This week in books - Week 4, 5, and 6
You'll have to pardon me because I skipped out on posting This Week in Books for two weeks--I got busy with other things and never got it done. So here's the run-down on what I read/listened to during the past three weeks:
The Best of the Entrepreneurial Bootcamp: Twenty Messages Explaining a Real-World Vision for Biblically-Principled Entrepreneurship and Families Working Together is a series of CDs I listened to in little snippets of time while cleaning, cooking, and exercising over the last two months. It is packed to the gills with information, encouragement, inspiration, and practical ideas.
The biggest challenge I took away from all of these CDs was a motivation to instill self-discipline and a strong work ethic in our children--even from a young age. I was also very inspired to be looking more for practical, specific ways I can further my husband's good name and make my first priority in life to be his help meet (more on what God is teaching me regarding this in a later post). I don't highly recommend something unless I truly feel it is exceptional, but I would highly recommend this series. It is well-worth the investment.
Family Fellowship by Jonathan and Maranatha Owens was an interesting and quick read. Most of the information was based upon To Train Up a Child and other resources by No Greater Joy so I was quite familiar with it and didn't feel like there was anything really new in it. However, I did appreciate their encouragement to parents to really focus on reaching the heart and building relationships with your children--not just emphasizing outward obedience. I was inspired to work more with Kathrynne on having a servant's heart and taking initiative (hopefully, I'll be sharing a post on this in the near future).
The Family Manager
by Kathy Peel was filled with lots of helpful tips and encouragement for homemakers, wives, and mothers. I appreciated Kathy's acknowledgment of the important role homemakers play and her challenge for us women to devote ourselves to really becoming more skilled and proficient in managing our homes and families.
I disagreed with Peel's promotion of egalitarian marriages and also thought this book, while mentioning God occasionally, overlooked a huge reason for why we as Christian women are to love our husbands, love our children, and be managers of our homes--so that our marriages, our families, and our homes can shine the light of the Gospel to the world. Despite these differences with the author, this book does have some good ideas and if you are struggling in area of home management, you'd probably find some worthwhile tips and help.
Watched/Read and Didn't Like:
Becoming Jane - I enjoy the Jane Austen movies, so thought I'd enjoy this one, but I found it boring, disappointing, and well, just not something I'd recommend because there wasn't really any good substance to it. Just a pretty blah movie.
The Judge Who Stole Christmas by Randy Singer - My husband and I read almost zero fiction aside from a few legal fiction books. We recently picked up a few by Randy Singer and really enjoyed them so I was hoping this would be just as good. It was another disappointment. Again, no substance, some slightly crude language, and just a boring plot with no real substantive meaning. I kept reading it because I was hoping that the end would be a real zinger. Not so. And this is why I think I should just avoid fiction altogether.
Bible Reading Update:
I've been slowly plodding through Numbers the last few weeks and am happy to report I should finish the book tomorrow! Hopefully I'll then be able to pick up the pace in my read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year plan after that. I had been doing really well at reading 4 chapters per day, but I found that I had to take it a bit slower in Numbers since most of the chapters were quite long and detailed. It's been awhile since I've read that book!
So that's what I've been reading, listening to, and watching the last three weeks. What about you? Any great recommendations to send my way?
The Best of the Entrepreneurial Bootcamp: Twenty Messages Explaining a Real-World Vision for Biblically-Principled Entrepreneurship and Families Working Together is a series of CDs I listened to in little snippets of time while cleaning, cooking, and exercising over the last two months. It is packed to the gills with information, encouragement, inspiration, and practical ideas.The biggest challenge I took away from all of these CDs was a motivation to instill self-discipline and a strong work ethic in our children--even from a young age. I was also very inspired to be looking more for practical, specific ways I can further my husband's good name and make my first priority in life to be his help meet (more on what God is teaching me regarding this in a later post). I don't highly recommend something unless I truly feel it is exceptional, but I would highly recommend this series. It is well-worth the investment.
Family Fellowship by Jonathan and Maranatha Owens was an interesting and quick read. Most of the information was based upon To Train Up a Child and other resources by No Greater Joy so I was quite familiar with it and didn't feel like there was anything really new in it. However, I did appreciate their encouragement to parents to really focus on reaching the heart and building relationships with your children--not just emphasizing outward obedience. I was inspired to work more with Kathrynne on having a servant's heart and taking initiative (hopefully, I'll be sharing a post on this in the near future).
The Family Manager by Kathy Peel was filled with lots of helpful tips and encouragement for homemakers, wives, and mothers. I appreciated Kathy's acknowledgment of the important role homemakers play and her challenge for us women to devote ourselves to really becoming more skilled and proficient in managing our homes and families.I disagreed with Peel's promotion of egalitarian marriages and also thought this book, while mentioning God occasionally, overlooked a huge reason for why we as Christian women are to love our husbands, love our children, and be managers of our homes--so that our marriages, our families, and our homes can shine the light of the Gospel to the world. Despite these differences with the author, this book does have some good ideas and if you are struggling in area of home management, you'd probably find some worthwhile tips and help.
Watched/Read and Didn't Like:
Becoming Jane - I enjoy the Jane Austen movies, so thought I'd enjoy this one, but I found it boring, disappointing, and well, just not something I'd recommend because there wasn't really any good substance to it. Just a pretty blah movie.
The Judge Who Stole Christmas
by Randy Singer - My husband and I read almost zero fiction aside from a few legal fiction books. We recently picked up a few by Randy Singer and really enjoyed them so I was hoping this would be just as good. It was another disappointment. Again, no substance, some slightly crude language, and just a boring plot with no real substantive meaning. I kept reading it because I was hoping that the end would be a real zinger. Not so. And this is why I think I should just avoid fiction altogether.Bible Reading Update:
I've been slowly plodding through Numbers the last few weeks and am happy to report I should finish the book tomorrow! Hopefully I'll then be able to pick up the pace in my read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year plan after that. I had been doing really well at reading 4 chapters per day, but I found that I had to take it a bit slower in Numbers since most of the chapters were quite long and detailed. It's been awhile since I've read that book!
So that's what I've been reading, listening to, and watching the last three weeks. What about you? Any great recommendations to send my way?
Labels: Home Management and Organization, Reviews
posted by Crystal Paine at 2:26 PM
35 Comments:
I'm almost finished with 1776 by David McCullough. I would definitely recommend it. (It is a pretty quick read too.)
For edge of your seat fiction entertainment, read Joel C. Rosenberg's series:
The Last Jihad
The Last Days
and
The Ezekial Option
What do you mean by egalitarian marriages? Just curious what you don't agree with about it. You believe the husband is greater? or is that term just against the husband being the leader? just trying to understand what you mean.
thanks--
Lacy
I really like this "week in books" feature! It's so helpful to have some sort of review/recommendation from someone you "know" when trying to find good books to read.
You mentioned fiction; I love a good fiction book sometimes, but have hard time finding something decent. Do you have any recommendations of fiction you have enjoyed?
Kara (above comment) mentioned David McCullough, and I would HIGHLY recommend his book John Adams, as well! It is very interesting and you learn so much valuable history!
Lacy: I don't believe that egalitarian marriages (where both the husband and wife believe they are dual heads--equals in authority and leadership) are what we see in Scripture. Rather, we see that marriage is to be a picture of Christ and the Church--where the husband is the servant leader/head and the wife is in loving submission to her husband.
Each parties should be giving 100% to the other (following Christ's example of "my life for yours") but the husband should be tenderly leading his family in self-sacrificial love, but God ultimately holds the husband responsible to lead his family, just as Christ is the Head of the Church.
When we follow God's design and understand our different roles and callings in marriage, there is much harmony and our marriages are a beautiful picture to the world of Christ and the Church.
Oh, Crystal! Don't give up on fiction just yet--there are so many good books out there. Really. Our tastes might not be too similar, but you might find something interesting over on my blog... :) As to why I believe stories, both fictional and non, are so important...I have a few posts there under the label "Good Story".
If your looking for a good read, I'd highly recommend To Have and To Hold published by Vision Forum (if you've not already read it). What a super book! My family loves the way you see the man in the story protect and honor his wife...even when at first she doesn't really deserve it.
Also, one of my favorite books is Evidence Not Seen by Darlene Rose. She and her husband were seperated and sent to prison camps during WW2. Excellent!
Kara: Jesse read and loved 1776. We got the illustrated/expanded (or whatever it is called; it's huge!) edition for Christmas from his family and we're hoping to read through it this year.
Maria: Jesse also read the John Adam's book and loved it. I guess I'll need to as well. :)
Achaia: Oh, I want to read that book, too! I need to get my hands on a copy. And Evidence Not Seen is also one of my favorites.
Aside from the Bible, which I have been a bit relaxed with yet again, I read a quick book on c-sections(having my 3rd in about 8 weeks) and Sweet and Sugar Free (some yummy looking recipes using fruit and no sugar!!) I will try those recipes after the gestational diabetes goes away!! Today I also started and so far really like "Respectable Sins" by Jerry Bridges. It is about the sins that we tolerate in the church such as gossip. The first chapter was about what it means to be a saint (seperated unto God) and now he is diving into the conduct that is "unbecoming" a saint. I really really recommend Jerry Bridges as an author. Very scripturally based. On a fiction note, I just re-read the Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers. Very good! Full of history (it takes place in Rome not long after Christ. The apostle John in the only remaining apostle at the time and he has not been exiled yet), humility, sacrafice and faith in God in trying circumstances.
Crystal, For a light but fun read I suggest the Mitford series by Jan Karon. The first book in the series "At Home in Mitford" is one of my all time favorites. The author has a poetic way of describing daily life in the small mountain village of Mitford, but does so w/o making it hard to read. My husband is also big on the McCullough books (I just bought him the Brooklyn Bridge one) but after a long day, I like reading something light and fun! :) Natalie
I just read The Mystery of the Gospel by D. Thomas Lancaster, and wow, did I get a lot from that book! It was so deep, yet so easy to read at the same time! Also, Holy Cow! Does God Care About What We Eat by Hope Egan is a good one too. I highly recommend both.
Mrs. Jo - Don't forget Epicenter by Rosenberg as well!
Crystal... I was wondering if you could elaborate a bit more (sorry if it seems obvious to you) specifically about your view on husband/wife roles. Are you saying, for example, that if you husband doesn't want you to do something (anything... whether it is small or big), that you will ALWAYS not do it?
I just wonder, because in my relationship, my husband has difficulty dealing with change -- pretty much any change. For example... I used to have reeaaaallly long hair. I wanted a change (and to donate to locks of love). He was NOT crazy about the plan. I did it anyway (it is MY hair, after all), knowing that he would never WANT me to change my hair, but would end up loving it (fifteen years together has taught me how he works).
In the end, he LOVED my hair, was SO glad that I cut it, and now is disappointed that I am growing it long again.
In general, NEITHER my husband nor I would do anything that the other does not agree with. We makes decision together. One does not defer to the other's wishes when we do not agree, rather, we find a way to come to an agreement. Little things like hair, are the exceptions.
Is this VERY different than your relationship with Jesse?
Next time you decide to tackle Numbers, pick up a copy of Nancy Ganz's Commentary for Children on Numbers from Shepherd Press. I just did my own book review on the series
hyperlink on my blog . You'll never find the Pentateuch dull again!
Crystal,
I am not a big fan of fiction, mainly because I feel like if I'm going to spend valuable time reading, it either needs to be Scripture, or something that's going to teach me something I'd like to know/learn.
Your oldest might not be quite ready for these, but my kids and I have LOVED reading all the stories by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Not only are they non-fictional (though it's easy to forget that), but quite educational as well! My boys loved hearing about how bullets and cheese and houses and things were made, and so did I. Plus, I started noticing an increased work-ethic from them, even when they were pretending to plow the fields when they were playing!
Tedd Tripp wrote "War of Words" and "Shepherding a Child's Heart," and I highly recommend his writing. Reading "Shepherding a Child's Heart" made me hungrier for Scripture, which is one reason why I love that book. Plus, his tendency is not to quote what modern people have said on such and such a subject, but rather what Scripture says, which is refreshing.
"Rocking the Roles" by Robert Lewis and William Hendricks is another excellent marriage book about what Scripture says our core roles should be, and addresses some concerns, solutions, and applications. What impacted me most has to do with our responsibility to one another within the church when a brother or sister is struggling in their marriage. (Not that they directly address that, but in giving some examples, you can see how they were dealt with, if that makes sense.)
I applaud you in your effort to keep up with reading through the Bible in a year. In my opinion, you've made it through the most difficult part (Leviticus). One more little book I recommend is "Knowing Scripture" by R.C. Sproul. It also gets you more geared up to study the Word, and has practical ideas to make the most of what you are reading or studying.
Merrilee
Merrilee-
I also thought that "Rocking the Roles" was an excellent book. I was a bit hesitant about the title (I didn't know exactly what they meant by "rocking the roles", I was hoping not rocking/changing the Biblical roles!) but after I opened it and read a few pages I decided to check it out and read the entire thing. It was great. I especially like how it discussed a husband and wive's core role and core response. A lot of people talk about a wive's role is submitting to her husband and then I think people have this picture of a woman who just sits around all day waiting for her husband to tell her what to do so she can "submit" to his wishes. The book did a good job of explaining that a wife's core role is to be a helper to her husband and her core response to him is joyful submission...hmm...I hope I am explaining that well! You probably understand what I mean though since you read the book too :)
Another good point of the book is that is discussed both the husband and the wife- there are many books that just focus on the wife and seem to neglect what a husband's role is. Since in many books both roles are not discussed it tends to make people imagine situations as I mentioned earlier a wife being controlled by her husband who is a meanish dictator type ruler- of course this makes many women think that they must find a "better" way or something like that. I love how this book explained the husbands role of servant-leader, and how he is to be like Christ. It was beautiful.
I would definitely recommend this book. I am so glad that I read it before I got married in October, it helped me to understand in a deeper way what my role is to be in marriage- and also helped me to see even more what a wonderful, servant-leader husband God has blessed me with....he's the best (ok, so I may be a little biased...)
Amy
I love to read Christian biographies/autobiographies. Two of the best that I have read are 'Open Doors' by Brother Andrew and any biography on George Mueller. Both men we led by the Lord to live by faith. It is amazing to watch how God provided for their needs without them even making the needs known to others, but bringing their needs only before the Lord. They have really inspired me.
Michelle
I agree with Natalie about the Mitford books by Jan Karon! I just finished her latest book, "Home to Holly Springs", which is actually the first in her new series about Father Tim, the main character in the Mitford books. I love these books; they are wholesome and cozy, and I would call them Christian fiction. Father Tim is (obviously) a priest--Episcopal.
My children are a little older than yours, but I know how it is to feel like you just don't have time to "waste" on fiction at this stage. I just get so much enjoyment from good fiction that I hate to see anyone give it up altogether!
BTW, I have been visiting and enjoying both your blogs for a little while now, and have been able to get some good deals at Walgreens (no CVS here). Thanks!
Holly
I read that book by Randy Singer and remember not liking that one. I did like one of his other fiction books as it was a story that could really happen. I like fiction, myself, but the story has to be something I can either learn from or that could really happen to someone. Do you like old fiction?
I like some of the old authors much more than modern ones when it comes to fiction.
My sister and I really like Jane Austin's stories and movies and were disapointed in this one too. It is too bad. Have you read any of Nancy Moser's books? They are fictional stories of people like Mozart's sister, and she wrote one I have not read called Just Jane.
Some other fiction, one about the man who wrote the hymn "When Peace like a river" another one about John Newton I think. The author is Anna something.
I just finished reading a book loaded with information about raising healthy children and creating healthy homes in preparation for a new position I will be taking with a natural food company. "12 Ways Parents Ruin Their Kid's Health" was written by Dr. Gordon and Cindy Pederson.
The book discusses the 12 common lifestyle mistakes parents make in raising their children to be healthy, happy adults. They have questionnaires throughout the book and it outlines 12 steps you can take to avoid those mistakes and in turn create a home of wellness. This would be a great book for every new parent (or old parent like me) to read.
I have read alot on this topic because we have food allergies/sensitivities in our family and this book really spells it all out.
Thanks for sharing the info on Rocking the Roles--it sounds very interesting. I just got a copy and will review it here in the future, Lord-willing!
Here are a few that I've recently read or am reading right now:
The Excellent Wife- Martha Peace (very solid book on the Biblical role of wives- extremely challenging)
Charlotte Mason Companion- Karen Andreola (homeschool ideology)
Desperate Housewives- Passionate for God (I know you've read this one, but I loved it and couldn't help mentioning it)
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God- J.I. Packer (very good look at how the commission to evangelize and the absolute sovereignty of God do not conflict, but actually harmonize with one another)
Homemaking- J.R. Miller (just started this one)
The Green Kitchen Handbook- Annie Berthold-Bond (a wonderful resource for natural cleaning, cooking, eating locally, producing less waste, etc.)
It's always great to read your reviews- I love to know what other people are reading and find books to add to my (very long) list of ones I want to read.
I second the "Little House" books recommendation. ;) Yehoshua and I have been reading that series (almost done now!) and enjoying it a LOT. We're both learning so much, and they give a lot of food for thought... I can't wait to start the series again, hopefully later this year when Eliyahu's ready to listen too! :D
Anonymous: I try not to split hairs when it comes to this whole issue (no pun intended!) as I know that every situation is different and I can't speak for your situation since I don't know all the facts.
When I read your comment what immediately came to my mind is the fact that once you are married there is no "I" and "me"--it's "we" and "us." Scripture says we are "one flesh" and that our bodies are no longer our own. Therefore, I wouldn't think of something like what you described as "it's my hair and I can do with it what I want" but rather, I'd want to approach it as "What would glorify God and please my husband?"
Just as the Church is subject to Christ and should seek to bring honor to Christ, so wives are to be subject to their husbands and seek to bring honor to them. And Scripture says, "in everything." In the big things and the little things.
Does this mean I'm a robot with no say in life? Not hardly! I have an extremely important role to play as a co-laborer with my husband-- ministering together with him, seeking to lighten his burdens so that he can faithfully fulfill his responsibilities, reaching out to others on his behalf, making our home a haven of hospitality, reaching out to the needy, nurturing and training our children, reading, studying, writing, researching so that I can keep my mind sharpened... I could go on and on. My husband delights in seeing me utilize the gifts and talents God has given me to further the Kingdom of God and this brings honor to him and furthers his good name.
What is often overlooked when people get hung up on the word "submission" is that while a wife role is to be a helper suitable for her *own* husband, the husband's role is to gently lead his wife, to cherish her, to care for her, to meet her needs, to lay down himself for her, to love her as Christ loved the Church.
My husband is the head of our home and he is responsible before God for leading our family, but he *wants* my input and my counsel. We discuss pretty much every decision together and he wants to listen to my thoughts on any given topic. He trusts me and actively solicits my advice. We have open communication in our marriage and if anything is bothering either of us, we've purposed to lovingly bring it to the table.
No marriage will ever be perfect this side of heaven and I know that my husband and I have a very long way to go in learning to emulate Christ and the Church, but that is our goal. We want our marriage to be a beautiful picture of the Gospel to all those who are with us. We want Christ's love to be demonstrated in and through our lives so that the world will see something different in us, something glorious and beautiful!
I'm currently enjoying some old classics- old is best in our home! I'm reading "Holiness" by JC Ryle, "Stepping Heavenward" by E.Prentis, and for Narration in homeschool I'm reading "Heidi" by J Spyri.
As for watching, last Saturday we watched an old movie found on video at a church garage sale, "Fanny Crosby" by Ken Anderson films. We were touched and inspired- especially by her quotes about the church of the future. Sadly in Australia at least, much of what she said has come to pass. We desire to be part of the solution- not the problems...
Claire
Have you ever read/listened to The Pinneapple stories? Our family loves them!
I agree with the post about Nancy Ganz's Commentary for Children on Numbers from Shepherd Press...great help!
I agree with other commenters on both the Mitford books and the Little House books. Both are well worth reading and re-reading. Probably the Little House books are a little over Kathrynne's head at this point, but you could try them.
I've been working my way through Home Comforts a little each day. It makes a great reference book, but I realized there are probably a lot of useful things in there I won't encounter just looking up urgent needs. I figure it's like a homemaking textbook!
I always have a couple books going at once. I agree with you that very little fiction seems to be worth my time. But when you find a good one, it is a lot of fun.
Jennifer
I waw interested by your review of the Entrepreneurial Bootcamp. I've almost brought the CDs several times but haven't as I wasn't sure how applicable the teaching and ideas would be outside the US. Probably a difficult question but do you or any other readers have any idea about this?
Many thanks
Annaelisabeth in the UK
Crystal...
I appreciate that you elaborated more on your relationship/role with your husband. It explains a lot. I think it is not SO very different than my role with my husband.
As for the hair issue... I do agree that in marriage everything is "ours" and "we". I wasn't trying to make the "my hair" statement sound as self-centered as it came out! :)
However, to clarify more, it wasn't like my husband said, "no, don't cut your hair", but more like "I really don't think that I will like you hair shorter". (He had always known me with it long). AND he is also well aware of his difficulty with accepting change in his life, so his attitude was more like, "do what you like, but I probably won't like it".
Anyway, I appreciate the clarification.
So, am I correct in my assessment that if Jesse told you that he really wanted you to dye your hair black or red, or whatever and you DIDN'T want to, that you wouldn't just go ahead and do it, but rather would discuss it? And perhaps he might change his mind because he wouldn't want you to do something that you so didn't want to do, or you may compromise and agree to try a temporary color.
Sorry about the hair reference, which might seem trivial, but I assume that you and Jesse, like my husband and I don't disagree on "big" things like how to spend/save money.
Crystal...
sorry to add a comment here on this topic YET again!
Just a thought...I would love to read a post about husband/wife roles (maybe even with some parts written by Jesse), but in plain language, so that those of us that were not raised with the wording that you use (ex. joyful submission) can see more clearly what you mean. Not that I am saying NOT to use those wordings, but just to explain those phrases in a more simple way.
I suspect that many of us who do not have an understand of the lingo that you use would have an "aha" moment and see that our marriages are very much like you are saying, but we are just not defining it the way you are.
And also please remember that some of us are newer travelers on the road to living our lives to please God, so we really don't have a basis for understanding the phrasiology (that's my made up word) that you use.
thank you, Crystal. :)
I am reading the bible in a year too. I'm doing it chronologically w/the www.bibleinayear.org site. I'm reading at least the daily requirement, more if possible, so I'm almost up to April 1st already. I only read Mon-Fri unless I get time alone on the weekends.
Congrats on your reading!
I recently read, "My Grandfather's Son," By Clarence Thomas. (It is his autobiography.) It was the best book I have read in quite awhile. Justice Thomas had an amazing life and is an excellent writer to boot. I read it in a couple of sittings. I just couldn't put it down.
I have read very few books that dealt with racism. He experienced it on a very large scale from both sides. I highly recommend it.
-Zan
Hi Crystal!
Some of my favorite books are written by H. Rider Haggard. Christian Liberty Press edited and published three and all of them are super! Although my personal favorite is The Brethren.
Thanks!
Abi
Every year I participate in the library's adult reading program--it's a nice little motivation to get me reading as a busy mamma. These are the ones I read this year:
Biographies:
A Man Called Peter
To Live Again
(both by Catherine Marshall--highly recommended)
Grace Like a River (Christopher Parkening)
Fiction:
Northanger Abbey--Jane Austen
The Cat of Bubastes--GA Henty
Home to Holly Springs (Yay for Jan Karon:) )
Nonfiction:
The Handel's Messiah Family Advent Reader
Pocketful of Pinecones (Andreola)
31 Days of Praise (Warren)
Passionate Housewives Desperate For God (MacDonald/Chancey)
Talker, Watchers, Doers (Fuller)
And, currently:
Amusing Ourselves to Death (Postman)
Make Your Own Patterns (Margolis)
Thanks for this thread--I enjoy reading about what other folks are reading and sharing what I'm reading as well. I'm not much of a coupon collector, but I like collecting reading lists:)!
Krista
Oh, and a P.S.:
The Entreprenurial CD set is fantastic and worth every bit you'll spend on it. There's so much there that's so incredibly beneficial. We have the "raw" version (released before the pretty, polished version) and we've learned so much from it and enjoyed it hugely.
Also, I want to second danielle's recommendation on the Pineapple stories. Otto Koning is the speaker, and you can get his whole CD set from IBLP. Absolutely fantastic set of a missionary's life learning experiences while in Indonesia.
For children, the "Moody" series by Sarah Maxwell has been well enjoyed by our daughters. It is true that children will emulate what they read; my daughter (who's 7) likes to verbally bless her siblings with scripture when she goes to bed at night--it's so precious to hear.
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