Monday, September 19, 2011

Books for Sheltering

Wear the old hat and buy a new book.  ~Austin Phelps


Books.  I love them.  If you've been reading my blog for long you already know that fact about me. What many of you don't know -- and I suspect many of you will be shocked is that I own a Kindle.  I know it -- hard to believe, huh?

My shoulders are happy.  I've carried more books that I want to admit, often maxing out three library cards per trip.  And, I cannot take just one book with me, even if I'm only leaving for the day.  How can I possibly choose what I will want to read two hours down the road?  So, I may have a biography, a couple self-helps, a Christian-living and a fiction all jammed into my purse. Once I was at a volleyball tournament with my purse of books and a friendly gentleman came by and wanted to know what I was reading.  He glanced over, looked in my purse and said, "You have a whole library with you."  (Another supportive friend from our school, Scott, observed the scenario -- and is probably laughing out loud while reading this.)

Back to the Kindle, I can carry 350 books in a sweet package of 8.5 ounces.   I've been known to try turning the pages of my Kindle – imagine that!  It is hard, though, to keep from buying books. Purchasing an e-book isn't quite like choosing one for the cover, the deckle cut pages, or for decorative purposes.  But, since I still think a book is the best gift ever, I continue to get joy out of wandering through the bookstore.  And I can get away with buying books -- all I just have to say is, "It's a gift."  

A sweet friend, Susan, gave me a special book for my birthday.  It's the perfect book for those who blog.  I'm loving it.  50+ Favorite Bloggers, 50+ Favorite Recipes.  I promise you won't be sorry if you order it.  Part of its "specialness" is the fact that 100% of the proceeds go to the American Red Cross.

Books are a gift.  And while reading God's Word should be the first read of the day, God has helped writers to craft books filled with words to inspire, teach and guide us in our Christian walk.  We use our creativity with books on crafting, our culinary skills on cookbooks to shelter our family and others, and our "reading voice" on children's books to teach our children about life and God.  We shelter hurting friends with books of hope and ways to cope with pain.  Ask God to guide your printed page choice for those you want to bless.


Here are a few of my favorites coupled with an idea for gift giving.


For the child in your life:


Emilie Buchwald said, "Children are made readers on the laps of their parents." I still love picture books. This one will be released on the 30th of this month: The Barber Who Wanted to Pray. I've read many of Sprouls books and I can't wait to get my hands on this one, too.
This imaginative tale from R. C. Sproul, based on a true story, begins one evening with Mr. McFarland leading family devotions. When his daughter asks him how she should pray, Mr. McFarland shares a 500-year-old story about a barber and his famous customer.
Gift idea: Pair with Toy Shave Kit or a can of mild foam shaving cream for finger painting.


To Celebrate the Season:


A Pumpkin Prayer by Amy Parker
Colorful pumpkins, crunching leaves, crisp breezes-celebrate the abundance of the harvest season through charming illustrations and sweet rhymes that are perfect for young hearts.
Pair with pumpkin seeds.

Season of Thanksgiving: A Twenty-Five Day Celebration of Gratitude by Jeffrey C. Lilienthal  
Season of Thanksgiving is a 25-day interactive devotional book for families, couples, or singles with or without children. Each day contains a scripture reference, devotional vignette, discussion questions, optional children's activity, prayer, and action step. Season of Thanksgiving is designed to help individuals cultivate an attitude and lifestyle of thankfulness while deepening relationships with those both inside and outside the family.
Pair with a blooming mum or leaf cookie cutter set 


For the Craft-loving Friend


Embroidery with Ann Estelle & Friends by Mary Engelbreit
Use easy embroidery stitches on tea towels, a basket liner, and a baby blanket. Give extra depth to some of the designs--such as the tote bags and framed pieces--by adding appliques or colored markers. You'll also find instructions to sew two aprons and a curtain.
 Gift Idea: Pair with a handful of embroidery thread and a pack of embroidery needles.





For a Hurting Friend

One Year Book of Hope by Nancy Guthrie
Critically acclaimed author Nancy Guthrie offers insightful daily reflections based on the Word of God to comfort, encourage, and uplift those who are feeling the aches of life—whether it's because of everyday disappointments or deep losses. Through a year's worth of thoughtful entries, the reader will learn how much God longs to lift us up, carry us through in times of difficulty and uncertainty, and give us true, lasting joy.
 Gift Idea: Pair with Willow Tree -- Hope Figurine


For a Baker Friend


Cookies for Cancer by Gretchen Holt Witt
With experience, passion, heart, and great stories from bake sale hosts, this cookbook was created to inspire more bake sales as well as directly benefit this amazing charity. 100% of the author's proceeds and royalties will be donated to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer for pediatric cancer research. The recipes include easy-to-prepare treats for cookies, brownies, bars, cupcakes, quick breads, and more. In addition, there are tips on starting your own bake sale and inspirational quotes and stories throughout the book. 
 Gift Idea: Pair with a bag of chocolate chips, dried cranberries or other ingredient needed for one of the recipes. Or, pair with a bright spatula or measuring spoons.


For Parents


The Hour the Matters Most: The Surprising Power of the Family Meal by Les and Leslie Parrott
An inspiring, practical book packed with everything you need to help you make the most of the dinnertime hour, The Hour That Matters Most includes

  • never-before-published recipes 
  • expert cooking tips and ideas 
  • color photos of family-favorite meals 
  • dozens of conversation starters to get your kids talking around the table 

  • Gift Idea: Pair with a spaghetti server or flower sack tea towel set


  • For a Friend Suffering with Chronic Pain


    Coping with Chronic Illness by H. Norman Wright
    Readers will benefit from realizing they are not alone even if others don’t understand what they are experiencing. They will also find
    • helpful ideas for managing relationships with their doctors and their families
    • insight into God’s perspective and caring for those who suffer
    • practical ways to manage the stress, fear, and depression that often comes with chronic illness.

  • Gift Idea: Pair with a collapsible cup, pill box or make a rice bag.

  • * * * * *

    Craft for a Book Loving Friend


    How many times are you reading and want to jot down a quote? It happens to me. My sister shared this craft with me. It's quick and easy. 
                                                                                    You need:

    Scrapbook paper
    Ribbon
    Acrylic photo holder
    Pen with clear barrel
    Velcro
    Sticky notes

    1. Cut a piece of scrapbook paper the size of the frame.
    2. Print a quote of your choice.
    3. Glue the quote to the paper and slide in the frame.
    4.Tie ribbon around the top.


    5. Unscrew the top of the pen and slide a piece of paper inside.
    6. Cut a velcro circle in half. Glue 1/2 on pen cap and 1/2 on frame.
    7. Glue sticky notes to outside of frame.
      Pair with 25 Books Every Christian Should Read: A Guide to the Essential Spiritual Classics by Renovare 
      There are books that should be shaping the church, our faith, and our engagement in the world. From timeless classics like The Imitation of Christ to unexpected selections like Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov and the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins, 25 Books Every Christian Should Read provides historical background for each work and explains its importance for modern Christians, while including selected readings from every book to get you started.


      Linked to:

      17 comments:

      Rebecca said...

      I can relate to your love of books. What wonderful suggestions for gift-giving!

      Lindsay said...

      Thanks for the many great book ideas! I look forward to checking into some of them!

      GLENDA CHILDERS said...

      Ah, beautiful, beautiful books. And beautiful you.

      Fondly,
      Glenda

      Unknown said...

      I treasure the time you have put into this post. So lovely.

      Melodie said...

      Great post! And I think maybe
      Susan did some of the graphics for the cover of the book too if I remember right. Love you!

      Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

      I have always thought the best place to work would be a book shop..I love them also. I hope you find that book. Perhaps someone reading this will have it? Blessings always.

      Julia said...

      Thanks for visiting today. I appreciate it! Thanks for sharing all of these books suggestions too!

      RicKaren said...

      Thank you for he great suggestions! I'm always open to ideas. Books are so wonderful since they can be used as a gift for absolutely anyone!

      Anonymous said...

      Reading is fundamental! I love to read...as a teenager I did not have time to read....I had much more important things to do...wink wink...but as time progressed I finally realized the joy of reading, and all that can be learned through the pages of a book, attitudes can be changed, hope can be given, laughter at any given time, and a tremendous expectation of the next chapter comes forth...I also enjoy your blog...many times I come and read and move on and sometimes as this morning I am compelled to add my 2cents worth ..... Reading is fundamental....good fun da mental

      Anita Diaz said...

      Pamela, what wonderful suggestions!! I'm so glad you stopped by so I could find your blog! I'm looking forward to reading your inspirational posts!

      Mari said...

      I love books, which is why I am having an internal struggle about the e-readers...they don't have the new book smell! And thank you for the list, will look into some of these =)

      Laura said...

      Visiting from the sisterhood. I love to read, but have not made the jump to an e-reader. I'm slow when it comes to new technology. I think it'd be the best when you're almost done with a book, so rather than making the decision to bring two or just the new one, you can bring the library.

      Anonymous said...

      Thanks so much for the gift ideas. I am always looking for something neat to give my friend and I think I just found it! God bless Pam!

      tinuviel said...

      You know the way to my heart! It has been easy for me to overbuy books on my Kindle, and then I feel overwhelmed by the pressure to read all of them...right now! :) It has been a blessing, though, since I can't physically carry about all the books I want, especially study Bibles and such.

      Thanks for the recommendations. Grace and peace to you in Christ!

      Becky said...

      I got a kindle for my birthday this year and love it! I love that it "saves my place" for me:) Thank you for the wonderful suggestions!!

      Lynn said...

      I love this post because I, too, love books. My hubby and I went to Barnes and Noble on our honeymoon. Really! (one day out of the three)We are going on vacation and like you, I cannot simply take one book or even one book on one subject. So I have my "most important book pile" stacked up today. There are 5 brand new "flea market Christian paperbacks, I want to read", book on how to master my Nikon, cookbooks that I want to figure out WW point plus and write on the page so I don't have to figure each time over and over.....you get the idea. Then of course, my journal, my notebook for Barnes & Noble if we see one along the way.
      While I don't have kindle, lately I have the same thoughts, it is so heavy lugging all these books.....and kindle looks fun. Like you, bookstores lure me in, always. Both my hubby and I just love them. Like you, there is just something about a book in my hands, turning paper pages that kindle falls short on. Maybe next year, but until then...back to my books for vac. Blessings, Lynn

      promotional gifts said...

      You are always appreciate so much for the gift ideas. I am always looking for something neat to give my friend and I think I just found it! Her birthday on 10 October.