Recently I have read a few books that have given life to my SOUL. They have impacted the way I view the world. They have caused me to think deeply about family, love, culture, and traditions.
There have also been a few books that have equipped me for this stage of life in a very practical way - parenting teens requires a special skill set and I need all the help I can get!
These books have nothing to do with homeschooling, but they have everything to do with becoming a better mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and teacher. They are broadening my horizons, feeding my soul, and deepening my faith.
Earlier this year I gave you three reasons to read - let's expand on that now and start talking about some of the books that have had the most profound impact on me.
If you haven't heard of the Enneagram, it is an ancient personality typing system which has recently become the buzz in Christian circles. It gives 9 foundational personality types, and further groups those types so we can better understand ourselves and others.
Our family has been talking about this book together. We've had so many lightbulb moments as we realize that GOD MADE US THIS WAY. We aren't flawed because we wear our hearts on our sleeves, or because we obsess compulsively about the way the sock drawer is organized! Knowing our types and the types of everyone in the family is helping us to appreciate each other more and respond in love and grace.
I wish I had this resource when my children were younger because it would have saved a lot of heartache for all of us.
This is by far the most impactful nonfiction book I've read in a long time!
A Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today's World
How do we, as parents, respond to the culture around us?
As Christians, we are called to THIS TIME to shape culture rather than simply participate in it.
This book is exactly what the title says - a practical guide. It helps those of us who feel like we are oftentimes battling against this culture we live in and helping our children navigate some very murky waters.
As a mom of teens, I especially appreciate all of the practical advice in this book.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Reading the classics is good for the soul.
This particular book struck home because of Francie's relationship with her mother - it is complicated and beautiful - and it reminded me that we love each of our children in a different way.
The resilience, determination, and devotion displayed in this novel are also inspiring.
I wept during certain parts, laughed during others, and added so many quotes to my journal.
“Who wants to die? Everything struggles to live. Look at that tree growing up there out of that grating. It gets no sun, and water only when it rains. It’s growing out of sour earth. And it’s strong because its hard struggle to live is making it strong. My children will be strong that way.”
Just as many traditional churches have a liturgy - a set routine for every service of worship - so our daily lives can also have liturgies.
I wasn't familiar with this concept until I read Liturgy of the Ordinary, and it changed the way I look at my daily life. So often, our lives (especially when we are in the middle of raising little children) can seem so ORDINARY and dull, but if we look at the ordinary things (like making our bed, brushing our teeth, etc...) with an eternal perspective it changes EVERYTHING.
Our family also worships in a liturgical church, and the book takes each part of that liturgy and relates it to each part of our day. My Sunday worship has gained meaning because I now realize this liturgy carries through to my everyday life.
If you're looking for a beautiful book to read and study with friends, this would be it. I led a Bible study last year at our church using this book and we all grew so very much.
Hannah Coulter
This book is one that will stay in your heart forever. I have given it as a gift numerous times and each person has loved it.
Hannah looks back on her life and remembers the love she has had for her family and for her land. In the novel, Wendell Berry so perfectly captures our changing society - a time when families used to be close and live on the same land - and now a time when families are spread apart.
It is a commentary on progress, technology, faith, love, forgiveness, and ultimately peace and acceptance.
Anything Wendell Berry writes is wonderful, but Hannah Coulter is my favorite.
What are you reading right now -- that isn't about homeschooling??