I am several days behind on getting this post out. Oh well- life is busy!! During the  month of January, I reached my goal of two books per month and exceeded it. To be honest, although our schedule was packed full- different events offered more reading time this month than usual. For instance, our son is playing football. I always have a book in my purse to read during his practices. We also went to a minister’s retreat  and my husband and I always tend to read through a book or two when we are out of town. Not having laundry to fold and being able to read for an hour in the afternoon is nice! In addition, we were blessed this month with the opportunity to work a concession stand to raise money for Speed the Light. (if you have never heard of STL, you can read more about that at http://stl.ag.org/about/). So every Friday night this month, we have spent five hours setting up and working a concession stand. We usually brought a book for any downtime here as well!!

The First Book was Extravagant by John Andrews. This book breaks down the story found in Luke 7:36-50, my Bible titles it ‘Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman’. If you have spent any time in church, you are probably very familiar with this passage. This book talks about the act of worship and how this passage says so much about true worship. Some of the passages that I highlighted while reading were-

“If a lifestyle of worship is left to the mercy of the spontaneous, then what should be usual will become occasional. “

“When we focus on what we’re giving away, we’re already off target.”

“Her actions were the expression of her faith, not the means to it.”

The second book was The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines. I just love them. I love their show and their style. I really love their story and their genuine faith. Although I don’t have any quotes to share, since this is not really a take notes and journal kind of book. This read did have fabulous stories about  these people that so many of us have come to adore. If you are a fan, you should absolutely get this book!!

The third book was Preparing him for the other woman by Sheri Rose Shepherd. This book is great for anyone that has a son. A lot of the concepts talked about are ones that I have heard many times before…sometimes it is just nice to be reminded. Some of the notes that I marked while reading were-

“Your voice and your words are among the most governing influences you have in your sons life.”

“Let your words be a legacy passed from generation to generation.”

“There is a big difference between teaching kids about God and connecting them to Him.”

The fourth book was Overflow by Scotty Gibbons. This book is subtitled ‘a student’s guide to giving’ and that is exactly what this book is. It is full of testimonies and examples of the Lord’s faithfulness. It is a wonderful resource that Otis and I have both read as well as passed on to a few of our students. Some of the parts that I highlighted in this book were-

“When you open your life up to the overflow, you are blessed, others are blessed, and God gets all of the glory.”

“You are an empty container and God is an abundant source.”

The fifth book is When God doesn’t fix it by Laura Story. If you listen to Christian Radio at all, then you recognize that name and can most likely sing her songs. I was shocked to read this book and to actually hear about all that she and her family have gone through. You have this idea of artists being glamorized. You might think that is an ideal job– hello, getting paid to worship God?!?!? I had no idea about all that she has faced. She talks about the trials that she has endured and how she has overcome them. She is even honest about mistakes along the way.  Here are some of my favorite passages-

“Contentment begins with asking how God might use my brokenness for His glory.”

“My story is my greatest offering.”

“God can redeem not only our life, but every season of our life.”

The sixth and last book that I read this month was Unqualified by Steven Furtick. We are big fans of his at our house and enjoy listening to his sermons. We have also read several of his books. This would be a great read for anyone. If we are all honest, we can admit that it is so very easy to fall into the mind trap of wondering if we are good enough or if the things that we are doing even matter. I highlighted A LOT in this book, but I will only share a few–

“God knows your true identity- the real you- and He loves you just as you are.”

“God wants to do something beyond your abilities, and He is far less intimidated by your failures and limits than you are.”

“Our weaknesses don’t disqualify us. They actually qualify us even more, because they are the portals through which God’s power permeates our lives.”

“We are never so awesome that success is inevitable, and we are never so terrible that success is impossible.”

A few months ago is when I started including a few quotes from each book in my blogs. Usually, it is a quote that will grab my attention and make me want to read a book. I hope that beyond holding myself accountable… that by listing each book and a few thoughts, maybe these posts will inspire your next read!!