Book Review: Praying for Your Future Husband

This is one of those books I wish I'd read years ago; 12-15 years back would have been ideal. Before I fell too far into my ideas of what it means to be a wife, before my heart had longed for certain things in a marriage-worthy man. I was raised in a Christian home where we were encouraged to pray for and save ourselves for our future mates ... but what did that really mean? This book would have helped me articulate so much more clearly what typically came out as, "Lord, be with my future husband. Bless him and help him stand strong in the world." Not that that's a bad prayer but having this book in hand would have given me more opportunities to pray boldly and specifically for him.
This book offers young women the chance to go to their heavenly Father and "talk over" their hearts desires with Him, while dealing with their own issues about love and marriage and at the same time allowing God the chance to mold them into loving, praying future brides. It opens up communication by the offering of real life situations experienced by the authors to support and encourage readers and by the inclusion of chapter questions and journaling space.
And, although I've been married almost 11 years now, reading this book has reminded me of things I should still be praying for my husband and has encouraged me to lift him before the Throne daily. I'm definitely getting copies for each of my sisters!

Would you please take a moment to rate this review? Thanks so much!
Review Note: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group to review.

Balance

Balance.

I don't even know what that is anymore. To be honest, I am really struggling right now. So many things that need to be done. So many things I want to do. So many things that should be priority.

But I think I know how I gain my footing again.

For starters, I go to bed at a decent hour. (Funny that I start with what I do at the end of the day!) The  quietness of night draws me in, and I find myself wasting an hour, an hour and a half, two hours, on ... nothing. Nothing to show for my "Hulu-ing" and "social networking" and "pinning." Nothing but the darkness under my eyes the next morning. I know going to bed at a decent hour will guarantee (well, at least increase my chances of) a good night's sleep.

(Even if it's interrupted by one of our littles, at least I've been sleeping for a few hours instead of a few minutes, before one comes calling,) and once I get a decent night's sleep I won't groan when my alarm goes off at 4:40 a.m. I will whisper a prayer as I pull on some shorts and a tee because my 5 a.m. running buddies are waiting to meet me three days a week, and I've been putting them off. On the other days, I've got a Wii trainer on my shelf, as well as a group of workout gurus on DVD for higher impact exercises. I am convinced the reason I'm so tired lately is that I've done absolutely none of this!!

And after I've warmed up my body, my mind is eager to take in the Word. Sipping my coffee and digging into the Truth puts my day on the right track. Even if tough things come at me in the coming hours, I'm much better prepared to take them on. A little praise and worship music sets a good background as I make breakfast and head to rouse the troops. My heart is much lighter and my attitude more gracious as we search for socks or misplaced library books. Yes, much better than rolling groggily out of bed only minutes before the, let's call it joyful chaos, begins!

If I'd have a better balance, chores wouldn't overwhelm me, my creativity would be free-er (you know, actually do some of those neat things I have pinned or sew the girls something cute I've been daydreaming about,) maybe even plan out our meals! I think balance would definitely lend itself to quality time with the kids in the evening and the precious minutes I try to steal away with my husband every night.

The other thing that helps me find balance is spending time with women who pour good into my life. Laughter. Spirit. Friendship. Understanding.  I need this, and yet, I rarely take time for fellowship. Maybe if I weren't so tired I'd actually invite someone over...

So, I've come full circle. Back to the place where I know the key to my day starting better is for it to end better. I praise God His mercies are new every morning, and He always gives us a chance to "start over" from where we are. And with that, I'll bid y'all, "Goodnight!"


What about you? What are your tips for finding balance? I'd love to hear your comments, and if you blog, head over to Hearts at Home and join the blog hop!