Wednesday, March 25, 2009

what i've been reading lately ...

i love the way God encourages me along through books - books that seem to speak to my heart at exactly the time i need to hear the message they provide ...

i had never read anything by Max Lucado before ... but just "happened" to pick up this book at work (it IS great to work in a library, don'tcha think?!!) ... i am now a fan! he writes in such an easy to read manner, yet is able to leave the reader with mega truths from the bible ...

then i heard about don piper's book "90 minutes in heaven" through a christian talk show? or on a website? i don't remember how ... but i ordered it through inter-library loans (another great perk about my little part time job) ... what a blessing to read this book! it breathed a renewed hope of heaven - and drove home the truth of how brief our "momentary trials" really are ... don shares about his 1989 car accident, when he was pronounced dead, but then got prayed alive again ... he spent time 90 minutes in heaven (heaven has no time, but that was the amount of time he was dead) ... even today - don remains in constant pain (his body was REALLY broken up badly!) and went through much to even walk again ... so to me, the wife of a guy in chronic pain, not to mention my sister maria's current ordeal - it gave me a heavenly perspective on our earthly existence ... and it allowed me to cry my eyes out, in a good way!

and last, but not least - john piper's "don't waste your life" is the book i am reading out loud to leo every morning ... and what a challenging book it is! i think i will have to read it again ... it is a book that holds us as believers accountable for the way we live our lives ... it is definitely not a "i'm all right, you're all right" type of read ... but it is something that 21st century, north american believers need to hear ... in fact i found the book online: CLICK HERE to sample it ...

just sharing books & authors who i think glorify God and encourage believers along ...something i need - as the time is short ....

blessings to you ...



13 comments:

Mari said...

I love to read Max Lucado's writing. Haven't read that one though. I did read 90 minutes in Heaven and found it to be a blessing. Anyone who has someone in Heaven should read it. I've not read any John Piper books either but have heard good things - more books to look for!

Susan said...

I know exactly what you mean Sajia. The "right" book always falls into my hands at the "right" time to answer a question I've been pondering or to teach me more in depth on a subject. I love THE WORD and words!!! I'm currently reading 2 books, one in the morning and one at night and have 3 others waiting for me.
Susan

Unknown said...

I like your list of books, I have read many of Max Lucado's and have several in my personal library, 90 minutes in heaven was exciting to read. I haven't read much of John Piper but know he is a very deep thinker and agree rereading his books are a muct.

Crown of Beauty said...

Dear Saija,
I always read your posts, but not often leave a comment... I read up the last seven or eight posts you wrote after Maria's birthday.

I am happy for the success of the surgery, and that now she will have a new functioning mitral valve.

The books you are reading are good ones. I read Lucado's Applause... and 90 minutes in heaven. Both very good.

I think of you up in cold Canada, now here in the Philippines, the weather is really hot.

Blessings on you, dear blog friend.

Cathy said...

I read the 90 Minutes in Heaven straight through and thought it was very good. I love to read books about heaven.

donna said...

I love to read Max Lucado..one of my favorites...Haven't read any of Piper's books, but sure love listening to him....continue to keep Maria in my prayers...

hugs
donna

eija said...

Max Lucado - oh, yeah! He's my hero! He was the main tool in God's hand when He tried to make me figure out what grace actually is :)

Amrita said...

I' d love to read all 3 of them if they are ever available.

grammy said...

I love Max Lucado, The others look great too. Glad they speak to your heart. I have always thought it would be a dream to work in a book store. Library would work too.

Pat said...

I've read a lot of Max Lucado, I love his simple easy style of writing. I haven't read the other two, but they really sound interesting. If worked at a library, I'm afraid I'd always be reading instead of working!

Terry said...

Hi Saija, I was just at Rebecca's and saw your name.
It has been so long since I have visited you and that is a shame.
I have been thinking about Maria and hoping that she is on the mend.
I will catch up on reading your posts.
Bernie is at work and it is real quiet around here.
Those books look so good Saija.
It has been so long since I have read a book. I did get a couple of good books from Deborah of Manitoba Gardens and they are just choice!
Well take care...It has been nice talking to you....Love Terry

Debra said...

I have been blessed to have read the first two. I will have to check out the last one you mentioned! Great reading for sure!

Felisol said...
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