The books by my bed

*2006 post*

For the rest of the week we'll be on vacation to visit some very dear friends in Indiana! I thought it would be fitting to post an entry on books, as I always hope to get some extra reading done when I'm on vacation. Of course, with three small children on the airplane I do realize that it is probably pointless to pack any books in my carry-on! :)

I am an avid reader. I usually have about 4-5 books going at one time. Of those 4-5 books, one is usually a novel, one is a book on homeschooling or raising/training children, one is a book to encourage me in my faith, and the other is a book regarding a current interest/hobby.

I thought I'd share what's on my bookshelf (which resides right next to my bed). Currently, I'm reading:

Magdalene by Angela Hunt
(I generally really like Angela Hunt's books, but this one hasn't been my favorite.)

Teach Them Diligently: How to Use the Scriptures in Child Training by Lou Priolo
This is an excellent book. I'm only in 40 pages, but already I've been underlining and marking up the pages. Here's an excerpt from the first chapter:

Since the bulk of this book has to do with the practical use of the Bible, please permit me to ask you a few tough questions about the extent to which you minister the Word to your children.

-How well do you know the Scriptures yourself?
-How often do you refer to the Bible in the course of normal conversation with your children?
-How adept are you at teaching and relating the Scriptures to them in everyday life?

There are a few more questions in his list, but you get the point. Challenging and encouraging!

Experiencing Prayer with Jesus: The Power of His Presence and Example by Henry & Norman Blackaby
Also an excellent book, and probably one of the most insightful books I've read on prayer. From the introduction:

While there are many wonderful examples of prayer and passages on prayer throughout the Scriptures, we know of no better model and demonstration of what the heavenly Father desires for our prayer life than the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. And at this critical time in history, we don't need simply "more prayer" from God's people; we need specifically the kind of praying exemplified in the life of Christ. Therefore we'll be focusing especially in these pages on closely observing our Savior in prayer.

This book has been so refreshing. I heard Henry Blackaby speak on the radio a few months back and I was so encouraged by the few words he said that I purposed to read what he's written. He is best known for his Experiencing God book and devotional.

The other two books I currently have by my bed are The Riddle of Amish Culture by Donald B. Kraybill (because I've always been intrigued by the Amish), and The Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn (which I picked up for very cheap at a thrift store). But in truth, I haven't read enough of either one to comment.

So, what are the books by your bed?