Wednesday, February 4, 2009

How to really love your spouse

February is a month marked by Groundhog's Day, President's Day, and Valentine's Day. You see a lot of pink and red in the stores and LOVE is promoted everywhere. What is love? The Bible says, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends".

Since our focus is on love this month, I thought I would recommend some of my absolute favorite books. Shaunti Feldhahn has written two books that will change the way you look at your marriage. You can buy them from Amazon.com . The books are called "For Women Only: What You Need to Know about the Inner Lives of Men" and "For Men Only: A Straightforward Guide to the Inner Lives of Women". You will be amazed at what you will learn about yourself, how you treat your spouse, and how the opposite sex thinks. We read these books over 2 years ago with our small group Bible study, and I still remember my favorite parts.

I learned that I can say little things without meaning any disrespect, such as, "Would you like me to help you install that?", but DH (and yours, too) hears, "You dumb idiot. I am so much smarter than you. Why don't I help you install that DVD player?" I was amazed! I had no idea that a simple, "Why don't we ask for directions?" communicates, "You have no idea where you are going and I can't trust you". Wow.

I also learned a little about myself. Women are like computers with a bunch of different windows opened at one time. We tend to multi-task, or at least think about 10 things at one time. Men, however, are focused on a single task. Women can't enjoy a vacation from the children if a child is sick at home until we know the child is okay. Anyway, you will love these books. Treat yourself and your spouse and you'll be amazed at how your marriage will grow!

2 comments:

The 5 Bickies said...

Thanks for these suggestions. I passed them on to a friend whose small group is looking for a book. How does your small group work? Is it couples? How many? When do you meet? Our church is considering small groups and I am always curious to hear about different set ups.

KK said...

Great book--I was introduced to them in a ladies bible study several years ago!