Hands down, one of my favorite authors today is Sheila Wray Gregoire (which, by the way, say a prayer for her today… you can read why here). She is the author of multiple books and blogs at To Love, Honor, and Vacuum. Her voice is authentic, but she is careful not to gripe. Her wise words are Biblically sound and come with over two decades of marriage experience. She writes about a variety of topics, but always does so with grace, clarity, Scripture, and a healthy dose of common sense. She is relatable and hysterical. Personally, she has been encouraging to me in my writing career, reviewing my book and allowing me to guest post on her blog. In fact, if you want to know my greatest regret, you can read all about it on her blog. While we have never met, I’m pretty sure if we ever do, she would be a blast.
That is why I couldn’t wait to get my hands on her latest book, 9 Thoughts That Can Change Your Marriage.
From the very first page, I was hooked. Her stories are comical and descriptive! With every paragraph, Sheila beautifully paints pictures with her words to illustrate lessons that the Lord used to edify and strengthen my marriage. Her struggles are real but broad enough that we all can identify with even if the specifics happen to be different. Without divulging too many details (because I want you to read the book), here are the nine thoughts that can positively change our marriages if we wives would believe and live by them:
- My Husband is My Neighbor
- My Husband Can’t Make Me Mad
- My Husband Was Not Put On This Earth To Make Me Happy
- I Can’t Mold My Husband Into My Image
- I’m Not In Competition With My Husband
- I Am Called to Be a Peacemaker, Not a Peacekeeper
- Being One Is More Important Than Being Right
- Having Sex is not the Same Thing As Making Love (my favorite chapter!)
- If I’m Not Careful, We Will Drift Apart
Each chapter not only offers advice, but Sheila also confronts the bad advice (what she refers to as, “pat answers”) circulating in today’s society. I appreciate that she refutes those pat answers with Scripture and takes it a step further by giving the reader suggestions on how to implement these nine healthy thoughts. I love clear, practical steps, and this book is full of them which will bless every reader’s marriage!
Giveaway!
There have been very few books that I have read where I immediately wanted to purchase a copy for everyone I know, but this is one of those books! I needed to hear the message, but I also thought of so many of my friends who need this message as well. Since I can’t buy one for all of you, I want to offer a giveaway! Enter to win a copy of Sheila’s book (I will throw in a copy of For the Love of Our Husbands too) by using the Rafflecopter box below. If you don’t win, I hope you will still purchase Nine Thoughts That Can Change Your Marriage: Because a Great Relationship Doesn’t Happen by Accident, I can’t give it enough accolades!
*an affiliate link is used in this post.
Christy says
I would love to read this! Chapter 2 “my husband cant make me mad” and chapter 6 about being the peacemaker really got my attention. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
py says
Ladies, this advice is so very true. I pray that you would all take this seriously and by God’s grace begin to walk in it. My husband and I are going thru a divorce and so much of this list could have been a great help to my marriage. Be encouraged and continue to fight God’s way for your man. God bless.
Mindy says
Even if I don’t win the giveaway, I am definitely getting this book! My husband and I both love to read and invest into our marriage through books. Thanks for the recommendation! 🙂
Lynda says
3. My Husband Was Not Put On This Earth To Make Me Happy. There is that joke comment that goes around Christian Marriage Conferences: Happy Wife Happy Life. I am interested in what Sheila has written on this topic. And I am sure it is well worth the read. Thank you!
Deb says
7. Being one is more important than being right. This is definitely something I struggle with and I would love to read this book!
Bobbi Wineberg says
The chapter on my husband isn’t on earth to make me happy. It looks like a great read.
Cheryl Pierson says
All the chapters look interesting. It would be nice to win this book. If I don’t win I’ll buy a copy to read.
crystal s. says
All of them but the Having sex is not making Love is something I can’t get my husband to understand and it’s a lonely place.
Sarah H says
I need to read this book so badly! My marriage is struggling right now and I know that I am the major source of the problems, but I am unsure how to go about fixing problems that have been developing for years. I need to read each and every chapter, probably more than once! but I think maybe the last three chapters sound the most appropriate given my current circumstances. Thank you.
KU says
Thanks for the chance to win and most of all thank you for your ministry!
Jessica says
My husband can’t make me mad……I guess I need to read that one for sure!
Tiffany says
Love Shelias blog and I enjoyed your guest blog post!
Heather says
I’d love to win this book to read ALL of the chapters! Love Sheila and her writing style.
Amber B. says
There’s not just one that I need to learn the most. Thanks for the giveaway!!
Jen K. says
I couldn’t pick just one chapter, but I could definitely learn from “My Husband Can’t Make Me Mad” and “My Husband Was Not Put On This Earth To Make Me Happy”! Love your blog and advice, and thank you for the giveaway!