I have been really blessed to find something I had lost recently, and this is my reading time. I had been sludging my way through books, and here as we wrap up the year it seems they have been falling in my lap and tearing through my fingers as if I don’t have a moment to lose. I am so enjoying it!
In the past two weeks we hit two different libraries, and would have hit three had it not been closed on Mondays. Imagine me pouting right here because this is the new library within walking/biking distance, but Monday is our library day. Yes, I am aware I should be living in a flexible schedule.
As I was saying, at those two libraries I picked up 6 books, and 4 of them were delicious. One was tasty, but the after taste left a bit to be desired, and the last one was just not what I was craving. Let me tell you quickly about the four books that were yummy.
- Makeover: Revitalizing the Many Roles You Fill by Jen Hatmaker
This is really a six-week study, but since I was on my own I simply read through it. I really enjoyed it and think it was more along the lines of what I was looking for when I picked up Frazzled Female, though they both have their good points. Jen is really a great writer, and makes you feel as if you are sitting down with a long time girlfriend learning about God together. She doesn’t claim to know it all, but you better have your Bible next to you as you go through this! - Splitting Harriet by Tamara Leigh
This is a fictional account of the prodigal daughter returned and become the Women’s Minister. I loved this book because it reminded me that God’s grace is what I know it to be, but I haven’t really been walking it out very well. I am a “James” girl, after all.
So is Harriet, so I could understand right where she was coming from. - Jumping through Fires by David Nasser
I picked this book up because I was intrigued to know what someone from another culture, religion, and community thought about the church. As I read it I saw pictures again of people living in grace. Not getting it right all the time, but moving forward and trusting God. David’s story is quite extraordinary, and I might be picking up a few of his other books soon. - Silver Birches by Adrian Plass
I had no idea what to think about this book, but on the back it said, “As they have less than forty-eight hours with each other, they decide to be vulnerable and share their greatest fears.” I have issues being vulnerable with people, so of course this drew me in. The one quote I loved from the book is, “…[they] recycle personal tragedy then offer it up as ministry — done it myself. Not any more. If I’m going to carry on I want to preach Christ crucified, not me having a tough time.” And then his explanation of pearls before swine was amazing. He gave balance to the quote bu showing that God does use what we go through. Truly made me think about who I am and what I am doing with that.
These are the four books that I just recently finished that I wanted to share about. I’m starting a Max Lucado one now, which we have owned forever, but I am for the first time picking up, When God Whispers Your Name. I’m expecting great things to come, but if you don’t see it pop up in my list you will understand why.
