As I close this year, I am finally able to post on this blog. Computer problems, of course. I am looking forward to a new year of wonderful reading, and Lord willing, posting.
I was able to log 37 books in my reading journal this year. How did you do? Some of those were read-alouds to my little one. I seem to have a huge pile of books I want to get to this year. And I am really looking forward to that!
Here were a few great reads from this last year.
PP Bliss Songwriter by William Guest (*Favorite of the year)
52 Things Kids Need from a Mom by Angela Thomas
The Unselfishness of God by Hannah Whitall Smith
A Love that Multiplies by JimBob and Michelle Duggar
Beach Dreams by Trish Perry
Raising a Daughter After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George
With Daring Faith: Amy Carmichael by Rebecca H. Davis
Canary Island Song by Robin Jones Gunn
I love to mix up fiction, biography, Christian living, and parenting/marriage altogether in the year. I hope you will be challenged to expand your reading horizons. Keep it uplifting and acceptable to the Lord, but challenge yourself to read from a genre you haven't lately. My reading tastes changed once I became a parent. Now after several years they are changing again.
Have a wonderful year.
Enjoy!
Monday, December 24, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
Sweet Violet
I've been so busy but I apologize for the long break here. We have had interruptions throughout this semester and I'm trying to do a little catch up work.
Saw a great saying on FB over the last week.
"You can't buy happiness, but you can buy books and that's kind of the same thing."
A few weeks ago I finished a good book called Sweet Violet by Catherine Palmer. The story is set in India during the time of William Carey. (He has a minor role in this novel.) I love mission stories. I especially liked that this one was set in India. We know several wonderful national ministry couples in that country. This fictional book, though set back about 150 years ago, gives you a good flavor for the land there. I'm not sure that it has truly changed much in the rural areas. God has been doing some wonderful things in that country since the days of Bro. Carey.
If you get a chance I suggest Sweet Violet, missionary biographies, and stories of great men and women of faith.
May I suggest a few names?
Charles Spurgeon
Robert Murray McCheyne
George Mueller
David Brainard
Jim Elliot
Amy Carmichael
Eric Liddell
Gladys Aylward
William Carey
Adonirum Judson
Hudson Taylor
Sorry, that was more than a few. I have read about many of these wonderful people. They were just regular people who were completely surrendered to the Lord. Each will leave you with a challenge!
Enjoy!
Saw a great saying on FB over the last week.
"You can't buy happiness, but you can buy books and that's kind of the same thing."
A few weeks ago I finished a good book called Sweet Violet by Catherine Palmer. The story is set in India during the time of William Carey. (He has a minor role in this novel.) I love mission stories. I especially liked that this one was set in India. We know several wonderful national ministry couples in that country. This fictional book, though set back about 150 years ago, gives you a good flavor for the land there. I'm not sure that it has truly changed much in the rural areas. God has been doing some wonderful things in that country since the days of Bro. Carey.
If you get a chance I suggest Sweet Violet, missionary biographies, and stories of great men and women of faith.
May I suggest a few names?
Charles Spurgeon
Robert Murray McCheyne
George Mueller
David Brainard
Jim Elliot
Amy Carmichael
Eric Liddell
Gladys Aylward
William Carey
Adonirum Judson
Hudson Taylor
Sorry, that was more than a few. I have read about many of these wonderful people. They were just regular people who were completely surrendered to the Lord. Each will leave you with a challenge!
Enjoy!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Words to Remember
Patches of Godlight by Jan Karon is a book of quotations collected by the title character of her Mitford Series, the Reverend Timothy Kavanagh. Below I share a few gems from this collection. All are beautiful examples of the power of words.
"I cannot live without books." - Thomas Jefferson
"The Bible is the chief moral cause of all that is good, and the best book for regulating the concerns of men. The man, therefore, who weakens or destroys the divine authority of that book may be accessory to all the public disorders which society is doomed to suffer." - Peter Marshall, 1902-1949
"The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time." -Abraham Lincoln
"By words the mind is winged." -Aristophanes
"Where is human nature so weak as in the bookstore?" -Henry Ward Beecher, 1815-1887
"If you cannot read all your books, at any rate...peer into them, let them fall open where they will, read from the first sentence that arrests the eye, set them back on the shelves with your own hand, arrange them on your own plan so that you at least know where they are. Let them be your friends; let them be your acquaintances." -Winston Churchill, 1874-1965
"Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire." -William Butler Yeats, 1865-1939
"The world does not need more Christian writers - it needs more good writers and composers who are Christians." -C.S. Lewis
Have a great New Year!
Enjoy!
"I cannot live without books." - Thomas Jefferson
"The Bible is the chief moral cause of all that is good, and the best book for regulating the concerns of men. The man, therefore, who weakens or destroys the divine authority of that book may be accessory to all the public disorders which society is doomed to suffer." - Peter Marshall, 1902-1949
"The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time." -Abraham Lincoln
"By words the mind is winged." -Aristophanes
"Where is human nature so weak as in the bookstore?" -Henry Ward Beecher, 1815-1887
"If you cannot read all your books, at any rate...peer into them, let them fall open where they will, read from the first sentence that arrests the eye, set them back on the shelves with your own hand, arrange them on your own plan so that you at least know where they are. Let them be your friends; let them be your acquaintances." -Winston Churchill, 1874-1965
"Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire." -William Butler Yeats, 1865-1939
"The world does not need more Christian writers - it needs more good writers and composers who are Christians." -C.S. Lewis
Have a great New Year!
Enjoy!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
A Reading Journal
As far back as I can remember, my mother has kept a reading journal. I suppose it goes back about 40 years. In the 1980's I started one as well. Originally in a small spiral notebook, I eventually transferred my log to a pretty pink kitten journal given to me by a friend. It is nearly time to start a new page for the new year 2012.
This was not a record breaking year for reading. I managed about 30 medium to long books this year. I enjoyed nearly all of them. What a difference they added to my days! I definitely agree with the saying, "So many books, so little time." We fit time in wherever we can...the doctor's office, ballet practice, after the kids are in bed. And we are enriched and transported to another time and place.
If you've never kept track of your reading it is the perfect time to start. You can do it so many different ways...whatever works best for you. List your book and author, rate your book, mark if you would give it as a gift, if you had any objections to it, or if you absolutely loved it! It's nearly impossible to remember your reaction to all your books if you let too much time pass.
I can always look back and see if I read something and what my response was to it. It is helpful not only to yourself but to other people. I particularly like to stock up on my favorites and give them to friends or guests to my home. I couldn't tell you how many copies of Stepping Heavenward I have gifted to a friend. Used bookstores are filled with your favorites just sitting there waiting for you to find them.
Have a wonderful new reading year. Hope you'll discover some great new authors and renew your acquaintance with old favorites.
Enjoy!
This was not a record breaking year for reading. I managed about 30 medium to long books this year. I enjoyed nearly all of them. What a difference they added to my days! I definitely agree with the saying, "So many books, so little time." We fit time in wherever we can...the doctor's office, ballet practice, after the kids are in bed. And we are enriched and transported to another time and place.
If you've never kept track of your reading it is the perfect time to start. You can do it so many different ways...whatever works best for you. List your book and author, rate your book, mark if you would give it as a gift, if you had any objections to it, or if you absolutely loved it! It's nearly impossible to remember your reaction to all your books if you let too much time pass.
I can always look back and see if I read something and what my response was to it. It is helpful not only to yourself but to other people. I particularly like to stock up on my favorites and give them to friends or guests to my home. I couldn't tell you how many copies of Stepping Heavenward I have gifted to a friend. Used bookstores are filled with your favorites just sitting there waiting for you to find them.
Have a wonderful new reading year. Hope you'll discover some great new authors and renew your acquaintance with old favorites.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The Christmas "Story"
In all your reading this season, please remember to include the account of the birth of Jesus given to us in the Scripture. Remember that the first schools in our country were fashioned to teach the children how to read God's Word. Thereby, they were bringing up good and righteous people to be the next leaders of the New World.
There is an abundant of wonderful Christmas literature to read this time of year. Let us not neglect the greatest Words of them all.
*****************************************************************************
An Angel Promises the Birth of Jesus to Mary - Luke 1:26-38
Mary Visits Expectant Elizabeth & the birth of John the Baptist - Luke 1:39-80
An Angel Appears to Joseph - Matthew 1:1-24
Jesus is Born in Bethlehem - Luke 2:1-7
The Shepherd's Angelic Encounter and Their Visit to Jesus - Luke 2: 8-20
Mary and Joseph Bring Jesus at the Temple (Simeon and Anna) - Luke 2:21-39
The Wise Men Arrive to Worship - Matthew 2:1-12
The Escape to Egypt - Matthew 2:13-18
The Return to Nazareth - Matthew 19-23
Prophecy of the birth of a Messiah - Isaiah 7:14
Prophecy of the character of the Messiah - Isaiah 9:6-7
Prophecy that Messiah will be out of Bethlehem - Micah 5:2
The Timing of Christ's Birth - Galatians 4:4-5
*****************************************************************************
Some of these passages are moderate in length and are something that can be read each day with your children. By the end of December they may even have a portion memorized. What great and important things to commit to memory!
May you have a very Merry Christmas.
Enjoy!
There is an abundant of wonderful Christmas literature to read this time of year. Let us not neglect the greatest Words of them all.
*****************************************************************************
An Angel Promises the Birth of Jesus to Mary - Luke 1:26-38
Mary Visits Expectant Elizabeth & the birth of John the Baptist - Luke 1:39-80
An Angel Appears to Joseph - Matthew 1:1-24
Jesus is Born in Bethlehem - Luke 2:1-7
The Shepherd's Angelic Encounter and Their Visit to Jesus - Luke 2: 8-20
Mary and Joseph Bring Jesus at the Temple (Simeon and Anna) - Luke 2:21-39
The Wise Men Arrive to Worship - Matthew 2:1-12
The Escape to Egypt - Matthew 2:13-18
The Return to Nazareth - Matthew 19-23
Prophecy of the birth of a Messiah - Isaiah 7:14
Prophecy of the character of the Messiah - Isaiah 9:6-7
Prophecy that Messiah will be out of Bethlehem - Micah 5:2
The Timing of Christ's Birth - Galatians 4:4-5
*****************************************************************************
Some of these passages are moderate in length and are something that can be read each day with your children. By the end of December they may even have a portion memorized. What great and important things to commit to memory!
May you have a very Merry Christmas.
Enjoy!
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Luv Bargain Books
When I was in the city yesterday, I was bombarded by signs of Border's Going Out of Business sale. I thought they had already closed, and since I don't really live nearby I figured I'd missed it. Well, let's just say I had to check it out. Did a little gift shopping. Also picked up a few treats for myself. Couldn't resist. Thankfully all the books were from the 80% off section. Yeah! Sure have been running into the best book deals lately.
I like to keep a shelf of books in my spare bedroom closet. Love those built-ins. This way when I have a guest (we frequently host missionaries) I might have a book that they've been wanting to read or one that I've read that seems to really "fit" them. Some of our ministry wife friends are very avid readers. Just love 'em to pieces. It's just a joy to me to be able to present them with this little luxury that they might not splurge on for themselves. I tend to give away some of my favorites like Stepping Heavenward, Sisterchicks, or At Home in Mitford.
Some of the my favorite places to find gently used books are hard for me to resist. However, I only have so much space on my bookshelves. Of course, the obvious place to start looking for great bargain books is the used bookstore. There are little "hole in the wall" stores and big huge semi-chains. In Arizona we have the Bookmans Bookstore chain. While quite hippy-era style, it has a large selection, and most of the books are in really good condition. I've bought classics, christian novels, children's books, homeschool resources, movies, and music inside those walls. This year I was looking for a good copy of Randy Alcorn's Safely Home, and I found it there for $6 in mint condition. In fact there were two copies, but that would have defeated the purpose, right?
Libraries are great for their storehouse of books and infomation, but also for their bookstores within. Inside I have found donations and discarded items from the library itself sold for 10% or less of the face value. Recently I found a book less than a year old which sold for $30 for $2.50. Often, I don't think they realize what they have. Most items in the library bookstores are $1.00 or less. Children's books are usually 25 or 50 cents. I can take my daughter with me and let her pick nearly as many as strike her fancy. Our county has a central used book center where periodically they hold HUGE sales. You pay $5.00 per bagful on certain days and the individual book prices are not even considered. These have been my biggest bargain days ever. I have paid $5 (sometimes $10 for 2 bags) and come away with hundred of dollars in books. These are not all discarded items full of library stickers and stamps. Often they are in mint condition. Perfect for my gift shelf.
Charity groups, Goodwill, Clothing and Thrift stores are gold mines for used books. They are not necessarily what draws in the crowd for that store so they are not priced very high. You never really know what little gem you may find sitting on a shelf for .50 or $1. My daughter also finds great little and big toys for a fraction of the cost. She sees this as a great find. The plus side is that you know the money is going toward a needy cause.
Of course, most regular priced bookstores have discount sections. Especially around or after Christmas and New year these are full of great, great bargains. Barnes and Noble often has a display of books for a dollar or two around this time.
If you're a garage sale hunter, I don't even need to tell you the treasures contained there.
Of course, I'm not advocating these bargains simply to hoard books to yourselves, but to pass them on to be a blessing to someone else. A school teacher, a friend, a pastor's wife, a parent, a daughter, or missionary wife would be encouraged by a little gift once in a while. What better way to do that than with a book!
Enjoy!
I like to keep a shelf of books in my spare bedroom closet. Love those built-ins. This way when I have a guest (we frequently host missionaries) I might have a book that they've been wanting to read or one that I've read that seems to really "fit" them. Some of our ministry wife friends are very avid readers. Just love 'em to pieces. It's just a joy to me to be able to present them with this little luxury that they might not splurge on for themselves. I tend to give away some of my favorites like Stepping Heavenward, Sisterchicks, or At Home in Mitford.
Some of the my favorite places to find gently used books are hard for me to resist. However, I only have so much space on my bookshelves. Of course, the obvious place to start looking for great bargain books is the used bookstore. There are little "hole in the wall" stores and big huge semi-chains. In Arizona we have the Bookmans Bookstore chain. While quite hippy-era style, it has a large selection, and most of the books are in really good condition. I've bought classics, christian novels, children's books, homeschool resources, movies, and music inside those walls. This year I was looking for a good copy of Randy Alcorn's Safely Home, and I found it there for $6 in mint condition. In fact there were two copies, but that would have defeated the purpose, right?
Libraries are great for their storehouse of books and infomation, but also for their bookstores within. Inside I have found donations and discarded items from the library itself sold for 10% or less of the face value. Recently I found a book less than a year old which sold for $30 for $2.50. Often, I don't think they realize what they have. Most items in the library bookstores are $1.00 or less. Children's books are usually 25 or 50 cents. I can take my daughter with me and let her pick nearly as many as strike her fancy. Our county has a central used book center where periodically they hold HUGE sales. You pay $5.00 per bagful on certain days and the individual book prices are not even considered. These have been my biggest bargain days ever. I have paid $5 (sometimes $10 for 2 bags) and come away with hundred of dollars in books. These are not all discarded items full of library stickers and stamps. Often they are in mint condition. Perfect for my gift shelf.
Charity groups, Goodwill, Clothing and Thrift stores are gold mines for used books. They are not necessarily what draws in the crowd for that store so they are not priced very high. You never really know what little gem you may find sitting on a shelf for .50 or $1. My daughter also finds great little and big toys for a fraction of the cost. She sees this as a great find. The plus side is that you know the money is going toward a needy cause.
Of course, most regular priced bookstores have discount sections. Especially around or after Christmas and New year these are full of great, great bargains. Barnes and Noble often has a display of books for a dollar or two around this time.
If you're a garage sale hunter, I don't even need to tell you the treasures contained there.
Of course, I'm not advocating these bargains simply to hoard books to yourselves, but to pass them on to be a blessing to someone else. A school teacher, a friend, a pastor's wife, a parent, a daughter, or missionary wife would be encouraged by a little gift once in a while. What better way to do that than with a book!
Enjoy!
Monday, August 15, 2011
The Gentle Art of Learning
I've been doing a lot of reading this month in preparation for another homeschool year. We're beginning our third year this week. My little one even said she is really looking forward to it. That in itself is an answer to prayer. But I digress.
There is really a lot of information available right now on curriculum, learning styles, scope and sequence, etc. Its a lot to take in. So I thought I'd slow down and read a general homeschool overview of Charlotte Mason. Karen Andreola has a lovely book called A Charlotte Mason Companion. I'm by no means an expert on Charlotte Mason. I know she was an educator in the 1800's in Great Britain who had some innovative ideas for the school setting, and she ended up in the famous Lake District. (Of course, this reminded me of Beatrix Potter of Peter Rabbit fame.) Charlotte was dissatified with the state of education in London, and "created" an attitude of gentle learning in her classrooms. She also taught nannies and parents techniques that could be used in the home. All details aside it is an interest bit of reading and incorporates her views on the importance of biblical knowledge and heart issues.
All that said, I remember when I first considered the idea of homeschooling. My husband had been interested long before me, but he patiently waited until I took to the thought. Well, the first thing I did was read practically everything I could get my hands on about home education. Just general books really.
I have read so many excellent books about home education. I know it's not everyones cup of tea, but if it is yours I encourage you, even along your journey, to go back and read some of those wonderful books. They are such an encouragement to me. Here are a few of my favorites.
Seasons of a Mother's Heart by Sally Clarkson
The Field Guide to Home Schooling by Christine Field
Real Homeschooling by Rhonda Barfield
Homeschooling: the Early Years by Linda Dobson
So You're Thinking about Home Schooling by Lisa Whelchel
A Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola
Honey for a Child's Heart by Gladys Hunt
Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit by Teri Maxwell
For the Children's Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
A Love That Multiplies by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar
Enjoy!
There is really a lot of information available right now on curriculum, learning styles, scope and sequence, etc. Its a lot to take in. So I thought I'd slow down and read a general homeschool overview of Charlotte Mason. Karen Andreola has a lovely book called A Charlotte Mason Companion. I'm by no means an expert on Charlotte Mason. I know she was an educator in the 1800's in Great Britain who had some innovative ideas for the school setting, and she ended up in the famous Lake District. (Of course, this reminded me of Beatrix Potter of Peter Rabbit fame.) Charlotte was dissatified with the state of education in London, and "created" an attitude of gentle learning in her classrooms. She also taught nannies and parents techniques that could be used in the home. All details aside it is an interest bit of reading and incorporates her views on the importance of biblical knowledge and heart issues.
All that said, I remember when I first considered the idea of homeschooling. My husband had been interested long before me, but he patiently waited until I took to the thought. Well, the first thing I did was read practically everything I could get my hands on about home education. Just general books really.
I have read so many excellent books about home education. I know it's not everyones cup of tea, but if it is yours I encourage you, even along your journey, to go back and read some of those wonderful books. They are such an encouragement to me. Here are a few of my favorites.
Seasons of a Mother's Heart by Sally Clarkson
The Field Guide to Home Schooling by Christine Field
Real Homeschooling by Rhonda Barfield
Homeschooling: the Early Years by Linda Dobson
So You're Thinking about Home Schooling by Lisa Whelchel
A Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola
Honey for a Child's Heart by Gladys Hunt
Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit by Teri Maxwell
For the Children's Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
A Love That Multiplies by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar
Enjoy!
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