A good book in hand is worth two on the shelf

(Inspired by Jared)

We are a family of readers. I like to joke that Micah and I have passive fights about who is reading the most books at once. Our books pile up on the endtables. He who owns the highest pile, wins. Most of the time, that's Micah. One of the first things I did when we moved was buy 3 baskets for our family room to hold books. It worked for a few days. Now once again the books are spilling out of the baskets onto the tables and all over the floor. I can't think of a better mess to have, I tell my order-craving self. (If you've seen our house, you'll know I have to have talks with my order-craving self quite often!)

One sign that life is returning to "normal" is that I find I am working on several books at once again. Here's a list of what is tickling my fancy right now.

When I Don't Desire God: How to Fight for Joy by John Piper. Because sometimes the battle fills you with joy: when you see strongholds broken down, victories won, and lives changed. But sometimes you get battle weary and lose focus. Piper proves from scripture that joy is worth fighting for, and it's found in making Christ our Treasure.

90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper. Not to be confused in any way with the first author! Here's hoping those awakened by this book to the joys of heaven are further awakened to the absolute joy of the Savior who dwells there and has given us entrance. Most of the book is not about Piper's time in heaven but about his difficult recovery from a serious accident. In that, Don provides some good life lessons from his time of suffering. The fact that his still has joy after all he has endured is a testimony to his faith in God.

*John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace by Jonathan Aitken. The author is a Chuck Colson of sorts from Great Britain. I've learned enough from the preface to see it will be worth the dive in.

Fullness of the Spirit by Andrew Murray. I've been very helped by Murray's teaching on the Holy Spirit in the past but find myself at odds with some of his doctrinal teaching in this book. Still, his principles on being filled with the Spirit are full of merit. Feel like I am dabbling and hope the same is not true of living my life in the Spirit.

A Woman of Contentment by Dee Brestin. The Bible study on Ecclesiastes I am working through this summer. Wonderful so far...OK, I've done one day.

Heart's Cry by Jill Briscoe. Her book on Ecclesiastes. How I love this woman. The accent helps. I got to meet her once and though at first I felt like just another lady in line, when I told her my kindergartner (Micah) missed hearing her program when he went to school, her face just lit up. Haven't delved into the book yet but I will.

*The Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World edited by John Piper and Justin Taylor. Looks to be a compilation of essays on the subject. I'll get to it!!

The Single Shard by Linda Sue Parks. The Newbery Award book I chose to read for the ARKS program at the library (Adults Reading Kids Stuff). Good story, kind of predictable. Somewhat thought provoking although The Giver by Lois Lowry is tops from what I've read so far. (I'm not sure I'll get my ARKS completed but at least I've read enough for a free Steak and Shake milkshake. I've got my priorities, you know.)

*Recommended on the summer booklist by BSF. I've never been disappointed yet with a recommendation, though I have found myself in over my head at times. It's good to be stretched.