Sunshine Days
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July was a busier month for us (camps, VBS, tennis lessons) & I gave myself more to do by taking on a landscaping project! Most of these books were read during the second half of the month because of that.
These are some really good books, y'all. I think some of these should be required reading, but I'm not really saying that since I'd be adding unnecessary burdens to my friends. I just hope you can pick one or 2 to read soon!
This was a book sent to my by the Good Book Company as part of their reviewer program! I've received so many good books (not joking!) from this program. This is no exception. Through simple stories of everyday Christians, the author walks us through the fruits of the Spirit in a practical, Scripturally-sound method. Reading this book is such a beautiful testimony of the Spirit's work in our fellow believers. It is full of encouragement but also reminds us that the Holy Spirit is also at work in us.
A few months ago, I read one of Esau's other books. The author's insights in this book are incredibly helpful & hopeful. He has seen the marginalization of Black American theologians, pastors, & believers from the mainstream denominations. (I know I personally can't name more than a handful of non-white voices that are regularly asked to speak at major events. Growing up in the American South, I heard this type of subtle messaging regularly.) This book aims to unite the American church where it tends to divide itself. Any church (no matter the race of its congregants) should strive for faithful interpretation of the Scripture, & as members of Christ's body, we are all responsible for holding our leaders accountable to that standard.
Yes, she read another Nancy Guthrie book. Yes, she thoroughly enjoyed it. The Book of Acts has always seemed to me to be a dull transition between the excitement of the Gospel accounts to the practical application of the epistles. However, I am quickly learning how important this book actually is. From the coming of the Holy Spirit to the boldness of the Apostles in preaching about Christ, this book is pivotal in helping us see how the Church grew These men were eyewitnesses to Jesus' ministry & they were willing to suffer & die to share what they saw.
So practical! This short book is so basic in its ideas & approach, yet I know it would have a profound impact if practiced. The title tells you what the book is about--simply opening God's Word with someone & reading together. You can discuss the passage with some of their questions that don't require hours of preparation or even a seminary degree. The premise is that the Holy Spirit is at work in the heart of believers (& unbelievers in a different way) & will "guide you in all truth." I told you it was simple!
I know this book was controversial when it came out (at least among the more conservative people I knew) & that Francis Chan himself has not always been a favorite (among the same group). However, I heard someone say that he planned to require his kids to read this book as they reached their teens, so I thought it couldn't be so bad. Let me just say that I can see why he thinks it's such an important book. The author takes you back to the God of the Bible & how He has always related to His people. His steadfast, covenant-keeping love--you can't miss it as you read Scripture & hear it faithfully taught & see it lived out by other believers. But Chan doesn't stop there. After trying to encapsulate the magnitude of God's love, he then challenges his reader. What will you do about this love? If God is so infinitely loving, how then will you live your life? You can't just be a apathetic or middle-of-the-road follower of Christ. Jesus didn't leave that as an option. We have to live an all-out life of obedience & love for our good God!
This book ended up being a great follow-up to Crazy Love. Once you attempt to wrap your mind around the bigness of God's love, what do you do with it? (I know Peterson is a slightly controversial figure & people tend to make fun of The Message which is his Bible paraphrase. But I appreciate that paraphrase. He didn't intend it to be a technical translation but an accessible tool for people seeking help in their Bible study.) Peterson leads us through the Psalms of Ascents. These were songs that the people sang as the made their regular pilgrimages to Jerusalem for the various feasts. As they traveled, they sang about God's faithfulness and also about their own growth. As we also travel as pilgrims in this world, we can find encouragement as we toil & stumble along the way. The title is ironically from the writings of Friedrich Nietzsche. This was a man who declared that God was dead, but this succinct phrase perfectly describes the Christian walk--a long obedience in the same direction.
The title of this book is was grabbed me. The thought of being "safe all along" was so comforting that I wanted to see what the author had to say. While she makes it very clear that professional help is of great importance, she also brings us to God's Word where true comfort can be found. When we are able to look back over what God has done, we recognize that He has always sovereignly ruled over every aspect of our lives. He is never anxious or surprised at the twists & turns our lives take. And we can rest in His goodness. The second part of the book focuses on practices that we should incorporate into our lives to allow for our minds to be filled with truth from God's Word. Overall, a very hopeful book that could be a great encouragement to those of us struggling with worry & fear.
This is a short little pamphlet really by acclaimed naturalist Rachel Carson. She talks about helping her nephew encounter nature in a wonder-filled way & encourages everyone to take time to notice nature. Even a plant in a pot in a city apartment window can be observed & lead to a renewed sense of curiosity about the world around us.
Whenever I read a book like this, I can start to feel really guilty, especially as I take time to read instead of engaging with my kids. However, the author repeatedly quells any of those feelings of inadequacy. She reminds her readers that there are seasons in your parenting journey. If you can start small, you are doing great. You are always making memories, so the suggestions she gives just add a bit more thought to those memories to make them even more meaningful & long-lasting. Lots of fun, practical ideas from simple to extravagant. If you're looking for some ideas to start your own traditions or make your kids days a little more special, this is a great book for you!
Another month of reading & reviews!
Cheering you on as this slower season winds down!
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