What We Have Been Reading

I love to read. For me there are seasons of reading. If I have a book I am enjoying, I usually lose sleep staying up too late reading just one more chapter, but if I cannot find a book I am into, I can go months without reading much. Over the past 6 months I have been spending a lot of energy on personal growth, and with that, I have found a few FANTASTIC books that I would highly recommend. These are NOT self-help books! These are books that have made me really re-think how I speak to myself and my children, and how I view my role as a wife, mother and woman. These books make you think, and grow, and I thought that I would share them with you. I am also going to include a few books that I have come across to share with my kiddos as well!

I found this book by chance. In my former life I was a high school teacher, and this past year I took a continuing Ed class to renew my teaching certificate, and this is the book that was assigned to the class. The book discusses growth mindset, which is huge in the schools right now, but it is so applicable to all of us. The book discusses the words we use to encourage ourselves and our children, and how those words impact our desire to learn and face challenges. It deconstructs why those that have so many talents often are not the ones to succeed, and why the Michael Jordan’s of the world (he was cut from his high school basketball team) have had such amazing accomplishments! It also, discusses why certain companies have succeeded or failed. This book completely transformed the way I encourage and praise my children, and it has also transformed my own self-talk. I cannot recommend this book enough as a way to impact yourself, your children and your business.

If you are one of the few that have not heard of this next book (it is a New York Times bestseller) and are looking to challenge the way your approach your life goals, this is the book for you. The book is geared towards women, and really makes you say to yourself, “why am I not making “insert dream” happen for myself?!” Women this book will impact the way you do life, and she does not sugar coat it, but it is very empowering. – READ IT! There is a reason it is number 2 only behind Michelle Obama’s book.

Francine Rivers is a Christian historical fiction writer. I have read several of her books, on of my all time favorites is Redeeming Love, based on the biblical book of Hosea. I read ‘A Lineage of Grace,’ a couple years ago, but I still thought I would mention it. It highlights the women in the lineage of Christ, and tells their stories, and how God used them. It was really empowering and encouraging to hear how these women were used, all coming from different circumstances, yet all significant and faithful. I highly recommend this one, if any of that speaks to you.

These next two are daily devotionals. The first one, ‘Awaken,’ is the one I am currently reading, and I have only just started, but what I have read so far I have loved. This devotional provides room for you each day to process what is on your heart, and it makes you think. I have been encouraged and challenged, which is something I really appreciate.

The second one listed, ‘Stream in the Desert,’ will touch your soul in a way that you need it to, especially when you are facing hard things. There were moments with this devotional that I felt like it was speaking directly to me, and when you are facing difficulty, that is exactly what you need. It also encourages you to keep working through the hard things, that God has purpose, and reminds you He is in it with you. There are entire sections of this devotional that I have underlined, it is that meaningful.

These next suggestions are for children. I am a mom of two boys, so please keep in mine that my experience comes from that lens. My oldest is 5 and we were ready to transition from quick, kid books, to beginner reader books, and we have loved this series. I love that there is historical lessons in them, and my son loves the adventures these two kids go on. Another bonus is that there are a lot of them so I linked the first four, but we are on number 19! These books also have very short chapters, usually around 4 pages, so they would be perfect for your early reader.

My Father’s Dragon is actually a trilogy. Now when I say trilogy I am not talking Star Wars length, the entire trilogy is 240 pages, so it is doable for an older (5 and up) reader. We completed the first part, took a break, and then continued. I will say that my son enjoy’s the Magic Tree House series more than he enjoyed ‘My Father’s Dragon,’ but this trilogy is very cute. The boy goes on an adventure to save a baby dragon, and along the way he faces obstacles; this book has great imagination. There are a ton of reviews for this book, so that may help you to know if it is a good fit for your son or daughter. Like I said, it uses great imagery and was a fun book to read.

This final book would make a great Valentine’s Day gift. As you can see throughout the book there are heart-shaped cutouts, and each page tackles a different emotion that we experience. It talks about being happy, sad, frustrated, carefree and so on. There are so many books I could recommend for young kiddos, but with February approaching I thought that this was worth the mention. It has beautiful illustrations and the content is so important for children!

Well, there you have it! These are the books that have been in our house and on our hearts over these past couple months. I hope some, or one of them spark your interest; and if you do end of reading one, I would love to hear what you think! Also, I am ALWAYS looking for great recommendations, so if you have one leave it in the comment section below!

I hope you have a great weekend!

~ Ashley

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success,  Girl Wash Your Face, A Lineage of Christ,  Redeeming Love, Awaken,  Streams in the Desert,  Magic Tree House Series,  My Father’s Dragon, In My Heart