Valentines Reading

So I'm in the process of reading 4 books on marriage right now. Not because we are experiencing problems, but for a variety of reasons. This afternoon, my kids were at "grandma's house" and so mommy indulged in one of her favorite things: reading. I actually read a bit in each of these, believe it or not. They're all great books and so I'm wanting to nibble a bit here and a bit there, kind of like at a great buffet. I'll do a complete review of each book as I finish them, but here are some teasing thoughts:

1. Fruit of Her Hands by Nancy Wilson was passed on to me by a very good and trusted friend that extolled the virtues of this book. I have been finding it a truly valuable book, and will likely add it to my list of "best books". It is straight talk about being a wife in the 21st century amidst the garbage we are fed by Oprah and the like about "wifery". This book is not for the faint of heart, but for those that are truly ready to submit to their husbands as unto the Lord.

2. Debi Perl has a new book out called, Created To Be His Help Meet. I came upon this book at a homeschooling store yesterday. The first chapter points out the fact that we as women have been created to be help meets to our husband. She encourages us to be what God designed us to be... since we will function incredibly when we stick to His ways. I can't wait to put more effort into helping Dan. It was very inspirational to read her ideas.

3. The Joy of a Word-filled Family, by John Barnett is another helpful book. This one is geared for parents, but has some excellent chapters on being godly mothers and wives. His wife collaborates with him on a few chapters. My greatest challenge thus far has been his opening thought that I need to completely surrender myself to God in order to be a "proper" mother and wife- "proper" meaning "as God intended me to be and behave". We've had this book sitting on our shelf since last March, and I finally picked it up when I was sick a few weeks back. Haven't put it down since.

4. The last book that I'm working on is called Reforming Marriage, by Douglas Wilson (#1's husband.) I came upon his chapter on the marriage bed this afternoon. Since I was reading Song of Solomon this morning, this chapter was quite apropos. This is definitely helpful material, even after years of happy marriage. I definitely look forward to the "practical" side of growing even better in this area of my marriage, and I am grateful for the sensitive, dignified, godly, and exhorting way Mr. Wilson addresses the sexual relationship.

Well, I look forward to reaping all the rewards of my reading. Just hope my "pea-brain" can keep all the valuable information in an accessible place. Should make my hubby happy, to say the least!!