Sandy Ralya - The Beautiful Wife: Focused on Christ, Fulfilled in Marriage

What started as a popular mentoring program is now an incredible handbook that every woman needs. I believe this book will be life-changing for many, many women and their marriages.

Shaunti Feldhahn,
best-selling author of For Women Only

Sandy Ralya candidly shares her experiences, others personal stories, and Gods wisdom to mentor women for great marriages.

Florence Littauer,
speaker and best-selling author of Personality Plus

Simply and honestly, Sandy speaks to the real issues that wives deal with and gives practical guidance on how to become beautiful in Christ.

Dan Seaborn ,
author and founder of Winning at Home

Expand your journey through The Beautiful Wife
with these other resources by Sandy Ralya

The Beautiful Wife Prayer Journal
The Beautiful Wife Mentors Guide

The Beautiful Wife: Focused on Christ, Fulfilled in Marriage
Copyright 2012 by Sandy Ralya
www.beautifulwomanhood.com

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked amp are from the Amplified Bible, Copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)

Scripture quotations marked MSG are from The Message . Copyright by Eugene H. Peterson 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

Scripture quotations marked nasb are from the New American Standard Bible. Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)

Scripture quotations marked niv are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

Scripture quotations marked nkjv are from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked rsv are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1946, 1952, and 1971 by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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For Deb, Suzann, and Nancy
the community of women whove mentored me
from my earliest days as a wife.
Im grateful for your love, wisdom, and grace.

M y Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: Each new day, You wait longingly for my first glance in Your directionI love the way You love me! It fills me like nothing and no one else can. Thank You for pour i ng out Your life for me, offering proof I was worth dying for. I am a beautiful wife because of Your redeeming work.

Tommy B.: You have blessed the ministry of Beautiful Womanhood! When our youngest entered high school and I announced I wanted to learn to improve my speaking skills, you sent me to speakers school. Speaking led to writing. Writing led to my passion for mentoring. And the rest, as they say, is history. Once I began this book, you called me an author. You listened to countless outlines forming in my head and spilling out of my mouth. You fixed my laptop, served me lattes, provided fun, and told anyone willing to listen that I was writing a book. Yes, your fingerprints are all over the Beautiful Womanhood ministry and The Beautiful Wife . Thanks for letting me share our story. You may never know (this side of heaven) how many women have been blessed as a result. I love you!

Stacy Bajema: From the day I mouthed the words, I need your help birthing this book, you took on the role with fervor and strength. Weve come a long way from the days of poring over whiteboards at the lake and I treasure each step we took. This book would not have been written without the sacrifices you and Mark made. My gratitude, love, and respect for you are enormous!

Suzann VanKlompenberg: Its hard to put into words what your friendship has meant to me throughout the years. When you wrote, Our friendship wont end unless you choose to walk away, wounds inflicted in childhood began healing. Thanks for teaching me what true friendship is. I learn much by listening to and watching you. Most recently, you have challenged me to be what was sometimes painfully honest, to go deeper than a superficial level as I wrote this book. My readers and I owe you a debt of gratitude for your persistence. Your contributions to the Beautiful Womanhood ministry have been invaluable. I love you, dear friend.

Cat Hoort, trade marketing and publicity manager at Kregel Publications: Though wed only met twice, you quickly caught my vision for the ministry potential The Beautiful Wife and its companion books could have in the lives of women. God answered many prayers through your belief and Im grateful. Numerous women will benefit from small group community because of your investment in this project.

Dawn Anderson, editor at Kregel Publications: Theres no denying youre a skilled editor; yet Im even more impressed by your ability to listen to and obey the voice of the Holy Spirit. Your contributions to this book hold the potential to cause increased fruit in each readers life. Ive loved working with you and, as always, youre safe on a soapbox with me! God bless you!

Angela Pleune: Thank you for contributing the hostess chapter for The Beautiful Wife Mentors Guide . With so many mentors requesting that chapter, your willingness to take on this task was a particular blessing. I cant think of anyone more suited to share the instructional wisdom behind the gift of hospitality, as Ive been the fortunate recipient of many a splendid hour around your table.

Bill and Dena Curnow: Though I didnt want to hear it at the time, you were right. Beautiful Womanhood could be expanded to meet the needs of more women than I first imagined. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and avoiding the temptation to gloat!

Dorie Meendering: Your ability to listen and your willingness to wait on the Lord gave Beautiful Womanhood small groups an opportunity to exercise their newfound wings in our church. Your encouragement cheered me, your wisdom helped guide me, and your mentorship prepared me to lead. Many thanks, dear teacher!