I am thrilled to be able to present you with a review of The Good Wife's Guide. This lovely devotion filled guide is by Darlene Schacht, the author of one of my favorite blogs, Time-Warp Wife.
I love so many things about this book. It is based on Biblical passages and ideas that are so often tossed to the side as archaic and passe. As a reformed "feminist" , I found the book insightful and uplifting. It is not just a book for stay at home moms, either. It is about applying the basic principle of God first and family second. Everything else falls into place after those two, just as God appointed it to be.
I love that the submission issue is tackled in the chapter Biblical Submission Defined:
Wives, submit unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Colossians 3:18.
Darlene goes on to say, "the ideal picture of submission is that of two people loving and serving each other." I read that with a hearty Amen! It isn't about being beaten down or "losing yourself" and your ideas to become your husbands "yes man". It is disheartening to see so many young girls and women losing the real meaning in these verses because of so much hyperbole. The way Darlene presents these ideas is Biblically sound and beautiful.
One of the things that stood out to me was how Darlene wrapped every aspect of the home into this basic principle. If God is first and family is second everything you do for the family brings glory to God. If your house is clean because you are thankful to God that you have a home, your family also benefits and it becomes a haven for them. The Good Wife's Guide presents all the little things we neglect or take for granted as blessings we have right at our fingertips if we will just open our hearts to our role as help-meet.
The chapters are wonderfully insightful and short. Both requirements for this busy mom. I've also found it helpful when I need to go back and review or look for a quote to add to my inspirational/encouraging collection. The practical application guides in part 2 of the book are awesome! I am working my way through them now. I would share pictures of the mounds of clutter I am/have gotten rid of, but I've been too busy to take pictures! I can't wait to get going on the organizational part. The daily cleaning schedule and the deep clean ideas are realistic and even if they don't work for you as they are, they are a great spring board for designing your own schedule.
Having so many great reassurances that as long as God is my first priority and my family is my second, then "all I can do" is good enough and is a blessing to them and to me, I can rest in the comfort of my Father's hands and embrace each new day as the blessing and gift that is is. Even with a house full of responsibilities :)
Darlene has given us all an uplifting and encouraging reminder that our role is important. Unbelievably important. And we are so blessed to have been called as wives and mothers. I recommend this book to all ladies, married, engaged, or preparing their hearts for the mate they haven't met. Enjoy!
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
I received a complimentary copy of The Good Wife's Guide for reviewing purposes. I have not been compensated in any other way. All the opinions expressed are my own. Thank you! Please see the Disclosure page for more information.
