Reading Rainbow

1.  Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ by Dallas Willard

Long recommended by John Eldredge, I was happy to finally read a full book by Dallas Willard (the textbook for my Spiritual Formation class).  *This one is  actually a free download on Audible - highly recommend it for anyone seeking to grow in their walk with God!

QUOTE:  “Truly becoming one who wills above all to act with the kingdom of God and to have His kind of goodness… is not as far away as many would suppose... The renovation of the heart, putting on the character of Christ, is the unfailing key.  It will provide for human life all the blessing that money, talent, education, and good fortune in this world cannot begin to supply."

2.  How to Age Disgracefully, a novel by Clare Pooley

A fascinating group of strangers gradually become friends and band together to save their community center.  Another book with rich, multi-generational friendships and quirky plot twists and people who move from victim mentality to standing up for themselves as they develop healthy friendships... yes, please!  Love Clare Pooley and all three of her books thus far!!

QUOTE:  “I prefer my friends to have experience, wisdom, and a few guilty secrets.” ~Daphne

3.  Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance

An enthralling memoir about our Vice President-Elect's difficult childhood and inspiring early adult life (*language warning, for the record).  From being raised in a very dysfunctional family system to joining the Marine Corps (my favorite section - very transformational) to meeting his wife at Yale, a number of factors would indicate that God was preparing him for a leadership role.  His background gives him a well-rounded, calm confidence and a unique ability to relate to people from many walks of life, so I'm praying he can offer discreet wisdom to our more egocentric leaders and be a voice of unity in a divided country.  He is my age, which seems especially crazy, and he has overcome a great deal to be where he is today.  His political trajectory has been rapid, and I hope/pray he continues to grow and learn and move forward with dignity!

QUOTE:  “Though he was a Captain, eight pay grades higher than I was, because of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, there was no ready replacement when he got the ax.  For the next nine months, until my service ended, I would be the Media Relations Officer for one of the largest military bases on the East Coast... We discussed how to build relationships with the press, how to stay on message, how to manage my time.  I got better, and the experience taught me a valuable lesson: that I could do it.  I could speak clearly and confidently with TV cameras shoved in my face.  I could stand in a room with Majors, Colonels, and Generals and hold my own.  I could do a Captain's job, even when I feared I couldn't.  For all of my grandma's efforts, the message had only partially set in before I enlisted.  Surrounding me was another message - that I and the people like me weren't good enough.  That the reason Middletown produced zero Ivy League graduates was some genetic or character defect.  I couldn't possibly see how destructive that mentality was until I escaped it.  The Marine Corps replaced it with something else, something that loathes excuses...  In the Marines, giving it your all was a way of life.  I'm not saying ability doesn't matter.  It certainly helps.  But there is something powerful about realizing that you've undersold yourself - that somehow, your mind confused lack of effort for nobility.  This is why whenever people ask me what I'd most like to change about the white working class, I say: 'The feeling that our choices don't matter.'  The Marine Corps excised that feeling like a surgeon does a tumor." ❤

4.  Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health by Casey Means, M.D.

Amy from CCU recommended this one.  The author's mother died of pancreatic cancer, and she is writing about the value of healthy lifestyle choices to prevent and reverse medical problems.  Her theology is off, but her health advice is solid and has a lot of heart behind it.  Among other things, this book inspired me to learn about my lab numbers and to purchase and wear a CGM (continual glucose monitor) for a couple of months to learn how specific food choices, stress levels, and sleep schedule affect my blood sugar and how much small changes (like a 5-10 minute post-meal walk) make a positive impact!

Quote:  “I deeply respect doctors, but I want to be very clear on something: at every hospital in the United States, many doctors are doing the wrong things, pushing pills and interventions when an ultra-aggressive stance on diet and behavior would do far more for the patient in front of them.”

5.  How to Grow Your Small Business: A 6-Step Plan to Help Your Business Take Off by Donald Miller

Not super applicable right now, but one that I will definitely come back to if ever I choose to branch out and start my own practice.  I wholeheartedly trust Don's business advice and appreciate that he sets out very clear steps to follow!

QUOTE:  “Until you professionalize your operation, its potential is limited.  The amount of money you make and your ability to have a positive impact on the world will be limited."

6.  Master the Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide for Women by Ali Nolan

A book by an Olympic female runner for all female runners, beginners and experts alike.  She covers training plans, the importance of nutrition and strength training, avoiding injuries, choosing the best marathon for you, recovering well, and building up your mental resilience.  It was motivating and practical, and it made me feel determined to *finish* this goal I set way back in 2012!

Quote:  “Women shouldn't follow the exact same training regimen as men. We need programs tailored to our bodies - to our unique strengths and weaknesses... My hope is that this book will guide you through the entire marathon process... Give yourself time. This is a process that will affect your whole life and will result in positive change, if you let it."

Thankful for each of these books and what I've learned from them.  And very thankful for Audible making it possible for me to read over 30 books so far this year!!

❤ ❤ ❤