I am the first to admit that I don’t read as much as I probably should. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy digging into a good book, relating to the characters, and illustrating scintillating pictures in my mind. But, I also struggle with a love (and potential addiction) to the mindless entertainment known as… screen-time.
TV/DVR. Laptop. Tablet. IPhone. Facebook. Netflix. Pinterest. YouTube. Instagram. Those are my personal weaknesses. They suck you in. I’m just thankful I’ve avoided the Candy Crush epidemic.
It’s no secret that technology is a HUGE part of our society today. However, this New Year, my husband and I have declared that we’re going to get back to our simple roots and enrich our minds through reading. (And not just on our e-readers.) We’re going to spend at least 30 minutes a day with our noses buried in a physical, paper-filled book. Feel the crisp pages on our fingertips. Smell the ink-lined pages. I think I’m even going to use one of those ancient tools called a bookmark!
Another wonderful thing about “real” books: you can pass them along and bless others with the knowledge and story brilliantly weaved throughout the pages. Here are the three titles our family currently delights in. (And each one was gifted to us by special friends and we plan to keep the cycle going when we’re through with them.)
For me: The Beauty of Broken by Elisa Morgan
The former CEO of MOPS International shares her and her family’s personal struggles of brokenness and how God uses it to shape them into His best. Such a good read!
For my spouse and me: Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
This book explains the life-circle of a woman’s deep desire to feel love from her husband while providing him with his driving need to be respected. When both are met, they are happy. A great message that every couple should discover!
For our kiddos: The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones
Brilliant illustrations and easy to understand narrative help youngsters grasp the stories. Our family absolutely loves it! Our kids beg us to read it to them everyday and it’s such a great learning tool for them. I definitely recommend!
BONUS: Dr. Seuss’s Fox in Socks
This is my absolute FAVORITE book to read aloud to my munchkins. Gotta love a gnarly tongue-twister! =)
What’s on your reading list for this year? Or what are some of your favorite books you’ve indulged in in the past?
I love that Bible and our MOPS group is starting a study based on Love And Respect that I’m looking forward to 🙂 last year I committed to reading at least one book a month and did well for several months but am now trying to get back into the habit of reading more
Hi Liz! =) What a wonderful goal of reading a book a month. I may have to borrow that idea from you! And, that’s fantastic that your MOPs group is doing a study over L&R!!! I am deeply appreciative of the wisdom poured out in the pages as it has absolutely helped me understand my relationship with my husband so much more! And YAY for Children’s Story Book Bible! Isn’t it the GREATEST!?! We have the DVD that goes along with it and I can only say great things about both!!!