Off the Bookshelf

I've obviously been blogging more lately. Taking a Facebook break makes me do that. And I like it.

There have been some dark days here lately. Literally. It's been so cloudy/rainy for weeks! The dark weather seems to affect my mood. I feel like I've been in a battle, a battle between MY will and GOD'S will. A battle of trust, control, loneliness, and learning to give thanks. You know, just some hard-core sanctification. It's not easy, but I know HE will prevail!


I've had more time to read the past few months. I love reading and tend to forget to prioritize it. But not having tv and being a stay-at-home mama gives me a little more time to read.


God is using this book to change me:


It's One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. I found her blog awhile ago, it's A Holy Experience.


At first, I didn't like her website. It was, well, too holy. Too reverent. I wanted entertainment! Oh mercy, I was wrong! This woman is so talented at writing and photography. Our lives should be holy, reverent. I am learning, slowly, how to live more like this, more like Him. This book is helping. It's, of course, totally Scripture-based. It's not an easy read, not a touchy-feely book. It challenges broken hearts and tears off old flesh. She speaks of mundane piles of laundry, of loss of children, of boggling anxiety. And she uses Scripture to show how we must give thanks.


That's all I'll say for now about this. Just read it. Here's the link.


When I'm done with One Thousand Gifts, I want to read this:



Grace for the Good Girl by Emily Freeman. I'm hearing great things about it. And Ann reviewed it and loved it, so it should be good.


Next up! Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis.
I learned about Katie's story from the 147 Million Orphans website. By God's grace, Katie started a ministry in Uganda called Amazima. I want to read the story, it should be a good one. Buy it here


Last but not least. I'm in a Hosea Bible study on Tuesday mornings. Hosea, right? Like one of those obscure O.T. prophets. Boring. NOT! It's been an amazing Bible study because it's a wonderful book of sin and redemption. God just LOVES His sinful people, over and over.


My good new friend Jenny (thanks to God for bringing her along to me) is in the Bible study with me and has read this book:

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. It's story based off of the book of Hosea. She said she's read it several times and can't put it down once she starts it. So it's on my list for when I'm done with the Bible study. Can't wait!


So, that's what I'm reading. I'm going to go try to make bread now. Maybe I'll make a post about that...


What have you been reading?

Comments

  1. Amanda MacBSeptember 27, 2011 at 3:21 PM

    One Thousand Gifts and Redeeming Love are great books. I want to read Grace for the Good Girl and Kisses From Katie, too. They are on my list.
    I just finished the Hunger Games trilogy the other day, and I am doing a Beth Moore study - Breaking Free.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thanks for commenting on our blog!

Popular posts from this blog

Currently (what's up right now)

Image
Ok, few dear readers, I haven't heard from you much lately. Which I get...because sometimes this blog is kind of BOOOORRRRING! So, just for fun, here's what is going on currently: Currently Watching: Downton Abbey , like the rest of the world. The heard the season finale on Sunday is 'devastating.' How can anything be more devastating than episode 4?? Downton , I warn you, if you are disappointing or break my heart, I will leave you.           I also dabble in Parks and Rec and Parenthood , with a side of The Bachelor . Currently Sweating: me, on the treadmill in the basement. This, with the combination of cutting out sodas and some snacks, means that the jeans that were very  tight when I first had Patrick are now comfortably baggy. YES! I still have work to do, but am feeling better about myself. Currently Reading: 7  by Jen Hatmaker You guys, I love this book.  "A mutiny against excess." Jen Hatmaker journals through seven months of givin
Read more

Patrick Wilford is Here!

Image
Both of my boys (what, I have 2 boys?) are napping right now, so it's time to update this blog with Patrick's birth story before I forget the details. Words to describe Patrick's birth: terrifying. fast. wonderful. merciful. unforgettable. We'll start with Friday, September 7th. I had my 39 week OB appointment and was 2 cm dilated and 75% effaced. Promising, but no guarantee I'd go into labor too soon. However, I did go ahead and schedule an elective induction for the following Tuesday (the 11th) because I liked the idea of knowing I'd make it to the hospital, plus my favorite doctor was on call that day, plus Behn had that whole week off of work so I knew he'd be there for everything. So it just made sense, even though I did want to try to have another natural childbirth. On Saturday (the 8th), I was excited because I knew there was a coldfront coming in. I was so ready for cool, unhumid air, but also was hopeful the change in the air pressure would c
Read more

Off the Bookshelf

Image
I haven't done one of these in a while, but I have been reading. Here is what is on my bookshelf: The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson I first got to know Clarkson when I read the book Desperate, which she co-authored with Sarah Mae. I friend from church had raved about Clarkson, and so lent me this book when I showed interest in more of her writing. I'm only a few chapters in, but loving it so far. And, frankly, I really need to be reading these sort of books right now, in the throes of "Stop it!" "Don't kick your brother!" "Obey me RIGHT NOW" and the never ending dishes...the early mornings...the snotty noses...the incessant whining...the poopy diapers...in all the ordinary and mundane that is motherhood. To be reminded this is a mission- gives it so much more significance. The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays by Ree Drummond My sweet sister-in-law Lydia gifted me with this (signed!) copy of the Pioneer
Read more