The Spirit-Controlled Woman by Beverly Lahaye: A Book Review

In "The Spirit-Controlled Woman", the author Beverly Lahaye talks about how knowledge of the four temperaments namely, melancholic, phlegmatic, choleric & sanguine, plays a major part in identifying peoples’ (particularly in this book, women’s) strengths and weaknesses; and how through submission to God one can overcome her weaknesses and be used effectively by God in her relationships, work and ministry. This makes the title “The Christian Woman and Her Temperaments” seem more appropriate.

Lahaye appeals to women in all walks of life – single, married, parents, even mothers-in-law – all condensed in one book. I firmly believe that because of the complications and vastness of human experience and situations, separate books on this topic can be written for each stage of life.

After reading this book, the reader will not only have a review of Psychology 101 but she would also have a deeper understanding of herself and the people around her. Lahaye answers the question “Why do some people tend to fall into certain temptations over and over again while others don’t seem to be affected so much. She also presents some specific ways on how each temperament can deal with their weaknesses.

Overall, the book will challenge the reader to know more about herself and go to God with utter submission and desire to be changed and used by Him. This book will not answer every question the reader might have but it certainly points to the right direction. Purchase the book, start reading it and then go from there.

Making the Most of Your Child's Teachable Moments by Wanda Pelfrey

This book gives a lot of ideas on how to instill Christian values and faith in your child in subtle but effective ways. Moreover, it would also help you create and maintain a positive and loving relationship with your child. What I really appreciate about this book is that it shows how you can influence your child during your everyday life at home or outside and at almost every occasion, without sounding like you're preaching. It includes topics like: when getting up, when your child wants to help, going to church, spring, summer, moving to a new home, death of a pet, and a lot more. You might want to read one topic at a time until you have applied and adapted your own style and personality. It also includes a scripture that you can talk about for each topic. This is a very good material for every Christian parent.

Loving Your Marriage Enough To Protect It by Jerry Jenkins

How many people do you know who once had a good marriage only to be shattered by extra marital affair? Sometimes it is a result of a bad marriage but other times even seemingly "good" marriage results in adultery. Just when a spouse think it will not happen to him/her and feels so secure in their relationship that this heartbreaking news explodes on his/her face.
I love reading and re-reading this book "Loving Your Marriage Enough to Protect It" by Jerry B. Jenkins. He tells of some practical ways to protect your marriage and family from the sin of adultery. He writes about safeguard practices (what he calls hedges) that he religiously applied based on his own personal weaknesses (flirting, inappropriate joking with the opposite sex) to avoid temptations even before they start.
As human beings with a sinful nature, nobody is exempted from being tempted to have an affair outside marriage. That is why I personally, feel scared even at the thought of having an affair, other than my husband of course. And I firmly believe that that’s where it starts. If you know that you are vulnerable and you love your family, you will at all cost, put a safeguard around you and your marriage so you do not fall into the enemy’s trap.
Jerry also clarifies that the guidelines that he wrote are what he practices and encourages the reader to make one of his own based on his/her own personality and weaknesses. At the very last chapter is the Study Guide that the reader will find helpful in pinning down the hedges he can carry out in his own home.
Do you love your marriage enough to protect it? What hedges should you plant around your marriage?