1 Thessalonians 4:11
I am so excited to announce that our March book club will be Anne of Green Gables!! I think we are probably all a little tired of dreary weather. We can all use Anne Shirley’s sunny outlook on life. I can’t wait to read this with you! It has been SO long since I picked this one up. I hope that you will join and read along!
“It’s been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.”
I’ve been trying to wrap my mind around the beautiful words and ideas in this book. It was the perfect way to start off the new year– full of inspiration for how to make our homes special and full of love and Jesus for our families.
As I’ve said before, I’ve always loved “home design” and creating beautiful spaces. But, I always thought it was a bad thing to want my house to be pretty and cozy. I had never before thought of God DESIGNING the earth– not REALLY thought about it. To think about the beautiful garden that he created for Adam and Eve to live in. How could we ever look around at the beauty around us and not believe that God loves beauty. The trees are beautiful. The veins on a leaf are such a beautiful design. Look closely at a flower. It’s all beautiful, and it was all crafted by the hand of God!
I think that my favorite quote was: “When someone once asked me just what it was that my parents did that made me believe in God, without even thinking I said, ‘I think it was French toast on Sunday mornings and coffee and Celtic music and discussions and candlelight on the evenings . . .’ Because in those moments I tasted and saw the goodness of God in a way I couldn’t ignore.” – Sarah
Wow. If I can cultivate a home culture that makes it so my children can’t help but believe that God is real… it’s just incredible to think about. If my home can feel so inviting and people know that they are welcome here, then I’ve done something right.
“If you want your children to grow up loving what is true, beautiful, and good, your whole home should reflect that wholeness.” Sarah. I want my home to reflect the goodness of God. I want it to be a quiet place where we can meet God in prayer and study scripture. I want it to be the place where we feel less busy and overwhelmed. This should be the place where we can “think on these things”.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8
This book left me feeling so inspired and encouraged to stay the course with my children. Our home life is going to point them to Jesus or make them turn away. It’s not all about beautiful THINGS. Our attitudes, traditions, etc. should share the love of God.
Since the book is divided into two parts– the second being focused on each month of the year– I plan to re-read each month. Hopefully it will keep me inspired, and possibly give me some ideas if I feel “stuck”.
Now, it is your turn! If you read the book with us, or have read it in the past, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
What was your favorite quote or passage? Why?
How did this book make you feel?
Do you agree or disagree with the main focus of the book?
What aspects of this story can you relate to?
If you haven’t already read The Life Giving Home, I can’t recommend it enough! Also, don’t forget about February’s book The Magnolia Story!
Hi, friends!
Tomorrow, I’m going to post the discussion for our January book club. Please remember to comment on the actual blog post (at the bottom of the page) instead of on facebook, etc. That way everyone can join in discussing.
I wanted to share the book we will be reading for February so that you have plenty of time to purchase or request it. I REALLY struggled with choosing a book. I thought about doing some sort of relationship book with Valentine’s Day coming up. But, ultimately decided to go in a different direction.
February tends to be when the motivation and inspiration of a new year start to wear off. I decided to choose another inspiring and motivating book to keep the momentum going!
The Magnolia Story is one of my favorite reads. I love Chip and Joanna Gaines, and have for many years. This book chronicles their lives and the story of how hard they worked to get where they are now.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that this book is all about design or home renovation. Their story gave me hope during a very dark time in our lives. Re-visiting it has reminded me of how God can take your mess and turn it into something beautiful.
I hope that you join us next month! You can request the book at your library, using one of the many reading/audiobook apps out there, or purchase it.
Several years ago, I won a big giveaway with Sarah Mae. One of the prizes was Ann Voskamp’s Unwrapping the Greatest Gift book. (Also, the adult version was a prize and is so good.) The girls and I have been reading each day’s devotion in the morning. It has been a great way to set an intention for the day. It has given the kids something to chew on through the day, and also gives them a task to complete. If you have children, I highly recommend getting Unwrapping the Greatest Gift and doing it each year with your children.
I’ve been thinking a lot about intention. I want to be an intentional wife and mother. I want to be intentional in what I bring to the table in all that I do. I believe that deep down, we all do. I want all that I do to glorify Christ, and that starts with being intentional. I want to slow down and enjoy it all. To study your Bible each day, it takes being intentional with your time. It’s easy to say “not today” and skip it.
I asked a couple weeks ago if anyone would be interested in doing a book club with me. I’m going to try it out for the month of January and see how it goes. Along with the theme of intention, I was very intentional with my January book choice. January’s book is going to be The Life Giving Home by Sally and Sarah Clarkson. Request your copy from the library or purchase your own so you can highlight and make notes.
“There is good news waiting for you in the pages of The Lifegiving Home. Every day of your family’s life can be as special and important to you as it already is to God. In this unique book designed to help your family enjoy and celebrate every month of the year together, you’ll discover the secrets of a life-giving home from a mother who created one and her daughter who was raised in it: popular authors Sally and Sarah Clarkson. Together they offer a rich treasure of wise advice, spiritual principles, and practical suggestions. You’ll embark on a new path to creating special memories for your children; establishing home-building and God-centered traditions; and cultivating an environment in which your family will flourish.”
Not every month will be a non-fiction book, but I think this is a great choice to start the year. Even if you have already read it, I would love for you to discuss along with us! Please do so in the blog comments so that others can join in– versus on the facebook post where they get lost. If you have a book suggestion, please share!
**Sally also has a book called Unwrapping Wonder coming out in August of 2020. You can pre-order it now.
