What’s On Your Nightstand?

My nightstand actually is a bookcase (a small one, but, still…).  The funny thing is, I rarely read in bed.  But, for some reason, that is where my current reading list lives.

 

So, when I first saw this meme, from 5 Minutes for Books, a few months ago, I was eager to participate.  But, it was not an option at the time, as I was in the process of (carefully) placing every book I owned into one of many boxes.  Reading moved to the very bottom of the priority list.  And, since we have been here, I am sad to say that it has continued to take a backseat to the multitude of little details like unpacking, organizing, cleaning, and finding my way to the grocery store!

 

But, this month it comes at a great time as I am very ready for some sort of routine, and this may be just the push I need to start getting some semblance of normalcy back into our daily lives!

 

**But first, a little disclaimer – Most of these books are still on my “to be read” list.  Some I have started, and others I am looking forward to getting into over the next few days (as time allows).  Although some (not all) of them come highly recommended, and from trusted sources, please do not look at this post as a blanket recommendation.  At this point, I can only recommend the 2 books that I have read in their entirety (the Bible – of course! – and One with a Shepherd, by Mary Somerville).   As I read through this list, I plan to post a review of each book.  I’ll share my thoughts, opinions, and recommendations then.**  

 

Okay, now on to the list…The books that are currently on my nightstand:

 

 

 

The Bible (ESV):  I have recently been working through a list that I created this summer while doing the 90-day Bible reading plan.  (Each time I came to something I didn’t understand, wanted to know more about, or just wanted to study at a slower pace, I made a note.  By the end of 90 days, I had quite a list of word studies, topical studies, and character studies that I wanted to tackle.)  It has been great, but, I recently (as in this afternoon) came upon a new reading/study plan that I am anxious to look into, and maybe try out.  It seems to be similar to a plan I have used previously, but perhaps a little easier to implement and keep up…More to come on that. 

 

Lord I Want To Know You, by Kay Arthur: This is a recent addition to my reading list.  I joined the women’s Bible study group at my new church, and they have been studying this book on the names of God.  They have already been at it for several months, so, I just jumped in somewhere in the middle.  But, I do like to keep things neat and tidy in my little brain, so along with studying with the group, I have also been playing catch-up, and started with chapter 1.  In the first few pages, Kay Arthur sets the tone for the book by saying, “In biblical times a name represented a person’s character.  God’s name represents His character, His attributes, His nature.  To know His name is to know Him.” (pg. 3)  While each name of God (and chapter) does in some sense stand alone, I think each concept builds upon the previous.  Understanding the names of God in the order that they are given can give us a deeper (better) understanding of God’s character and attributes. 

 

Passionate Housewives Desperate for God, by Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald:  I just started this one on Friday.  I am only a few chapters in, but I am already so impressed with this book!  These ladies’ definitely have a biblical view of what it means to be a godly wife, mother, homemaker…and woman.  Their response to today’s pop-psychology, self-help, glamorized, Hollywood version of what “fulfilling womanhood” looks like, is bold, direct, and straight from the pages of God’s Word!  If it continues in this fashion (and I have no reason to doubt that it will), I am excited to read the rest of it!

 

Family Religion, by Matthew Henry:  I picked this up on my last trip to the Archives, with Jason and my dad.  The subtitle is “Principles for raising a godly family.”  This is a collection of Matthew Henry’s writings on “the practice and foundation of religion in the family.” (pg. II)  Perhaps it sounds cliché for a pastor’s wife to be reading a book about raising a godly family, and if so, well then so be it.  But, no one is immune to the influences and pressures of this world.  Too often the stories are told of children who were raised in the church by godly parents, then rebelling walking away from the church and their “faith.”  PK’s (Pastor’s Kids) are almost notorious for this scenario.  Pastor’s wife or not, pastor’s kid(s) or not, I want to raise a godly family.  I want my daughter growing up knowing God’s Word, and loving her Savior…Simply because that is what He has called her to do, and not because it is what mommy and daddy have told her to do.  I am excited to get started on this one! 

 

The Bible & The Closet, by Thomas Watson and Samuel Lee:  (This book is another Archives find.)  I love the Puritans.  I love the way they think through an issue so completely and so biblically.  In most Puritan writing, it is not about personal preferences or opinions.  It is about one question – What does the Bible say about this issue?  This is actually 2 books in one: How We May Read the Scriptures with the Most Spiritual Profit, by Thomas Watson, and Secret Prayer Successfully Managed, by Samuel Lee.  I love reading and studying the Word, and find it easy to make time to do so.  But, I find that prayer is an area where I often struggle.  But, easy or not, both are disciplines in which I want to grow and improve.  I believe they go hand in hand.  So, I was glad to see them addressed together in this book.  I had not heard of Samuel Lee until I picked up this book, but I have read Thomas Watson, so I am not expecting an “easy read” (in any sense of the word), but I am anticipating a good read.

 

Family Driven Faith, by Voddie Baucham, Jr.:  I picked this up for many of the same reasons as I did Matthew Henry’s book above.  I have heard Voddie Baucham’s name mentioned repeatedly in some of the homeschooling blogs I frequent, and this book comes highly recommended by Donald Whitney as a practical and theologically sound help for parents.  And, again, it was the subtitle that caught my attention – “Doing what it takes to raise sons and daughters who walk with God.”  What parent wouldn’t be willing to do whatever it takes to see their children walk with God?  I am excited to get started, and see what wisdom he has to offer!

 

One with a Shepherd, by Mary Somerville:  This is a re-read for me.  I originally picked it up early last year when my husband began seriously candidating for pastoral positions.  When going into new situations, I like to know what I am getting into.  As we went through the interview process with a few churches, I greatly appreciated her insights and wisdom on the emotional burdens, privileges, and priorities that come with being a pastor’s wife – and living out that role of wife and mommy in the proverbial fishbowl.  I had intended to read it again, before we moved into this little fishbowl we now call home, but for various reasons (none of them particularly good) that did not happen.  So, now that I am officially a pastor’s wife (scary thought!), I am reading it again.  And, I am fairly sure this book will be on my reading list at least once a year – for as long as the Lord allows us to be in ministry!

 

So, that is what I am reading…If you would like to participate, or see what others are reading, check out What’s On Your Nightstand? (If you choose to participate, please leave me a comment – I would love to see what you are reading!!  And maybe add to my own list!)