Reviewing DATING AND THE SINGLE PARENT by Ron L. Deal

This book is not a surface-feel-good book, but one that makes you look at yourself realistically. You can't just skim it; every page is important. He quotes a single parent who said, "we had no idea what we were getting into"... after reading THIS book, that won't be you!




The author is up front and in your face with real issues -- he asks you first of all to want God's blessing in whatever you do. He asks questions so you can avoid repeating past mistakes and discern if you are ready to be serious again.



At the end of each chapter he lists discussion questions that hammer home the information, and help you to realistically look at yourself and those you are with.



The author explains the difference between "coupleness" and "familyness" which will give the reader a lot to consider. Coupleness does not equal familyness and should be kept in the forefront of every meeting and activity.



He will probably shock a lot of people about 'soul-mate' but what he says hits the mark; he is right-on and will save people a lot of heart-ache if they listen.



I liked how he promotes involving God and His ways in every area of one's life i.e. a spiritually determined purpose in dating, everyone can learn from. Here is one of the thoughts he puts forth:



"In what way is your purpose in dating blocking God's purpose for you in dating?"



Like I said, he asks thought-provoking and self-examining questions only you can answer.



One piece of wisdom I'll share here is when he says "marry someone, not as a replacement parent, but because you love them and believe they will help you raise your kids in the Lord."



The author gives a behavior list and says he would limit it to 1-4; I would have to say in that area, I would limit it 1-3. You'll have to get the book to see what I am talking about!



I am not a reviewer who 'gives away' the whole story, but I hope this review will give single parents or those dating a single parent, a taste to read this book. It is well worth it.



I was given this book to review by Bakerpublishinggroup with no restrictions as to how I would review it. I do highly recommend it.

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