I’ve been married to my best friend for over sixteen years.
During those sixteen years, we’ve lived in five different locations, weathered debilitating morning sickness and other pregnancy-related trials five times, welcomed five beautiful babies into the world, dealt with a lay-off and long-term unemployment, bought and sold houses, lost money, gained money, nursed each other back to health after various illnesses, cried together, laughed together, fought with each other, made up, and prayed together.
We’ve had our times of joy and times of sorrow, and I believe our marriage has only grown stronger because of it all.
As a newlywed, I didn’t have a clue about all the refining God was going to do in my life in the coming years. Marriage has definitely been a sanctifying influence in my life (and I know my husband would agree)!
A beautiful marriage isn’t one where you never have any trials or difficulties–a marriage becomes beautiful as we commit our lives to Jesus and dedicate our marriage to Him and His glory. As we deeply love and serve each other, and as we grow together, that’s when it gets beautiful.
I’m thankful for my beautiful marriage, even with all of its rough edges and messy parts.
I know I’ve mentioned Darlene Schacht’s newest book, Messy Beautiful Love a couple of times already. I enjoyed reading it so much! I think what really spoke to me the most is that marriage requires giving each other grace and being willing to forgive, even when it hurts. Because there will be times when we need to forgive. There will be hard things. But if we commit our relationship to the Lord and live for Him, our marriage can come out stronger and even more beautiful in the end.
In Messy Beautiful Love, Darlene vulnerably shares her own story and struggles, and I found it hard to put down. She exhorts you to love your husband sacrificially, look for the best in him, give him grace, be willing to forgive, and so much more. She points you to the wisdom of the Bible, and each chapter includes steps for taking action as you implement what you’ve learned.
I’m happy to have another marriage book I can wholeheartedly recommend to wives!
You can find out more at the Messy Beautiful Love website, and you can enter to win one for free below!
I received a complimentary book for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Sounds like a great book! — Carma
Thanks for the review! I'd love to win a copy. =) It's still fun to find a new post from you in my inbox! =) Blessings, Joy C.
Thank you so much, Joy, that's very sweet of you! 🙂
Would love to read this book and then pass it on to mmy future daughter-in-law
(4 1/2 more weeks)
Oh what a wonderful sounding book…
thanks for the chance!!
Glad to read about an encouraging marriage book. Thanks for the giveaway!
I've thought this looks like a great book, I have a good marriage, but I don't mind making it even better! I find it can be so easy for me to allow the needs of the children and the household to rise above the needs of my dear husband.
Wonderful giveaway, sounds awesome!
Thanks for sharing! Christina
Sounds like a good book to give to my daughter for her upcoming marriage. Although I don't think the reality of marriage has hit her yet. Perhaps I should save and give it as a gift after they are married. Hmmmm decisions. ;0)
I've been wanting to purchase this book since you first mentioned it! 🙂
This sounds like such a good book! I could use some encouragement in this area even though I have a wonderful husband!
Ashley
I think we can all use some encouragement from time to time!