If your marriage is less than perfect and the "happily ever after" that was promised to you in childhood fairy tales is a distant dream, then Thriving Despite a Difficult Marriage will offer you hope. Christian psychologists, the Misja brothers, explain that faithfulness, not happiness, is God's desire for you. In your less that perfect marriage, you can still have meaning, purpose, endurance, and optimism. Paperback.
Michael Misja, PhD, BCPCC, is a Christian psychologist and cofounder of North Coast Family Foundation in Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. He has counseled, taught, and spoken on Christian counseling for more than twenty years. In addition to the daily call show he hosted for six years, Michael developed and taught a program in Christian counseling for Moody Extension School for ten years. He has also served as cofounder and clinical director for inpatient and outpatient Christian counseling centers. He and his wife, Lin, found God and were married in New York City, where they were active in the arts and in ministry. They have been married twenty-seven years and have four children.
Charles F. Misja, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and cofounder of North Coast Family Foundation in Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. He has hosted a Christian call-in talk show on several radio stations and has taught at the college and seminary level. Chuck maintains a clinical practice and has been involved with missions work in Brazil for many years. He and his wife, Jackie, are high school sweethearts and have been married thirty-seven years. They have three grown children and six grandchildren. Chuck enjoys running marathons, downhill skiing, and fishing with his grandchildren.
Michael Misja, Ph.D., is a psychologist who has counseled, taught, and spoken on Christian counseling for over twenty years. He hosted a daily call show for counseling and cultural issues program for six years. For ten years he developed and taught a program in Christian Counseling for Moody Extension School. He has served as co-founder and Clinical Director for inpatient and outpatient Christian Counseling Centers. He and his wife, Lin, found God, met, and married in New York City where they were active in the arts and in ministry. They have been married for twenty seven years and have four children.
Charles F. Misja, Ph.D., has been married to Jackie, his high school sweetheart, for 37 years and they have three grown children and six grandchildren. He is a licensed psychologist and maintains a clinical practice. He has taught at the college and seminary level and has hosted a Christian call-in talk show on several radio stations. Chuck has been involved with missions work in Brazil for many years and speaks Portuguese. He enjoys running marathons, downhill skiing and fishing with his grandchildren.
Average Rating: 4 out of 5 stars(4 out of 5 stars)
8 of 10 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by David Dumont (Rochester, NH), August 14, 2009
Drs. Misja and Misja realistically address the genuine problem of Christians living in marriages that produces pain, confusion, doubt and anger. Jesus died to bring us peace in our souls and these authors offer practical advice on how to find it. Included is a in-your-face evaluation of what the bewildered spouse brings to the situation, in terms of expectations, desires, and emotional history and baggage. This book offers hope to Christians who desire to turn depression over their marriage into genuine joy in the Lord, whether circumstances change or not.
0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Naomi (OH), August 07, 2009
It is so sad to me to see Christians such as these two men embracing worldly wisdom, calling it "Christian Psychology" and attempting to help others through means that are not always Biblical. We are told in 2 Peter 1:3 "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." Either Christ is sufficient for all that life throws at us, or He isn't; we can't have psychology and the Bible and try to mix them together; they are worlds apart. If you want to read Biblical truths where Christ is exalted above all, as the true answer to all trials, then I would recommend the book by Mike Cleveland, "The Cross: Finding Life in Jesus' Death."
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Sheila Landis (Americus, GA), June 10, 2009
This book is very helpful in most marriages I think. Even if you don't have a difficult marriage it is helpful to read. It also helps you see what other couples might be dealing with.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Marydiane Kuegler (Parkton, MD), April 16, 2009
After years and decades of seeking help in every possible venue (I was diligent about this) I came across this info while listening to "Focus on the Family" on radio-sent for the cd and book- and may I loud and clear say this is like nothing NOTHING out there anywhere! RUSH TO GET YOUR COPY !
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Trish Ashby (Mount Vernon, IN), April 11, 2009
EXCELLENT BOOK!! It was very easy to read and had so many situations I could relate to
and made me feel better that I was not the only person in the world in a difficult marriage. Great information to think about and consider to help the hurting spouse! This is a book I'm sure I will read several times over. Great backup with scripture which I appreciate since I want to know & do what God's word says.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Ted Daniels (Poteau, OK), April 11, 2009
Thanks for showing the Biblical relationship that follows the problem of difficult times in a marriage even if I have tried all the "self help" items that I can. I am not alone, and I can Thrive not just survive.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Kibbie Hoobler (Arlington, WA), April 10, 2009
Wow! The book on marriage that I have been looking for for years. Not an easy read, not for corwards. These folks pull no punches but do provide hope for those of us who are struggling alone in our marriage.
3 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Carol (Bremen, IN), April 10, 2009
I purchased "Thriving Despite a Difficult Marriage" after hearing the Misja brothers on Focus on the Family. The authors give a frank look at troubled marriages in a perspective not offered in any other marriage book I've read. However, I found it to be repetitious in some places, and I actually found myself getting more depressed as I read. I kept asking myself when the solution was coming - I already know the problem. Of course, solutions are offered near the end of the book, and the authors are clear to state that the happy ending we would like and pray for may not come. It offers hope in that a fulfilling life in Christ is still possible despite the pain and tortuous lonliness. My favorite from the book is, "One day you will know how God has utilized your sufferings in ways you cannot understand now. The pain in your marriage is not meaningless". I've given this book a rather low rating (although it deserves a higher one) only because it did not address the specific problem that is tearing my 37-year marriage apart. I've yet to find a Christian marriage book (or anyone) that offers help for our specific problem.
View all 10 Reviews
Write a review of Thriving Despite a Difficult Marriage
Catalog Shopping
Membership
