What I’m Reading

I slacked a little lately on blogging about books I’m reading, so here’s an update!

In case you don’t remember, at the beginning of the year I was selected for a year-long commitment to have first access to several Christian fiction books published by WaterBrook & Multnomah. I’ve read 2 so far and hopefully the 3rd book is on the way!

I was pumped to learn last Friday that I was chosen for another launch team for Beautifully Interrupted, Teresa S. Anderson’s first book. She is a fellow adoptive mom (4 Ethiopian beauties and 2 biological sons). I have followed her on social media for several years and was super excited to be chosen.  She has some extra goodies available if you preorder her book:
http://www.teresaswanstromanderson.com/beautifully-interrupted

For more information on my upcoming book club reads:

Where the Fire Falls by Karen Barnett (available 6/5/18)
Here is the link for a sneak peek:
https://www.facebook.com/waterbrookmultnomahfiction/posts/1597359126968298

Beautifully Interrupted by Teresa Swanstrom Anderson (available 5/15/18)
Here is the link for her book trailer:
https://www.facebook.com/teresaswanstromanderson/videos/1764213423672338/


Do you enjoy reading and wish you could be part of a book club but have a schedule like mine that doesn’t leave much room for getting together to discuss a book? Online book clubs are a solution to my scheduling issues, but one I tried the past wasn’t a good fit. I was home from church this morning with a sick child and stumbled upon another and the topic caught my eye: HOSPITALITY

I almost chose “hospitality” for my word of the year last year, but frankly the topic scared me. As an introvert, natural planner, and full-time working mom of 5 children, the idea of opening my home to others is uncomfortable to say the least. My house is always a wreck, and I’m rarely prepared to host others, particularly without a LOT of advance notice. But I can acknowledge the Biblical mandate (see Romans 12:13) and importance in witnessing to others through opening one’s home. I admit that I enjoy fellowshipping with others on the rare occasion that we do have someone over. So maybe it’s time for me to step outside my comfort zone (seems like that is a key to growth in relationship with God) and learn how to be a better host.

If this sounds like an interesting topic to you as well, check out the Just Open the Door Book Club, hosted by (in)courage. The book is Just Open the Door: How One Invitation Can Change a Generation by Jen Schmidt. It is free to join, but you will need a copy of the book to follow along. The first chapter is available to download free if you plan to purchase a paper copy. The official start date is April 30, but it’s not hard to jump in later if you need. Here is the link for more information:
http://www.incourage.me/2018/04/join-just-open-door-book-club.html

See the “2018 Books” tab on my blog to see what books I’m currently reading and my thoughts on books I’ve read already this year. Also, check out my last blog post about Simon and his name. I’ve posted about all my children except our most recent addition, Annie. Hers is coming soon!