Happy Friday!
If you’ve known me for a while, you know that I love books. I’m not an e-reader at all, I love holding a hard copy book in my hands. I love both the smell of fresh paper and old books passed down for years. I love writing in the margins and underlining words and phrases that resonate with me. I love collecting books and am actually starting to run out of space for all my treasures.
Today I want to share books I’ve read recently and books I have on my reading list. I am trying to be intentional this year about making more time for reading. I love reading, but often find myself more drawn to TV at the end of a long day. Lately, instead of defaulting to television, I’m choosing to pick up a book instead.
Here’s what I’ve had on hands on lately:
*You can find all of these books (and more!) on my Amazon storefront.
Together: A Journal for Mom and Me by Kara-Kae James
My friend Kara-Kae just released this awesome book this week and I’m so excited to start it with my kids! There are three sections: Just for Us, Just for Kids, and Just for Moms. There are fun activities to do together, recipes, and great prompts to get a mom and her kids talking on all sorts of topics.
I highly recommend this journal for all moms and kids! I love that it’s for either boys or girls.
From Lost to Found: Giving Up What You Think You Want For What Will Set You Free by Nicole Zasowski
My friend Nicole’s book released in January and I absolutely loved it! I underlined so much and got so much out of reading her story and learning the lessons God taught her. It was super difficult to pick just a few great quotes, but here are some favorites:
“Seasons of exile, seasons we would not choose for ourselves and that do not match our dreams, are the seasons when we remember our home is in Him—a Person who cannot be taken away from us. Perhaps the prosperity that Jeremiah was referring to was the transformation that can only come through finding our secure home in Christ. And maybe it is only when we are changed that we can change the world around us.” – Page 104
“Because of Jesus, I knew that darkness is temporary. Life may not feel happy, but we can know joy. Life may not feel calm, but we can know peace. And even the darkest seasons in our lives do not change the truth of God’s goodness. The truth of God’s love and sovereignty are truer than what feels real right now.” – Page 177
Chart a Course: Taking a Journey with God at the Helm by Jess Carey
My friend Jess self-published her first book last year. I’m in a writing group with Jess and am so proud of her obedience to this message God has given her! Here’s one of my favorite quotes:
“Are you prepared to wait on God, even if that means that you might be waiting for a while? Can you be content and patient with very slow, incremental movement? . . . A human being is a magnificent creation and if it takes nine months, I should expect God’s greatest gits in my life to take time to develop.” – Pages 94-95
Rejection Proof: How I beat Fear and Became Invincible Through 100 Days of Rejection by Jia Jang
I started this one a few months ago and stopped because I took it traveling with me and forgot to unpack it from my travel bag. But it has been so helpful to me because I can often take rejection quite personally. (Anyone else?) I’m excited to dive back in. Here are some great lines:
“I started to realize that rejection is a human interaction, with at least two parties involved in every decision. When we forget this—and see the people who say yes or no to us as faceless machines—every rejection can feel like an indictment, and every acceptance like a validation. But that’s just not the case.” – Page 83
“The way someone feels about me, or about a request I’m making, can be impacted by factors that have nothing to do with me. If people’s opinions and behaviors can change so drastically based on so many different factors, why should I take everything about a rejection so personally?” – Page 85
Everyday Holy: Finding a Big God in the Little Moments by Melanie Shankle
This is the devotional I’ve been reading lately. I love Melanie’s humor and her stories.
“We are surrounded by distractions, but we need to take time to listen for God’s voice. It’s often the thing that gets drowned out.” – Page 40
“God won’t call each of us to the same thing. Our lives will look as different as we are and as unique as the gifts God has given each of us. But a true call from God to move forward will bring us to a place of deeper dependence on Him.” – Page 42
I’ve been buying a ton of books lately. Here’s what I have waiting for me on my bookshelf:
Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Magic of Moms
I’m so excited, I have a story featured in this edition! It’s available for pre-sale right now and will hit shelves (and Amazon) on Tuesday, March 17th!
It’s Momplicated by Debbie Alsdorf and Joan Edwards Kay
I had the pleasure of meeting Debbie online a few months ago and then in person within the past few months. She spoke at my church’s MOPS group and she was fabulous.
It’s my friend Allison’s favorite book and I found it on sale recently at my local Christian bookstore, so I’m eager to read it.
After I pick my kids up from school today, we’re officially on spring break! We’re going to make a trip to the library so we can all spend time reading over the next two weeks.
I’d love to know, what are you reading these days? What books do you recommend for moms or for kids?
Have a great weekend, friends!
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