I often choose books based solely on what I need or want to learn at the time.
It’s why reading for the simple pleasure of it is a goal this year. Maybe Nancy Mitford says it best, “As far as I’m concerned, all reading is for pleasure.”
Today, I’m sharing both types of reads and I hope you’ll share your favorite(s) in the comment section.
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Garden Maker…Growing a Life of Beauty and Wonder with Flowers by Christie Purifoy
Beauty draws me in like a blazing fire does on bitterly cold nights. And Garden Maker is currently lit on my bookshelf. It is marked by beauty both visually and spiritually. Christie snapped all the shots for the book which is impressive as she doesn’t consider herself a professional photographer. But it’s her words I love even more. I’ve been a fan of hers since her first release, Roots and Sky. I also own her second book, Place Maker, and both are game-changers. In Garden Maker, her lyrical magic continues, but this time, she also gives practical advice on starting and tending a flower garden. I grew up gardening so I’m reading it more to be inspired by God’s truths displayed on every page in every possible way.
A favorite quote from Garden Maker: “Welcome to the garden. Welcome to this holy work. I understand if you are afraid. The thorns are knife-sharp, and the weeds are always waging their quiet wars. But here is the promise that has been made to each one of us: “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy” (Psalm 126:5). Every garden is singing a song for the One who made us, and we are invited to sing along.”
When Strivings Cease…Replacing the Gospel of Self-Improvement with the Gospel of Life-Transforming Grace, by Ruth Chou Simons
You know the saying about how you don’t know how much you need something until you have it? Enter When Strivings Cease. I’m halfway through the book and for good reason. With chapters like “Bent and Broken: Striving to Please” and “The Lunchroom: Striving to Belong”, it’s no wonder the pace has slowed to a savor, much like a fine cup of tea. I thought I knew a lot about the subject of grace but God’s Word and When Strivings Cease reveal I still have a lot to learn…and that’s okay.
A favorite quote from When Strivings Cease: “When we believe an earthly father is available, knowable, inviting and good, we go running to him. We don’t hesitate to pursue a father who welcomes us with open arms, who looks up from his work and really listens, who shows concern when we cry, who holds us when we ache, who’s patient with our petty complaints, and silly stories. In the same way, we go running to God when we believe him to be that kind of Father. But we shy away and guard ourselves more when an earthly father doesn’t pursue us or seems silent. When he is bad at listening or isn’t available. We hide. We stay away. We pretend. What we believe about our Father determines how we come to him—or if we come at all.”
The Lazy Genius Way…Embrace What Matters, Ditch What Doesn’t, and Get Stuff Done
I’m all about getting stuff done because productivity is my love language — but blind spots exist and it’s why I bought The Lazy Genius Way. I want so badly to be “normal” when it comes to housekeeping. But normal I am not. I never have been. Don’t get me wrong, I love cleanliness and order like anyone else but I don’t see multiple stacks of books, scattered papers lists, specks of dust, or baseboards in need of a fresh coat of paint. To see these kinds of things, and to feel the weight of how I “should” stop what I’m doing to pick up, paint, or do whatever else it is that normal people do, paralyzes me. Kendra teaches her readers how to name what matters to them, and to release the pressure of the rest. Talk about freeing! (By the way, on her podcast last week she spoke on how productivity shouldn’t be the definer of a good day. I almost had to pull over to catch my breath.) I’ve already pre-ordered her latest book, The Lazy Genius Kitchen: Have What You Need, Use What You Have, and Enjoy it Like Never Before. She has fun free stuff on her site for those who pre-order.
A favorite quote from The Lazy Genius Way: “Decide once, on purpose, about everything, from the items in your closet to what’s on your calendar. A single, intentional decision relieves your brain of effort, freeing you to think about what matters to you instead of living in a cycle of choosing this and that over and over again.” Boom!
What’s one book you’re currently reading? What do you like most about it? Share below and you’ll be entered into the Starbucks giveaway for a hot cup of something to enjoy while you read.
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All reading is for pleasure, indeed! Hopefully you’ll consider tossing in a fiction or two, If interested, my latest, Ladies Uncover a Secret, is scheduled to be released this summer. Watch for it … for your pleasure! Hugs, friend.
Congrats, Robin! That’s awesome. Yes, I definitely need to add fiction. 🙂 Can’t wait to see you in May!
I’m reading “Leah, ‘Hero for Jesus’ “, written by friends Pastor Peter Fretheim and Dr. Gloria Samdi-Puldhu. It’s the life story of Miss Leah Sharibu, the remaining Dapchi girl in Nigeria who is being held prisoner by Boko Haram. She refuses to renounce her faith in Christ and acknowledge Islam as her religion. The anniversary of another year of her captivity is just around the corner, and it breaks my heart. Am also re-reading “My Footprint for God” by my pal, Mr. Kenn Edwards, a book about building our spiritual legacy so it can be passed onto generations after us.
Thank you for sharing these books, J.D. That is a sad anniversary. Praying for her now.
I’m re-reading Story Trumps Structure by Steven James. So much great advice for writers
I couldn’t agree more. That is such a good book, Jennifer. Thanks for sharing!
I am reading West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge. This book is a novel being read by OLLI members at Furman. I am rereading The Book of Joy (interviews with the Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu)
Hi, Amy! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your latest read. I’ve heard so many great things about the OLLI program at Furman. In fact, one of my favorite people, Marcia Moston, teaches Memoir via OLLI.
I have a handful of books that I’m reading by one-chapter-a-week or some other “slow” way. One is “Heart & Home” by Victoria Duerstock. It’s kind of a devotion book along with some low-key home decorating advice–she does this really sweet way of integrating the two. The other book I’m doing like this is “What If God Wrote Your To-Do List?” . . . helpful to look at making priorities & changes to how you set goals.
Victoria’s books are wonderful! I’ve not heard of the other but I plan to look it up. 🙂 Thanks for sharing, Debra!
The book I’m reading is by Anne Grace . A Holly Garden Mystery , Holly Garden , PI: Red Is Fir Rookie . I really enjoy her books . This is my fourth one so far . I have a few on my TBR Candace West Posey us a precious friend , I have one of hers to be read . Amazing woman .
I’m not familiar with these but I love the titles. I’ll put them on my list to check out. 🙂 Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and share. Blessings, friend!
I’m still hooked on Christian Fiction, a nice break from our everyday world. Need to branch out a bit more…
Nothing wrong with a mini-escape from the everyday world. 🙂 Thanks for sharing, Cynthia! Can’t wait to see you in May.
I, too, am reading When Strivings Cease by Ruth Chou Simons as well as her gorgeous book “Beholding and Becoming: The Art of Everyday Worship”. Her very thoughtful words and beautiful artwork have captivated my heart and attention!
I’ve not read “Beholding and Becoming” but it’s on my list. 🙂 I look forward to listening to her podcasts. Thanks so much for stopping by, Donna!
“when strivings cease” is on my to-read list!! i’m currently reading Babywise to refresh myself on all the newborn schedules but before that I was reading the wingfeather saga by Andrew Peterson!
You’re gonna love it! 🙂
I’m actually still working on 4 books at once! Writing and Selling Children’s Books (Cyle Young & Michelle Medlock Adams); For Such aTime as This (Kayleigh McEnany); Wake Up To Wonder (Whitney Hopler )and my fun afternoon mystery read—Secrets at Cedar Cabin (Colleen Coble)
Wow, Sandra! That’s impressive. I’ve jotted these down. (And I love the title, “Secrets at Cedar Cabin”.) Thanks for stopping by.