I typically read several books at a time. I keep a stack in my room, a book in the basement, one in the living room, and so on. Wherever I am in the house, I try to read for a few minutes here and there throughout the day.
I keep a book in the car, so I can redeem time spent waiting, and an audio book or two on my iPod, to listen to while cooking or driving. Often I purposefully spend a few minutes reading before embarking on a “mindless” task like folding laundry so that my mind has something to dwell on while my hands are busy. Just 5 minutes of reading can yield fruit, especially when followed by a few minutes of quiet thought.
It takes me awhile to get through one book in this fashion, but it is a method I have found that allows me to keep reading even during busy seasons, and I have a variety of thoughts to ponder at any given time, which I love!
Here is what I am reading this summer:
I just started The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer and I am barely past the preface. This book has been recommended to me so many times over the years, but I have never taken the time for it until now. I can tend to be somewhat utilitarian when it comes to my domain. I think this book is going to challenge me to have more of an eye for beauty in our home and yard and in the food I prepare.
Raising Maidens of Virtue by Stacy MacDonald and The Family Daughter by Sarah Bryant provide encouragement for Christian daughters. Raising Maidens is designed for mothers and daughters to read together, and then discuss the chapters.
The Family Daughter is written by a young woman to encourage young Christian daughters in the faith.
Both books indicate they could be appropriate for girls ages 12-16, but I think it is better to start with books like these when a girl is on the younger side of the spectrum, since they deal with the formation of character on critical issues of our day, including modesty, sibling relationships, honoring parents, feminine beauty, and much more. Our daughter is not yet two years old, but it doesn’t hurt to get a head start on raising a godly daughter! I’m reading these books now so I’ll know what I am striving for and have a better idea of how to get there.
Feminine Appeal: Seven Virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother by Carolyn Mahaney explores the marks of a godly woman, according to Titus 2. I love this book because Carolyn Mahaney captures the purpose of Titus 2. These directives are about more than just having a happy home; the way we live out these virtues is a testimony of the Gospel to our families and to the world.
On audio I am listening to Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot and Lords of the Earth by Don Richardson. I got both of these missionary biographies from Audible.
Through Gates of Splendor tells the story of 5 young men, including Eliot’s husband, Jim, who sought to take the Gospel to the Auca Indians in Ecuador. All 5 were murdered, and their testimony has been reverberating throughout the Christian world since the 1950s.
I first read this book 20 years ago, when preparing to be a missionary myself. I’m re-reading it now, because it is so challenging and encouraging. There are lots of journal entries included in this book, and it is instructive and sharpening to learn what was on Jim Elliot’s mind and heart.
Lords of the Earth is one of the best missionary biographies I have read, and I have read MANY. I finished this not long ago and immediately started it a second time through, along with my kids.
The beginning chapters are rather dark and I was concerned it might be too much for them. The author does an excellent job portraying the terror and bondage of the cannibalistic Yali people to the idols they serve. The transformation of the tribe is so inspiring that I decided to let the kids hear this book in its entirety, but I wouldn’t recommend doing that unless you have previewed the first few chapters to decide for your own family whether it is appropriate or not. All the kids are riveted to this well-told tale and I am enjoying it just as much the second time through.
My teenage son and I are reading The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis aloud together, and discussing each chapter. This book is a series of conversations between a demon apprentice (who must secure the damnation of a recent Christian convert) and his uncle Screwtape, an experienced devil. Our talks have been very fruitful.
In addition to books, my husband and I regularly follow various blogs and read older writings. Our family has been reading a lot of J.C. Ryle during our family worship times. Many are familiar with Ryle as the author of Thoughts for Young Men (find a free version at the link), but he has many other wonderful books for children and adults. You can find one of our favorites, Practical Religion, (also for free) at this link.
I also try to take a little time each week to catch up on some of my favorite blogs. Here is a list of some of my favorite posts from the month of June.
Even busy women should take make time to read. What are you reading?
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