Read This!

Three of my favorite books:

Christ the Lord - Out of Egypt
by Anne Rice
Knopf Canada
This novel is Anne's first foray out of the Vampire world and into writing within her new faith in Jesus Christ. This book is so well researched (check out the Author's Note at the end of the book). Rice not only has faith in the Triune God but has as much a passion for evangelicalism as the academia of theological study. Accuracy in her research is her passion and strength. Her novel is one of the most compelling and insightful books I have read. A nice change to the "Christian" novels that either play on people's fears and lack of education (endtimes fascination etc.), or the schmultzy romance novels cloaked as Christian virtue.

The Mitford Series
by Jan Karon
Penguin Paperback
The strangest premises can often lead to the best stories. These books follow the life of an older Episcopalian (American version of Anglican) priest and his life in a small town called Mitford. Doesn't sound too compelling but believe me they are so much fun to read. The characters in these books are fabulous and the story lines are very entertaining and endearing. Not your typical Christian novels. Believe it or not my husband's (an Anglican priest) bishop has read them through several times and has encouraged my husband to do so as well. Finally, he has started to read them as well. They provide a fun insight into the life of a priest, and the people he serves.

Families Where Grace Is In Place
by Jeff VanVonderen
Bethany House Publishers
I thought this book was just about how to treat my kids with respect. But it is really about how not to control anyone in your family, kids and spouse. One of the most important things I learned from this book, as far as raising children is concerned, is that I must understand where the kids are developmentally and then empower them to "do their job".
As examples, one of a 2 year old's jobs is to say "no";. one of a 3 year old's jobs is to ask "why". So a parent's job is to encourage a strong "no" now in the 2 year old by giving them choices, so that when they are older they will be able to set clear boundaries for themselves and for the 3 year old to answer their (sometimes endless) questions! This is just one example of the great insights that VanVonderen gives parents to build a grace-filled relationship with their kids.

Happy Reading!