When organizing my bookshelf to suit my five fat files, I noticed that while I had only one book on parenting, I have an entire shelf of marriage books. This is probably because mothering comes pretty naturally to me, but being a godly wife requires constant growth on my part.
I have found that there several books that I return to often for encouragement and advice. I once told Eric, “If you see a stack of marriage books on my nightstand, you should give me a little extra patience because I’m having a hard day!”
Here are the books most often on my nightstand:
Power of a Positive Wife, by Karol Ladd
This was the first “Wife book” that I bought. The author’s tone is very upbeat and encouraging. Based on scripture and her own experiences, you’ll get lots of inspiration and ideas to grow as a godly, positive wife. Happy faces, hearts, and flowers are sprinkled throughout, and you can’t help but be cheerful while reading.
Sacred Influence, by Gary Thomas
This book shows how to be a Christ-like influence for your husband. Though the author initially irritated me at one point when he suggests that you take on the mindset of a mistress to keep your man happy, this chapter ended up being the most inspiring to me and it is severely highlighted.
A Woman After God’s Own Heart, by Elizabeth George
I’ve written about this book before. It has guidance from scripture and practical ideas to help wives in many areas. One of my all-time favorites! This is the book I most often gift to new brides.
Power of a Praying Wife, by Stormie OMartin
I love this book, and most of all I love OMartin’s motto, “Shut up and pray.” With stories from her marriage and scriptures, she teaches how to pray over your husband as opposed to nagging him. Sample prayers end each chapter.
The Five Love Languages, by Gary Chapman
Though a Christian friend of mine said this book was psycho-babble, I still believe its premise. I have learned how to better express my love to Eric in the way that he appreciates best…and that never hurts.
Love and Respect, by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
We are currently going through this book and workbook, and so far we love it. It is based on Ephesians 5:33, reminding us that husbands must love their wives and wives must respect their husbands. Otherwise, they get into a crazy cycle when arguing. Dr. Eggerichs’ tone is very “We’ve been there, too!” Very hopeful!
Love for a Lifetime, by Dr. James Dobson
I love this book for sentimental reasons. It was a gift from the wedding venue were Eric and I got married, and I stored little slips of wrapping paper from our gifts inside the cover. It is great for a new couple, but also mature couples that want to nurture their marriage. I reread it often and appreciate Dr. Dobson’s timeless advice.
Last but not least… The book I go to daily for growth and guidance as a wife is my Bible! Prayer helps me to discern what God is trying to teach me on any given day.
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turtlemomma says
I have been slowly reading: The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace. Its good for a informational book. I haven’t been able to get myself to read through an educational/informational book before, thats why its slow going, but Its good and it gets to the point and kinda hits you over the head with a stick. I need that for my stubborn butt. Theres also a section regarding sex that I thought was good. It points to the Bible over and over. You’d like it I think.
And if you havent read the phenom, Fireproof its super good. I haven’t seen the move but, the book is based off the movie. You can also get the book, The Love Dare to go with it. I have it…and I need to get off my selfish kick and do the dare to my husband. 🙂
mamala says
I have the most blessed son-in-law on the planet.
You have found the secret, Duck–forget everything but making your man happy. Him happy, you happy. Simple. Of course we can complicate it by listening to that, “But what about me?” whiner, however, I know that you are smart enough and have shut that one up.
Many husbands wish their wives of many years would GET IT. They really are so much easier to please than we are. Love ’em, admire ’em, (real, not fake), and feed ’em.
Dat’s it.
Gail says
Love and Respect is an awful book that adds to scriptures and takes liberty’s with THE WORD. There are much better books.