My bedside table always has a stack of books by a fairly diverse collection of authors.
P.G. Wodehouse (think Downton Abbey, only funnier and more redemptive), C.S. Lewis (just finished Prince Caspian, again), and John Grisham (always a fun beach read, plus he’s a U.Va. fan) have all been in the mix this summer.
You might notice, based on the photo, that one of my own books is there, too. I keep a copy of Praying the Scriptures for Your Children close at hand since, quite honestly, I need it. I might not re-read all the stories, but if one of my kids needs something like wisdom, protection, or even a sense of purpose or direction in life, I love having a collection of prayer verses at the ready. I’ll never forget the night, years ago, when a teenaged Virginia burst into our bedroom and, seeing me sitting up in bed with my book, stopped short. “You are reading your own book?” she asked. “Oh Mom. That is just so sad.”
(What is NOT so sad is that, from now until June 30, you can download the digital version of Praying the Scriptures for Your Children for just 99 cents. Click here to order…and please pass the word!)
Another book I am LOVING was a gift from my eloquent friend, Michelle:
“Shakespeare,” author Mark Forsyth begins, “was not a genius.” He was a great writer who “started out badly” and only got better because he “learnt techniques and tricks.” The Elements of Eloquence is full of such tricks, all artfully articulated (which would be an example, of course, of alliteration). Whether you’re looking to snag a Pulitzer or just step up your thank you note game, this book is a winner.
And finally, I am finding myself longing for more of the Holy Spirit. Happily for me, the gals in our church are doing a summer study on Catherine Marshall’s The Helper, an oldie-and-goodie that covers who the Holy Spirit is, what he does, and a whole lot more in 40 bite-sized readings.
Not only that, but I’ve recently discovered a two-book series about the Holy Spirit by Susan Rohrer. Voted “Most Sensible” in high school (a designation she considered an indictment, rather than a compliment), Susan hardly seems the type to delve into things like supernatural gifts. But she does so – with exquisite grace and with a relentless attachment to Scripture, whether she’s talking about “out there” stuff like gifts of healing and prophecy, or the more socially acceptable graces (things like teaching, encouragement, hospitality, and even exceptional creative or technical abilities).
I realize that the Holy Spirit (and particularly his activity in contemporary times) can be a touchy subject in some churches. And I also know (because I’ve seen it happen) that his gifts can be misunderstood or misused. But The Bible in One Year reading plan has us in Acts right now, and when I read Acts 13:52 this week (And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit), I was like, “Yeah. I want THAT.”
If you do, too, check out The Helper or Susan’s books.
And if that’s not where you are (or where you want to go), then just stick with Mark Forsyth. Because, as far as I know, literary tricks like anadiplosis (which I may blog about next week, so start getting excited!!) have never sparked any controversies.
Happy reading!
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Hi Jodie- It’s been my intention to introduce myself for some time and when I saw this post I just had to say hello.My name is Jean Underwood and I live in Atlanta, Georgia. A Bible study friend, Leslie Hurst, is someone that knows you well and she actually told me about your blog. small world! I actually came across your books several years ago and they have served as beautiful messages of encouragement over the past several years. Your books are precious treasures to me and they have helped me raise my 3 children. I was so tickled to see your bedside photo so I had to show you my bedside table. Yes, your book sits on top! I can’t wait for your new book to be published. I will be in line to buy the 1st copy.
May God continue to bless you and be with you always~ Jean
Oh you are so dear! Thank you, Jean, for reaching out, and for your kind words of encouragement! I love and miss Atlanta – that’s where I first started praying the scriptures in earnest for my family…lots of great memories there! Please give my love to Leslie, and thanks, again! (And BTW, I am hoping to start posting some “parenting/praying helps” via video on Instagram soon…if you like that platform, you can find me @jodie_berndt.)