Here's what I've been reading...

In addition to the three new Nancy Drews I found at the thrift shop the other day, I've been reading some really great books lately.

First, I finished reading Mark Buchanan's The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath. After going through it once slowly, I'm ready to read through it again. One of the things that I love about this book is the Sabbath Liturgy he includes at the end of each chapter--a practical, do-able way to put into practice whatever the chapter has been discussing.

Here are a few of the things I underlined from this book:

"Sabbath, in the long run, is as essential to your well-being as food and water, and as good as a wood fire on a cold day."

"...setting apart an entire day, one out of seven, for feasting and resting and worship and play is a gift and not a burden, and neglecting the gift too long will make your soul, like soil never left fallow, hard and dry and spent."

"Nothing really changes until our minds do. Transformation is the fruit of a changed outlook. First our minds are renewed, and then we are transformed, and then everything is different, even if it stays the same."

"The truly purposeful have an ironic secret: they manage time less and pay attention more."

There's lots, lots more of great stuff in there--part of the reason I need to go back and read it again and let it sink in deep. Keeping the Sabbath--setting one day apart from all the rest--is something I've been trying to do lately and there's lots of helpful stuff in here.

I've also been reading The Five Love Languages of Children and have lots of great things to say about it too, but it'll have to wait. The girls are waiting for me to come and read the next chapter in Meet Molly. Gotta go!

Comments

[Erin S]

Such a good idea Restoring Sabbath. I love going to church and then just spending time with my family. It's so important to have a day of worship, resting etc. Back when I was little shops were always closed on Sunday. Such a shame they have changed it.

BTW...Danielle absolutely loves the Amelia books. I picked up a few from the library today and she has already finished the first one. On to the second one tonight. Thanks for the great tip.

Hope your feeling better :o)

[Julie]

Love the quote "Nothing really changes until our minds do...", it's so true. Not too long ago, I decided to try to change my thoughts about some in-laws that we have had a tense past with. Our recent interactions really have FELT different even though there hasn't been a BIG change in our relationship. I'm hoping to be able to stay the course, and just maybe progress can be made.