| For years I have watched people get married then | | | | presentation of a family Bible with information pages |
| divorced. Many people seem to think that marriage is a | | | | that can be passed on to future generations. Any civic, |
| temporary status and no commitment is necessary. | | | | social or religious organization that is interested |
| Yet when couples have children, resources and even | | | | promoting everlasting marriage may honor a couple |
| pets, divorces cause problems. Many counties and | | | | who has plans for nuptial bliss. A facilitator may be |
| cities are now requiring premarital counseling because | | | | chosen by the organization to coordinate the event. |
| divorces rates continue to increase in our society. | | | | The honorees may be members of the organization or |
| Discounts on marriage licenses are given to couples | | | | a couple that the group would like to extend best |
| who have had marriage counseling. Pastors of local | | | | wishes for marital bliss. A household shower and |
| churches often require engaged men and women to | | | | reception may follow the presentation. Guests may |
| attend counseling secessions before they will perform | | | | have the opportunity to give their advice and extend |
| the ceremony. For this reason, civic, social and religious | | | | congratulations. The couple is challenged to make a |
| organizations have found White Bible Ceremonies | | | | lifetime commitment and is presented a White Bible |
| ways to challenge couples to strive toward successful | | | | that can be passed to future generations.Pat |
| marriages.I have found that during a White Bible | | | | Strawbridge is a graduate of University of Mississippi, |
| Ceremony, the couple is given advice for successful | | | | MUW and done post graduate work at UTK. She and |
| marriage. The marital advice is based upon principles | | | | her husband, Drennon, live in Cleveland, TN near their |
| from the Bible, experts and personal experiences. The | | | | son, Mike and his wife, Janice, and two grandsons |
| advice-givers are people who have been successfully | | | | Scott and Will. White Bible Ceremonies for Couples: |
| married for several years. The characteristics of a | | | | Advice for Successful Marriage is available in manuel |
| successful marriage are presented in the form of | | | | form with instructions or CD with photos, instructions |
| object lessons to help the couple remember the | | | | and suggestions. |
| advice. The highlight of a White Bible Ceremony is the | | | | |