Skip to main content

March Reads


I really enjoyed reading a wide variety of books this past month.  I am looking forward to spending some time reading outdoors this month!  One of my favorite things to do is to stretch out on a blanket (and a pillow) while reading outside.  Does anyone else enjoy that?  Anyway here are the books I read in March:

The Outcast by Jolina Petersheim:  I really enjoyed this modern day retelling of The Scarlet Letter.  It was so easy to get lost in this book that I found it difficult to put down.  I usually don't enjoy re-reading fiction books for at least 10 years but I could definitely see myself reading this one again in a year.  Such a lovely book about love and forgiveness set in the Amish/Mennonite world.  Want to know something neat?  I actually know the author (and that isn't why I liked the book)!  We went to college together and let me tell you when I think of Jolina I just think sweetheart.  I am not a bit surprised that she wrote such a beautiful story.

Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full: Gospel Meditations for Busy Moms by Gloria Furman.  When this book arrived I thought this was exactly what I need for this season of life!  This small book includes 11 chapters which help the reader to think about motherhood in a Gospel centered way.  I was SO encouraged throughout each chapter of this book.  Furman challenged the reader to stop getting frustrated when one of your children wakes up during your quiet time.  Instead she says to look at all of a mother's tasks throughout the day as worship.

When I became a mother I had been warned about the sleepless nights, what it might be like to become a parent, feedings, scheduling, cloth diapers, etc.  I was completely unprepared for how my "quiet time" life would change.  For years I had been incredibly blessed to spend long periods of time (think 1/2 hour to 1 hour) daily uninterrupted each morning learning about God, spending time in deep prayer, journaling, and believing that I was really growing in my walk with the Lord.  When I had my first child Eli it turned my whole quiet time world upside down.  He seemed to have (and still does have) a special gift for waking up before I was finished no matter what time of day (or night) I woke up.

Gloria Furman understands that which is what I found so refreshing about this book!  She doesn't provide a step by step plan for helping the reader to make life all about them.  What Furman does is point the reader to what they really need which is Christ.  No mother is ever going to be perfect but thankfully we have a Savior whose grace is sufficient to cover all of our sins and the "mommy guilt" that we all carry.  I cannot commend this book enough for those of you who long for Jesus while your hands are filled with little ones.  (Please note that I did receive a free copy of this book from Crossway in exchange for this review which did not have to be favorable.)

Growing Up Duggar: It's All About Relationships by Jana, Jill, Jessa, & Jinger Duggar: This book written by the four oldest Duggar girls is an interesting glimpse into their lives and what it is like to grow up in the Duggar family.  Honestly I felt like the book is really geared towards single ladies who are in their late teens/early twenties but I did enjoy the book.  I loved hearing more stories about their lives and it really made me think about how I hope to raise my own daughter.

The Breastfeeding Mother's Guide to Making More Milk: Foreword by Martha Sears, RN by Lisa West and Lisa Marasco: I haven't had serious trouble with my milk supply but I do have friends that have.  I picked this book up out of sheer curiosity and a desire to encourage others.  I did have some issues with Evangeline the first week or so when she wasn't gaining weight as quickly as they would have liked so I am familiar with pumping and supplementation.  (If you have seen any pictures of Eva from the past 5 months you know she is gaining like a champ!)  This book was very thorough and seemed to address every issue that might be hindering one from making more milk.  If you are struggling with low milk I would recommend this book AND a visit to a lactation consultant or La Leche League Leader.

Zero Waste Home: The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Life by Reducing Your Waste by Bea Johnson: This book was all about the home and lifestyle of the Johnson who family who accumulates only 1 quart of garbage every 6 months.  I was intrigued after watching this video about their family.  While I don't believe that my family will ever completely embrace Zero Waste living, I was encouraged to do our part to: refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and rot.  What do you think?  Could you ever see your family living a zero waste lifestyle?

Have you read any great books lately that you would like to recommend?  





Comments

  1. I love the Duggars, I'll have to check that one out!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

August Reads

None Like Him: 10 Ways God is Different From Us by Jen Wilkin :  I'm quickly becoming quite the fan of Mrs. Jen Wilkin.  I've been working through her 1 Peter Bible Study this summer and I absolutely loved reading through this book on the attributes of God.  I found myself reminded of so many things and almost felt a sense of relief as I contemplated what God is like.  This book was a delight to read.  I love that there is now a book on God's attributes written especially for women.  Pure awesomeness!  I highly recommend this book for both new believers and those with years of experience.  I also think it would make a great book club book. The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian: This book is one that I have been wanting to read for years and I just never got around to it.  I am so glad that I finally took the time to read and pray through this book!  What better gift could I give my husband the past month than to spend time earnestly praying for him through a

Our First Tent Camping Experience

Earlier in June we embarked on a new adventure.  TENT CAMPING!   Two summers ago we enjoyed a wonderful time camping in a borrowed pop-up camper but this was our first experience sleeping in a tent as a family.  We loaded up our very full van and headed to Land Between the Lakes in Western Kentucky for a new adventure.  It was wonderful.   One of the neatest aspects of our trip was the fact that Nina & Poppy Steve (Brandon's parents) were able to meet up with us!  (They live a good 10 hours away from us so this was a real treat.)  We had so much spending time with them.  We stayed at  Hillman Ferry Campground  and I would definitely stay there again.   Hillman Ferry Campground has a lovely beach with an area roped off for swimming.  The kids enjoyed playing in the sand and I even took them swimming in the lake.  I have been swimming many times in a lake but I think this was my children's first real time swimming in a lake.  (The closest lake to us no longer

This Week's Goals

We have been so blessed to fill our August with such fun family memories. In the picture above we enjoyed a day trip to the Columbus Zoo where we got to get up close with some kangaroos!   August has been so busy for our family that I've neglected to share my goals the past few weeks.  We've been squeezing in lots of summer fun as we transition back to school days.  I also began teaching fall piano lessons.  Here are a few of my goals for this upcoming week.      This Week's Goals Marriage, Mothering, & Family 1.  Eli is playing flag football this fall!  I'm excited to attend his game on Saturday. 2.  Eva has a therapy appointment this week.  I am so thankful for all of the incredible progress that she has made over the past year.   3.  Take both children to the park to play this week.   Homemaking 4.  Work on plans for Disney.  I need to work on our packing list and make some reservations.  I also need to purchase a number of items before we lea