What I'm Reading

I started out this year with the plan to do more reading. I'm not off to a bad start, but I have yet to start any of the books that I was planning on reading!

Here is what I was planning on reading this year:

Here are some of the books I have read or started reading:

I wanted to read this before my two oldest girls did. It is a great book.

I received this for Christmas and it was a perfect read during the days following Bella being born.

I received this for my birthday last month (although it just arrived last week). I'm loving it so far!

I ordered this last month and just started reading it.

This month I am participating in a Read-a-thon to raise money for a friend who is saving for an adoption. I hope to finish at least Control Girl and What He Must Be this month and then maybe I can get started on one of the books I had planned to read this year (first picture).

What are you reading right now (or hope to read soon)? I would love for you to share!

The Best Yes

Last month I had a midwife appointment and my midwife let me know that she was running late due to helping at a birth. I decided that since I had time, I would stop at the local thrift store and look around. I was blessed to find a practically new copy of The Best Yes by Lysa Terkeurst. I had wanted to read it when it first came out, but didn't have the extra money for the book. Now, I was able to get it for only $ .25!

I still had time so I stopped at the coffee shop, got a drink and sat down to start the book. I wasn't disappointed.

We must not confuse the command to love with the disease to please.

This quickly caught my attention. I have been a people-pleaser for as long as I remember. It has been something I have been working on for a couple of years because we can't please everyone-especially if we are trying to live for God.

But a Best Yes will require having the courage to say no to other things. No to wrong things. NO to some seemingly good things. That is the only way to ensure there's space to run and take a leap of faith toward the best things.

While I underlined this when I read it as something that completely made sense, it still was something that I was finding difficult to do. I'm glad that my children seem to be learning faster than I am! My oldest was approached with an opportunity this summer that is a good opportunity; however, after praying about it, she said she felt God calling her to keep herself available which meant saying "no" to this opportunity. Now, she doesn't know what God is truly calling her to do, but she is taking a step of faith by keeping herself available for His Best Yes for her.

Another profound thought from Lysa,

The decisions we make, make the lives we live. If we want to live better, we've got to decide better.

I have to start paying attention and making better choices in the small things so that my life is a better example of living for Christ. I need to stop trying to please others and leave myself available to serving Him and saying, "yes" to Him. It is true what Louie Giglio says,

Whenever you say yes to something, there is less of you for something else. Make sure your yes is worth the less.

I truly enjoyed this entire book. My almost like new copy of the book is now filled with underlines, circles, stars, etc. I think this is a book that I will most likely read again the year ahead.

Have you read The Best Yes? Maybe you haven't, but you have thought about it like I did. Would you care to share your thoughts?

Redeeming Childbirth

Redeeming Childbirth by Angie Tolpin

I recently read, Redeeming Childbirth by Angie Tolpin. Although I am currently experiencing my 12th pregnancy, I still was quite intrigued by this book. Also, even though this book is meant to be about childbirth, there were things mentioned that can pertain to all aspects of life.

"We are a blessed nation and people, but we need perspective. The prosperity we enjoy has led to an entitlement mentality that has crept into our Christian homes and churches. This attitude of selfish indulgence breeds ideas in us that we shouldn't have to experience hardships or trials in life. We'll go to great lengths to avoid the consequences of our choices and unwittingly only delay God's law of sowing and reaping. Sadly, by dodging rather than engaging in these challenges, we cripple ourselves because we fail to learn this life lesson of cause and effect. This failure to grow and learn makes us less prepared to tackle the bigger trials in life that will undoubtedly come." (11)

While this isn't any new information, it just struck me when I read this. I think because I read this book during this election season, it was more "in my face" than if I would have read it at any other time.

Anyone who knows me knows that I truly believe children are a gift from God. While I hear many Christians say they believe the same thing, their actions don't always support that saying.

"If we don't view life as a sacred gift, then we won't want children simply because we'll focus on the sacrifices (our bodies, sleep, and money) we would have to make based on selfish and worldly perspectives. When birth is under attack, life is under attack. It is like any slippery slope, and we the church need to keep our armor heavily outfitted in this battle so we can "extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one," (Eph. 6:16, NIV)" (39) 

Another aspect that Mrs. Tolpin writes about is something that my husband and I have been saying for years.

"Satan does not want strong Christian couples having babies and raising them for the glory of God. The reality is that he will try his best to discourage you and make your experience one that you are not willing to experience again in order to bring forth life.

If we acknowledge this challenge and we proclaim the Holy Scriptures as we fight the good fight to live in faith and not fear we can overcome his attacks on the family and on marriage today. We can choose to allow God to redeem our hard situations for His good." (118)

She also addresses how we are told we should expect hardships. If we should expect them, why would we try to avoid them?

"As Christians, we are warned and encouraged to be prepared mentally for trials, to expect persecution for our faith. "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed," (1 Peter 4:12, 13, NIV, emphasis mine). We should not expect life to be easy or try to avoid it when it is hard, but instead look at the opportunity to learn more bout God, more about what Jesus endured for us. When we experience trials and pain, it will create in us a yearning for our heavenly home." (163)

There is a lot more in this book then just these topics that I addressed here, which is why I highly suggest women read this book whether they are currently pregnant or not. I truly believe that any woman will find encouragement and wisdom from Angie Tolpin's book.

Growing My Mind

One of my resolutions for the new year was to read more. I used to love reading and would devour 1-2 books a day! Then, life got busy and my reading was teaching books, text books, children's books and of course the Bible with an occasional Bible study book. My bookshelves are lined with books that I want to read but just "haven't had the time."

I decided I needed to make the time. For the most part, I am watching A LOT less television. I haven't really watched much in the two years since we unhooked the television in our living room, but I was finding myself watching before going to bed at night. When my husband started working his second job and needed to go to bed earlier, I dove right back into reading because it's a silent activity and most nights I wasn't ready to go to bed when he was. Even on the nights he doesn't have to go to bed early, I still find myself grabbing my book instead of turning on the television.

I am keeping a log of what books I read. I am still reading teaching books, text books and Bible study books, but I am also adding in some "pleasurable" books as well. Of course, even my pleasurable books have an academic purpose because they are on my girls' reading lists for school at some point.

In January, I started off the year by reading Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. This is a book that I've been wanting to read for a long time. I have even started it a few times only to get side-tracked by a busy life. Since we fell in the love with the movie (thanks to a dear friend who brought it with her one time!), I wanted to read the book and see how it compared. I was mesmerized by the plot line and didn't want to stop reading because I was always searching for how it was different than the movie. I enjoyed knowing the characters more deeply and it helped me understand some aspects of the movie that had always perplexed me. It's definitely a great book to read! It did take me two weeks to read it, but in my defense, I had started three other books in that time and had finished one of those three as well.

I then received some books that I ordered with my Christmas money and started Love in the House by Chris & Wendy Jeub and McGuffey's Reader Parent-Teacher Guide by Ruth Beechick. I finished Love in the House in two weeks as well and am still working on the McGuffey's Reader Parent Teacher Guide.

Love in the House was an enjoyable book. Since large families are so rare this day and age, it's nice reading how other large families live and especially those who are doing so on one income and debt free at the same time. I did learn some tips to integrate into my life as well as a great biblical lesson on love.

I was gifted with a free copy of Finding Financial Freedom by Kelly Crawford. It is an e-book that I downloaded, printed out, and read. While most of the information in the book I already knew, I did find some new, interesting ideas to try out. This is a short read and I finished it in one afternoon.

The final book that I read this month is Made to Crave by Lysa Terkhurst. I have been wanting to read this book since it came out last year. A friend loaned me her copy this past fall. I started it when we were on our trip to Texas, but then it got put by the wayside. I decided she might want it back so I better get busy reading it! I really enjoyed it. It made me look at not only my weight loss journey in a new light, but also the emotional and spiritual entrapment of any addiction and to find true freedom, we need to deal with those issues and not just the physical ones.

I am excited to continue reading more and more books. I'm not sure what book I want to start next, but I will finish the McGuffey's Reader Parent Teacher Guide for sure. After that I have more books for school I would like to read, but I do want to pick another novel as well. Any suggestions for a great classic?

***edited to add on 1/31/13 at 8:12 pm*** I finished the McGuffey's Parent Teacher Guide tonight because I ended up with some extra reading time! That's five books in one month!

Books For Sale + more!

I have a long list of books that I need to get rid of because I just don't have the space. Some of these books have been used and enjoyed, but we just don't need them anymore. Some I purchased with the intent of using, but didn't. And others were given to me, but sat on my shelves for a couple of years.

I am not listing prices, because I am hoping people will make offers. You can offer money or if you or local (or can mail it inexpensively enough), I am willing to make trades. Things I'm willing to trade for include (but are not limited to): venison, hormone/antibiotic free beef or chicken, fresh caught fish, farm fresh eggs, garden produce or fruits, bookcases, shelving units, crates (plastic preferred, but wooden will work), beach towels/towels, 3-hole punch, large paper cutter, cloth diapers/training pants, fencing, pex piping, hay, someone willing to butcher chickens or goats . . .If you have something you want to trade that you don't see listed, please ask!

Homeschool Books

Rod & Staff, Stories About God’s People,  Bible Nurture & Reader series 2, book with units 1,2,3; Reading Teacher’s Manual; Phonics Teacher’s Manual—very good used condition, worth $28.80 new SOLD

Rod & Staff, Exploring with God, Bible Nurture & Reader series 4, workbooks for units 1,2,3 and teacher’s manual—like new, worth $17.65 new SOLD

Rod & Staff, God Visits His Chosen Family, Bible 7, workbook & tests—some writing, worth $9.90 new

Rod & Staff, Preschool Readiness Test, 2 tests and 1 teacher’s manual—new, worth $5.50 new

Rod & Staff, God Choose a Family, Bible 5, teacher’s manual, workbook, & tests—some writing on first few pages only, worth $19.15 new

Reader’s Digest, The Story of Mankind, The Birth of Our Planet, Life Before Man, evolution based books, like new

Skill Builders, Multiplication, 3^rd grade, 2^nd half of book SOLD

Houghton Mifflin, The Mathematics Experience, practice workbook, Kindergarten SOLD

Math Review, grade 3, 2^nd half of book SOLD

Mayas, Incas, and Aztecs: Ancient History—like new except for name written on front SOLD

Spectrum, Writing, grade 3—like new SOLD

Spectrum, Writing, grade 6—writing in pencil on the first 2 dozen pages

Spectrum California Test Practice 3—like new

Spectrum California Test Practice 4—like new

Spectrum California Test Practice 6—like new

Facts & Features, stack of newspaper like “articles” on topics such as George Washington, Butterflies, Safety, etc., approx. 20 pages SOLD

Busy Teacher’s Guide: Art Lessons, grades 1-3—like new SOLD

Reading for Content, A: Science, like new except for writing on cover SOLD

Endangered Species, like new except for writing on cover SOLD

McGuffey 6^th Eclectic Reader, first 124 pages printed off the internet and in a new folder

Touch Math: Addition & Subtraction, workbooks & some in a binder SOLD

World Explorer: Geography, teacher’s resources and teacher’s edition SOLD

Manners that Matter, grades 3-8—like new except for a name on cover SOLD

Writing for Competency, 2 books—like new except for one has a name on cover SOLD

Reading & Critical Thinking, Book 1 & Book 2, gently used with some writing in one book SOLD

Fifth Grade in Review: 100 Reproducible Activities, definitely used, but can still make great copies

Great Rescues, Great Disasters, Great Mysteries, 2 copies of Great Disasters—good condition SOLD

Reading for Understanding, Grade 2—like new SOLD

Building Grammar, Grades 3-4, 100+ reproducible activities—used (pages torn on perforation, but in the book)

Using Dollars & Sense—very used SOLD

Skill Drill Math, Grade 5, black line reproducibles—very used SOLD

Explode the Code 2—like new SOLD

Explode the Code 3—like new

Explode the Code 4—like new

Alpha Omega, Bible 7 Lifepacs, units 2-10 (2 copies of each), teacher’s manual—covers worn, but inside great condition, worth $60 new

Weather, A Thematic Unit—like new except for writing on cover SOLD

Voices of American History, Colonial America: A New World, Grades 4-8, book & 1 CD—pages falling out of book, but still in good condition

Liberty Mathematics Level K teachers manual—some writing on cover SOLD

Christian Liberty Preschool teacher’s guide—like new

Modern Curriculum Press B, Teacher’s guide—very good condition, worth $30 new

Easy Grammar, Grade 3—like new SOLD

Misc. Books

Praying the Names of God by Ann Spangler—gently used

Messie Free by Sandra Felton—like new

The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw—like new

Don’t Panic, Dinner’s in the Freezer, by Susie Martinez, Vanda Howell, and Bonnie Garcia—very good condition

Encyclopedia of Christian Parenting—very good condition

Reader’s Digest, Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things—very good condition

Reader’s Digest, 2001 Cleaning Secret—very good condition

Like Grandma Used to Make cookbook—very good condition

Bad Girls of the Bible by Liz Curtis—very good condition

Left Behind by Tim LaHaye & Jerry Jenkins—like new

And Then We Were Women by Dee Brestin—well used

To Train up a Child by Michael & Debi Pearl—very good condition SOLD

Moments Together for Couples by Dennis & Barbara Rainey—good condition

The Bible Promise Book, NIV—used

A Mother’s Guide to Herbal Extracts by Kathy Garber—like new

5-Minute Retreats for Women by Sue Augustine—like new

Just Give Me Jesus by Anne Graham Lotz with CD—like new (except for writing inside front cover)

Pilgrim Progress By John Bunyan—very well used SOLD

Rebel With a Cause by Franklin Graham—very good condition

We are also currently trying to sell two vehicles.

2001 Town & Country: Engine V6, 3.8 Liter 131,xxx miles; Air Conditioning; Air Conditioning, Rear Power Windows; Power Door Locks; Cruise Control; Dual Air Bags; Dual Power Seats;  Leather;
7-Passenger Seating; Privacy Glass; Roof Rack; Transmission-Automatic; Traction Control;  ABS (4-Wheel); Power Steering;  Tilt Wheel;  AM/FM Stereo;  Cassette,  CD (Multi Disc),  Premium Sound;  Power Sliding Doors and gate--asking $4800 OBO

1998 Ford Ranger Extended Cab: Great running daily driven truck. 3.0L V6 gets 20MPG 4 speed auto shifts perfect. 234000 miles mechanically solid Body is in good shape for the miles. There is some surface rust by the rear mud flaps and a small spot on the passenger side door. The DS front fender is dented but not rusted, and the AC condencer needs replaced. 15" Tires have only 3500 miles on them. New rear shocks.--$2695 OBO

Vision Forum--A Great Resource for Christian Books

I was introduced to Vision Forum products a couple of years ago and have been wanting almost everything in their catalog every since! Every time a catalog arrives in the mail, the girls and I look over the products and make a wish list of what we would like to get. I watch the site through out the year for sales and often find some really good deals. I encourage you to visit Vision Forum for your Christian Book needs!

Right now, you can enter to win a gift certificate to Vision Forum by visiting A Wise Woman Builds Her Home.