Change My Relationship 365 daily devotions for Christians in Difficult Relationships

by Karla Downing

Do you wish you could get difficult relationship advice from a therapist right when you need it without paying for a therapy session? That is exactly what you will have in this topically indexed daily devotional. Karla understands what you are going through because she has been there. Raised in a dysfunctional home and married with her own dysfunctional family, she has dealt with all kinds of problems where she used the relationship-changing principles she teaches. These devotions offer understanding, validation, comfort, and practical advice based on biblical principles. Written in the popular and easy to understand style of Karla’s teachings, they give you the principles and tools you need to radically change your life and relationships whether the other person changes or not. You will read them again and again and turn to them when you are struggling with frustrating and confusing dilemmas in your difficult relationships.

Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2020

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential daily encouragement for those who feel frustrated in difficult relationships. Such great wisdom from an author who has been in the trenches. I regularly turn to her other book for guidance, and this book is another gem. It will be a great guide for people who feel stuck in difficult relationships. They will find practical and biblical help from Karla in many different areas.

I received a preview copy from the author.

[Betty Predmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome devotional with powerful reminders on dealing with difficult people and making relationships work.

[Sally Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Romi Sigma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Change My Relationship is a book of short daily devotionals for people who want to improve their relationships and are willing to focus on themselves and their role in the relationships. I've read through the devotions of a few months and I appreciate the practical advice but don't always agree with the author's application of Scripture. That said, Scripture application is not always as cut and dry or as clear as we wish it were. I've come to the conclusion that we have to let the Holy Spirit speak to us personally and this book may very well be a tool that the Holy Spirit can use to help a person in his or her pursuit of better relationships.

Thanks to Independent Book Publishers Association, Karla Downing and Netgalley for the digital ARC.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is highly-recommended for anyone dealing with difficult relationships. Reading the daily passages and prayers is comforting and helpful. Karla Downing deals with all of the topics which you need to 'keep your power', such as keeping your boundaries, being more assertive, not arguing back and countless other problems. She writes about each of these in a Christian and interesting way, making this a good book to turn to if you need particular assistance on one of these subjects.

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Rachel Yoke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal book! Perfect addition to my devotional and daily quiet time. Beneficial for anyone navigating difficult relationships.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am looking for a new direction.

I have been studying God and His Word!
I am in need of more knowledge and wisdom in my life and relationships.
This book reached out to me because of all this.
Then I started reading and felt more, felt like it was written to enlighten my path.

Each day has scripture, lesson or words of wisdom, prayer
An index in the back also helps with finding a particular subject.

Spend a year, day by day, taking each opportunity to
change your life, be healthier and happier, and see God reaching out to you.