Day 218

Simply put: I just read the most theologically challenging book: Men and Women in the Church by author Dr. Sarah Sumner. By far, the most important book I've read in a long time (except the Bible, to me there is absolutely nothing better than God's Word ever).
I read this as a textbook. It wasn't a walk in the park mentally. I wrestled through it and with it. I was faced with questions I wasn't ready for, and some of them quiet honestly I was scared of the answers. I was given a mirror at times and saw within my heart some deep prejudices that I did not even know I had. At many points throughout the text I was deeply convicted.

So let me warn you: do not attempt to read this book unless you are spiritually ready. Do not dive into the text without prayer. Do not attempt to go it alone either - there are discussion questions at the end of each chapter - read it with someone.

Here are two quotes from people who have praised this book:

"This is a deep and important book, with a significance far beyond what the title alone would suggest...I strongly encourage anyone who is concerned about the conduct of visible church life to study this book carefully."

Dallas Willard, Professor of Philosophy, University of Southern California, and author of The Divine Conspiracy

"This book is a tribute to Sarah Sumner's academic devotion and puts to good use her theological training. Her analysis is fresh and much on the mark. Helga and I are praying that her ministry will have a great and holy impact."
Carl F. H. Henry, Founding Editor of Christianity Today, and author of the 6-Volume God, Revelation and Authority

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Trade Books for Free with our Online Book Swap - PaperBackSwap.com

Day 215

What a year! Can you believe how quickly 365 days pass by? It sounds like a lot on January 1st and then before you know it you're looking fall in the face. Today marks the beginning of our fall activities. Rob is back to school teaching, soon we will be starting Awana and other fall ministries, and this fall I am starting JoeAnna in a homeschool preschool curriculum. With so much good stuff going, I am finding my peace and perspective every morning with the Lord. I'm so charged up to still be reading through the Bible in a year (this is the first time for me)! God has been so real and faithful to me this year, and my relationship with Him grows deeper everyday.

And I am pleased to report that I have finished another book! Seeing that I am still desperately behind, I am not gloating in my accomplishment rather hoping to jump start myself into more completions! I have many more books in my "need to finish" list than I have even listed to the right... Actually I hope to finish one of them right now - so I best sign off!

Day 175

I've made my choice. I've decided that not only is this blog going to be about my journey through a year of reading, but it is also going to be the blog where I put my voice. My writing. Me. I have 3 other blogs. Yes, about 5 months ago I got blog happy. Mainly because I didn't feel as though my family blog was the appropriate place to bore people with all the other thoughts on life, God, and homeschooling. So I created a Worship focused blog (where I reflect and ponder my awesome God), a Blog to chronicle our homeschool journey, and then this one. Four total. And yet, as I would come up with thoughts that I wanted to share or release, I couldn't pick which blog category they fit into nicely. 

So here goes. I am inviting my voice to find its home here on this blog and from now on you'll be hearing more from me. And about the books too of course.   

Day 161

Our internet isn't working at home and we're in the middle of VBS week, but I had to post about the amazing book I finished last week!

I can't tell you how wonderful of a book this truly is. I was struck by the authors' abilities to pull me into caring about the lives of their characters! Honestly and truly this book was a help to me, the honest story and real faith is compelling to read and edifying too! Double bonus. :)

Now I'm reading the next book in the series - "Remember." When I have more time I'll tell you more about the plots.

Day 146

I must say that I started out so strong just a few months ago and now I'm falling further behind each month! I should have read 10 books by now and I'm up to 7, but I must also confess that I'm currently reading:


So as soon as I finish the first three, I'll at least be back up to my goal.

The 7th book I've read so far was:
 Best book I've read this year! Far above anything else this year, I could not put it down. The story was so genuine and the characters so raw that I found myself tearful the whole way through. In the first few pages the author tells you what's going to happen in the end and so the whole book is an invitation to walk through the experience with the main character. She (the main character) does not make excuses for her faults but neither does she let go of her faith. This story is as inspirational as it is tearful. I couldn't have enjoyed it more!

Day 118

Just finished book #1 for May: "Letters to God" by Patrick Doughtie and John Perry. http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/ProductDetail.htm?ProdID=com.zondervan.9780310327653&QueryStringSite=Zondervan#Custom_1
If you go to this link you can "browse" the book and also watch the movie trailer from which this book was based. It is a very fast but good read. I could tell reading it that it was as if someone watched the movie and wrote out what they saw. It's not the most amazing in terms of artistry or grammar, but as a whole the book has such an awesome message that it far overshadows its creative short comings. I definitely would read it again on a Saturday afternoon when I need a good cry. Definitely sit down with a cup of coffee or tea and some chocolate - you're going to love it!