We are just returning from the annual Smart Marriages Conference, where we furthered our training as marriage educators, networked with 2,000 people, and added to our library. We had the privilege of being one of about 10 couples who honored their marriages at a Celebration of Marriage banquet hosted by Dr. Pat Love, author of Hot Monogamy. It was very exciting to share our new book (see below) with attendees, researchers, and leaders of the growing marriage movement. If you want to connect with Smart Marriages, please check their website.

From attending this conference, it became clear to us that marriage education before marriage, at key stages, and transition points in marriage is vital for sustaining marriages. Each of these--courting/engaged couples, newlyweds, new parents, adoptive parents, parents of teens, empty-nesters, and retired couples--all have their unique marriage maintenance needs. The changes involved with these transitions may cause stress on the marriage, and the couple may need to expand their communication and relationship skills. Books, workshops, and relationship tools are being developed by marriage educators globally to meet them, and over the next few weeks, we plan to add many more resource referrals to our growing website.

Our request to all of you is to seek the education, training, and support you need to maintain this institution of marriage that is at the foundation of our entire society. What do you need to do for your relationship?

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New Book Just Released!

We're very excited to announce the release of our newest book, Pure Gold: Encouraging Character Qualities in Marriage! This 154-page interfaith-based book includes insights and quotes from the Scriptures of many world religions, including the Bahá'í Faith*, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam, and Zoroastrianism** and is one of the most valuable gifts you can give a marriage! It goes right to the heart of what keeps marriages strong and vibrant—developing the fundamental character qualities for successful and extraordinary relationships. You will gain valuable insight into 52 character qualities that are especially valuable in marriage, such as being kind when your spouse is not at his/her best, being courageous when you face a challenge together, and being truthful and trustworthy to address dishonesty or miscommunication in your marriage. It's a great gift for engagements, weddings, anniversaries, or simply to say “I love you!”

Learn more about Pure Gold and buy your copy TODAY for only $15.95 US!
(Note: A portion of the profits from the sale of the books goes to support the Marriage Transformation Project and The Virtues Project International)

* The Bahá'í Faith is a recent global religion, founded by Bahá'u'lláh, and dedicated to the "betterment of the world." www.us.bahai.org or www.bahai.org . ** The Zoroastrian religion was founded in approximately 1000 BC in Iran by Zoroaster, www.zoroastrianism.com .

The following is an excerpt from Chapter 7 about using character quality language, something we encourage every couple to use as a regular practice:

"One effective tool to influence and strengthen character qualities in yourself and one another is to incorporate these qualities into your daily speech. This means actively and joyfully looking for them both in your own actions and attitudes and one another. Clearly seeing these qualities gives you opportunities to af?rm and encourage them. Look at the difference in these two statements:

First Statement: It's nice that you did the dishes.

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The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate
Gary Chapman; 1995; ISBN: 1881273156

In a direct and simple way, Gary Chapman assists couples to quickly and easily determine how they each understand the other loves them. If you communicate your love by giving your spouse gifts, and he/she best understands love through quality time, there can be a disconnect between you. Other “love languages” include acts of service, physical touch, and words of affirmation. Often couples give the one they most want to receive, which can also cause miscommunication. This is an excellent book we highly recommend all couples read. Note: There is a new edition out for men.
Discuss/Identify: What is it that someone does or says with you that has you most experience feeling loved?

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We would like to welcome four new people who are working very closely with us on the project.

Leah Farnsworth is our Media/Marketing summer intern. She is responsible for developing and guiding our marketing plan, working with bookstores and the media, and supporting new product development. She started in May and will be returning to Beloit College in August. You're doing a great job, Leah!

Ruth Twaddell is a project associate who joined us at the Smart Marriages Conference and will be working with us on a variety of projects. She is a trained counselor who is a marriage educator and relationship coach. Ruth, we so appreciate having you with us!

Erik Unterschuetz is the web designer for our beautiful website, and continues to help with its general maintenance and technical support. Learn more about him and his work at www.digitalmoonrise.com. Keep up the extraordinary work, Erik!

Viki Ashchi, of Global Web Design, is our server and e-commerce host and assists with technical support issues. For more information about her services, visit www.globalwdi.com. Thanks for your support, Viki!

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We also automated our newsletter to more efficiently distribute each issue to you! If you have not already done so, please visit our home page and complete the newsletter sign up (with your name and email address). Please note: Due to new U.S. Spam laws, we cannot automatically sign you up if you've received past issues via email.

We need your input! We're looking for your suggestions on a new name for this newsletter! As you may remember, the newsletter was titled, "Stepping Stones." However, due to trademark laws, we needed to change it. We quickly change it to its current title, "The Marriage Transformation Newsletter." Do you think it needs a new, catchy name? Do you have a great suggestion? We'd love to hear from you! Please email your suggestion (please make sure the word "Marriage" is included in the title) with "Newsletter name" in the subject line.