Almost Out Of Grace by Dr. David Yanez
Recommended reading for Valentine's Day!
Reviewed by ~Mary Nichelson
www.marysworld411.blogspot.com
After the bended knee proposal and ceremonial crowning of the ring finger, and somewhere between a heartily shouted "Yes!" and "I Do!", most couples will find themselves going through the rite of passage called pre-marital counseling. Let's be honest, here. Most of the time, all the "counselling" sessions amount to is the fulfillment of an obligation to becoming Mr. and Mrs.
Looking back on my experience, we left each session arguing about something that had been revealed instead of feeling armed and prepared for the future. I remember the time our minister looked at me and said, (in his own words) "If you see him standing on a street corner talking to an attractive woman, don't jump to conclusions." Because he never looked at my groom-to-be and gave him the same advice, I felt a little cheated. When talking to other couples regarding their experience, they echoed my sentiments. They felt cheated. They didn't get anything out of the sessions. In their opinion, it was a waste of time.
The concept of premarital counseling has its merits. If you know some of the challenges you will encounter ahead of time, you can better prepare for them instead of opting out of your union, which is what half of married couples do.
Imagine the impact if, during a counselling session (premarital or couples) the minister asked, "Have you ever felt that you let God down in the way you handled your dating or marriage relationship?" Now there's a question that will transpose the emotions of a couple, which is where the marital union truly lies. Lecturing on the topic of commitment is exaggerated. Discussing the emotional level of relationships? Worth more than that priceless American Express in your wallet.
Author Dr. David Yanez explains complex emotional behaviors in his book titled Almost Out Of Grace. They cover, but are not limited to:
Desire-God given, in spite of how man acts on it, and how to let go when you desire the wrong one
Real Romance and how to tell the difference
Identifying a "trophy" when you see one
Learning to love and commit happily-ever-after (I love the anecdote Yanez uses concerning the movie An Affair to Remember)
He also addresses a large audience when he describes some of the hurts you can and will encounter while gently affirming the reader that they are beautiful, with purpose, and that they can have a great marriage even with a less-than-ideal partner. He also cautions against a relationship that is harmful; think controlling, threatening, fear-producing and discouraging.
I mentioned earlier that lecturing on commitment is overrated, yet when Yanez devotes the last section of his book to that very topic, it is refreshing. He praises the blessing of finding a spouse and best friend for life and unashamedly devotes an entire chapter to keepin' that lovin' feeling alive. He goes on to advise on how to deal with ghosts from former flames that refuse to die.
Ask any couple that have logged time together married and they will nod in agreement that these are the issues that young couples in love need to hear and be talking about, not just the trust and commitment factor.
Above all else, Almost Out Of Grace is a reminder that even if you didn't start out on a Godly path, it's never too late. He forgives, He restores and He says 'It's time to move on.' In essence, between the lines of prevention, Yanez wants his alternate audience to be assured that this is for you, too.
To punctuate his dissertation, Yanez reminds the Christian reader that our responsibility is to love one another with a love that is made complete through patience and grace, and that is a counseling session the church as a whole would benefit by attending.
Readers reviews
Readers reviews shows you what others are saying about my new book
“David Yanez has approached a subject that is not easy to explain and deal with. He has so much insight and perception on dating and choosing a mate. He was obviously lead and quickened of God to deal with this matter. It is one area that every teen and adult deals with, but most often travels through in the dark. You ‘hope’ you land on your feet. “Falling in Love” is just that. It is an uncharted course so filled with excitement and dangers. A broken heart is a very serious experience. Once a mate is chosen there is alifetime of working everything out. It never stops. If you read this book you will get some very helpful guidance from someone who has obviously experienced it’s joys and potential pitfalls. It is filled with excellent advice, and sensible, tender and bold counsel for those who are embarking on this blissful journey. A very helpful and worthy book to read that could definitely save you some severe heartache and probably a whole lot of money.”
Gerald Davis, D.D.
Overflowing Cup Ministries
The Book Almost Out of Grace, by David Yanez, would be a blessing to anyone, lost or saved. Many people have problems in relationships, even seasoned believers. Almost Out of Grace reveals spiritual, practical and helpful advice for virtually any relationship issue. I heartily recommend to you Almost Out of Grace.
David Hope
Sr. Pastor, Metro Church
Humble, Texas
"I have read your first book (Military life and power of God) which I couldn't put down till I finished it!" Now I have been reading your new book "Almost out of Grace." I couldn't put it down until my sister took it and won't give it back till she finishes.Great book!....Hector in Houston,TX
"When I first looked at your book I didn't think it would have anything in it for me. I was wrong! This is a very very good book! I needed this.....Chris in Atascocita,TX
"I love the book David! It was so interesting and true. I read it then gave it to my daughter to read. She loved it! Awesome job on talking about relationships....Karen in Humble,TX
I appreciate all your feed back for this reader reviews section.
David Yanez |
