A Great Read for Women

I recently was in a phenomenal study with some great friends where we read the book, "What's It Like to Be Married to Me?" by Linda Dillow. I really can't even find the right words to describe how honest, convicting, truthful, inspiring, and just plain awesome this book is. I had such a wonderful experience because my dear friend Leslie opened up her home to us every Thursday morning so that we could read, share, pray, laugh, and reflect. We arrived to a delicious homemade breakfast every single week and our cups were filled with wisdom and truth as we discussed each chapter and what challenged and inspired us. If you have a group of friends that you think would enjoy a study like this I highly recommend setting it up, even if you just meet at Starbucks.

Not only did these 10 weeks strengthen each of our marriages, they also fostered an environment for stronger, open, and honest friendships. I love these women and I am so grateful for this experience. I would recommend this book for all women-single or married. For those married with a strong, loving marriage or one that is on the rocks. For single women, it is a great preparation for marriage and truly discerning what kind of wife you want to be one day if God calls you to the vocation of marriage. So often in all sorts of relationships we look at all the many ways we would change the other person without taking the time to ask ourselves "dangerous questions" about ourselves as Dillow puts it. Asking those dangerous questions can truly be freeing and help us to see ourselves and our situations clearly.

On the last day of our study, we had a special brunch to share what we had all gotten out of our time together. Leslie is incredibly creative and thoughtful and she presented each of us with a beautiful pair of real pearl earrings. I wear mine practically everyday now not only because they are gorgeous but also to remind me of the encouraging words that she wrote and gave us along with the earrings. Here is what she wrote. I know you'll enjoy as much as I did. I keep this on my fridge now because it's just such a great reminder...

The oyster has the God given ability to take a tiny, irritating, grain of sand and coat it with layer after layer of its own shell, thereby protecting the mollusk from potential damage, and creating something beautiful inside. Each pearl created is very valuable and unique,shaped by the circumstances and environment of the one who created it. And for the pearl to be useful, the creature who created it has to die in order for the others to be able to enjoy it. 

In Matthew 13:46, Jesus liken the kingdom of heaven to a man searching for a valuable pearl. And when the man finds that pearl, he sells all he has to buy that pearl. 

You are your husband's pearl of great price. He has found you, and decided out of all the women in the world, that he wants you to be his. So he has committed his life to you. And now you, like the oyster, have the ability by God's grace, to take the irritating circumstances of your life and, layer by layer, allow our Creator to make something beautiful from them. Each situation is a valuable and unique opportunity. But you have to be willing to lay down your life and allow your inner radiance to shine for your husband and family.Only then will you find your purpose, and be the masterpiece you were uniquely designed and created to be. 

 Isn't she a beautiful writer?! I am about to read the book a second time because it's THAT good! So, if you've been looking for a reason to have girls nights more often or just to read something truly life changing on your own, here is my free advertisement for "What's it Like to be Married to Me?" Let me know if you read it or have already read it and what you think!