The King's Shepherd

Seeking to See Redemption Brought to a Broken World

Books

Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas

This book is very helpful in reorienting how we view marriage, helping us shift from thinking what can I get out of marriage to what is God’s purpose for my marriage. Thomas’ very fitting theme is “What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy?”

Each for the Other by Bryan Chapell

This helpful exposition of Ephesians 5:21-6:4 is an insightful look at how we are called to love one another sacrificially in marriage through our God ordained roles as husband and wife.

Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs

Drawing from Ephesians 5:33 this book looks at the vital needs we have to be loved and to be respected. It points out the consequences that result when we are not living this out, and also the intimacy which can grow when we do.

Intimate Mystery by Dan Allender and Tremper Longman III

This simple yet profound book looks at God’s design for marriage in Genesis 2 highlighting the key foundations of marital intimacy by looking at the Biblical concepts of leaving, weaving and cleaving.

Take Back Your Marriage by William J. Doherty

Wonderfully insightful book which highlights the importance of being intentional in doing the “little things” which make a marriage strong.

Families Where Grace Is In Place by Jeff VanVonderen

How do I live graciously in my relationships with my spouse and family? This is a very helpful and practical look at the contrast between living out our relationships under the influence of the curse, or under the influence of God’s grace.

Intended for Pleasure by Ed and Gaye Wheat

This is an excellent resource written for couples by a medical doctor and his wife on a Christian understanding of sexuality with practical insight and help.

The Gift of Sex by Clifford and Joyce Penner

A helpful book written by a Christian couple who are sex therapists. They address a Biblical view of sexuality and help a couple to grow in their intimacy together.

Prayer Requests

Ministry

• We are just starting to do premarital counseling with another couple. Please pray that this would be a good time for them of continuing to build a strong foundation and of growing closer to the Lord and to one another. Their names are Dave and Ann Louise.

• We continue to have several couples that we walk alongside, along with a couple women for Lori and a couple men for Doug. Please pray for wisdom for us, perseverance, and servant hearts.

• Continue to pray for our studies at seminary, that we would learn much and that God would use it to equip us for ministry, and to continue to conform our hearts.

Personal

• After 2 straight years of daily back pain for Doug, we have found out that in addition to his spondylolysis, he has 2 bulging discs, stenosis, and a bone spur. He is currently going to physical therapy 3 times a week, which has definitely improved his movement and helped a little with the pain. We are grateful to finally know what is wrong with his back. Please pray that the physical therapy would continue to improve things and for strength for Doug (emotionally) as physical pain is extremely difficult to deal with daily and he cannot currently do a lot of the things he enjoys doing like playing sports, exercising, etc.

• It’s been a year and a half now and Lori still continues to deal with head pain behind her eyes. As you know, none of the tests she has done (MRI’s, CT scans, blood tests) have revealed anything. That is good on the one hand, but difficult on the other. She is continuing to pursue the possibility of it having to do with both sides of her jaw being dislocated. She has been wearing two different mouthpieces 24/7 now for almost 8 months. She also continues to go to physical therapy regularly.