Books

This may be long, I'm sorry for that, but I have not been so good at staying up to date with my book list.

I can't believe we've already been moved for 4 months and  that the calendar pages have already been flipped to November!  Time just passes no matter how tight I try to hang on to it.

I've only unpacked about 3 boxes of books, mostly pastoral, from my Office.  Shortly after I carefully organized them on the bookshelf, the shelves collapsed.  The pile of books are now in neat stacks in front of the bookshelf.  I'm in no big hurry to get all the books straightened since we're likely moving again in 8 months.  Like every home I live in though, my nightstand has already succumbed to piles of reading material that regurlary get toppled over by little hands.   Most days, I can't even see my alarm clock!

I can get reading in very early in the morning and in the evening.  Reading also keeps my mind occupied on sleepless nights.  Once in a while I can sneak a few pages in during the day, but not that often. My parents are both avid readers, I think I got a double dose of the gene!

                               

"The Indifferent Stars Above" by Daniel James Brown.  Amazing historical novel about Donner Pass.  I loved it and could hardly put it down.  He also wrote "Under a Flaming Sky: The Great Hinckley Firestorm of 1894" but that was so graphic and heartwrenching, I had to stop reading it.

"Prince Caspian" by CS Lewis.  I read this one while SO sick with pneumonia in early September.  Since then, I've also read "The Silver Chair" to keep up with what David's class is reading in school.  I cheated for Elijah's class. They were reading "Because of Winn Dixie", but I just watched the movie.  lol!

"Somebody's Brother: A History of The Salvation Army's Men's Social Service  Department, 1891-1985" This was required reading as part of our training.  I really liked this book, and the historical detail, but the type was small and there were a lot of words!  After Paul is finished with it, I'm going to read it again so that I can do my highlighting/note thing. 

"25 Basic Bible Studies: Including Two Contents, Two Realities" by Francis Schaeffer.   I used this as my Bible Study and accompanied it with Francis Shaeffer's historical/philosophical/Biblical thought  Video,  "How Should We Then Live?: The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture"  For a few years, I had heard several different people mention this "movie".  It is very good, thought provoking and really caused me to examine how grounded I am in God's way versus collective-society.   Am I going to live according to my convictions and understanding of God or be formed by worldly expectations?

"For the Children's Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and School"  by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay.  (Hmmm... I just realized she shares a name with the previous guy, Francis.  I wonder if there is a relation.  I'll have to look that up.)   This will definately be added to my reference books.  The author piggy backs on Charlotte Mason's theories.  I really liked how I gleaned a lot of practical ideas and ways to naturally guide my children's learning.  I think as a whole, this book added to my understanding of how everyone learns, not just children. 

"Beautiful Boy: A Father's Journey Through His Son's Addiction" by David Sheff  and "Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines" by Nic Sheff (David Sheff's son) both recommended by a friend/Comrade.   First of all, let me warn you that Tweak is a raunchy-real-life book.   I know I'm supposed to be all "Christian" and everything, but raunchy doesn't bother me that much, especially in the context of this book.  I learned a lot.  I preferred "Beautiful Boy" the most and really, really,  really appreciated the transparency that the author showed about his own life and his parenting.  That's how I want to be transparent- take it or leave it- some how God will be glorified.

"One Million Arrows: Raising Your Children to Change the World" by Julie Ferwerda. Recommendeed by a good friend.   This was such an easy read.  Tons of tidbits to spur ideas.  It really refreshed my own passion to raise men and women who will be comPASSIONate and pro-ACTIVE in helping others.

"The Radical Cross: Living the Passion of Christ" by A.W. Tozer. Have you read this???? I LOVED it.  I am reading it again and again and again.  I used this as a Bible Study.  This was written simply, easy to understand, and peirced my heart and understanding.  I can't wait to get my hands on more of his stuff.

Right now, I am reading a novel, "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri which I am really enjoying.  And I'm in the middle of "The China Study" by a few different authors.  I know my dear sister-n-law will be thrilled when I tell  her I read it.  It's a mind-altering, habit changing health/nutritional book which is always an interest of mine what with feeding a family and ever striving for my own health to be at it's best.  I want a strong body, plain and simple.  Even when I'm 90. 

Did you make it through to the end?  I would love to hear what others are reading.