2.1.09 ~ Be a Reader

Reading is a basic tool in the living of a good life.
Mortimer J. Adler

I love to read. I can read for hours and hours, straight through a book and not close it until it's finished (granted I have no children and my husband knows the drill by now and leaves me be with when I get into that kind of reading mood.). It's really a sickness at times, but defiantly a guilty pleasure of mine - oh, to be snuggled in on the couch with a fire roaring and a good book - a little piece of heaven. My friend over at Dancing Robot suggested that we each do a post on 5 of our favorite books and this has been SO hard. How can I only choose five!?! I could probably list 50 easier than five, so I have consoled myself by deciding they don't have to be my top 5, just 5 great books. Each of these books have changed my mind, perspective and life in some way:

A Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George
This book challenged me to really look at what it means to be a Christian woman as a wife, mother, and follower of Christ. Elizabeth (as my friend Pam and I have come to call her) writes about how women need to order their lives and priorities around Christ and his role for each of us. I can easily say this book changed my spiritual life and marriage. Here's just a taste -

"We want what other people see of our life - the public portion - to stir up...awe and wonder. We want our strength in public to be explained by what goes on in private between us and God. If we faithfully nurture what is beneath the surface of our life, people will marvel at what they see of God in us!" p.25

Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster Oh, I know I have often spoke of my love of Richard Foster. A Quaker, his religious tradition is different from mine, but his faith and writing comes from a place of true belief and it's very moving to me. He explores how the spiritual disciples - inward, outward, and corporate can move us to a place where God can do his work in our hearts and lives.

"The grace of God is unearned and unearnable, but if we ever expect to grow in grace, we must pay the price of a consciously chosen course of action which involves both individual and group life. Spiritual growth is the purpose of the Disciplines." p. 8

Freedom of Simplicity By Richard Foster
Yes, another one by my Quaker friend. I find myself very attracted to the simple lifestyle - not one of stark simplicity, but one that calls us to have what we need (including comforts and beauty and art) but not an excess of stuff that can control us. As Foster points out this outward simplicity effects our desires for inward simplicity - focusing on God.

" There are not many things we have to keep in mind - in fact, only one: to be attentive to the voice of the true Shepard. There are not many decisions we have to make - in fact, only one: to seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness. There are not many things we have to do - in fact, only one: to obey him in all things." p. 234

Living Simple by Janet Lehurs
I am still in the process of reading this one, but it's already a favorite, as evidenced by my constant markings on the margins... This is not a Christan book, but just a book that challenges the reader to look at what they need to live a happy comfortable life and live withing those means, not more - in the emotional, mental or physical realms.

"Simple living is about making deliberate, thoughtful choices. ...you are fully aware of why you are living your particular life, and that life is the one you have chosen thoughtfully." Introduction XIV

The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne

This book would really spark some debates at many churches I know. Claiborne is a Christian who chooses to live as Christ did when he walked this earth. He lives and works among a struggling neighborhood in Philadelphia. The proceeds of his book went all to charity and his life has continued the same simple way. He writes about his journey to this point in his life, college years, a time in India with Mother Theresa, and finally his Philly "family." It will challenge you to look at Christ's message in a new way.

"Rather than separating ourselves from everyone we consider impure, maybe we are better off just beating out chests and praying that God would be merciful enough to save us from this present ugliness and to make our lives so beautiful that people cannot resist that mercy." p.252

Mark of the Lion Series by Francine Rivers
Okay, so 5 wasn't enough...I did have to add in one series of novels that I tore through (the guilty pleasure kind of reading - all in one sitting with no breaks, even for food!) and LOVE!! This series (along with all her other books that I would also recommend) is set in Roman times and is Christian, but not overtly so. Rivers weaves a wonderful story that is both historical and appealing.

Now it's your turn to join in the fun, either post to your blog (if you do let me know and I'll add a link to your post from mine!), or just add to my comments a list of your favorite books. You just might find a new favorite!