For a little while now I’ve been trying to maintain a reading regimen. I try to study through two or three books each month. There have been a few reasons why I’ve found this to be a valuable effort – first, it helps me grow my ability to cook healthy and nourishing meals, to be better steward, and most importantly to grow in godliness and Christlikeness. I think it will be fun to use a bit of space on the blog each month to review some of the books I’m reading. Of course, while I don’t necessarily endorse all things written or said by the authors, I have been encouraged by these books and they all come recommended to me. I hope you will share with me your recommendations, too! I hope you will share with me your recommendations, too!

Letters on Christian Education

Unlike what you might deduce from the title, this great read is a 19th century parenting book, not a home education book. It is a compilation of letters written from an experienced mother to a younger mother seeking to train her children for the glory of God. This little lost treasure is a wonder of instruction and encouragement for any parent! Here’s a quote from the first letter addressing the eternal significance of child training:“If you were aware of the high trust deposited in you when you received into your arms your firstborn infant, yet trembling with fear for the future, to say, ‘O that this child might live before Thee.'”

Let Me be a Woman

I have read many Elizabeth Elliot books over the years, and I finally got my hands on this gem. This book is a collection of letters from the author to her daughter who is about to get married. The short letters are brimming with wisdom. Every woman will find this book to be truly inspiring and eye opening concerning some of the world’s lies we might believe. It was difficult to pick a single quote that would give an accurate sample of the book because Elizabeth Elliot covers many significant womanly interests, so here are a few:

“The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of Christian, but the fact that I am a Christian does make me a different kind of woman.”

“I believe a woman, in order to be a good wife, must be (among other things) both sensual and maternal.”

“The way you keep your house, the way you organize your time, the care you take in your personal appearance, the things you spend your money on, all speak loudly about what you believe. The beauty of thy peace shines forth in an ordered life. A disordered life speaks loudly of disorder in the soul.”

with love. Damaris