From a Friend of a Friend

Have you ever bought something that you heard about from a friend of a friend of a friend? Word of mouth is definitely the most effective method in marketing a product, isn't it? Whenever I hear about an interesting book, my ears perk up. While attending a bridal shower for a blushing, young bride, some word of mouth advertising was going on as we laughed, cried, and ate cake to celebrate the approaching nuptials. One of the gifts that was opened was the book, "The Excellent Wife", by Martha Peace. The gift giver shared how priceless the book had been as she weathered married life over the years. This moved me to order my own copy and I will admit in just the few short days of reading it, I have not been able to put it down.

I will get right to the point and say that this is not a typical marriage book that will fuel a woman's flesh by telling her that married life is all about being happy and it entails doing what she wants, when she wants, whenever she wants. Instead it provides a biblical perspective on God's calling for a wife. Sound, biblical  instruction is given on how to deal with conflict, communication, and how to ultimately honor Christ as a wife in the joyous times and difficult moments in marriage.

I appreciated how the book's scope reaches beyond the realm of the attitude of a wife's heart and speaks about what scripture outlines about a Christian woman's heart in general. How should we handle conflict, sin, feelings of bitterness, forgiveness, and idols? These are all the challenges a woman will face in life and within the confines of marriage there are two people battling these areas. Without a sound understanding of scripture our marriages are in danger of falling astray if we're not equipped with a clear understanding of scriptue. Marriage is work and it's HARD, yet its beautiful as the Lord molds and shapes two imperfect, sinful people into His image as they yield to Him.

Where has this book been the past 16 years of my life?

I read this book thinking how maybe I could have avoided some pitfalls that I walked right into in the past, and then I was reminded that God's timing is perfect and He never makes mistakes. Had I not gone through those experiences the clarity that I now have in certain areas of scripture may not have had the same impact that they do on me today as I look back on where God has brought me.  As I continually examine my heart with scripture I realize there is more and more refining that my heart and mind needs as scripture refines me.

Whether you're a lady in waiting, a newlywed, or an old married lady like me, there is much to learn as God glorifies Himself through a wife in marriage. As long as you have life and breathe within you, may you seek to know what God expects of you and be willing to walk in obedience.

This book is a great find ladies!!