Change My Relationship: 365 Daily Devotions for Christians in Difficult Relationships provides more than a daily reading. It is a book that will equip you to live with intentionality every day.

Author Karla Downing is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has written 10 Lifesaving Principles for Women in Difficult Marriages, When Love Hurts: 10 Principles to Transform Difficult Relationships, and The Truth in the Mirror: A Guide to Healthy Self-Image. She is the founder of ChangeMyRelationship.com, and is a speaker, author, counselor, and Bible study teacher.

While the subtitle says the book is for difficult relationships, I found it helpful for every connection. The book offers pointers on self-discipline, learning how not to be offended, and a remedy for jealousy. Change My Relationship talks about people pleasing based on a false premise, and measuring progress, not perfection.

This is an important book in a time when we have become more aware of dysfunctional relationships and the damage that can result from them. The Gabby Petito Case has captivated Americans as a real life scenario with tragic results. My prayer is that awareness will create action to safeguard each one at risk.

I am intrigued by Karla’s ministry. Her website is chocked full of sound advice for handling boundaries and managing expectations. The book is also topically indexed for easy reference, with subjects from A to Z, including abuse, acceptance, trust, and vulnerability.

Here’s a list from page 80 where Karla shares things you can do to balance your day.

• Do something you don’t want to do.
• Do something nice for someone else.
• Do something just for you.
• Do something that will make you feel productive.
• Do something that will make you relax and slow down.
• Do something that will make you more aware of God’s presence in your life.
• Do something that will add to your knowledge of a subject you want to know more about.
• Do some type of exercise or activity to benefit your body.
• Do something that gets you in touch with your emotions.

I think that’s good advice for all of us!

I am giving away a copy of Change My Relationship to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title). You will be entered into the drawing to be held Monday evening, September 27. Tell me your favorite tip for self-care. Get an extra chance to win, when you share this post on social media (let me know where).

Sally

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.