Hello friends! Has your 2017 been off to an amazing start so far?
I read something the other day that I completely agree with–this year will be what you make of it. Don’t be defined by the things that happen in your life. Don’t let one bad thing erase a million good things. Don’t sit around and wait for things to happen to you. Have a positive attitude, take action, take control of your year!
One of the things I’m working on this year is to take better care of myself and that includes spending more time on me. Reading is something that I love but has taken the back seat the past several years so I’m excited to be putting a focus on that again.
Today I’m sharing three books with you that I have read over the past couple of months. They are all inspirational, but in very different ways. I loved reading all of these and I truly think that if you haven’t read them yet, you really should! Some links contain affiliates, all opinions are completely my own.
The Magnolia Story
To be honest, I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this book. Of course I’ve heard a ton about Chip and Joanna and their obsession with shiplap, but we don’t have any television other than our basic channels so I’d only seen snippets of Fixer Upper at other people’s houses. However, after hearing how great The Magnolia Story was I decided to pick it up and I’m so glad.
Not only is this a fun read because it’s written from both of their perspectives, but it also goes pretty quickly. I was also surprised by how inspired I was while reading the book, I definitely hadn’t expected that. From the way they are in their marriage, to how Joanna approaches motherhood, to how they’ve built their many businesses against all odds, I was left feeling inspired to be a more understanding wife, a more fun mother, and to reach higher for my dreams.
My Story
I remember well when the Elizabeth Smart abduction was unfolding and I’d been wanting to read My Story for awhile but I kept putting it off. I was just afraid that it would be too intense and I’d finish reading it feeling completely hollow and depressed. When I finally read it I was completely shocked at how uplifting and inspiring this book was. Not only was it written very well–painting a picture of what life was like for her without being too graphic–but I couldn’t put it down.
I read it cover to cover in less than 24 hours and the whole time I was just blown away by her never-ending faith and her knowledge that she is a child of God. Believe it or not, after I finished My Story I had a renewed faith that God loves us and never leaves us; this book was truly incredible.
In Due Time
When you face trials, you can find joy in the truth that God is always with you and that you trials will prove the “genuineness of your faith.”
In Due Time is a little bit different because it’s a 60-day devotional. Each day there is a focus for the day and gives a scripture and an action for you to apply each idea to your own life. I love how the author, Caroline Harries, weaves her own testimony in with scripture and doctrinal truths of God’s love for us. The short snippet for each day makes it perfect to read in the morning, and then review again at the end of the day. I also chose to read two days at a time so I could complete the devotional in 30 days rather than 60.
You might have a hard time putting personal desires aside and praying in alignment with his will, esepically if you aren’t sure what his will is. If you are struggling in that area, know that God’s will is his Word. When you spend timein scripture, God will reveal his will to you.
I’m so excited that Caroline has graciously offered to giveaway a copy of In Due Time to one of my readers! And since her book makes such a great gift for loved ones who might be struggling or waiting on the Lord in their own lives, she’s also offering my readers a 10% discount on her website, just use the code littledove10 at checkout!
Now I’m excited to be participating in What We’re Reading Wednesday–a monthly link party to showcase what you’ve been reading, what your kids are reading, or what you’d like to read! If it’s text on a page (or screen) we want to know about it! Link up you blog post and then check out some of the other posts to get ideas for what to read next!
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