Almost every summer when I was growing up, I participated in the local library's Summer Reading Program. By reading a certain number of books, you could earn a coupon for a free personal pan pizza at Pizza Hut or other various prizes.
Nowadays, there's no need to even have the lure of a prize; reading itself is the reward. Each book is like a mini vacation, or at least most of my selections attempt to fit in that category.
So my main objective at the beginning of each summer is to make a summer reading list. The hard part isn't coming up with a list; the hard part is cutting it down enough to make it practical.
I start with books that I need to finish. Next, I write down the books that I've wanted to read for a long time and add in books that friends have recommended. Then, I add a few of the books that I've seen recommended on multiple blogs. And for the past two years, I've added in books from Modern Mrs. Darcy's Summer Reading Guide.
I kicked off my summer reading program by finishing Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges, which I have mentioned previously. It was eye opening to see how many of my daily behaviors are actually sins that the world has conditioned me to think are acceptable. In a word, convicting.
Next, I started a book that's been in my stack for quite a while called Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. This book has received rave reviews by just about every mainstream media outlet, and authors I've read in the past have spoken highly of the prose in this book. They were all correct. The prose is amazing, and the story is one that I wouldn't have thought would have received rave reviews from mainstream media. But that just goes to show that miracles appeal to all. [Note: The book has some dark characters and is a bit of a thriller, which I don't normally read, so I had to break it up and read it during the day.]
At night, I read The Little Book Store of Big Stone Gap by Wendy Welch. This was on Modern Mrs. Darcy's list for memoirs, and it is a treasure. It's a fun read about a couple who opened a used book store in a house in a small town. If you love small book stores or books in general, this is a great book.
Last summer, I found the genre of food memoirs and was instantly hooked. So when Modern Mrs. Darcy recommended Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl about a food critic in New York, I knew that I'd be reading it. I found this book fascinating, and it fostered an even deeper desire to travel to NYC some day and eat at the restaurants that she awarded three-star reviews.
As briefly mentioned in my previous post, I learned a great deal from The Nesting Place by Myquillyn Smith. It was the right book at the right time for me. But her theme of "It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful" is one for every season of life.
One of the food memoirs I devoured last summer was A Homemade Life by Molly Wizenberg. It was recommended by both Shauna Niequist and Modern Mrs. Darcy. This summer, they both recommended Wizenberg's follow-up that just released in May entitled Delancey, which is about the pizza restaurant that the author and her husband opened. I didn't love this book as much as the first, but she ties it together well at the end, includes great recipes, and provides a whole new appreciation for those who run family restaurants and the work that goes into making them succeed. I kept thinking of Cane Rosso here locally and had to go pick up a Capricciosa pizza, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I just started reading The Book Thief and will hopefully be able to finish it on the train in the near future, along with Love Idol that is on order from Amazon. And there are two other books on hold at the library. The old saying is true: Too many books, not enough time!
What books would you recommend for summer reading?
Showing posts with label Shauna Niequist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shauna Niequist. Show all posts
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Sunday, June 2, 2013
20 Things I've Learned
Sometimes it feels like I learn the same things over and over again. I'm not sure if it's because I didn't fully process the lessons the first time, because God is driving home a point, or both. So I thought it might be time to put some down in writing. I'm hoping that by writing out the lessons I've learned, I'll take them to heart.
1. It's not about you.
Rick Warren's book The Purpose Driven Life opens with the above statement, and it's one of the most profound four-word sentences ("Jesus Christ is Lord" is of course the best four-word sentence). This lesson could stand alone, but I've found a couple of corollaries.
2. Not everyone who is mad is mad at you.
See Lesson #1.
3. People don't spend time obsessing over you, so stop obsessing over yourself. This lesson could also read: The impurities that you focus on when you are a half inch from the mirror cannot be seen my most people.
See Lesson #1, again.
4. Worry accomplishes nothing.
As a follow-up to lesson 3, I thought this was worth mentioning because I've struggled with worry. It constantly makes a come-back. But I'm trying to leave it off my mind's to-do list.
5. Back away from the lists occasionally to see if what is on them REALLY matters.
I've learned that if I leave things on my to-do list for long enough, some of the items become moot. Chances are some of the things I put on my lists weren't important to begin with, which is probably why I never found time to do them.
6. Focus on people more than things and tasks.
I'm embarrassed to admit how much I struggle with this. I have a strong affinity for completed tasks, and sometimes my single-minded focus on a task causes me to ignore the people God has put in my life.
7. Take down the to-do list from its pedestal as an idol.
This will make Lesson #7 easier. There are no rewards on earth or in Heaven for the number of completed to-do lists. I need to let that sink in.
8. Keep the Sabbath.
I've written about the benefits of Sabbath rest multiple times on here. I can't say enough about how observing this spiritual discipline has changed me for the better.
9. Fight for other white space on your calendar in addition to the Sabbath.
A Saturday, or even an evening, with nothing on the agenda can be as healing as a vacation and avoids the hassle of packing and traveling; plus, it's cheaper.
10. Count your blessings using a pen and paper.
For me, this is my one thousand (or now almost 3,500) gifts list. Write them down so that you can go back and see God's faithfulness. Fears are conquered when thankfulness abounds.
11. Most people are more approachable than we think; dare to speak.
I approached the Head Coach of the University of Texas baseball team after a loss, even after being warned that he might not sign the ball because he takes losses hard. I didn't get a word out of him, but I did get an autograph.
12. People never tire of encouragement.
I haven't yet experienced a time when someone rejected this.
13. People never tire of genuine praise.
Same as with Lesson 12.
14. Knowing when to speak and when to be silent is hard.
I'm not sure if I'll ever grasp this lesson on this side of eternity. It's one area I constantly need to pray for wisdom about.
15. Don't assume you know how people feel; ask them.
I tend to say things like, "I bet you had a great vacation." But maybe it was the vacation that everyone got sick on or that didn't go as planned. Open-ended questions are better for finding out how people really feel.
16. There is a ministry of presence.
Simply showing up and being present with people means you gave the gift of time. I experienced this when a friend made the three-hour drive in from Houston for my dad's funeral and then turned around and made the three-hour drive back. It ministered to me deeply.
17. You do not have to finish every book you start.
It took a long time for the "finish-what-you start" part of me to be okay with this. But when I realized that you don't get back the time that you spend on bad books, I took this to heart. Give yourself the grace to put down a bad book.
18. It's okay to give away things that you were given but that you don't use and don't see yourself ever using.
Clutter takes up physical and emotional space and can be a drain. Let someone else love your stuff, and let them get the "joy" of taking care of it.
19. Comparison is the thief of joy. - Theodore Roosevelt
Roosevelt hit this right on the mark. When I feel this setting in, it's time to get the gifts book out and start recording what I'm thankful for.
20. You can change your story.
Shauna Niequist just wrote an excellent blog post on this topic. It's also fresh on my mind because there are thirteen weeks of summer ahead. Unfortunately, I still have to work. But the days feel longer with sunlight lasting until almost 9 p.m., and I want to make the most of them. I feel like thirteen weeks is a good chunk of time to try new things and develop new habits. So, we'll see how it goes.
This is just a start, but I know there are many other life lessons to learn. What lessons have you learned?
1. It's not about you.
Rick Warren's book The Purpose Driven Life opens with the above statement, and it's one of the most profound four-word sentences ("Jesus Christ is Lord" is of course the best four-word sentence). This lesson could stand alone, but I've found a couple of corollaries.
2. Not everyone who is mad is mad at you.
See Lesson #1.
3. People don't spend time obsessing over you, so stop obsessing over yourself. This lesson could also read: The impurities that you focus on when you are a half inch from the mirror cannot be seen my most people.
See Lesson #1, again.
4. Worry accomplishes nothing.
As a follow-up to lesson 3, I thought this was worth mentioning because I've struggled with worry. It constantly makes a come-back. But I'm trying to leave it off my mind's to-do list.
5. Back away from the lists occasionally to see if what is on them REALLY matters.
I've learned that if I leave things on my to-do list for long enough, some of the items become moot. Chances are some of the things I put on my lists weren't important to begin with, which is probably why I never found time to do them.
6. Focus on people more than things and tasks.
I'm embarrassed to admit how much I struggle with this. I have a strong affinity for completed tasks, and sometimes my single-minded focus on a task causes me to ignore the people God has put in my life.
7. Take down the to-do list from its pedestal as an idol.
This will make Lesson #7 easier. There are no rewards on earth or in Heaven for the number of completed to-do lists. I need to let that sink in.
8. Keep the Sabbath.
I've written about the benefits of Sabbath rest multiple times on here. I can't say enough about how observing this spiritual discipline has changed me for the better.
9. Fight for other white space on your calendar in addition to the Sabbath.
A Saturday, or even an evening, with nothing on the agenda can be as healing as a vacation and avoids the hassle of packing and traveling; plus, it's cheaper.
10. Count your blessings using a pen and paper.
For me, this is my one thousand (or now almost 3,500) gifts list. Write them down so that you can go back and see God's faithfulness. Fears are conquered when thankfulness abounds.
11. Most people are more approachable than we think; dare to speak.
I approached the Head Coach of the University of Texas baseball team after a loss, even after being warned that he might not sign the ball because he takes losses hard. I didn't get a word out of him, but I did get an autograph.
12. People never tire of encouragement.
I haven't yet experienced a time when someone rejected this.
13. People never tire of genuine praise.
Same as with Lesson 12.
14. Knowing when to speak and when to be silent is hard.
I'm not sure if I'll ever grasp this lesson on this side of eternity. It's one area I constantly need to pray for wisdom about.
15. Don't assume you know how people feel; ask them.
I tend to say things like, "I bet you had a great vacation." But maybe it was the vacation that everyone got sick on or that didn't go as planned. Open-ended questions are better for finding out how people really feel.
16. There is a ministry of presence.
Simply showing up and being present with people means you gave the gift of time. I experienced this when a friend made the three-hour drive in from Houston for my dad's funeral and then turned around and made the three-hour drive back. It ministered to me deeply.
17. You do not have to finish every book you start.
It took a long time for the "finish-what-you start" part of me to be okay with this. But when I realized that you don't get back the time that you spend on bad books, I took this to heart. Give yourself the grace to put down a bad book.
18. It's okay to give away things that you were given but that you don't use and don't see yourself ever using.
Clutter takes up physical and emotional space and can be a drain. Let someone else love your stuff, and let them get the "joy" of taking care of it.
19. Comparison is the thief of joy. - Theodore Roosevelt
Roosevelt hit this right on the mark. When I feel this setting in, it's time to get the gifts book out and start recording what I'm thankful for.
20. You can change your story.
Shauna Niequist just wrote an excellent blog post on this topic. It's also fresh on my mind because there are thirteen weeks of summer ahead. Unfortunately, I still have to work. But the days feel longer with sunlight lasting until almost 9 p.m., and I want to make the most of them. I feel like thirteen weeks is a good chunk of time to try new things and develop new habits. So, we'll see how it goes.
This is just a start, but I know there are many other life lessons to learn. What lessons have you learned?
Sunday, May 12, 2013
April/May Update
It's been more than a month of Sundays since I last posted, so an update is way overdue. Some of the posting absence was planned, but the latter part was due to the blue screen of death that appeared on my computer, which required purchasing a replacement. Navigating Windows 8 has proven that you can teach an old dog new tricks; it just takes about three times longer. I felt such a sense of accomplishment when I finally figured out today how to install the printer driver. I still don't know how to use all the functions on here, but the big E button to the internet is working, and so there's no reason to delay blogging any longer.
What I've Been Enjoying
During my time away from the blog, I enjoyed four days with family at a beautiful house on the Guadalupe River.
(View from the dining room looking onto the pool and the river)
I had fun catching up last weekend with my Sunday Supper Club from grad school. We toured the Chagall exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art and told stories over lunch at Oddfellows in the Bishop Arts District. Catching up over good food reminded me of all the meals we shared together and how many recipes they taught me to cook. I wish we lived closer and could gather every week.
With the expanded extra daylight hours, the opportunity to engage in fun activities after work has also expanded. I've loved going to a smoothie party, a baseball game, and a ballet and spending time with friends.
I've also enjoyed learning from my friends as they demonstrate intentionality in leading the lost to Christ, in pursuing their callings, in discipling others, and in giving up the things of this world in order to find sufficiency in Christ alone. I never doubt that our lives can preach because I see such incredible examples daily.
What I've Been Pondering
Over the past month or so, I've heard several Scriptures mentioned numerous times. I never think that's a coincidence. The Lord obviously has something for me in these verses, and so I don't want to forget them.
Matthew 6:33
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Psalm 139:23-24
"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Joel 2:25 (NKJV)
"So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locus, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust."
Luke 18:1-8 (the parable of the persistent widow)
"And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.' For some time he (the judge) refused. But finally he said to himself,' . . . [B]ecause this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice . . . .' And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly."
What I've Been Reading
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown.
I underlined a ton in this book. Her research on shame is eye-opening and has drawn international attention since the talk she gave at TedxHouston a couple of years ago. This book focuses on how vulnerability is not a weakness but rather a major strength. She covers how this is needed in the corporate world, education, and in parenting. Here are a few excerpts:
"If we want to reignite innovation and passion, we have to rehumanize work. When shame becomes a management style, engagement dies. When failure is not an option we can forget about learning, creativity, and innovation." (p. 15)
"When it comes to parenting, the practice of framing mothers and fathers as good or bad is both rampant and corrosive--it turns parenting into a shame minefield. The real questions for parents should be: "Are you engaged? Are you paying attention?" If so, plan to make lots of mistakes and bad decisions. Imperfect parenting moments turn into gifts as our children watch us try to figure out what went wrong and how we can do better next time. The mandate is not to be perfect and raise happy children. Perfection doesn't exist, and I've found that what makes children happy doesn't always prepare them to be courageous, engaged adults." (p. 15)
Towards the end of the book, Brown shares "The Daring Greatly Leadership Manifesto" (p. 212) and "The Wholehearted Parenting Manifesto" (p. 244), both of which are fantastic.
Our Southern Breeze by Daphene Jones.
I loved reading Same Kind of Different As Me, the story of Deborah Hall's befriending a homeless man (Denver Moore). Her acts of courage are even more astounding in light of this book, which was authored by her twin sister and tells the story of her upbringing. It's a beautiful story of how grace wins out over darkness and how suffering and can change hearts.
Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist.
I loved Shauna's previous books, Cold Tangerines and Bittersweet, and so it was like catching up with an old friend as I read through her latest essays in Bread and Wine. She has a way with words and can eloquently, and often hilariously, draft situations that I've experienced or emotions that I've felt. This book is one that you won't want to end as she shares stories from her supper club and how important it is to gather people around your table for a meal. This book made me miss my old Sunday Supper Club, so I was glad I was able to see them last week. I have already sent copies of this book to my mom and my aunt, and they've already made several of the recipes that are included in the book; it's one of those books you can't help but share.
If you've read this far, thanks for hanging in there for the long update. I'd love to hear what you are enjoying these days.
What I've Been Enjoying
During my time away from the blog, I enjoyed four days with family at a beautiful house on the Guadalupe River.
(View from the dining room looking onto the pool and the river)
I had fun catching up last weekend with my Sunday Supper Club from grad school. We toured the Chagall exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art and told stories over lunch at Oddfellows in the Bishop Arts District. Catching up over good food reminded me of all the meals we shared together and how many recipes they taught me to cook. I wish we lived closer and could gather every week.
With the expanded extra daylight hours, the opportunity to engage in fun activities after work has also expanded. I've loved going to a smoothie party, a baseball game, and a ballet and spending time with friends.
I've also enjoyed learning from my friends as they demonstrate intentionality in leading the lost to Christ, in pursuing their callings, in discipling others, and in giving up the things of this world in order to find sufficiency in Christ alone. I never doubt that our lives can preach because I see such incredible examples daily.
What I've Been Pondering
Over the past month or so, I've heard several Scriptures mentioned numerous times. I never think that's a coincidence. The Lord obviously has something for me in these verses, and so I don't want to forget them.
Matthew 6:33
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Psalm 139:23-24
"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Joel 2:25 (NKJV)
"So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locus, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust."
Luke 18:1-8 (the parable of the persistent widow)
"And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.' For some time he (the judge) refused. But finally he said to himself,' . . . [B]ecause this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice . . . .' And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly."
What I've Been Reading
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown.
I underlined a ton in this book. Her research on shame is eye-opening and has drawn international attention since the talk she gave at TedxHouston a couple of years ago. This book focuses on how vulnerability is not a weakness but rather a major strength. She covers how this is needed in the corporate world, education, and in parenting. Here are a few excerpts:
"If we want to reignite innovation and passion, we have to rehumanize work. When shame becomes a management style, engagement dies. When failure is not an option we can forget about learning, creativity, and innovation." (p. 15)
"When it comes to parenting, the practice of framing mothers and fathers as good or bad is both rampant and corrosive--it turns parenting into a shame minefield. The real questions for parents should be: "Are you engaged? Are you paying attention?" If so, plan to make lots of mistakes and bad decisions. Imperfect parenting moments turn into gifts as our children watch us try to figure out what went wrong and how we can do better next time. The mandate is not to be perfect and raise happy children. Perfection doesn't exist, and I've found that what makes children happy doesn't always prepare them to be courageous, engaged adults." (p. 15)
Towards the end of the book, Brown shares "The Daring Greatly Leadership Manifesto" (p. 212) and "The Wholehearted Parenting Manifesto" (p. 244), both of which are fantastic.
Our Southern Breeze by Daphene Jones.
I loved reading Same Kind of Different As Me, the story of Deborah Hall's befriending a homeless man (Denver Moore). Her acts of courage are even more astounding in light of this book, which was authored by her twin sister and tells the story of her upbringing. It's a beautiful story of how grace wins out over darkness and how suffering and can change hearts.
Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist.
I loved Shauna's previous books, Cold Tangerines and Bittersweet, and so it was like catching up with an old friend as I read through her latest essays in Bread and Wine. She has a way with words and can eloquently, and often hilariously, draft situations that I've experienced or emotions that I've felt. This book is one that you won't want to end as she shares stories from her supper club and how important it is to gather people around your table for a meal. This book made me miss my old Sunday Supper Club, so I was glad I was able to see them last week. I have already sent copies of this book to my mom and my aunt, and they've already made several of the recipes that are included in the book; it's one of those books you can't help but share.
If you've read this far, thanks for hanging in there for the long update. I'd love to hear what you are enjoying these days.
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