples consider the legacy they'll leave, today.
This title would make the perfect gift for engaged couples or even as a wedding or anniversary present!
I received a free copy of this product in exchange for writing a review. All opinions are my own.
I have to say, this concept is one I'd never stopped to think about before. I can remember reading plenty of "preparation for marriage" books which discussed the influence of the marriages of a couple's parents and grandparents, but I'd never read anything focused on thinking ahead to how a current marriage can influence subsequent ones.
The authors believe that marriage is the sacred conduit by and through which God's plan and purposes are passed on from one generation to the next. They have plenty of experience (from pastoring a church to living through marriage themselves for more than 47 years) to help form this view.
They illustrate this belief by filling the book with personal stories, Bible verses and topics such as:
God's plan for marriage
How your past impacts your view of marriage
The importance of putting boundaries on your marriage
Three "habits" every marriage must have
The crucial need to make sacrificial "gift" deposits into the life of your spouse
How conflict can be constructive and lead to meaningful change, if handled correctly
I really liked the impression that although it's helpful to know where we've come from, we can't do anything to change this influence on our lives. According to the Loritts, "we can, however, do something about our legacy, the determined choices and decisions we make during our journey that will give the next generation a foundation of hope and confidence.”
A marriage changes the lives of countless people. This book will help couples consider the legacy they'll leave, today.
This title would make the perfect gift for engaged couples or even as a wedding or anniversary present!
I received a free copy of this product in exchange for writing a review. All opinions are my own.
October 3, 2018
Making your relationship matter now and for generations to come
Married for 47 years, Crawford and Karen know a thing or two about marriage. Coming from very opposite backgrounds, even encouraged not to get married because of that, yet they chose to base their relationship on Jesus Christ and overcome the status quo and having a thriving marriage. Looking at them, they didn't have the best examples. Out of Crawford and Karen's parents, one was unknown for much of their lives, one had a strong marriage history and the other two had single parenting and divorce for their record.
The number one emphasis in this book is having a solid relationship with Jesus Christ. That needs to be first and foremost for a marriage to thrive, for a person to thrive. Then the marriage needs to come next. It's not a book about a perfect marriage, it's a book about being real and working through the hard stuff, facing conflict head on and finding a solution to it.
It's a simple easy to read book with a lot of good points. They have two chapters on gifts: gifts a husband can give his wife (unconditional love, understanding, provision, protection, trust and leadership) and gives a wife can give her husband (respect, support, encouragement, loyalty and confidentiality). I really liked this reminder again.
While I don't put this book at super life-changing for me, the one thing that this book has that I don't remember seeing in any other marriage book I have read is the "Tomorrow" section of the title. Crawford and Karen put a strong emphasis on leaving a legacy for you children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to follow. Providing a good example of marriage that your children can then emulate, keeping that in mind as you build your own home, these were not things you hear very often, but I believe it is true. How we build our home, our marriage does affect the next generation and so let's be intentional about it. I really appreciated that emphasis on it.
I received this book from Moody Publishers and was not required to write a positive review.
Married for 47 years, Crawford and Karen know a thing or two about marriage. Coming from very opposite backgrounds, even encouraged not to get married because of that, yet they chose to base their relationship on Jesus Christ and overcome the status quo and having a thriving marriage. Looking at them, they didn't have the best examples. Out of Crawford and Karen's parents, one was unknown for much of their lives, one had a strong marriage history and the other two had single parenting and divorce for their record.
The number one emphasis in this book is having a solid relationship with Jesus Christ. That needs to be first and foremost for a marriage to thrive, for a person to thrive. Then the marriage needs to come next. It's not a book about a perfect marriage, it's a book about being real and working through the hard stuff, facing conflict head on and finding a solution to it.
It's a simple easy to read book with a lot of good points. They have two chapters on gifts: gifts a husband can give his wife (unconditional love, understanding, provision, protection, trust and leadership) and gives a wife can give her husband (respect, support, encouragement, loyalty and confidentiality). I really liked this reminder again.
While I don't put this book at super life-changing for me, the one thing that this book has that I don't remember seeing in any other marriage book I have read is the "Tomorrow" section of the title. Crawford and Karen put a strong emphasis on leaving a legacy for you children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to follow. Providing a good example of marriage that your children can then emulate, keeping that in mind as you build your own home, these were not things you hear very often, but I believe it is true. How we build our home, our marriage does affect the next generation and so let's be intentional about it. I really appreciated that emphasis on it.
I received this book from Moody Publishers and was not required to write a positive review.
October 15, 2018
I recently listened to the wedding plans of a dear friend. In listening to her talk, I realized that she was SO EXCITED for her wedding, not for her marriage. Today, our society is all about the wedding. In fact, in 2013 the wedding industry boasted being worth roughly 53.4 billion dollars. And yet for most couples, when the ceremony is over there is almost NO preparation for the real life that waits after you say, "I do". That is why when I was offered a chance to review Crawford and Karen Loritts' new book Your Marriage Today... and Tomorrow, I was thrilled!
To start this review I have to say that usually I don't like books that are co-authored by couples but this one is totally different. This couple is one that I would LOVE to meet in real life. I feel like this is the kind of marriage mentor-ship that you would get sitting across the kitchen table. You know the kind I mean, where you just sit and listen while they drop 40 years worth of wisdom on you.
What I loved:
The purposeful look to the future and the legacy you leave, not just living in the moment.
The use of stories from their own life to help the reader relate.
The book is biblical, there aren't "I thinks" it is all tied to scripture
Focused questions to think about (could be used to spark discussion with a spouse or group)
This quote: "Forgiveness declares that we are not enemies, we are allies" (page 128)
What I didn't like:
Absolutely Nothing!
Overall, I give Your Marriage Today... and Tomorrow by Crawford and Karen Loritts a solid A+. If you are about to get married put this book on your wedding registry. If you are newly married go buy it. If you have been married for any length of time this is a great way to remind yourself of the purpose of marriage and the reality that the wedding is the start of the legacy.
I received a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
All thoughts are entirely my own.
To start this review I have to say that usually I don't like books that are co-authored by couples but this one is totally different. This couple is one that I would LOVE to meet in real life. I feel like this is the kind of marriage mentor-ship that you would get sitting across the kitchen table. You know the kind I mean, where you just sit and listen while they drop 40 years worth of wisdom on you.
What I loved:
The purposeful look to the future and the legacy you leave, not just living in the moment.
The use of stories from their own life to help the reader relate.
The book is biblical, there aren't "I thinks" it is all tied to scripture
Focused questions to think about (could be used to spark discussion with a spouse or group)
This quote: "Forgiveness declares that we are not enemies, we are allies" (page 128)
What I didn't like:
Absolutely Nothing!
Overall, I give Your Marriage Today... and Tomorrow by Crawford and Karen Loritts a solid A+. If you are about to get married put this book on your wedding registry. If you are newly married go buy it. If you have been married for any length of time this is a great way to remind yourself of the purpose of marriage and the reality that the wedding is the start of the legacy.
I received a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
All thoughts are entirely my own.
December 19, 2020
Love how Crawford and Karen's hearts are moved by the stories of God's faithfulness, how they pray that their children and grandchildren will know and love the Lord and walk with Him. I am encouraged and challenged to celebrate the faithfulness of God and that my life and my family's lives will be marked by a love for the Word of God and desire to obey Him.
"What are some ways we as a family could weave an awareness of God and His care into our lives daily?"
Ask.... "how has God shown you His love today?"
Give each other - godliness, unconditional love, time, tenderness, watch your tone, be thoughtful, and TALK.
GIFTS every HUSBAND NEEDS:
Phil 2:3-4 "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
pg 103 "What encourages him and makes him feel valued and honored by the most important person in his life?"
1. Respect
2. Support
3. Encouragement
4. Loyalty
5. Confidentiality
Be Patient, kind, and pray without ceasing.
pg 78 "Strong, compelling marriages are the product of strong, compelling character."
I am a kingdom woman until my man arrives. Helping others, believing the best.
HUMILITY.
Help each other grow and change.
"What are some ways we as a family could weave an awareness of God and His care into our lives daily?"
Ask.... "how has God shown you His love today?"
Give each other - godliness, unconditional love, time, tenderness, watch your tone, be thoughtful, and TALK.
GIFTS every HUSBAND NEEDS:
Phil 2:3-4 "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
pg 103 "What encourages him and makes him feel valued and honored by the most important person in his life?"
1. Respect
2. Support
3. Encouragement
4. Loyalty
5. Confidentiality
Be Patient, kind, and pray without ceasing.
pg 78 "Strong, compelling marriages are the product of strong, compelling character."
I am a kingdom woman until my man arrives. Helping others, believing the best.
HUMILITY.
Help each other grow and change.
December 19, 2018
I’ve read a few books on Marriage from a Christian viewpoint. This one is different, although I find it difficult to explain why. It just seems like the other books all say the same things. This is not about obeying or submitting to your husband. This is about marriage specifically.
The Loritts tell stories about their life, their parents lives and their children’s lives, that are relevant to what they are trying to say. I think their advice is sound and makes sense but it’s definitely from a Christian viewpoint. Jesus and God are at the center of a marriage, or at least they should be.
The book is short and so doesn’t waste your time. I like to think the author’s knew that married couples are busy and don’t have tons of time. Whether you are still single or have been married for years, I think you will get something out of this book.
The Loritts tell stories about their life, their parents lives and their children’s lives, that are relevant to what they are trying to say. I think their advice is sound and makes sense but it’s definitely from a Christian viewpoint. Jesus and God are at the center of a marriage, or at least they should be.
The book is short and so doesn’t waste your time. I like to think the author’s knew that married couples are busy and don’t have tons of time. Whether you are still single or have been married for years, I think you will get something out of this book.
September 5, 2018
Overall, a solid resource. Crawford and Karen Loritts use a personal approach to share practical truths and display the power of the gospel. In a marriage culture where leaving seems to be on the rise and where churches see marriages merely lasting as the ideal, this book gives the biblical vision and mission for marriages to leave a lasting legacy.
http://www.entrustedbygod.org/2018/09...
http://www.entrustedbygod.org/2018/09...
July 22, 2023
If you've read other pop-level Christian books on marriage, then there really isn't any new material here. The book does, though, package several useful truths for marriage. The "angle" that this book takes, however, is that your marriage can (and does) impact future generations, but that angle feels like it's only addressed as part of the introduction and conclusion.
Want to Read
October 19, 2019Driving along in my van one sunny October day, I chanced upon a radio program with Dr. Gary Chapman discussing this book with Crawford Loritts. I was intrigued. The broadcast is available here as a podcast...
goo.gl/fb/sRMs9h
And I've added the book to my to-reads list.
goo.gl/fb/sRMs9h
And I've added the book to my to-reads list.
November 25, 2020
I could imagine having godly grandparents who wanted to invest in your life would be like this book. The discussion is so good; the truths are irrefutable. I give it 4 stars simply because there’s not a ton of super-practical application points... but the heart is addressed, and this makes it gold.
April 29, 2022
Your Marriage Today and Tomorrow - This book is a great guide for someone who seeks to have a biblical marriage with the grand goal of a multigenerational missional legacy of faithfulness. https://amzn.to/3uTJkyQ
December 28, 2023
Great book worth your time to read.
Loved this quote from my reading today: “When we are born we look like our parents. When we die we look like our decisions.”
Loved this quote from my reading today: “When we are born we look like our parents. When we die we look like our decisions.”
June 2, 2025
Great information and personal witness about their marriage challenges.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews