Hosting the Presence by Bill Johnson
Christians believe that when they are saved, they receive the Holy Spirit. So what do we mean when we say filled with the Spirit? How can one be more filled than another? Bill Johnson explores what it means to be filled and why some Christians walk in the miraculous. He teaches his readers to be someone the Holy Spirit would desire to rest on, and how to pay attention to and respond to Him. This was an interesting book to wrestle with. At times, I wholeheartedly agreed with Johnson. Other times, I felt that he was greatly reaching to make a point. I'm not really sure how I feel about this book. I wouldn't recommend it for a new believer. But if you're someone who's been following the Lord for a while, and want to know more about revival culture, this would be a good place to start.
One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Carley Connors has always only had her mom to depend on. But when her new stepfather lands them both in the hospital, she begins to question the only relationship that felt solid. Moving in with a foster family, the Murphys, Carley sees what it would be like to live a more stable life. As time goes on, she hopes to find a place in this new family. As a former foster mom, I've had this book on my reading list for a while. One for the Murphys is a gentle introduction to the hard topic of foster care and finding a family. However, it is an honest look into the fact that family life isn't always pretty. Knowing a few adopted kiddos, I would recommend this book with caution. It could easily bring up some hard memories, and parents should be available for discussion.
C.S. Lewis: Christian Heroes Then and Now
by Janet & Geoff Benge
We love the Chronicles of Narnia series so this was a good chance to learn more about the author. C.S. Lewis' life was one full of ups and downs. While he's well known for the Narnia books, there was so much to his life, writings, and journey with the Lord. It was a life marked with success and tragedy, and deep fullfilling relationships. I think the thing that marked me most was Lewis' resilience in the face of an unknown future. He lived during an tumultuous time in history and still retained a sense of choosing right and loving those around him. A great read for Lewis' fans.
10 Gifts of Wisdom by Sally Clarkson
Sally Clarkson is always such an inspiration for parents. This quick read covers 10+ gifts we can give to our kids as we raise them. These gifts include hospitality, relationships, and reading. Focused on character training, 10 Gifts of Wisdom is filled with personal examples and practical advice in raising individuals with character. Great for parents of any schooling type, this book is a short read, but deep and rich. Would make a great a gift for new parents.
Anne of Windy Poplars by L.M. Montgomery
I'm still continuing in the Anne series. My daughter calls this one "the book of letters." Windy Poplars covers the three years that Anne and Gilbert are separated while she's teaching and he's pursuing becoming a doctor. The story follows all the crazy antics and relationships that Anne gets involved in and is broken up by letters to her beloved Gilbert. Absolutely hilarious. I'm reminded just how silly and life can be.
Our Homeschool Read Alouds:
A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck
This is an annual read for us. The third in the Mrs. Dowdel series, A Season of Gifts is my favorite. It follows the new pastor's family and how they're settling into a small town, living next down to the town's most well-known character. Mrs. Dowdel "don't neighbor" and yet finds herself giving gifts to this family, just not the type found under the tree. This has quickly become my favorite Christmas read aloud.
The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson
Hobo Armand is happy and content with life. Until he finds himself unofficially adopted by the Calcet children... and from then on, his whole life is turned upside down. As their new "grandfather," Armand helps them find a safe place for their family and does his best to create happy times for the kids. It's a story of kindness, magic, and finding family where we least expect it.
What are you reading?
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