I've been reading...

So, I thought you might be interested in some mini reviews of the books I've been reading... there will be more to come, because I've finally fallen back in love with books. :) I will try to add a mini review each time I finish a book... a little reward to me and you. :) I know that summer is coming soon, and you might need a good read for the pool or beach. I'm currently about halfway through another really good book, so check back soon. :)

a man worth waiting for | by jackie kendall

Jackie is also the author of the book, Lady in Waiting, if you have read that. This book was a really quick read for me (which is rare!). Jackie really captures the reader's attention as she compares and contrasts modern day "Boazes" with "Bozos". The scriptural foundation is the book of Ruth. Jackie explored several non-negotiable characteristics of a "man worth waiting for", such as emotional maturity and faithfulness, as well as practical ways to be a "woman worth waiting for". I believe this book could relate to ladies of all ages... but, it seems to apply to post-grad ladies better than most other "relationship" books I have read. It was a fresh perspective on relationships and would be great for a girls' small group study, as it has discussion questions at the end of each chapter. This was a powerful quote I took away from the book... definitely worth reading!

"It is that we find in Him, the fact of His existence and of His character, all that we can possibly want for everything. God is, must be, our answer to every question & every cry of need. If there is any lack in the One who has undertaken to save us, nothing supplementary we can do will avail to make it up; and if there is no lack in Him, then He of Himself and in Himself is enough."

-hannah whitall smith

making work at home work | by mary m. byers

I'm SO glad I read this book... I will warn you that it's definitely geared toward moms of young children. (which I'm sure I will be able to relate someday!) But, I was able to look past that aspect and apply it to my current work situation. The first half of the book focuses on "saving your sanity", while the second half of the book focuses on "preserving your profit". I felt like it was very thorough in its coverage of topics and details related to working from home. This is one of those books that you will want to read a chapter or two a day in order to implement and absorb the info... and I kept a highlighter handy the whole time. Some of the topics that were very useful to me were: negotiating deadlines, new definition of success, developing policies, life schedules, systematizing, outsourcing, retirement planning. Some information that would be useful to moms would include information about networking, childcare, and dinner planning. I would recommend this book to anyone who works from home, with or without children.

the woman of mystery | by hayley dimarco

There were may aspects of this book that seemed common sense to me or that I've grown up hearing and learning. I love the perspective of a lady who was single until age 37 and all the details of living fully in every season of life. The characteristics of a woman of mystery are related to both single and married women. After all, shouldn't the mystery always be kept alive?! ;) This was another quick read for me... that's usually the case when I read books by female authors. She did a great job of describing how to embrace life while still making comfortable room for a man in your life. This was a powerful quote I took away from the book.

"He may delay because it would not be safe to give us at once what we ask: we are not ready for it. To give ere we could truly receive, would be to destroy the very heart and hope of prayer, to cease to be our Father. The delay itself may work to bring us nearer to our help, to increase the desire, perfect the prayer, and ripen the receptive condition." -george macdonald