A Book Club!

I am so excited to do something new this year – a book club!

Would you like to read a book along with others to both encourage you and motivate you?  Then join us for some good reads and some great fellowship, too!

You can find all the details at this post on my blog titled Daily Cup Of Grace.

Then you can join up by going to this facebook event page.

And finally,  here is what we are going to be reading!

2011 Most Impacting Books

As the year comes to a close I look back at all I have read and reflect on the ones that still stand out clear in my mind.  These are the books that most impacted my life in the year of 2011.  I hope that if you have not already read them, that they will impact YOU in the year of 2012!  These are my top 9 out of 75….enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 Really Good Parenting Books For Just A Few Quarters!

Are you a parent?  Do you work with children in church or interact with children in your family circle?

If so you will want to get your hands on these good deals at Amazon.com!

The kindle versions of 3 really good parenting books are being offered right now for just a handful of quarters!  And remember you don’t have to own a kindle to read them…you can download free Kindle apps for your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

So here they are….

1. Shepherding A Child’s Heart for $1.79
2. Instructing A Child’s Heart for $1.79
3. Don’t Make Me Count To Three for $1.79

Support For The Reading Habit

Do you enjoy reading, but find yourself limited due to the cost of buying books?

Most of you have probably heard of Swagbucks, but do you realize that you can use your swagbucks to support your reading habit?

Yes!

Earn swagbucks using all the various options and then redeem them for an amazon.com gift card.  You can then apply that gift card to your account and buy black and white print editions – or any color! – or use it to buy a book for kindle.  And let me remind you that you don’t have to own an actual kindle, you can read on your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. 

So while you are out shopping for Christmas, enjoy some free reading thanks to some swagbucks!

I use swagbucks to support my kindle and by just using it to search, answering the daily poll, having the toolbar installed, and playing swagbucks tv while I do other work, I earn about 450 swagbucks every two weeks.  That in turn gives me $5 towards my next book or books.  And every bit helps!

Happy reading!

Mandy’s 2012 Reading List

There are still two months left in this year of 2011, but I am anxious already to roll into the next year.  It is not just because I like the the fresh start of a new year, but because I am so excited to jump into my first ever, planned out, reading list for the year!

After I read this great book and responded by writing up my own reading priorities, I finished the process by compiling an official reading list for myself based on my new found reading priorities.  Are you sitting there wondering what I plan to read this coming year?  *expectant grin*

Oh, alright! So you’re not…but just humor me and pretend to be waiting anxiously, okay?  *grin*

Here is my…

2012 Reading List

Foundational Reading: (Scripture)

1. Old Testament – 3 chapters per day

2. Gospels (Matthew – Acts) – 1 chapter per day

3. New Testament: Book of the month

Structural Reading: ( Identity In Christ)

1. Basic Theology

2. Theology of Christian Counseling

3. The Gospel For Real Life

4. Cross Talk

5. The Attributes of God

6. Idols Of The Heart

Mechanical Reading: (Spiritual Understanding)

1. Competent To Counsel

2. Instruments In The Redeemers Hands

3. Women & Men of Faith: John & Betty Stam

4. Men of Faith: Martin Luther

5. Men of Faith: Charles Spurgeon

6. The Christian Counselors Manual

Interior Reading: (Personal Growth)

1. Womanly Dominion

2. Getting to the Heart of Friendships

3. Designing A Lifestyle That Pleases God

4. Becoming A Woman Who Pleases God

5. Feminine Appeal

6. Everyday Talk

Exterior Reading: (Skill Sharpening)

1. A Handbook for Minister’s Wives

2. Building And Effective Woman’s Ministry

3. Critical Stages Of Biblical Counseling

4. 30 Days to Understanding The Bible

5. Practicing Hospitality

6. It’s So You!

Finishing Reading: (Wholesome Enjoyment)

1. Leota’s Garden

2. John MacArthur (bio)

3. He’s Been Faithful

4. Surprised By Laughter

5. And The Shofar Blew

6. Generation Change

 

And if I manage to finish this fabulous books, I still have a whole shelf full of more to read! 

HOW ABOUT YOU?

I know you may not have a detailed plan like this, but what about making a list of 5 books to read?  What books are on your list…small or big…for next year?

Reading Priorities List

After reading this book I was inspired to build my own list of reading priorities.  I used Reinke’s basic outline but spent time making it personal.  (You can read his original list here.) 

I also chose a theme and for various reasons “building” seemed like a very appropriate one.  So, without further ado, I present…

* * *

My Reading Priorities:

 

1 - Foundational Reading: (Scripture)

· Daily Quiet Time Passage

· Daily Bible Reading Plan

· Routine Personal Bible Study

 

2 - Structural Reading: (My Identity In Christ)

· Gospel-Centered Living Books

· Theology Books

 

3 - Mechanical Reading: (Spiritual Understanding)

· Topics of Biblical Counseling/Spiritual Growth Issues

· Christian Biographies

 

4 - Interior Reading: (Personal Growth)

· Personal Growth Books

· Marriage/Parenting/Family Books

 

5 - Exterior Reading: (Skill Sharpening)

· Books for Pastor’s wives

· Home/Organizational/Time Management Books

· Books on Skills/Hobbies

 

6 - Finishing Reading: (Wholesome Enjoyment)

· Historical Books

· Secular Biographies

· Biblically Sound Fiction

* * *

Now that I have a list of reading priorities I don’t feel overwhelmed when I open up my book cabinet and decide which book I should read next.  I have a plan and most importantly, a purpose for my reading.  It isn’t just to accomplish a lot of reading, or a contest to see how many books I can read each year, but to build sound thinking and sound habits into my life that ultimately glorify God.

It’s your turn!  Share you reading priorities with me by leaving a comment on this post!

Reading Priorities

Do you have priorities for your reading?

Yes?

No?

Maybe?

Not sure what that even means?

I’ll go first.  Yes, I do.  And no, I don’t.

Not very clear, eh?!

Exactly….that’s how clear mine are!

Okay, so you see…In my head I have a list of sorts that helps me decide what to read and when and over the years I have also gotten into my own little groove of how I decide what books to read and what book to not read.  However, I have never sat down and put all those mental notes into black and white writing.  And…{gasp!}…in all honesty, I don’t think I have even ever thought about doing that!  My obsession with lists and making lists is now feeling guilty for having never even thought about such a thing!  {giggle}

Seriously, while I have not thought about it or done it – yet! – I found someone who has and has done it very well.  So I hope that you will click as fast as your little finger allows and read this fabulous article on priorities in reading.  And while you are doing that, I just might write up my own little black and white list of reading priorities.

And I will be sure to share if I do!

How To Read More Books: “But I don’t have enough time!”

Over the past few months my life has just seemed to be so busy that reading has – brace yourselves – taken a back burner.

*GASP!*

I know.

*Sigh*

How could I – thee book addict – have let it slip out of my normal, every day routine?

What I have learned in the past, and am now learning once again, is that “if you don’t use it, you loose it”.  While it is not true with all things, like riding a bike or such, I do believe it is with the passion for reading.

When I do not read on a regular basis as part of my daily routine it is ever so easy for me to let it slip.  I forget how much I enjoy the simple pleasure of reading; of learning, getting caught-up in a story, or being challenged to grow.  It is easy to let the little details – like folding laundry, keeping my sink free of dishes, or making me bed! – distract me from taking just 5 minutes to read. 

Yes, I do know that making the bed, folding clothes, and doing dishes are all important parts of my role as wife and mother.  However, growing spiritually through challenging and uplifting reading is also important.

So I simply want to say…

…if you feel like you don’t have time to read…

…stop and read!

NO!

NO “BUTS…”!

Simply….

• Grab a book
• Set the timer for 5 minutes
• Read until the timer goes off
• Put the book down and go on

You will find that as you do you will awaken your hunger for reading and find yourself either moving faster to accomplish your tasks or deciding that maybe Facebook or browsing the web or cleaning the cob webs from under the sofa are not as important as you thought they were for the day!

Try it!

*Grin*

You’ll like it!

 

For more great suggestions on how to read more – once you get back into reading – read this post about 12 easy tips to do so.

Video Highlight: Resources For Biblical Living

A Book Addicts’ Traveling Headaches

When a book addict travels his/her headaches do not come from delays and rude customer service, but rather from the pressure of deciding what books to take with them!

And yes, *ahem*, I speak from experience!

So imagine my stress {insert sarcastic sigh} when I had to choose my top 3 books to take on a week long trip.  *sigh*  Life is so hard!  {again, sense the sarcasm}

The process began with my decision to NOT take a single book I had to review.  In other words, I wanted to take books from my own “to-read” pile.

I started by opening my cupboard…and picking out a few.

This picture on the left shows only half of my very full cupboard shelf that holds all the books I own and one day intend to read.  Yes, I know I have issues…you’re not the first one to say so!

I closed the cupboard having chosen 6 books out of probably a selection of around 150 -  give or take a few.

Then I let them sit for a few days while I just pretended I didn’t have to make a decision about what ones to take or not.  Finally I faced the task and narrowed it down to 3 books.

Only. Three. Books.  *sniff, sniff*

Out of these 6 wonderful books I am only packing these 3…

 
Now, all I need is my comfy new slippers and a pen to underline things…and I’m all set!

Oh!  And be sure to stay tuned for my reviews coming soon.  I hope!

How To Read More Books: 12 Easy Tips To Help You Read More Books

“How do you read so many books?”

I have people ask me this question quite often.  In fact, without doing an official poll or anything, I can declare it to be the number one question I get in my world of blogging, twitter, and facebook.  I have lost count of the times I have quickly given a one-on-one answer and so I have decided to simply write a post so that you can all see my quirky cool ideas and so that the next time some on asks me this question I can refer them to this post.  {insert silly grin}  Since I like to read and I also like to please people – yeah, I’m reading about how to deal with that, too! – I figured I would share my tips and tricks with you in this special “How To” post.  So join me for 12 quick tips to insert more reading into your daily routine no matter how busy you are.

How To Read More Books:

1. Always carry a book with you.  Always!  It doesn’t matter if you think – or know – you won’t have time to read.  Always carry at least one book with you wherever you go.  To the bathroom.  To the Dr. appointment.  To the Dentist.  To pick-up your kids from school.  To meetings.  To everywhere.  I can not tell you how many times I have failed to adhere to my own advice and then really wished I had a book along because for one reason or another I had time to read.  Reading while waiting for the dentist will help distract you from the dreaded visit.  Reading while waiting for the Doctor’s exam will be a wise use of the time you know you will wait!  And reading while in the bathroom….well…you get the point!
2. Set a reading goal.  Having a goal will help keep you focused on reading more.  When I have a goal for the amount of reading I want to do I am usually more faithful to accomplish more reading.  It can be a specific goal like reading X amount of pages a day or X amount of books per month.  Or it can be a general goal of breaking the last record you set like when I make it a goal to read more books than I did last year.
3. Keep a list of what you have read.  Keeping a list seems like a waste of time, but really it is not.  Every time you add a book to your list of what you have read – this year, this month, or this week if you are a really aggressive reader – it will fuel your desire to read more.  One of my favorite ways to keep track of the books I have read is by using the website www.goodreads.com.  (No!  They don’t know anything about this post!)  This will allow you to categorize your reads, keep track of what you want to read, find new reads, and SO much more!  Plus there is a stats feature that will show you what you have read per year as well as how many pages. 
4. Read Audio Books.  Oxymoron?  Maybe!  But use whatever resources you can!  It still counts as reading even if you are “reading” by listening.  This is a great way to fit in that extra book or two if you are busy because you can multi-task.  My favorite way to spend a Monday is by popping in an audio book while I clean my house.  I crank up the speakers or use my MP3 player and clean while I also enjoy a good story or challenging message.  You can get audio books from downloads, the library, or through purchasing the CDs.
5. Block out time to read each day.  This is rather obvious but it’s something that I still struggle with.  You might be surprised at how much you can read by just doing it for 30 minutes a day.  Make it a habit.  Pick a time that you are most likely to most consistent in and keep at it.  Maybe it’s only 5 minutes a day right before you go to bed.  A little is better than none.
6. Have several reading options.  There may be some dedicated people who just can’t start a new book until they have finished the very last page of the one they are currently reading.  For the rest of us, I highly recommend having several books in your “currently-reading” stack at all times.  There are many great books I want to read but are simply to deep or heavy for me to read some days.  Then I have other days when I don’t feel like fluffy stuff and I want something to challenge me.  Keep several genres of books at your fingertips so that when you use that block of time to read you will have reading material that fits your mood.
7. Splurge at times.  Sometimes – especially on a gray and dreary day – it’s important just to sit back, prop up your feet, and read.  I know!  You’re busy.  So am I!  But sometimes the very thing we need is to slow down and reading is a great way to do that.
8. Step out of your comfort zone.  Don’t just read the same thing all the time.  If you read mainly fiction, try some non-fiction.  If all you read is biographies, try some mysteries.  If all you read is (insert your normal genre), try something new (insert a different genre).  You may find you really enjoy this new style of books and it will keep you refreshed in your reading which in  turn keeps you reading more.
9. Speed read.  I think the idea of speed reading is different for each person.  But whatever it is for you, do it.  Sometimes it is okay to breeze through a book and skip a few paragraphs.  Now, not every book should be read that way, but you’ll soon find your groove and be able to benefit from more entertainment and encouragement by picking up the pace a little.
10. Have different books for different places.  If you are willing to have several books going at one time try putting a different book in the various place you read so that even if it’s only 5 minutes or 1 minute you will still get in a few more pages.  I have on the table during the day, maybe one on the coffee table, at times one in the car, one on my desk, and just being honest here…but often one in the bathroom.
11. Kill two birds with one stone!  Read while you walk on the treadmill, use the exercise bike, or any other exercise that you can do while reading.  I have started reading while using the treadmill and I find that it has the same effect for me as a spoon full of sugar with your medicine! 
12. Read to your children.  There are a lot of fun books that both you and your children can enjoy together and again, you are multi-tasking by doing this.  (Have you noticed that I seem to be allergic to doing only one thing at a time?!)  When you read with your children you are spending quality time with them, enhancing their learning process and abilities, all the while you are personally enjoying a good read.  I am currently reading the Little House series with my kids and I enjoy it just as much as they do!

Now you know my secrets.  Not too hard, are they?  You see, it’s really the small things that add up and before you know it reading 100 books in a year will seem like small potatoes. 

I hope you enjoy reading more books than before and if you have more ideas, please leave a comment and share them with me!  I can’t wait to hear about YOUR creativity!

Free Reading

Articles, videos, audio clips, and interviews on a wide range of topics such as singleness, parenting, marriage, communication, intimidation, media, and SO MUCH more can be found here at this blog resource list.

I hope you will click on over and enjoy some wholesome reading that is FREE.  If you are trying to save money but love to read you can check out this link to good reading, too!

Image via Wikipedia

Resources For The Road

Do you have a family road trip coming up? 

Or any kind of trip – by plane, boat, train, or any other mode of transportation?

As a Mom of 3 kids, and one who travels frequently to visit family, I know all about those bonding moments known as family road trips.

In fact, my oldest has been traveling since she was three weeks old, my middle child since she was 2 days old, and my youngest since he was a month old.  While our trips are usually only three hours long, anyone with little children knows this is a long time for a child to remain strapped in to the same seat.  And if you hit any construction the trip immediately becomes longer – which for us is common place in our trips.

We have learned that being prepared is key and one great preparation is the portable DVD player.  However, as the kids have gotten older we seldom use it and instead have them listen to things…such as Adventures in Odyssey CDs or audio books.  It’s easier on me (I don’t have to turn around in my seat to change the DVD) and for the most part it is something we can enjoy as parents along with our kids.

So I am excited to share with you my upcoming post series – Resources For The Road – that is being sponsored by Oasis Audio.  From May 31st through June 5th I will be featuring audio books and other resources that make for great road trips as families.  My target age is going to be for the ages 6 & up, but I’ll throw in a few items for you that will appeal to the younger ages as well.

I hope you will mark your calendar and plan to join me each day for that week to read about resources and ideas to keep your family road trip a bonding experience rather than a hair-pulling one!

Oh, and maybe there will be a giveaway…or two…you just never know!

Good Book Sites by Natalie {Guest Post}

If you know anything at all about me, then you know this: I LOVE TO READ. Couldn't imagine life without it. For as long as I can remember, I've always loved to read. Even as a little girl, other kids would be out playing, and I'd be in my room reading. That's how I remember it anyways.

Hubby bought me the Sony Reader (similar to the Amazon Kindle) a few years ago for Christmas. It was one of the best gifts I've ever received because as a reading fanatic, it was a gift from the gods! I haven't had a chance to take it with me on a vacation yet, but oh! The thought of putting a bunch of books on that little-less-than-a-pound Reader is thrilling! No more lugging (literally) a bunch of books in my suitcase! There's nothing worse than running out of books to read on vacation (if you're an avid reader, that is).

I can't think of anything I'd rather do than curl up with a good book. Before children, I would stay in my pajamas and read all day. Of course, that never happens anymore; I guess in another 20 years or so I may be able to do it again. But I still read constantly...it just takes me a lot longer to get through a book. Hubby will watch tv, and I will read. The kids play outside, and I'm out there reading. At doctor appointments, I don't mind the wait because it gives me a chance to read. Before I go to bed, I read. If I have 5 spare minutes, you guessed it, you'll find me with a book in my hands.

A lot of friends ask me for book recommendations because I read constantly. My sister H and my friend Diana probably hit me up the most for recommendations. Friends also ask me where I find all these books to read, sometimes obscure or unknown books or authors, and so I thought I'd tell you a couple of my favorite sites to find good books, authors, suggestions, recommendations, etc...

www.goodreads.com - Goodreads is an awesome site that my friend and fellow avid reader Tonya introduced me to a couple of years ago. It allows you to catalog books you've read, books you want to read, search for similar books, write reviews and rate books, learn about authors, join book reading groups and contests, enter contests to win free books (I've won a couple!), keep track of what you're friends are reading, and meet other people that love to read. A few of my "friends" on the site are just random people across the country that sent me friend requests so we can follow each other's readings (A 13-year old girl from India sent me a friend request, so we send each other messages about life in our countries, etc!).

www.bookseer.com - Really cool site that allows you to search for books that are similar to books that you've already read and liked. You type in the name of the book and author, and it'll spit out names of other books that are similar in style/genre that you might be interested in.

http://read-it-forward.crownpublishing.com/ - Check this site out the first couple of days of every new month. You can enter for a chance to win free books. Of course, the premise is that you will "read it forward", and pass it along to someone else when you've finished reading it. I won a book the first month I entered!

www.amazon.com - As I'm writing this, I click on the link to make sure it works, and I just added 3 more books to my goodreads.com "to read" list! Anyways, great book suggestions, features, and deals on both new and used books. Plus, if you preorder books before they're released, you get a guarantee of getting the lowest price.

www.ebay.com - I just realized that ebay is a very cheap place to buy books! I have bought three books on there for a total of twelve bucks (including shipping!). The books were each $1, and then shipping was another $3. They were used, but in perfect condition. They were each bought from different sellers. I have found my new favorite book-buying place!

So yes, I'm a total bookworm and I'm proud of it!

What is your favorite book?

Favorite author?

Do you have another go-to website that I should know about? And so it goes...

* * * * *

Natalie is a stay-at-home mom to a toddler and 8 month old twins. She loves to read, cook, and garden. She also writes a blog Mommy of a Monster (I Mean Toddler) and Infant Twins in which she discusses her life as a stay-at-home mom and the chaos that comes with raising three children under three years of age.

Read More, Save Money

Yes, it is possible to actually save money while reading more.  To avid book lovers, who understand that a person can “blow” $10 to $20 in one afternoon read, this is really good news!

Here are several options for saving money while reading more good books!

OPTION 1:  Read Reviews

You can save money by first investing a few moments in checking out reviews of a particular book you want to read.  After reading the opinions of others who have already read that book you may find that you don’t want to read it after all.  Or perhaps now you are even more excited about reading that book!  Most online sites offer a review section for each of their products and there are also many blogs – like this one! – that can be a valuable resource for determining what you really want to read.

OPTION 2:  The Library

One of the best inventions – according to me! – has been the public library system.  This is a wonderful way to have access to thousands upon thousands of book for no cost at all.  Well…that is as long as you return your books on time!  This is a great way to afford reading for both you and your family.

OPTION 3: Book Swapping Websites

One of the neat things about the world wide web is that you can interact with people that otherwise would be impossible.  And there are multiple sites that allow you to do this all through swapping books.  These options do cost some money for mailing, but it is significantly less than buying new.  There are multiple options to choose from:

• PaperBackSwap.com – This site offers a free membership and swapping of all books – paperback, hard cover, & audio.  By listing 10 books that you own and want to swap, you can get 2 free credits.  The set-up is that you swap a book for a credit that you can then use to request a book from someone else.  When a book is requested from you it is up to you to mail it and pay the shipping to do so.  This is usually around $2.38, but flexes depending on the weight.  After the book is received you get a credit to use in requesting a book for yourself.  You can create a wish list for books that are not currently available and you will be automatically notified when they become so.
•  
• SwapTree.com –  On this site you can exchange books, CDs, DVDs, & video games all on the same website.  In other words you can swap a video game for a book or any other swap combination.  The difference with this site is that you actually trade with someone rather than get a credit.  You list what you have and  then list what you want and the website will match you with someone who has what you want and wants what you have.
•  
• Bookins.com – This site is set up like Paperbackswap.com but the difference being that you pay to receive rather then send out.  It’s also set up using a point system.  However, the offer swapping for both books and DVD's.
• BookMooch.com – This is yet another site dedicated to swapping books.  You only pay  to mail the book someone has requested from you.  However, there is a point system and you need to be swapping one of your books for every two that you receive to stay an active member.

* * * * *

This post has been linked to Works For Me Wednesday.  Join up for the fun!

What I've Read In 2009

#72 - December 31, 2009
Raising Real Men, by Hal & Melanie Young

#71 - December 30, 2009
The Last Word by Kathy Herman

#70 - December 29, 2009
The Sweet By And By, by Sara Evans & Rachel Hauck

#69 - December 27, 2009
50 Ways To Feel Great Today

#68 - December 23, 2009
5 Conversations You Must Have With Your Daughter, by Vicki Courtney

#67 - December 20, 2009
The Choice, by Suzanne Woods Fisher

#66 - December 19, 2009
The Hidden Flame, by Davis Bunn & Janette Oke

#65 - December 16, 2009
Pastorpreneur, by John Jackson

#64 - December 16, 2009
Marriage: Whose Dreams? by Paul David Tripp

#63 - December 15, 2009
Becoming More Than Just A Good Bible Study Girl, by Lysa Terkeurst

#62 - December 3, 2009
Jesus Lives, By Sarah Young

#60 - December 2, 2009
Shades Of Blue, by Karen Kingsbury

#59 - November 30, 2009
Who Do I Talk To?, by Neta Jackson

#58 - November 28, 2009
The Language Of Love & Respect, by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

#57 - November 24, 2009
101 Simple & Thoughtful Ways To Give This Christmas Away, by Matthew West

#56 -November 16, 2009
Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain, by Paul Meier & David L. Henderson

#55 - November 14, 2009
The Unfinished Gift, by Dan Walsh

#54 - November 10, 2009
The Christmas Dog, by Melody Carlson

#53 - November 10, 2009
Seven Reasons Why God Created Marriage, by James Ford

#52 - November 7, 2009
A Hope And A Future, by Don Wilton

#51 - October 25, 2009
Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey To Joy, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

#50 - October 19, 2009
She Did What She Could, by Elisa Morgan

#49 - October 16, 2009
Living With Confidence In A Chaotic World, by Dr. David Jeremiah

#48 - October 4, 2009
Unveiled: Tamar, by Francine Rivers

#47 - September 29, 2009
Redefining Beautiful, by Jenna Lucado

#46 - September 28, 2009
How To Study The Bible, by John MacArthur

#45 - September 21, 2009
MacArthur Bible Studies: Ephesians, by John MacArthur

#44 - September 10, 2009
At Gettysburg, by Mrs. Tillie Pierce Alleman

#43 - August 31, 2009
The Bible In 90 Days

#42 - August 31, 2009
Godliness Through Discipline, by Jay Adams

#41 - August 31, 2009
The God Empowered Wife, by K.B. Haught

#40 - August 21, 2009
Hunger Pains, by Cynthia Moe

#39 - August 18, 2009
Grace Walk, by Steve McVey

#38 - July 20, 2009
Take Two, by Karen Kingsbury

#37 - July 20, 2009
The Faith Of Condoleezza Rice, by Leslie Montgomery

#36 - July 11, 2009
The Practice Of The Presence Of God, by Brother Lawrence

#35 - July 10, 2009
Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis

#34 - July 2, 2009
Designing Your Home On A Budget, by Emilie Barnes & Yoli Brogger

#33 - July 1, 2009
Creative Counterpart, by Linda Dillow

#32 - June 26, 2009
Organized Living, by Sandra Felton

#31 - June 26, 2009
The Problem Of Pain, by C.S. Lewis

#30 - June 25, 2009
The Priest, by Francine Rivers

#29 - June 24, 2009
The Last Battle, by C.S.Lewis

#28 - June 19, 2009
The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader, by C.S.Lewis

#27 - June 12, 2009
Mistaken Identity, by The Van Ryn & Cerak Families

#26 - June 11, 2009
Do Hard Things, by Alex & Brett Harris

#25 - June 11, 2009
The Four Seasons Of Marriage, by Gary Chapman

#24 - June 2, 2009
The Horse And His Boy, by C.S. Lewis

#23 - June 2, 2009
Son To Susanna, by G. Elsie Harrison

#22 - May 29, 2009
The Magician's Nephew, by C.S. Lewis

#21 - May 20, 2009
The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe, by C.S. Lewis

#20 - May 21, 2009

A Busy Woman's Guide To Prayer: Forget The Guilt & Find The Gift, by Cheri Fuller

#19 - May 11, 2009
Humility: True Greatness, by C.J. Mahaney

#18 - May 6, 2009
I Really Want To Change...So, Help Me God, by James MacDonald

#17 - Apr. 21, 2009
From Pride To Humility, by Stuart Scott

#16 - Apr. 20, 2009
Grace Rules, by Steve McVey

#15 - Apr. 12, 2009
The Praying Wives Club, by Marita Littauer & Dianne Anderson (

#14 - Apr. 11, 2009
Naked Fruit, by Elisa Morgan

#13 - Apr. 6, 2009The Quick-Fix Home Organizer, by Emilie Barnes (

#12 - Apr. 6, 2009
Parenting With Scripture, Kara Durbin

#11 - Mar. 17, 2009
Becoming The Woman God Wants Me To Be, by Donna Partow

#10 - Mar. 14, 2009
This Side Of Heaven, by Karen Kingsbury

#9 - Mar. 11, 2009
The Five Love Languages Of Children, by Gary Chapman & Ross Campbell

#8 - Mar. 2, 2009
Parents'" Guide To The Spiritual Growth of Children, by Focus On The Family & Heritage Builders

#7 - Mar. 1, 2009
Shopping For Time, by Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore, & Janelle Bradshaw

#6 - Feb. 28, 2009
Ordering Your Private World, by Gordon Mac Donald

#5 - Feb. 25, 2009
The Cross Centered Life, by C.J. Mahaney

#4 - Feb. 20, 2009
Confessions From An Honest Wife, by Sarah Zacharias Davis

#3 - Feb. 18, 2009
Sacred Marriage, by Gary Thomas

#2 - Jan. 24, 2009
Grown-Up Girlfriends, by Erin Smalley

#1 - Jan. 8, 2009
One With A Shepherd: The Tears and Triumphs of a Ministry Marriage, by Mary Somerville

Reading Plans

A recent question that I have faced lately is:

"How do you have time to read so much?!"

Rather than keep answering over and over I'm going to write down my answer here and now and that way I can shorten my answer down to: "Read my blog post about it!" So here is the official answer!

I have always enjoyed reading and don't remember a time when I did not. I give that credit to God who gave me a Mother and Grandmother who loved reading and did everything they could to instill this in me. To this day my Grandma S gives each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren a book, magazine, or audio book for Christmas. Both of these women spent hours of their lives reading to me and my brothers.

From my childhood on I can remember reading books with a hunger. I devoured Nancy Drew, Hilda Stahl, and many others. But most, if not all, of my reading was fiction. And that is a topic for another post.

When I became engaged I wanted to know more about being a Biblical wife and so I began to buy books from CBD that were about that topic. That was the beginning of my real passion for reading! I read and read until I had my first child. After a few months break I got back into it with even more passion and read through books like a caterpillar eats through leaves! This continued for about 2 years until we made a life changing move as my husband went from logger and part-time youth pastor to a full-time ministry position in a new state. On top of the move and major life change, we also were expecting our third child! This dampened my reading for a while. What I began to finally understand was that reading wouldn't just happen if I didn't plan to make it happen. So even though my "normal" is constantly changing, I have found ways to get back into reading like a caterpillar eats.

I have learned how to set up a household routine that allows my average days to have 30 minutes of reading time for myself. I also take books with me every where I go...even the places that I don't think I'll get time to read; and I even keep one by the computer so while I'm browsing or waiting for downloads and uploads I can read. And lately I have also made use of audio books for the books that I want to read, but just won't take the time to sit and read. Not only does this get two things done at once, but it also makes me want to stay in the kitchen and finish those dishes so I can hear the rest of the chapter!

As you now know, reading is a high priority to me. It is what energizes me and challenges me. But just before you begin to think I'm some sort of book nut, (if you don't already!), let me mention that I'm not the only one who says reading is a high priority and should be on every one's to-do list on a regular basis of some sort. You need to click over to THIS article at Girl Talk and read what some more well known folks have to say on this matter. In fact...why don't you read that right now?!