Productivity by itself is not an end; it’s a means. As believers, we should strive for grace-based productivity in our work hours (whether in an actual workplace or in the home) so we can be completely present and at rest with the people who matter most. Everything I teach on productivity points to this end!
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I’m often asked how I read so much. I’ve shared my tips for adding more reading to your life on the blog before (along with my book lists)! But I’m also asked how I retain what I’m reading – especially since I read four to five books at once. Today I’ll share all my favorite tips for reading more and retaining what you read so you can use it in daily life!
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In the first few months after Adeline was born I think I read close to forty books. The library was my best friend! So when I was planning for my postpartum with Geneva, I immediately started an Amazon wishlist of books to read. I made sure to include the ones I’d been wanting to own (I’m pretty picky, and keep a minimalist bookshelf!) and some new releases I’d been waiting to arrive!
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One of my most frequently asked questions is, “How do you have time for reading?” Between working from home, momming a toddler, and at the writing of this post growing a second little baby, reading has to be prioritized or it won’t happen! Reading is one of my passions, but for many years it had to go on the back burner. My teens and early twenties (up to age 25, really) were spent working full time while also taking college classes. I only had to time to read my assigned work, not the books I longed to read!
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Who doesn’t love new and unusual books? I love discovering books off the beaten path. I’m privileged to work with a few companies who send me recommendations for books of this kind, and this month’s list is top notch.
I’ll be honest: I was skeptical about a few of these. When they first arrived I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy them, but I am glad to say they proved me wrong! You probably haven’t heard of these titles, and you won’t find them at your local library, but I guarantee they are worth your time.
This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through my link, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you – this helps pay to run my site. Even so, all opinions are 100% my own.
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When I write about modesty, I struggle to articulate the balance of modesty as a “heart issue” and the undeniable fact that modesty is a physical act reflected in our dress. I’ve never mastered the answers to questions like, “Isn’t modesty determined by culture?” and “If modesty can’t be determined by a list of rules, isn’t it subjective?”
That’s why I am in love with this book by Heather Theineman. It is the most thoroughly researched argument for modesty I have ever read (and I’ve read almost all the books available on this topic). If you’ve ever left a Christian modesty article dissatisfied, or with questions unanswered, this book is for you. From the Greek and Hebrew root words to the cultural context of biblical passages, to the changing historical and social views of modesty, no part of this discussion is left unturned.
What I like best about this book is that it focuses on a motivation for modesty far beyond the typical “it causes men to lust” argument. While that is indeed a part of modesty’s influence, it’s not why we’re called to pursue it. The biblical precedent for modesty goes far deeper. I can’t sing the praises of What’s Up With the Fig Leaves? enough.
It took me a while to work through Lea Ann Garfias’ Rocking Ordinary, not just because my plate was full, but because I didn’t want to miss what she had to say.
If you’ve ever been frustrated by what feels like the mundane of your life, you’ll want to read this book. Each chapter will help you better understand what it means to embrace your place; to find purpose in the “boring” of life and to truly “rock” ordinary.
Lea Ann has a very conversational, story-based approach that makes this book an easy read, but not a quick read. You’ll be stopping frequently to underline (if you’re like me) and will probably come back to certain points that stand out to you. It’s a re-reader for sure!
Ya’ll, this book made me cry after only three chapters.
There’s nothing that breaks my heart more than legalism. Like the author of this book, I spent a long time looking at God through the lens of judgment and fear. If you’ve struggled with a view of God based on works, this book will change that view.
Davis illustrates – through his own testimony and the testimonies of others – what “being Jesus” to a lost world really looks like. He reveals just how powerful the influence and aroma of Christ will be when we let Him into our lives; how an encounter with the Spirit of Christ in another person can transform the world. This book is for “those hurting and weary from worn-out religion”; those tired of a Jesus reached through works, rather than a worshipful life motivated by grace.
Two thumbs up – get it here.
I had a hard time putting this book down. As someone with an interest in both history and adoption, I found the best of both worlds in Paul Batura’s latest work.
Chosen for Greatness highlights the stories of 16 well-known adoptees. Many of these were people I had no idea were adopted! Each chapter is only a few pages long and highlights the adoption story and consequential trajectory of that person’s life. This would be a great book to read alongside Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers.
Batura makes the point that these people did not succeed in spite of being adopted, but because of their adoption story. I was especially taken in by the stories of Steve Jobs and Nancy Reagan, but there was just as much fascination in the history of Nelson Mandela, John Hancock, George Washington Carver, and Faith Hill.
The book is written from a Christian perspective though not all the characters spotlighted shared that worldview. The foreword is by Eric Metaxas.
This bible isn’t actually for me – it’s for Adeline. Addie loves books and until now was a big fan of her board book Bible and Say and Pray Devotional. As she gets older, we’re moving to more in-depth Bible stories, which is where the Beginner’s Bible comes in.
This bible goes far more in-depth than most children’s bibles. Each “story” is based on a passage of Scripture (the passage address is below the story title if you want to look at the original story in context). The illustrations are somewhat “cartoonish” and extremely bright, which Addie likes at this stage in her development. At 15 months Addie enjoys the pictures, but I anticipate using it for bedtime devotions as she gets older.
This would be a good Christmas present or dedication gift. You can get it here.
I’ll have a new list of reads for January 2017, so don’t forget to check Instagram and Facebook for my future recommendations!
