What I Read July Book List – A compilation of the titles of books I’ve read this month. Sharing snippets and reviews of what’s on my bookshelf.
Well July flew by and with vacation this month I can’t believe that this is getting posted and we’re clearly almost finished with August. So sorry but better late than never!
What I Read July Book List
Compiled below are a list of books that I’ve read throughout the month. Some were purchased. Some were sent in exchange for a review. Others were borrowed from the library.
I’ve been expanding my horizons in the reading realm over the last few years. This year my goal was to complete 24 books. Yup, that’s right. Only 24. I know what some of you avid readers are thinking. But this was a good goal for me especially since I didn’t want to choose a goal that would burden me.
So here is my official list from this past July. And in case you were wondering. I don’t count cookbooks towards my goal. I share them because they’re fun to flip through and gain new ideas. Please let me know your latest favorites as well! I’m always looking for new good reads.
Next Door as It Is in Heaven: Living Out God’s Kingdom in Your Neighborhood – Lance Ford & Brad Brisco
Tyndale House Publishers has provided you with a complimentary copy of this book. It does not change my personal view of this book.
As soon as I saw that this book was coming out I just knew that I had to have a copy. The title spoke to me before I even read words on a page. I knew that this book would align perfectly with my vision for Gather for Bread and my vision for my community to be one that is open and inviting.
I want to be part of a vibrant neighborhood where we know each other by name and one that we can rely on one another when we need a helping hand.
Society has changed in many ways. And one of the saddest of all is the lack of community. Sure, there are still vibrant thriving communities across the nation. But for the most part, we have lost our way. We have lost the meaning of ‘neighbor’ and how to love and be loved in our neighborhoods. Neighbors were meant to share, to love and to do life together.
It’s my goal to help bring back that awareness in communities here locally and across the nation.
Things That I Loved About this Book
- Community Bank – This talks about the skills and talents of yourself and those in your neighborhood. It also goes into detail about what you have in your community bank. How much time do you spend with your neighbors and in your community?
“Few people give much thought to this type of community bank. When we need a product, solution or service our first thougth is usually not Whom do I know around me who has one of those, or who can help me with this or that? Instead we wonder where we can buy help.” Home Depot, ABC rentals ,etc
The book goes further to say consider your own abilities that you are willing to share with otehrs. We might be surprised by the talents, knowledge and wisdom of those around us in our community.
This idea has left me more driven to seek help and offer help right here in my own neighborhood.
2. Meals Together – Of course I’m already passionate about this one. But this book strongly encouraged me to be even more disciplined in this area. Even if it’s not a planned formal event, invite people over. Invite them to dinner, even if it’s last minute.
It talks about the most notable miracles in the bible were centered around food and drink. I hadn’t every noted this in my own mind. Jesus miracle of the feeding the 5,000 with a few loaves of bread and a fish. And the other miracle of turning water into wine at a wedding feast.
Both miracles were on display to a large crowd. God pretty much summing up his desire to care for his people and for his people to care for one another. I love it!
It also talks about the book of Luke and observes about Jesus involvement in going to, being at or coming from a meal is noted at least 9 times throughout just the gospel of Luke.
3. Hangouts – This book goes into detail about the importance of hangouts. I struggled with this one because our community is far from most things. The only thing within walking distance is a pizza place and a post office. No coffee shops, no gym, etc. But walking there it’s the key point. Hanging out at regular places is good for our soul. This book talks about a variety of TV shows who had a regular hangout spot. Think Friends at Central Perk, Gilmore Girls at Luke’s Diner, Seinfeld at Monk’s Cafe.
“The point of this brief sampling is simply to illustrate how these public places are at the heart of a community’s social vitality. If we desire to see our neighborhoods once again before abundant communities, then we must recognize the importance of third places.” “A third place a public setting that hosts regular, voluntary, and informal gatherings of people. It is a place to relax, a place where people enjoy visiting. Third places provide the opportunity to know and be known.”
I love this and hadn’t put as much thought into the importance of gathering at a “third place” versus gathering at people’s homes.
If you’re looking to make an impact with the people that live near you, I highly recommend this book!
Breaking Busy How to Find Peace and Purpose in a World of Crazy –
Breaking busy is something I can think we can all apply to our life in various ways. It’s so easy to get caught up in doing, doing, doing. And forgetting that we were created to rest and recharge weekly. According to Alli, breaking busy is a daily decision and battle and it’s not easy, but it has led her to a more peaceful and purposeful place, doing what she loves and thriving in it.
This book helps you to learn how to stop chasing what leaves you empty and start doing what you were created to do.
I love this quote from the book:
“If it doesn’t add to your life, it doesn’t belong in your life.”
So much truth in this one single statement. Think about it. What are those things that are only weighing me down? What obligations have I created for myself that are a burden and never are a blessing to me or my family?
Southern Living No Taste Like Home: A Celebration of Regional Southern Cooking and Hometown Flavor –
This book is rich with photos and history from cities across the south and even including areas up into Chesapeake Maryland. There are so many tasty recipes in this book that leave me hungry and thirsty.
Think along the lines of Louisana gumbo and Maryland Crab and South Carolina pies. Tantalizing recipes for sure! Biscuits, corn bread , Texas barbecued beef brisket, crawfish boil. Have I got you hungry yet?
Rotisserie Chicken Cookbook: 101 hearty dishes
This cookbook was a gift from a dear friend. I’m a big fan of the rotisserie chicken. One time when she and I were out for a run I was sharing my love for using rotisserie chickens in recipes. Several weeks later she showed up with this gift for me. She’s special.
This book has some phenomenal ideas that I’ll be implemented with my obsession for rotisserie chickens. I already have several recipes here on the blog for shredded pre-cooked chicken and soon I’d like to compile a big list of recipes that to use with a rotisserie chicken. Hopefully sometime before spring.
Hoping to have inspired you from my reading list.
Let me know! Have you read any of these titles or do you plan to? What’s the best book you’ve read recently? I’m always looking for new books to add to my ever-growing list. 🙂
Til we meet and eat again,
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