"We All Married Idiots" by Elaine W. Miller

About the Book

I married an idiot–and so did my spouse. The word, “idiot” is derived from the Greek word meaning “common man.” Aren’t we all common man? In fact, there is only One who was uncommon man–Jesus Christ.  Elaine W. Miller encourages couples to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus and run a marriage marathon like an idiot, but not like a fool. An idiot may stumble or fall, but a fool runs the wrong way. We All Married Idiots teaches husbands and wives to stop concentrating on the three things you will never change in your marriage and begin focusing on the ten things you can. Then, you will esteem your mate as a gift to treasure, not as an idiot to tolerate. You can purchase the book here or by clicking on the book cover above. Elaine's other books are also avaialable for sale on Amazon, click on the book covers below.

About the Author

Elaine W. Miller is a popular author and speaker known for sharing biblical insights with warmth, enthusiasm, and humor. A member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, she has been encouraging audiences for over 25 years. Elaine and her husband, an ordained minister, have been married 41 years. Together they have led many marriage retreats and counseled numerous hurting couples. Residing in upstate New York, Elain e and Dan enjoy a beautiful and sometimes idiotic life together. Elaine is the author of two additional books, Splashes of Serenity: Bathtime Reflections for Drained Moms and Splashes of Serenity: Bathtime Reflections for Drained Wives 

Other places to find Elaine:

• sign up to follow Elaine’s blog
• follow the Elaine W. Miller on Facebook
• follow We All Married Idiots on Facebook
• follow @ElaineWMiller on twitter

d Wives.

---

My Review

Did you know you married an idiot?

Worse yet, did you know your spouse married an idiot too?

Elaine and I traveled to Philadelphia last year to attend the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer’s Conference (http://writehisanswer.com/philadelphia/). The laughter and conversation never ceased. When she told me the title she planned to pitch at the conference, tears streamed down my cheeks.

Oh my goodness, “I would buy the book just for the title.” This is the truth. To know it is full of Biblical and relationship truths, strategies, and revelations are a bonus. Of course, the powerful information within the covers was Elaine’s purpose in writing the book but with my sense of humor, the title pulled me in.

Seriously though, Elaine’s We All Married Idiots: Three things you will never change about your marriage and ten things you can is a must read for the engaged, newly married, and even those celebrating their golden years of marriage. My husband is not a huge fan of reading yet this is a book he has not only read but also enjoyed. Initially I was going to read, write the review and then read with my husband BUT as soon as I read the first two pages, I couldn’t wait.

She starts chapter one with an “I can’t stand your idiosyncrasies…” Yikes, it was only chapter one and she is already focusing on the little things our beloved does that might drive us crazy. Notice I didn’t say, “To make us crazy”. An idiosyncrasy is just something they do and we need to learn to appreciate these little annoyances because we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Someday you might long to hear your husband tapping on the steering wheel while he drives or clicking his pen top non-stop. Can you tell what drives me crazy? Lol or that your wife will pick up your dish and wash it before you can refill it? Yes this is one Ed might share with you.  

I was laughing so hard Ed asked me “What is so funny?” and so I started to read aloud. We are reading the entire book this way. Some nights in the living room after Mary has gone to bed and others out on the deck while Mary finishes homework. Elaine helped us to understand we aren’t going to change those idiosyncrasies so we might as well learn to accept them. We also can’t change the fact we are both sinners. The last thing we can’t change is the confusion between how the male and female think, act, and react. Instead of focusing on the things we’ll never change, our energy needs to look beyond.

At the end of each chapter, Elaine provides Bible verses for meditation, a reflection, and then questions about change. Elaine suggests you write the answers down but Ed and I decided to talk them through. Some of our answers were exactly what we would have expected while others left us with something to think about. We have been married over eighteen years later and are learning new things about each other with each chapter and set of “change” questions.

What are some areas you can change?

• Learn to loosen up – oh my, I can’t even tell you how many looks I had during this chapter. I couldn’t stop laughing or responding to Elaine’s words. Ed would then start to laugh because the words I read aloud were truth; I need to loosen up even more at times.
• Strip down – this is a G-rated family book but the chapter title caused more laughter
• Let go – we all make mistakes, get over it
• Hold on – don’t throw in the towel, your marriage and beloved are worth it
• Settle down – life is a race but it shouldn’t be for the top of a corporate ladder
• Make nice – you live at peace with those outside your home, start doing it at home first
• Cheer on –encourage each other
• Sit tight – patience required
• Give up – it isn’t all about you or me
• Look up – we don’t have all the answers

Of course these little snip-its are not a complete summary of each chapter yet I think it is enough to get you thinking. One thing that stands out to me is each couple could read this book and have a different take away depending on the areas you might struggle with (or avoid) in your marriage.

Ed and I have not read the entire book yet but our conversations and time spent together with our marriage as the focus are priceless. We will finish this book with a new understanding about our idiot spouse and the role we each play in God’s eyes for this marriage. Our goal after completing the book is to have a book study with other couples. It will be a date night of fellowship and growth.

Elaine has written with honest humor. The topics she discusses are tough and require thought and for each idiot to look within his or herself first. As you read, it feels as if Elaine is sitting next to you in conversation. Your marriage will only be stronger after you read this book when you apply the principles discussed and expanded on.

Read it by yourself, with your spouse, or as a book study BUT READ THIS BOOK!

You, your beloved idiot, and your marriage are worth it.

The author sent me the above book for review purposes. She will allow me to keep the book. I have no other connection to and have received no other compensation from Elaine W. Miller.

---

Elaine has graciously donated a book to be given away as part of today's blog.

Leave a coment below to be entered in the drawing.

You married an idiot afterall, isn't it worth leaving a comment to win this amazing book to learn about the idiot your spouse married?

What intriques you the most about this book,
just from the title?

What aspects of things you can and
can't change spark an interest with you?