For Better or For Worse

Reading Guides

Reading Group Guide

1. Carly thought she was running the wedding chapel because it's what she wanted to do. She later realized she was merely attempting to keep her husband's ministry alive. Are you following God's plan for your life or are you living out someone else's plan?
   
2. Control seemed to be a problem for everyone else, or so Carly thought. After a time of reflection and prayer, she began to see it was her problem as well. Do you have someone or something that you are struggling to release control of? What can you do about that?
   
3. Marco and Carly interfered with their kids' relationship and made things worse for a while. They realized that some people just have to make their own mistakes. Though it's hard to stand by and watch it happen, prayer, love, and support will go a long way in helping others work through their wrong decisions. Are you taking your concerns to God in prayer?
   
4. While Carly struggled with control, she also struggled with "being controlled." She realized it was time to stand on her own two feet and face her problems--with God's help. Have you ever asked God to help you overcome problems in your personality; to help save you from yourself?
   
5. Sometimes when we see someone we love making bad choices, we say things we shouldn't or we keep silent when we need to say the hard thing. Carly learned that the important thing to do is to check her motive. When you face difficult confrontations, do you pray for God's guidance?
   
6. Carly knew if Marco didn't get his heart right with God, she had to let him go. Is there anyone in your life that you need to surrender to God's sovereignty? Have you ever walked away from a love who couldn't get his relationship with God in order? Was it the right decision?
   
7. Good advice from Godly people can get us through the tough times, but there are those decisions that, with God's help, only we can make. Logan was a good man, and so was Marco. But only one could have Carly's heart. Have you asked God to help you with a decision you're facing?
   
8. Carly had a wonderful marriage--though not perfect--the first time around. She found it hard to find true love the second time around, though she did. She knew true love commanded a commitment that defied divorce papers and life's challenges. Are you struggling with your marriage? Are you actively trying to make it better?
   
9. When life gets hard, it's easy to retreat into ourselves and withdraw from others. At the beginning of the book, Carly lived alone, but things soon changed and she found herself caring for an elderly father and troubled daughter. While reaching out to others presented their own challenges, her life was richer for the journey. Are you reaching out?
   
10. Life can bring changes that only God can get us through. Are you facing a hard situation with no hope in sight? Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Will you let Him be your strength today?
    
11. Roseanne was a friend who stood by Carly through the good and bad times of her life. Do you have a "Roseanne" in your life? Are you a Roseanne to someone else?
    
12. Some relationships don't blossom as easily as others. Carly wanted a close relationship with her daughter, but there were walls between them. She was finally able to break through the walls, which began the healing between them. Do you need to heal from some relationships in your life?
    
13. Matt and Sophia were committed to each other, despite their parents' concerns. Do you think Carly and Marco handled things the right way? Would you have handled it differently? If so, how?
    
14. Marco had been hurt and was afraid to trust again. He found that only by taking a risk, could he ever know love again. Are you holding back in a relationship for fear of being hurt? Is it time to reconsider?
    
15. Martin, Carly's dad, was sixty-five, but he didn't let that stop him from living. He enjoyed life to the fullest. Do you thank God for every day for all He gives ? Do you live life fully as a gift back to Him? If not, why not start today?

Until next time, remember to love others "For Better or For Worse"-it just may make all the difference in your journey!