the library & a must-read

If you've read any of my previous posts, or know me personally, you know I love to read. As a little girl, (& still today) Beauty and the Beast was quite possibly my favorite Disney movie simply because I felt that Belle and I were kindred spirits with our love for books and reading. I have to admit that I am also partial to Cinderella. And Ariel. And Aurora. Ok, I love all of the Disney Princesses. But, especially Belle. One of my favorite parts of the whole movie is when the Beast gives Belle the library. It is breathtaking. Y'all know what I'm talking about right!? 

via pinterest

I realize that a library, especially of this magnitude, is not realistic or practical but it is still fun to pretend right!? Since a ginormous library will most likely definitely not make the cut in any home we buy, I am perfectly content with filling bookshelves and even decorating with the books that we (& our family members) have collected over the years. Along with reading the books, I enjoy displaying them. I love the different colors, shapes, sizes, and typography. 

Since reading is something I really enjoy doing in my free time, I thought it might be fun to make a new series or section of my blog called "The Library." In this section, I plan to include a running list of books that I hope to read as well as reviews (of sorts) of books that I have recently finished. That way, I can remember what I have read and also what is next on my list! I always enjoy reading reviews and I hope you do too. I downloaded the "goodreads" app back in the summer but I have not been consistent with keeping my list updated. I am thinking the blog will be a better way to consolidate that information. I love hearing back from readers, so if you have any must-reads, please let me know! I would love for this to be interactive, let me know your thoughts and feelings on the the books and share what you learned! 

I could not wait to post about the book I have recently read. I have heard nothing but wonderful things about the book from close friends and even total strangers. When one of my sister-friends, Violet sent me the book in the mail, I excitedly put it in my stack of books to read. Not long after, in an email conversation with the lovely Katie at Katie O'Keefe Blog, she also raved about the book. It was one of those moments when I knew God was telling me to take the hint! I finally picked up Love Does by Bob Goff this weekend and y'all, you must read it. It is one of those life changing, eye opening books. Seriously, it is. Bob has mastered the art of discovering a secretly incredible life in an ordinary world. The reason behind it all: love. The selfless, engaged kind of love that takes action, or does. From pursuing his wife to giving a friend with cancer a dream vacation, Bob gives glimpses into his life of love in action in each meaningful chapter. Not only that, he ties each lesson in with Scripture. I laughed out loud (literally) while reading some chapters and shed several tears while reading others. I really enjoyed the beginning of each chapter because he included a phrase that followed the pattern of "I used to think (fill in the blank), but now I know (blank)." Each one is so packed with truth. I had to write them down. One of my favorites--however, it was difficult to narrow down a favorite out of 31--is "I used to think there were some prisons you couldn't escape, but now I know there's no place I can go where God can't rescue us." Each one is just as amazing. Bob credits these paradigm shifts 100% to following Jesus and it is so evident in the "doing" described in his writing. I could share quote after quote that spoke to me so deeply, but then I would have re-typed 99% of the book. So read it for yourselves!  

God's timing never ceases to amaze me. He blows my mind on the daily. This book was recommended to me weeks ago. Just last week I began the study of the book of James with She Reads Truth. This week the verse to meditate on was verse 22 of the first chapter which reads: 

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."

How perfect is that timing? Only He could do that. Only He could time it that I begin a book entitled Love Does and then give a verse in a study that commands that we be doers of the Word. I get chills every time I think about it. My prayer is that I take this lesson to heart and put it into action. I pray this for you as well. 

I'm so looking forward to sharing more books in "The Library" the future! I may also give reviews of some books I have read in the past as well. One that you will for sure be hearing about is called The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace, which I am currently reading with my dear friend Kirby. Oh the knowledge we are gaining as young wives from this practical, Biblically based book! Can't wait to share! Also, be sure to check out her blog! Sister. Can. Write. Plus, she knows about all things agriculture, professional, and Southern. I know you'll love her! 

I hope y'all enjoy The Library! Come back anytime!

Let's be doers of the Word and show the world that love does. 

Have a wonderful day, y'all!