KENT: Midstate man writes booklet with marriage tips

Marriage has been on the news a lot lately, so it seemed appropriate that it make it into my column as well.

My friend Jake Cox has written “The Marriage Cookbook,” which covers information, advice and suggestions for both husbands and wives that is easily understood and can immediately be put to use in your marriage. Jake’s booklet covers several important topics -- including ways husbands can help their wives out around the house, how wives should give their husband time to participate in a hobby, and the absolute importance of intimacy in the marriage relationship.

Jake used the title “The Marriage Cookbook” because cooking requires ingredients and the ability to follow a recipe.

“I knew that the ingredients in a marriage come from the husband and wife -- their personality traits, demeanor, likes and dislikes, attitude, experiences, plans, dreams, etc. Couple that comparison together with the Bible being the cookbook -- or the pattern and instructions to follow for your marriage -- and you have a good analogy and idea that would work for the book’s title,” Jake said.

“The Marriage Cookbook” is based on biblical ideas about marriage so it is a faith-based book on the topic. In writing “The Marriage Cookbook,” Jake drew on biblical principles, especially from Ephesians and Proverbs. Jake was inspired to write the book after hearing about several marriages ending in divorce.

“I decided to write a short book of ideas, concepts and advice that would help couples come away from the edge of divorce and toward a much happier relationship. The ideas and information for “The Marriage Cookbook” come from experiences in my own marriage, information I have learned over the years from others and fantastic quotes and information from other authors that I have referenced in the booklet,” Jake said.

While the booklet is titled “The Marriage Cookbook,” the premises in it apply to engaged couples as well. In fact, there is a section directed to engaged and newlywed couples on topics such as money, finances and having a baby.

Along with writing the booklet, Jake has developed a marriage seminar based on the subject matter in “The Marriage Cookbook.” Seminars are for one evening and last about two hours. He does not charge a speaking fee and has designed the seminars to be interactive and fun while expanding on the topics in “The Marriage Cookbook.” I would encourage pastors or those leaders who minister to young married adults to contact Jake and schedule a “Marriage Cookbook” seminar at your church.

To order “The Marriage Cookbook,” you can visit TheMarriageCookbook.weebly.com. The cost of the booklet is $5, which covers mailing as well. To schedule a seminar or to find out more information, you can contact Jake at TheMarriageCookbook@gmail.com.

Alline Kent can be contacted at 396-2467 or allinekent@cox.net

This story was originally published September 15, 2015 at 10:39 PM with the headline "KENT: Midstate man writes booklet with marriage tips ."