February Books

Tiffany:
Joyfully at Home by Jasmine Baucham: Jasmine is Voddie Baucham’s daughter, so naturally I was interested in reading her book. The book is meant to encourage daughters who choose to stay at home after graduating and before they are married. Although the book did not pertain to the stage of life I am in, I did thoroughly enjoy reading it. It really made me re-think my time at home with my parents and left me wishing I could go back and change so many things; however, it gave great insight into raising a daughter with a passion for loving God and ministering to her family. It also made me joyful and grateful for the life I am currently living, knowing that so many young women yearn for a husband and a house full of children.

The Lightkeeper’s Daughter by Colleen Coble: I haven’t read a fiction novel in a long time and now I remember why–I can’t put them down. The author has written many novels for ‘Women of Faith’, although this is her first book I have read. The book was a mix between suspense, mystery, and romance with hints of Christian theology. I think it only took me 2 days to read, so I obviously enjoyed it.

Justin:
Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung:  A refreshing take on decision making.  DeYoung lays out how we are to follow the revealed will of God (the Bible) but notes that His revealed will doesn’t give an answer to everything (e.g. which job to take, where to live, and so on).  I can see a need for caution in recommending this to some people, but overall I love his simple call to just do something when many times we try to hide behind excuses like I need to pray about it or I don’t know if this really God’s will for my life.

Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider:  Tiffany read this last month, and I finished this month.  I was surprised by what I got out of this and actually enjoyed it.  I quickly read through it to get the high points of most of her comments but still found it encouraging.

Apology, Crito, and Phaedo of Socrates by Plato:  I’m no Greek scholar so take this for what it is worth.  I am glad I read these; they were interesting and elightening.  That said, I don’t think I could work through them again.  Here is a 21st century engineer’s quick review:  (1) The Apology of Socrates is his legal defense against his accusers where he comes off extremely arrogant…no wonder they wanted to execute him, (2) Crito is Socrates’ encounter with a pupil basically telling his friend that he won’t try to escape but instead will face his fate as a true philosopher, and (3) Phaedo is a whole lot of mental gymnastics between philosphers proving the soul is eternal.  It really is amazing to read the arguments people come up with, but so you don’t have to read Phaedo and confuse the issue, I will help you on the eternal soul question:  We have an eternal soul because the Bible tells us so.  You’re welcome.

The Go-Getter by Peter B. Kyne:  Excellent, excellent, excellent and particularly recommended for any professional or student.  This is a short story of a man with a business opportunity that refuses to quit.  It is one of the books Dave Ramsey requires all new hires to read on joining his team, and I definitely see why.  I will be working my way through the others this year based on how much I enjoyed this one.

Concerning Christian Liberty by Martin Luther:  An very good read for any Christian interested in working through some of the writings of giants in the faith.  It is relatively short and to the point, and Luther walks through justification by faith alone while balancing that our love for God should spur us on to good works and love for our neighbors.  A quote I pulled:  “A Christian man is the most free lord of all, and subject to none; a Christian man is the most dutiful servant of all, and subject to every one.”

Aubrey’s Read Alouds:
The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder: Once again, Aubrey and I really enjoyed this one. We finished in 2 weeks and would have the next one in the series finished as well, but the hold at the library is taking longer than usual. Hope to get my hands on the next one and finish before we leave for Eastern Europe!