From My Bookshelf to Yours: What I Read in April

I didn’t create a reading list for this year. Instead, I challenged myself to a reading challenge. You can read more about my 2015 Reading Challenge here.

This month I challenged myself to read at least one book that I own but have never read, but as I expected, I didn’t read just one book.

Here’s the list I read in April:

Seven Sacred Pauses: Living Mindfully Through the Hours of the Day by Macrina Wiederkehr – I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Using scripture, poetry, reflections, personal stories, and quotes from a rich array of spiritual teachers for many religions, Wiederkehr helps readers become more attuned to living in the present moment and develop a kindred spirit with the rich tradition of the sacred hours.

Wait, what? Rich array of spiritual leaders? Sacred hours?

Yes.

Seven Sacred Pauses was a wonderful gift to me as I seek to be more mindful of my need for Jesus throughout my day.

Because this book is written from another viewpoint than evangelical Christianity, you do need to read it with a discerning mind, but I highly recommend this book. It really made me think and any book that does that is a win in my book.

Grace-Based Parenting by Dr. Tim Kimmel – I give this book a C.

I think the concept was good, and I think the topic is much, much needed, but I felt Dr. Kimmel took too many liberties in this book. He went off on tangents that were unnecessary, and sometimes the focus seemed legalistic. Irony of all ironies.

However, it’s a good read. Worth reading even. I pulled a lot from this book even if I disagreed with portions of it.

The older I get the more I realize that I don’t have to agree with everything someone writes or thinks in order to learn from them. This book is one of those such books.

10 Minute Time Management: The Stress-Free Guide to Getting Stuff Done by Ric Thompson – A short, helpful read for those looking to manage their time better.

It’s particularly helpful for work at home moms, I think. It was interesting reading this book in tandem with Seven Sacred Pauses. Perhaps even helpful?

I found that there is room, and even need, for both sort of books in this world … and in my life.

The Daily Entrepreneur: 33 Success Habits for Small Business Owners, Freelancers and Aspiring 9-to-5 Escape Artists – This book was filled with helpful habits to implement as an entrepreneur.

It was a good read if for no other reason than to inspire me to use my time more productively!

The Woven Heart: Essay for moms on love, life and loss by Erin Odom – An incredibly encouraging read.

 

I got it in the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle and read it in one sitting. I really needed Erin’s encouragement for moms in the trenches.

 

If you bought 2015 Ultimate Homemaking Bundle, you’ll have this one on your motherhood shelf.

Sensory Play – This book is filled with over 65 sensory bin topics with additional picture books, supplementary activities, and snacks for a complete toddler program.

I am actually thinking about getting this book in paperback format because I would like to be able to dog ear more easily.

This book is chock FULL of amazing sensory bin ideas, and you all know we love sensory bins in our home. I plan to use this book a lot over the summer and in our new school year coming up.

What did you read in April? What were your favorite reads?

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