The following are Web Site links and descriptions to resources on the subject of communication and conflict. We pray you will find them helpful for your marriage.

• Family.org This is the web site for the great ministry of Focus on the Family. One of the many features of this web site can be found when you place your cursor over the top bar that says “Relationship and Marriage.” A drop-down box will show up and you can select “Communication/Conflict” to read a number of articles.

• Marriagepartnership.com. Marriage Partnership Magazine was an American-based magazine dedicated to strengthening your marriage to help you get a better picture of how to work together as a team. This EXCELLENT resource focused on a variety of vital marital issues like communication, money, forgiveness, sex, and your spiritual life together. It was published by Christianity Today International. Although the magazine ins no longer in publication, they have a free newsletter which you can sign up for at their very helpful web site.

• Realrelationships.com This is the web site for Dr Les and Dr Leslie Parrott who are a husband-and-wife team who not only share the same name, but the same passion for helping others build healthy relationships. In 1991, the Parrotts founded the Center for Relationship Development on the campus of Seattle Pacific University — a groundbreaking program dedicated to teaching the basics of good relationships. Their web site has free videos that you can view on your computer which gives relationship advice on many different subjects including communication, which you will deal with in your married lives together. We highly advise that you visit their web site to see what they can offer you

• Troubledwith.com This is a web site which is put together by the ministry of Focus on the Family. It has many different sections that are helpful for marriage including “Communication Gaps.”

RESOURCE DESCRIPTIONS:

• A LASTING PROMISE…A Christian Guide to Fighting for Your Marriage, by Scott Stanley, Daniel Trathen, Savanna McCain, and Milt Bryan, published by Jossey-Bass Publishers. This book gives many powerful and practical principles which are solidly based on Scripture with a blending of university research as to what leads to marriages that fail and what leads to marriages that thrive. Also, A Lasting Promise is focused on practical action. Unlike many books that are more theoretical or insight-oriented, this one is designed to provide a rich resource of the many thigns you can do to protect your marriage and make it better. Not only that but the things they encourage you to do have been shown in research, to make a difference for many couples. They give solid tools you can use to make your marriage stronger, happier, and lifelong to equip you to develop the full promise of your marriage. Preview or Purchase this book now.

• CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW? -by Dallas and Nancy Demmitt, published by Cook Communications Ministries. This is a very practical and inspiring book which gives the reader a different slant on communicating with their spouse. They draw from over 30 years of working with individuals and groups, plus searching for ways to build communication bridges within their own marriage. As they say, “Our search for answers sent us to draw upon our faith in God. And through the years we began to see that human beings— ourselves included —need a mind-change before the heart-change and behavior-change can occur. Ultimately, in the lab of our counseling practice and our own marriage, God showed us the liberating truths about the gift of listening that are contained in this book.” We highly recommend it! Preview or Purchase this book now.

• FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate -by Dr Gary Chapman, published by Northfield Publishing. This outstanding book will help you to express your love to your spouse in a way that he/she understands. In this new edition, you’ll also find a couple’s guide to help you work as a team. You’ll find that before you know it, you’ll learn to speak and understand the unique languages of love and effectively express your love as well as feel truly loved in return. Preview or purchase this book now.

• LOVE and RESPECT – By Dr Emerson Eggerichs, a Focus on the Family Book, published by Integrity Publishers, www.integritypublishers.com. This is a marriage book that makes a difference! It delivers a revolutionary message. People are saying about this book: “I’ve been married 35 years and have not heard this taught.” — “This is the key that I have been missing.” — “It caused a light bulb moment for me.” — “You connected all the dots for me.” — “As a counselor, I’ve never been so excited about any material.” — “You’re on to something huge here.”

Discover the single greatest secret to a successful marriage: “Psychological studies affirm it, and the Bible has been saying it for ages. Cracking the communication code between husband and wife involves understanding one thing: that unconditional respect is as powerful for him as unconditional love is for her. It’s the secret to marriage that every couple seeks, and yet few couples ever find.”

Based on over three decades of counseling, as well as scientific and biblical research, Dr. Emerson Eggerichs and his wife, Sarah, have already taken the “Love and Respect” message across America and are changing the way couples talk to, think about, and treat each other. What do you want for your marriage? Want some peace? Want to feel close? Want to feel valued? Want to experience marriage the way God intended? Then why not try some “Love and Respect.” Preview or Purchase this book now.

• STAYING CONNECTED IN YOUR MARRIAGE: Daily Reflections and Dialogue -by Al Francis Lacki, published by Uplift Enterprises upliftpub@yahoo.com. This book has short daily readings designed to be used in a quiet time together to provoke thought and help you learn more about yourself and each other. Preview or Purchase this book now.

• THE MARRIAGE YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED: How to Grow a Stronger, More Intimate Relationship -by Dr. Tim and Julie Clinton, published by Word Publishing. This workbook is an interactive couple’s guide which will help heal your hurts and construct a nurturing marriage. It applies the author’s years of experience in marriage counseling to help you recognize the warning signs and process of emotional distancing —helping you to break patterns that have taken root. Each chapter contains a topic for discussion, a Bible study, and optional activities. Preview or Purchase this book now.

• 201 GREAT QUESTIONS -Compiled by Jerry Jones, published by NavPress. Whether you’re traveling with family, eating lunch with a friend, or getting together with a small group this book is one you’ll want. You’ll have the time of your life learning more about people you thought you knew—particularly your spouse. Preview or Purchase this book now.

• WE NEED TO TALK: Opening Doors of Communications with your Mate -by Robert and Rosemary Barnes, published by Zondervan Publishing House. This easy-to-read book is a hands-on, “how-to” resource for couples at all stages of marriage. It has helpful summaries and questions at the end of each chapter to encourage open and honest sharing and provide practical ways for you to: Reduce misunderstandings and defensiveness; set aside time for meaningful conversation; get through to a clammed-up “shellfish,” a prickly “porcupine,” an elusive “prairie dog,” or a vegged-out “couch potato.” It also helps you to talk frankly about sensitive subjects—including sex and rebuild communication after a serious rift. Preview or Purchase this book now.