God’s High Calling For Women by John MacArthur

God's High Calling For Women by John F. MacArthur Jr.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

This short, 87 page book is an easy-to-read unpacking and explanation of 1 Timothy 2:9-15. It is like a mini commentary in the way that it digs into the passage, yet still flows like an easy reading book. In 4 short chapters John MacArthur explains the Biblical role of women as we find in 1 Timothy.

I personally appreciated the simplicity of this book - it's a "get in and get out" kind of read. In two hours I was able to read the entire book and take notes while really being impacted by it's message. While there are no lists of things to do or steps to take for change, learning the depth of what this passage means is enough to cultivate a desire for growth and/or change if you truly want to apply Scripture to your life. At the end of each chapter there is a short "Review" section that asks questions on what you read and helps you retain more and also would make a great discussion guide for a book club or Bible study.

I highly recommend this book to any woman or teen girl and think that it is a great individual read or perfect for discipleship or Bible study settings. It is a fabulous de-funking of false beliefs on women being second class in the Bible and a wonderful re-building of the high call God has placed on a woman's life.

Intimate Issues by Lorraine Pintus and Linda Dillow

Intimate Issues: Twenty-One Questions Christian Women Ask About Sex by Linda Dillow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

There are some things that are just plain tricky to talk about. The topic of sex is probably on the top of that list. However, Lorraine and Linda have creatively, sensitively, and beautifully written a book that addresses the issue of sexual intimacy in marriage in a way that is respectful and honest. I appreciate their hard work to compile a comprehensive book about sex that is biblical, appropriate, and God-glorifying.

I believe that this book can and will minister to the heart of any woman no matter what her background and past experiences are as long as she desires to grow in her understanding of God's gift of sex. If you truly long to grow and change, you will enjoy and be encouraged by this study of intimacy. But if you are looking for a way to back-up your personal opinions you will find yourself chafing against the content of this book.

The authors start off by building a foundational understanding of what sex is and what God thinks about it as found in Scripture. From there the book moves through three phases - general understanding and core beliefs, dealing with personal issues and problems, and finally practical application and help for growing more Christ-like in your marriage. They deal with heavy topics such as pornography and the affect of abortion, to recapturing passion, and what's not okay in the marriage bed. Their sensitive and friend-to-friend approach will calm you, encourage you, and help you walk away with at least one area to work on your own marriage even if you have read every other marriage/sex book out there.

Intimate Issues includes a 12 week Bible study that can be used for personal growth or in a small group setting. I highly recommend this book to any woman who is married or counseling married women. For those who desire to become more like Christ in every area of their life this is a "must read".

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You can visit the Intimate Issues website here.

A Wife/Husband After God’s Own Heart by Jim & Elizabeth George

Welcome to Day 6 of the After God’s Own Heart post series!

A Wife After God's Own Heart: 12 Things That Really Matter in Your Marriage by Elizabeth George
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

In these more specific books, Jim and Elizabeth George dig deeper into what being a Biblical husband and wife really mean and looks like. I enjoy their honest yet considerate and respectful approach to the wide variety of issues in marriage as they pertain to each the role. They are gentle yet firm and stas true to the Word of God.

I personally liked how these books were basic yet broad at the same time. They were also deep yet easy to understand and apply as well. They push spiritual growth based on the truth - the Bible.

Both of these books are great to be used on an individual basis, in counseling/mentoring situations, as group studies, and as a couple. They would also make some great pre-marital or newlywed counseling material to work through.

BOOK OVERVIEWS:

A WIFE AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART

One secret to marital bliss is for a wife to love her husband the way God designed for her to love him—even with his shortcomings. God hasn’t called a woman to change her husband, but to focus on her calling as a wife. And the rewards for doing so are rich! Elizabeth provides valuable and practical insights on 12 key areas of a marriage, including...

* What it means to be a husband’s helper
* What submission is and isn’t
* Nurturing joy in your home and family
* Excelling in your work...and making time for fun as a couple!

This book can be used alongside A Husband After God’s Own Heart, or as a stand–alone volume.

A HUSBAND AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART

The closer a husband is to God, the closer he will grow to his wife. That’s why it’s so vital for husbands to pursue God’s heart and get to know His perfect design for the man’s role in the marriage relationship. Husbands will find their marriages growing richer and deeper as they discover how to...

* win a wife’s heart through loving leadership
* enjoy better communication through careful listening
* build a happier home through wise guidance
* encourage the family’s spiritual growth by example
* excel at a career without sacrificing family priorities

Jim George addresses 12 areas of a husband’s life, providing men with powerful and practical applications for becoming a husband after God’s own heart. Includes a helpful study guide.

Marriage Forecasting by Tim Muehlhoff

Marriage Forecasting: Changing the Climate of Your Relationship One Conversation at a Time by Tim Muehlhoff
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Marriage Forecasting is all about the conversations you have, and how you have them, as a married couple. Tim will guide you through some of the biggest troubles that we encounter when trying to talk with our spouse and show you some great ways to improve your conversations - the easy ones and the hard ones.

I appreciated this book for how Tim challenges us to look at marriage through the lense of Scripture and understand that a marriage is not a stepping stone but a one-time commitment. Muehlohoff writes with clarity, humor, and reality. I found this book easy to read and easy to understand. It contained some great practical application along with his philosophy rather than bore you with just another opinion.

Most couples who have a "good" relationship will both enjoy and learn from this book and be able to change the climate of their conversation and communication skills for the better. However, I recommend caution in that if you are part of a marriage that is struggling at the moment to seek the counsel of a Biblical Counselor before reading this book. While this book can help with some great principles, it is important to first correct the foundation of your marriage before trying to fix more "cosmetic" issues.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

What’s the forecast for your marriage? Marriages are as variable as the weather, and every marriage has a climate. Some are chilly and lack intimacy. Others are stormy and filled with conflict. But while the weather outdoors is beyond our control, the communication climates within our homes can be changed--for the better. Communication specialist Tim Muehlhoff offers simple strategies for improving the climate of a marriage. Our individual words and actions always take place within an overall atmosphere of expectations. Without a healthy climate of trust, we are prone to miscommunication and misunderstanding. Muehlhoff shows how to take an accurate climate reading of a relationship and explains what causes climates of poor communication. With current research on marital communication, listening skills, empathy and conflict resolution, Marriage Forecasting provides practical ways for couples to rebuild a warm relational climate. Don’t just talk about the weather. Break the cold front, clear the fog, and change the extended outlook for your marriage.

You can download a excerpt of this book by clicking here.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of IVP Books but the opinion expressed is strictly that of my own.

Without A Word by Jill Kelly

Without a Word by Jill Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I grew up in NY and the Buffalo Bills were "my" team. I even went to got my Jim Kelly trading card autographed one time when I was about 12! So it was with great interest that I listened to this audio book.

First of all I really enjoyed the fact that Jill Kelly read her own book. The vocal expression was wonderful and it was easier to listen to knowing that how she said what she said, was how she meant it. I also enjoyed hearing the voices of Jim, Erin, and Cameron as well.

Jill - and the whole family, really - were so open and vulnerable in this book and their story is amazing! It's a testament to God's amazing love and goodness. I was touched by their honesty, inspired by their passion, and encouraged by their journey to the Savior.

If you want to more about the Kelly family or just simple want a good biography to listen to, this is a perfect one to select.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

“Your son has been diagnosed with a fatal genetic disease called Krabbe Leukodystrophy. There is no treatment and no cure. I will do everything I can to help your son. But the disease has already progressed so fast that I don’t think he will live to see his second birthday.” With these words, pro football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly and his wife, Jill, were catapulted from a seemingly fairy-tale life of celebrity into a world of private struggle and medical uncertainty. What the public didn’t know, however, was that behind the scenes lurked more than a family’s pain at the dire prognosis of their only son. Hunter’s illness exposed the troubled depths of a marriage that had long been shadowed by uncertainties of its own. For eight years the future was unwritten, with Hunter defying all medical odds and his parents pursuing every means to save his life. Meanwhile, Jim and Jill’s marriage continued to fail yet was held together only by their love for their kids and their determined hope for Hunter. Though Hunter’s illness prevented him from ever speaking a word, his will and unconditional love spoke volumes to his family and all who knew him. And in time, the light of Hunter’s silent, all-too-brief life shone into the darkened corners of Jim and Jill’s lives, leading them to authentic faith, a restored relationship, and the establishment of a foundation that is reaching other families with terminally ill children around the world. Without a Word transparently shares it all: The heartbreaking moments . . . and those Jill would love to relive. Moments that add up to a time filled with unimaginable pain . . . and indescribable joy. Moments that silently transformed the hearts of every member of her family . . . and changed their lives forever. Moments that may even change your heart and life, too.

BOOK DETAILS:

Published by: Oasis Audio
ISBN:9781598597943
Price: $25.99

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio but the opinion expressed is my own.

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Alone In Marriage

Alone in Marriage: Walking with God When It's All Up to You by Susie Larson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I didn't even have to finish the first chapter of this book to know that it was a good book.

Really good.

Like the overview below says, there are many books available for those who have crumbling marriages, yet few for those who are committed to sticking it out no matter what. Susie Larson comes along the woman who is lonely, frustrated, angry, bitter, hurting, or fearful and wraps her arms around her while sharing where, how, and why the Bible has answers.

While I have had and do have a great marriage to my husband, Justin, there still have been moments when I have felt slightly alone. This books is encouraging for any woman no matter the degree, length, or circumstances surrounding her feelings of being along in her marriage. Every marriage will go through seasons of this and Susie has written this book to be there for you in those times.

She deals with the real emotions you feel - anger, self-pity, fear, and worry. And she also shows us how God can use our disappointments, loneliness, and more to help us grow in our walk with Him.

This book is easy-to-read and has such a comforting feel and flair to it. Each chapter is ended by practical application for the hard situation you may find yourself in as well as a little homework to get you into God's Word concerning your problem. And don't let that scare you from reading it!

Maybe you are just so busy you feel like you and your husband are sort of just drifting along and that causes you to be lonely in your marriage. Or maybe you are at complete odds and feel all alone in a marriage made for two. Whatever your situation and circumstances...please, please, please go buy this book and read it. If you can relate to the title of this book in the tiniest way...it's meant for you.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Books abound for those whose marriages are crumbling or have ended. But what about those marriages committed “’til death do us part” and yet are going through a period of time when one spouse is carrying the burden? What happens to a woman when marriage gets heavy and she gets weary? Often, when a woman ends up carrying the weight of the marriage (due to her husband’s health, choices, workload, etc.), her tendency is to “get out or check out.”

She may consider her husband’s distraction an opportunity to do her own thing. But is there a better way to walk through this season? Even thrive? Susie Larson stands in as an encouraging friend, walking with you, helping you to discern how anxiety and anger will slow you down; and how loneliness and disappointment can actually refine and bless you. You will be challenged and inspired as you wrap your arms around this time and remember that God has His arms around you.

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This book was provided for review courtesy Moody Publishers but the opinions expressed are my own.  You can purchase this book here.

God Strong by Sara Horn

God Strong by Sara Horn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I can't imagine how hard it is to be a military wife, but I do know that I am extremely thankful for each wife who sacrifices for me by facing the challenges on the home front while their husbands serve the USA. I am also very thankful for Sara Horn and her excellent resource of encouragement, hope, and help in the low times for the women who do know what it means to be a military wife.

God Strong is a 238 page spiritual survival guide for women who have a husband who serves our country in any military capacity. This guide addresses real issues and challenges that a military wife faces in 10 easy-to-read chapters. Each chapter is then followed by Strength Builders which gives quick access to verses pertaining to the topic at hand as well as Strength Trainers which provide questions for thought and application of the topic. I especially liked the Survival Sisters section which gives real life stories and comfort from other women in the trenches of military wife life.

I give this book 4 stars for being a solid friend and comfort for those women facing the challenges known only to them as wives military men.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Currently, more than one million military wives care for their families and their homes, often while their husbands are deployed out of state or overseas for months at a time. These women can experience a roller coaster of emotions including disappointment, loneliness, and fear. Sara Horn, the wife of a navy reservist, understands the challenges these women face. She knows how to talk about faith and spiritual truths through the filter of military life. In her encouraging book, Horn shares her personal stories, as well as wisdom and anecdotes of other wives from all branches of service. She reminds readers that: • God is in control. • You can have joy, no matter what. • Superwomen get grace, too. • God knows where you hurt. Horn’s reliance on Scripture and confidence in God’s comfort during difficult times will remind military wives they don’t have to be an army of one when they are God Strong.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Zondervan, but the opinions expressed are my own.

Radical Womanhood by Carolyn McCulley

Radical Womanhood: Feminine Faith in a Feminist World by Carolyn McCulley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Radical Womanhood could radically change your thinking on what it means to be a woman!

Carolyn McCulley has written an eloquent and comprehensive, yet straight-forward and simply-stated book on how the feminist movement has altered womanhood and the role that women have in our culture today. This book is both informative as well as challenging. I greatly enjoyed how Carolyn would share the background of the feminist movement and how it has impacted a specific aspect of womanhood before addressing the Biblical side of that issue. This book is not another "Bible thumping message", but rather a probing look into how the feminist movement disconnected from the radical design of God for women.

Carolyn's approach is gentle, knowledgeable, sensitive, respectful, and simple. I appreciated that she is not another "old woman" passing on tradition, but rather a highly studied student of this topic from both sides of the issue. She does not merely write from a stereotypical conservative view point, but one based solidly on Scripture.

Radical Womanhood is 8 chapters long and addresses a thorough overview of the feminist movement, what our problem really is, what the rolls of both men and woman are, how the movement has impacted life across the spectrum, and much more. This book is incredibly empowering and helps you understand the background to various beliefs about the process and history of feminism. Each chapter is followed by a short personal story of a woman that illustrates the message talked about in the previous pages. They bring a sense of community to this book as you read about the struggles and victories of other woman grappling with the same things you may be wrestling through. You gain an emotional and real-life view of Biblical principles being lived out in the real world.

The were many challenges and encouragements that I walked away with, but one thing that seemed to stand out above all was when Carolyn shared that there is a difference between fighting for woman's rights - restoring their God-given rights - and setting women above both men and God. This is not your "be-a-doormat-and-serve-your-husband-without-question" book, this is a call to be Radical Women!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Biblical womanhood is not for the weak. In an age that seeks to obliterate God and His authority, modeling biblical womanhood involves spiritual warfare. Radical Womanhood seeks to equip new believers and long-time Christians alike, exposing the anti-God agenda of the three waves of feminism to date and presenting the pro-woman truth of the Scriptures. Illustrated with numerous personal testimonies, this book will dig deep into the Word and show how it can be lived out today. The foundation and core message of Radical Womanhood is consistent with the traditional complementarian teaching on biblical womanhood. However, the target audience, tone, and style are radically different. Most books on this subject take a heavily didactic tone that assumes an awareness of Christian lingo and a high degree of spiritual maturity. Radical Womanhood has the narrative approach appreciated by postmodern readers, but still incorporates solid, biblically-based teaching for personal application and growth.

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You can view my chapter-by-chapter vlog reviews by clicking on the following links:

Chapter One   - Chapter Two 
Chapter Three  -  Chapter Four
Chapter Five  -  Chapter Six 
Chapter Seven  -  Chapter Eight

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This review copy was provided by Moody Publishers.  All opinions expressed are that of my own.

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This book gets awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction  - Best Of The Best Badge! - for the fact that because it is so good, it has been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!

What Did You Expect by Paul David Tripp

What Did You Expect?: Redeeming the Realities of Marriage by Paul David Tripp

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

What Did You Expect? is the newest book on my "Top Books About Marriage" shelf. Pastor Paul Tripp digs into marriage and what it means for two sinners to be united from a true Biblical perspective.

It would take me way too long to even try to explain what I appreciate about this book, so instead I will just say that it is encouraging, convicting, challenging, uplifting, refreshing, and comforting. Understanding why we face some of the problems we do in marriage is a wonderful encouragement, and it's comforting to know that we are not alone in all of this. Tripp talks about Biblical principles and gives direct application for immediate use in our marriages.

This book should be a must-read for all couples considering marriage. It's what I would consider the text book for Christian marriages. The audio version - which I "read" - makes it easy for people who don't like to read still glean from this amazing resource.

The narration is wonderful and easy to listen to. It's a great way to feed your mind, and your marriage, while doing something else around the house.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Marriage, according to Scripture, will always involve two flawed people living with each other in a fallen world. Yet, in pastor Paul Tripp's professional experience, the majority of couples enter marriage with unrealistic expectations, leaving them unprepared for the day-to-day realities of married life.

This unique book introduces a biblical and practical approach to those realities that is rooted in God's faithfulness and Scripture's teaching on sin and grace. "Spouses need to be reconciled to each other and to God on a daily basis," Tripp declares. "Since we're always sinners married to sinners, reconciliation isn't just the right response in moments of failure. It must be the lifestyle of any healthy marriage."

What Did You Expect? presents six practical commitments that give shape and momentum to such a lifestyle. These commitments, which include honestly facing sin, weakness, and failure; willingness to change; and embodying Christ's love, will equip couples to develop a thriving, grace-based marriage in all circumstances and seasons of their relationship.

AUTHOR BIO:

Paul Tripp is the president of Paul Tripp Ministries, a nonprofit organization, whose mission statement is "Connecting the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life." This mission leads Paul to weekly speaking engagements around the world. In addition to being a gifted communicator and sought after conference speaker with Paul Tripp Ministries, Paul is on the pastoral staff at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he preaches on Sunday evenings and leads the Ministry to Center City. Paul is also professor of pastoral life and care at Redeemer Seminary in Dallas, Texas. He is the director of the Center for Pastoral Life and Care in Fort Worth, Texas, and has taught at respected institutions worldwide. As an author, Paul has written eleven books on Christian Living that are read and distributed internationally, including Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands; War of Words; Broken Down House; and Crossway's Whiter Than Snow. He has been married for many years to Luella and they have four grown children. For more information and resources visit www.paultrippministries.org.

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This review was provided courtesy of christianaudio reviewers program.

Happily Ever Laughter by Ken Davis

Happily Ever Laughter: Discovering the Lighter Side of Marriage by Ken Davis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Happily Ever Laughter will have you laughing till your sides split!

Ken Davis is the general editor of this book that holds stories by a variety of authors such as Jeff Allen, Chonda Pierce, Kendra Smiley, Bob Stromberg, and others. The short chapters each tell a great story and then are followed by a brief paragraph called "Laugh Lessons".

The focus of this book - you couldn't tell by the title - is the humorous side to marriage. And Ladies, your husband will enjoy this, too! I had a great time reading some of the stories out loud to my husband and at one point I was laughing so hard I was gasping for air and crying! Reading a chapter each night before bed would definitely be a great way to end the evening and melt a few calories away with laughter. It would also make a great anniversary gift to any couple.

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This review copy was provided by Tyndale House Publishers.

Sleep, It Does A Family Good, by Archibald D. Hart

Sleep, It Does a Family Good: How Busy Families Can Overcome Sleep Deprivation by Archibald D. Hart

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Is your family sleep deprived?

You may not even know if you are! In this book Dr. Archibald Hart talks about the signs and symptoms of people and families who are deprived of sleep and shares how to "fix" the problem as well. The main point is: "The family that sleeps well, lives well", and even "Just because your family doesn't feel tired doesn't mean that don't have a problem".

Dr. Hart's book is a fascinating look sleep and our view of sleep. I greatly appreciated his informative approach and simple ways of expressing the problem and presenting the solutions. I was also amazed at the amount of problems and physical ailments/disabilities that have a high probability of being linked to not enough sleep. But as amazed as I was, I believe it because I can see what a lack of sleep does in my own life.

I think this is a MUST READ for anyone, but especially for married couples and parents. There is plenty of practical application and tips to help you start sleeping better now. For parents, I highly recommend you read this along with the book: On Becoming Babywise.

Overall, I think this is a great book. There were a few things I didn't agree with the author on, but it was more application than theory and I would still highly recommend this book for EVERYONE!

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This book was provided for review courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers. The review is my own opinion.

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The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers

The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sierra Madrid.

Mary Kathryn McMurray.

Two woman who share some family ties, yet who are separated in history. Yet God used the journal of one to bring encouragement from the past to the current life of Sierra. Can both woman find the hope that is in Christ through the difficult trials of life?

I enjoyed how Francine Rivers wove together the lives of two woman who shared family heritage but never met face to face. She created a touching story of forgiveness and reconciliation with Christ as the scarlet thread that ties it all together.

This book is a bit slow starting out and I found that the audio version was the best fit for me in reading this great novel.

The Busy Couple’s Guide to Sharing the Work and the Joy by Kathy Peel

The Busy Couple's Guide to Sharing the Work and the Joy by Kathy Peel

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Busy Couple's Guide to Sharing the Work and the Joy was not at all what I expected. I did expect tips on how to manage the household as a married couple, but this went beyond that in a very helpful and practical way. This book was better than I expected!

Kathy, along with some tips from her husband, Bill, has written an easy-to-read and an easy-to-use book that will help any couple think through seven areas of every day life. It is packed full of tips, and advice, along with recommendations for resources, and simple worksheets to aid in organizing your life.

The seven areas of management are:
-Your Time and Schedule
-Your Home and Property
-Menus and Meals
-Relationships with Family and Friends
-Finances -Special Events
-Yourself

This book is great to read by yourself or with your spouse. If you have a spouse that does not like to read you may still be able to get them to look at a section or two. Kathy has broken the content down into fun sections within the chapters which can be read in a minute or two. The Busy Couple's Guide can be read by any couple - newlyweds or couples ready to celebrate 20 years, and by those with kids or without kids. There is help in here for whatever stage of marriage you are in. It would also be a good book for engaged couples to read through before marriage. Kathy and Bill bring up topics and questions that most couples would not think of until it becomes the focus of an argument!

While organization and household management can be weighty topics for some, this book will have your relaxing while reading about it all. The sidebars offer quick and catchy tips of various kinds through out the book and the layout is smooth and refreshing. The Busy Couple's Guid to Sharing the Work and the Joy should be in every couple's marriage toolbox.

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This review copy was courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers.

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For more books about organization, check these out!

Marriage: Whose Dreams? by Paul David Tripp

Marriage: Whose Dreams by Paul David Tripp

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Is your marriage on the verge of breaking? Do you feel like you're being tossed against the rocks on a seashore?

Do you love your spouse yet feel like there is something missing? Are you longing to experience passion again?

Marriage: Whose Dreams? is a short booklet that will help you answer those questions and redirect your thoughts to the purpose of marriage according to God.

In 17 small and simple pages, Paul David Tripp leads you through several passages found in John and in 1 Peter to show you the meaning of your marriage and how you can rejoice no-matter the state of your marriage.

Sit down for 20 minutes and have your thoughts and heart be re-focused on God and His plan for your marriage.

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• The Language Of Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs (thetrenchesofmotherhood.blogspot.com)

Shades Of Blue by Karen Kingsbury

Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It won't be until the end of the book that you understand the title of this book - Shade Of Blue - but in normal Karen Kingsbury fashion, you will quickly be swept up into this story of struggle.

Brad, Emma, and Laura, the main characters, face betrayal, hurt, and forgiveness in a depth that will touch your heart and move you to action in your own life and in your own circumstances.

The focus of this book is on abortion. Karen has written in a way that will bring compassion and comfort to those who have had an abortion and give greater understanding to those who have not.

I almost didn't read this book, but am so glad I did. As I read, I cried more than I ever have with any other book. It's heart-wrenching and comforting all at the same time.

My one caution for this book is in the age of those reading it. Due to the intense nature of the topic I would highly recommend no one under 16 read it, or at least as the parent/guardian read it prior to them.

This will be story I have my daughters read when they get older because of the way Karen was able to capture the emotion of before and after that terrible day in the life of Brad and Emma.

The Language Of Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

The Language of Love and Respect: Cracking the Communication Code with Your Mate by Emerson Eggerichs

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In The Language Of Love & Respect you will learn how important communication is in your marriage and how you can crack what seems to be a complicated code.

Dr. Emerson Eggerichs explains the various cycles that take place in a marriage and how they apply to our lives. If you feel like you are in the crazy cycle, reading this book will help you head in the right direction to energize your marriage rather than drain it.

I enjoy Dr. Eggerichs word picture of how woman hear and see in pink and men hear and see in blue and when you blend them you have God's purple.

I found the balance and encouragement in this book to be helpful and easily applicable.Any couple at any stage of marriage will benefit from this book and the advice of Dr. Eggerichs.

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Thank you to Thomas Nelson for this review copy.  You can read here about more books published by Thomas Nelson.

Seven Reasons Why God Created Marriage

Seven Reasons Why God Created Marriage by James Ford

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pastor James Ford has written what I now consider to be one of the best books on marriage I have ever read. He has taken solid Biblical theology and principles and woven them with personal testimony and examples to present seven reasons for why God created marriage.

These seven reasons for God's creation of marriage are:

• The Pattern Of The Trinity
• A Partnership In God
• The Perfecting Reason
• The Procreation Reason
• The Pleasure Reason
• The Reason For Purity
• A Picture Of Christ And His Church

Even after reading many good books on marriage, these seven reasons challenged and convicted my thinking concerning my own marriage. His use of the lock and key word picture on page 67, helps you begin to understand the depth and intimacy of marriage as God designed it to be. Do not brush this off as "just another marriage book"! This book could, and will, change your thinking and in turn be part of the catalyst to revolutionize your marriage.

Each chapter is ended by a very brief "Making It Happen" section that gives questions to think about and actions to take in applying what you just read. At the end of the book you will find an appendix titled The Erosion Of Marriage which lists ten reasons for the decay we face in our marriages. I found this extremely helpful and convicting.

If you are engaged, a newlywed, or perhaps only just thinking about getting married, you NEED to read this book. For those of you who are enduring turbulent times, or for the few that are happily married, this book will open your eyes to how even the best marriages can be better when you understand why God created marriage.

No matter what season your marriage is in you can benefit by reading what Pastor Ford shares from the Word of God. As he says on page 37: "Before there is one marriage, there needs to be two funerals".

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  

James Ford Jr. has been the senior pastor at Christ Bible Church, located on the south side of Chicago, Illinois, since 1982. He serves on the Alumni Board of Moody Bible Institute and is President of Impact Ministries. Pastor Ford is contributor in the book Heart For the City and has also authored When a Man Loves a Woman. He and his wife, Leslie, have three children and six grandchildren.

(Thanks to Moody Publishing for the copy for review.)

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If this review has been helpful please leave me a comment!  For more great reads on the topic of marriage click HERE to join me at my Book Review Blog: To Read, Or Not To Read.

The God Empowered Wife

The God Empowered Wife: How Strong Women Can Help Their Husbands Become Godly Leaders by K. B. Haught


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
How would you describe yourself? Independent? Strong? Decisive? Spunky? Confident? Hard working? Responsible? Natural Leader?

If you would apply any one, or combination, of those words to yourself then this book is what you need to read. NOW! K.B. Haught uses her tragic testimony to encourage others to understand and grasp God's plan for us strong women. God made no mistake in how He made us, we just need to understand how He wants to use us.

I have read many solid Christian books about being the wife that God wants me to be, but this one touched my heart on several points that I have never before been able to fully understand. If you want to be a wife that brings glory to God then this book is a must read for you. And when you do read it, be sure to comment on it. I would love to hear other thoughts about what you learned.

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The Five Love Languages

The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate by Gary Chapman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book and learning about HOW to show love towards other people. Knowing and saying that you love someone is one thing, but showing it to them in a way that they can grasp and "feel the love" is a whole nother story. If you want to learn how to love the people in your life, specifically your spouse, then this is a book you should read. You will identify your love language and that of your spouse and soon find yourself relating to each other better if you will only work on it.

Love As A Way Of Life

Love as a Way of Life: The Seven Secrets Behind Every Language of Love by Gary Chapman

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In reading this book I was challenged to re-evaluate how I show love to people in my life. Dr. Chapman's walk through Kindness, Patience, Forgivness, Courtesy, Humility, Generosity, and Honesty is rather simple, yet is a good reminder of how we should be fleshing these qualities out each and every day. This is a good book to read or listen to as a refresher course on loving others to stir up our passion for doing so and our creativity in doing so. The fact that there is a book on the market that addresses this topic in such a simple way is sad evidence to the lack of basic love and compassion in people. While I know that it is due to the fact that we are all sinners, I do hope that we can teach our children these basic principles that I remember growing up learning. We shouldn't be adults needing to read this book to learn about it. It should be as I said before: a refresher course. But if not, and you are learning about love for the first time, this is a good book to start with.