And I'm guessing that the volumes stacked or strewn on our night stands say more about our reading than what's prominently displayed on coffee tables, tossed on desks, or perched perilously in random piles.
For these are the pages we reach for first thing in the morning and the ones that rock us into slumber late evening ... or maybe offer a soothing whisper in the middle of the night when we find that sleep eludes all efforts.
Here's the three books holding court this unedited morning ...
NIV Bible
I'm doing a chronological reading, finding myself in 1 Samuel these days. While I follow a plan, I do so loosely and am not tied to specific chapters on specific days. I move slowly through the Word, this pace works for me, and keeps false guilt at bay when I miss a day or two. No racing to catch up to the calendar date on a piece of paper. I like this grace. And I enjoy reading the Bible in the order that the events unfolded.
Chronological Reading Plan
Dear Jesus: Seeking His Light in Your Life
Sarah Young's devotionals have always hit close to where I live. I'm drawn to her little dialogues, the honest appraisal of emotions and challenges that speak to right where I'm coming from. Jesus' responses are filled with truth laced with deep kindness. The Scriptures are printed out and not just referenced. That's appealing to me. And I often share her readings with counseling clients after a session together.
Hardcover & Kindle
As Bright As Heaven
I pretty much read just one book at a time ...and Susan Meissner's brand new novel is front and center. I've only read 27 pages, but I'm pretty sure I'm in. Set in 1918 Philadelphia, the inside cover tells me that the storyline focuses on the Spanish flu pandemic, the overwhelming loss of loved ones, and a little orphaned baby who becomes a family's single source of hope. 'A compelling story of a mother and her daughters who find themselves in a harsh world not of their making that will either crush their resolve to survive or purify it.'
Hardcover & Kindle
So ... what's on your night-table?
Other Night-Table Posts ...
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visiting
I have enjoyed a couple of books by Meissner - will have to look that one up.
ReplyDeleteI do that with Bible reading, too - I like to read the whole Bible, but at my own pace. I think using the Bible-in-a-year schedules when I first became a Christian grounded me, but I did wrestle with missing the occasional day and having to catch up to keep on schedule, or feeling like I couldn't stop and ponder because I had to keep up. Someday I'd like to read a chronological Bible.
Stacked up on my end table are:
Daily Light on the Daily Path. A lot of missionary biographies I read referred to this, and I found a 1906 version for $2 on a used book table once! It's just Scripture, no commentary, arranged on different topics for different days. I have been using it to start of my devotional time for years.
A Spectacle of Glory by Joni Earcekson Tada, another small but potent devotional book.
The ESV Study Bible.
Reading People by Ann Bogel, a summary of the different kinds of personality tests and evaluations.
I always take my iPad mini with its Kindle app in to my bedroom when I go to bed in case I want to read before I go to sleep or if I wake up during the night. I am currently in Helen Keller's the Story of My Life.
I also keep a fiction book in the - ahem - bathroom. :-) Currently there is Sins of the Past, a collection of three novellas by Dee Henderson (a favorite!), Lynette Eason, and Dani Pettrey.
And I am also listening to an audiobook of Where the Red Fern Grows when I am driving of getting ready for the day. :-)
I could not read more than one book if they were all similar genres - I'd get them mixed up. But if they are different enough, and I keep them in different places, I'll have 3-4 going at a time.
3-4 going at a time. Wow! I guess the secret is expanding those genres, huh. You certainly are a well-read woman ... and your blog reflects your breadth of interests, Barbara.
DeleteCome to think of it, you're the perfect person to kick off this little conversation!
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P.S. You'll love Meissner's new book ... I'm on page 207 and just can't put it down.
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hi Linda. well...I don't read in bed so it is next to my recliner. :) I am reading Glynn Young's trilogy. I had read the first two several years ago but with his third one out I am rereading them. I am also reading Sex in a Broken World by Paul David Tripp and Grieving a Suicide by Albert Hsu. The last two go back and forth to the office since they are more for serious reading.
ReplyDeletemmm ... I love a good recliner!
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I find that when I'm doing some serious reading, I read slowly, very slowly, sometimes just a few pages at a time. Maybe it's old age.
Oh so different from a fabulous novel.
I talked about books in my post today...and I came over to visit you and guess what..so fun.....My Bible is always by my side and I read, a few Psalms, a few Proverbs, and right now I reading through Acts in the morning. I also like Streams in the Desert, and Calling Jesus....I have not read any of Meissner's books but I will definitely check her out. I am always looking for an author that I am not familiar with....
ReplyDeleteIt was fun to buzz over to your place and learn about your treasured books that you're re-reading. Pulling those old favorites off the shelf and settling in with them once again is like a leisurely visit with an old friend, isn't it ...
DeleteI'm glad we've connected in recent days, Hannah!
Oh, fun! I have a chronological Bible that I should read sometime. I don't think I've actually read it through in that particular way before. I read my Bible every morning, but I have it down on my desk, so it's not on my nightstand. --- On my nightstand, I only have one book. That one is A Moment to Breathe (the incourage compilation). I have a few other things too. A water glass. Some essential oils. A ponytail holder. Moisturizer. Lip balm. A decorative box that holds all my incidentals. (supplements, face cleaning cloths, etc.) And, my wedding rings. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to see what someone else is reading ... and even more fun to get a peek at all the little personal odds and ends that keep their lives going!
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Disrupted by Dan Lyons, Respectable Sins by Bridges, The Gospel According to Sam by Miller, The Sacred Enneagram by Heuertz, The Dangerous Duty of Delight by Piper, and Search for Significance (Small Group Study by McGee AND of course my well marked and read Bible.
ReplyDeleteApparently I have ADHD -LOL! I have actually read parts of all except Piper's which I have not begun. LOVE his writing and will probably do a complete read through of this one when I get started.
I LOVE historical fiction, so thanks for the rec on As Bright as Heaven. Will put it on the list!
Blessings!
Oh MY ... you are busy ... and such rich selections, too, Lulu!
DeleteI'm inspired and a little in awe of the feast you've created!
On my nightstand now are "Eight Lives Down", by Chris Hunter, and a couple of magazines (not the kind you read; the kind that fit the rifle that's leaning against the nightstand...I live in a kind of rough area).
ReplyDelete"Eight Lives Down" is the memoir of a British ATO working in Iraq in 2004, hunting and being hunted by Sunni and Shia bomb-makers. It's an engrossing story about a man who let himself get too drawn in to the chase.
Well, that's one thing you won't find anywhere near my nightstand ... the rifle I mean.
DeleteYa' know?
On my nightstand is Bonnie Grey's book Whispers of Rest; I retreat to the bedroom during the day for my Lenten daily reading. Other than that, I don't read in bed, so my books are usually on a side table in the living room or on the kitchen table. Right now, I'm reading The King's Speech, which is excellent if you like British history, and next I'm reading Visions by Victor S E Moubarak, one of my blogging friends. He is a devout Catholic and excellent writer. Oh, and I would highly recommend, as Bill did above, every one of Glynn Young's novels. They are the best!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Linda!
I loved the 'Kings' Speech' movie, so I'm guessing the book is just as excellent? I'm jotting it down even as we speak ... and Glynn Young mentioned twice so far? Will note that, too.
DeleteAnd Victor? Well, I just love when he drops by and leaves that trademark British humor in his wake.
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Thank you Martha for mentioning my book.
DeleteI keep copies of all my books near my bedside table. If a burglar comes in during the night I have something to throw at him. They are boomerang books - they keep coming back, my publisher says. They are also useful to prop up a short legged table. Not edible - but good to start a fire on a cold night.
Sorry to hog the conversation, Linda.
God bless.
I'm delighted you're keeping it going, Victor ...
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Great question! My nightstand holds my kindle which is what I read from before falling asleep. So it contains mostly fiction. I find non-fiction too heavy for my nighttime ritual. Right now I am reading a book by Ava Miles. It falls into the romance category. I just started, God is Able, by Priscilla Shirer. I can tell already it’s going to be good. And I finished Kate Motaung’s memoir, A Place to Land, as a member of her launch team. I highly recommend it. The book officially releases April 2. Hope you are not being hit too hard by winter.
ReplyDeleteI'm absolutely with you on non-fiction being too heavy late evening.
DeleteWe're emerging from the 3rd nor'easter in less than 2 weeks. The power's been on / off, it's not been exactly easy.
I realize once again how very blessed we are. I have no right to complain about a thing.
Isn't Sarah Young delightful? We like her around here too.
ReplyDeleteMy counseling clients join you and me and your people in agreement!
DeleteLove a book-ish conversation!
ReplyDeleteAlways my Kindle, and right now I'm plowing through Orthodoxy on it.
Then, Blessed are the Unsatisfied by Amy Simpson. (very good!)
And then there's a book by Piper that I'm reading for Lent: The Passion of Jesus Christ.
And on the bottom of the pile is a book by Madeleine L'Engle that I keep wanting to start but other things always seem to bump it back to the bottom.
Your list reminds me of Lulu's back a few ... hefty, significant, and soul-stirring.
DeleteI'm inspired just reading your list, Michele. And when do you find the time?!
Such a fun snapshot, Linda! I'm currently reading Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter; The Songs of Jesus: devotional by Timothy Keller; my Bible. The other book on my stand is Sacred Ordinary Days, the journal I treated myself to this year. None book items include a coaster, ear plugs and mug warmer. Thanks for sharing, friend!
ReplyDeleteA mug warmer. Yes! That would work well around here ... I love to nurse a hefty mug for awhile. Especially when reading.
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So I've discovered another difference between British and American English! We don't call it a nightstand but a bedside table!
ReplyDeleteI don't tend to keep books there but I'd echo Mary's praise for A Place To Land and I'm hoping to get started on The Keeper Of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan, which I've had recommended by a few people.
I love when you spy the different phrases you and I use back and forth across the ocean.
DeleteI remember I couldn't understand half of what my dad used to say when we visited his people in Scotland. But, oh, I loved every word that rolled off their tongues ... and the laughter that often accompanied their stories and reminiscing.
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As Bright as Heaven was my BOTM pick! But I haven't picked it up yet. On my nightstand currently: Columbine by Dave Cullen, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible by Max Anders, and Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng is loaded up on my audiobook app :)
ReplyDeleteI do believe that As Bright As Heaven just might be my favorite fiction book of the YEAR! It's captivating, beautifully written, can't-put-it-down, spellbinding.
DeleteWhat more can I say?!
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It's so interesting to read what others have on their night tables! I've honestly not read the ones I have on my night table lately! I've been just too sleepy. I do have How to find Selfless Joy in a Me-First World by Leslie Vernick, and Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. Just about to start Beta reading for a friends novel so trying not to start anything new until that is done! Happy reading Linda!
ReplyDeleteToo sleepy! I'm fully resonating, Lynn ...
DeleteIt's that time of year, that time of life, isn't it!
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Such a wonderful selection, Linda! Thank you! I love your idea of reading the Bible chronologically, but more slowly. I have learned that I can't follow a Bible reading plan. Like you, that false guilt creeps in far too easily. I'm finding I get more out of reading less but digging deeper into verses, pondering them more and praying more. I looked up Sarah's Dear Jesus, and I ordered it. :) I love the dialog, also the written-out verses to ponder on with each devotion. And the devotions aren't dated! I'm finding I like that better. Susan's novel sounds interesting. I just checked the library to see if they have it, and they do, but my request is #14 on the waiting list! I guess that's ok, because all of a sudden books that I've had on the waiting list are becoming available. :) I just finished "The Christmas Note" by Donna VanLiere and I'm still slowly reading through "Hope When It Hurts." Love and hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read your Dear Jesus review, Trudy. I think it'll be like a hand in a glove for you.
DeleteAnd I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one that can do without dated devotionals, reading plans, and the like. It's for freedom He's set us free.
And Susan's novel? Well, I just finished it and had to get the tissues. I'm guessing it'll be my #1 fiction selection this year. Do let me know what you think, ok?
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I keep my bagpipes on my bedside table. When I want to know the time I open the window and play the bagpipes. Someone is sure to shout "Who's this idiot playing the bagpipes at two in the morning?"
ReplyDeleteCheaper than having a clock.
God bless.
Oh my father would have loved you, Victor.
DeleteEvery time I hear bagpipes, I weep for the love of him.
I have no reading material on my nightstand. I have eye drops and gum pics (essentials for someone my age). My favorite chair has on the end table, Courage to Change, Jesus Calling, and IPad with prayer books, bibles and Crossing Lex (a novel by a local author). My kindle app is chuck full of favorites: Becoming Worldly Saints by M. Wittmer and How Should I Exercise Hospitality by Rebecca Vondoodewaard, Urban Legends of the New Testament by David Croteau, and Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin. Susan Meissner has become a favorite author too so will be checking her latest.
ReplyDeleteCarol, hi! I love that chair you have situated so you can see out the window. Just lovely.
DeleteSounds like you're reading up a storm, friend. Please tell the Book Club I said 'hi' ... is it really 3 years since I've been there? And let them know I think As Bright As Heaven would be a fabulous choice for your next book to read and discuss!
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Miss you all ...
What's on my nightstand? Oh goodness, it's messy and tends that way often. Moments with You, Beautifully Designed, The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children, & Radical Womanhood among a few others.
ReplyDeleteYeah, messy. That's often the case around here, too ...
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As a bluestocking, I was instantly drawn to your post. I love to read and love new recommendations. That you! Visiting you from Coffee for Your Heart. -Lauren laurensparks.net
ReplyDeleteLauren, thanks for coming by and introducing yourself.
DeleteAppreciate your presence here today!
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Linda, I'm a Susan Meissner fan too. She has such a way with story! That one sounds good! My night stand actually has no books resting atop it. I have a very large TBR pile on a little shelf unit in our room though.
ReplyDeleteMy nightstand has my white noise machine, a pic of Hubs and me, of Hubs with our boys when they were small, and a lamp. I know. Terribly exciting. :)
On my nearby TBR pile, books of all sorts are stacked high. Books on writing craft, novels I'm trying to get to, nonfiction books, parenting books, and more. ;) Have a great weekend, my friend!
You will love Susan's new book, Jeanne. Promise!
DeleteAnd I love your wide selection of genres. I admire that kind of reader ...
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I have a new book called Catholic mindfulness. It's very interesting so far but I've just started.
ReplyDeleteWould be interested to hear what you're learning as you read ...
DeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteI'm reading through the Bible chronologically again as well. It's been a long time since I've done this and it's really like reading it anew! Pieces I'd forgotten...pieces that come alive with new Truth....it has been a great journey thus far.
Blessings,
Bev xx
I especially like reading a different translation or version than I normally use. Last read through was via The Message.
DeleteSo refreshing ...
I have a full nightstand.. book, water bottle, lamp, humidifier, ring holder..
ReplyDeletehttp://www.henatayeb.blogspot.com
Yeah, it seems to be a great spot for all kinds of needful things to land, doesn't it!
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As Bright As Heaven is such a deeply heartbreaking yet hopeful story. I loved it!
ReplyDeleteStacie, YES! It was simply fabulous.
DeleteOK, Linda ... I confess. What caught my eye on your nightstand was the lampshade, not the books. (I love toile!) That said, next to my bed right now is a clipping from Guideposts magazine that my mother-in-law sent me. It's an article by a psychologist whose mother has Alzheimer's. (I cried the entire way through it, but it was a good cry.) The book I just finished and heartily recommend is Sisters First by Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Bush. I checked it out from the library on a whim and loved it. Yes, they are former first daughters and granddaughters, but the book is mostly about family, rather than politics. Fascinating and poignant ... I was sad when it ended. Hugs, friend.
ReplyDeleteWe need more of those good cries more often, don't we. What energy we waste trying to force those tears back in the holding tank.
Delete* sigh *
And yes, I loved the book by the Bush twins, Lois. A really nice read ...