By Helen Andelin, Author of Fascinating Womanhood
I know that many of you who read my website are suffering deep distress over personal problems and if war breaks out with Iraq we will all be suffering distress, whether at home or in a distant battlefield.
But I would like to address this article to those who are suffering distress over marriage problems:
A troubled marriage can be one of the most painful experiences one can suffer, especially when it falls so low that your husband says he no longer loves you and wants out of your marriage. It can be worse than physical pain and even worse than death. Although pain and suffering have their purpose, although they can purify and refine us, it is my firm belief that our creator did not intend that marriages be troubled, or that a troubled marriage serve any useful purpose, especially as a proving ground for refining us. Rather, he intended that marriages be happy, for only then are the man and woman prepared to face the challenges which come to us all. Achieving a happy marriage then, becomes more than a desire, but a responsibility.
Let me assure you that such a goal is well within your reach. We have had years of experience now in helping women bring about such a marriage by living the principles of Fascinating Womanhood. Results have been absolutely phenomenal, even magical, almost unbelievable. But first you have to believe such a marriage is possible, even for you. You have only to read the many inspiring success stories to get a picture of what I am talking about, success stories that have been coming into the Fascinating Womanhood office during these many years. The next step is to be willing to make changes in your thinking and doing, changes that will bring about this transformation.
I wish I could let every woman know how wonderful marriage can be, more wonderful than you can even imagine. It is like having a bit of heaven here on earth. And the amazing thing is that although it does not guarantee a life free of problems, the teachings of Fascinating Womanhood, when applied, keep love kindled and burning throughout all of the ups and downs of life. The fire of love burns out the dross and refuse. And the more difficult life is, the more purified and intense love in marriage can become.
If you have been in deep distress over your marriage situation, you may need some training in how to deal with suffering before you can live Fascinating Womanhood successfully. No man wants a depressed, down hearted, miserable wife, so you may have to do the impossible and learn to be happy in your own soul before you can apply Fascinating Womanhood to its fullest. There is a way that never fails, so please give careful attention: The way is to turn to your Heavenly Father for strength. He will never let you down. You can be happy in spite of your difficult situation, as in the lines taken from a comforting hymn, a hymn in which the Father is talking to you:
These lines are sobering but remember, once you are connected to the Spirit of God so you are happy in your own soul, it will be fun to live Fascinating Womanhood. After awhile the depressed feelings will leave, you will be walking on the clouds and your husband will adore you. But remember, you have to live it. You can’t just read it.
You can’t just believe it. You have to live it, all of it. But if other women can live it and attain these heavenly rewards you can as well.
Comments from Grateful Students:
“I’ve been so very blessed by the information in FW. If only I’d read this book earlier in my life, many sad years and dismal relationships would have likely been avoided. There are many lonely women in my area as well as many sad marriages. I see the problems due to Women’s Lib mentality, as well as the mind set that women must have a career outside the home and compete with men. By adding FW to my life in a larger scope, I think my life will have more meaning, especially in God’s plans for me.”
“I’m happy to say I found your book in the early months of marriage and its been a great blessing to me. When I get into difficulty, reading your book changes my attitude and even though I don’t think I’m doing anything different, things change for the better.”
About a month ago I received an email from Kiyoko Oka, our translator in Japan with the good news that Fascinating Womanhood is going into its fifth printing there. This week she sent a second email announcing that the publisher has decided to do a sixth printing also. Not only did Kiyoko translate Fascinating Womanhood into the Japanese language but she is responsible for convincing Cosmo 21 to publish the book there. She has also recently translated The Fascinating Girl into Japanese and it is currently being published in Japan.
The Fascinating Girl
You may know that the book, The Secrets of Winning Men was completely sold out a few weeks ago and is now out-of-print. The good news is that it is now being published under its original title, The Fascinating Girl. This new book contains the best of both books, including the original chapter on Celestial Love from The Fascinating Girl, and the four chapters on femininity from the Secrets of Winning Men. It is the best we have produced on this subject. I think you will really like it and mothers will want to buy it for their teen age daughters. It will be printed in a high quality trade paperback, size 5” x 8.” Retail price will be between $12.00 to $l5.00. We will likely be taking orders in November. When the books are available, an announcement will be posted on this website.
Discussions
For some time now we have had a discussion group on this website, that women may get to know one another, help one another and even teach one another. This has been quite successful in the number of visitors to the site and the sound advice given by the members to one another. You may also be interested in joining one of the following:
The Lady Friends Group: http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/FascinatingWomanhood
For those who would like to join a group of lady friends with a focus on Fascinating Womanhood ideals, please visit the above website and subscribe to our mailing list. These ladies are interested in making every day special, in working sincerely at living Fascinating lives and encouraging each other each step of the way. They are a very warm, loving group who would love to have you join them if you are interested in continuing your study of Fascinating Womanhood and advancing in living it.
Ladies Against Feminism: http://www.ladiesagainstfeminism.org. If you would like to keep informed about the dangers of feminism, and how you can help stem the tide against their destructive influence, visit this web site. Ladies Against Feminism is a good source of information on the following topics:
Be sure to visit Lady Lydia Speaks. It is overflowing with ideas about femininity, romance and homemaking,
The Domestic Goddess Planning Notebook
This small calendar type, loose leaf notebook is available again. For a detailed description, picture and prices, visit Bookshelf.
Bulletin Board: This section is for you, things you want to announce, request or ask.
I am interested in attending a class. If anyone is planning to teach a class near me, please contact me. I live in Mt. Vernon, NY, 10553. Email address: dawng@yahoo.com
Thanks, Dawn Gibson.
I would like to know if there is a class coming soon to Louisville, KY. I went to one about 8 years ago and really enjoyed it. I am married to a wonderful military man who just came back from Bosnia and I think Fascinating Womanhood would help me which in return would help him. Thank you for all your help.
Cara Salyer 502-541-2307 cara.salyer@cingular.com
Lisa McCarter, an authorized Fascinating Womanhood teacher, began a FW class September 15 in Olive Branch Mississippi. If you would like to join this class, or be informed of a future class, please call Lisa McCarter for information. Her phone number is 662-895-4843.
http://www.fascinatingwomanhood.net
andelins@sofnet.com
October 2002
Beginning with verse 3:
Fear not, I am with thee, oh be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I’ll strengthen thee, bless thee and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not thee o’erflow,
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient shall be thy supply.
The flame shall not hurt thee, I only design
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.
The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose
I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell shall endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!
