I love to read and generally  have one or two books going at any one time.  Lately, though, between books I've been given and books I have bought it's getting  a little ridiculous - even for me.

Here's what I is in my reading basket currently and hoping to get through this Fall(in addition to my daily devotion Praying throught the Bible in One Year by Cheri Fuller.  It has taken me way over a year, but I'm getting closer to having actually reading through the whole Bible).  I also try to pick out another pleasure book when we are at the library so that the kids see me picking out fun reading too:

One with a Shepherd:  The Tears and Triumphs of a Ministry Marriage by Mary Somerville.  Mrs. Somerville is now a professor's wife at BW's seminary after being a pastor's wife for 35 years and I have had the privilege of hearing her speak.  I really can't wait to get into this one.  I am told it is a must for any pastor's wife.

Loving God with all Your Mind by Elizabeth George.  I started this last night and couldn't put it down.  This is a great book for anyone who struggles with depression, anxiety or worry as she teaches you how to to train your thoughts and take every thought captive. 

Teach Them Diligently:  How to use the Scriptures in Child Training by Lou Priolo.  Haven't started this one yet, but it looks awesome. 

Everyday Talk:  Talking Freely and Naturally about God with your Children by John A. Younts.  This book has helped to remind me that I can lead my kids into a greater awareness of the presence and glory of God in the things we do everyday, not just during scheduled "devotion" time.

Shepherding a Child's Heart by Ted Tripp which I refer to all the time.  I'm in the middle of reading it for the third time and I always gain added insight when I read it.

9 Marks of a Healthy Church by Mark Dever.   This book is an assigned book for one of BW's Pastoral Ministry classes that I picked up one day and couldn't put down.  Dever explains what expository preaching is and why it is so vital for the church today.

Seeking God:  How to develop an intimate, spiritual relationship by Richard Mayhue.  This is another one of BW's assigned books.  I started reading it because Mrs. "B" Mayhue is my group leader in my seminary wives discipleship, but have continued reading it because of the great wisdom in this book.

A Christain Leader's Guide to Leading with Love by Alexander Strauch.   This was given to BW and all the seminary students in the past week.  It provides an understanding of what the Bible teaches about love to help ministry leaders improve relational skills, diminish conflict, etc. 

Redeeming Love:  A Novel by Francine Rivers.  This was lent to me by a good friend who said that it is such a fun novel to read.  It's a retelling of the book of Hosea in novel form.  Haven't started reading it because she warned it's a page turner and I know that life is going to get in the way of turning the pages!

10 Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health by Don Whitney.  I don't actually have this one yet, but have been told that my seminary wives group will be going through it together in the next month or so. 

Attributes of God by Arthur W. Pink.  This one has been on my sidebar practically since I started my blog and I am determined to get through it one of these days. It was given to me by our Fellowship Pastor and it seems that everywhere I turn someone is recommending it to me.  It was written in the early part of the 20th century by a man much more intelligent than myself and his style of writing is way over my head in some cases.  I may need to go through this one with BW so he can translate it for me. 

I am often asked how I find time to read while homeschooling, housework and supporting a husband and 4 kids(and a ministry at some point).  To be honest, I'm not totally sure myself.  In fact, this is one of the reasons I have so many books piling up on me!!!!!!!!  I take little opportunities while the kids are watching a movie or napping, at night before bed, while taking care of "business" in the bathroom, etc.  I am also hoping once I have more than just one child reading to schedule a time of silent reading for an hour or so in our day.  I want the kids to see that we as parents read for pleasure and hopefully help them to find pleasure in it too.

-J