2016 Reading Challenge - January Update

Due to the nature of our work and lifestyle, Luke and I spend ALOT of time together. Probably more than the average couple. Eating, sleeping, playing, and working are mostly done together. One of the unexpected challenges of spending so much time can actually be finding new and exciting things to talk about, or just things in general. One antidote that we have discovered for this dilemma is reading. It gives us interesting things to share and discuss with each other.

​Luke has always been a reader. After finishing his master’s he even stated, “I am so excited to be able to read the things that I want to read now!” I have always liked the idea of reading, but if a book has an introduction AND a preface, there is little chance I will make it to the first chapter. However, every once in a while I do come across a great book that I can’t put down. 

This year, in hopes to make reading more of a habit, we decided to try the 2016 Tim Challies Reading Challenge. I was a bit skeptical at first. We are experts at starting things we don't finish. But after one month I think I’m hooked. We are planning to conquer the entire list, so we worrying about going in order. Here is our progress so far. Luke is orange and I am teal.

Julie
Fit to Burst by Rachel Jankovic (Christian Living) - Easy-to-read, entertaining, encouraging and exhorting! I most appreciated her comments on the relationship between grace and discipline. 

Whats your Worldview by James Anderson (A Book about Worldview) - This is a very broad book highlighting the key points of many different worldviews. Presented in a pretty fun way, it has you hopping around to different pages based on your answers to ultimately see the logical progression of your beliefs. However, there weren't any surprises. I was hoping the questions would be a little sneakier and harder to answer.

Crazy Busy by Kevin D. Young (ECPA Book Award) - This is the first book I've read by him, and I could relate to most of his stories, also being raised as a Christian kid in the 90s. I read this during a surprisingly slow month, so it actually encouraged me in my service to others and motivated me to be a little more productive with my free time.

Amy Carmichael: Beauty for Ashes by Ian H. Murray (Banner of Truth) - This was a condensed biography of Amy Carmichael. It was good, but left me wanting to read a more detailed account of her life, or maybe one of her books. 

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling (Book about Magic) - I wanted to read this because I know my 7 year old will be ready to read it in another year or two. It was a fun book that I finished off in a few days. I wouldn't mind finding another category to fit in the second book.

Luke
Do More Better by Tim Challies (Book about Productivity) - I was greatly helped by the practical, hands-on steps to organizing my life. But even greater was the motivation behind productivity, which is to glorify God by doing good for others.

How to Exasperate Your Wife by Doug Wilson (A Great Cover) - An engaging and humorous book for husbands. This biggest takeaway for me was to allow my wife to really manage the home and see myself as the honored guest..

​Through the Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot (Book about a Martyr) - Of course we've all heard the story, but I was greatly impacted by reading this first hand account, These men truly understood what the gospel asks of us. The 1996 epilogue was absolutely amazing.

Sex, Romance and the Glory of God by CJ Mahaney (Book by a Conference Speaker) - Do you really want me to share much about this one? ; )

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