By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway
Read all 7 Steps to Make Your Marriage Stronger at Wedlok.com

The best wedding present any couple can receive is a roadmap to their future--a marriage manual prepared especially for them.

This is a book that utilizes wisdom gained in the past yet casts and eye toward their future. It outlines what marriage will be like, how they can sidestep or deal with relationship and family issues, the path they will travel together, and what to do to keep love alive in times when life challenges the vows you make on your wedding day.

It would be something that paints a picture for the future they choose to share -- with words and images.

This is not a gift provided by your minister, priest, rabbi or family. Although clergy and loved ones may help you along, it is something that a couple must create for themselves. Your personal marriage manual is based on who you are as individuals, who you will become as a couple and what you plan to create together.

It's something that would include and acknowledge your vulnerable spots and provide a sense of direction in times of challenge. Although life throws its curves, a loving marriage, with a solid commitment as its foundation, can weather more than you'd imagine when you start off with a game plan and map out your intentions for the future. And it can be fun!

What you need: Buy a loose leaf note book, white and colorful loose leaf paper, scissors, glue and some pretty pens. Treat your manual like a very special homework assignment. You can do some of your writing on the computer, and later insert those pages in the manual, or write directly in the book, depending on what’s most comfortable for you both.

Find out more in Wedding Goddess. Order your autographed copy.