What do you think?
Rate this book
Fun Loving You: Enjoying Your Marriage in the Midst of the Grind
For a Good Time, Call Home Ted Cunningham has a surprising definition of a man and a woman enjoying life together. In fact, God created marriage to be a blast—even when it feels like the rest of life is going to explode. This refreshing book will help Laugh together again (it’s easier than you think)Make sex even more exciting than on your honeymoonDiscover how to make doing dishes together a partyFight as teammates, not opponentsFigure out how to break the routine without breaking the bankRemember why your spouse is the most likeable person you know Fun Loving You puts laughter, fun, and even spin-the-bottle back into marriage. After all, life is hard. Marriage doesn’t have to be.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2013
136 people are currently reading
771 people want to read
About the author
Ted Cunningham
32 books14 followersTed Cunningham is the founding pastor of Woodland Hills Family Church in Branson, MO. He is a comedian on the Date Night Comedy Tour and the author of Fun Loving You, Trophy Child and Young and In Love. He is also the co-author of Come to the Family Table with his wife, Amy, and the co-author of four books with Dr. Gary Smalley. Ted and Amy have been married for 20 years, and have two children, Corynn and Carson.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 30, 2024
A fun take on enjoying marriage God’s way. I obviously did not see eye to eye on everything, but it was overall very fun and helpful.
August 27, 2016
I cannot say enough good things about this book! It is absolutely wonderful. Ted truly does have a fresh perspective and a encouraging message and that everyone will benefit from hearing. This book is definitely in my top 3 for marriage books and will be joining my extremely small shelf of books to read on a yearly basis. If you haven't read it yet, go out and get a copy today! Actually grab two, and then when you're finished, find someone to gift the other copy to. This is a message well worth spreading around!
Favorite Quote: "You and I have a responsibility in the daily grind. Dare I say that part of your purpose in life is to play and have fun? Yes! You are called to enjoy life! In the midst of the grind that is life, while you're still alive, go and do something. Live life and enjoy it! You need to find and hold on to those moments - sharing a meal paired with pinot noir, laughing, roller-skating, hiking, and being joyful. Don't throw that out the window because life is difficult. We can do nothing to escape the going. So in the meantime, choose joy. Choosing to enjoy life is a decision. Make that decision."
Favorite Quote: "You and I have a responsibility in the daily grind. Dare I say that part of your purpose in life is to play and have fun? Yes! You are called to enjoy life! In the midst of the grind that is life, while you're still alive, go and do something. Live life and enjoy it! You need to find and hold on to those moments - sharing a meal paired with pinot noir, laughing, roller-skating, hiking, and being joyful. Don't throw that out the window because life is difficult. We can do nothing to escape the going. So in the meantime, choose joy. Choosing to enjoy life is a decision. Make that decision."
February 21, 2025
3.5/5. Easy read. Sound theology mixed with humor & practical tips for your marriage in the midst of life’s grind. Not groundbreaking by any means, but some good content.
October 13, 2025
A must read, even before you get married. We’re 10 years in and this would have been like gold to read prior to marriage. I’ll be gifting this one at wedding showers from here on out.
August 12, 2013
I have read books on “making your marriage better” before, but this one really impressed me. From the first chapter you can tell that the author takes marriage seriously, but not himself. It’s a book about enjoying your marriage and I am pretty sure the author enjoyed writing it.
You can tell throughout the book that he is really passionate about encouraging couples in their marriages. He doesn't point the finger, but he also doesn't pull his punches. I love how candid he is, without going overboard. And I appreciate how he backs everything up with Scripture. Not only does he base his insights on Scripture, he founds them on several different passages (without quoting a verse every other line). I especially appreciated that he did not ALLITERATE his points! He uses real words; and his message is memorable because it is truth and he shares it enthusiastically (and humorously).
Basically it is a book with a lot of truth-speaking, a lot of encouragement, and a lot of ideas to help your marriage be all God means for it to be. This is not a survival guide, but more of a tourist brochure.
This book will be publish on September 1, 2013. Thanks to NetGalley (https://www.netgalley.com) I was allowed to read an advance copy, so that I could give my honest opinion on it. I can honestly say, I really enjoyed this book!
You can tell throughout the book that he is really passionate about encouraging couples in their marriages. He doesn't point the finger, but he also doesn't pull his punches. I love how candid he is, without going overboard. And I appreciate how he backs everything up with Scripture. Not only does he base his insights on Scripture, he founds them on several different passages (without quoting a verse every other line). I especially appreciated that he did not ALLITERATE his points! He uses real words; and his message is memorable because it is truth and he shares it enthusiastically (and humorously).
Basically it is a book with a lot of truth-speaking, a lot of encouragement, and a lot of ideas to help your marriage be all God means for it to be. This is not a survival guide, but more of a tourist brochure.
This book will be publish on September 1, 2013. Thanks to NetGalley (https://www.netgalley.com) I was allowed to read an advance copy, so that I could give my honest opinion on it. I can honestly say, I really enjoyed this book!
August 30, 2018
It doesn't matter if you have a healthy, loving relationship or if you feel like you want to split with your spouse...you need to read this book. I have never read anything as helpful and honest and what this man says in this book. Great advice! Great tips! Great book!
Ted Cunningham is a pastor at the Woodland Hills Family Church in Branson, Missouri. He has been married for 17 years to his wife, Amy. They have several kids together. "...it is my goal to help you learn (or relearn) how to enjoy life with your spouse and family amid the daily grind."
In the fist chapter, he suggests not taking yourself so seriously. He asks couples what is the point? What is the formula for a fun, loving marriage? What will it take to enjoy life again? Enjoy marriage? Enjoy each other in the midst of the grind? A fun, loving marriage is not found in the answers to any of those questions! The formula for a fun, loving marriage is not all that complicated an is found in three simple words: honor, enjoy, and prioritize."
He goes on to define what each word means and gives examples of each. Each word means so much and is so simple. I really enjoyed his comments.
"A fun, loving marriage may not be as hard as you think." He moves to discuss eight symptoms to unstuck a marriage. He explains the concept of a married couple as a triangle. He talks about character and how important it is.
I love that Cunningham includes worksheets in the book. For some people it is hard to get started on listing things and it seemed easy to fill out the pages with our spouse. Cut and dry. He explains how to fill out the "Fun loving list." He discusses the importance of keeping a journal. Included are questions to ask for your journal.
He suggests that all couples have a getaway and then start conversation with some starters he provides. I like how the author tells the reader what to do and helps the reader do those things. There's also plenty of explanation on why.
Cunningham seems to have focused his book to target conservative Christians. He references many scriptures from the bible. He then makes points, uses quotes from the bible and talks about the grind and living though it together.
While the book has been out for several years now, it is still very relevant to today's marriages and problems.
The ending was a bit strange for me. It is quite possibly the only thing I didn't like about the book. The ending doesn't ruin anything for me, it was just odd. I don't understand the story that he tells at the end. He goes on about weddings and vow renewal. Perhaps this was to show why they are celebrated? Then he adds in how people should celebrate with wine and food. I don't drink and for those who don't as well, just skip this. haha He discusses renewing vows. I never thought to do this in my own life. However, he pointed out that the most "common vow renewal is to celebrate an anniversary."
Overall, the vows chapter was strange for me. This chapter scared me that it might get too creative but I think he makes some great points. He grazes over porn as something to avoid. He adds in a question and answer section for couples to fill out together. He closes by saying, "I asked the Lord to give me the words to encourage you to go the distance in your marriage. Not just to divorce-proof your home, but to enjoy your marriage for a lifetime." I liked this and I would recommend this book to any married couple.
Content: clean
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ted Cunningham is a pastor at the Woodland Hills Family Church in Branson, Missouri. He has been married for 17 years to his wife, Amy. They have several kids together. "...it is my goal to help you learn (or relearn) how to enjoy life with your spouse and family amid the daily grind."
In the fist chapter, he suggests not taking yourself so seriously. He asks couples what is the point? What is the formula for a fun, loving marriage? What will it take to enjoy life again? Enjoy marriage? Enjoy each other in the midst of the grind? A fun, loving marriage is not found in the answers to any of those questions! The formula for a fun, loving marriage is not all that complicated an is found in three simple words: honor, enjoy, and prioritize."
He goes on to define what each word means and gives examples of each. Each word means so much and is so simple. I really enjoyed his comments.
"A fun, loving marriage may not be as hard as you think." He moves to discuss eight symptoms to unstuck a marriage. He explains the concept of a married couple as a triangle. He talks about character and how important it is.
I love that Cunningham includes worksheets in the book. For some people it is hard to get started on listing things and it seemed easy to fill out the pages with our spouse. Cut and dry. He explains how to fill out the "Fun loving list." He discusses the importance of keeping a journal. Included are questions to ask for your journal.
He suggests that all couples have a getaway and then start conversation with some starters he provides. I like how the author tells the reader what to do and helps the reader do those things. There's also plenty of explanation on why.
Cunningham seems to have focused his book to target conservative Christians. He references many scriptures from the bible. He then makes points, uses quotes from the bible and talks about the grind and living though it together.
While the book has been out for several years now, it is still very relevant to today's marriages and problems.
The ending was a bit strange for me. It is quite possibly the only thing I didn't like about the book. The ending doesn't ruin anything for me, it was just odd. I don't understand the story that he tells at the end. He goes on about weddings and vow renewal. Perhaps this was to show why they are celebrated? Then he adds in how people should celebrate with wine and food. I don't drink and for those who don't as well, just skip this. haha He discusses renewing vows. I never thought to do this in my own life. However, he pointed out that the most "common vow renewal is to celebrate an anniversary."
Overall, the vows chapter was strange for me. This chapter scared me that it might get too creative but I think he makes some great points. He grazes over porn as something to avoid. He adds in a question and answer section for couples to fill out together. He closes by saying, "I asked the Lord to give me the words to encourage you to go the distance in your marriage. Not just to divorce-proof your home, but to enjoy your marriage for a lifetime." I liked this and I would recommend this book to any married couple.
Content: clean
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2017
This book was meh (to use the technical book review term). It was filled with the normal advice - go on date nights, don't center your marriage around the kids, get help if you're in a bad place. Some of his talk about sex - especially when he talks candidly about sex in his marriage - is done in a juvenile way that I didn't appreciate. Asides like va va voom and talking about what turns on your wife don't seem appropriate or honoring (of sex in general, of his wife in particular). In one chapter, the author is discussing the different things that bring a couple to the point of separation and he equates adultery ("I'm dating someone new") and violence ("I don't feel safe") with "I fell out of love." That is unbiblical and potentially dangerous nonsense, and why I gave this book 1 star instead of 2.
January 31, 2020
Christian marriage book with some good things and some not-so-good.
Good: I loved the idea of focusing on what you can do to make your marriage more fun when life can seem like a slog. Teamwork, focusing on your relationship, communication--all good.
Not-so-good: Not all things are applicable or approachable for everyone. Some of the advice is way too pat and trite for sometimes serious issues.
Bottom line: if your marriage is decent, this has some great suggestions to put more fun in it. If your marriage is in trouble, this isn't the book for you.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Good: I loved the idea of focusing on what you can do to make your marriage more fun when life can seem like a slog. Teamwork, focusing on your relationship, communication--all good.
Not-so-good: Not all things are applicable or approachable for everyone. Some of the advice is way too pat and trite for sometimes serious issues.
Bottom line: if your marriage is decent, this has some great suggestions to put more fun in it. If your marriage is in trouble, this isn't the book for you.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
May 7, 2020
Very good book. We are all "in the midst of the grind" living life. This was a good reminder - a fresh breeze - for me to see where I need to re-prioritize time with my husband. He gave practical ideas that are very helpful....he doesn't just say "go enjoy your marriage"...he gives specific ways and ideas on how to do that. And I love that he doesn't make those ideas elaborate and unattainable...it's very simple and affordable ways. A very good book that I highly recommend.
November 3, 2017
Fabulous! Loved this affirmation of God's view of marriage. It needn't be a drudge or duty to have fun with my mate. there's something I can do to get back that lovin' feeling. I've already implemented dinner conversation just the two of us--and with quite pleasant results. I highly recommend this book.
June 15, 2021
3.5 stars for this one. I definitely think it had some good insights and stories but nothing completely earth shattering. The lists of questions and date night ideas are really nice to have though! So I will definitely refer back to this book. Also, the very last chapter really resonated with me which made it worth it.
April 13, 2022
Ted Cunningham's teaching and books are full of humor and encouraging concepts and ideas to build a healthy marriage. Fun Loving You stresses the idea that marriage can be the story of a man and woman enjoying life together. It is not at all pollyannish or pie-in-the-sky utopia. It’s very down to earth and focuses on building times of fun into our marriages.
September 5, 2021
I found this book so encouraging when I started reading it that I offered to read it to my husband. We are enjoying reading it and discussing it together, and finding it good to be reminded again of why we got married and what a blessing marriage is.
January 5, 2022
Great wisdom and practical advice. The author is hilarious and will have you laughing out loud. But also, your love for your spouse and marriage will grow as you read, laugh, and apply the practical steps.
March 16, 2023
Great Book!
I have read it 3x now and am encouraged each time! What a blessing to be presented with God’s plan for marriage. In a world of uncompeling images of marriage this book helps present a Godly and compelling image to strive for!
I have read it 3x now and am encouraged each time! What a blessing to be presented with God’s plan for marriage. In a world of uncompeling images of marriage this book helps present a Godly and compelling image to strive for!
December 26, 2023
Loved this book! It will absolutely make you laugh, and if not, as the author would say, you need to lighten up! It's a short read with tons of practical ideas to have fun in your marriage, whether you've been married a day or 50 years.
May 12, 2017
There were a couple ideas in this book I really liked, but overall the writing was cumbersome. The language heavy and not fun... :( Wanted it to be better.
September 29, 2019
This was different than most marriage books I've read. This was a reminder that we can miss moments of joy.
November 24, 2020
Book for real marriages.
Practical book for couples, who want to enjoying their marriage for a lifetime by Bible principles. Strong recommendations to read.
Practical book for couples, who want to enjoying their marriage for a lifetime by Bible principles. Strong recommendations to read.
May 1, 2022
Hilarious pastor/comedian whom I highly enjoyed hearing in person -- go if you get the chance! Solid book with solid advice. Would recommend for married couples.
August 23, 2022
Good and practical book.
June 18, 2025
DNF
Stopped reading it a while ago. Very milk toast. Didn’t find it helpful.
Stopped reading it a while ago. Very milk toast. Didn’t find it helpful.
March 25, 2014
Fun Loving You: Enjoying Your Marriage in the Midst of the Grind is one of the best and easiest-to-read marriage books I have ever read. It was a free download for Valentine's Day, and a good decision.
Ted Cunningham is pastor at Woodland Hills Family Church in Branson, MO. He and his wife host an annual marriage retreat in Branson that touched the lives of people at our former fellowship in Southwest Missouri, and they tried to reproduce it in their own way every year. They are part of a center that try to heal marriages that are at the end of their rope. This book is a good preventative work to make sure your marriage doesn't reach that point.
Cunningham passes on wisdom he has applied from Gary Smalley, Emerson Eggerichs, and others. He uses Song of Solomon in a more succinct and much more accessible fashion than Tommy Nelson. (Differs from Nelson in his interpretation of various passages. I'm skeptical of both attempts to interpret, but personally prefer Cunningham's take). He passes on applicable ideas-- lists of activities and questions to ask your spouse-- that are marriage-strengtheners.
My wife and I often fail the "fun" test. It took me years to get Ted's point about my wife not being the "source of life," that I should want to alter or try to make different. He makes some good points about having God as our source of life and not being codependent. He addresses doubts about compatibility with the following quote from someone else:
"Character trumps chemistry and compatibility. Great marriages flow from character. A good match is a good start, but it will never sustain a thriving, intimate, and loving marriage. Only character does that."
He has a good word on anger:
"Anger has three primary sources: hurt, fear, and frustration. Anger is a secondary emotion. It's not a primary emotion. You always feel something before you get angry. Those feelings are amplified when your heart is closed."
We're called to have open hearts with our spouses. He also includes advice on cultivating the marriage ahead of raising the children:
"When we prioritize the child's journey about our own marriage's, we circumvent God's design for the heart."
"I pass on to my spouse and children what I have on my heart. I am 100 percent responsible for my heart and this journey."
The Cunninghams take a "daily delay, a weekly withdrawal, and an annual abandon" in order to keep their marriage charged. He recommends keeping the "weekly withdrawals" (ie: date night) free from deep serious discussion, save those for the daily retreats or other times. The family do devotions and scripture memory every day. The parents work to make their home an "En Gedi" of peace for themselves.
About 25% of the book is about physical intimacy and its role in the "fun" marriage. It's nothing deep, just quite a bit of insight into he and his wife's lives... as in too much information.
The closing chapters deal with the role of church in marriage, the responsibility the local church has in helping couples it marries keep their vows. The last chapter is on death, with an exhortation to finish well.
The weaknesses of the book, in my opinion:
Having lived in the Ozarks, I know his message definitely resonates with the small-town conservatism found there. It may be harder to apply if both parents are working full-time jobs with a lot of travel demands or lack the resources to create the "fun" time. Dave Ramsey is highly esteemed but there are some families who are already in financial difficulties that need more than the "rah rah" in this book. If your marriage is in deep trouble, or one spouse isn't a Christian, this book may not be what you need-- although he does give some insights into how he counsels couples who are separated that I think solid. I disagree with the advice he gives young people, to go ahead and get married and not wait until after college or "maturity." In Missouri, the average undergraduate student I had in class got married at a much younger age, often right out of high school, than my own peer set in central Kentucky. It's a cultural thing in the Ozarks. I saw this as causing more conflict and unnecessary hardship and regret than what I would consider prudent.
Great book, highly recommend. Giving it 4 stars out of 5.
Ted Cunningham is pastor at Woodland Hills Family Church in Branson, MO. He and his wife host an annual marriage retreat in Branson that touched the lives of people at our former fellowship in Southwest Missouri, and they tried to reproduce it in their own way every year. They are part of a center that try to heal marriages that are at the end of their rope. This book is a good preventative work to make sure your marriage doesn't reach that point.
Cunningham passes on wisdom he has applied from Gary Smalley, Emerson Eggerichs, and others. He uses Song of Solomon in a more succinct and much more accessible fashion than Tommy Nelson. (Differs from Nelson in his interpretation of various passages. I'm skeptical of both attempts to interpret, but personally prefer Cunningham's take). He passes on applicable ideas-- lists of activities and questions to ask your spouse-- that are marriage-strengtheners.
My wife and I often fail the "fun" test. It took me years to get Ted's point about my wife not being the "source of life," that I should want to alter or try to make different. He makes some good points about having God as our source of life and not being codependent. He addresses doubts about compatibility with the following quote from someone else:
"Character trumps chemistry and compatibility. Great marriages flow from character. A good match is a good start, but it will never sustain a thriving, intimate, and loving marriage. Only character does that."
He has a good word on anger:
"Anger has three primary sources: hurt, fear, and frustration. Anger is a secondary emotion. It's not a primary emotion. You always feel something before you get angry. Those feelings are amplified when your heart is closed."
We're called to have open hearts with our spouses. He also includes advice on cultivating the marriage ahead of raising the children:
"When we prioritize the child's journey about our own marriage's, we circumvent God's design for the heart."
"I pass on to my spouse and children what I have on my heart. I am 100 percent responsible for my heart and this journey."
The Cunninghams take a "daily delay, a weekly withdrawal, and an annual abandon" in order to keep their marriage charged. He recommends keeping the "weekly withdrawals" (ie: date night) free from deep serious discussion, save those for the daily retreats or other times. The family do devotions and scripture memory every day. The parents work to make their home an "En Gedi" of peace for themselves.
About 25% of the book is about physical intimacy and its role in the "fun" marriage. It's nothing deep, just quite a bit of insight into he and his wife's lives... as in too much information.
The closing chapters deal with the role of church in marriage, the responsibility the local church has in helping couples it marries keep their vows. The last chapter is on death, with an exhortation to finish well.
The weaknesses of the book, in my opinion:
Having lived in the Ozarks, I know his message definitely resonates with the small-town conservatism found there. It may be harder to apply if both parents are working full-time jobs with a lot of travel demands or lack the resources to create the "fun" time. Dave Ramsey is highly esteemed but there are some families who are already in financial difficulties that need more than the "rah rah" in this book. If your marriage is in deep trouble, or one spouse isn't a Christian, this book may not be what you need-- although he does give some insights into how he counsels couples who are separated that I think solid. I disagree with the advice he gives young people, to go ahead and get married and not wait until after college or "maturity." In Missouri, the average undergraduate student I had in class got married at a much younger age, often right out of high school, than my own peer set in central Kentucky. It's a cultural thing in the Ozarks. I saw this as causing more conflict and unnecessary hardship and regret than what I would consider prudent.
Great book, highly recommend. Giving it 4 stars out of 5.
March 9, 2017
Easy to read. Includes multiple lists of ways to engage with your spouse in meaningful ways. Gives good advice on keeping relationships from getting nasty. Gives some examples from Song of Solomon with good explanations of meaning. Good reminder not to use "YOU" in conversation instead use "I" feel, think, ... about a situation to keep from getting into arguments and opening self up to be known. Gives summary of 5 Love Languages book which is repetitive if you've read it but it goes along with what he is saying.
March 16, 2014
It was almost by mistake that I ended up reading this book! Another blogger, whose opinion on books I highly value, has recommended the marriage book What Did You Expect?: Redeeming the Realities of Marriage. I've had it on my wish list for awhile. When I saw Fun Loving You, for some reason I thought it was the same author. Since I knew he could write a good book on marriage and it was available for me to read, I grabbed it. I kept thinking the more I read, the more it didn't seem like a book(or writer) this particular blogger would overly enjoy. I finally went to do a little research, and realized my mistake. Paul David Tripp....Ted Cunningham...They almost sound the same, don't they? ;)
Also, if I'd known this was the same author that wrote Young and in Love: Challenging the Unnecessary Delay of Marriage, I'd probably have avoided it. He mentions his thoughts concerning the subject a little in this book. I'm not so sure how much I agree/disagree with him yet. I'm leaning towards disagree from what little he mentions, but I can't say for sure. I only mention that so you know, I'm not necessarily on his side concerning that book.
With this book I'm torn on whether or not to recommend it. My blog is pretty much intended for a female audience, and I can't overly recommend this for *most* female readers. Here's where I'm going to be super vague, because I feel that's best. There was a couple of particular aspects of the book that had a negative impact on me. I'm still working through one of them. If you connect with me at all, just take my word, and avoid it. ;)
On the other hand, there were things I really enjoyed about the book!
First of all, I laughed, and that's always fun. There are even some things in here that were so super corny that I shared them with Jonathan and we both had a good laugh. There was some humor that I felt would be more appropriate for a male reader, though.
Secondly, this is an author that is pumped up for good marriages. Reading this book just made me think of someone hyped up on a few dozen energy drinks. He has a very energetic and humorous writing style. He celebrates two people working towards a good marriage, though, and I have to appreciate that.
Thirdly, the author does a little mini study on The Song of Solomon throughout the book. I loved this! I learned a great deal from it. As much as I hate to admit, there's so much in that book that goes right over my head, yet I've never did a Bible study on it. Fun Loving You not only taught me a great deal about that book, it also gave me the desire to study it more.
Fourthly, there are tons of date ideas and conversation starters within the book. Admittedly, as I mentioned above, a great deal of these are about as corny as you can get, but there were some good ideas in there. They center around a theme, like adventure. It was this list that made me want to try a new restaurant on mine and Jonathan's next date. We tend to stick with a couple of favorites, and who knows, we might add another favorite to our list! (If you get this book for the lists, I'd recommend getting a hard copy, as opposed to an e-book version.)
So. Overall, I came away with some positive. With three little ones, it's too easy to allow the exhaustion to drown out the fun in our days, and this book reminded me how we need to laugh more together. But, there was the negative, too. If I had it to do over again, I'd skip it. :S IF you don't so much connect with me, and you like humorous non-fiction, then this might be a perfect book for you!
*Thanks to Netgalley and B&H Publishing for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Also, if I'd known this was the same author that wrote Young and in Love: Challenging the Unnecessary Delay of Marriage, I'd probably have avoided it. He mentions his thoughts concerning the subject a little in this book. I'm not so sure how much I agree/disagree with him yet. I'm leaning towards disagree from what little he mentions, but I can't say for sure. I only mention that so you know, I'm not necessarily on his side concerning that book.
With this book I'm torn on whether or not to recommend it. My blog is pretty much intended for a female audience, and I can't overly recommend this for *most* female readers. Here's where I'm going to be super vague, because I feel that's best. There was a couple of particular aspects of the book that had a negative impact on me. I'm still working through one of them. If you connect with me at all, just take my word, and avoid it. ;)
On the other hand, there were things I really enjoyed about the book!
First of all, I laughed, and that's always fun. There are even some things in here that were so super corny that I shared them with Jonathan and we both had a good laugh. There was some humor that I felt would be more appropriate for a male reader, though.
Secondly, this is an author that is pumped up for good marriages. Reading this book just made me think of someone hyped up on a few dozen energy drinks. He has a very energetic and humorous writing style. He celebrates two people working towards a good marriage, though, and I have to appreciate that.
Thirdly, the author does a little mini study on The Song of Solomon throughout the book. I loved this! I learned a great deal from it. As much as I hate to admit, there's so much in that book that goes right over my head, yet I've never did a Bible study on it. Fun Loving You not only taught me a great deal about that book, it also gave me the desire to study it more.
Fourthly, there are tons of date ideas and conversation starters within the book. Admittedly, as I mentioned above, a great deal of these are about as corny as you can get, but there were some good ideas in there. They center around a theme, like adventure. It was this list that made me want to try a new restaurant on mine and Jonathan's next date. We tend to stick with a couple of favorites, and who knows, we might add another favorite to our list! (If you get this book for the lists, I'd recommend getting a hard copy, as opposed to an e-book version.)
So. Overall, I came away with some positive. With three little ones, it's too easy to allow the exhaustion to drown out the fun in our days, and this book reminded me how we need to laugh more together. But, there was the negative, too. If I had it to do over again, I'd skip it. :S IF you don't so much connect with me, and you like humorous non-fiction, then this might be a perfect book for you!
*Thanks to Netgalley and B&H Publishing for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 2, 2013
Fun Loving You by Ted Cunningham
Ted Cunningham's candid and humorous approach to building better, stronger marriages takes center stage in his latest release, Fun Loving You, a book about putting the fun back in marriage.
He begins Fun Loving You by encouraging couples to bring back the laughter in their marriages--even if it means high-jacking the kids' trampoline for a night-time frolic! He says, "The formula for a fun, loving marriage is not all that complicated and is found in three simply words: honor, enjoy, prioritize." Then he proceeds to show couples ways to put those three words to work to make marriage more fun.
Cunningham also addresses a common issue many couples face--being "stuck in the grind." He tells readers the grind is not their spouse, but "the grind is the seventy to eighty years you have on this earth." Rather, your spouse is your "grind companion," someone to encourage, love and enjoy on the journey. And he gives tips for doing just that.
I appreciated Cunninghams' commitment to teaching biblical principles and his commitment to building up covenant marriages. But, by far, the best thing about the book, to me, is its practicality--the loads of questions, fill-in-the blanks, practical tips, conversation starters, date night ideas and other take-and-use-today principles--that Cunningham scatters throughout the book.
At the end of each chapter, you're encouraged to answer some questions in a FLY (Fun Loving You) journal. It's a time to evaluate yourself and figure out what you could do differently or better. At one point, you're encouraged to make and keep a list of what you love about your spouse. And I bet more than one couple who picks up the book will enjoy the 2drink menu, in which couples talk through 52 questions about their sexual relationship--by candlelight!
I know this is a book I plan to get my husband to read and work through with me so we can have more fun loving each other and, as Cunningham says, "enjoy marriage more than the wedding." If you're looking for a way to make a good marriage better or improve a not-so-good marriage, get a copy of Fun Loving You, begin reading, try some of the exercises, and start having more fun loving your spouse.
Ted Cunningham is the founding pastor of Woodland Hills Family Church, in Branson, MO. He has authored Trophy Child and Young and in Love. Cunningham has also co-authored four other books with Dr. Gary Smalley: The Language of Sex, From Anger to Intimacy, As Long As We Both Shall Live and Great Parents, Lousy Lovers. He is a graduate of Liberty University and Dallas Theological Seminary.
* I received a copy of the book from the publisher for this review. However, the opinions expressed are my own.
Ted Cunningham's candid and humorous approach to building better, stronger marriages takes center stage in his latest release, Fun Loving You, a book about putting the fun back in marriage.
He begins Fun Loving You by encouraging couples to bring back the laughter in their marriages--even if it means high-jacking the kids' trampoline for a night-time frolic! He says, "The formula for a fun, loving marriage is not all that complicated and is found in three simply words: honor, enjoy, prioritize." Then he proceeds to show couples ways to put those three words to work to make marriage more fun.
Cunningham also addresses a common issue many couples face--being "stuck in the grind." He tells readers the grind is not their spouse, but "the grind is the seventy to eighty years you have on this earth." Rather, your spouse is your "grind companion," someone to encourage, love and enjoy on the journey. And he gives tips for doing just that.
I appreciated Cunninghams' commitment to teaching biblical principles and his commitment to building up covenant marriages. But, by far, the best thing about the book, to me, is its practicality--the loads of questions, fill-in-the blanks, practical tips, conversation starters, date night ideas and other take-and-use-today principles--that Cunningham scatters throughout the book.
At the end of each chapter, you're encouraged to answer some questions in a FLY (Fun Loving You) journal. It's a time to evaluate yourself and figure out what you could do differently or better. At one point, you're encouraged to make and keep a list of what you love about your spouse. And I bet more than one couple who picks up the book will enjoy the 2drink menu, in which couples talk through 52 questions about their sexual relationship--by candlelight!
I know this is a book I plan to get my husband to read and work through with me so we can have more fun loving each other and, as Cunningham says, "enjoy marriage more than the wedding." If you're looking for a way to make a good marriage better or improve a not-so-good marriage, get a copy of Fun Loving You, begin reading, try some of the exercises, and start having more fun loving your spouse.
Ted Cunningham is the founding pastor of Woodland Hills Family Church, in Branson, MO. He has authored Trophy Child and Young and in Love. Cunningham has also co-authored four other books with Dr. Gary Smalley: The Language of Sex, From Anger to Intimacy, As Long As We Both Shall Live and Great Parents, Lousy Lovers. He is a graduate of Liberty University and Dallas Theological Seminary.
* I received a copy of the book from the publisher for this review. However, the opinions expressed are my own.
January 28, 2015
Though I wasn't familiar with this author, I got a copy of this book on my Kindle back in 2014. I marked it as a "to-read" but didn't prioritize it very highly. After finishing off a number of biographies on church leaders and some theological texts, I wanted to take a quick break from all of that and do something for my marriage. This title happened to stand out as I was choosing which of the many books I have available to read. I am glad it did.
While I don't know that I would consider this a paradigm shifting work for me, I did think it covered a broad range of topics that are very helpful. It is pastoral and theological, but also very practical and applicable. Taking highlights in the book, I have a number of good practical ideas and conversation starters for my wife and I.
Having recently read Real Marriage by Mark and Grace Driscoll, and being familiar with their teaching/perspective on the Song of Solomon, was glad to see this author cite many of the same verses and give similar commentary. I agree with the interpretation both Cunningham and Driscoll propose, but I found the articulation by Cunningham to be more in line with my own articulations. A bibically accurate, but not vulgar, explanation that was very well worth reading.
I would feel comfortable recommending this book as a whole. It may not be the top on my list right now, but some of the chapters and resources could certainly have a place as resources in my library and tools in my own pastoral counseling.
While I don't know that I would consider this a paradigm shifting work for me, I did think it covered a broad range of topics that are very helpful. It is pastoral and theological, but also very practical and applicable. Taking highlights in the book, I have a number of good practical ideas and conversation starters for my wife and I.
Having recently read Real Marriage by Mark and Grace Driscoll, and being familiar with their teaching/perspective on the Song of Solomon, was glad to see this author cite many of the same verses and give similar commentary. I agree with the interpretation both Cunningham and Driscoll propose, but I found the articulation by Cunningham to be more in line with my own articulations. A bibically accurate, but not vulgar, explanation that was very well worth reading.
I would feel comfortable recommending this book as a whole. It may not be the top on my list right now, but some of the chapters and resources could certainly have a place as resources in my library and tools in my own pastoral counseling.
October 4, 2013
Fun Loving You!
This is one of the best marriage adviser I have ever read. Its not just a list of do's and dont's, the author gives his personal life as a true example of all he teaches. Its very practical and Bible oriented! Did you know Got tells you to have fun in your marriage? I never thought so, I thought Im being immature for wanting to have fun. But this book isn't simply about fun in your marriage -- it shows you your fundamental mistakes and teaches you how to fix them. I feel like summarizing the whole book to you. Its amazing!! Easy to read and actually feels more like a fun story then a simple rule book. I loved it even though I had my own mistakes that needed fixing and this read was a bucket of cold water in that respect but that is the jewel of it.
Enjoy reading it and slaying some dragons from your life as well!!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Publisher, through NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is one of the best marriage adviser I have ever read. Its not just a list of do's and dont's, the author gives his personal life as a true example of all he teaches. Its very practical and Bible oriented! Did you know Got tells you to have fun in your marriage? I never thought so, I thought Im being immature for wanting to have fun. But this book isn't simply about fun in your marriage -- it shows you your fundamental mistakes and teaches you how to fix them. I feel like summarizing the whole book to you. Its amazing!! Easy to read and actually feels more like a fun story then a simple rule book. I loved it even though I had my own mistakes that needed fixing and this read was a bucket of cold water in that respect but that is the jewel of it.
Enjoy reading it and slaying some dragons from your life as well!!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Publisher, through NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 30, 2016
Not a particularly deep or theological book (though it is a Christian marriage book), it's best described as an extended encouragement to actually make time to enjoy marriage.
So it could be summed up as: spend a few minutes every day enjoying each other's company, a night a week having a date and try to get away for a weekend together every year.
My problem with all of this is that it does start to sound financially beyond the reach of most couples and after a while, the endless stories about fancy restaurant and resorts that Ted Cunningham has stayed at start to reinforce that he might come from a well-off middle class that can afford all this stuff.
There are people for whom even getting out one night a month could be expensive and I would hate them to think that was going to hold them back from having a great relationship.
Having said that, I completely agree that your spouse is someone whose company you should enjoy and that that is somethinf to be actively worked on.
So it could be summed up as: spend a few minutes every day enjoying each other's company, a night a week having a date and try to get away for a weekend together every year.
My problem with all of this is that it does start to sound financially beyond the reach of most couples and after a while, the endless stories about fancy restaurant and resorts that Ted Cunningham has stayed at start to reinforce that he might come from a well-off middle class that can afford all this stuff.
There are people for whom even getting out one night a month could be expensive and I would hate them to think that was going to hold them back from having a great relationship.
Having said that, I completely agree that your spouse is someone whose company you should enjoy and that that is somethinf to be actively worked on.
September 20, 2016
Fun Loving You was an absolutely awesome marriage book. I would highly recommend it to any engaged or married couple. Cunningham speaks the language of wit, and that alone makes his book fast and easy to read. His point is that life is hard, man, but your spouse isn’t supposed to be part of the grind. Your spouse is your God-given partner to go through the grind WITH you, to make life more fun and enjoyable. They’re your teammate, your friend, your lover, the one you want to hang out with, dream with, and adventure with more than anyone else. Ted and his wife, Amy, share their stories of dating each other and eradicating the kid-centric home, and they give TONS of great date ideas and even lots of date questions to get the juices flowing. It’s good. You and your husband/ wife/ fiancé should go read it. Now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews