I bought a book the other week. I talk a lot about books. The reason being they have broadened my horizons, letting me see the mountains beyond.
photo by shutterhacks
I see something interesting occurring to people when it comes to books, however. Books take money to buy and time and energy to read. These things alone deter most people from making the investment.
Can I have a moment to declare something?!
Books offer wisdom, perspective, and the opportunity to learn new ways of thinking and living. Proverbs talks A LOT about gaining wisdom. Proverbs 4:7 “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” This, mind you, is only one of many, many verses on wisdom.
That is a strong sentence! Thou it cost you all you have!
Therefore, isn’t it crazy NOT to invest in books? Isn’t it crazy not to learn, create better habits of thinking, broaden your understanding of yourself and others?
Get the book! Work the extra hour if you need to. Sell your tv and use the money for a book fund! Miss a meal, but don’t miss out on gaining the wisdom that may be found there!
“The things I want to know are in books; my best friend is the man who’ll get me a book I ain’t read.” ~Abraham Lincoln
Question: What book has helped you or challenged you the most?
That is such a difficult question for me because besides the Bible which constantly challenges me, the answer changes constantly – I am always reading several books! My book shelf is overflowing and that is definitely something I budget for – I HAVE to have books – I love them!
Love it Ann!
I’m with you Claudia. The crazy thing is, with the internet and/or the library, price really shouldn’t be a concern. There are so many used book sites that sell great books at inexpensive prices. There’s no reason to not buy a great book.
48 Days To The Work You Love is the book that began to change my life. I read a copy while I worked at a bookstore. The ideas he presented drew me in and challenged me to move to something greater.
I buy most of my books used on Amazon, pick ’em up for less than $5 most of the time.
Awesome Michael. That’s a great way to get books for cheap. I’ve also found Better World Books to be a terrific source of inexpensive books.
Totally Joe!
48 days was probably our biggest life changer as well. The possibilities blew our minds!
I too love books. I’m with Joe, 48 days inspired me. I also love Barbara Winter’s, “Making a Living without a Job”. That probably started me thinking about creating multiple profit centers. I love fiction by authors such as John Grisham, Jan Karon, Nicholas Sparks, Debbie Macomber, Jason Wright, Thomas Kinkaid, Richard Paul Evans, just to name a few! I just purchased Daniel Lapin, “Thou Shalt Prosper” and plan to start that one next.
I’m just finishing up “Thou Shall Prosper.” Loving it! I think you will too. “48 Days to the Work you Love” was very influential for me too!
Cool Donna!
As Michael said, 48 days was HUGE for us as well!!
I too am in the last stretches of “Thou Shall Prosper” and it is really really awesome…
Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon has catapulted me onto a journey of being a better cook! I grew up on alot of boxed food. I believed all the labels. Now, I use food as medicine (more often) and appreciate food. I have calmed down from being a Crunchy Mamas to more balanced 🙂 It had become a religion to me. In the end I became more educated, changed and can laugh at the past.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVA-A0RqkhM&feature=youtube_gdata_player
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmwSdIc_Btw&feature=youtube_gdata_player
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2LBICPEK6w&feature=youtube_gdata_player
A Whole New Mind Why Right Brainers Will Rule the Future by Daniel H. Pink has set my mind at ease with my thirteen year old sons educational journey. I feel the world is slowly adapting to different ways of learning or just being. http://catnormoyle.com/2011/06/15/daniel-pinks-a-whole-new-mind-introduces-the-conceptual-age/
The movie 2016 has sturred an interest in politics for me. It just came out in movie theatres. I would try to listen to talk radio and could tie everything together, because it would be to specific. 2016 was able to visualy tell a story and wrapped it up with a neat little bow. It was well thought out. I can now ask more questions and look for answers concerning politics.
Parenting Teens with Love and Logic by Foster Cline, M.D. and Jim Fay is altering how I approach disciplining. I always thought if I get mad he will want to listen. Ha! That never happens. The book discusses that “the real world doesnt operate on punishment. It operates on consequences…whenever we lay something on a teenager that doesn’t happen in the real world, its a punishment and not a consequence.” Now if I can only break my bad habits.
Thats it for right now.
Jenny, I’m just curious about your comment on your 13 yr old. Is he very creative or did your homeschooling gear him more that way. I read most of Pink’s book when my girl was a toddler and it was interesting. We start homeschool on Monday with her (2nd grade) in fact and our “mentor” mentioned the creative advantages of it.
This is my third year homeschooling. Its very difficult to do anything off the beat path. If you dont have experts guiding you on whats allowed. A GOOD evaluator, “mentor” and/or other experts in the field. I think if you as a parent are naturally gifted in the arts or creativity your child will pick that up. I think the parental/environment plays a Huge role in fostering a creative spirit. I say this from watching the Becker family from a distance. Check them out on Toms blog. My son is taking a Lord of the Rings course with him and loves it!
http://www.therowhouse.org/tom-becker/
Jenny,
Hahahaha… Yes indeed, the crunchy mama videos!!! They made me laugh right out loud!
I love the variety of books you mentioned here. Looks like you are a well rounded girl! 🙂 food, brain, politics and parenting. Just need one on marriage and God and you are good to go 😉
Thanks for sharing these.
Recovering from vacay??
I didnt want to bore anyone by stating the obvious. The Bible time after time has changed me. I revert to my old ways and the Bible straightens me out. I havent finished reading it cover to cover ever, but Ive read 250 pages starting the beginning. I skipped the geneology and anything similiar for historians and kept to the Drama! Story after story is similar to todays issues, but much more gory (is that how you spell it?)
Anyways, Love Languages and Boundaries are also good books for marriage and relationships.
hahahahahahhhaaa!! Indeed… and I can just picture you saying that with lots of DRAMA in your voice as well! 😉
ooohh LOVE Boundaries and love languages! I bet you would love “The Noticer” 🙂
and I added Pink’s book to our shopping cart in Amazon so I am sure to remember! Looks great!
Jenny, that parenting book sounds great! And, you keep referencing Daniel Pink’s book. I got to get my hands on that!
Any book recommendations for parenting a toddler? 🙂
When Jude gets a little older I’d try “Dont Make Me Count to Three!” by Ginger Plowman (you can borrow mine). It discusses heart-oriented discipline. As I look through it now I could use it still…
Here is an overview.
http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=27131
As far as Pink’s book, I have been trying to get you two to read it! Outliers is also a good book for how to prepare for an opportunity to be the next Steve Jobs or the Beetles. Thats a great read.
Come check out my little library. Maybe Ill let you two check one out 🙂
do I need a library card? 😉
Oh, I had gotten Outliers out as an audio book but didn’t get to listen before it was due. I’ll have to try again…
Right now I am close to finishing “Thou Shall Prosper” and “The Magic of Thinking Big” one audio and one regular book. Loving them both!
Jenny, that sounds great! I’ll check out your library next time we’re out there. Do you have Pink’s book for us to borrow? Maybe you could bring it to the next gathering.
I started Outliers a little while ago, but set it down.
Will do…I just have to remember to bring it! Ahh
Just read your link to Pink’s book. Thanks for sharing that. That stuff is right up Claudia’s alley!
I can hear ole Jim Rohn saying “Miss a meaaaal, but don’t miss a booooooook!” I love that guy so much!
Seems like the best book is always the last one I’ve read! Wild at Heart was pivotal for me years ago as a man.
I do too Michael!!! Can’t forget that voice 🙂
Donald Miller’s “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years” has been very inspiring and timely for us in terms of living a better story. I just got his workbook, “Storyline,” a few days ago. It wasn’t what I expected. If you’re interested in it, I’d be happy to send it your way.
Jody,
I’d have to say that book along with 48 days have been the two that propelled us toward the biggest changes in our lives.
Oh, sure, we will check it out! Thanks!
Could this post become your homemade gift for the Everett Xmas?? Its something to consider.
hmmmm… I’m confused. Oh, do you mean give a book as a present??