Whatcha Readin'?

I usually have a pile of books next to my bed or in my nightstand. Lately, it has been ultrasound or anatomy books. But, since I'm off from school for a few weeks, I got a couple of new books that are not ultrasound related.

1. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, by Peter Scazerro
2. Crazy Love, by Francis Chan

I started both books at the same time, and then decided I should stick to just one. Its hard for me, because I just want to race through them and devour them. But, I know that when I read too fast, I don't absorb what I should. So, I'm trying to get the most out of them by taking it slow.

Anyway, both of these books are Christian books about relationship with God. I felt drawn to these books because I am feeling the need to start afresh in a way with the Lord. Since my burnout experience almost three years ago, I have not served in the church on a regular basis. I volunteered twice in a small capacity, but that's it. I have needed healing, for one thing. I have also needed to just step back and look at the church, church people and God from a different perspective.

I have wanted an authentic relationship with God. Anytime I feel like I "should" have time with God, I don't do it. I have, in a way, resisted anything that is a "should" or a "check the boxes" kind of relationship with God. I have resisted doing anything, in which I started feeling like I'm a "good Christian" for, or feel some sort of obligation to do. I don't want that crap anymore. I just want Jesus. I want anything I do decide to do, to come out of what He and I have together.

Lately, and through the book I am reading, I am wanting to have alone time in quiet with the Lord. More contemplative. More just listening to Him. I think I do a lot of talking to Him, requesting, sharing, etc., and not enough listening. I also just want to be with him. And not because I should feel good about myself for having my "quiet time" on a regular basis because that's what I'm supposed to do. But, because I really want to be with Him.

So, that's what I'm reading. What are you reading?

Comments

JessicaCynthia said…
Jodi,
Some of my favorite books that I have read the last year are:
Feminine by design by Scott Brown,
Created to be his help meet by Debi Pearl and So much more by Anna Sofia Botkin and Elizabeth Botkin. I also read the book by that family with 18 kids the Duggers called 20 and counting. These have all been really good challenging and convicting books for our family over the last year. Leslie
August 19, 2009 at 9:16 PM
Anonymous said…
Tom said...I have to admit I'm not reading anything right now but I want to get the book you mentioned plus I want to read a book I saw at Borders yesterday by coach Tony Dungy. I forget the title but it's his second book. I read his first one called "Quiet Strength." It was great!

Have you heard the song by "Big Daddy Weave" called "Word of God Speak"? That's where I'm at right now, or should I say, want to be at. Check out the words and you'll see what I mean. It's kind of what you were saying about doing the Christian thing because everyone says to do it. But instead you just want to be with Him and listen to His voice. I need that. Thanks for sharing.
August 20, 2009 at 6:27 AM
Jodi said…
Interesting books you're readin' there, friends! :)
August 20, 2009 at 2:08 PM
Anonymous said…
Tom said...the book by Tony Dungy is called, "Uncommonz."

I started it today.
August 21, 2009 at 12:32 PM
Anonymous said…
Tom said...that's "Uncommon," sorry.
August 28, 2009 at 4:45 AM
Lisa (the girls' moma) said…
I'm actually reading (and I can't believe how nerdy this makes me feel) _Lunch Lessons_ by Ann Cooper and Lisa Holmes. Will I EVER get out of this phase where I worry about how picky my children are when it comes to food?

It's all about nutrition and specifically child nutrition in school lunch programs. And now I want to create big change in my schools here but I know I can't.

So, I pack their VERY SPECIFIC lunches and hope they are actually eating them and not throwing half of the lunch away.

Anyway, not exactly what you were talking about, but still!
August 29, 2009 at 7:05 AM
Jodi said…
Wow, Lisa! Let me know if you have any cool recipes to send in school lunches. it seems like my kids have the same thing every DAY. i'm sure they're bored with it.
August 30, 2009 at 3:29 PM
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