From Excess To Fears...

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I'm not sure how this has happened, but...no, it's not what you're thinking...I've been READING!  Seriously!  Me, the person who got her first and only progress report during her sophomore year of high school for boycotting the book "The Tale of Two Cities", is actually CHOOSING to read a real book!  Or should I say bookS...as in more than one!  Yes, I've been reading quite a bit, and I have no idea why.  It's just one of those things that seemed like a whim, but completely right all at the same time.

You might ask what am I currently reading.  Okay, humor me!  You probably don't care, but I'm going to go on and on anyway!  Remember, following directions...NOT my thing!

After finishing...yes, I said FINISHING...the last book in the Hunger Games series, I really wanted to find another book to read.  Man, who would've thought that reading could be so fun?!  If only I'd known this...gasp, cough, gasp...15+ years ago...I could have saved myself some humility as I trembled while holding the freshly processed progress report sent to my home in order to explain my unruly behavior in English class.  Granted, I was WAY more distraught about the failing grade than my parents were.  Yep, I was always hard on myself when it came to grades.  B+ in Calculus...UNACCEPTABLE!

That was then.  This is now.

I've actually made a 180 turn and fallen in love with books!  B.O.O.K.S!   This may be more unbelievable than the fact that this {almost} city girl has become a chicken-raisin', country-lovin' fool!  Okay, not exactly, but you get the point.

Anyway, I recently felt compelled to read 7 by Jen Hatmaker.  I'd review the book for ya, but seeing how I'm new to this whole reading thing, I'm guessing my critique on the book won't live up to what others have to say.

However, I will inform you that it's quite the thought-provoking book with a side of serious sarcasm.  I LOVE me some sarcasm, especially when it comes to child rearing!  Jen addresses some of the things most Americans take for granted, and she really makes you think twice before throwing away unwanted food or buying yet one more article of clothing just because it's cute. 

I would highly recommend checking out 7 from your local library or if you want, from me!  Yep, if want to borrow my copy, I'd be more than willing to share.  The message is great. I had a hard time putting it down.  Plus, Jen's wit is so refreshing...for me anyway!  There were times I caught myself laughing out loud.  Seriously...ask Merisa.  My kids are quite used to my abnormal behavior, but they never hesitate to point it out to me.  Ya know, in case I didn't notice their embarrassment of once again being reminded that I am their mother.

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When I finished 7, I immediately picked up the next book calling my name.  What book was that?  Oh, I'll tell ya.  It was What Women Fear by Angie Smith.  Please do not confuse this with the turn of the century film "What Women Want" starring Mel Gibson.  So. NOT. Even. Relatively. Close!

Anyway, I really think this book was written just for me.  I was bawling my eyes out during the first two chapters.  The next couple of chapters I had a HUGE sense of relief and felt like God was talking to me through Angie.  Things were all starting to make sense.  I am not alone.  Other people actually see the world like I do.  It was so refreshing and made me see things in a different light.

I wish I could review this book in a way that made you jump up immediately and start reading it, but alas, book reviews should be left to the professionals (as should lawn care).  But I will say that if you are struggling with perfectionism, guilt, anxiety, grief or feeling out of control, you might just want to pick up this book.  However, I didn't start reading it because I thought I needed to overcome my fears.  In fact, I didn't think I had any real fears other than towards the occasional spider or my friendly doctor.  For some reason, it just seemed like a good read, and it has totally lived up to its expectations.

Angie writes in a way that makes you feel like she's speaking directly to you.  She has struggled and isn't afraid to share her story.  She doesn't try to change who she is, but rather to understand God's role in her life.  Everyone (I'm assuming not just women, but men, too) struggles with some sort of fear.  For some of us, there are a multitude of fears and not just one.  I would share with you all of my fears, but that may take up more space than all of the internet could provide!  (Yes, chickens are on that list!  Although I have befriended a few of them.)

So there ya have it.  The TWO books I recently finished.  How did this happen?  One may never know.  I guess when you're up with a certain little someone until the wee hours of the night (read: crack of dawn), you must find something to keep yourself awake!  So how exactly do you wear out a child that seems to have no need for sleep?  That is the question.