You know by now, based on this post, this post, and this post, that we’re avid readers in this house. So much so that most of the time, I have about five books going at once. This year, I’m making an effort to just actively read only one or two books at a time. I like to allow myself the freedom to read what I’m in the mood for, but at the same time, I don’t want to overwhelm myself with options and therefore never actually complete the reading of the books. That being said, here’s what’s currently on our docket …
Make It Happen by Lara Casey
Y’all. This book. This book. I don’t ever want to tell you what to do but go get this book right now! Lara Casey is a powerhouse business woman who owns several businesses, including Southern Weddings magazine and a business and life consulting company, plus she’s an author, speaker, and runs conferences throughout the year helping people find their passion and purpose. More importantly, she has a heart that is wild for the Lord. This book seamlessly relates her life story, including an enthralling conversion, how she began her businesses, how she made herself sick running them, and how she saved her marriage, her business, and her whole life by rewiring her entire approach to everything. At first, I thought this book was geared mostly toward business owners; but nay nay, it is a must-read for every woman. At the heart of this book is the message of surrendering our fear, taking leaps of faith when God calls us, and living our lives on purpose. I’m almost finished with it, and highly recommend getting Lara’s Powersheets to accompany you on the last part (although definitely not a necessity!).
The Joy of Less by Francine Jay
I just started diving into this book after this smart lady recommended it again and again. I’ve always been keen on organization, but lately, thanks in large part to this book, I’ve come to realize that most of the time, I’m just organizing a bunch of junk that we don’t need/use. And that’s ridiculous! So we’ve been purging our entire place from top to bottom, getting rid of anything we don’t find to be useful or beautiful. We still have a long way to go, but this book is rocking me in big ways. It’s not another “how to organize your closet and capsule wardrobe” book. It dives into the psychology and philosophy of stuff and why we end up holding on to so much of it. She then suggests ways and methods to evaluate your belongings and decide their fate, so to speak. Finally, she discusses the importance of not only purging our homes, but our lives (like schedules!). This book has made me want to read more books on minimalism because it is such an attractive lifestyle to me.
The Baby Book by the Sears
D-Train got this book for me for Christmas and I absolutely love it. I am wishing I had this from the time George was born. Dr. Sears and his clan are known for their many books on natural parenting. I’ve read his stuff before but never knew this book existed. I call it “What to Expect When You’re Expecting/The First Year/The Toddler Years: Natural Edition”. It’s a thick book that covers all the ins and outs of parenting a new baby and answers all those burning questions like “What is this rash?!” and “Will I ever sleep again?!” in a way that’s more compatible with our parenting style.
Your Roadmap to Success by John Maxwell
Dave’s tackling this one. He’s read it before but returns to it often for a refresher. It’s a positive read that helps him refocus on goal setting and striving. Maxwell describes the journey of life and stresses that success is not defined by money, but has many different facets. This is an awesome read for anyone, but especially for any and all kinds of entrepreneurs.
Oh, and George is loving Winnie the Pooh and Curious George. Always 😉
That’s it from us! What have you been reading? Any gems I should check out?
How do you find the mental energy to read so many books? I used to be such a big reader and these days I feel like I may never transition out of a season of barely reading. I either fall straight asleep or wind up feeling 1,000 times more exhausted than before I started. If there’s a secret to getting my reading energy back, I want to know it! 🙂 Have fun with your reading list!
The Joy of Less sounds like a book I should read during Lent as I purge and NOT BUY ANYTHING unless it’s a necessity. (I’m yelling at myself, not you!)
The Joy of Less will definitely be a must-read for me! We just brought home a new baby to my house and it has really brought to my attention our excess in random “stuff.”
This past month, I received a copy of C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity, and it was absolutely awesome. It offers insight to so many aspects of (nondenominational, but fundamental) Christian life all in one compact, fluid read; the pages are covered in underlines, circles, and highlights in my copy =) I’m about halfway through The Problem of Pain, also by C.S. Lewis, and although it’s a denser book, it’s again very insightful and is helping me slowly unravel longstanding questions on human suffering and grief. Have you read much of his work?
I admire your talent at reading more than one book at once! I’ve never been able to have the memory or focus to do so. It is admittedly fun to breeze through a single book at a time, though!
So happy to hear that you’re enjoying Lara’s book and the PowerSheets–thank you for posting about it! Passing this along to her to share your encouragement! P.S. If you ever have any interest in attending one of her Making Things Happen conferences, you have a place to stay! 🙂
I LOVE the Joy of Less. So good! 🙂
I love reading your lists because I am always amazed at how different our taste in books is. Clothes? Check! Crunchy stuff? Check! Books – so different! But, I do think you pick some really interesting reads!
Thank you so much, Olivia! I am so grateful the book has encouraged you. Also, wish I could give you a hug. Such a small world that you and Lisa know each other! : )
Make it Happen sounds great – I’d love to pick up a book like that. There’s a plethora of books on women and business and doing our thing, but I’m always hesitant given how drastically different of a worldview some people can have. This seems like a wonderful option!
I just ordered a copy of Laura Casey’s Make it Happen…so trying to listen to God and follow his path for me…running a family practice, operating a free health clinic, volunteering with the local humane society – opening a boarding kennel…wish I truly knew this is what God’s plan is for me.