On My Nightstand

Books Blurbs from my 2013 Readings

Ok so it has been 2014 for a long time. But never one to do things in a timely manner, I figured I would share some snippets of what I read last year! I love to read, and while I don't get to do it as much as I'd like, I still find that friends always ask me for suggestions of what to read next. So if any of you are looking for the next book to pick up, here are some ideas!

1. The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy and Kathy Keller
This book was a pre-wedding gift and I think it is one of the most helpful things I've ever read. I love the wisdom and practicality with which they explain what marriage is all about. And on that note, it is written with single and married people in mind. I wish I had read it before I even started dating because I provides a biblical framework and understand for relationships. I think I may just pick this one up and start it over again.  
2. The Intimate Marriage by R.C. Sproul
This was one of the books David and I went through in premarital counseling with our pastor Chris Duncan. Other studies I have been through of R.C.'s are very intellectual. I was actually really refreshed by how down to earth this book is. It brought to our attention lots of good topics for conversation that we may not have thought about otherwise. Reading what the modern giants of our faith have to say about their own marriages is encouraging because it brings an element of reality to it. 
3. Reforming Marriage by Douglass Wilson

Once again, I finally finished the last of our premarital counseling books. I know Doug can have a controversial reputation, but over all I really respect the man. (So does John Piper) While at times he seemed to go off on tangets and I don't agree with every jot and tiddle of this book, I was extremely challenged, convicted and encouraged, and I would recommend this book in a second! He is not afraid of standing firm on Biblical convictions, even if they seem annoying or odd to the world.

4. Wind From the Carolinas by Robert Wilder

David's uncle lent me this book last Thanksgiving, and I finally finished it. (Jim I promise I am going to give it back to you!) It began with the patriarch who takes his family from South Carolina to the Bahamas to remain a British subject and spans all the way to prohibition and his great great grandchildren. At times I got a little bogged down in the fact that the character you were engrossed in could grow old and die on the next page, but I other times it sucked me in. And I actually learned a lot about history and culture in the process!
5. As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner
How do I even sum up a Faulkner in a few sentences? It is at once captivating, bewildering, and repelling. He is not a southern literary legend for lack of skill. This book was a great one to put in the mix with the others I read this year. It made me think and wonder, and it made me sad. As a person who is a little prone to melancholy anyways, I may wait a little while til I read another, but I am very thankful for the experience. 

6. The Swan House by Elizabeth Musser

I started this on our honeymoon flight to Oregon. It is historical fiction set in Atlanta. It was really a refreshing, enjoyable and just-enough-thought-provoking read. It is written by a missionary, which is interesting. Usually I am not a huge fan of Christian fiction but I do love anything set in the south and I really appreciated this book. Her themes were less preachy and more honest.
7. Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung
I learned so much about discerning God's will during my last year of college, and much of it was very contrary to current opinions. Reading this book confirmed everything I have learned. I would give it as a gift in a heartbeat to anyone facing any sort of big decision or life transition. He is down to earth and real. DeYoung holds a high view of scripture, and gracefully articulates what it looks like to know what is true, to trust the Lord, and to just do something. He unashamedly calls out many of my generation who use "waiting on the Lord" to excuse inactivity, laziness and fear. 
8. Kisses From Katie by Katie Davis

I am a little late to this book, but I still remember my freshman roommate reading every single post of her blog, so I decided to hear Katie's story for myself. While Miss Davis and I definitely wouldn't line up theologically on certain points, I found myself really challenged by her heart and her actions. This quick read by a spirited girl reminded me what radical obedience to the call of Christ looks like. I was blessed by her honesty, humility, and commitment to selflessly loving those who are in her life. 

9. The Furious Longing of God by Brennan Manning

I borrowed this book from my mom. I definitely fall out on the intellectual side of Christianity, and it was really beneficial for me to read a book about simply how much God loves me! It taught me to dwell and delight in that. If you are on the opposite end of the spectrum from me I would be more likely to recommend a more study based book, but I think we need a healthy dose of both, and I loved Brennan's simplicity and joy.
10. All Over But the Shoutin' by Rick Bragg
Oh how I love Rick Bragg. Hands down my favorite contemporary southern author, this man has a way with words. They don't let him write the last page of Southern Living for nothing. Bragg is a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist who grew up in northeast Alabama. This memoir is basically a collection of memories, most of which revolve around his mother. I thoroughly enjoyed his stories and the way he gives dignity to each character. 
11. Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges
Another one I borrowed from a friend, Jerry methodically points out how all sin is serious because it separates us from God. He points out many patterns in our lives that we may see as "normal struggles" such as anxiety, selfishness, jealousy, etc. I learned a lot from this book and I would love to study it in a group. 

Hydrangeas, Spanish Moss and Sunshine

Last weekend we headed back home for a quick visit. My cousin Molly got married and it was absolutely perfect! (I don't yet have pictures from the actual wedding, but you can check out her sweet video here) It was so wonderful to see family, soak in some sunshine, and celebrate someone I love so much! Of course we found some time for some Dairy Queen in downtown Wetumpka, and a walk in the woods at Pop and Mimi's. We even ran over to Auburn and got to catch up with a few more people there! I'm so thankful for people and places that refresh my soul. 

Iowa Lately

Or My Life In iPhone Pictures

Whew! I blink and the weeks are gone. I got an iPhone in January and I have loved snapping pictures at random times and places without lugging around my DSLR. So, here is a glimpse of our daily lives in less-than-wonderful-quality. 

 When the snow starts to melt we are left with these beauties all over the place. This is one downside to snowy winters that I never knew about until now. 

One Saturday we went to a gym called Climb Iowa with some guys from David's word. It was a blast! I snapped a picture of this guy right before we left because he was actually blind but still climbing. It was impressive.

 A note from my sweet grandparents - how much I wish for spring they don't even know!

 This is a snow mountain in the parking lot of one of the nearby malls. I was amazed at how giant it has become. (Midwest newbie, I know.) But seriously, it is taller than a tree.

 I made my first ever homemade pecan pie for the super bowl. 

I snapped this walking out because I wanted to remember how my selfless husband scraped all the snow and ice off my car before heading to work at 6:15. However little did I know that I would soon slide into a curb and the Roo would head into the shop for 2 weeks. Winter driving is the worst. 

This has been the view from our apartment more days than I can count. 

These notes keep me smiling during the mornings at work. I have really loved getting to know a lot of these kiddos. 

 I snapped this out the window of my car when I was at a red light. One of my favorite things about snow is the way is piles on the evergreens. It is really beautiful that first day.

 Our good friends had their baby and we got to meet her on her birthday! She is absolutely precious. 

 If it is sunny and above freezing, I try to go for a walk! (Well, on the 2 or 3 days that has happened.) It is crazy how my definitions of acceptable weather are changing!

 One day the snow was blowing sideways so much that it accumulated on the sides of poles and trees. Weird. 

 Pardon the early morning selfie but this was too good not to share. I found this ridiculous sized icicle one morning when I took out the trash. I thought these were only in movies!

 They obviously don't celebrate Mardi Gras up here, so I decided to try to make a king cake to share. One king cake turned into four. In one week. They were delicious but I don't know that I will be rolling out any more dough any time soon. 

 We also went ice skating at an outdoor rink downtown! David is so fast, he was a blur. Well that and I am anything but steady on the ice! Haha this is a terrible picture but a reminder of a super fun winter activity. I got some . But that's ok! 

I took a giant glass of sweet tea to work the other day in my Auburn Tervis. I miss the culture of the south every day, and I am so ready for spring. But I am learning a lot, and I know I will look back and be thankful for these long, similar, frozen days. And more than that, for the grace that carries me through each one. 

Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. Psalm 68:19

The their comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10