Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. (Genesis 2:24)

A woman of worth who doth find?
Yea, far above rubies is her price.
The heart of her husband hath trusted in her,
And spoil he lacketh not.
She hath done him good, and not evil,
All days of her life. . . .
Her hand she hath spread forth to the poor,
Yea, her hands she sent forth to the needy. . . .
Strength and honour are her clothing,
And she rejoiceth at a latter day.
Her mouth she hath opened in wisdom,
And the law of kindness is on her tongue.
She is watching the ways of her household,
And bread of sloth she eateth not.
Her sons have risen up, and pronounce her happy,
Her husband, and he praiseth her,
`Many are the daughters who have done worthily,
Thou hast gone up and above them all.'
The grace is false, and the beauty is vain,
A woman fearing Jehovah, she may boast herself.
Give ye to her of the fruit of her hands,
And her works do praise her in the gates!
(Proverbs 31:10-12, 20, 25-31, YLTHB)

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. (Religion [holiness] is the root of happiness. Piety has charms which abide in all their freshness when mere fleshly beauty has given place to the wrinkles of old age. May the new household be founded in prayer, built up in holiness, and crowned with the divine blessing.) -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting on Proverbs 31:30, 31 in Spurgeon's Devotional Bible, p. 778.

Contents

BIBLICAL COUNSEL (WOMEN)

• Abortion (Women)
  
• Post-abortion Counseling (Women)
  
• Abuse (Women)
  
• Affliction (Women)
  
• Courtship (Women)
  
• Divorce (Women)
  
• Feminism (Women)
  
• Friendship (Women)
  
• Husband not a Believer (Women)
  
• Incest (Women)
  
• Mentoring (Women)
  
• Miscarriage and Stillbirth (Women)
  
• Women and the New Age
  
• The Pastor's Wife (Women)
  
• Rape (Women)
  
• Sexual Relationship (Women)
  
• Being Single (Women)
  
• Widowhood

Combined Interactive Contents for The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/combtoc.html

Chapter 4
Works for and by Women

Devotions for Women

---

Ellis, Charles, and Norma Ellis, Heirs Together of Life: Daily Bible Readings for Husbands and Wives (Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust). [10703]

Smith-Broersma, Margaret Devotions for Couples in Blended Families: Living and Loving as a New Family

*Spurgeon, C.H., Faith's Checkbook (Chicago, IL: Moody Press). 31728
"A promise from God may very instructively be compared to a check payable to order. It is given to the believer with the view of bestowing upon him some good thing. It is not meant that he should read it over comfortably and then have done with it. No, he is to treat the promises as a reality, as a man treats a check. He is to take the promise and endorse it with his own name by personally receiving it as true." -- C.H. Spurgeon
"In the Preface of his devotional volume containing 365 brief, experimental comments on the promises which Spurgeon has chosen, the renowned preacher tells us that so many of these promises are true because the were fulfilled in his own experience during a time of `wading in the surf of controversy,' and also when `sharp bodily pain succeeded mental depression, accompanied both by bereavement, and affliction in the person of one dear as life. Never were the promises of Jehovah so precious to me as at this hour.' Thus it was to help other sufferers that Spurgeon prepared this comforting book."
Faith's Checkbook, A Daily Devotional by C. H. Spurgeon
http://bible.christiansunite.com/faitharchive.shtmly

See also: Book length presentations of the free offer of Gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace

Related WebLinks

Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts
http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html

Women and Prayer

---

Christenson, Evelyn, What Happens When Women Pray (Wheaton, IL: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.). 40008
"Evelyn Christenson talks about the positive, dynamic results that occur when Christians pray."

Miller, C. John, Becoming a Full-Time Woman (cont.); Prayer and Christian Womanhood (Michigan City, IN: Sound Word Associates, 1991). 40010
Audio cassette CM104A.

Omartian, Stormie, Christopher Omartian, and Amanda Omartian The Power of a Praying Parent
"Because the chapters are short, you could use a chapter as a devotional each time you pray. I also appreciate the way the scripture verses are typed out so that I don't have to spend time looking each one up.
"This is an excellent gift for parents who are expecting or for a parent struggling with a teen. Because the tone is so welcoming and compassionate, I also find it's a great witnessing tool. People who may be otherwise closed to the gospels are sometimes open to anything if they think that it may help their child. I'd also recommend this book to uncles, aunts, teachers, grandparents, youth workers, basically anyone who is interested in the welfare of our children." -- Reader Comment

Schaeffer, Edith, The Life of Prayer (Wheaton, IL: Good News Publishers [Crossway Books], 1992). 10780
"Here is a distillation of Mrs. Schaeffer's lifelong experience as a prayer warrior. Filled with examples from her own life and the lives of hundreds of friends throughout the world, this heartwarming book brings the reader face to face with the life-changing power of prayer. She speaks on such difficult subjects as: Why pray if God is sovereign? and What is the relationship between prayer and suffering?" -- GCB

Watson, Carol, and Ann Baum (contributor), 365 Children's Prayers: Prayers Old and New for Today and Every Day
"This is a wondrous book on praying for it offers 365 prayers - most written by children. The prayers cover topical issues and are separated into six easy to follow categories. I have purchased many copies of this book over the years for use as gifts, for use in Sunday School, and I have two copies for personal use. An excellent choice!" -- Reader Comment

Wenhe, Mary B., How to Pray for Healing (Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell, 1975). 40012

See also: Book length presentations of the free offer of Gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace

Related WebLinks

The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon
A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, September 9, 1888, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 2043.
"This is the way in which you should use this plea. Say, 'My God, I am utterly unworthy, and I own it; but, I beseech thee, hear me for the honour of thy dear Son. By his agony and bloody sweat, by his cross and passion, by his precious death and burial, I beseech thee hear me! O Lord, let the blood of thine Only-begotten prevail with thee! Canst thou put aside his groans, his tears, his death, when they speak on my behalf?' If you can thus come to pleading terms with God upon this ground, you must and will prevail. Jesus must be heard in heaven. The voice of his blood is eloquent with God. If you plead the atoning sacrifice, you must overcome through the blood of the Lamb." -- C.H. Spurgeon
http://www.mountzion.org/fgb/Summer97/FgbS6-97.html

Discipleship (Women)

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*Baxter, Richard, The One Thing Necessary
A treatise on the sin of Martha.

Baxter, Richard, Walking With God [30933]

Bobgan, Deidre, Lord of the Dance: The Beauty of the Disciplined Life (Santa Barbara, CA: EastGate Publishers, 1993). 40047A
"Discipline and beauty, a striking pair . . . Spiritual disciplines for ballet lovers . . . Biblical concepts and examples freshly framed in ballet motif serve as unique reminders to walk more closely with the Lord of the Dance." -- Publisher's Annotation

*James, John Angell, Female Piety or the Young Woman's Friend and Guide Through Life to Immortality (Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria Publications).
"This is another in a series of books on the family. By the author of THE CHRISTIAN FATHER'S PRESENT TO HIS CHILDREN, this is James' book on raising a godly daughter. He deals with early piety, the elevation of women by the gospel, the importance of personal religion, and how to be a good wife and mother. This is a book every parent should read to their daughters. Here is a book that girls should read to know what to become, and boys should read to know what to look for! There is a foreword by Mrs. Edna Gerstner." -- Publisher's Annotation

Kent, Carol, How to Grow in Christ (Philadelphia, PA: The Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Co.). [40021]
"This book candidly explores ten areas in which women struggle for fulfillment and success. It identifies three kinds of passions--twisted, honorable, and holy--that come from the way you deal with unfulfilled expectations. And it exposes the myths about `good Christian women' that conflict with what you really think and feel." -- GCB

Masters, Lavonne, Memorize and Meditate (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers). 40054
"Masters combines practical, easy-to-use memorization methods with Biblical principles of mediation to produce a memory plan that works." -- GCB

Miller, Rosemarie, Romans (Jenkintown, PA [World Harvest, Box 2175, Jenkintown 19046]: World Harvest, 1985). 40055
An excellent study of Romans based on Ray Stedman's study of Romans. Ties in beautifully with the SONSHIP COURSE by C. John Miller and Rosemarie Miller.
World Harvest Mission
http://www.whm.org/home.htm

Whitefield, George, Christ the Best Husband: Or an Earnest Invitation to Young Women to Come and See Christ (Preached to a Society of Young Women, in Fetter-Lane.)
http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/whitefie.htm

See also: Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Book length presentations of the free offer of Gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, Womanhood, The ten commandments (women), Sexual relationship, Works of martha finley

Related WebLinks

Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts
http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html

The Ten Commandments (women)

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Davidman, Joy, Smoke on the Mountain (Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Press, 1971). 40159
"The wife of C.S. Lewis interprets the Ten Commandments and passes on observations she has made concerning those who have attempted to order their lives according to the Decalogue." -- Cyril J. Barber

Klaus, Sandra, Ten to Grow On: Teaching the Ten Commandments to Today's Children (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House). 40160
"For ages 8-12. Introduction to each commandment, modern-day story which illustrates the commandment, discussion questions, memory verse activities, song suggestions, classroom activities, and reproducible puzzles." -- GCB

McNair, Mac. and Amy McNair, Ten Principles for a Successful Marriage: Practical Lessons from the Ten Commandments
"Nearly everyone has heard of the Ten Commandments, and most people can even name a few of them. Through fifty-five years of marriage Mac and Amy McNair have drawn from them the following guidelines for living together:

• Respect each other's position of authority
• Have singleness of purpose in your marriage
• Practice effective communication
• Maintain a proper balance between work and rest
• Show respect for your elders and seek counsel from those who are older and wiser
• Show respect for one another and love one another
• Maintain a proper physical relationship
• Face financial issues together
• Demonstrate honesty and integrity to one another
• Be content with yourself and your marriage

Miller, C. John, Christ and the 10 Commandments; Harmony in Home Through the 5th Commandment (Michigan City, IN: Sound Word Associates, 1991). 40199
Audio cassette CM106.

See also: The ten commandments, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship

Related WebLinks

Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts
http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html

Womanhood

---

*Andreola, Karen, Beautiful Girlhood
"The book deals primarily with the Christian character development, moral virtues and manners of pre-teen and teenage girls. It is one of the best-selling titles in the homeschooling community." -- Publisher's Annotation

Barnes, Emilie, Michal Sparks (illustrator), and Anne Christian Buchanan (contributor) A Little Book of Manners: Etiquette for Young Ladies
"Aimed at girls six to ten, this book introduces children to basic good manners, explaining the `whys' as well as the `hows' and stressing a loving attitude over simply following rules. Like LET'S HAVE A TEA PARTY, this book is written from the point of view of Emilie Marie, a little girl who is basically Emilie as a child -- passing along information Emilie has learned as an adult." -- Publisher's Annotation

Barnes, Emilie The Spirit of Loveliness
"This book really deserves more than a ten. Emilie Barnes has an inheritance of brilliance in ideas for the home - and this book sums them up! With lovely hand-drawn illustrations, this book is one of the best motivators for creating a beautiful home I've ever seen. The book is printed as beautifully as you could desire, and would make a wonderful gift. I love it!" -- Reader Comment

Berry, Jo, Becoming God's Special Woman: Develop Self-Worth His Way (Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell). 40164
"Answers such questions as: Do you believe that God created you just as you are for a purpose? Would you like power to change your life? Are you moving toward God's ideal for your life?" -- GCB

Berry, Jo, Making Your Life a Ministry

Betters, Sharon W. Treasures of Encouragement: Women Helping Women in the Church (Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company
"Security in your relationship with Christ can lead you to reach out to others in your church, your community, and your family! Do you know someone who is hurting, depressed, lonely? This book will help you find ways to help that person -- to build one another up. What a wonderful ministry! The Ministry of Encouragement!" -- Reader Comment

Caldwell, Genevieve, First Person, Singular [40040]
"She [the author] sees Christian single women shortchanging themselves and encourages them to shake off the shroud of passivity and actively build new, meaningful relationships." -- Cyril J. Barber

Carmichael, Amy, Toward Jerusalem (Fort Washington, PA: Christian Literature Crusade). 40003
"Amy Carmichaels's collection of poetry is breathtaking. In TOWARDS JERUSALEM, Miss Carmichael shares her deep love for the Lord through her writings. They have a lyrical flow that helps you grasp the `bigger picture' of life and love. Poems such as `In Acceptance Lieth Peace' calmed and soothed my soul, and indeed did help me to see where peace shall come from. Her poems range in topic from Life issues to Love issues, but are all Christ-Centered. I was deeply touched and inspired. A good companion to read along with TOWARDS... is CANDLES IN THE DARK, another one of Miss Carmichael's inspiring books." -- Reader Comment

*Havergal, Frances, Kept for the Master's Use (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications). 40001
"If ever a woman lived her whole life as if she were married to Christ, it is Frances Havergal. Her every breath was drawn for Him, and so her every utterance breathed of Him . . . You will thrill to her expressions of praise. And when she leads us to a dedicated Christian life, we find it compelling. By all means read this book. You will never forget it." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. A Christian classic.

*Havergal, Frances, The Poems and Hymns of Christ's Sweet Singer. 40002
"All her poetry and prose is saturated with the Living Word. It has a freshness and power which only the eternal dew of heavenly truth could impart. She was know to look to the Lord long and prayerfully before putting pen to paper. She once wrote to her sister, `If I am to write to any good, a great deal of living must go into a very little writing.' Her hymns, her poetry, and her prose breathe with the fire of love to her Savior. She lived very close, devoting the most of her earnings to missions. By the time of her death one of her volumes of poetry reached its 30th edition, and another was in its 38th. She began to read the Bible at age 4 and never ceased to study it. She lived as she wrote in that famous hymn: `Take my life, and let it be, consecrated, Lord, to Thee, Take my moments and my days; Let them flow in ceaseless praise.' Readers thrill at all she writes. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr.

*Hunt, Susan, Spiritual Mothering: The Titus 2 Model for Women Mentoring Women (Brentwood, TN: Legacy Communications, 1992). 40015
"This is a fine treatment of a subject very close to my heart. May older women heed the call to mother the younger, and may the younger women be teachable." -- Elisabeth Elliot
"This is a jewel of a book. By sensitively examining Paul's instructions in Titus 2, Susan Hunt calls women to powerfully affect our nation and world with the love of God--one person at a time." -- Beverly LaHaye
"Hunt has lots of experience in the area this book covers. She is very active in the PCA's W.I.C. program. The book comes with glowing recommendations by Elisabeth Elliot, Bev LaHaye, Charles Dunahoo, Connie Marshner, and Debra Evans. She believes that the church needs to restore the ministry of older women to younger women." -- GCB

Hunt, Susan, The True Woman: The Beauty and Strength of a Godly Woman (Crossway Books, January 13, 1997).
"This book challenges women to review their lives. It begins with a definition of what the Bible defines as a True Woman. Each chapter is prefaced with a real account from a Godly woman and her struggles with real life situations. It is peppered with illustrations of women who have walked with God. There are wonderful Scriptural references to help determine the Biblical purpose of women. It is a challenge to all Christian women to find out how to be a True Woman of God in today's world." -- Reader Comment

Hunter, Emily, Christian Charm Course
"Aimed at young girls, this popular study book has been used by countless homeschool families to teach young girls good manners and godly behavior. With practical guidelines for grooming, dress, politeness, conversation skills, and spiritual growth, this book will help children integrate inner beauty with outer beauty." -- Publisher's Annotation

*James, John Angell, Female Piety or the Young Woman's Friend and Guide Through Life to Immortality (Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria Publications).
"This is another in a series of books on the family. By the author of THE CHRISTIAN FATHER'S PRESENT TO HIS CHILDREN, this is James' book on raising a godly daughter. He deals with early piety, the elevation of women by the gospel, the importance of personal religion, and how to be a good wife and mother. This is a book every parent should read to their daughters. Here is a book that girls should read to know what to become, and boys should read to know what to look for! There is a foreword by Mrs. Edna Gerstner." -- Publisher's Annotation

*Kassian, Mary A., Women, Creation and the Fall (Wheaton, IL: Good News Publishers [Crossway Books]). 40016
"There isn't a better book around which lays the Scriptural foundations for the roles of men and women. Mrs Kassian firmly upholds biblical authority, and starts right at the beginning -- the creation of Adam and Even in Genesis. That is, both men and women were created in God's image, but both sinned and were both cursed.
"Kassian presents the Scriptural framework for God's order in the home and the church: benevolent male headship and female submission. As Ephesians 5:24-25 says `Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.'
"But Kassian also warns against shortcomings by both sexes, e.g. male despotism and female rebellion.
"Finally, she applies relentless logic and sound analysis of the scriptures to refute so-called 'biblical' feminism. I see this aberration in the same way as creation compromises (e.g. gap theory, day-age, theistic evolution): trying to interpret the infallible Word of God by the fallible theories of sinful human beings.
"Be sure to get her subsequent book THE FEMINIST GOSPEL: THE MOVEMENT TO UNITE FEMINISM WITH THE CHURCH. This shows, among other things, how many of the first generation of `biblical' feminists started by `reinterpreting' God's word to fit fashionable feminist theory. Later, they slid further down the slippery slope into complete apostasy.
"For a very thorough and detailed refutation of 'biblical' feminism, I recommend RECOVERING BIBLICAL MANHOOD AND WOMANHOOD by Piper and Grudem. -- Reader Comment

Kent, Carol, How to Grow in Christ (Philadelphia, PA: The Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Co.). 40021
"This book candidly explores ten areas in which women struggle for fulfillment and success. It identifies three kinds of passions--twisted, honorable, and holy--that come from the way you deal with unfulfilled expectations. And it exposes the myths about `good Christian women' that conflict with what you really think and feel." -- GCB

Krabbendam, Henry, The Spiritual Role of the Woman (part 1) (Michigan City, IN: Sound Word Associates, 1991). 40022
Audio cassette HKR01.

Krabbendam, Henry, The Spiritual Role of the Woman (part 2) (Michigan City, IN: Sound Word Associates, 1991). 40023
Audio cassette HKR02.

Langberg, D., Dignity of Women in Christ: Her Relationships (Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Media). 40024
Audio cassette DWC03 and video V023.

McKinney-Hammond, Michelle, Secrets of an Irresistible Woman
"No matter where you want to go in life, you've got to have the right directions or you'll never reach your destination. No one going to LA gets on a plane that's headed for Florida, or takes directions from someone who's never been there. Therefore when it comes to relationships it only makes sense to take directions from the One who mapped out the way to true love. Since sense is not as common as some would like to think, it's safe to say that God's Word, whether you acknowledge Him or not, just makes good sense. And mama made sense too, she might not have known or explained why, but she had a point. Hopefully after absorbing the principles I share in this book, you will use you head as well as your heart, along with a good dose of spiritual discernment to arrive joyfully at your love destination." -- Michelle McKinney Hammond, the author

Miller, C. John, Becoming a Full-Time Woman; How to Enjoy Full-Time Maturity (Michigan City, IN: Sound Word Associates, 1991). 40198
Audio cassette CM104.

Pape, Dorothy R., In Search of God's Ideal Woman: A Fresh Look at What the New Testament Says About Women (London, England: Mowbrays, 1978, c1976). 40028

Rice, Helen Steiner, Someone Cares (Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell, c1972). 40005
"For millions of readers, Helen Steiner Rice's poetry is a living testimony to God's action in human lives. SOMEONE CARES, one of Mrs. Rice's most popular collections, has now sold nearly a million copies. With an updated format and stunning watercolor art by Stan Myers, this new edition promises to be a hit with Mrs. Rice's many devoted fans.
This collection includes poems on loving God, loving others, God's love and presence, and the richness of family life. SOMEONE CARES shows how important it is to find someone who does care and to become someone who cares for others. It also reassures readers of God's love and presence, encouraging them to remember that the Someone above is always with us.
"In addition to Mrs. Rice's inspiring poems, SOMEONE CARES includes a personal statement of the author's faith entitled THIS I BELIEVE. This statement clearly reveals the spiritual dimension in Mrs. Rice's life, a quality that gives her work such universal appeal.
"Helen Steiner Rice, America's best-loved inspirational poet, wrote poems to encourage readers of all ages. Her popular books have sold more than six million copies. They include SOMEBODY LOVES YOU, A BOOK OF THANKS, and BLOSSOMS OF FRIENDSHIP.
"Stan Myers is an award-winning artist and member of the prestigious National Watercolor Society. His work is included in private and corporate collections and is represented by several galleries in the Midwest." -- Reader Comment
Helen Steiner Rice is the favorite poetess of D. James Kennedy.

Sanfacon, C., Dignity of Women in Christ: Her Emotions (Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Media). 40031
Audio cassette DWC02 and video V022.

Spencer, Emalyn, A Woman That Feareth the Lord (Proverbs 31) (Montgomery, AL: Presbyterian Church in America by the Committee for Christian Education and Publication). 40217

Spencer, Emalyn, With My Whole Heart

Strom, Kay Marshall, Perfect in His Eyes: A Woman's Workshop on Self Esteem

Strom, Kay Marshall, Special Women in the Bible

Van Eenwyk, F., Dignity of Women in Christ: Her Body (Michigan City, IN: Sound Word Associates, 1991). 40035
Audio cassette DWC01 and video V021.

Various, Dignity of Woman in Christ (Michigan City, IN: Sound Word Associates, 1991). 40036
A special set of four audio cassettes featuring: Dr. Fay Van Eenwyk, "A Woman and Her Body," Dr. Cheryl Stanfacon, "A Woman and Her Emotions," Dr. Diane Langberg, "A Woman and Her Relationships," plus a Q&A session with these women.
Audio cassette CM104.

Various, Dignity of Women in Christ: Panel Discussion (Michigan City, IN: Sound Word Associates, 1991). 40037
Audio cassette DWC04 and video V024.

Whitefield, George, Christ the Best Husband: Or an Earnest Invitation to Young Women to Come and See Christ. (Preached to a Society of Young Women, in Fetter-Lane.)
http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/whitefie.htm

See also: Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Mentoring (women), Biography of christian women, Men and women, Works of martha finley

Related WebLinks

Ruth Bell Graham Memorial Site
http://bgea.org/rbg_default.asp

Ruth Bell Graham a Lifetime Pilgrimage
http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=BILLYGRAHAM02

virtuoursreality.com, A Website for All Women
http://www.virtuousreality.com/

Daughters of the King Collection

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. (Proverbs 31:30)

Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments. (Psalms 48:11)

"The call to Christian womanhood is a noble calling. It is a holy pursuit. It is a life-long duty of service, and in the furtherance of this goal, it is important that young ladies are mindful of Whom they are called to serve: Christ, our King. It is a calling for a young girl to mature into a godly woman of purity, virtue, and a joyful spirit -- to become a faithful 'daughter of Zion' (Psalm 9:14).
"A young girl, a lady in training, understands that she is a princess and daughter of the King of Kings, as well as a princess, daughter, and ambassador of her earthly father. And as a daughter of the King, she needs to be encouraged to hold His banner high without wavering. She must walk in a manner befitting those who bear the name of Him who is the 'great King over all the earth' (Psalm 47:2).
"A father's most sacred duty is to instill in his daughter a clear vision for her noble calling before the Lord and to protect and preserve her heart as she moves from childhood to virtuous womanhood. Just as a man is called to sanctify his wife through the 'washing' of God's Word (Ephesians 5:26), so too, a father is called to present his daughter as a symbol of pure beauty through his loving guidance and care. When a father carries out his role in this way, he shows her the special place she holds before her Heavenly King, even as the Psalmist proclaimed: 'The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold' (Psalm 45:13).
"A noble daughter's hero -- her father . . . The simplicity and beauty of trust and pure love . . .
"To help assist fathers in this endeavor, Vision Forum has assembled a set of some of our most important and heartwarming books and CDs designed to encourage young ladies and assist parents in their training as daughters of the King. These messages will challenge dads on the importance of guarding their daughters' hearts at all costs, how to shield them from the pressures of a peer-oriented society and inappropriate romantic relationships, and how to prepare them as a bride -- a godly young woman of purity for the young man of their dreams whom God is preparing. These resources will inspire the young ladies in your home, strengthening your family, equipping your daughter to be a joy to her father, while she looks to him as her hero." -- -- Doug Phillips
http://www.visionforum.com/beautifulgirlhood/productdetail.aspx?productid=27830&categoryid=53

Men and Women

---

See the Theological Notes, "Body and Soul, Male and Female," at Genesis 2:7, page 10, in The Reformation Study Bible

Many marriages have been healed by a commitment to Christ first and to each other second. -- D. James Kennedy and Jerry Newcombe, What if Jesus Had Never Been Born, p. 140

Dodd, Elizabeth D., Marriage to a Difficult Man: The `Uncommon Union' of Jonathan and Sarah Edwards (Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Press, 1971). 40069
About Sarah Perrepont's marriage to Jonathan Edwards and the raising of their 11 children.

*Hardisty, Margaret, Forever My Love: What Every Man Should Know About his Wife (Irvine, CA: Harvest House Publishers, 1975). 40065
"Excellent book for husbands on learning to live with their wives in understanding."-- Robert B. Somerville

Hurley, James B., Man and Woman in Biblical Perspective [60299]
"This is an excellent study of the roles of men and women in Old Testament, New Testament and Inter-Testamental times. Roles covered include family life, commercial, managerial, governmental and religious. Except for the inter-testamental period, the analysis sticks strictly to the scriptures and is very objective. When the subject of religious roles is discussed, the author, who is a member of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) denomination, is careful to define modern church offices in terms of their New Testament counterparts.
"Mr. Hurley is well qualified for this inquiry since he has a doctorate in Pauline Theology and also extensive experience in marriage counseling.
"I found the book to be very helpful as I went through the process of deciding whether ordination of women was an approved biblical practice." -- Reader Comment

*Miller, C. John, Woman's Role in the Home (part 1) (Michigan City, IN: Sound Word Associates, 1991). 40116
Audio cassette CMR03.
World Harvest Mission
http://www.whm.org/home.htm

*Miller, C. John, Woman's Role in the Home (part 2) (Michigan City, IN: Sound Word Associates, 1991). 40117
Audio cassette CMR04.

Rank, Maureen Dealing With the Dad of Your Past
"Practical, biblical counsel for every woman.
"Although fathers are not the only determining influence in their daughters' lives, it is true that their impact at times may be the most ignored. Current research shows that a girl's relationship with her father is absolutely critical to her psychological, social, and spiritual development. This is grim news to a group of people whom psychologists are labeling, `The Fatherless Generation.' Physically absent dads (the current experience of one-fourth of American children under 18), emotionally absent dads, and abusive dads are impacting daughters as well as sons.
"God as Father designed earthly fathers to model His loving care through personal involvement, warmth, discipline, and wise direction and counsel toward maturity. Where these are lacking in a daughter's life, profound effects occur. As difficult as that may be to face, that process is the only way to emotional and spiritual wholeness. It requires a sometimes painful look back and honest assessment of the dad of the past. It means coming to terms with who he really was, who he wasn't, and what can be done about it now. Through God's restoring process, daughters will be challenged to embrace the One perfect Father who is always there and allow His life-changing truth and power to `make all things new'." -- Publisher's Annotation

Strom, Kay Marshall, Making Friends With Your Father: A Book for Daughters (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House). 40111
"Looks at how your father has affected you, how your father influences your choice of men, how to deal with problem fathers, and much more." -- GCB

Strom, Kay Marshall, Making Friends With Your Mother

Wilson, Bunny, Liberated by Submission
Submission is the whole thing, submission to God, the Ultimate Judge, Lawgiver, Holiness, and submission to others. The caveat -- everyone tries to play god, and thus interferes with what God is doing, thus the need for discerning submission.

See also: Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Fatherhood, Womanhood, Men, women and god, Fatherlessness, Works of martha finley

Related WebLinks

Ruth Bell Graham Memorial Site
http://bgea.org/rbg_default.asp

Ruth Bell Graham a Lifetime Pilgrimage
http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=BILLYGRAHAM02

Effects of Fatherlessness, US DATA
http://fatherhood.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.massey.ac.nz/%7EKBirks/gender/econ/nodad.htm

Marriage (Women)

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*Garland, Diana S. Richmond, and David E. Garland, Beyond Companionship: Christians in Marriage (Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Press, 1986). 40075
"After carefully examining New Testament sources, the authors conclude that truly Christian marriage must be a companionship of equal persons. But they go further, affirming that companionship is not enough, because Christian marriage must be an active partnership of equals working together to fulfill the divine purpose." -- David and Vera Mace

James, John Angel, The Marriage Ring
"This little volume is intended as a manual for those just entering the marriage state. John Angel James (1785-1859) was an author beloved and esteemed for his many practical writings. He remarks, `It is an unquestionable truth that if a man be not happy at home, he cannot be happy anywhere; and he who is happy there need be miserable nowhere. The secret of happiness lies folded up in the leaves of the Bible and is carried in the bosom of religion.' He treats of the foundation of the marriage union, the family circle, the mutual and special duties of husband and wife." -- Gospel Union

Luther, Martin, 1483-1546 and Walter Lynne (translator), A vvatch-vvord for vvilfull vvomen. An excellent pithie dialogue betvveene two sisters, of contrary dispositio[n]s: the one a vertuous matrone: fearing God: the other a vvilfull husvvife: of disordered behauioure. Wherein is righte Christianly discoursed, what singuler commodity commeth by vertuous educatio[n], as otherwise what torment to a quiet man, a skowlding [and] vndiscrete woman is. Additional Titles: Fruteful predication or sermon of D. Mart. Luth. concernynge matrimony, 1581, EEBO.
Notes: In two parts. Part 1 is a translation of Der bösen Weiber Zuchtschül. Part 2 is a translation of a sermon on matrimony by Martin Luther. Luther's sermon translated by Walter Lynne.

Stigger, Judith, Coping With Infertility [40219]

Vincent, Thomas, 1634-1678, Christ the best husband: or An invitation of young women unto Christ. Delivered in a sermon to young women. By Thomas Vincent, minister sometime of Maudlins Milkstreet, London, 1672, EEBO.

See also: Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Marriage, Reconciliation of relationships, Marriage conflict resolution, Works of martha finley

Related WebLinks

Family (Women)

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Hibbard, Ann, Family Celebrations at Birthdays and for Vacations and Other Holidays
"Here are practical tips and tested advice for planning birthdays that everyone will enjoy. Fun, memorable parties need not cost a bundle either. Hibbard helps you draw on your creativity instead of your checkbook!" -- Publisher's Annotation

*James, John Angell, A Help to Domestic Happiness (Soli Deo Gloria Publications)
"This is James' book on how to rightly order the family, which originated from sermons preached on Ephesians. James emphasizes that the chief end of every Christian parent must be the spiritual interests, religious character, and eternal salvation of their children. Here is just one quote from the book that will give an idea of its content and depth: "The secret of happiness lies folded up in the leaves of the Bible, and is carried in the bosom of religion." -- Publisher's Annotation

Meyer, Jerome Sydney, The Big Book of Family Games: The Most Complete Treasury of Fun-Filled Games and Activities for Family and Friends

Pittman, Grace, Hospitality With Confidence (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers). 40118
"Author shows us how to open our hearts and homes in an efficient, graceful, and loving manner. Many effective and creative ways to practice Christian hospitality." -- GCB

*Pride, Mary, All the Way Home: Power for Your Family to Be Its Best [40122]
"ALL THE WAY HOME is the long-awaited sequel to Mary Pride's revolutionary book, THE WAY HOME. Building on the theme of the home as the center of life, this book will change your ideas on what is possible for families today. More than a problem-solving manual, this text helps families do it right from the start." -- Publisher's Annotation
"Reading Mary's book has reassured me that all scripture is valid even today. It's a pity every woman by age 15 has not been made to study these concepts, fully understand her God given role in life and how exciting it truly can be. Now if we women of today would just pick up the baton and run the race, as Mary has clearly outlined for us in her book, God would bless our families and children again. If you are hungry to see God's hand in your life, Mary has written a beautiful book calling women back to the place God prepared for us in the beginning. Buy this and let the rebuke and encouragement draw you back to the 66 books that make up our Bible and guide our lives in the path God has laid out for us as women." -- Reader Comment
"If you are a Christian woman who needs help redefining your purpose in life because you don't have children, BUY this book. If you are a wife and/or mother who is tired of society (NC17 & violent media, TV, video, music, etc) defining you....and you/your children's wants and needs, this is the book for you too." -- Reader Comment

See also: Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Homeschooling (women), Works of martha finley, Sex (women), Pornography, Sharing christ with your children, Book length presentations of the free offer of Gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace

Women's Health

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Balch, Phyllis A., and James F., Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing: A Practical A-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs, and Food Supplements, 3rd edition.
"PRESCRIPTION FOR NUTRITIONAL HEALING by nutritionist Phyllis A. Balch and James F. Balch, M.D., has long been considered one of the most trusted, comprehensive sources on the mind-boggling array of vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other dietary supplements now available. Working from the premise that a good diet promotes good health, this third edition of PNH still starts with the basics: consume fresh produce, grains, and lean meats; avoid foods that are processed or high in saturated fat; cook using glass, stainless steel, or iron -- never aluminum; and drink filtered water. The authors also stand by their claim that the government-prescribed recommended daily allowances are ridiculously low, and that the book's optimal daily intake for nutrients should be followed instead.
So what's new in the third edition? Along with now-accepted remedies, like zinc and echinacea for the common cold, the Balches also explore many of the newer supplements to hit the market: Same (recommended for depression and joint pain), phosphatidyl serine (mental acuity), red yeast rice (cholesterol), and 5-HTP (weight loss, insomnia, depression). You'll also find an expanded chapter on alternative therapies that encompasses Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, along with a hefty section on pain control that offers a grab bag of options such as acupuncture, biofeedback, guided imagery, chiropractic care, and massage.
Still, the bulk of the book remains the more than 250 health conditions--from everyday problems such as insect bites and bad breath to serious diseases including bulimia, cancer, and AIDS--and the nutritional protocols the Balches recommend for treatment. Since any number of supplements can be taken for the same condition, the Balches make sifting through the glut of information a little easier by separating their nutrient recommendations into four categories: essential, very important, important, and helpful. And they take a lot of the guesswork out of buying supplements by listing the brands they know and trust. Once again, the authors have squeezed in an impressive amount of information, including valuable sidebars on topics such as the dangers of aspartame; how to choose a calcium supplement; common heart problems and procedures; cancer risk factors, diagnosis, and treatments; and sports nutrition. This is not relaxing reading, but it's enormously useful. While the material can be dense, the authors still manage to present it in a straightforward manner that's understandable even for readers without a medical degree." -- Norine Dworkin

Childre, Doc Lew, and Howard Martin, The HeartMath Solution: The Institute of HeartMath's Revolutionary Program for Engaging the Power of the Heart's Intelligence (Harper SanFrancisco, August 2000).
"The Intelligent Heart. Access the power of your heart's intelligence to improve your focus and creativity, elevate your emotional clarity, lower your stress and anxiety levels, strengthen your immune system, promote your body's optimal performance, and slow the aging process." -- Publisher's Annotation
"THE HEARTMATH SOLUTION may easily be written off as a book too eccentric for widespread public consumption, and that's unfortunate. The title's a bit misleading -- it's not about cardiac care and it's not about calculus, but rather how 30 years of research have shown that the heart's 'intelligence' affects emotions and physical health -- especially when it comes to handling stress -- and specifically what you can do to balance heart rhythms, reduce stress hormones, and boost your immune system. Yes, it sounds complicated, especially when you read that cardiologists worked with physicists and psychiatrists to develop the HeartMath program. But it's worth brushing off your skepticism and exploring the concepts in the Solution, as many employees of Fortune 500 companies have already done.
"The 'intelligence' that the authors focus on refers to both the heart's 'brain,' or the 40,000 neurons found in the heart (the same number in the brain itself), and the intuitive signals the heart sends, including feelings of love, happiness, care, and appreciation. When such positive emotions are felt, they 'not only change patterns of activity in the nervous system; they also reduce the production of the stress hormone cortisol.' When there's less cortisol, there's more DHEA, the so-called fountain of youth hormone known to have anti-aging effects on many of the body's systems.
"The HeartMath Solution outlines 10 steps for harnessing the power of the heart's intelligence, including ways to manage your emotions and keep energy levels high. One of the most important is the 'Freeze-Frame' technique for calming the nervous system, improving clarity of thought and perception, and boosting productivity (which is one of the many appealing features for those Fortune 500 companies). Each step includes references to data proving its effectiveness, with handy summaries of the key points to remember at the end of each chapter. This is a book that takes a bit of scientific understanding and a lot of time to wade through, but one that could help you prevent stress from ruling your existence." -- Erica Jorgensen, Amazon.com
"Is the heart the missing link in the mind-body connection? By combining age-old philosophy with modern science, Childre and Martin make a compelling case for the idea that good health is really a triumph of heart, not mind, over matter. Citing the Institute's research on the heart's role in human health, they demonstrate that the so-called metaphorical condition of the heart -- which has long been associated with love, wisdom, courage, and happiness -- may play as important a role in mental well-being as its physical function. The HeartMath solution lies in developing what Childre and Martin call the core heart feelings (such as love, forgiveness, appreciation and care), which trigger physiological responses resulting in less stress, better brain function and a stronger immune system. Although this book is about the heart, it's written with cool intelligence and intelligibility for the head. Despite slightly off-putting names (Freeze-Frame, Cut-Thru and Lock-In), the relaxation exercises, which are being taught at corporations and at schools, are simple to do, although perhaps already too familiar to anyone who has tried other kinds of meditative techniques. Nevertheless, in presenting a clear argument for following one's heart, this book certainly breaks new ground in the holistic approach to health." -- Publishers Weekly
"Ancient cultures believed that the heart rather than the brain was the seat of emotions, vestiges of which are still apparent in descriptive phrases such as 'broken hearted,' 'cold hearted,' and many others. Recent research confirms the existence of complex communication links between these two organs as well as other systems responsible for maintaining homeostasis, and unanticipated electrical energy pathways that may mediate these activities. This book describes cutting edge approaches that can not only tune into such conversations, but also reduce stress and promote physical and mental health by influencing the dialogue." -- Paul J. Rosch, M.D., F.A.C.P., President, The American Institute of Stress
"HeartMath has had a profound influence on the lives of patients, staff, and administrators at our hospital. Specific health problems such as hypertension and arrhythmias have improved in several patients through interventions with HeartMath tools. Communication and creativity among staff members trained in these tools has taken a quantum leap. They have noticed a completely different way of looking at problems and interacting with those around them." -- Bruce Wilson, M.D., Former Director, University of Pittsburgh Heart Institute, Chairman, Medical Education Committee, Columbia Hospital, Milwaukee, WI
HeartMath. A Listmania! list by Pine Breeze (Spokane, WA USA)
http://www.amazon.com/HeartMath/lm/R2WVTSM80KYK21/ref=cm_lmt_dtpa_f_1_rdssss0/102-0530517-7595327?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=listmania-center&pf_rd_r=030ZRMC9RRBR9QSV6BAE&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=253462201&pf_rd_i=157224397X

Davis, John Jefferson, The Christian's Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth: Choosing the Best for You and Your Baby From Conception to Delivery (Wheaton, IL: Good News Publishers [Crossway Books]). 40088
"A needed book! An important book! Nothing else like it from a distinctly Christian position. Covers what to expect, prenatal diagnosis, nutrition and beauty tips, delivery methods, hospital procedures, family size, contraception, infant bonding, breast feeding, and more." -- GCB

Lush, Jean, and Pam Vredevelt (contributor), Women and Stress: A Practical Approach to Managing Tension
"Jean Lush and Pam Vredevelt examine troublesome emotions and show you how to manage your own `storage pot' of tension with practical, tried and true methods gained from research, their own experiences, and pertinent case studies." -- Publisher's Annotation

McIlhaney, Joe, and Susan Nethery, 1,001 Health-Care Questions Women Ask
"The doctor is in! And Dr. McIlhaney, frequently heard on `Focus on the Family' broadcasts, has time to provide women with up-to-date answers to their health-care questions. Now in a third edition, this respected resource continues to provide solid medical advice, reliable information about treatment options, and the latest innovations in obstetrics and gynecology." -- Publisher's Annotation
"Dr. McIlhaney, an experienced OB/GYN, is the only Christian physician to address such a wide range of questions--from general health concerns to specific situations such as infertility, abortion, and marital sexual relationships. Every aspect of female physical development is discussed in a straightforward, sensitive manner.
"Joe S. McIlhaney Jr., M.D., is president of the Medical Institute for Sexual Health. He practiced medicine, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, for thirty years. Dr. McIlhaney is the author of SEX: WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW CAN KILL YOU and several other books. He and his wife live in Austin, Texas. Susan Nethery has written several books and lives in Milam, Texas." -- Publisher's Annotation

Mendelsohn, Robert S., How to Raise a Healthy Child: In Spite of Your Doctor
"This book explodes many of the medical myths that get passed on from doctors to parents (it also explodes the myth of doctor as all-knowing and all-powerful). It also is a source of support for parents who want to avoid constant trips to the pediatrician. Dr. Mendelsohn advocates homebirth, extended breastfeeding and questions many of the standard vaccination practices. A real voice in the wilderness concerning current medical practices!" -- Publisher's Annotation

Mendelsohn, Robert S., Male Practice: How Doctors Manipulate Women (Chicago, IL: Contemporary Books, 1982). 40090
"A lot of practical advice is given regarding questions to ask the doctor when he suggests surgery. Includes the chapter `Fifty Drugs Every Woman Should Think Twice About Before Taking'." -- Publisher's Annotation

Omartian, Stormie, Stormie
"What a wonderful book to read for anyone who has lived with mental illness or was a member of a family with a parent that suffered from mental illness. It shows how one woman, having grown up in a two-parent household, had an absolutely horrific childhood. Her mother locked her in a closet for hours on end and continually verbally abused her as well. As she reaches adulthood, knowing how to relate to others is tough and causes much anxiety and pain. Through much error and wrong choices during her young adult years, she meets a man who tries to tell her about the love Jesus has for her. Not really understanding what it is all about, Stormie continues down the wrong path until one day she truly opens her heart up to God! Through reading this book, one is able to gain knowledge about people with mental illness as well as learn how to experience the love and forgiveness of God." -- Reader Comment

Platt, Nancy V., Pastoral Care to the Cancer Patient (Springfield, IL: Thomas, Charles C., Publisher, 1980). 40209

Sinatra, Stephen T., Jan Demarco Sinatra, and Roberta Jo Lieberman, Heart Sense for a Woman: Your Plan for Natural Prevention and Treatment (Penguin Putnam; September 1, 2001).
Heart disease presents different symptoms in women than in men. Because of gender specific symptoms it can go unrecognized in women. It has been said that within the next decade (written in 2005) gender specific physicians will become commonplace in health care.
"In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Stephen Sinatra reveals why heart disease is the #1 killer of women in America today. HEART SENSE FOR WOMEN shatters the myths that keep this a hidden epidemic and outlines a prescriptive plan for natural prevention and treatment. In this valuable resource, women will discover: