Random Thoughts

My Top Book Recommendations - and a "Kindle" Review

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:02:00 GMT

I've always loved reading and read daily. This past year, I read way more Christian non-fiction books (and grew spiritually) more than ever before. I also enjoyed a variety of fiction books and I've listed some my favorites below.

The reason my reading increased so much was an unexpected surprise. I reluctantly received a Kindle as a gift and doubted if I'd use it much. I thought I'd miss the feel of holding a book and turning the pages. I wondered if I could read my Kindle in the bathtub and not drop it. (So far so good.)

I bought a title or two and gave my Kindle a chance. She's now one of my best friends and I don't leave home without "her". I got into the habit of popping her in my purse each day and was amazed at all the previously "wasted" minutes that I could read: In line at the grocery store (instead of magazines I had no intention of buying), waiting for my son in the pick up line after school, waiting for appointments or sitting in a boring meeting or event (descreetly of course). Then, I started reading during tasks like drying my hair or brushing my teeth - things I could not do before because I needed to hold my book.

And then...I discovered that the Kindle could actually read to me! Okay - the reading sounds really robotic - but I got used to it. Now, I turn on my Kindle and let "her" read (I use the female voice usually) while I'm doing my makeup - cleaning my closet - even driving. I've read dozens and dozens of great books in the past year. I still don't finish every book I start (fiction or non). If a book does not grab me in a few chapters - I sometimes will choose to move on.

So, here are some of my fave's starting with a couple I just started and have not finished but are impressive enough to share anyway:

THE BIBLE - My personal conviction is to feed my mind first with God's Word which is "living and active" and able to transform us. That being said, I believe He uses His followers to nudge, convict and convince of His truths. As an author, I take this responsibility seriously. While humans are fallible, I have found the following books very edifying and worth the time investment.

1. Jesus + Nothing = Everything by Tullian Tchividjian

2. Classic Christianity by Bob George (been around for a long while - worth reading every five years)

3. Heaven by Randy Alcorn - still working through this - but a great resource and guide to your ultimate destination

4. Demon: A Memoir by Tosca Lee - This work of fiction is compelling!

5. The Power of a Whisper by Bill Hybels

6. Servolution by Dino Rizzo - I'm in church leadership and this is an excellent book that I believes serves in a way that honors God and builds up the church

7. Deadline by Randy Alcorn - One of his first fiction books that I read years ago and reread this summer. Worth the read and a great outreach book

Countdown to 60 Continues

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:48:00 GMT

There's a question I've been asking women for years: If time and money were no issue, what would you do differently with your life? It's a question that encourages daydreaming, but it can also be a negative motivator to focus on what you don't have rather than be thankful for what you DO have in all life's dimensions. If you can keep yourself from falling into discontent, the answer to that question may give you a hint of hopes, passions or gifts you've never pursued. At the end of your life, will you regret not pursuing them? And, an even more important question: Are any of these hopes, passions, giftings from God? Does HE want you to pursue them, but you are not for fear of failure or some other reason.

As I near my 60th birthday, I'm asking God to prompt, nudge, perhaps even give me a big ole PUSH toward the hopes, passions or use of gifts that HE wants me to pursue. He put me on this earth for a tiny bit of time to leave a deposit. I'm more and more aware that that time is running down. So, I'm trying to live like time and money are not an issue and pray for a few Godly nudges. I'll let you know when they come! Have YOU been nudged by God lately?

My 60th Birthday Countdown

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:48:00 GMT

Whoosh. Time flies when you're having fun! I blinked my eyes and I was no longer a "middle aged" woman - I'm guessing in light of the latest life expectancy statistics that is about 42. It's hard to consider myself "old" when I feel young. But, if I'm still middle aged, then I'm going to live to 120 - Yipee!!!

How do you feel about growing older? I feel GREAT about it. There are definitely a few downsides. My hands expose my age. I've inherited my mom's arthritis and received the extra bonus of chronic tendonitis as well. They remind me that I'm not really 45. But, most of the benefits of aging far outweigh the losses.

In the next few months, I'm going to post a few thoughts most days. And, I invite you to comment. Let's start a dialogue about this very temporal life journey and discuss how we can finish strong to God's glory!