What's on my side table? (Episode 2)

It's been a productive day here at the old casa. Pilates class this morning, then a trip to the grocery store with my little buddy, baked a loaf of banana bread, 2 loads of laundry, a few chapters of a new book, and a little veg-out time on the couch watching one of the greatest movies ever (Music & Lyrics) (obviously). And now a blog! What a day.

I've blown through a few other books, so I thought it was a good time to update the "Whats on My Side Table?" series. You can check out the first installment here. Since then, things are looking a little different, only because I've added a few new books to the pile.

Here's what you'll currently find on my side table:
To Be Read:

1. Kisses From Katie by Katie Davis (currently reading)
2. Passion: The Bright Light of Glory by Louie Giglio & others
3. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
4. Divergent by Veronica Roth
5. Insurgent (same author)
6. Allegiant (same author) (still got that Pampers reward sticker on it)
7. A Million Little Ways by Emily P. Freeman
8. A Billion Reasons Why by Kristen Billerbeck

On the iPad (to be read also)

1. Believing God by Beth Moore
2. Jesus: the One and Only by Beth Moore
3. When Godly People do Ungodly Things by Beth Moore
4. Praying God's Word by Beth Moore
5. The Explicit Gospel by Matt Chandler
6. What Did You Expect? by Paul David Tripp
7. Crazy People by Jennifer Cruse

And The Finished Ones!

1. Feathers from my Nest by Beth Moore. Let me be the first to say that *GASP* I'm not always so enchanted by Beth Moore. Don't misunderstand me-- I think she is a gifted speaker and leader. I think the Lord has used her mightily. I've done many of her Bible studies, read a few of her books, and heard her speak several times. She just isn't at the top of my favorites list. (love you Beth. Don't take it personally.) THAT BEING SAID.... this book is incredible. It's not like her "typical" books or Bible studies, but rather, it's a collection of stories which all revolve around she and her children. It's not a parenting book, yet it's about being a parent. It's not a Bible study/theology based book, and yet I found myself relating SO strongly to the little nuggets of truth woven into each chapter. I'd strongly suggest this book if you're a mom, if you love Jesus, or if you love Beth Moore. Final Grade: A
2. Grace-Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel. This was also a fantastic read. After feeling a little disappointed by Bringing Up Boys last month, this book really filled my need for practical application. I would highly recommend it to any parent. It has changed the way I approach situations with Isaac, and ideally, it will change the way I parent him altogether. There is one portion of scripture that really has nothing to do with parenting which I will study further on my own time, but aside from that, I am totally on board with Dr. Kimmel and the assertions he makes. Final Grade: A+
3. Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman. I also got in an additional read through Gods at War, so you'll notice that in the picture. I feel like I've already said so much about G@W, so I'll skip that today. Not a Fan is very very similar to Gods at War. It's written in the same lighthearted tone that makes it such an easy/quick read. It's also still full of Biblical truths and personal application. Not only does G@W and Not a Fan share these traits, but they also share a lot of the same material. It's almost like G@W was a more thorough follow-up to Not a Fan. Despite all this, they aren't exactly the same, and Not a Fan looks hard at whether or not you are just a fan (aka: Enthusiastic Admirer) or a follower of Christ. Still a great book and worthy of digging into. Final Grade: B+

I am already into Kisses from Katie and have been so impressed by the words from this young woman. I look forward to reading more of her story. Maybe after KFK and Passion, I'll finally get to Gone Girl and the Divergent trilogy. But seeing as how I was predicting those to be the next reads 3 books ago, who knows where my reading moments will take me next.

Adios muchachas! (and muchachos)