With the stress and pressure of daily life, it’s easy for couples to get too busy to take time to connect. Marriages deteriorate whenever spouses become disconnected from each other. That’s why it’s important for couples to make time to connect emotionally, physically and spiritually. In their latest book, Dennis and Barbara Rainey provide a useful resource in the form of the year-long devotional MOMENTS WITH YOU.

Many of the entries are drawn from the Raineys’ previous books, including PRESSURE PROOF YOUR MARRIAGE, GROWING A SPIRITUALLY STRONG FAMILY, STAYING CLOSE and ONE HOME AT A TIME. Long-time fans of the authors will recognize some of the material but also be introduced to fresh writing.

MOMENTS WITH YOU is designed to provide both newlyweds and oldlyweds nourishment for their relationship. Each daily reading begins with a verse and a short one-page entry. The readings close with a discussion point and prayer. The authors are convinced that if couples pray together on a daily basis, they could decrease the chance of divorce by 99.9 percent. Because of the brevity of the entries, the material is accessible to the busiest of couples.

The book focuses on a variety of topics, including marriage, communication, raising children and intimacy. Daily readings are filled with practical insights and advice. While a significant number of entries are tied to parenting, couples who are not parents will still benefit from the book. In a portion called “On-the-job Training”, the Raineys tell the story of a buffet restaurant that offered a free Valentine’s Day lunch to any couple married more than 50 years. At the event, a lot of great marriage advice was given out, including:

- When you go to bed, always kiss your spouse good-night.
- Look at things in different ways and concentrate on the good in your marriage.
- When you don’t say anything, you don’t have to take anything back.

One entry is a reminder that Valentine’s Day should be celebrated year round. The Raineys write: “Valentine’s Day should function as a small reminder of the kind of romance we should be cultivating 365 days a year.” Such simple but marriage-transforming advice can be found throughout the readings. Couples are challenged to examine their responses, behaviors and attitudes and choose love and forgiveness over anger and unforgiveness.

Throughout the book, the authors draw on a number of stories and encounters with well-known names, including Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ; Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A ™; and financial advisor Larry Burkett.

The strength of this devotional lies in its easy-to-read style and the few moments it will take each day for husbands and wives to keep up with the readings. Overall, MOMENTS WITH YOU is a great resource for couples who want to strengthen their marriages and spend daily time together connecting with each other and God.