An Unexpected Blessing

A few weeks ago, we heard the news that our local Christian bookstore is closing (due to the economy and competition with the larger chain bookstore). This was extremely sad news for us, as we love our little bookstore - and it's been a great resource for us. However, since it was my birthday and I'd told DH that I wanted a Christian parenting book, AND the store was offering 50% off for their closing sale, we decided to head down to pick up my birthday present.

But.... we procrastinated a week or so. By the time we actually moseyed down there this past week, their sales were up to 70% off... but their shelves were stripped bare. Utterly. The only books left were those poor, lone volumes who came under the category "books no one wanted." Poor things.

So I wandered the aisles for a while, wondering "Should I buy something just because we came here to buy something, even though I don't really want any of these?" And then DH called out - "Oh, and have you seen their second-hand section back here? There are a lot of books still here!" I hadn't even known that they had a second-hand section! So I went to check it out.

Unfortunately I was in a bit of a hurry (grandparents were babysitting, so the clock was ticking), so I was tossing books left and right without taking much time to consider, but I ended up walking away with six books - for $12.00!!! That's better than I could have done for one or two new books, even at 70% off!

And better yet, upon closer scrutiny they all look to be winners. I am so excited, and so grateful to God for providing this windfall.

And so, without further ado, here is what will be on my nightstand for the next few weeks (or rather, in my bathroom, as the only real reading I get done is when I lock myself in the bathroom and take an extra long time brushing my teeth):

"Answering the 8 Cries of the Spirited Child (Strong Children Need Confident Parents)" by David and Claudia Arp - Have just finished this and it is AWESOME. Highly recommended.

"We Should Do THIS More Often: A Parents' Guide to Romance, Passion, and Other Preschild Activities You Vaguely Recall" by Lorilee Craker - Does romance go out the window when children come in? Short answer: Yes. This is a great, much-needed read.

"Family Driven Faith: Doing What It Takes to Raise Sons and Daughters Who Walk with God" by Voddie Baucham Jr. - We heard him speak several times last year at the homeschool convention, where he was the keynote speaker, and he is amazing, awesome, brilliant, etc. I have started this book and it is similarly wonderful. He has lots of other books we want to get as well.

"You've Got to Be Kidding: Real-Life Parenting Advice from a Mom and Dad of Nineteen" by Pat and Ruth Williams

"The Home Team: Spiritual Practices for a Winning Family" by Nate Adams

"Common Sense Parenting: The Essentials of Building a Christian Family" by Kent and Barbara Hughes

Looking forward to it!