I love reading year-round but especially so in winter.
Everything about the season woos even the nonchalant reader into its web. Frigid breezes, barren branches, and darker days all invite us to come in, bundle up, light the logs, and pour a cup of tea. What better way to answer the invite than with a book in hand?
The three books I’m reading this winter are above average, one in particular. Let’s begin there.
Jesus in the Beanstalk…Overcoming Your Giants and Living a Fruitful Life, by Lori Roeleveld.
One fave quote: “It’s important for Christians not just to believe in God but also to believe God, trust what he says enough to obey him. The enemy has been clever to convince us that what God offers is dry and boring–and it is if we allow the truth to remain on the surface. But if we bury it deep in the soil of our souls and expose it to the light and the living water of Jesus Christ, we find ourselves clinging to the true Vine, Jesus Christ (John 15). We discover that we, too, are giant-killers.”
The Story of With…A Better Way to Live, Love, & Create, by Allen Arnold
The first and last part of the book is non-fiction. He unfolds a story illustrating his points in between, which I admit to skipping. I’m sorry. I’m a shoot-it-to-me kind of girl. When I want a novel I’ll read Lynn’s or Edie’s. A quick flip to the back proved to be gold. So many relevant nuggets. For me, the main takeaway is that we often rush off to do God’s work instead of inviting the Holy Spirit into the creative process.
One fave quote: “You can experience a sense of expectancy in the midst of interruptions, knowing the unplanned can lead to something better than anything you could have planned. Imagine stepping into your relationships and creativity with a power that isn’t limited to your solutions or strength?”
Fierce On The Page…Become the Writer You Were Meant To Be and Succeed On Your Own Terms,
by Sage Cohen
One fave quote: “Writing can teach us who we are and what we are called to say. You become the person who could write the poems, as Stanley Kunitz advises, through the writing of the poems–and the stories and articles and essays. Doing what is true for you is the path to becoming your own best expert.”
I’d love to hear your process when reading more than one book at a time. For me, I use Lori’s book most days during my time with the Lord and on other days, I pepper my time with Allen’s. I carry Sage’s book in my purse, snatching extra moments as they come my way.
What are you reading this winter? And I have to ask: Coffee or tea?
**The Story of With is only $2.99 on Kindle right now!
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Thank you for these recommendations. I just finished Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas– a must read in connecting to God
Thank you for sharing, Marilyn. I’m adding Sacred Pathways to my list of must-reads!
I’m currently reading Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier. It’s a secular novel based on Vermeer’s famous painting. I read a similar book a few years ago. I find it interesting that an author can look at a painting and create an entire novel around it. I’m also trudging through a book about Gettysburg because I’m a history buff. That one is on my ipad and I usually take that when I’m traveling. I’m about to get back into The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children by Stormie OMartian. Jesus and the Beanstalk is next in the rotation. I recently read the book Dancing on the Head of a Pen by Robert Benson which was an encouraging book for writers. Coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon.
Wow, thanks for sharing these ideas! I believe it was Edie who also recommended Dancing on the Head of a Pen awhile back. I’m also intrigued by the idea of writing a novel around a painting. I have an antique picture of a woman on a beach. I’ve imagined several short stories around it but I’m not sure I could stretch any to a novel. 🙂 I’m also a coffee person in the morning and a tea girl in the afternoon. My Harney and Sons shipment just arrived today! Blessings, Kim!
I love book recommendations from friends. These all look fabulous and I’ve put them on my wish list. Sad I missed the kindle sale. Beautifully written reviews, Cathy!
Thanks, Ginger! 🙂
Ooh I’m adding Jesus And The Beanstalk to my list 🙂 I have the Overdrive app so I can borrow books from the library without actually going to the library (our local one is a little sketchy) & read them during my son’s naps or whenever I get a little free moment. I love it! I’ve mostly got Amish fiction on there now. Beside my bed I have Brazen & Triggers – 2 separate books I’m sloooowly making my way through (mostly because I get sucked into my fiction books & can’t stop reading).
You will LOVE Jesus and the Beanstalk! I’ve not heard of the Overdrive app. I’ll have to check it out. 🙂 I’ve also not heard of Brazen & Triggers. Thanks for sharing, Heather!!