I LOVE New Books!

I only go to the bookstore a few times per year, because I LOVE buying books.  I love reading them too; but it is always exciting to go shopping to see what new books the Lord might prompt me to buy.


I went to the bookstore yesterday on the way home from Hosanna's track meet.  There were 4 reasons that prompted me to go yesterday ...


#1  Lindsey was working last night, so I thought we would surprise her with a quick "hello".  Yea, right ... "quick" and bookstore shopping do NOT go together in my vocabulary.


#2  I had a 25% off coupon that expires in a couple of weeks.


#3  I had 3 birthdays, 1 graduation, and Father's Day coming up in the next month, which is always a good reason to shop at the bookstore.


#4  I read 2 blog posts yesterday morning that "happened" to recommend the same book.  So, I had to see what it was all about.  Yes ... I bought it.


Let me tell you what I bought; and you tell me if you have read any of them.  No, I am not going to tell you about the presents that I bought.  My children and husband do read my blog, you know.


#1  Radical by David Platt  *  This is the one that was recommended by the 2 blog posts this morning.  Looks really good!


In Radical, David Platt challenges you to consider with an open heart how we have manipulated the gospel to fit our cultural preferences.  He shows what Jesus actually said about being his disciple - then invites you to believe and obey what you have heard.  And he tells the dramatic story of what is happening as a "successful" suburban church decides to get serious about the gospel according to Jesus.


#2  Red Letters by Tom Davis  *  Another one recommended by multiple blog posts.


The gospel wasn't only meant to be read - it was meant to be lived.  From the HIV crisis in Africa to a single abused and lonely child in Russia, the church must seize the opportunity to serve with a radical, reckless abandon.  Tom Davis offers both challenge and encouragement to get involved in an increasingly interconnected, desperate modern world.


#3  You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes by Lisa McKay  *  I always need a little fun reading, alongside the "how to be a better Christian" stuff.


When most women think of a "pastor's wife", one of two images come to mind:  either a woman who's so holy she doesn't seem human, or someone sentenced to a life without fun, fashion, or friends.  Lisa McKay understands the challenges of a life lived before a congregation.  You will feel an instant sisterhood with her as she shares the struggles and joys of "doing the ministry-wife thing" ... You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes is an utterly honest, charmingly witty, and biblically insightful guide for every minister's wife who wants to serve the church and support her husband without losing herself along the way.


#4  Decorating Without Fear by Sharon Hanb-Robie  *  Dreaming of buying a new house makes me dream of decorating a new house.  So, I thought I would put a bit of substance to my dreams.  


Even if you don't know Chippendale from Neoclassic, or chintz from damask, you can follow Sharon's step-by-step process to achieve the look you want.  "interior design style today is less about rules", Sharon writes, "and more about personalization and creating unique spaces that make sense for you and your family and the way you want to live."




Side note: The young ones and I are going out to the island for a couple of days this week, and Papa and I are going to be looking at a few houses with a realtor.  The houses we will be looking at range from a mobile home on 1 acre ... to a 2800 sq. ft. house on a hill with a beautiful view of Fisherman's Bay ... to a medium sized log house in the woods ... to a small but beautiful brand new house in the woods ... to a 2300 sq. ft. 1970's house on 24 acres.   We have no idea what the Lord would have for us, but we want to look ... see ... dream ... and pray for wisdom and direction.  Papa has two part time job possibilities that, when added to our pastoral salary, would double our income; thus making it possible to afford any of these houses.  Please pray with us about the job possibilities.  At this time it appears that our church cannot afford a full-time pastor.  Sad.  But reality for us right now.