My So-Called Life As A Submissive Wife | Book Review

Submission.  That word strikes fear in the heart of any modern woman.  The question is…Why?  Well, when we think about submission, definitions that come to mind are: feeling like a slave, being a lesser member of society, and just basically being someone that forfeits our own self-worth to subject ourselves to others for their will.  There was a reason for the feminist movement and we aren't trying to go back in time. 

The definitions that we all think about are nothing in comparison to what God really has in store for you when taking that role.  Sara Horn finds this out first hand while taking on the task of living as a submissive wife in her new book My So-Called Life As A Submissive Wife.  She found out that true submission is becoming your husband’s helper and letting go of all the feelings of wanting to run everything. It’s about letting your husband have his God-given place in a household…the head of the household just as Christ is the head of the church.

Sara decided that after trying to be a Proverbs 31 wife, and writing her previous book about that journey, that she would take up the role of a submissive wife, one that the Bible says we should all be.  This is not a decision that should be taken lightly so she talked to her husband and they both decided that she would attempt this experiment.  Only after a few concerns from her husband.  He was not in the market for a doormat when he got married so he was a little weary of this experiment. 

During that year she went through a lot that would have tested her submissiveness such as living with her in-laws, buying a new house, dealing with a future deployment of her husband, a hurricane, her husband having surgery, and many more daily issues that we all have to deal with.  But, not once did she stop her experiment.  She allowed her husband to be the head of household like God had intended and let go of the reigns.  Letting go and letting her husband run everything was a big turning point for her.  She realized that letting go is a huge part of submission, but not always an easy one.

Now, Sara’s journey wasn’t smooth sailing.  There were plenty of times where she would get a little off track and falter while on her path, but she always found a way to get back on the path that God laid out for her with His help.  Sometimes she would make a big decision on her own and would later find that a submissive wife would consult their husband first and found that it was better that way.  She is not perfect and never claimed to be.

The title and subject of this book, alone, will turn some people off and that’s ok.  This book comes with a warning.  In the very first sentence Sara warns that this book isn’t for everyone.  It’s not a gimmick to get you to read her book or reverse psychology, and after reading it I understand why.  Not every woman will be ready for the way this book will change their lives.  Some are to busy ladder climbing at a cooperation that they will not even think twice about becoming a submissive wife.  She does address the whole “being equal to a man in the workplace” issue and I love what she had to say about that…”Maybe we’re really not supposed to be just like men.”  Taking care of our families starts in the home. 

I’m sure there are a few of you reading this that are really mad right about now and that’s quite alright.  Take the time to read the book for yourself and you just might find a new perspective on what your role in your marriage is.  Your husband’s helper.  You can still have a great career and be his helper at the same time.  You just have to find a perfect balance and with God’s help that will be possible.

This book will change your whole outlook on your marriage if you give it the chance.  I know it did in mine.  I see things that I was already doing that are part of a submissive wife and things I needed to change.  I am by no means a submissive person and actually got some really funny looks from members of my church and close friends that found it odd that I was reading this book.  But, I am extremely grateful that I did.  It has made me a better wife and mother and I have no regrets…not one!!!


*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harvest House Publishers for the purpose of this review.  All opinions are my own. *

For Women Only (Revised Edition) | Book Review

Do you want to understand your man more?  Who am I kidding, of course you do.  The newly revised edition of For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhanh helps with that.

Feldhanh surveyed many, many, men to help women understand them better.  These men have opened their minds and allowed her to see into the deepest depths of their minds where they hide they most sacred secrets. 

Their biggest secret is…..RESPECT. They all want to be respected and they perceive being loved by being respected. 

I know it sounds easy and most of us think we are already respecting our men but, there are some huge mistakes, we as women, make on a pretty regular basis.  We can bombard them with things when they walk through the door.  We can push them to have a conversation even while they are walking away and need time to think.  We can get emotional and blow up and all the while we are doing these things all we are doing is showing them that we don’t respect them.  Men have a lot to deal with (even when we think they don’t) and we can make their lives fairly hard when we don’t understand that. 

Feldhanh has revised an already wonderful book on how to love the men in our lives and create the relationships that we have always wanted.  This book is even good if you are raising a son.  You can raise him showing him the respect he will need to find when searching for a wife later in life. 

***I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.***

The Women's Study Bible (NIV) | Book Review

Thomas Nelson has released another wonderful Bible.  The Women’s Study Bible (NIV) has been complied with the hopes of encouraging women in their walk with God.

With this Bible being in one of the most popular translations, it is really easy to read and understand.  The publishers have included, in the footnotes of the pages, extra study notes to help you during your quiet time spent immersing yourself in the words of God. 

Before each book, there is a page of introduction.  These tell you a little about the book you are getting ready such as who the author of the book was, when the book was written, some background information that might be of interests and a wonderful outline of the book. 

While reading the Bible I found there are a few features that I just absolutely love.  They have put inspirational quotes throughout the scripture that encourage and inspire.  Along with the quotes, the other features are the diagrams and graphics that are included in the text.  Some of them include: Family trees, images of clothing from that time, and various tables of information.   Such information as Spiritual Welfare Strategies, The Seven Churches of Revelations and so much more.

I cant forget to mention the TONS of character profiles of women in Biblical times.  You just might be able to see some of yourself in them. 

 There is so much information in this Bible that I could just spend hours studying. 

Thanks to the features above and the included articles from well known authors Stormie Omartain, Nancy Leigh DeMoss, etc, this Bible has quickly became my new favorite study Bible.   I don’t think I will find a study Bible that I love more than this one.  It’s great for diving into God’s word and finding how it can apply to your life so that you may live the life of joy and happiness that God has intended for you. 

I was sent the hardcover of this Bible but, Thomas Nelson has a gorgeous "leather-look" version as well.  It's beautiful.  You must take a peak. 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson for the purpose of this review.  All opinions are my own.*

Reclaiming Your Heart: A Journey Back to Laughing , Loving, and Living | Book Review

Are you ready to have a life filled with happiness, laughter and love?


Reclaiming Your Heart by Denise Hildreth Jones is a wonderful book if you feel like you have closed your heart down to the world.  This book takes you on a self exploration to find your way back to having a heart that cares and one that is set on God.

As you walk this path Jones walks side by side with you sharing her journey from a closed heart, one that was shut down by a controlling and miserable first marriage, to a heart filled with love and faith, and a second husband whom she loves with all her heart.  You might not think that a closed heart would be such a bad thing but, that’s where you are wrong.  Jones says that it’s a “sin.”  Now, at the time she said this I didn't understand WHY it would be a sin and was actually really shocked but, Jones says that if you have a closed heart you feel that God isn't enough.  That God hasn't given you enough and the way you were made isn't enough.

Now, there isn't just one way for your heart to shut down.  There are many different types of closed hearts.  I never imagined so many.  In this book Jones tells you about 8 different types of closed hearts.  They include “The Performing Heart”, “The Critical Heart”, “The Angry Heart”, plus more.  She shows you how YOU have allowed yourself to become miserable.  Yes, YOU are at fault and it’s a life that isn't glorifying God if your heart is closed to all He has for you.  But, there is good news.  (This gives you a small glimmer of hope.)  You can change your heart.  You will have to do the work and WANT to change but, it’s possible.

Now, if you chose to take the steps down the rocky road back to a warm heart filled with God’s love, there is even more help than just this book.  If you go to Denise Hildreth Jones website, she has videos and studies…FREE…to help direct you.   This is a great study for a small group or take the journey on your own.  Don’t forget though…You are never on your own.  Not only is Jones walking right next to you but, you will always have God walking hand in hand with you, if you are just willing to open your heart again.

There is also a companion novel to go with this book.  It's called "Secrets over Sweet Tea."

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the Tyndale House for the purpose of this review.*

You're Made for a God-Sized Dream: Opening the Door to All God Has for You | Book Review

Dreams are just that for most people.  Dreams.  But, did you know that there are God-Sized dreams?  Yes, they are different than just a “normal” dream.  Some people might dream to be a high powered CEO while others are dreaming about being stay-at-home moms.  According to Holley Gerth, in her new book You're Made for a God-Sized Dream: Opening the Door to All God Has for You, its not what you are dreaming for.  God-Sized dreams area about “pursuing life with passion and purpose and going with God wherever he leads.”

We all have dreams.  I know this book hit home for me right now because I have a dream and it feels like its going no where.  Gerth explains in her book that if your dream is a God-Sized one that there are different phases of that dream.   She says that all we can see when we have a dream is that dream and the “promised land” but, fail to see the desert in between.   There will be a hard time between the conception of your dream and the place where you dream has come into reality.  But, we must stick it out.  During that desert time most give up and never realize the dream that God has given them.  Gerth shares something with us that we all need to remember…Nothing is impossible as long as we obey God.

She also talks about one of the biggest factors that have lead to failure of people’s dreams.  It’s fear.  She addresses fear because she says it will only grow and get worse if we ignore it and continue to believe the lies.  Isn’t that what fear really is?  LIES!  They are thoughts that we allow ourselves to have that haven’t come to fruition.  Her explanation of fear is the greatest one I have ever heard, “…fear is a Chihuahua that sounds like a Doberman.”  That’s probably the best line I have ever heard.  Fear really is that.  It’s just a small thought that sounds like enormous.  It’s not as bad as we allow it to be.  

Other things that she addresses to help you realize your God-Sized dream are:

• A dreamers heart: how all dreamers have certain characteristics that even they may not see but, do   exist.
• A battle plan for getting through the desert and making it to the promise land.  There is no idling here.  You must work for what you want.  You can’t just sit around and expect it to come to you.
• How to stop sabotaging yourself.
• Finally, the worth of your dream.  Yes, it’s worth the work and time and Gerth will explain why.

Though out the book Gerth includes questions, self-evaluations and other things that will help walk you through making your dream a reality.  She even has all of them on her website free for you to print if you want to have the pages for a notebook.

I am so glad this book made its way to me.  I am in the desert part of my dream right now and was getting so frustrated but then, thanks to Gerth, she reminded me of something.  I am not the first person that God has sent through the desert.  As long as I obey and stay faithful, my reward will be coming.  I will make it to the promised land.


Available March 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.*

A Woman's Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year | Book Review

There are many plans to read through the Bible in a year.  Tons and tons of them.  But, there is a new book from Diane Stortz that plans out a yearly reading for WOMEN.  In A Woman’s Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year she lays out a “life-changing journey into the heart of God.”

The plan itself is like any others you have seen before.  Stortz lists all the daily readings for the week.  You might be reading a week full of Isaiah and on another week you might have some of Jeremiah, Lamentations and Psalms.  What’s different about her plan is she also give some “Checkpoints” for the week.  The checkpoints are some things that might be of interest or things that she wants to highlight for that week that we can take away as little tidbits of knowledge.

Before you see the reading plan for the week, in each chapter (1 chapter per week) you will get a small summary of what it is that you are going to be reading.  These are quick, short and to the point.  They are great. There is no long drawn out explanation  After the readings there is a section called “Share the Journey.”  This section is included to help you get more out of your readings.  You can list any observations that you got and any questions the passages might have brought to your attention.

Stortz also includes a section on how to use this book with a small group.  But, what I love about it the most is that it is free of any doctrinal views. It’s simply what the Bible says and a plan for incorporating it into your life.

We all know that as mothers, wives, and business women, the thought of trying to read through the Bible in a year can seem like a daunting task but, with Stortz plan, it will be a breeze.  We wear many hats in today’s society.  Why not have a little daily help from God and possibly change your life in the process???

P.S.  This plan works for any denomination and any Bible translation.  So, you have no excuses to pass up reading through the Bible.

*I was given a copy of this book from Bethany House for the purpose of this review.*

Fierce Woman: The Power Of A Soft Warrior | Book Review

Want a better marriage.....Here's the book for that.

What do you think about when you hear the word fierce?  To me things like annoying, aggressive, and intense come to mind.   Does fierce have any place in a Godly woman’s life?  I didn't think so but, contrary to popular belief it does and in her book, Fierce Women: The Power Of A Soft Warrior, Kimberly Wagner shows us how fierce can work in your life to make you a strong woman of God and how it can go drastically wrong.

When thinking about being Biblical, I think about being a doormat, church mouse or just otherwise non-extant.  Biblical never equaled fierce, in my opinion, until now.  Wagner shows us how we can be a Godly woman, help our husbands the way we were intended to, and still be fierce.  Sounds great to me and it is.  Now, there are some drawbacks or should I say words of caution.

Wagner informs us there is a right and wrong way to be fierce.  There are what she calls “The Deadly Three” and “The Life-Giving Trio.”  These are the three character traits that can either make you a destructively fierce woman or beautifully fierce one. 

Through the sharing of her own life story about her marriage she shows us how to become a beautifully fierce woman and turn away from our old ways, casting off the three deadly traits so that we may help our husbands be the men of God that they were intended to be. 

At the end of the chapter Wagner has questions for you to get you thinking about yourself and your marriage.  I love what she has named them.  They are called “Heart Issues.”  She couldn’t have picked a better name for those.  They really do touch your heart and make you reflect on what kind of fierce woman you are.  Reflection upon our hearts is what can really change us.

Becoming amazing women will teach our future generations that it's ok to be Godly and still be strong.  We need to show our daughters that we can still be strong women but, know when and how to be fierce.  If there is one thing that I can do for my daughter it will be to teach her how to be a beautifully fierce Biblical woman.  I pray that this book can help me to do that.  Marriage has taken a wrong turn and, with this book as a guide, we can put marriage back where it belongs...A top priority!
 
*I received this book complimentary from the publisher for the purpose of this review.*

UNGLUED Devotional | Book Review

With the beginning of a new year I have stepped back and taken a look at how I handle situations.  I have a tendency to blow up or bottle things up.  It an either/or, never in the middle situation.  There is no middle ground when it comes to me getting stressed out.

I have been trying to work on finding a way to deal with my emotions and the unexpected.  It's not easy and I always feel like I am failing since I am not perfect.  The good part is I have found a book that has helped me on that journey called the UNGLUED Devotional by Lysa Terkeurst.

Most have heard of Terkeurst book UNGLUED but, she has now put together a devotional to accompany the book that will help you on your journey towards sanity.  I say sanity because, when I become unglued I feel like I have lost my mind.

I love what it says on the cover.  "60 Days of Imperfect Progress."  Terkeurst isn't taking you on a journey towards perfection and it helps knowing that.  Perfection is a lot to ask for and I know that I am not perfect. I can handle imperfect progress though.  I think that this is all I am asking for...progress.  Constantly moving forward.

Terkeurst has this set up as a quick and easy read for those 60 days.  Most of us don't have a lot of time during the day to MAKE the time for a devotional but, this is quick, easy and wonderful.  She starts each day off with a scripture verse then a thought for the day.  She goes into small discussion about the thought and finishes each day with a prayer to God.

I have just started on my journey of imperfect progress and I invite you to join me.  Whether you are a mother, wife, business woman, retired this book will help you work towards your imperfect progress.

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.*

Wordless Wednesday | Missouri Made Momma

Not sure who gets the credit for this image.