(If you can’t see the video review, click over to the Marry Blogger to watch!)
Title:
Author:
Tony and Alisa DiLorenzo
The Big Picture:
Stripped Down is a full on course in healthy intimacy for your marriage. My friends Tony and Alisa DiLorenzo knock it out of the park with the way they break down each type of intimacy, and help focus on each of the areas in our marriage.
What is Great about Stripped Down:
I feel that Tony and Alisa are a real couple who have figured some things out, continue to work on their marriage – and in the process, enjoy passing along what they have learned. There have been times when I read a marriage book, and it feels like the author(s) are separated from the process, that they are up on the all knowing ‘Marriage Mountain’ looking down telling you what to do better. I don’t feel that way about this book. It feels as if Tony and Alisa are real people who have put these principles to work in their life.
Placing God at the center of your relationship creates the most solid marital foundation. Once you have God as the anchor of your marriage, your spouse comes next in terms of priority. That creates a united front for your next priority: your kids. Your career comes in at number four. Maintaining this order allows you to keep your focus on the things that matter in the order that they matter. When you mix up your priorities, you venture into dangerous territory. – Alisa DiLorenzo
Other related reads you might enjoy:
Simple Marriage – Dr. Corey Allan
What can we apply to our marriages right away:
* If you feel like you are over extending yourself — going in too many directions — with kids, jobs, friends, parties, and have no time for each other, the DiLorenzo’s have a simple plan that you can apply right away: Start saying NO more often!!
* Intellectual and relational intimacy is more than “What is your schedule for today?” Take time to talk about your thoughts feelings and desires to build more intimacy into your marriage.
* You have to be on the same page financially, or your marriage could explode!
* Figure out some activities that you enjoy doing together. In this book you’ll find lists of ideas for dates – for activities that you could take up together.
We turned off the television, put on our tennis shoes, and stepped out to walk around our neighborhood. We didn’t get far that first night; after a twenty-minute walk, we were spent. But it was a start. The miles began to add up and the pounds began to drop as we explored new areas around our apartment complex. And it helped more than our weight; our walks gave us a much needed opportunity to really talk. There weren’t any distractions as we discussed the things that were going on in our lives. In the years since those evening walks we’ve found other activities we enjoy, together and on our own, but we still find time every now and then to just go for a walk. – Tony DiLorenzo
The Big Wrap up:
I think the best way to wrap up is with this quote from Alisa:
Marriage requires effort. It requires making a commitment, and not just on the day
you become husband and wife. It’s about a commitment to continually grow, to
learning about and with your spouse. And you can’t do that if you’re not making time
for each other. – Alisa DiLorenzo
I look forward to using Stripped Down as a new resource in our next marriage group at church!
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
The book Stripped Down sounds fascinating and helpful. I like how you mentioned the various types of intimacy. Many marriages need the bonding and intimacy on multiple levels. When the bonding is in only one or two areas, it makes for a weak bond. I also like many of the other resources and books you recommend. I am familiar with many of them and share your high regard for them.
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