Summary from goodreads:
Everything you’ve been taught about relationships is wrong.The movies and TV make it look easy. Matchmaking Web sites have it down to a science. Two people connect—love at first sight—and the relationship is magical from then on. But the truth is, strong, deep relationships that last a lifetime aren’t based on the mysterious chemistry of two personalities. Real love in relationships—friends, married couples, siblings, parents—isn’t a magic act. It’s a journey. A great relationship grows from an investment of time and effort.
Kerry and Chris Shook know that deep relationships aren’t built on initial attractions, but on last things—the experience you shared the last time you were with someone . . . the words you spoke with her last week . . . the effort you made for him the last time you were together. And Love at Last Sight offers a one-month relationship plan that will improve your most important bonds, including a weekly focus and daily readings that guide you through the process. By learning to be present in the moment, acting intentionally, risking awkwardness, and learning to let go, you’ll discover wisdom from the Bible that contradicts what popular culture would have you believe.
Meaningful relationships depend on seeing other people as they are, so that the last time your eyes meet on this earth, your relationship will be closer and deeper than ever before. Love at Last Sight is the last book you’ll need to get your dearest relationships right.
Your closest relationships will naturally drift apart over time. And chances are, right now, one or more of your most important relationships is less than what you wish it could be.
Now you can change everything and take steps to reconnect with the people who really matter—and we don’t mean by connecting on Facebook! This thirty-day program guides you step-by-step to deeper, more satisfying relationships by developing four forgotten but powerful relational arts for changing, improving, and repairing the relationships you care about most:
Week 1 – The Art of Being All There
Week 2 – The Art of Acting Intentionally
Week 3 – The Art of Risking Awkwardness
Week 4 – The Art of Letting Go
Learn the secrets that will lead you to healthy relationships with the most important people in your life—starting today!
Love at Last Sight by Kerry Shook
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I wasn’t sure I would like this book when I began. After all, I’m not married (but I hope to be within a few years!). Right away, I realized that the authors had done a fantastic job of including more than the marriage relationship. What they teach you applies to all relationships. They base all their advice on sound Biblical and relational principles.
I will tell you that I did not actually do their suggested daily assignments in the book. I think that this book would be great for a small group Bible study where you could share those things in a journal form and weekly with the others in the group.
The things that really stood out to me in this book were being yourself with the special people in your life and not leaving when things don’t go right. This is about love at last sight, not first sight. Hollywood has inundated out culture with romantic ideas that are absolutely unrealistic, and they are basically self-centered. When we realize that true love is action and not a feeling, it will definitely make a difference in our relationships.
Water Brooks Multnomah sent me a review copy of this book in exchange for my review. I was not financially compensated in any way for this post, and the publisher did not influence my review in any way.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS (from their official website)
Kerry Shook is one of today’s most gifted communicators offering a clear, contemporary and creative teaching style. He is the senior pastor of Woodlands Church, one of the fastest-growing churches in America.
Kerry and his wife, Chris, founded Fellowship of The Woodlands, now Woodlands Church in 1993; and since then, the church has grown to 18,000 in average attendance each weekend. Woodlands Church is one church in many locations with its main campus in The Woodlands outside of Houston, Texas.
Kerry believes that church should be engaging and fun, calling it “The Best Hour of Your Week.” He strives to eliminate the barriers of boredom, unfriendliness and fear that keep people from experiencing a relationship with Jesus Christ. His messages are relevant, and his illustrations memorable.
Chris Shook is the Director of Missions and Women’s Ministry at Woodlands Church. Her missions’ work has touched thousands of under-resourced people locally and in numerous countries around the world. She and daughter, Megan Shook Alpha co-authored Beauty Begins – Making Peace with Your Reflection to challenge women to trade the pressure of perfection for God’s perfect love.
Kerry Shook Ministries is a worldwide television ministry that broadcasts to a local, national and international audience. Pastor Kerry and Chris can be seen by millions in all 50 states and over 200 countries worldwide. KerryShook.org is an extension of the broadcast that provides viewers with additional resources and information to assist them in their spiritual journey.
Kerry and Chris’ first book and New York Times bestseller, One Month to Live—Thirty Days to a No-Regrets Life, was released in February 2008. Since then, they have co-authored One Month to Love – Thirty Days to Grow and Deepen Your Closest Relationships, Be the Message – Taking Your Faith Beyond Words to a Life of Action and Find Your Miracle – How the Miracles of Jesus Can Change Your Life Today.
Kerry and Chris have four children and a growing extended family.
FOLLOW CHRIS & KERRY
