I’ve been thrilled about the response to “Before You Get Engaged” and wanted to share a few of the reviews/responses I received recently…

Are you desperately, passionately in love?  Are you convinced that you’ve met your “knight in shining armor” or your beautiful “princess bride?”  Before you take the next step, you must read this book.  Why?  Because far too many love-struck couples get engaged without taking the time to seriously consider if: 1) they are truly ready for marriage; and 2) the person they are dating will make a good marriage partner.

Dave Gudgel is committed to helping you enter into engagement with your eyes wide open.  He wants you to have the vital, life-long marriage that God intends for you to have.  So before you get engaged—get this book!

Dr. Bill Maier
Vice-president and Psychologist in Residence, Focus on the Family

Wow this book is the total package!  Not only is it a primer for what a healthy marriage should look like, it also offers insights from the wise counselor and the almost engaged.  Anyone considering marriage would benefit from this book.  Thanks, Gudgels!

Bill Butterworth
Creative Solutions

As a graduate student in a serious relationship, this book was a blessing from God. For the past two years I have been seeking God’s direction concerning potential marriage possibilities with my girlfriend. This book has been the answer to my prayers. Dave Gudgel’s fascinating book is easy to read and incredibly entertaining. Mixing biblical truth with personal stories spoke volumes into my life and was extremely helpful as I was able to relate to many of the thoughts, feelings, and situations presented.  I truly believe I am better prepared to move forward in my relationship as a result of this book. Seeking God’s guidance and remaining faithful to Him, I look forward to great things to come.

Peter (28 years old)
Virginia

Before You Get Engaged is an insightful book that emphasizes the emotional, physical, and spiritual completion one must have before considering engagement. In every chapter, Gudgel intertwines many different personal stories, as well as a side commentary from his son Brent and girlfriend Danielle Fitch who are considering engagement.  Through these stories, the reader can easily relate to the complications that emerge in serious relationships. Not only does Gudgel include important questions, he provides a series of answers in order for all couples to discover their own unique answer. Although I am not personally in a relationship, after reading this book I know what to look for, question, and confirm in the future when I do find that special someone.

I really enjoyed reading your book, especially since my oldest sister is in a serious relationship that might turn to engagement.

May (18 years old)
Phoenix, AZ

“This book spoke directly to me as I read it while I was going through
a transition out of a three year relationship.  Brent and
Danielle’s story gave me the hope and encouragement to move forward
through the rough times and put God back at the center of my life.”

Corey (28 Years Old)
Los Angeles, CA

“Before You Get Engaged addresses life priorities that can sometimes get a little out of whack in what my best friend calls the ‘initial love fog.’ It asks valid questions, questions that come from others that have already been married and divorced. How is my relationship better or more solid than theirs? It made me feel ok for having the same questions. It’s a very exciting and somewhat scary time, not in a bad way, but in a way that you just want the very best for you and this person that you love. Enticing, encouraging, and an easy read, it was engagement from a different, very positive perspective.  I can’t wait for my guy to read it!”

Jorden (Age 26)
Dallas, TX

Before You Get Engaged was also written with my son Brent, and his girlfriend (at the time) Danielle. Here’s a little more about them.

BRENT GUDGEL - Brent is a filmmaker in Los Angeles. An owner of the production company Chronicle Project, he directed the award-winning documentary Dear Francis, which continues to air on Showtime and The Movie Channel throughout 2008. The film is about the most HIV-infected nation in the world, Swaziland, and has also been used by non-profits, universities, and shurches across the country. He has also worked in over 20 countries for clients including Ford, Saddleback Church, Azusa Pacific University, and Union rescue Mission. When not on a set, Brent occasionally travels to conferences, colleges, camps, and churches across America to speak about social justice. Lately Brent has been directing the Deidox documentary series, telling true stories of how God is active in the world today.

When they started writing this book, Brent was dating Danielle Fitch…

DANIELLE FITCH - Danielle is a graduate from Azusa Pacific University where she studied English and teaching. She has been involved in the church and non-profit world most of her life in some capacity, and she is subsequently committed to international, social, and environmental causes. One of her most important experiences has been in the country of Ethiopia in intervals during her teen and college years. She hopes to do something important for Jesus, whatever that may end up being.

Brent and Danielle both agreed to work on the book while they were considering getting engaged.

Evidently the book helped. Brent and Danielle were married at the end of 2007.

LINKS TO OTHER WEBPAGES
Chronicle Project
Dear Francis

The following guides to supplement the Before You Get Engaged book are free and for your use in classes, counseling, or seminar formats. These can be divided up and used any way you like. The notes are set up for three counseling or teaching sessions, or for a morning Before You Get Engaged Seminar.

Pre-Engagement Notes for Teachers or Counselors
Session 1 - Teacher or Counselor notes [doc] [pdf]
Session 2 - Teacher or Counselor notes [doc] [pdf]
Session 3 - Teacher or Counselor notes [doc] [pdf]

Pre-Engagement Class Workbook
Week 1 - Engagement Class Workbook [doc]
Week 2 - Engagement Class Workbook [doc]
Week 3 - Engagement Class Workbook [doc]

Half Day Seminar Notes
Half Day Seminar [doc] [pdf]

The following “Personal Workbook,” designed to be used along with the Before You Get Engaged book, is free and for your personal use.

Personal Workbook [doc] [pdf]

For the launch of the book I’ve been doing lots of radio interviews and shows. Brought my son Brent along to film one of them.

The video doubles as a summary of what our book “Before You Get Engaged” is all about…