For me, 2019 has been one big blur in a lot of ways. Not sure what made it so full, but there’s been a lot going on. So much change here at Freedom. While that growth is such a good thing, the reality is… monthly blog posts about books I’ve read get pushed to the wayside. But my OCD self couldn’t just leave things as they were, so here’s one giant catch-up post. Welcome to my “August-to-December Book Dump.”
This story is incredible. Heartbreaking and raw and incredible. Eric Liddell is probably most famous for his Olympic feats, but his life consisted of so much more. He was a godly missionary who gave his life for the Lord. I certainly hope to meet him someday. If biographies are your thing, you don’t want to miss this one!
The God I Love – what an amazing read! While I’ve generally known the circumstances surrounding Joni Eareckson Tada’s intense diving accident, I’d never read anything more than a few short articles. This memoir is well-written, enthralling and, above all, points to Jesus. I will definitely be checking out some of her other books. Five stars here!
When I picked this book up, I had been in a funk. I wasn’t wanting to digest heavier reading. So I went with The Widows of Malabar Hill. It fun with just the right amount of suspense, reminiscent of a Hercule Poirot mystery. This fiction novel was set in 1920’s India, and I learned a lot about Muslim life. It looks like this might be a series. Not sure if I’ll pick up another one anytime soon. My “to-read” list is extraordinarily long, and… well… life.
If you or someone you know has dealt with childhood abuse, this book is a must-read. It obviously focuses on sexual abuse, but the general principles can be applied to other situations as well. The book was really difficult for me to digest, but it was important for me to work through it. I’ve always felt a little scared about entering the deep and painful waters to help others who have dealt with abuse. Am I really qualified? What do I say? How can I truly help someone who feels like she’s drowning? I finished this book realizing that it’s not about having all the answers tied up in a nice package. Choosing to “be there,” to offer His truth in those dark and terrifying moments, is what is needed. After all, I’m not the one who does the life change – that’s left for the Savior.
Say what you will, but I’m a sucker for a Francine Rivers novel. Honestly, I haven’t read many of her books, but the few that I’ve devoured haven’t spent much time on my nightstand. Definitely enjoyed this work, which is actually based on the story of a real-life graffiti artist turned Christian. I know that many think these novels to be cheesy and romantic, but I enjoy seeing how Rivers weaves her message of faith throughout the pages of each book. A great read, in my opinion!
That’s it, folks! My Goodreads goal is to hit 20 books this coming year. Excited to see what all there is to learn in 2020! See ya next year!
This month, I finished The God Ask, another required read for Freedom missionaries. This was a fantastic book – just wish I could’ve read it when we first started raising support! Even after 7 years on the mission field, I definitely benefited from hearing the ideas presented here. It’s so important to view support-raising with God’s perspectives in mind. All money is the Lord’s! Looking to Him first and foremost is the only way to approach this otherwise intimidating process. I was reminded yet again how blessed our family is to have such a great team of people behind us!
This young adult piece of historical fiction was fantastic! I learned about another part of WW2 that I was unfamiliar with: the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff. Crazy to think that more people died in this maritime tragedy than in the sinking of the Titanic. I absolutely loved the subtle character crossover with Between Shades of Gray, and I enjoyed the various first-person narratives. Heartbreaking, well-written, and addictive. I was a fan!
Discipling Nations is a newly required read for Freedom team members. I worked through it on my Kindle, but I think I’d prefer it in paperback. There are charts, footnotes, and graphics that I would’ve liked to reference a little more easily. Miller essentially unpacks the big-picture concept that a person’s ideas have consequences. There are good study questions at the end of each chapter. Overall, I think it helped me more clearly articulate a general overview of different worldview systems.
We’re still working through this book together as a small group, but I finished early. Several of the chapters were extremely convicting and thought-provoking. I underlined a ton. The chapters on suffering, waiting, and contentment were particularly timely for me. It’ll be a good one to revisit in the future.
Tackled a couple more Stink Moody books at bedtime with the kids. Again, not my favorite series in the world, but the boys are learning lots about English – as well as ways not to treat your siblings/friends. Hah. The boy humor definitely keeps them more engaged. I’ll be excited to get into some other (classic) read-alouds as the years go by.
This was a phenomenal work of historical fiction! I learned about a part of WWII that I don’t ever remember focusing on. Very emotional to follow this displaced family who was forced to leave their precious Lithuania for cold and brutal Siberia. For me, its ending was abrupt, especially since I loved the characters so.
I ran across this book while I was browsing Goodreads a few weeks ago and bought it on a whim. This issue of raising grateful children is one that’s been on my heart for the last few months. I want my three sweet kiddos to grow up really thankful for their many blessings – to exchange selfish attitudes for selfless mindsets and actions. Honestly, I feel like the writing was a bit haphazard. There weren’t any earth-shattering concepts in it. But I’m glad I read it, because it made me slow down and think more intentionally about what our family can do to combat this problem. One Amazon reviewer hit the nail on the head when he said, “The issue is real but the book needs polishing.”
The Mitcheners 