Peter Larson - 10 great dates: connecting faith, love & marriage

2013 by Peter Larson, Heather Larson, David Arp, and Claudia Arp

Published by Bethany House Publishers

11400 Hampshire Avenue South

Bloomington, Minnesota 55438

www.bethanyhouse.com

Bethany House Publishers is a division of

Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan

www.bakerpublishinggroup.com

Ebook edition created 2013

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

ISBN 978-1-4412-6296-7

Emphasis in Scripture shown by italics is the authors.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

Scripture quotations identified ASV are from the American Standard Version of the Bible.

Scripture quotations identified niv 1984 are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. www.bakerpublishinggroup.com

Scripture quotations identified nlt are from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The names and identifying details of individuals in the stories within have been changed to protect their privacy.

Cover design by Thinkpen Design

Authors are represented by WordServe Literary Group

10 Great Dates: Connecting Faith, Love & Marriage goes beyond spending time together. It offers guidance on deepening an emotional and spiritual bond. Each exercise addresses present-day relational struggles and stressors by providing insight and opportunities to authentically know and be known in new ways, bringing honor to one another and glory to God.

Gayle DiMartino, marriage ministry director, Willow Creek Community Church

This book is both practical and fun. It gives couples tangible ways to grow together spiritually all in the fun, guilt-free format of great dates. The Larsons and Arps have done the work. All you need to do is carve out time for your 10 Great Dates!

Gary Smalley, author of The DNA of Relationships

Dont settle for an individual faith walk when connecting spiritually as a couple could transform your marriage. This book provides an effective road map for couples who want to journey together.

Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, #1 New York Times authors of The Good Fight

Isnt marriage supposed to point us to God and teach us to be more like Christ, and if so, how do you strengthen your soul and build the soul of your marriage at the same time? This wonderfully written book takes what often is an elusive and mysterious discipline for couples and provides 10 life-building opportunities to move past the mundane of life and get to what really matters. Experience it!

Ron L. Deal, author of The Smart Stepfamily and coauthor of The Remarriage Checkup

Few things possess the potential to add to the overall satisfaction and meaning of marriage like really connecting spiritually. The Larsons and the Arps do an amazing job of gracefully and playfully helping us walk together toward fulfilling our deepest longings and desires.

Robert Paul, co-president, National Institute of Marriage

After years of writing, teaching and encouraging couples, one common question Im still asked is, How do I connect with my spouse on a spiritual level? Finally, here is a book that helps couples do just that, and all in the fun format of Great Dates. I highly recommend this book for couples, small groups, and churches who want to strengthen and build godly marriages.

Gary Chapman, PhD, author of The 5 Love Languages

With its focus on spiritual intimacy, this book is a refreshing change from the standard marriage materials on emotional and physical connection. The Larsons and Arps have provided us with an amazing resource filled with fun and creative ways to help us develop our spiritual connection.

Shawn Stoever, PhD, senior director, WinShape Foundation

This book will refresh your marriage. You cant beat the life-changing content, 10 meaningful dates, and the wisdom of some of Americas finest marriage experts. Our goal is to personally connect deeper over the next three months with each of these dates.

Jim and Cathy Burns, authors of Closer: 52 Devotions to Draw Couples Together ; speakers at Creating an Intimate Marriage seminars

Being intentional in any relationship is key to its success. Peter and Heather and David and Claudia help couples see the importance of Date Night. This is a great resource for any couple.

Tim Popadic, president, DateNightWorks.com

God in your marriage... is everything. He brings new life, love, closeness, and hope every day. But while connecting with God together would seem so natural and easy to do, it isnt. I think that it matters so much to a healthy relationship that all hell is against it. Heres a fresh start to a new God life together.

Dr. Tim Clinton, president, American Association of Christian Counselors; executive director, Center for Counseling & Family Studies, Liberty University

In working with hundreds of couples, the desire to build a strong, growing faith together as a couple is therewhat hasnt been is what this book shows, how to get there! My friends David and Claudia Arp and Peter and Heather Larson use their proven, fun, easy-to-grasp Great Dates strategy to help you as a couple gain the greatest closeness possiblewith your God. Great Dates can help you love a great God and your spouse even more!

John Trent, Ph.D., author of The Blessing ; president, StrongFamilies.com

This book is written to create a legacy
of spiritual growth in marriages,
starting with our own families,
children, and grandchildren.

May God richly bless your lives and your marriage.