Love & War

Filed Under Books, Marriage, Sponsored, This Rocks | 2 Comments

I am about halfway through a new book called Love & War that is completely changing my mindset about marriage. I am usually hesitant to read “self-help” type books but I am familiar with John and Stasi Eldredge and knew that this would probably be a good one. And plus, I knew that I needed a better attitude about my relationship with Jonathon. (What, you thought we were perfect? ha ha) We do “fine” together but lately we just seem to be missing something. And it’s easy to get bogged down by life with a two year old, a baby on the way, a job, taking care of the house etc. But how do you get back to where you want to be?

This book has been great because the writers are both so honest. It’s a husband and wife team and they each share from their own perspective. First off, they admit that marriage is not going to be easy. Do you know what a relief it is to hear someone actually say that? It’s not just us. We’re not the only ones who struggle. I struggle to be nice to my husband on a daily basis, to appreciate him, to show him respect. With the way my hormones have been lately, I’m guessing that he struggles to not strangle me!

Love and War talks about how marriage won’t be better until we learn to seek fulfillment from God and not our spouse. It discusses dealing with hurts and insecurities, working as a team, learning about our differences… stuff I’ve heard before. But the way the message is conveyed is captivating and really got under my skin. It made me want a change, to want something better, to believe it’s possible. I honestly recommend this book for anyone who is married or about to be married. I think it will change the way you approach your relationship. If you want to borrow it when I’m finished, just let me know.

And I just wanted to share some of my favorite quotes from this book:

“God created marriage as a living, breathing portrait laid out before the eyes of the world so that they might see the story of the ages. A love story, set in the midst of desperate times. It is a story of redemption, a story of healing; it is a story of love. God give sus marriage to illustrate his heart toward us. It is the deepest and most mythic reality in the world–that love is true, that God pursues us. Our love is meant ot be a picture of both his love and his fight. The masculine and the feminine, the courage and sacrifice, and yes, the blood, sweat, and tears–these play out for us and for the world the story of truest Love and his Beloved. God is fighting for the hearts of his people. He is a valiant king and lover, who will set his people free.”

“So there you have it–we live in a great love story, set in the mindst of war. We need each other, desperately. We have been entrusted with the heart of another human being. Our loving will prove to the world that love is real. We will play out before watching eyes the Great Love Story of the ages.”

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

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