Food for Thought ~ Reading List

I’m a firm believer in the fact that what goes in, also comes out. I feel like what we read and watch affects our entire mindset and world-view.

My mother worked hard to provide me with good wholesome books that were age appropriate for me. They went a long ways towards shaping me into the woman I now am.I

As a young adult, I had far more freedom in choosing the books I read, and sad to say I didn’t always choose the best books. However, like a child raised on fruits and veggies, the sweets only held appeal for a short time.

I still enjoy a good novel, but my reading times are far more limited and I tend to select books that offer good food for thought. I’ve read a few really good books lately and wanted to share them with you.

Disclaimer: My food for thought reading list contains affiliate links which help support this site at no cost to you.

Books that Offer Food for Thought:

Sun Stand Still by: Steven Furtick

Steven asks this question: What happens when you dare to ask God for the Impossible?

In this book that will challenge you and inspire you to a deeper faith, Steven talks about the famous “Sun Stand Still” prayer of Joshua. He challenges you to find your own sun stand still prayer. To realize that with God nothing is impossible and that dream you gave up, may be what God is calling you to.

I’m not quite through the book yet, but I’m really enjoying it. I’ve been very challenged by it and have found myself asking God what he want to do with my life.

Available in audible, audio CD paper back, or kindle on Amazon. There is a 40 day devotional you can purchase with this book. I do not have the devotional, yet anyway. 🙂

Raising Christians, Not Just Children by: Florence Littauer

This is an older book that was given to me by my grandma.

I enjoyed reading it as the author likens a raising children to a putting on a play. You have your cast, and your script, adding comedy and allowing for tragedy.

There was a strong focus on understanding the personality of your cast members. Since I really enjoy figuring out what makes people “tick” this was an interesting read as I learned how to relate to different personalities that show up in children.

A better understanding of family members offers a more harmonious family.

The book can be purchased from 3rd party members on Amazon, but I imagine you could easily find it at a used book store for a better price.

No Greater Joy by Mike Pearl

Please don’t join the lynch mob before reading the rest of this. 🙂

My parents went to a No Greater Joy seminar when we were very young. I’m thinking I was about 9. I remember thinking Mike was hilarious and also thinking that if my mom and dad did what he said, they wouldn’t get so mad at us. (Typical child, it never occurred to me that they got made because we didn’t listen well lol).

Daddy and Mother talked to Mike a bit after the seminar and I remember him joking and talking with my brothers and I. He treated us with respect and didn’t talk “down” to us, as is common for adult to do with children. As a result I really liked him.

As an older teen, I read his books and was again struck by the sense in them. Instead of giving a child multiple warnings and becoming increasingly frustrated until grabbing a switch and angrily “disciplining” the child, Mike explains training.

This involves sitting with the child and setting up training sessions. Similar to a lamb or tender plant, you cannot yank, jerk or hit, instead you must lovingly guide and train.

Later, when you know the child understands what they are being asked to do and they fail to listen; Mike advocates immediate action. Ask once, if the child fails to listen, incorporate whatever punishment you’ve decided to use for the child, be it time-out or a swat to the bottom.

I don’t like the idea of becoming angry with a child so his advice makes sense. No asking and feeling like I’m talking to a wall, but helping the child carry-out what they’ve been asked to do.

I consider their book good reads and I know I’m the minority. Regardless, I’m thankful for the understanding he has given this hot-headed momma towards staying calm and loving towards the children that are in my care.

*Regarding the claims that children abused to the point of death by following advice in those books: No-where did I read anything that remotely advocated treating children the ways those parents(?) treated theirs. They were horrible people who tried to pass the blame.

Books offering Food for Thought to Bloggers:

15 Success Traits of Pro-Bloggers by Jonathan Milligan

If you want to take your blog to the next level, and/or wish to be a full-time blogger, this book is a great read!

I’m still reading this book and I’ve been working on it for almost a month. Not that it’s a long read by any means, but it’s a good read. I keep going back and rereading parts as I’m working on implementing them in my blogging routine.

Probably my favorite take away from the book so far is asking myself one question each morning. It also works well with my personality and keeping me on track with my goals instead of continually getting side-tracked.

You can purchase the Kindle version on Amazon.

How to Grow on Twitter for Bloggers by Nathan Engels

I’ve always been a little confused where Twitter was concerned. I had followers, but so many of them came from giveaways which meant they weren’t necessarily real followers.

I would go by spells. Spend a ton of time trying to figure things out, get nowhere and then seriously consider just giving up and deleting my account.

I really cannot say enough about this book. Seriously. I now spend about 5 minutes a day on my Twitter strategy and I’ve grown more in less than a week than I previously would in an entire month. Even better? They are real followers who want to see what I share.

The e-book is available here.

Some Fun Reading:

Not Amish books, but Old German Baptist. 🙂

I still enjoy novels and other light reading. Most recently I’ve enjoyed a few novels from a writer in our church. Many of her characters are Old German Baptist (like we are) which makes for interesting reading.

Most of her writing is right on target with how we live, while a bit seems slightly “off”. I’m guessing that is a generational difference more than anything. But you could definitely learn a bit about our lifestyle and beliefs. Other than that, they are very interesting books.

I have to admit to reading at the dinner table a couple of times because I was at an interesting part of the story. 🙂

Find all Sharon Lavy’s books on Amazon in both paper and kindle format.

So there you have it. My current reading offering lots of food for thought.

Oh yes, I should also mention the Word of God. That right there is the best reading ever and how I like to start my day!

What books are you reading that offers food for thought?