Books of 2010, thus far.......

I'm on a mission to read as many books as possible in a year. This is my kind of New Years Resolution. This kind does not involve excessive sweat (a.k.a. exercise) or eliminating my choice of beverage: sweet tea from a Mason jar.

I know we're going backwards, but I promise to update regularly with new titles. Let's get started, we got some catchin' up to do!!!!

Book #1: THE ART OF HAPPINESS

One word to summarize this book: Beautiful. I am opening the eyes of my heart to seek others' perspective and to share what His Holiness, The Dalai Lama, encouraged: "If you maintain a feeling of compassion, loving kindness, then something automatically opens your inner door.

Through that, you can communicate much more easily with other people. And that feeling of warmth creates a kind of openess. You'll find that all human beings are just like you,, so you'll be able to relate to them more easily."

We don't need more money, we don't need greater success or fame, we don't need the perfect body or even the perfect mate - right now, at this very moment, we have a mind, which is all the basic equipment we need to achieve complete happiness.

Book #2: THE MAKER'S DIET

I don't know what I was thinking when I decided to read this. I understand the moral to the story, but.....nevermind, I'm not going to argue with myself or try to defend the ideal of eating healthier (I have a blog on that topic too!!!). I'm a country girl, which means I love fried chicken and sweet tea and everything, absolutely everything, tastes better with pork fat. I've eliminated all dairy (cow's milk) products out of necessity due to severe food allergies, at least let me have meats, greens, and sugar. 'Nuff said.

Moving on....

Book #3: ESTHER

Another goal of mine is to read more books of Biblical history with emphasis on character. Esther was a beautiful woman, with a beautiful heart, and a courageous heart. Characteristics worth imitating.

This is a wise woman who understands the value of timing. She isn't in a hurry, nor is she revengeful. The walk of faith is designed to be a walk of adventure, filled with periodic and delightful surprises.

Book #4: ABRAHAM

From the man who brought us "Walking the Bible," Bruce Feiler provides the best explanation (for me) to understanding how Abraham really is the father of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This is a story that solidifies my greatest wish for this world: peace - we're all connected. We're all human. We're all God's children.  

Book #5: NOW (NO OPPORTUNITY WASTED)

In a "bucket list" type of fashion, this is an incredible journey of getting off your arse (that would be your backside) and living life with no regrets. I don't really have any interest to skydive or bungee jump, but I definitely have some things-to-do-before-I-die that I want to accomplish, such as:

1. Become a teacher
2. Read 100 (or more!) books in 2010
3. Pay off my car loan two years ahead of schedule
4. Enter a cooking contest
5. Help build a Habitat for Humanity house
6. Have a honeymoon with Kevin
7. Host a neighborhood party
8. Drive to Kentucky without eliminating the deer population or causing bumper damage
9. Have 50 (or more!) followers to this blog
10. Write handwritten notes to friends and family "just because" more often
11. To be continued.......

Book #6: THE POWER OF A PRAYING WIFE

I am forever grateful to God for blessing me with my husband, Kevin. I am so thankful for our wonderful marriage, filled with more laughs than a comic book. I pray for God to continue to work in us, and through us, to bless each other and to glorify His name. After all is said and done, all our words and actions, It's all about God.

It's laying down all claim to power in and of yourself, and relying on God's power to transform you, your husband, your circumstances, and your marriage.

Book #7: THE SCARLET LETTER

Classic. Timeless. American literature at its best.

Book #8: READING THE BIBLE AGAIN, FOR THE FIRST TIME

Let me just preface this by saying, I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!!!! Borrowed from Rev. L's library, it took me longer-than-usual to finish this read, but I had to absorb a lot of material before I finally realized exactly what I was reading.

I've not read the Bible from cover to cover, but after reading this I think I'm ready.

As the foundation of the Christian tradition, the Bible is the source of our images and stories for speaking of God's passion. Thus its interpretation shapes our vision of what it means to take the God of the Bible seriously. The Bible is also a sacrament of the same sacred Mystery, a means whereby God speaks to us still today. Through and within the Bible's many voices, we are called to discern the voice that addresses us in our time. And listen: what we hear matters greatly. It makes all the difference.

Amen, praise Jesus, can I get a witness?!?!?!

Book #9: THE ORGANIC GOD
Thank you, Aunt Georgia, for sharing a piece of your personal library with me. This book is amazing. The author, Margaret Feinberg, is a pint-size lady with a heart for God the size of Texas. I love following her at http://www.margaretfeinberg.com/. As for the book, I believe it makes God smile ear-to-ear.

I, too, crave to know God more, deeper, and more intimately than even my human mind can conceive. This is definitely the beginning with Margaret, I'm so excited to read her other titles.

Sitting at the foot of the glacier and at the feet of God, I'm in awe of what can be accomplished when even a few people choose to focus more energy on answering the Why questions than on asking them. In those moments, I see so many of God's attributes displayed - his bigheartedness, his amazing wisdom, his outrageous generosity, his abundant kindness, and of course, the deep mystery of how he can use people like you and me to change the world...I take one step closer to the mystery that is the Organic God. As much as I have learned and discovered, there is still so far to go...And the hunger for God lives on.

Book #10: READ FOR YOUR LIFE

Books have definitely transformed my life, and I know the transformation and adventure has just begun. Buckle your seatbelt, this is going to be a fun ride!