A Bit of Light Reading
Summer is a great time for some light reading. Our minds need a little vacation from the heavy stuff sometimes. Often life circumstances are stressful and a bit of light reading helps to ease the way through.
No need to lower our standards however. We want something spiritually uplifting but in an everyday story. There are a lot of choices out there. But know there is a lot that parades as christian that isn't.
And don't discount some classics especially childrens' literature. They are some of the best books ever.
Some authors and some of their works...
Robin Jones Gunn -
Sisterchicks on the Loose,
Sisterchicks Do the Hula,
Sisterchicks Say Ooh La La
The Glenbrook Series (Secrets, Whispers, Echoes, etc.)
Lori Wick -
Sophie's Heart
Pretense
Jan Karon - The Mitford Series
Grace Livingston Hill - too many to list
Karen Kingsbury -
On Every Side
Shades of Blue
Janette Oke -
Heart of the Wilderness
The Measure of a Heart
Some great classics (for children of any age)
LM Montgomery -
Anne of Green Gables
Anne of Avonlea
Jane of Lantern Hill
Emily of New Moon
Frances Hodgson Burnett -
The Little Princess
The Secret Garden
Little Lord Fauntleroy
The Lost Prince
CS Lewis - The Chronicles of Narnia
Many of the older works here are available free on kindle or at least greatly reduced in price. And I didn't read any of these until I was an adult. I recently read Ann of Green Gables with my daughter and it was as refreshing as ever.
Enjoy
Monday, July 21, 2014
Kisses from Katie
I am reading this book through for the second time since I purchased it last fall. It is a book that will speak to the heart. The setting and heart of this true story will give us perspective on our own lives. What do we feel we cannot live without? Katie and her family probably lives without it. Would we do something this extreme if we knew it was what God wanted? How much can one young girl do to change a community? You will find out.
If you haven't already read it, don't wait. Its a great book. One person can make a big difference in the world! What can we do? We live in our mission field. Although we may be moved to take on another "world" as our mission field. Let me know what you think of this book.
Enjoy!
I am reading this book through for the second time since I purchased it last fall. It is a book that will speak to the heart. The setting and heart of this true story will give us perspective on our own lives. What do we feel we cannot live without? Katie and her family probably lives without it. Would we do something this extreme if we knew it was what God wanted? How much can one young girl do to change a community? You will find out.
If you haven't already read it, don't wait. Its a great book. One person can make a big difference in the world! What can we do? We live in our mission field. Although we may be moved to take on another "world" as our mission field. Let me know what you think of this book.
Enjoy!
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Read the Oldies
It's easy to forget about the classics of Christian literature amidst the abundance of new material. Don't get me wrong some of the new stuff is good. But you have to be careful.
As I get older (not too old, mind you), I am amazed to see the change in my reading habits. I still have my run of light Christian/clean fiction occasionally, but it lessens every year. This year has been different from any other. I have actually read very little. Maybe my concentration level is low or my mind is overwhelmed by schoolwork (we homeschool). My focused personal reading time is more limited lately, and I'm sure that contributes.
Where does my mind turn? To Christian classics. It got me thinking of some of my favorites, and I thought I'd share a few. It surprised me a few years ago to learn that some Christians today are not familiar with these wonderful works. Oh, what they are missing!
You may find some brand new favorite in this list...
The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom (about the Jewish holocaust)
The Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyan (allegory)
Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot (missionary adventure)
A Chance to Die: Amy Carmichael by Elisabeth Elliot (missionary biography)
Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard (allegory)
A Man Called Peter by Catherine Marshall (biography)
Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss (inspirational fiction)
In His Steps by Charles Sheldon (inspirational fiction)
Just a few...enjoy!
As I get older (not too old, mind you), I am amazed to see the change in my reading habits. I still have my run of light Christian/clean fiction occasionally, but it lessens every year. This year has been different from any other. I have actually read very little. Maybe my concentration level is low or my mind is overwhelmed by schoolwork (we homeschool). My focused personal reading time is more limited lately, and I'm sure that contributes.
Where does my mind turn? To Christian classics. It got me thinking of some of my favorites, and I thought I'd share a few. It surprised me a few years ago to learn that some Christians today are not familiar with these wonderful works. Oh, what they are missing!
You may find some brand new favorite in this list...
The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom (about the Jewish holocaust)
The Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyan (allegory)
Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot (missionary adventure)
A Chance to Die: Amy Carmichael by Elisabeth Elliot (missionary biography)
Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard (allegory)
A Man Called Peter by Catherine Marshall (biography)
Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss (inspirational fiction)
In His Steps by Charles Sheldon (inspirational fiction)
Just a few...enjoy!
Saturday, July 20, 2013
The Joys of Fiction
Ever feel a little twinge of guilt while reading fiction? Of course we need to read the good books on marriage and parenting sometimes. We need to challenge ourselves to dig out those deep issues that are holding us back spiritually and emotionally. We need the encouragement of those godly men and women whose lives are a testimony of the grace of God.
But sometimes we need a work of fiction. I'm not talking about the common trash that passes for fiction these days. Full of immortality, pettiness, foul language, and teenage style drama. Leave those on the shelf at the bookstore. Those will not enhance us.
Why not enjoy a good Christian novel? Or a classic work of fiction? Even an occasional clean secular work (if you can find it)? What is the benefit it will give us?
1. It can lighten the soul.
People have so much daily stress in their lives. We put much of it there ourselves. Just feel the tension roll off as you sit down in the evening to read a work of pure imagination.
2. It can free the imagination.
Turn off the remote. Play some soothing instrumental music in the background and get totally immersed in your own imaginary world for a few moments. When was the last time that happened?
3. It can take you to places you may never see in this life.
I have always wanted to travel to Great Britain. That may or may not happen but I have visited there many times in books.
4. It can illuminate a situation in which you find yourself.
You may suddenly realize you are in a similar situation in your own life, and this fictional scenario will help you picture a solution to a very real problem. I had this happen to me just last evening.
5. It can speak to the heart.
With our guard down just a little we find we are more receptive to hearing a truth we have needed to face for some time. Maybe it will challenge us to take action to assist others in their plight.
There are many other joys to be found in fiction. I'm sure I could elaborate on this subject all day. What comes to your mind? We would love to hear your thoughts.
Some of the best works fiction I have read were by...
Religious...
George MacDonald
Michael Phillips
Jan Karen
Karen Kingsbury
Robin Jones Gunn
Janette Oke
Christmas Carol Kauffman
Lori Wick
Beverly Lewis
Francena Arnold
Elizabeth Prentiss
Grace Livinston Hill
Classic...
LM Montgomery
Martha Finley
Frances Hodgson Burnett
Jane Austen
William Shakespeare
Charles Dickens
George MacDonald
Give them a try.
Enjoy!
But sometimes we need a work of fiction. I'm not talking about the common trash that passes for fiction these days. Full of immortality, pettiness, foul language, and teenage style drama. Leave those on the shelf at the bookstore. Those will not enhance us.
Why not enjoy a good Christian novel? Or a classic work of fiction? Even an occasional clean secular work (if you can find it)? What is the benefit it will give us?
1. It can lighten the soul.
People have so much daily stress in their lives. We put much of it there ourselves. Just feel the tension roll off as you sit down in the evening to read a work of pure imagination.
2. It can free the imagination.
Turn off the remote. Play some soothing instrumental music in the background and get totally immersed in your own imaginary world for a few moments. When was the last time that happened?
3. It can take you to places you may never see in this life.
I have always wanted to travel to Great Britain. That may or may not happen but I have visited there many times in books.
4. It can illuminate a situation in which you find yourself.
You may suddenly realize you are in a similar situation in your own life, and this fictional scenario will help you picture a solution to a very real problem. I had this happen to me just last evening.
5. It can speak to the heart.
With our guard down just a little we find we are more receptive to hearing a truth we have needed to face for some time. Maybe it will challenge us to take action to assist others in their plight.
There are many other joys to be found in fiction. I'm sure I could elaborate on this subject all day. What comes to your mind? We would love to hear your thoughts.
Some of the best works fiction I have read were by...
Religious...
George MacDonald
Michael Phillips
Jan Karen
Karen Kingsbury
Robin Jones Gunn
Janette Oke
Christmas Carol Kauffman
Lori Wick
Beverly Lewis
Francena Arnold
Elizabeth Prentiss
Grace Livinston Hill
Classic...
LM Montgomery
Martha Finley
Frances Hodgson Burnett
Jane Austen
William Shakespeare
Charles Dickens
George MacDonald
Give them a try.
Enjoy!
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Reading on Kindle
This year began with a new reading experience. Reading on Kindle!
Very exciting! Just like my physical bookcases at home my kindle "bookcase" is getting crowded. But I have found some wonderful free or nearly free books and have loved them and look forward to more.
I have read...
Hope for the Weary Mom by Brooke McGlothin and Stacey Thacker
The Power of a Praying Church by Stormie Omartian
Sparkly Green Earrings by Melanie Shankle
...so far. I realize I probably have more in my app than I will actually read but I couldn't resist the one-day free prices for some of these tomes. Oh well. They sure take up a lot less room in the house.
Some other great books I have read this year (not on kindle)...
Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey by Countess Carnarvon
It's Not that Complicated by AnnaSophia and Eizabeth Botkin
Wake Up, Generation by Paige Omartian
They couldn't have been more different, but each was highly interesting. I'm now in the middle of a few books.
Girl Talk by Carolyn Mahaney and Nicole Mahaney Whitacre
Igraine the Brave by Cornia Funke (children)
The Silver Chair by CS Lewis. (read-aloud)
Little House In the Big Wood by LI Wilder (read-aloud)
I'm not pushing myself for numbers like I have other years. Just as the spirit moves. If you're not reading something, get to the bookshelf and get crackin'.
Enjoy!
Very exciting! Just like my physical bookcases at home my kindle "bookcase" is getting crowded. But I have found some wonderful free or nearly free books and have loved them and look forward to more.
I have read...
Hope for the Weary Mom by Brooke McGlothin and Stacey Thacker
The Power of a Praying Church by Stormie Omartian
Sparkly Green Earrings by Melanie Shankle
...so far. I realize I probably have more in my app than I will actually read but I couldn't resist the one-day free prices for some of these tomes. Oh well. They sure take up a lot less room in the house.
Some other great books I have read this year (not on kindle)...
Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey by Countess Carnarvon
It's Not that Complicated by AnnaSophia and Eizabeth Botkin
Wake Up, Generation by Paige Omartian
They couldn't have been more different, but each was highly interesting. I'm now in the middle of a few books.
Girl Talk by Carolyn Mahaney and Nicole Mahaney Whitacre
Igraine the Brave by Cornia Funke (children)
The Silver Chair by CS Lewis. (read-aloud)
Little House In the Big Wood by LI Wilder (read-aloud)
I'm not pushing myself for numbers like I have other years. Just as the spirit moves. If you're not reading something, get to the bookshelf and get crackin'.
Enjoy!
Monday, December 24, 2012
Out with the Old in with the New
As I close this year, I am finally able to post on this blog. Computer problems, of course. I am looking forward to a new year of wonderful reading, and Lord willing, posting.
I was able to log 37 books in my reading journal this year. How did you do? Some of those were read-alouds to my little one. I seem to have a huge pile of books I want to get to this year. And I am really looking forward to that!
Here were a few great reads from this last year.
PP Bliss Songwriter by William Guest (*Favorite of the year)
52 Things Kids Need from a Mom by Angela Thomas
The Unselfishness of God by Hannah Whitall Smith
A Love that Multiplies by JimBob and Michelle Duggar
Beach Dreams by Trish Perry
Raising a Daughter After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George
With Daring Faith: Amy Carmichael by Rebecca H. Davis
Canary Island Song by Robin Jones Gunn
I love to mix up fiction, biography, Christian living, and parenting/marriage altogether in the year. I hope you will be challenged to expand your reading horizons. Keep it uplifting and acceptable to the Lord, but challenge yourself to read from a genre you haven't lately. My reading tastes changed once I became a parent. Now after several years they are changing again.
Have a wonderful year.
Enjoy!
I was able to log 37 books in my reading journal this year. How did you do? Some of those were read-alouds to my little one. I seem to have a huge pile of books I want to get to this year. And I am really looking forward to that!
Here were a few great reads from this last year.
PP Bliss Songwriter by William Guest (*Favorite of the year)
52 Things Kids Need from a Mom by Angela Thomas
The Unselfishness of God by Hannah Whitall Smith
A Love that Multiplies by JimBob and Michelle Duggar
Beach Dreams by Trish Perry
Raising a Daughter After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George
With Daring Faith: Amy Carmichael by Rebecca H. Davis
Canary Island Song by Robin Jones Gunn
I love to mix up fiction, biography, Christian living, and parenting/marriage altogether in the year. I hope you will be challenged to expand your reading horizons. Keep it uplifting and acceptable to the Lord, but challenge yourself to read from a genre you haven't lately. My reading tastes changed once I became a parent. Now after several years they are changing again.
Have a wonderful year.
Enjoy!
Friday, March 23, 2012
Sweet Violet
I've been so busy but I apologize for the long break here. We have had interruptions throughout this semester and I'm trying to do a little catch up work.
Saw a great saying on FB over the last week.
"You can't buy happiness, but you can buy books and that's kind of the same thing."
A few weeks ago I finished a good book called Sweet Violet by Catherine Palmer. The story is set in India during the time of William Carey. (He has a minor role in this novel.) I love mission stories. I especially liked that this one was set in India. We know several wonderful national ministry couples in that country. This fictional book, though set back about 150 years ago, gives you a good flavor for the land there. I'm not sure that it has truly changed much in the rural areas. God has been doing some wonderful things in that country since the days of Bro. Carey.
If you get a chance I suggest Sweet Violet, missionary biographies, and stories of great men and women of faith.
May I suggest a few names?
Charles Spurgeon
Robert Murray McCheyne
George Mueller
David Brainard
Jim Elliot
Amy Carmichael
Eric Liddell
Gladys Aylward
William Carey
Adonirum Judson
Hudson Taylor
Sorry, that was more than a few. I have read about many of these wonderful people. They were just regular people who were completely surrendered to the Lord. Each will leave you with a challenge!
Enjoy!
Saw a great saying on FB over the last week.
"You can't buy happiness, but you can buy books and that's kind of the same thing."
A few weeks ago I finished a good book called Sweet Violet by Catherine Palmer. The story is set in India during the time of William Carey. (He has a minor role in this novel.) I love mission stories. I especially liked that this one was set in India. We know several wonderful national ministry couples in that country. This fictional book, though set back about 150 years ago, gives you a good flavor for the land there. I'm not sure that it has truly changed much in the rural areas. God has been doing some wonderful things in that country since the days of Bro. Carey.
If you get a chance I suggest Sweet Violet, missionary biographies, and stories of great men and women of faith.
May I suggest a few names?
Charles Spurgeon
Robert Murray McCheyne
George Mueller
David Brainard
Jim Elliot
Amy Carmichael
Eric Liddell
Gladys Aylward
William Carey
Adonirum Judson
Hudson Taylor
Sorry, that was more than a few. I have read about many of these wonderful people. They were just regular people who were completely surrendered to the Lord. Each will leave you with a challenge!
Enjoy!
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