What I Read in January & February
I started out this year with some big reading goals (honestly, I always have big reading goals) but there’s always something about the new year that rejuvenates these goals. I started off strong but then the last few weeks I’ve just not really felt like reading.
So I knew just the thing to get me motivated again! Share my reading lists and goals here on the blog…that always get’s me motivated! So here’s what I read in January and February and the new goals I have for March, April, and May!
Now, you might be wondering how in the world I find the time to read with four young kids three and under and run a ministry here on my blog. I wrote a guide last summer on why reading is SO important to me and why (and how) I make sure to find the time to read.
If you want more inspiration and ideas for good books to read, check out:
- My Resource Page: Complete with all kinds of homemaking resources!!
- 3 Classics Every Christian Should Read
- My Favorite Christian Fiction Books for All Ages
- One of the Best Books I Read All Year
- Fall 2015 Reading List
- Summer 2014 Reading List
- Fall 2014 Reading List
January & February Reading
Spark Joy & The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
I have been hearing about these books for ages now and finally took the plunge and read them both. To say that they inspired a decluttering of my home would be an understatement. I have been a decluttering queen and I already can’t believe how much it has changed our home. While some parts of these books do get a bit spiritual and out there – the entire premise behind the philosophy is to keep and use what sparks joy within you.
And since my word for 2016 is JOY, this philosophy has fit so well. I am going to do a full review of the books soon, but if you are struggling to keep up on your home and you feel like it’s finally time to simplify, I highly recommend you get one or both of these!
When a Woman Inspires Her Husband by Cindi McMenamin
I originally read this book a long time ago but I recorded a couple of episodes of my podcast in February on marriage and so I got this book off the shelf and re-read large parts of it. It reminded me why this will remain one of my favorite books for wives. I know that many women struggle knowing how to better feel respect towards their husbands and actually show it. This book goes beyond the typical advice and gives hands on practical advice for Christian woman who want to love, affirm, and respect their husbands.
You can listen to two of my latest podcast episodes that are inspired and grounded in this book: Hf #29: Becoming Your Husband’s Cheerleader and Hf #30: Learning to Love Your Husband Like God Does.
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney
This is another one that I read a while ago but its one that deserves mention because I reread through most of it in January and February. On my podcast, we have been going through a mini-series on spiritual disciplines for the busy homemaker and a large portion of the inspiration and wisdom comes from this book.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who wants to learn more about the spiritual disciplines involved in the Christian life: Bible reading, scripture memorization, prayer, and more. I think every Christian needs to read this Bibilcally based and practical handbook.
The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau
I’ve been trying to read more business books lately and this one has been sitting on our shelf forever. I found it really interesting and full of some really helpful tips – for beginners. If you are just starting out or want to learn how you can build a business online, I highly recommend this book. If you’ve already been doing business for a while, then maybe skip this one and try something more advanced.
Peacemaking for Families by Ken Sande
Go get this book. Seriously, if you need any help with family conflict, your relationship with you husband, how to deal with your kids, then you need to read this book. It’s rooted and grounded in Scripture and helps you learn how to deal with conflict Biblically. The ideas in this book are geared specifically towards family situations, but I’ve found that you can apply it to all your relationships.
What’s On My Current To-Read List
Now my current reading list changes from week to week depending on what I’m in the mood for. But this is what I’m planning on reading in March, April, and May. I’ll keep you updated on how it goes!
- All of Grace by C.H. Spurgeon – I’m currently about half way through this and love it! I’ve been trying to read more classics lately.
- Don’t Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Hubbard – I’m only one chapter in so far and I Love it!! I’ll keep you updated on it.
- 52 Things Husbands Need From Their Wives by Jay Payleitner – My husband got the companion book to this and we plan to go through them at the same time. I’m excited to dive into this one!
- The Glory of Christ by John Owen – I can’t WAIT to read this one and look more into the Glory of Christ and how this impacts every day life.
- By Grace Alone: How the Grace of God Amazes Me by Sinclair Furguson
- God in the Whirlwind: How the Holy-Love of God Reorients Our World – I can’t wait for this one!!
- When Sinner’s Say I Do by Dave Harvey – We read this book a while ago but we are going through it in our small group right now. We start chapter one this week.