a bookworm is eating my apple

(Originally published to “theworminyapple.com)

I love to read. How do I pick my favorite ones to write about? I decided to just go with what I’m reding right now.

One of M. Scott Peck’s books? I usually have one of John Ortberg’s or Andy Stanley’s always open. Then there’s “Simple Abundance” by Sarah Ban  Breathnach for more practical inspiration.

There are novels by John Grisham, Scott Turow, David Baldacci.

Saving Faith
Saving Faith (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

So many books, so little time. Sigh. I didn’t even mention the magazines, the books on my Nook, etc. I’m an avid reader in case you haven’t figured it out already.

In my previous battle against depression, they have proven to be my friends. The kind of friends I can count on to keep quiet and let me process. The kind of friends who when needed, get in my face.

Oh, I forgot my old standby, Spiritual Depression by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. I just ordered a second one because my first one is really marked up. I can always tell if depression is sneaking up on me if I have this book open.

I read this book when I want to determine if my relationship with God is where it should be. I don’t want to confuse a spiritual issue with depression.(Depression’s voice can often be misleading and it’s important to accurately know what’s causing our low mood.)  This book always helps me in this regard. It was written in 1965 before all the books that tell us we needn’t feel guilty about anything, that nothing is really a mistake, that we’re all winners,……..

untitledHere’s a sampling.

“Regeneration, the work of God in the soul by which He implants a principle of divine and spiritual life within us, does not change a person’s temperament. Your temperament still remains the same.  The fact that you have become a Christian does not mean that you cease to have to live with yourself.  You will have to live with yourself as long as you are alive, and yourself is your self and not anyone else’s self.”

Then there’s Dallas Willard’s whose  “Hearing God”,  I’ve read many times and still don’t feel I understand what he’s saying. It’s the only book I’ve ever read where I feel like a dunce. I highly recommend it, especially if you want your mind challenged.

Cover of "Hearing God: Developing a Conve...
Cover via Amazon

I hope you’re a reader. Reading opens a whole new world. For example, I never knew so much about zoos till I read “The Life of Pi”. I didn’t even know I wanted to know about zoos and wild animal management till I read the book.

I love Julie Cameron’s books and Kathleen Norris’ as well.. I am quite happy to have a stack of books everywhere. It’s the one exception to a neat house rule.

The next time you have a choice between television and a book, pick a book.

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