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A Wife After God's Own Heart: 12 Things That Really Matter in Your Marriage

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One secret to marital bliss is for a wife to love her husband the way God designed for her to love him—even with his shortcomings. God hasn’t called a woman to change her husband, but to focus on her calling as a wife. And the rewards for doing so are rich! Elizabeth provides valuable and practical insights on 12 key areas of a marriage, including...



This book can be used alongside "A Husband After God’s Own Heart, ";or as a stand–alone volume.

219 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Elizabeth George

272 books753 followers
Elizabeth George is bestselling author and national speaker dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. For over 30 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth has helped countless men and women:

- Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
- Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
- Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
- Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
- Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
- Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Women around the world are drawn to Elizabeth’s approach of daily starting with the Bible to handle life’s challenges. Her ability to weave biblical truth into everyday issues has led readers to make over 15 of her books bestsellers. Elizabeth’s distinctive work, A Woman After God’s Own Heart, has sold over 1 million copies and received the ECPA Platinum Book Award. Likewise, her delightful book, A Girl After God’s Own Heart, remains a treasured gift for moms and grandmothers and made the CBA Bestseller List for fourteen consecutive months.

Elizabeth also encourages women through her radio broadcast, “A Minute for Busy Women,” featured on Christian radio stations across America and at www.OnePlace.com. She is also a regular keynote speaker at women’s conferences and retreats.

In the midst of their busy writing schedule, Elizabeth and Jim love spending time with their two married daughters and eight grandchildren, taking daily walks along golden sands, and enjoying the beautiful Hawaiian sunsets. They divide time residing in Honolulu, Hawaii and the Washington State coast.

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5 stars
412 (51%)
4 stars
242 (30%)
3 stars
108 (13%)
2 stars
27 (3%)
1 star
8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Olivia.
100 reviews6 followers
June 19, 2021
This could be a helpful read to new Christians. It did have some good information, but felt very superficial. It seemed as if the motive for everything was what I will get out of it. There was so little of Christ, so little of making everything about love of Christ and obedience to Christ. I don’t want to be a good wife because of how it will benefit me. I want to be a good wife because it will bring glory to God.
Profile Image for Jennifer Hall.
18 reviews
July 20, 2022
Loved the set up of the book. Each chapter would start with scripture helps on the selected topic and then it would end with very practical ways to put those principles into play. A great read.
Profile Image for Linda Sedillo.
26 reviews
February 22, 2017
I just finished reading this book today. Its a wonderful book for every wife after God's own heart. My relationship with God continues to grow everyday and books like this one are amazing. Getting advice from a godly wife is the best thing you can do. I would recommended this book to every wife living in this world and trying to grow their relationship with God.
8 reviews
June 11, 2024
I could really feel the author's compassionate, loving, and gentle encouragement to devlop a tender heart toward one's husband and family, motivated by a desire to love and obey God.
Profile Image for Mandy J. Hoffman.
Author 1 book92 followers
March 21, 2011
MY REVIEW:

In these more specific books, Jim and Elizabeth George dig deeper into what being a Biblical husband and wife really mean and looks like. I enjoy their honest yet considerate and respectful approach to the wide variety of issues in marriage as they pertain to each the role. They are gentle yet firm and stas true to the Word of God.

I personally liked how these books were basic yet broad at the same time. They were also deep yet easy to understand and apply as well. They push spiritual growth based on the truth - the Bible.

Both of these books are great to be used on an individual basis, in counseling/mentoring situations, as group studies, and as a couple. They would also make some great pre-marital or newlywed counseling material to work through.

BOOK OVERVIEWS:

A WIFE AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART

One secret to marital bliss is for a wife to love her husband the way God designed for her to love him—even with his shortcomings. God hasn’t called a woman to change her husband, but to focus on her calling as a wife. And the rewards for doing so are rich! Elizabeth provides valuable and practical insights on 12 key areas of a marriage, including...

* What it means to be a husband’s helper
* What submission is and isn’t
* Nurturing joy in your home and family
* Excelling in your work...and making time for fun as a couple!

This book can be used alongside A Husband After God’s Own Heart, or as a stand–alone volume.

A HUSBAND AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART

The closer a husband is to God, the closer he will grow to his wife. That’s why it’s so vital for husbands to pursue God’s heart and get to know His perfect design for the man’s role in the marriage relationship. Husbands will find their marriages growing richer and deeper as they discover how to...

* win a wife’s heart through loving leadership
* enjoy better communication through careful listening
* build a happier home through wise guidance
* encourage the family’s spiritual growth by example
* excel at a career without sacrificing family priorities

Jim George addresses 12 areas of a husband’s life, providing men with powerful and practical applications for becoming a husband after God’s own heart. Includes a helpful study guide.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
125 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2015
Elizabeth George asks, “What wife doesn’t yearn for a happy marriage that is satisfying and exciting?” Marriage is not to be entered into lightly; it is a serious commitment between a man and a woman with vows being made to each other for the present and the future. The Christian couple has the added responsibility of honouring God in their marriage - sometimes we loose sight of that. It doesn’t matter if you have been married for 1 year or 60 years, we all struggle from time to time. This book offers encouragement, motivation and wisdom from God’s word to help improve, refresh and strengthen the relationship you have with your husband.
There are 12 chapters in the book which cover a wide range of issues and situations that a wife may face. Each chapter is grounded in scripture and explains the application of biblical truths to our everyday lives. The first and most important chapter is entitled ‘Growing in the Lord’ which emphasizes our need for continual spiritual growth. The chapters that follow include, Working as a Team, Learning to Communicate, Enjoying Intimacy, Keeping up the Home, Raising Your Children, and Making Time for Fun. Each chapter ends with practical help and advice in the form of Little Things that make a Big Difference. One of those little things is simply to pray for your husband every day. Marriage takes work and it won’t always be easy but if we are true to God, honour his word and rely on his guidance we will be able to face whatever comes, through his strength.
Elizabeth George writes with the experience and knowledge of a wife (for over 40 years), mother and grandmother, reminding us that God’s guidelines are timeless. So whether you are just starting off on your journey together or can’t remember a time when you were apart, this book is definitely worth reading.
Profile Image for Leigh Anne.
933 reviews33 followers
May 15, 2016
I hate to give a book a bad review, especially when it's a book with good intentions. Sometimes, though, with non-fiction, one troubling area can strike a book from your collection.

In this case, it's the author's position on depression. Although depression certainly can have a spiritual dimension, and prayer most likely couldn't hurt (especially if your reading audience is predisposed to it), depression is also an illness. As such, there should be AT LEAST a cursory disclaimer about getting medical attention. Sadly, there isn't. The author has another book in which she discusses her experiences with depression, but a reader shouldn't be expected to go find that other book to see if its subject is handled correctly. Advising readers to pray and have a good attitude, without considering the very real biological factors that make up depression, is not just misguided: it can be downright dangerous.

Everybody's entitled to their own beliefs, but not their own facts. If author popularity/demand means you have to have this book in your collection, you should supplement with David Murray's Christians Get Depressed Too or Chris Williams's I'm Not Supposed To Feel Like This/>. Reluctantly not recommended, under the "one bad apple" theory.
Profile Image for Arielle.
77 reviews
February 12, 2013
As always I greatly enjoy the writings of Elizabeth George! She has a simple and very relatable way of writing that convicts, and motivates. I love the layout of her books, the chapters are broken up just right and it is an easy book to read. I was given this book for Christmas as a newlywed and found a lot of good insight and advice for a new wife. Some of the chapters didn't pertain to my specific situation (or won't until later on in life, like having kids...) but that didn't bother me. Overall a very encouraging book that I'd recommend. The only reason why I dropped a star was that it is a little too similar to her other books (a young woman after gods own heart & a woman after gods own heart.)
Profile Image for Galileia.
80 reviews
January 28, 2011
This will help u set ur priorities in ur married life. it's like a cookbook that provides a perfect recipe & prepares all the needed ingredients of what may not be a perfect family yet peaceful, full of love and understanding.When love is present inside ur home..it will extend to people around u before u even know it. To leave bad habits behind and for the betterment of yourself..everything must commence in your home. One can never be good outside if u have neglected ur own family.
Profile Image for Marsha.
219 reviews30 followers
March 1, 2009
While this book did reiterate some of what was presented in A Woman after God's Own Heart, it expounded on it as well. I found that Elizabeth George's straight forward approach was refreshing. She helped clarify exactly what a Godly Wife's heart should look like and how was should work to not only achieve that mindset, but to maintain` it as well.
116 reviews3 followers
September 2, 2011
Overall, good book. It went into a little more detail about what it means to be a Godly wife. What my responsibilities should be and how I should support my husband. I did find a couple of her principles a little old fashioned or unrealistic in today's society, but in general I was very challenged by her words.
Profile Image for Holly.
17 reviews4 followers
November 29, 2013
Just like her book "A Woman After God's Own Heart", Elizabeth George takes you through the key Biblical characteristics of a Godly wife and woman. I really enjoyed this read. My favorite part was the "Little Things That Make a Big Difference" at the end of every chapter. Here, she places helpful tips and ideas to help live out the trait mentioned in the chapter.
Profile Image for Beverley.
17 reviews2 followers
June 8, 2013
Good read with practical suggestions for life. However it does set very high expectations and Elizabeth's home circumstances are very different from many people's and so to try to put into place everything she says is scriptural could leave you feeling somewhat of a failure. We have to remember to serve God in our own situation.
3 reviews2 followers
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March 19, 2008
What an amazing book! It so focused on God and His will for marriage. And how we must first change and have a relationship with God no matter where our spouse is at in their walk. We as women must do it God's way no matter what else is going on.
4 reviews2 followers
April 18, 2008
We read this jointly only a husband after God's own heart. Chapters were the same subjects and we got to follow up with each other and share the things we learned.
Profile Image for Princesshonor.
16 reviews
December 11, 2008
I've been reading this book for like 4 years.
So I'm going to try to finish it now. Very good topics.
Profile Image for Erica Steinnagel.
18 reviews2 followers
October 16, 2009
I read this book before I was married, but I found it extremely useful! I need to read it again, now that I AM married! All married Christian women should read this book.
Profile Image for IrenesBookReviews.
1,039 reviews26 followers
November 6, 2010
All books by Elizabeth George are excellent. Buy the book and you will learn and grow. She is not preachy but you learn something in every chapter.
Profile Image for Lisa .
1,374 reviews15 followers
July 12, 2011
LOVED this one too! Sometimes it feel really hard to put into practice though, but I still loved this one!
Profile Image for Kelly (smeets_books).
134 reviews2 followers
August 12, 2011
This really helped me as a new wife to know what was expected of me! Full of practical tips and helpful insights especially how to talk to your husband! Can dip into time and again.
Profile Image for Kyla Clarkston.
58 reviews1 follower
March 19, 2012
I am very thankful that this book was recommended to me. It definitely taught me a lot!
Profile Image for Christine.
207 reviews
June 19, 2013
I gain so much from her books. They are practical and full of Biblical wisdom.
Profile Image for Maui Rochell.
671 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2021
I finally finished this book as well! I remembered being so eager to find a copy of this book online and purchased the last copy via Facebook Marketplace in a Christian bookstore far away from where I live! Such dedication we got right there.

It was an assigned reading to us when we were a part of the couple's group, sadly we had to leave because we weren't getting married anytime last year. But I had fun studying this book with the other married women, so my reading took a back seat not until last December when I decided to gave it a try as I'm also preparing for another season of my life -- marriage.

I learned and highlighted so much from this book and I know that this will only be the first out of many times that I will re-read it and consult for wisdom when I finally become a wife. Thank You Lord for this book.
Profile Image for Chloe Abraham.
60 reviews
September 24, 2023
My husband and I read through this book together. We both found it helpful and they made some great points.

One thing to remember when reading this book is that George's ideas are very traditional. Whilst I agree with most of the points in this book, I found it to be a little old fashioned at times and struggled to relate it to my own life and marriage. That being said, that is a personal opinion which I know wouldn't be held by all.

I did enjoy the book and took a lot away from it, but I think that it needs to be modernized a little bit to make it appealing to younger wives who are living in the 21st century.
26 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2017
Overall I thought this was an encouraging and challenging book. The 12 things that matter in your marriage that she talked about were addressed biblically which I really appreciated. I felt challenged and somewhat defensive about some of the things that she presented and felt like some things were unrealistic such as her long list of what a wife should get done on top of a good nights sleep.it did make me take a look at my heart and bring about good discussions about what works for our family. But as a whole this is a book I recommend.
32 reviews
May 30, 2022
After reading The Meaning of Marriage and When Sinners Say I Do, I couldn't help but compare how different the writing is from a wife's perspective. It's less theory and concepts and more practical tips on how you can be a good wife so I liked that part.

Takeaways:
1. Pray for your husband thrice a day
2. Your major role as a Christian woman is to be the helper of your husband before anything else
3. Serve the people inside your home first, before reaching outwards
4. A husband's leadership can be one of the primary ways God leads you
Profile Image for Madelyn Smith.
166 reviews
April 15, 2024
Some things may be outdated in this book like the talk of emailing to communicate and the name drop of Avon and Pampered Chef parties (those i really got a kick out of btw,) but i got a lot out of the chapters on Extending Love to Family, Tending Your Career and Reaching Out To Others. I went in not expecting to hear anything new, but I ending up walking away convicted!

It’s a good book to keep and come back to when a new stage of life happens. Lots of tips for parenting and also empty-nesting.
1 review
March 4, 2023
Excellent book!

This book was very helpful. I'm a married woman. We just completed our first anniversary. I wanted to know about more how God could help me be a better wife for my husband. This book showed me so many ways.


Este livro me ajudou muito. Eu sou casada faz um ano. Eu queria conhecer mais sobre como Deus poderia me ajudar a ser uma esposa melhor para o meu esposo. E este livro me mostrou várias formas de fazer isso.
Profile Image for Abbie Vipperman.
16 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2018
This would have been a 5 star for me except that I do not agree with George’s views in women’s work outside of the home. The heart of the book is an excellent reminder and encourager, so I would still recommend it.
Profile Image for Julie Wasmus.
31 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2018
This book would be good for a young in faith woman. I found it to be a little too simplistic for me; however, that doesn't mean others would not appreciate the content. It would be good for serious dating / engagement as well as already married.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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