Books I've Read in 2008

January

Faithful Women & Their Extraordinary God, by Noel Piper. 2005.

February

Art and History of Washington D.C. , by Bruce R. Smith. 2007.
Humility , by C.J. Mahaney. 2005.
Shopping for Time , by Carolyn Mahaney and her daughters. 2007.

March

Organizing for Life: Declutter Your Mind to Declutter Your World, by Sandra Felton. 2007.

Books I've Read in 2008

January

Faithful Women & Their Extraordinary God, by Noel Piper. 2005.

February

Art and History of Washington D.C. , by Bruce R. Smith. 2007.

I bought this book when we visited D. C. Although it's short and has lots of pictures, it is very informational and fun to read.

Humility , by C.J. Mahaney. 2005.

Wow. This is one of those books that I need to read more than once - ok I need to read it many times. Not only does he get to the heart of the matter, he gives practical advice for overcoming pride. I've never read a book quite like it. If you have a moment, you really ought to read some of the other reviews on the SG website.

Shopping for Time , by Carolyn Mahaney and her daughters. 2007.

I mentioned this book here.

The Flu

Happy belated Valentine's Day! For the past couple of weeks I've battled a cold followed by the flu. But I'm back among the living now. I will try to get some new pictures up soon!
Even though it's not the end of the month, I just have to share one of the books I read while I was sick. It's called Shopping for Time by Carolyn Mahaney and her daughters. Here is a quote from the book that sums the main idea:

“We can accomplish everything God has ordained for us to do in this life. (Hint: It’s probably not half of what’s on your to-do list.) And we can do it in a peaceful, joyful manner and get sufficient rest besides.”

Books I've Read This Year: 2008

Last year my friend, Katie, documented her reading month by month. I really like the idea and have decided to copy it. Thanks Katie!

January

Faithful Women & Their Extraordinary God, by Noel Piper. 2005.
(This biographical book is a must-read for everybody - not just women!)

Happy Autumn

Last week my parents were able to come for a short visit. We really enjoyed our time together. They even got to be here for Peter's first steps!

Inspired by Katie's and Julie's blogs, I bought a pumpkin scented candle and a pumpkin spice latte. And now that the weather has cooled down just a bit, it even feels more like fall. Usually I do a bit more decorating, but this year the focus has been on the not-so-glamorous baby-proofing. With Olivia rolling and scooting and Peter walking, it has been an interesting challenge. But 20-something outlet covers, rearranged furniture, 8 cabinet latches, and 2 baby gates later, I think we're good to go.

I just finished Tea Party by Tracy Stern. A very fun read that I borrowed from the local library. The pictures are gorgeous and the recipes are not too complicated. I also learned a few things about making the perfect cup of tea.

Currently I'm reading Humility, True Greatness by C.J. Mahaney. I'm enjoying it so far and will write more after I finish it.

Oh, if you didn't get to see the video on my previous post, I think you should be able to view it now. I changed some of the settings. Sorry about that!

Labor Day

Today we watched some of the Jerry Lewis Telethon, read Gigi, God's Little Princess, and made a pot roast.

On the Telethon, Jerry Lewis made the comment (paraphrased, not quoted) that God was going to look down on earth someday and realize He had made a mistake when He allowed muscular dystrophy.
One of my all time favorite passages in the Bible is Job 38-42. I'm so glad that He is my God. That is what He is like. I don't claim to understand the trials in my life and in the lives of others, but I do know that God doesn't make mistakes. I love how Job answers God in chapter 42.

I know that You can do anything and no plan of Yours can be thwarted.

You asked, "Who is this who conceals My counsel with ignorance?"

Surely I spoke about things I did not understand, things to wonderful for me to know.

You said, "Listen now, and I will speak. When I question you, you will inform Me."

I had heard rumors about You, but now my eyes have seen You. Therefore I take back my words and repent in dust and ashes.

An Encouraging Read

After reading a plethora of parenting magazines, books, and articles, this book was a refreshing reminder of what is really important.

It is easy to assume that if I don't buy a certain educational toy that lights up and speaks eight languages for my daughter, or if I don't feed her organic soy baby food from the rain forest, I will scar her for life. (Or at least make her a social outcast in Kindergarten.) But Elizabeth George gently reminds us that our number one responsibility each day as parents (or teachers, or friends, or employees, etc.) is to point those around us to Christ through prayer and example. And if that is what we do, we are successful.

I may not, ok, definitely do not, know much about parenting, but I do know how to read my Bible and pray. What a reassuring thought for nervous new moms!

A New Bible Study

Tonight I went to a new Bible study. We are doing an inductive study of 1,2,3 John, James and Philemon. Kay Arthur and David Lawson's book, God's Love Alive in You, is our study guide. If you've never done an inductive study before, I highly recommend it.

In other news, Bob started his last semester of classes this week. It's always a difficult adjustment at the beginning of each semester when we get used to a new schedule. Thankfully there is light at the end of the tunnel. It's hard to believe that graduation is just around the corner! Somebody jokingly mentioned to me that it would be nice if I waited until after graduation to give birth. That way I could stand up with Bob on stage like all the other seminary wives do when their husbands graduate (except I would be 41 1/2 weeks pregnant). Wouldn't those be some lovely pictures?

Speaking of being pregnant, everything continues to go well. We're at 26 weeks, and I have another doctor's appointment on Monday. Last weekend Bob and I got the baby's room/guest room/office all set up. (Actually it was more like Bob moved the furniture where I wanted it.) As soon as I have things put away and stuff on the wall I'll post some pictures of her room. I will also attempt to get a decent picture of myself in there somewhere.

Puritan Quote of the Day: "No heart can conceive that treasury of mercies which lies in this one privilege, in having liberty and ability to approach unto God at all times, according to his mind and will." -- JOHN OWEN

The Virtuous Woman by Vicki Courtney

If you have a few extra minutes or a few extra dollars this holiday season, I would highly recommend The Virtuous Woman: Shattering the Superwoman Myth by Vicky Courtney. It's an encouraging study through Proverbs 31. In the introduction she talks about her first encounter with the Prov. 31 woman.

"I wish I could tell you that reading the passage served as a turning point in my life, that I committed to follow in the footsteps of the Prov. 31 woman from that day forward. Not so. I made a note to myself: Never, ever, read this passage again. As far as I was concerned, it should come with a required warning label: Caution: Reading this passage can induce more guilt that eating a one-pound bag of M&M's ... Read at your own risk."

She goes on to describe how God changed her heart and mind about the passage when she was asked to write a Bible study for college women. If you decide to read it, or have read it, let me know what you think!