Hi Linda! As per usual I am late to this party. :) I have read one of Leslie's other books on "The Emotionally Destructive Marriage." I thought for sure I had both but must have loaned it to someone (I have go to stop doing that without writing down a name). Even though the others are not my cup of tea, thanks for the recommendations.
Yes, The Emotionally Destructive Marriage is excellent. Leslie offers greatly needed online biblically based resources for women (and men) who are in unhealthy, destructive marriages. I am such a fan of her work.
Hi. I'm brand new here. I love all of the recommendations! I'm an avid reader but haven't had much time this year or really the last few, due to my own health issues and caregiving for my mom who is 90. It's good and I'm glad I can do it but it can be exhausting and time consuming. I've felt guilty lately because even my devotional time often seems to take a back seat. I've got The Lives We Actually Have and Start With Hello on my nightstand. Hoping I can start them soon.
Kay, hi! I'm so glad you've found us. Welcome! I well remember those days of caregiving and understand how exhausting yet rewarding this no-regrets labor of love can be. Kate Bowler is a fine companion for these journeys. Thanks for sharing what's on your nightstand.
Looking forward getting to know you in the days ahead. You've made my evening!
I love to seek the Lord at all hours of the day and night, too Linda, although I love my morning time wiht Jesus. It is just so special to sip my hot black coffee, study the Word, and journal when I have time, as well as participate in an online bible study community. But, as long as we are seeking Him, it shouldn't be a discipline, rather a need, as you said. It's a deep communing with Him that is present with me always! Thank you for all the great reads, I definitely have a list I need to get to!
Marilyn, in sitting with what you've written the words of Jeremiah 29:13 came to mind - 'You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.' You said it so well, this relationship with the Lord is a deep communing with Him that is always present. I'm so grateful He invites us to be creative in the process of nurturing our love for Him.
It makes me feel so much better when I hear that I'm not the only one who struggles at times to maintain a meaningful devotion time. I'm afraid I've been limping along a bit, and then this past week a friend recommended The First 5 app (which is kind of funny considering you mentioned First 15 ... maybe I can work my way up to that, haha!). I've been using it in the morning for the past few days and it feels like a helpful change of direction for now. I'm sure devotion time will keep evolving!
Can't wait to read Kendra Adachi's new book ... keeping an eye on the CLAMS system to see if one of the libraries orders it so I can get on the holds list!
Welcome back, Lauren. It's so good to see you here again. You're right, our devotional times keep evolving, shifting, and changing. They should never be the same-old, same-old. We love and serve a creative God and I can't help but thinks He takes joy in seeing our walk with Him morph and grow, step by step as we continue on our journey.
CLAMS lets you request books to be purchased. https://info.clamsnet.org/ - scroll down to bottom of page for the link. I hope it works for you!
These all sound great . I am looking for some good ones to download to my kindle right now for an upcoming road trip so will check them out. Thanks for a great list!
Always love hearing about good books. Some you shared about here are dear friends (Aren't good books like friends?). Especially delighted to see Margaret Feinberg in the list. It was her Writers' Boot Camp that enticed me to start my website, blog, and writing in this season. That time in Littleton, CO, that included dinner at her house cooked by her and her hubby is a precious memory.
Oh Pam, what a lovely glimpse into who you are, a precious memory for sure. And in this season, your legacy continues to be built by your faithful and very wise words. I am so honored that you've shared this wonderful memory with us this morning. I think you've made my day.
I'm impressed with how you even know what you read 30 years ago, Linda. You must keep detailed records of what you read. :) And what a lot of work you put into finding us good reads! Thank you. :) Some time ago I set my Amazon bookmark to buy through one of your links. I don't know if you have a different type of link, but my link is set to your link to The Listening Life, so I'm assuming everything I order through it helps you get a small percentage? Love and blessings to you!
Oh don't be impressed, girl! I have a little notebook to jot down titles and it's just become routine after closing the cover after the final chapter. The past few years I've added a little star by the books I think are worth sharing with others. This is helping me remember the good ones.
And yes, once you have an Amazon link from here you can use it forever! Thank you so much for your faithful support and generosity. It means a lot. You're the best.
I just bookmarked that youtube selection of music for reading/writing/studying as well as the home page of First 15. Also put a few titles on my TBR list. Next month could you please include a few extra hours in your bookbag, providing more time for all your wonderful recommendations?! Thank you!
You're cute. And yes, isn't that YouTube video wonderful? I had it on when I was writing this week. But when all is said and done, I really crave complete peace and quiet. But I know that's not everyone's preference. (I've always wondered how people can concentrate on writing in crowded coffee shops ...)
Thank you for this edition of book bag. I always look forward to your suggestions. My granddaughters and I have just begun reading Little Pilgrims Big Journey, John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress that is fully illustrated and adapted for the next generation. It is a three book edition. They are loving it, eight year old is reading it aloud to 5 year old sister and me. It is great quality time with my granddaughters. My husband and I have been reading Divine Providence written by Puritan Stephen Charnock edited for modern readers by Carolyn Whiting. Wishing you a wonderful afternoon, Linda!
Oh isn't this the best thing, having your little ones read to each other and to their granny. I absolutely love that you're savoring this experience with them. Everything else fades in comparison. These are beautiful forever memories.
So very happy for you, Pam. May this weekend give you lovely hours cuddled together.
I'm still reading Christian Wiman's Zero to the Bone. It's a heavy read and I'm taking is slow. I'm also reading a couple books of poetry (Rosemary Wahtolla Trommer's All the Honey and a collection called The Wonder of Small Things). I love reading poetry with my morning devotions, so it takes me a while to get through a book. And also, still working through Margaret Renkl's The Comfort of Crows with the seasons :).
I appreciate all the work you put into this blog today! Lots of choices, lots of historical novels and a book you read 15 years ago - The Cups of Tea - makes me want to re-read it! I had never heard the C.S. Lewis quote “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” That says everything!! With the weather getting colder, I'm ready for a few good books, to keep me from what I should be doing!
As I sit here cradling my ginormous cup of tea and nibbling on a raspberry turnover, I couldn't agree more. Let's hear it for many more cups together. You can bring the bakery goodies.
Thank you so much for your thoughts on time with God, and that it doesn’t need to follow a certain pattern all the time. You just lifted a huge load off guilt off my heart!
And your idea of reading aloud AND copying the word as you read is great. My Bible Study is starting Revelation next week, and I’m going to try that.
As to books, I have been reading commentaries on Psalm 23 this summer. Right now I’m reading “The Lord of Psalm 23” by David Gibson Prior to that I read “The Lord Is my Courage” by KC Ramsey. A special treat coming my way is Phillip Keller’s “A Shepherd Looks at the Good Shepherd.” My sister is mailing me my mother’s copy, complete with her annotations, and various goodies tucked inside. I can’t wait!
Just can’t get excited about fiction right now, and I’ve decided that’s okay.
I hear you about those guilt trips that the enemy loves to plague us with. But the Holy Spirit will continue to gently, lovingly, persistently nudge us and pull us toward the Lord and that's a whole different experience, isn't it!
Sometimes fiction is all I want. Other times, I need something spiritually uplifting, or a great big memoir. And like you said, Deb, that's quite ok.
Well you know I'm going to encourage you to 'afford the pleasure of graces that yet call' to you, friend. Be kind to yourself, even as God has been kind to you.
Linda, thanks. One interesting thing (and I mention this not to elicit pity, but in the hope that someone might find it useful) is that the metastases in my femurs make it very hard to rise from a comfy chair - they hurt! It takes me a couple of tries to get up from a hard bench, but that I can yet manage.
I can't elucidate the lesson right now, but it's there, somewhere, maybe?
Thanks for the list and music. I used to offer Leslie Vernick's book when I worked as a counselor. Great resource.
Yes, her work is superb ... and sadly, very much in need.
Hi Linda! As per usual I am late to this party. :) I have read one of Leslie's other books on "The Emotionally Destructive Marriage." I thought for sure I had both but must have loaned it to someone (I have go to stop doing that without writing down a name). Even though the others are not my cup of tea, thanks for the recommendations.
Yes, The Emotionally Destructive Marriage is excellent. Leslie offers greatly needed online biblically based resources for women (and men) who are in unhealthy, destructive marriages. I am such a fan of her work.
https://leslievernick.com/
Hi. I'm brand new here. I love all of the recommendations! I'm an avid reader but haven't had much time this year or really the last few, due to my own health issues and caregiving for my mom who is 90. It's good and I'm glad I can do it but it can be exhausting and time consuming. I've felt guilty lately because even my devotional time often seems to take a back seat. I've got The Lives We Actually Have and Start With Hello on my nightstand. Hoping I can start them soon.
Kay, hi! I'm so glad you've found us. Welcome! I well remember those days of caregiving and understand how exhausting yet rewarding this no-regrets labor of love can be. Kate Bowler is a fine companion for these journeys. Thanks for sharing what's on your nightstand.
Looking forward getting to know you in the days ahead. You've made my evening!
I love to seek the Lord at all hours of the day and night, too Linda, although I love my morning time wiht Jesus. It is just so special to sip my hot black coffee, study the Word, and journal when I have time, as well as participate in an online bible study community. But, as long as we are seeking Him, it shouldn't be a discipline, rather a need, as you said. It's a deep communing with Him that is present with me always! Thank you for all the great reads, I definitely have a list I need to get to!
Marilyn, in sitting with what you've written the words of Jeremiah 29:13 came to mind - 'You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.' You said it so well, this relationship with the Lord is a deep communing with Him that is always present. I'm so grateful He invites us to be creative in the process of nurturing our love for Him.
It makes me feel so much better when I hear that I'm not the only one who struggles at times to maintain a meaningful devotion time. I'm afraid I've been limping along a bit, and then this past week a friend recommended The First 5 app (which is kind of funny considering you mentioned First 15 ... maybe I can work my way up to that, haha!). I've been using it in the morning for the past few days and it feels like a helpful change of direction for now. I'm sure devotion time will keep evolving!
Can't wait to read Kendra Adachi's new book ... keeping an eye on the CLAMS system to see if one of the libraries orders it so I can get on the holds list!
Welcome back, Lauren. It's so good to see you here again. You're right, our devotional times keep evolving, shifting, and changing. They should never be the same-old, same-old. We love and serve a creative God and I can't help but thinks He takes joy in seeing our walk with Him morph and grow, step by step as we continue on our journey.
CLAMS lets you request books to be purchased. https://info.clamsnet.org/ - scroll down to bottom of page for the link. I hope it works for you!
These all sound great . I am looking for some good ones to download to my kindle right now for an upcoming road trip so will check them out. Thanks for a great list!
Oh I'd love to hear your choices, Jean! Happy traveling ...
Always love hearing about good books. Some you shared about here are dear friends (Aren't good books like friends?). Especially delighted to see Margaret Feinberg in the list. It was her Writers' Boot Camp that enticed me to start my website, blog, and writing in this season. That time in Littleton, CO, that included dinner at her house cooked by her and her hubby is a precious memory.
Oh Pam, what a lovely glimpse into who you are, a precious memory for sure. And in this season, your legacy continues to be built by your faithful and very wise words. I am so honored that you've shared this wonderful memory with us this morning. I think you've made my day.
ox
This is an interesting and fun list of books -- all of which have much to offer. Thanks for sharing them all!
Jeanie, thank you for dropping by, friend. Have a lovely weekend.
I love that you can consult your $1 notebook and know what you read through the decades. That's a treasure. Thank you so much for sharing my quiz! 💕
I love that quiz! And I love sending readers your way, Michelle. I hope Substack has been a perfect vehicle for Library Binding.
I'm impressed with how you even know what you read 30 years ago, Linda. You must keep detailed records of what you read. :) And what a lot of work you put into finding us good reads! Thank you. :) Some time ago I set my Amazon bookmark to buy through one of your links. I don't know if you have a different type of link, but my link is set to your link to The Listening Life, so I'm assuming everything I order through it helps you get a small percentage? Love and blessings to you!
Oh don't be impressed, girl! I have a little notebook to jot down titles and it's just become routine after closing the cover after the final chapter. The past few years I've added a little star by the books I think are worth sharing with others. This is helping me remember the good ones.
And yes, once you have an Amazon link from here you can use it forever! Thank you so much for your faithful support and generosity. It means a lot. You're the best.
I just bookmarked that youtube selection of music for reading/writing/studying as well as the home page of First 15. Also put a few titles on my TBR list. Next month could you please include a few extra hours in your bookbag, providing more time for all your wonderful recommendations?! Thank you!
You're cute. And yes, isn't that YouTube video wonderful? I had it on when I was writing this week. But when all is said and done, I really crave complete peace and quiet. But I know that's not everyone's preference. (I've always wondered how people can concentrate on writing in crowded coffee shops ...)
I agree, writing requires quiet. But I do enjoy reading, organizing, crafting, and more with peaceful music playing in the background.
Yes to peace and quiet, especially while writing! Need to hear my brain think 😉
Thank you for this edition of book bag. I always look forward to your suggestions. My granddaughters and I have just begun reading Little Pilgrims Big Journey, John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress that is fully illustrated and adapted for the next generation. It is a three book edition. They are loving it, eight year old is reading it aloud to 5 year old sister and me. It is great quality time with my granddaughters. My husband and I have been reading Divine Providence written by Puritan Stephen Charnock edited for modern readers by Carolyn Whiting. Wishing you a wonderful afternoon, Linda!
Oh isn't this the best thing, having your little ones read to each other and to their granny. I absolutely love that you're savoring this experience with them. Everything else fades in comparison. These are beautiful forever memories.
So very happy for you, Pam. May this weekend give you lovely hours cuddled together.
I always look forward to your book bag editions. It’s so fun to see what other folks are reading. I agree with Mr. Lewis, BTW, but it’s coffee for me!
I know, right? I love to get a peek at what other kindred spirits are reading. So ... what's on your night table these days, friend?
I'm still reading Christian Wiman's Zero to the Bone. It's a heavy read and I'm taking is slow. I'm also reading a couple books of poetry (Rosemary Wahtolla Trommer's All the Honey and a collection called The Wonder of Small Things). I love reading poetry with my morning devotions, so it takes me a while to get through a book. And also, still working through Margaret Renkl's The Comfort of Crows with the seasons :).
I like that idea of reading poetry in our sacred quiet times. He hears our hearts ...
I appreciate all the work you put into this blog today! Lots of choices, lots of historical novels and a book you read 15 years ago - The Cups of Tea - makes me want to re-read it! I had never heard the C.S. Lewis quote “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” That says everything!! With the weather getting colder, I'm ready for a few good books, to keep me from what I should be doing!
As I sit here cradling my ginormous cup of tea and nibbling on a raspberry turnover, I couldn't agree more. Let's hear it for many more cups together. You can bring the bakery goodies.
ox
Thank you so much for your thoughts on time with God, and that it doesn’t need to follow a certain pattern all the time. You just lifted a huge load off guilt off my heart!
And your idea of reading aloud AND copying the word as you read is great. My Bible Study is starting Revelation next week, and I’m going to try that.
As to books, I have been reading commentaries on Psalm 23 this summer. Right now I’m reading “The Lord of Psalm 23” by David Gibson Prior to that I read “The Lord Is my Courage” by KC Ramsey. A special treat coming my way is Phillip Keller’s “A Shepherd Looks at the Good Shepherd.” My sister is mailing me my mother’s copy, complete with her annotations, and various goodies tucked inside. I can’t wait!
Just can’t get excited about fiction right now, and I’ve decided that’s okay.
I hear you about those guilt trips that the enemy loves to plague us with. But the Holy Spirit will continue to gently, lovingly, persistently nudge us and pull us toward the Lord and that's a whole different experience, isn't it!
Sometimes fiction is all I want. Other times, I need something spiritually uplifting, or a great big memoir. And like you said, Deb, that's quite ok.
Happy reading this weekend.
How nice to see dear Henri Nouwen on the list, said the by-gum old-school Catholic.
***
I'd love a great big cup of tea,
laced with rum a la Jack Sparrow,
because the cancer's giving me
real bad chills down to the marrow.
I'd love a comfy easy chair,
and not a bare cold bench of wood,
but it's siren call to just stay there,
and that won't do me any good.
I'd love some books I could peruse,
and ponder at my own sweet leisure,
but life is now a burning fuse,
and I can't afford the pleasure
of graces that yet call to me,
for I must serve my ministry.
Well you know I'm going to encourage you to 'afford the pleasure of graces that yet call' to you, friend. Be kind to yourself, even as God has been kind to you.
Linda, thanks. One interesting thing (and I mention this not to elicit pity, but in the hope that someone might find it useful) is that the metastases in my femurs make it very hard to rise from a comfy chair - they hurt! It takes me a couple of tries to get up from a hard bench, but that I can yet manage.
I can't elucidate the lesson right now, but it's there, somewhere, maybe?
An upcoming post for you to write?