Find Your Strongest Wife (Life)
348706
I know what you are thinking..."Why is he reviewing a book about women and leadership?"
I found myself thinking the same thing.  But I made a commitment as a Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger to read and review.
My wife poked fun with me,"Have fun with that."
And yet, in the introduction Marcus asks the question "Is it possible for women to `have it all'? "
And then he made the statement that struck me as I consider my own wife and her commitment to our family:
"Trying to be all things to all people all of the time is a fool's game that will, in the end, drain mind, body, and spirit."
I stuck it out to the end of the book because from this point on I knew that I could find a way to walk alongside of my wife in our marriage.
For me the premise the book bounces at you from the end of the first chapter:
"...over the last forty years women have secured for themselves greater opportunity, greater achievement, greater influence, and more money.  But over the same time period, they have become less happy, more anxious, and more stressed; and , in ever-increasing numbers, they are medicating themselves for it."

This made think about how hard my wife works to manage our busy home, homeschooling 3 kids and much more.  I really enjoyed the tactics chapters in Part 3-Strong Life Tactics.  These are principles that you could apply even if you were a guy.  If a bunch of really uber-smart ladies are going to read it an benefit from it, I figured I could too.
3435702
My husband and I have been married going-on-three-years. I know, ancient. We have a great marriage. It's not perfect (neither of us are), but we've grown a lot and worked through things together. We understand each other better now, and we try to make sure we're fighting for each other, not with each other.

Even though we're blessed to be in our relationship and for it to be so strong already, I'm always trying to learn new ways I can better serve my husband. Because I love him. I thoroughly enjoyed Shelia's To Love, To Honor, and To Vacuum so when I had the opportunity to review her newest book Nine Thoughts that can Change Your Marriage, I jumped on it.

What Shelia does in this book is very important. She gives you the tools you need to change your marriage. A change starts with you. Oh, she doesn't ignore the reality that your husband may be at fault, but she shows that by changing how you think in 9 areas, you can make a difference in your marriage regardless of if he changes or not.

It sounds lofty, but here's the lovely part: each thought Shelia makes totally actionable.

Take her first thought, as an example: My husband is my neighbor.

Here are her action steps:

How well do you know your husband? Every day for the next two weeks, ask your husband something new about him - and share something about yourself.
Show your husband he is your priority. Put on makeup for him, greet him at the door, or kiss him before you kiss anybody else.
Tell your husband daily why you love him.
Make confession part of your prayer life every day - and apologize whenever you feel an inkling that you have done wrong.
Practice random acts of kindness. Choose two to three from pages 28-30 to make into habits.
Now, the books is not just a list of thoughts and action steps. Shelia takes time to talk about each point and really make them applicable, candidly sharing her experiences and how these thoughts and actions helped turn her marriage from one of frustration to one of fun.

This is a great book regardless of if you feel you and your husband are at odds. My husband and I have already worked through some of this in our time together. When I read why and how Shelia recommended going about some of these suggestions, I really felt validated that my husband and I were doing a good job of working together.

But that's not enough.

I want to make sure I don't let things stagnate, and I found this book full of practical suggestions to make sure I'm taking care of my husband and our marriage, which, after my relationship with God, is my top priority ... and the best gift I can give to our children.

Highly recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest opinion.
2382492
Great book! Easier read than The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida (which is also a fantastic book with a very similar message).  Men, if you've ever had a WTF moment with your woman, then get the inside scoop here.

The Reader's Digest: Men's mind are rooted in logic, women's minds are rooted in emotion (neither is better than the other). Listen authentically (without judgement or forming your response while she's talking; refrain from defending your position, make her feel heard and take her perspective; step up and own your issues and mistakes; and, don't take her stuff personally and make her feel safe to express her thoughts and feelings to you.  Do these things and you'll earn her trust and a whole lot more. If you're open to the wisdom in this book, it will teach you how to be a man that women respect and admire - plus you'll have far fewer WTF moments in your relationship.
3171394
This is an excellent book...for husbands AND wives. I know men usually hate to read books like this, but this one is short and easy to finish. For your children, grandchildren and your marriage, read this book and apply it to the best of your ability. Even if you only manage to excel at 80% of it, you'll be a much better person!
I also recommend this book for BLENDED FAMILIES (Stepfamilies) .  Step families have special requirements and this book will help stepdads everywhere "Leave your ego on the front porch!"
2193280
Wonderful reading for women, refreshing to hear such simple ways to work on a marriage. Highly recommend it and waiting for 31 days to a happy wife!
1969038
This book is truly eye opening and life changing. I am only on page 43, but my goodness. This book isn't just for married women but for all who are considered to be strong willed. It has so much to offer. It helps you to gain perspective of why you are strong willed, where it originated, & how to correct and deal with it. I will probably add more to my review later but if you know someone that comes across as strong willed please I urge you to purchase this book immediately and get it to them. It brought me to tears, it has helped me in areas of hurt that I didn't even realize we're there. A definite must read.
3533542
In the book "What's He Really Thinking" by Paula Rinehart, we looked at how a man's mind truly works and what he longs for. One of her quotes really stuck with me, "God has given you eyes to see. And those eyes can be a man's most reliable mirror of who he is and who he can be." She discussed in length the power a woman holds in a mans life. How if she can just realize his full potential it gives him the strength to reach it. "A man longs for a few people in his life--most notably, the woman he loves-- to get what he's up against every day." "Being a woman who understands a man-- perhaps better than he understands himself--will allow you to see beyond his fears or defeats."
I found this book to be very eye-opening in several areas. I didn't realize how fully a man relies on the few women in his life to encourage him to be all that he can. Even though men act tough really they are very insecure and need to know they have our approval. I also am starting to fully realize what is my job in supporting him and what it means to be his help-meet. This book is a must read for every wife or even mom who is raising little boys. Not only does it teach you many things about men but it challenges you to raise up and be the woman God created you to be. "But men are another species, really. Men care about different things. They are motivated by different drives. Their hormones shape their brains in ways alien to our own. Men aren't women with big feet and beards. They are completely other.
Here is a question that Paula left us with; "At the end of your life, what would you want to be remembered for by the man you love?"
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Marcus Buckingham's Find Your Strongest Life: What the Happiest and Most Successful Women Do Differently is an attempt to help women draw enough strength from life to feel fulfilled, loved, successful, and in control. It is an attempt to show women that they really can have it all, "the right kind of it all."

My first thoughts with this book was "How in the world can a man know what a woman needs or wants, what a woman thinks and feels?" How can a man really consider himself knowledgeable in any way about what will fulfill a woman? My second thought was that it was another preachy self-help book. And I was right. I have to be completely honest, I did not even finish this book. I didn't even get halfway. I couldn't. You don't want to know how far I made it in this book. But then again, I've never been much of a self-help book kind of girl. I just can't take the preachiness, the perkiness, etc. But if you are like the women featured in Marcus Buckingham's book, Find Your Strongest Life might just offer a helpful way to re-assess your priorities and find your way out of feeling overwhelmed and confused. Then again, his method might not work for you.

There is also a test you can take, available here. The result I got for the test was the caretaker, which fits me perfectly, although many of the questions were difficult for me to answer, not being a professional career-woman.

Surprisingly enough, or may be not so surprising, that was the most useful thing I got from doing this review, and it wasn't even in the book! Not to mention the fact that if you don't notice the little sticker on the cover, you would have no idea where to find this test (from what I can tell).

Anyway, I hate to be so negative on my first book review for Thomas Nelson, but I really just did not find this book useful in any way to me. But others might, and if they do, good for them. Really. If it helps you then it is well worth it.

I reviewed this book as part of Thomas Nelson's Book Review Bloggers. I received a copy of this book in exchange for completing this review, however the opinions contained within are completely my own and honest. Other people may have different experiences with this product.

anathica
The "R" Words
[...]
281107
The author is an awesome woman with a gift for bringing out the best in you.  This book did not disappoint.  The stories of the three characters represented what women face and struggle to deal with as their lives change. I loved the book because I could identify with the characters...they could have been my neighbors, coworker even me.  The practical and specific approach designed for each woman helped them get unstuck and move forward towards their dreams.  I recommend this book to any woman who finds herself standing at her fork in the road and wondering which way to go.  Awesome job!!!
1827816
Relationships are hard, but being married can be even harder. This book has so much good advice for keeping your marriage strong and healthy. With extensive information on topics that effect every marriage, you really cant wrong with this book. I will definitely be reading this book again and recommending it to all of my married friends.
4307449
Guys if you wish to score buy this book. Beat Women at thier own Game. Also buy How to Succeed with Women, How to talk to Women, and the Layguide.

However I think this is the best book as you learn from actual events. Buy read study apply.
1051049
Love a super strong woman who doesnt give up or give in. Cant wait to read the next one and I would love to find me a guy like this!!!
1667955
This couple gives insights on love, relationship, and living according to the bible.  Thanks for such a great book.  One that will help me along the way.  I will recommend this to anyone who has an interest in bettering themselves whether single or married.  It's never too late to become a better you and be a better partner to your mate.  A job well done.
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This book gives me hope that I too can stay married.  When you read what others endure and overcome you realize that you are not alone and that this too shall pass.  You learn ways from others how to coupe in your situation.  I was so excited while reading this book, I bought another one for a relative who is in a stressful marriage.
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"The Power of Prayer" is a guidebook for life! I strongly recommend this book to you! The book contains unique powerful prayers and dhikr formulas for every situation in life; thus, it is a guidebook for life. Rasulullah (saw) said: "Prayer is the weapon of believers." Prayer and dhikr are the world's most powerful weapons. We're all endowed with this innate power which we don't realize. By activating this power in ourselves, we can actually create and manifest anything we desire. My friend, by applying this dhikr formulas; surely you can enjoy the outcome in your life. Because, dhikr increases your brain capacity in the direction of the meaning of the word that is repeated. I've been practicing these prayer and dhikr formulas for 10 years. Believe me, they've enriched my life and given me enormous power. I would like to give you some suggestions. For example, if you're weak on deciding, then you should practice MUREED dhikr. It will increase your capacity on deciding. If you're single and wishing to get married for many years, then you should practice WADUD dhikr. Your marriage partner in your dreams will appear with a marriage proposal and an engagement ring for you some day! Please read this book at once and enjoy applying these techniques... I know you won't regret it!
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***wife that orders from her hubs amazon ha!***

I absolutely LOVE this book. So many of her stories mirrored experiences I have had myself, and her advice for them was spot on. The learning to love your yourself as you are, knowing your worth, and not accepting less was everything my early 20s were about. Im getting ready to head into chapter 6 and it truly feels like Im just talking to a person that is going to be my new best friend.

I find myself saying girl, SAME! And I know, right?! to the words in front of me. Today Rachel posted on insta stories in her hubbys white tee, thus confirming we would totes be real like besties. I want to share her early chapters with every girl going out into the real world. Because its all true and experiences they will have.
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This book is an oasis for husbands who find themselves under the control of feminatzi wives.  Today our country has lost the truth that the husband is the head of the wife and that she is to be the help mate to him. If your a communist or vote democrat (same thing) this book will not reach you, because you are a progressive liberal P.O.S. who's either massively deceived or rejects God anyways! The rest of you will enjoy it immeasurably.