BOUND TOGETHER: How We Are Tied to Others in Good and Bad Choices By Chris Brauns

ABOUT THE BOOK

We are not just isolated individuals. Instead, our lives are woven together with others. We have solidarity with other people—the choices one person makes affects the lives of others, for good and for bad.

Because much of the pain we endure in life is in the context of relationships, this truth often strikes us as unfair. Why should a child suffer because of the choices of his parents? And on a grander scale, why do we all suffer the curse of Adam’s sin? Why should anyone be judged for someone else’s sin?
In Bound Together, Chris Brauns unpacks the truth that we are bound to one another and to the whole of creation. He calls this, “the principle of the rope.” Grasping this foundational principle sheds new light on marriage, the dynamics of family relationships, and the reason why everyone lives with the consequences of the sins that others commit. Brauns shows how the principle of the rope is both bad news and good news, revealing a depth to the message of the gospel that many of us have never seen before.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Chris Brauns, MDiv, DMin, is the senior pastor at the Congregational Christian Church of Stillman Valley, IL. His other books includeUnpacking Forgiveness and When the Word Leads Your Pastoral Search. Chris blogs at www.chrisbrauns.com.

MY REVIEW

When I first decided to review this book I wasn't sure what I would find in the book. Sometimes a book description can be a bit misleading and the book really isn't what you thought it would be about. This book, however, is exactly what it says it is. 

You have heard the saying, "giving someone enough rope to hang or save themselves." Pastor Brauns actually shows how the principle of the rope binds each and everyone of us together. 

This is perhaps one of the best books I have ever read explaining and showing biblically how every single person, from the time of Adam and Eve to the end of mankind on this earth is bound together because of original sin; Pastor Brauns also explains how each one of us who have submitted to the cross of Christ are bound with Christ and that tie is greater than the tie of sin and death. He gives us a very clear and deeper understanding of the gospel.

For those who feel whatever they do doesn't affect anyone else, this book will be eyeopening. For those who are alone because of various reasons, this book will show them they really aren't, especially if they are a believer. They are members of the body of Christ, bound to other members and Christ Himself.

This book will change how you view your relationships with family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, even with Christ. Written in a conversational style, Pastor Brauns gives us the bad news and the good news about being bound together, the bad news - original sin, the good news - the cross of Christ.

I would recommend this book to everyone who wants to have a better understanding of how original sin, mankind and the cross of Christ bind us together. 

Cross Focused Reviews and Zondervan made this review possible by providing me with a free review copy of this book. I am under no obligation to write a positive review.

 

 

 

MONEY & MARRIAGE by Matt Bell

Money and Marriage: A Complete Guide for Engaged or Newly Married Couples:

In this thorough and practical guide, financial expert Matt Bell helps engaged and newly married couples navigate the merger of habits, flaws, and attitudes about money so two can truly become one.

His writing is full of helpful advice, Scripture, and practical steps to gaining financial freedom together as a couple. Learn to use money in a way that minimizes disputes and maximizes marital happiness.

MY REVIEW: 

If you are just married or preparing to get married then let me encourage you to get this book! This will be one of the best investments you will ever make for your financial future as a couple. 

If I had something like this before my first marriage, teaching me how to discuss finances or the lack of them, then there wouldn't have been another marriage after it!

Right off the bat, Matt is open with the differences between he and his wife before they got married. He also gives some very interesting statistics about the financial differences between how men and women spend. 


He then breaks the book into two sections: Decoding Each Other's Financial DNA and A Ten-Step Action Plan For Financial Success.

Matt included links to his website to download free resources such as a Cash Flow Plan. (I like that, Cash Flow Plan, instead of budget. It makes it sound more palatable.) 

In the first part of the book where he shows how to determine your financial makeup, he includes some great worksheets to go through. It certainly proved helpful in determining my financial temperament. I happen to be melancholy and phlegmatic which means I'm suppose to like budgeting and living within my means. Well, I don't do too bad living within my means.... but I'm not too sure about the budget! 

At the end of each chapter in the second part of the book, Matt includes a "Take Action" section. There are very practical steps to take to improve your financial situation as a couple. 


Money is the leading cause for divorce. Money & Marriage is a real help for engaged, newlyweds, and even couples who have been married for a long time. It opens communication for couples on a subject that has been taboo for most people, money.



I recommend buying it, reading it, following it then sharing it with others. 


This book was provided free by Litfuse Publicity Group for the purpose of review. I am under no obligation to provide a positive review.



Matt began his career as a radio journalist, with his work featured on National Public Radio, the NBC Radio Network, and several other networks. His reporting earned national awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and United Press International.

Today, Matt is a full-time personal finance writer and speaker. He is the author of two books:  "Money, Purpose, Joy" (September 2008) and "Money Strategies for Tough Times (April 2009), both by NavPress. Matt has been quoted in USA TODAY, U.S. News and World Report, the Chicago Tribune, and Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, has written for ChristianityToday.com, and has been a guest on WGN-TV and several nationally syndicated radio talk shows.

Matt holds a Master's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from DePaul University, where he wrote a thesis about the emergence of America's consumer culture and its influence on people's beliefs and behaviors.

Matt lives with his wife and their three young children in the Chicago area. Visit his website and blog at www.mattaboutmoney.com

CLICK HERE TO READ WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT MONEY and MARRIAGE!
http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13162540

Matt Bell's (a.k.a Matt About Money) Money and Marriage has just released (NAVPress) and is a great resource for engaged or newly married couples.

Matt says about the book, “I wrote “Money and Marriage” because I believe in marriage. I’m sure it isn’t news to you that money is a very common source of stress between spouses. It’s even a primary factor in many divorces. I wrote this book with no less of a goal than to save many marriages from disaster, and to help all couples use money in a way that strengthens their relationship and increases their joy.”

GIVEAWAY!

Win a free financial session and $100 Visa cash card in the Matt Bell’s Nest Egg Giveaway!

To celebrate Matt has put together a Nest Egg Giveaway with a prize package worth over $250! 

One winner will receive:

•    A Free 1 Hour Financial Session

•    A $100 Visa Cash Card

•    A signed copy of Matt’s Money, Purpose, Joy and Money Strategies for Tough Times

To enter just click one of the icons below. Then tell your friends. And hurry - the contest ends April 11th. The winner will be announced on Matt's blog on April 13th.

Be sure to pick up a copy of Money and Marriage – important principles whether you're newly engaged or just celebrated your 30th anniversary.