Tuesday, February 06, 2007

The Best Time to Read

When this icy-cold weather blows in, it doesn't take much to keep me in with a good book! I've been thinking about reading lately, and how people make time for it (it can easily be swept away, unless you are full-time student and your job is simply to read. . . read: Josh). I guess I'm thinking about this because even though my responsibility schedule is wiped quite a bit cleaner than it used to be, I am actually finding less time to read books.

This may be due to the excessive time I spend blogging and e-mailing (I just miss my friends, that's why!) or because our new apartment is so tiny I spend way more time making it just so. However, I have been able to find the time to read my Bible every day, as well as pour over one of my booklist books each night before bed. Josh and I are both big bedtime readers. In fact, I can probably count on one hand how many nights we've actually slept with all the li
ghts off, because we usually fall asleep reading, and one of us just takes the other one's glasses off! :)

Click here to read when the Mahaney family reads together -- I just love it! Please tell me what you are reading, how much you like it, and when you find the best time to read!

Finally -- here is the sign hanging on the back door of the bookstore where I work. It says "Just the knowledge that a good book is awaiting one at the end of a long day makes that day happier." Is that not the truth??

15 comments:

periwinkita said...

You read girltalk blogs?!? They have some really good stuff on there. Have you ever read their posts on modesty? If you haven't read them you should. They're really good.

Gretchen said...

I must admit, I only check it out from time to time, but I really like it. I am in no way a faithful reader!

Johannis, you did not answer my question! And you, of all people . . .I KNOW you're reading something!

Name: Karen said...

My husband works nights. He has for 7 of the last 9 years. So...that means he leaves home at 9:30 and my kids go to bed usually within that 1/2 hour of him leaving. Now, couple that with I am a TERRIBLE night owl...what do you have...? A wee hours of the morning reader. I usually read from 11-2 a.m.

What am I reading now? Which one? I have a few.

Of Plymouth Plantation: We are starting a unit in TOG (Tapestry of Grace) on Colonial America. This was a book that piqued my interest.

The Race Set Before Us: A Biblical Theology of Perseverance and Assurance-- By Thomas Schreiner and Ardel Caneday (I think Schreiner is a prof at Southern & Ardel is my dads 1st cousin)

Sweet Land of Liberty by Charles Coffin

The Hidden Smile of God: John Piper

A God Entranced Vision of All Things: John Piper and Justin Taylor

Anonymous said...

After reading a couple of homeschooling books this year, I needed a change of pace and am currently reading Jesus in Beijing. The book contains a lot of history about how Christianity first came to China and also profiles several modern day patriarchs, uncles and aunts of the Christian movement in China today.

I'm not a history buff, so some of the details are a bit much for me, but I really enjoy reading the testimonies of Chinese Christians and their zeal for the Lord amid persecution.

I mostly read at night, after the kids go to bed.

Anonymous said...

I wanted to ask you about books by Elisabeth Elliott, as I've never read her books but they sound wonderful. Which book would you recommend I read first?

Display Name said...

Don't worry, I don't share Terry's view... on the creation week or on anything else. It's funny you mention it, though, cause Dr. Ware brought that up in class today (the creation week, not the fact that I disagree with Terry). He doesn't believe the seven days were literal days, either, and he seemed kind of irritated when I argued against him. Unfortunately, I have a feeling that's another issue on which I hold the minority view around here. But then again, I guess I should worry if too many people agree with me.

Stephanie said...

Yeah I made a moment post! (Although, I am shocked and amazed that sitting on top of Kathy's bed pretending we were Jasmine and Aladdin - singing "A whole new world" your freshman year didn't make it...come on - honorable mention, right? :)
Good books - I really love Maeve Binchy books! Loved "A Copper Beech". I find that I love to read when my kids are playing in the room - I can read and keep an eye on them at the same time. I used to LOVE to read at night in bed - but Gary doesn't go for that so I have to admit I'm a little jealous of you and Josh's night time tradition. Oh, and I lost my first library book in all of my 32 years. And do you know what it was... THOMAS THE TRAIN!!! Augh - I can't find where those kids put that book! So I owe $15 - how embarrassing...

GloryandGrace said...

"unless you are full-time student and your job is simply to read. . . read: Josh)." You could throw me in there as well! :)

I honestly squeeze in whatever time I can to read. Although the reading for my classes is excellent, I do still make it a point to have one or two other books on the side. I've found that biographies are good for my stewardship/sanctification, so I've been enjoying More Love to Thee by Elizabeth Prentiss' husband. I find that the wee hours of the night, just before I'm ready to turn out the lights, I rest easier if I read just before closing my eyes. I've also been reading bits here and there of Suffering and the Sovereignty of God by John Piper.

I'm interested to hear more about the books you're reading and how they are each impacting you. I hope you're having a good week, friend!

Anonymous said...

I have been trying to read all the books you had pick out as your favoites before you left. Winn Dixie, Tale of Despereaux, Bridge to Terabithia, and my favorite by far Each little bird that sings. I cry thru that one. I did get side tracked by a new book I discovered 17 Things I'm not allowed to do anymore This is got to be the funnest picture book ever. My favorite is when she staples her brothers hair to the pillow and he's walking around with it on his head. You'll have to try and find it and check it out. I also just got off the phone with Duffy. He's setting us up with all new stuff and giving stuff to us. Talk to you soon keep reading kids books.

Gretchen said...

Hindto -- you use Tapestrys?? What a GREAT curriculum! We'll have to discuss that sometime!

Morning Rose -- I'd be so happy to share with you about Elisabeth Elliot. Maybe I'll do a post about her, but in the meantime, I recommend "A Path Through Suffering" as one of her best, as well as "Shadow of the Almighty" which is a biography of her husband. You can't miss with her!

Kev -- I'm glad to hear it. Will you come to the "Comfort Food Thursday" party? You don't have to bring anything, you know!

Steph -- reference memory #30. That magic carpet ride was all part and parcel to that experience! :)

Grace -- I think I am going to join the book club on Girl Talk per your influence.

Jule -- I know, don't you just LOVE "Each little Bird"? I am going to push for our carrying it at the bookstore. And tell Mal I finished "Ophelia" and now I'm rereading Hamlet. It was really good! Does she want it back?

GloryandGrace said...

Would you be interested in going to the Pie Kitchen anytime soon?

Mandy said...

I finished Eragon a while ago, and ordered Eldest on ebay. It comes out in paperback in March, but I couldn't wait that long!
Unfortunately it took like 2 weeks for them to ship it to me...(bad ebay-ers!) so I just started it.
PS: I saw the movie (Eragon)...not good, compared to the book anyway.

Kelley said...

Hey! I actually finished a book last week! That makes two this year! :) Avi's The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. I thought it was good.

sara said...

I love to come home and know I have a good book waiting too! I HATE it when I get to the end and feel like I am saying good-bye to a friend that has been with me for a few days!

I have not read any great books lately. Our trips to the library have been a bit caotic- finding and getting used to new libraries etc. So I have just been able to grab a few. i am reading one by Davis Bunn right now- Elixer. it is OK, but I need a Good book to read by the fire. I have read some good books by Lynn Austin and as ALWAYS Randy Alcorn is my favorite. Oh and I am reading a book by Elise Fitzgerald- Idols of the Heart.

Sorry this is long- I am passing the time on the treadmill!!!!

Gretchen said...

Grace -- sounds pretty yummy!

Mandy -- Eldest is WAY better than Eragon. Um, I guess if you wanted it faster you should have bought it at the Blue Kangaroo! HELLO! :) I will probably see you on Saturday, I'll be around for the day. Hope we can catch up.

Kelley -- I read that this summer. Wait, did that make my list of 2006 books? maybe it was last summer. . . I liked it alot!

Sara -- Idols of the heart is on my 2007 list! My friend Christen said it was super good!