Each month, we take special effort to read several great books and enjoy one or two wholesome, family-friendly movies. Here’s what we loved in January.
Books—Teen & Adult
- God Knows My Size by Harvey Yoder. I have no idea why I have never read this book! I know it’s been around for years. It was SO GOOD. So very convicting too. These kinds of stories always are…the ones about being stuck in prison and being persecuted for being a Christian. But seeing how God provided for Silvia every step of the way was so encouraging! God knows my size too!!!
- Love Stories of Great Missionaries by Belle Marvel Brain. Originally published in 1913 and adapted and republished by David Hosaflook in 2021. These are not your typical love stories, but it was a great read, and I especially think it would be helpful for ministry wives or soon to be ministry wives. The forward reads, “To the girl who is tempted to say “No” to her beloved because he is a missionary volunteer.” Definitely an influential read.
- Work Energy by Jim Harmer. I always like to begin the year with some sort of goal setting/go get ‘em type of book, so this was my pick for 2022. The author teaches you how to focus on the 90% that is working and do that 90% over and over again. It was very practical and just the thing I needed to get me excited about knocking out some of my goals for the new year. There were a couple instances of slang words such as “crap.”
- Loving My Actual Life by Alexandra Kuykendall. I almost quit this one, but I pushed through and I’m glad I did. Alexandra finally came to a head with all of the chaos in her life. It was time to get her life together, and her book recounts her nine-month journey doing so. Inside you’ll find her wrestling through meal planning, schedules, taking care of her body, building relationships and other things that she considered priorities. This book reminded of the Lazy-Genius Way, although I did not care for it as much. I liked the author’s humor, although I know we land in different places doctrinally. Also, the audiobook has an excellent narrator!
Books—Children
- The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Spear. This is a favorite author of ours, and this book did not disappoint. It’s a historical fiction taking place during the time of Christ. Throughout the book, the main character battles with serious racial bias against the Romans after what they did to his family when he was a young boy. This book opens the door beautifully for discussion about race, hard work, and taking a stand for what is right even when it feels like no one is standing with you. Demons are mentioned a few times throughout the book although it is referring to the demons of fear, and nothing scary or inappropriate is mentioned.
- The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw. This is another historical fiction taking place in ancient Egypt. (Great educational story by the way!) The story is slow moving, but has an excellent storyline with a very satisfying ending. The main character, Ranofer, is sure his older brother is a criminal, but he is not sure how to prove it without getting himself killed in the process. It’s full of suspense, danger and mystery. There are some great lessons in friendship, facing our fears, telling the truth and standing for truth. With it being an Egyptian story, it is full of Egyptian culture and religion…things like gods, amulets, and ghosts are mentioned quite often.
- The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis. We have been slowly making our way through the Chronicles of Narnia, and this one has been E’s favorite so far. Reading C.S. Lewis always gives me the most wonderful feeling in my heart that I don’t know how to describe, but there is a reason why he is one of the most favored authors of all time. With great lessons in good vs. evil, courage, humility, self-denial and patience, this is definitely one to add to your list.
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“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go. ”
— Dr. Seuss
Movies
- Polycarp. We always watch a film in our Sunday evening service between Christmas and New Year’s. It’s such a special service that we look forward to every year. We’ve watched some really good movies in these services…always so convicting. When by brother-in-law announced that we would be watching this one this year, E was thrilled because Polycarp is her favorite martyr. (She learned about him in her Voices of the Martyrs Graphic Novel.) It was such a great movie, even for children. Although there was great danger, deaths, and much sadness, the movie ultimate leaves the viewer with such hope. Nothing graphic or gory is in the movie. I love watching movies like this because they really fortify our faith and give us the courage to stand up for Christ ourselves if the time ever arises. You can purchase on Amazon or rent on Prime.
- The Pistol: The Amazing True Childhood Story of Pete Maravich. I told my husband I wish I could have such wisdom come out of my mouth every time I speak to my daughter just like the dad in this movie. Lol. I know movies can take the 10 out of 10 parts of life and put it on screen, but it was just SO INSPIRATIONAL. So many good life lessons, so many teaching moments, so many great quotes. Did you know Pete Maravich later became a Christian? There is a testimony by Maravich included in the bonus materials of the DVD. Highly recommend you check that out too! There are a couple instances of the words “negro” and “butthead.”
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“The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest minds of past centuries. —Rene Descartes”
— Rene Descartes
Media
- The Cammilleri Sisters. We love music around here, so I was so happy when I stumbled across their Instagram account and watched several of their production videos. You can listen to these sweet sisters on Spotify under “All 8.”
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