May, June books update - four more

I knew I had read more books, but I couldn't remember what they were.  And then I found my list!

Abundant Simplicity by Jan Johnson -  After the Texas trip I went on an organizing/spring cleaning/decluttering rampage.  This gem was so helpful in just rerouting me back to first things and realizing how suffocating stuff and activity is.  I so quickly get sucked in to our cultural norms only to find myself gasping for breath.  I highly recommend this as a great tool for a once a year (maybe twice) evaluation/re-focusing/decluttering of life.  Heavy on the spiritual end as far as "where your treasure is there your heart will be." Amen to that.  10

Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider-  Same sort of thing - more practical advice and such - still good.  It was a good come alongside Jan Johnson's book, but Johnson's will be the go-to for me from year to year. 8

Wednesdays Were Pretty Normal by Michael Kelley -  This book was given to us by a dear friend who is friends with the author.  I remember praying for Kelley's son in Bible Study many years ago.  Anyway, this is Kelley's account of their family's journey after their two-year old son was diagnosed with leukemia.  He tells their story, but also speaks to his own personal struggle with God and his faith during the journey.  It is the most honest account of struggle and grasping for faith, and finding it in the right place I have ever read.  I will recommend this to many who are on difficult paths.  Kelley's willingness to write so honestly, I think, will be an encouragement to those who are otherwise afraid to put what they are really thinking into words.  9

Lit by Tony Reinke -  I feel like I have written about this one, so if I have, sorry.  But it is worth touting, because it is the best book on books I have ever read - and I LOVE books on books.  Reinke speaks to what a Biblical world view of literature looks like and then goes practical in how to apply it to personal reading as well as thinking through different categories of reading. For the reluctant reader as well as the reader who has a stack of twenty books on the bedside table, take and read.  10