The Intimate Couple’s Handbook

As newlyweds, my husband and I found The Intimate Couple’s Handbook to be an insightful resource for practical ways to cultivate true intimacy with one another. It provided us with a holistic foundation for understanding various forms of intimacy and what they look like within a marriage, and relied on Biblical principles to demonstrate the value in investing in an ‘other-orientation’ rather than a ‘self-orientation’ within the context of a Christ-centred relationship. The Intimate Couple’s Handbook helped my husband and I in identifying one another’s needs more specifically and started a life-long conversation about God’s design for a dream marriage.

The Intimate Couple Handbook is a very helpful and concise collection of suggestions for deepening intimacy in marriage. Jim and Carrie hit on key topics for a successful marriage: looking to God first as our Source (the source of our fulfillment and the source of our love for our spouse), showing forgiveness and love independent of our spouse’s actions, needing to consciously invest in intimacy, and that God has chosen the marriage relationship as a classroom for lessons he wants to teach us. The phrase “Time only heals clean wounds” was particularly illuminating to me. I found it comforting to know that a role model couple like Jim and Carrie also experienced times of conflict leading to emotional separation and worked through it to deeper intimacy. The Intimate Couple Handbook is an easy and interesting read that is sure to benefit each reader.

Marriage is not easy. Do the math! In every math book I have ever read, 1 + 1 = 2, yet in this glorious thing called marriage, God is asking us to make 1 + 1 = 1. That just doesn’t happen naturally. If we are going to have a marriage that not only lasts but is also wonderfully fulfilling, we are going to have to invest in it. We are going to have to work for it. Indeed there are times we are going to have to fight for it! But how? In this wonderful new book, Jim and Carrie Gordon put before our hearts and minds some practical insights and instruction into just how to accomplish this very worthy pursuit of truly becoming one with our spouse. I heartily recommend this book and encourage you and your spouse to devour it!

I have known Jim and Carrie Gordon for many years and I can attest that not only have they written an excellent handbook on marriage but they have an excellent marriage. The truths they share have been time-tested. Though marriage may seem to be complex, Jim and Carrie break down marital intimacy into four simple areas – intellectual, emotional, spiritual and sexual. Not only do they clearly explain each and their interrelationship but they also give very practical tips and suggestions for achieving intimacy in each of these areas. A good marriage needs to be cultivated and maintained and this handbook is an excellent tool to do just that. I recommend it to you whole-heartedly.

The Intimate Couple's Handbook is a very timely and impactful tool addressing a major issue in our day. Far too many books lose their impact because they negate the practical application of the material found within them. This is not the case with The Intimate Couple's Handbook. Jim and Carrie have written this handbook with powerful, practical ways to improve your relationship. Their straightforward approach is the very thing needed to motivate couples to address and converse about these important issues. Within these pages are the insights and keys to move you toward your dream marriage.

Jim and Carrie provide practical tips and advice by describing the different forms of intimacy and how to relate better in each area. This is a great book for any couple looking to improve their marriage.

I have known Jim and Carrie for several years. I have seen them outside of their work environment. They are the real deal. They are kind and caring to each other and to those around them. The advice they give in this book is carefully researched and prayerfully given. The suggestions are practical and well thought out. The information can be trusted. I recommend this book as a must-read for engaged couples and those who have been married for many years. The information is invaluable.

Jim and Carrie have created a very easy to read resource that will help you begin the journey to more intimate relationship where God in you is creating your dream marriage.

The Intimate Couples Handbook does a great job of not only unpacking the 4 types of Intimacy in Marriage but also provides the tools for deepening each area of intimacy. With practical examples from Jim & Carrie and the willingness to allow our Heavenly Father to love our spouses through us; you are well on your way to experiencing a marriage relationship that truly satisfies.

For couples whose relationship is stalled and in need of refreshing, The Intimate Couple’s Handbook offers hope in the form of lists of ideas, suggestions, and resources to help couples enjoy each other more richly on all levels.

The Intimate Couples Handbook is a vital tool in helping improve and maintaining a happy healthy marriage! I've always dreamed I would have a lifelong marriage like my parents; 35+ years! After reading this handbook, I see that it is imperative that you continually make the effort for the 4 Types of Intimacy, and be present every day with your partner. As a newlywed, I'm confident with this handbook on my nightstand, we can accomplish anything!