On Our Nightstands

I thought it would be fun to share some of the books we have been reading! 

I have been slowly reading Femine Appeal (I wasn't reading when I was sick, and now I usually don't sit still to read).  But, when I do find the time, I have really enjoyed this book! 
I am making my way through Rachel Barkey's book list (I have to say that loosely since I'm only on my first book!).  If you haven't heard her story or listed to her video, please do so!  She had a profound influence on my life when I watched her video some months back.  You will quickly observe what a precious relationship with Jesus she had!
Here are just two quotes from Femine Appeal...

"Our goal is not that our children be happy, fulfilled, and successful.  Granted, we may desire these things for them.  But our highest objective should be that our children would repent from their sins, put their trust in Jesus Christ, and reflect the gospel to the world around them.  J.C. Ryle offered the following admonition: This is the thought that should be uppermost on your mind in all you do for your children.  In every step you take about them, in every plan, and scheme, and arrangement that concerns them, do not leave out that mighty question, "How will this affect their souls?"... the chief end of their lives is the salvation of their souls."

Her chapter on self discipline really challenged me.  I always thought myself a pretty disciplined person, but she has a really interesting view!  Wow...

"I am often tempted to stay up late at night and indulge in some form of relaxation.  But I have been challenged by the frank words of Martha Peace:

I have heard of women who pride themselves on being "night people".  That means they have trouble getting up in the mornings because they come alive at night.  They may stay up to all hours reading, watching television, or pursing some sort of interest.  The next morning they are too tired to get up and care for their family...

These women are not "night people".  They are lazy and selfish.  Who would not rather stay up late to do whatever they pleased and sleep late the next day? 

Once a young wife begins getting up earlier than her children and her husband, she will cease to be a "night person".  She will be tired at night and go to bed at a reasonable hour so she will be there to serve her family the next morning.

Guilty as charged!  How many times have I been one of those "lazy and selfish" women.  Rather than using my evening hours to prepare for the next day's work or going to bed early in order to rise early the next morning, I have squandered the time on personal pleasure"

Aren't you convicted by her powerful words and desire to serve her family?  I have opted to go to bed quite a few times when I would have rather done something fun after reading this!:)

The books Olivia and I have been reading...

Olivia and I just finished The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name and loved it!  The illustrations are amazing and every story truly points to the story of Jesus!  You must check it out!

We are also almost done reading an old copy of Black Beauty that I've had for a long time.  It is her first novel and we've both enjoyed it!  I love the vocabulary that we don't hear every day and the perspective is quite unique since it is Black Beauty's autobiography!

Happy Reading!