Great Advice for Busy Wives
I’ve been seeing advertisements for Heidi St. John’s book, The Busy Homeschool Mom’s Guide to Romance, for years now.
From the first time I spotted that adorable picture of Heidi on the cover, I knew it was a book I would enjoy. But being the busy homeschool mom that I am, I didn’t get around to ordering a copy until a couple of weeks ago.
Once it arrived, I blazed through it quickly. It’s a fast read, but chock full of godly wisdom and practical advice for busy wives at every age and stage of life (whether they’re homeschooling moms or not).
In it, I found such jewels as this:
“…the best mothering is borne out of an overflow of a strong, committed marriage. Loving your husband is a choice. Seeing him as God’s gift to you is a powerful thing. Every day that you share with the husband of your youth is a day that you can choose to love him with the kind of passion that God meant for you to enjoy.”
And this (which is applicable not only to homeschooling, but to any other job or extra-curricular involvement, as well):
“Remember, your calendar will reflect your priorities. Most busy homeschool moms don’t choose curriculum with their husbands in mind. But I’m here to tell you that if your curriculum leaves you cold and exhausted at the end of the day, it’s time to find a curriculum that is more suited to helping you put the priority on your marriage.”
And also this:
“To ignore the sexual needs of your husband or to reject his advances is to tear at the fabric of who you are as a couple. Don’t be fooled into thinking sex doesn’t matter. It does. Neglect this part of your marriage and you will suffer devastating results.”
At the same time, Heidi offers hope, even for marriages that seem irreparably lost. I love the analogy she uses of Jesus speaking life back into the dead body of Jarius’s 12-year-old daughter (Matthew 9:18-26). Just as Christ quickened that beloved child and restored her to health, He can breathe life and warmth and beauty back into a desperate, dead, or dying marriage.
I am so convinced you will be blessed by this book that I’ve decided to give a copy away for Valentine’s Day. And because romance goes hand-in-hand with respect, I’m also including a copy of my new book (25 Ways to Communicate Respect to Your Husband
DISCLOSURE: This is NOT a sponsored post. Although it does contain affiliate links, it was written without Heidi St. John’s knowledge or consent, and the books offered in this giveaway were not donated for that purpose, but have been bought and paid for by me.
The valentines day plan thus far is to hand cards to some sweet older folks then head to the park with friends. Wonderful convicting post reminding me to place my man as the priority!
Our church has an annual Valentine’s dinner put on by the young people for all the married and engaged couples. It’s always a very fun evening!
Hubby’s been away- so we planned 2 date nights early in the week to avoid the V’day rush….a restaurant we’ve been wanting to try and a movie!!
My mom just came to visit for 2 weeks, and she has gifted us a dinner out while she stays home baking yummy treats with the kiddos.
Looking forward to reading both books.
My husband will be out of town on Valentine’s Day, so I will have to celebrate with him later, but will bless my children with a special meal, small gift, and a movie night. I have Jennifer’s Love Your Husband, Love Yourself and have been very blessed by it, so I would love to receive her newer book. Also, I saw Heidi St. John speak at a homeschool convention and she was great!
We plan to serve our kids at church in our Children’s program Sunkidz program then have a sweet treat out! Probably ice cream!
Jennifer, Thank you for providing this giveaway. More importantly, thank you for always sharing truth with us. Currently no special plans for Valentine’s Day, but perhaps I should change that. 😉
Thanks for the entry! Hubby is working so I will be spending it with my 2 mini valentine’s.
I’ve spent many an anniversary that same way, Stef. Through my husband’s years in residency, we seldom got to celebrate anything on the actual day. I was always so glad I had lots of kiddos around to keep me company on such occasions! Blessings on you and your crew. I’ve found that early or late celebrations (or both) can be just as much fun and memorable as any.
Looks like a wonderful book…sometimes I feel like I dont even have enough time to read about how to start to make changes because “I’m so busy!” Hopefully if I won this book I’d make the time!
No special plans for Valentines Day, but I am planning a 3-day-getaway a couple of weeks later!
Both books look great! As a brand new homeschooling mom to my 3-year-old (plus a 1-year-old and one on the way), I’m eager for good literature on these topics.
Both books looks so great. I’m a brand new homeschooling mom of my 3-year-old (plus a 1-year-old and one on the way), and I’m eager for good literature on these topics.
I’d love to win these books. I am a newlywed and I really want to ensure I do the right things.
Would love to win this to give to my daughter in law, a new mother.
So excited we have a dinner party to go to, although because of childcare issues it’s not til the weekend after Valentine’s Day (a full 8 days later) and I’m also trying to arrange for a sleepover for our kids elsewhere too. 😉
Looks like some great books! Thanks for the chance to win!
Jennifer, I am so encouraged by all your blog posts! Thank you for having this giveaway!
~Elizabeth~
We do! We won a gift card for a restaurant in downtown, and tickets to the Liberty theater in December, and am excited to have a frugal way to enjoy our evening! 🙂
It would be wonderful to win – Really like your blog!
Unfortunately we don’t have any plans for Valentines day – too busy with the kids and work, we were not able to squeeze anything else in. I really think this book could come in handy.
These both sound like great books!
So far, no plans yet for Valentine’s Day. My birthday is the 13th and our anniversary is the 16th, so surely we’ll do something fun:)
Our weekly date night is Tuesday…so, I am guessing we will “celebrate” on that night! 🙂 I write cards and notes to my DH. I am so glad to have found your blog.
Thank you for sharing this book with us.
My husband and I are traveling to see our grandchildren (and their parents, too!).
I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate LOVE, then with fresh kisses on my cheeks!
oops…sorry – no, no plans for Valentine’s day. Hubby and I will try to go out to dinner the following week or so…. 🙁
The book sounds great – can’t wait to read it!
this post was a great reminder that everyday actions add up to large habits!
I would LOVE to win … I think my husband would love it if I did too :).
I just read the question. OOPS! My plans are so secret I can’t share them here :).
I’m making a special dinner for my DH and kids. The kids are going to bed early, and we are going to have dessert by candlelight and a little alone time!
Thanks for the giveaway
Everything makes sense and I can’t wait to get started reading the book. I’ve been thinking a lot about my marriage and busy schedule. I need to readjust my priorities.
This was great advice! I always enjoy reading the treasures here. It’s always an encouragement to me