Funny…I was an English major in college (that was before I became a dental hygienist).  I loved reading and analyzing literature.  But that was like twenty years (and two kids) ago!  I have some friends who kept reading voraciously, all through the pre-baby/working years, and the baby and preschool years, but not me.  Nowadays as often as I can, I tend to read non-fiction.  But fiction or non-fiction, I have trouble making time for the stack of books waiting for me in the corner of my bedroom.  In fact, it mocks me constantly  (still on page 100 of Les Miserables!).  So one of my goals for this year was to be a better steward of my intellect, by reading more.  I decided the best way to make sure I followed through on this goal was to build in some accountability by starting a book club.  Now the day has finally come…and I am really going to have to do it!  I love how this goal dovetails with this week’s lesson on Intellectual Strength.  Dovetail: I have been totally overusing that word lately!  Anyway, what I don’t know is if any of you will want to join me in this goal or not.  But really, once you take a look at our selection – I think you will definitely be tempted!

The book is (drum roll, please)…Sons of Encouragement by Francine Rivers – yay!   Here is an author I have actually read before.  We did her Lineage of Grace in a ladies bible study a few years ago and it was just beautiful.  The format for both books is the same.  They are historical fiction/Biblical storytelling, where she examines the lives of familiar chracters from the Bible, starting with the Biblical account, and filling in the cultural and historical details based on painstaking research.  Here is the editorial review on our book, from Amazon: Sons of Encouragement “illuminates the lives of five Biblical men who stood behind the heroes of the faith and quietly changed eternity. Aaron, Caleb, Jonathan, Amos, and Silas each faithfully sought after God in the shadows of His chosen leaders. They answered God’s call to serve without recognition or fame. And they gave everything, knowing their reward might not come until the next life.”  The book actually breaks down into five smaller stories, or novellas (only about 150 pages each).  I am committing to read just one novella per month – I know, this sets the bar kind of low to fulfill my reading goal…but it’s a start! 🙂  We will read the first story, The Priest, and I will post about it and hopefully generate discussion on February 17.  Today, please post a comment below and tell me if you would like to join my reading challenge.  As I have been trying to do lately, I have picked a do-able goal, yet one that will enrich my life – I think this definitely qualifies as both Inspired Living and Abundant Living!  Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).  I know it is part of God’s plan for me: to thrive intellectually, in spite of all my busyness.  I am sure He wants the same for you.

One novella (about 150 pages long) per month for the next five months:

June 15: The Scribe

JustAgirl…just like you!