Recommended Reading- December

In November (okay, and part of December, since I just finished it today!), I was only able to complete one book. I did start a couple others but once I started the book I am going to discuss today, I couldn't put it down. I am actually glad it was the only book so I can go more into detail about it! It is called Feminine Appeal- Seven Virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother by Carolyn Mahaney. This was a great book and really confirmed several things that I need to work on in my life. The author focuses on Titus 2:3-5 and goes into detail about each specific thing that is commanded of God to us as women. I found the book to be an easy read, and it was not "preachy" at all. It had many good points to consider that were all based in scripture. Here are the chapter titles:

Chapter 1: Transformed by Titus 2
Chapter 2: The Delight of Loving My Husband
Chapter 3: The Blessing of Loving My Children
Chapter 4: The Safety of Self-Control
Chapter 5: The Pleasure of Purity
Chapter 6: The Honor of Working at Home
Chapter 7: The Rewards of Kindness
Chapter 8: The Beauty of Submission
Chapter 9: Margaret's Story

I started to type out some of my favorite quotes from the book, but realized there were too many to list! There are many wonderful things to learn from each chapter. I especially liked the chapter on kindness. I felt alot of conviction reading her words on anger, bitterness and judging but loved the solutions she gave to prevent those things from manifesting in our hearts- things like praying, encouraging and planning to do good for others. She also encouraged me not to lose heart when trying to do "good" doesn't bear fruit right away- she writes, "It may be awhile yet before you receive many of your rewards, but being kind and doing good today will yield sweet fruit in the latter years of your life. Marriage will become more precious. Motherhood will grow more dear. The rewards will start coming- with bigger and bigger returns." She went on to remind us that "the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does (Eph. 6:8). He is recording every expression of kindness and every act of goodness. What greater incentive could there be to advance our families' happiness?".

I recommend this book to any woman who wants to learn more about what God requires of us in this high calling of being a wife and mother, and who wants to receive encouragement to fulfill those requirements!

Books to read this month-
For Women Only- by Shaunti Feldhahn
Desiring God- by John Piper