I know I am the last person on the planet to do so, but I read the entire Harry Potter series this year from January-April. I loved it! I don't need to give a review because you've probably already read the books or watched the movies, but it was great, and I didn't want it to end. I had wanted to read more fiction in 2018 and didn't do it, but I feel like I definitely made up for it over the first four months of 2019!
I followed it up with some nonfiction and read It's Not Supposed to be This Way. I found myself nodding in agreement and crying throughout it.
In MOPS this year we had a guest speaker who became a widow in her 20's when her husband battled colon cancer. I received her memoir, What I Wasn't Expecting When I Was Expecting, as well. It's a quick read and kept my attention. I enjoyed being able to support a local author, and her story was gripping.
So I've read nine books so far this year. Obviously, the Harry Potter books were all very long. Robert bought me a few books at Lifeway when everything was on clearance before it closed, so I have a few books on my "Want to Read" bookshelf: Sacred Parenting, Love Where You Live: How to Live Sent in the Place You Call Home, Born to Wander: Recovering the Value of our Pilgrim Identity, Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles that can Radically Change Your Family, and The Mission of Motherhood: Touching Your Child's Heart for Eternity.
What are you reading these days?
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Robert's Books 2017
Robert also tried to read more in 2017 and hopes to challenge himself in this area even more in 2018. He's going to take over this post and tell you about the books he read in 2017.
I did not read as much as Amy this last year, but I did up my game. I read slower and more methodically than most people so if I say a book is long and you are a fast reader it may not be that long for you. My favorite books of the year were as follows from three to one: The Compelling Community, Parenting, Desiring God.
1. Mere Christianity
Mere Christianity is a book from C.S. Lewis taken from a radio show he did during WWII. The book answers what the basics of the Christian faith are. A more challenging read that will require you to stop and think a few minutes every so often.
2. Desiring God
This book has probably shaped my theology more than any other book besides the Bible. John Piper expounds upon his personal theology that he calls Christian Hedonism. His main point is that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. This is a very challenging book where you will have to read over sections multiple times. Piper never claims to be easy, but you will be richly rewarded with some of the most eloquent and moving writing you will ever read.
3. The Pleasures of God
This is the "sophomore album" so to speak to Desiring God. This book elaborates on the idea that God finds His ultimate pleasure in Himself and the things He does. Not as thrilling and moving as Desiring God, but still a good book.
4. Church Discipline
Jonathan Leeman is a very easy to understand writer. He takes complex ideas and makes them very easy to understand. This book is about how the church should approach discipline. Pretty straight forward and an easy read.
5. Church Membership
Membership is the basis for a healthy functioning church. Leeman outlines how membership in the church is how we tell the world who Jesus really is.
6. Student Ministry that Matters
Simple, quick book encouraging student pastors to stay focused on what is really important in ministry.
7. Family Worship
This is a small book written by Donald Whitney about how a family can practice worship within the home every day. The principles are practical but difficult to apply without the help of the Holy Spirit. Good encouragement for how fathers in particular should be the leaders of their family in worship.
8. God and Politics
Short book on how we should view politics through the Christian lens. Nothing really life-changing.
9. Adoption
Short book on how we should view adoption and the sanctity of life. Good, quick read.
10. Every Waking Hour
I really wanted to love this book seeing as how I know one of the authors, but it is so academic in nature it never really "swept me up." The book is about how a Christian should view work. The principles in it are theologically sound and a good challenge, but it is a dry read for the most part.
11. Simple Church
I love research. This book is full of research that shows all of us in church leadership are way over complicating how we do church. This book encourages us to trim down on what we do at church to be more effective and focused in our approach to ministry and evangelism. Loved this book, and even though it is longer it feels like it reads quicker.
12. The Compelling Community
This might be in my top three books I loved this year. This book challenges us to make church a place that people actually want to be at. It challenges us to be the kind of people that nonbelievers want to be around. Excellent read!
13. The 12 Week Year
This book was assigned to our staff by our pastor this year. If you are into organization, accomplishing tasks, and spreadsheets this book is totally for you. The premise of this book is that we get too bogged down by trying to plan out an entire year all at once. This challenges the reader to break up their planning into measurable and reachable 12-week goals. Their research shows that people who plan this way are far more effective than those who do not.
14. The Ideal Team Player
I chose to read this after the author spoke at the Global Leadership Summit. The book lays out the characteristics of the kind of person who makes a good team player. Fairly easy read.
15. Onward
I really wanted to love this book. The concept and the author gave it great potential, but I couldn't get into it. Every chapter seemed to be just a variation on the theme but not enough to make it interesting.
16. Parenting
Challenging. That is the one word I would use to describe this book. Tripp knows how to write and has a lot of experience in parenting and pastoring. Do yourself a favor and read this book. You will not regret it!
17. Exposition: Revelation
This and the next book are commentaries. Not exactly page turners for the every day reader, but these are phenomenal little commentaries for anyone looking to gain a better understanding of the scriptures without spending a lot or having a seminary degree.
18. Exposition: 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus
I did not read as much as Amy this last year, but I did up my game. I read slower and more methodically than most people so if I say a book is long and you are a fast reader it may not be that long for you. My favorite books of the year were as follows from three to one: The Compelling Community, Parenting, Desiring God.
1. Mere Christianity
Mere Christianity is a book from C.S. Lewis taken from a radio show he did during WWII. The book answers what the basics of the Christian faith are. A more challenging read that will require you to stop and think a few minutes every so often.
2. Desiring God
This book has probably shaped my theology more than any other book besides the Bible. John Piper expounds upon his personal theology that he calls Christian Hedonism. His main point is that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. This is a very challenging book where you will have to read over sections multiple times. Piper never claims to be easy, but you will be richly rewarded with some of the most eloquent and moving writing you will ever read.
3. The Pleasures of God
This is the "sophomore album" so to speak to Desiring God. This book elaborates on the idea that God finds His ultimate pleasure in Himself and the things He does. Not as thrilling and moving as Desiring God, but still a good book.
4. Church Discipline
Jonathan Leeman is a very easy to understand writer. He takes complex ideas and makes them very easy to understand. This book is about how the church should approach discipline. Pretty straight forward and an easy read.
5. Church Membership
Membership is the basis for a healthy functioning church. Leeman outlines how membership in the church is how we tell the world who Jesus really is.
6. Student Ministry that Matters
Simple, quick book encouraging student pastors to stay focused on what is really important in ministry.
7. Family Worship
This is a small book written by Donald Whitney about how a family can practice worship within the home every day. The principles are practical but difficult to apply without the help of the Holy Spirit. Good encouragement for how fathers in particular should be the leaders of their family in worship.
8. God and Politics
Short book on how we should view politics through the Christian lens. Nothing really life-changing.
9. Adoption
Short book on how we should view adoption and the sanctity of life. Good, quick read.
10. Every Waking Hour
I really wanted to love this book seeing as how I know one of the authors, but it is so academic in nature it never really "swept me up." The book is about how a Christian should view work. The principles in it are theologically sound and a good challenge, but it is a dry read for the most part.
11. Simple Church
I love research. This book is full of research that shows all of us in church leadership are way over complicating how we do church. This book encourages us to trim down on what we do at church to be more effective and focused in our approach to ministry and evangelism. Loved this book, and even though it is longer it feels like it reads quicker.
12. The Compelling Community
This might be in my top three books I loved this year. This book challenges us to make church a place that people actually want to be at. It challenges us to be the kind of people that nonbelievers want to be around. Excellent read!
13. The 12 Week Year
This book was assigned to our staff by our pastor this year. If you are into organization, accomplishing tasks, and spreadsheets this book is totally for you. The premise of this book is that we get too bogged down by trying to plan out an entire year all at once. This challenges the reader to break up their planning into measurable and reachable 12-week goals. Their research shows that people who plan this way are far more effective than those who do not.
14. The Ideal Team Player
I chose to read this after the author spoke at the Global Leadership Summit. The book lays out the characteristics of the kind of person who makes a good team player. Fairly easy read.
15. Onward
I really wanted to love this book. The concept and the author gave it great potential, but I couldn't get into it. Every chapter seemed to be just a variation on the theme but not enough to make it interesting.
16. Parenting
Challenging. That is the one word I would use to describe this book. Tripp knows how to write and has a lot of experience in parenting and pastoring. Do yourself a favor and read this book. You will not regret it!
17. Exposition: Revelation
This and the next book are commentaries. Not exactly page turners for the every day reader, but these are phenomenal little commentaries for anyone looking to gain a better understanding of the scriptures without spending a lot or having a seminary degree.
18. Exposition: 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus
Sunday, December 24, 2017
2017 Books
I really wanted to step up my reading in 2017, and I did it! I didn't have a set number of books that I wanted to try to read, but I just felt like I was wasting too much of my free time watching TV or playing on my phone, and I wanted to use some of that free time in a different way. I checked out almost all of these books from our local library. In the past I had been intimidated walking into the library and just walking around looking for a good book. I don't know a lot of authors' names so I never really knew where to start, and you definitely can't stroll through a library when you have a toddler with you. So I look through a variety of lists online like "Christian books for moms" sort of a thing on Pinterest, and then added books to my request list through the library's website. This is very convenient because I get an email when the book is ready for me, and then I just pick it up at the drive-thru window without having to get out of my car with Sarah. Anyway, I'm not going to take the time to write a summary of all of these books, but I did want to share them with you because almost all of them were winners in my opinion. Most of them have to do with being a mom, because, well, that's my full-time job. Enjoy, and let me know if you end up reading any of them!
1. I'm currently watching Glee for the second time and have read a couple of the authors' books. This is skimmable, but I also enjoyed learning a bit more about one of the actresses, Naya Rivera.
2. Say Goodbye to Survival Mode
3. I can't say that I agree with all of Jen's political and religious perspectives, but I didn't feel like that distracted from this book. She's such a captivating author because you really do feel like she's just sitting next to you talking.
4. Definitely one of my favorites this year. It gave me a good perspective on raising Sarah to be grateful by teaching her to be a contributing member of our household and family.
5. If you enjoy Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World, then give Kristen Welch's other book a try, too!
6. I love Gilmore Girls, and I love Lauren Graham. If you do too, why haven't you read this book yet?
7. Again, a book by a Glee actress. Skimmable. :)
8. Unseen - Encouragement for fellow stay at home mommies
9. One of my faves! Read this one for sure! It'll have you laughing and nodding your head in agreement through the whole book.
10 and 11. I want to become friends with Sally Clarkson. Is it okay to feel like we are friends now? She's an inspiration, and I always love reading from moms who have made it through to the "other side" and lived to tell about it.
12-16. Can you tell that we're doing our first Whole30 this month? More on that at the end of the month, but I'd strongly recommend reading these books and not just trusting Pinterest if you're wanting to do a Whole30.
17. Daring Greatly - Skimmable but challenges you to go for it and have big dreams
18. I read a few books on essentialism and organization this summer, and they inspired our yard sale in September.
19. Obviously a must-read if you like Fixer Upper or Chip and JoAnna in general!
20. More yard sale inspiration :)
21. Who doesn't need to extend some more grace to their kids?
22. I'll be honest, I don't think I finished this one. I just couldn't get into it.
23. This was a unique one as it was co-authored and each chapter included both authors' perspectives on a topic - a younger mom and her mentor, Sally Clarkson. I enjoyed it!
24. I like to read financial advice from time to time just to remind myself of our financial goals and why we want to make wise financial decisions.
25. Another book about dreaming big and prioritizing
26. Present Over Perfect
27. Who hasn't felt uninvited? Whether it's not being on the in-crowd with other cool stay at home moms, not feeling like you fit in with your old childhood/hometown friends, not being asked to be part of a group, or whatever. Your self-worth isn't based on those things.
28. Making the most of my time
29. Finding Grace
30. I really liked this one! Good daily, practical examples and tactics.
31-34. I got on a Ruth Soukup jag. :)
1. I'm currently watching Glee for the second time and have read a couple of the authors' books. This is skimmable, but I also enjoyed learning a bit more about one of the actresses, Naya Rivera.
2. Say Goodbye to Survival Mode
3. I can't say that I agree with all of Jen's political and religious perspectives, but I didn't feel like that distracted from this book. She's such a captivating author because you really do feel like she's just sitting next to you talking.
4. Definitely one of my favorites this year. It gave me a good perspective on raising Sarah to be grateful by teaching her to be a contributing member of our household and family.
5. If you enjoy Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World, then give Kristen Welch's other book a try, too!
6. I love Gilmore Girls, and I love Lauren Graham. If you do too, why haven't you read this book yet?
7. Again, a book by a Glee actress. Skimmable. :)
8. Unseen - Encouragement for fellow stay at home mommies
9. One of my faves! Read this one for sure! It'll have you laughing and nodding your head in agreement through the whole book.
10 and 11. I want to become friends with Sally Clarkson. Is it okay to feel like we are friends now? She's an inspiration, and I always love reading from moms who have made it through to the "other side" and lived to tell about it.
12-16. Can you tell that we're doing our first Whole30 this month? More on that at the end of the month, but I'd strongly recommend reading these books and not just trusting Pinterest if you're wanting to do a Whole30.
17. Daring Greatly - Skimmable but challenges you to go for it and have big dreams
18. I read a few books on essentialism and organization this summer, and they inspired our yard sale in September.
19. Obviously a must-read if you like Fixer Upper or Chip and JoAnna in general!
20. More yard sale inspiration :)
21. Who doesn't need to extend some more grace to their kids?
22. I'll be honest, I don't think I finished this one. I just couldn't get into it.
23. This was a unique one as it was co-authored and each chapter included both authors' perspectives on a topic - a younger mom and her mentor, Sally Clarkson. I enjoyed it!
24. I like to read financial advice from time to time just to remind myself of our financial goals and why we want to make wise financial decisions.
25. Another book about dreaming big and prioritizing
26. Present Over Perfect
27. Who hasn't felt uninvited? Whether it's not being on the in-crowd with other cool stay at home moms, not feeling like you fit in with your old childhood/hometown friends, not being asked to be part of a group, or whatever. Your self-worth isn't based on those things.
28. Making the most of my time
29. Finding Grace
30. I really liked this one! Good daily, practical examples and tactics.
31-34. I got on a Ruth Soukup jag. :)
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Becoming a Grown Up
Another good and busy week. Tuesday I got to go to Windermere (where I worked last summer) to see some dear friends and have a wedding showing for Loretta. I got her a waffle iron. Which if you knew Loretta you'd know this item will be used on a daily basis. haha
I had two tests and a speech last week. I don't know how either test turned out, but I felt decent about both. I got an A on the speech which is encouraging after my last speech. I really can't figure out that professor.
Robert and I went to Springfield to Wednesday to celebrate 13 months of dating. We went to the mall, Chili's, and a park. I'm blessed!
Thursday Robert and I got to have dinner at El Rodeo with our dear friend Harrison. Delightful! 1. El Rodeo is my fave local restaurant. The food comes in approximately five minutes and tastes delicious every single time. 2. Harrison is hilarious. He and Robert picked me up and what was waiting in the back seat for me? A precious baby animal calendar. How thoughtful. haha
We had this gigantic pageant thing called Mr. and Miss Southwest Friday night. Residence Life was in charge of it. Boy am I glad to be done with it. It went really well, but it was a ton of work.
Robert and I spent yesterday together. I love weekends without much to do. I vacuumed, washed, and waxed Robert's truck while he worked on a research paper. We went to the town library. $2 for a grocery bag full of books. Hello! We got four puzzles and about 20 books. We worked on a puzzle while watching the Cardinals kick butt that night. We made dinner together: grilled pork chops, grilled veggies, and mashed potatoes. I attempted to make dessert but the heating element in the oven decided to spark and essentially explode. Hadn't planned on that.
Robert and I had the honor of playing for Carey's third grade Sunday School class this morning. So great! Then I got to work in the nursery. Quote of the day: Eisley called me Miss Robert. I didn't mind. :)
Robert and I got to hang with Chad and Natalie today. We painted a canvas for their house. Now we get to be with them wherever they go! We're so pumped to have them in Bolivar with us this summer and next school year.
Just in case you forgot, I have four more weeks of class and one week of finals until I'm a college graduate!!!
I had two tests and a speech last week. I don't know how either test turned out, but I felt decent about both. I got an A on the speech which is encouraging after my last speech. I really can't figure out that professor.
Robert and I went to Springfield to Wednesday to celebrate 13 months of dating. We went to the mall, Chili's, and a park. I'm blessed!
 |
| At Jordan Valley Park |
We had this gigantic pageant thing called Mr. and Miss Southwest Friday night. Residence Life was in charge of it. Boy am I glad to be done with it. It went really well, but it was a ton of work.
Robert and I spent yesterday together. I love weekends without much to do. I vacuumed, washed, and waxed Robert's truck while he worked on a research paper. We went to the town library. $2 for a grocery bag full of books. Hello! We got four puzzles and about 20 books. We worked on a puzzle while watching the Cardinals kick butt that night. We made dinner together: grilled pork chops, grilled veggies, and mashed potatoes. I attempted to make dessert but the heating element in the oven decided to spark and essentially explode. Hadn't planned on that.
Robert and I had the honor of playing for Carey's third grade Sunday School class this morning. So great! Then I got to work in the nursery. Quote of the day: Eisley called me Miss Robert. I didn't mind. :)
Robert and I got to hang with Chad and Natalie today. We painted a canvas for their house. Now we get to be with them wherever they go! We're so pumped to have them in Bolivar with us this summer and next school year.
Just in case you forgot, I have four more weeks of class and one week of finals until I'm a college graduate!!!
Friday, February 25, 2011
No Such Luck
Well my attempt to donate blood was unsuccessful to say the least. My iron was too low. Speaking of blood, today I went to the doctor to get a CBC test done. I've had low white blood cell counts for about 10 months now. Hopefully this time it will be better. I love the lady who usually draws my blood, Molly, but she had a baby about 3 weeks ago. That's totally awesome, but she abandoned me in my time of need! She knows my veins. Today's experience was far from pleasant. Poked the right arm: a few droplets came out. Threw it away. Poked the left arm: Absolutely nothing came out. Poked the right arm again: A bit came out. It's not very encouraging when the nurse says, "Hope this is enough to test it." Cool.
I think my two tests went well yesterday. Although stressing about tests is not fun, it's always exciting to get out earlier than usual.
I met with my dear friend Carey yesterday morning. We've been getting together one morning a week for over a year now. We share what's going on in our lives and then discuss the book we're reading. So far we've read Calm my Anxious Heart, Choosing Gratitude, and now we're reading A Beautiful Offering. Lately I've been learning that becoming more like Jesus isn't just going to happen one day. It's a conscious effort. I'm learning more and more what God requires of me. I may not always choose the right thing, but I'm growing.
Carey's cuties: Miles (above) and Cooper (below)
I'm the RA on call this weekend. Basically this means I'll sit in the dorm office Saturday from 5:00-midnight and hand out toilet paper twice because the other 150 girls are gone for the weekend. If I'm focused it's usually a really good time to do homework. I'm hoping I can write a research paper for Medieval and Renaissance Literature. It's about Langland and his work of "Piers Plowman." Should be invigorating. haha
Robert's basketball team, the Viscous Fishes, fell to the Fascist Giraffes last night. I'll know they'll get a victory soon though.
It rained/sleeted/snowed last night, but this is nothing compared to the 20 inches we got a couple of weeks ago. Alright, off to class. Happy Friday!
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