.:On my bookshelf:.

Every now and again I get the question, "So, what are you reading or learning?". I love that question. It also, however, leaves me speechless at times. Some days I feel as if I'm trying to drink from a fire hose - impossible to wade through all the Lord has laid out before me, but, I know it's there in abundance. Other days I feel like I'm wandering in a desert so, so, thirsty - for truth, a good word, a good read, anywhere. These dry spells happen most when I'm not in the Word of God. And, sometimes they come when I'm just not making good use of my time - like, watching 3 consecutive hours of HGTV after my girls go to sleep, instead of filling my brain {and heart} with GOOD things. Not that HGTV isn't a good watch now and again... and yes, I think it's good to take breaks now and again and just veg out. But, for me, TV turns my brain and body to mush lately. 

I've beefed up my reading list and thought I'd share some titles that just might encourage and push you on, too. And some that are just for fun :) We all need that. 

The Furious Longing of God by Brennan Manning

"Imagine a stormy day at sea, your ship yielding to a relentless wind, pummeled by crashing waves, subject to the awesome force of nature. A force that is both fierce and majestic. A power that is nothing short of furious.

Such is God's intense, consuming love for His children. It's a love that knows no limits, and no boundaries. A love that will go to any lengths, and take any risks, to pursue us."

*Brennan is a former Franciscan priest, and we may disagree or vary on some things... and I'm not through much of this book, so, I can't do a full review of it. But, it's been around awhile and so far I'm enjoying his way of presenting. 

Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider

I'm actually reading two of Tsh's books right now - the one above and, "One Bite at a Time". Both books have the similar theme of organizing and tackling things to create SIMPLICITY. :) This book has been such a challenge to my heart lately. Right now I'm on the chapter dealing with how we manage time and it's convicting. You did after all just hear me confess to watching 3 hours of HGTV, did you not?! :P The ultimate goal of this book is to make life simple. So good, so challenging! I loved the idea of creating a family purpose statement to remember day in and day out WHY we exist and HOW we can live out Christ's love for us. 

Jo's Boys by Louisa May Alcott

I know, I know... Still with the Alcott books? I just can't seem to get enough. Zipped through Little Women and Little Men and now onto Jo's books. I love reading them consecutively and I LOVE that they are all FREE on my Nook. :) These books take me places. I really do enjoy my hot cup of afternoon coffee cuddled up on my porch reading this one. It's good to use your imagination and I feel like I haven't done that, with permission from myself, in way too long. I also secretly wish that we still lived in the era of long skirts, comfy winters, and making the absolute most of what you have because you have to. Call me crazy. I can't wait til my girls are older and I can read these out loud to them. 

And the other {last} book I'm "working" on...

Educating the Wholehearted Child by Sally Clarkson

"A handbook for Christian home education. A commonsense, disciple-based biblical approach to home schooling using real books and real life. Filled with Scriptures, anecdotes, insights, ideas, methods, lists and charts to make living and learning at home natural and enjoyable."

Because my eldest child will be 4 in December it dawned on me that hubs and I should probably at least start to think and pray through what route we will use regarding education. Lemme tell you - we don't always agree on this one. We both come from different backgrounds and experiences and it's wonderful. I know full well the Lord will use that, He has already. If I were honest with you {and I am}... education scares me. Scared to home school, scared to send my girl away to public school, scared of the results we've seen from Christian schools in other children. Bah! I praise the Lord we don't have to decided right now :) All that said - I am starting preschool at home this year with my Ava girl. Yep, right here in our cozy little nest we will learn more about colors, numbers, states, shapes and you name it. I'm pumped! This book is already so challenging to even the way I think about how Ava learns - never mind where she learns it. So far so good. But really...does Sally write a bad book? {answer - no!}

That's my bookshelf at this moment. I'm finishing the book, "Made to Crave" by Lysa Teurkeurst with my friend Emily and working through "Strong Women Soft Hearts" by Paula Rinehart with another friend, as bible studies. They have been challenging and awesome, too! 

Now excuse me...

it's a gray, chilly day and I have a front porch chair beckoning me and the Nook. :)