What's Off My Bookshelf?

Never mind that the true answer to that question is: literally hundreds of books, including a stack for the kids from the library and about 15 I'm currently reading. But what keeps finding its way into my hands (and ears) this past week? A few good books ...

I write about this subject because as I've mentioned, part of this blog's purpose is to document aspects of my ongoing education as a lifestyle. (You can read more about the background at this tab.) 

The Words of Life

Reading the Bible at sundown is
better than not reading it at all.
Besides, in the Bible, God said,
"And the evening and the morning
were the first day," and the Jews
do consider sundown to be the 

beginning of a day. Maybe I am
starting my day with the Words
of Life. All that really matters is
that I read them (and hopefully
try to live them--by God's grace).

I won't say much on this book that trumps all other books, apart from that it's the most important in my life. I am reading what Tevye calls "The Good Book," plus the New Testament -- for me, it's the King James Version on my Kindle -- pretty much every night before my eyes sleep.

It's been quite a challenge for me to find a Bible study routine that works for me while at home with my young children, but this process is currently working and I thank the LORD. It's my spiritual feeding of truth, which grounds me and sets my eyes upward, and when I don't read the Bible on my own (without other teachers or distractions), I'm pretty far off course.

I've been reading the Gospel of John and the book of Hebrews. Last night I read Hebrews 11, the great honor roll of faith. It's inspiring, and I hope the LORD writes it all over my heart and soul.

I particularly appreciated verse 3.

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

I thank the LORD that I don't currently have any hangups about the origin of all things and how man came about, as the great Creator of the Universe and all life clearly describes it in Genesis 1 and 2.

Carry on, Mr. Bowditch

I've been reading this interesting book by Jean Lee Latham as the first of several books we will read and discuss in my Abigail Adams Academy Classic Moms II class. We discuss a new book every month.

So far, it's been interesting to read about the young Nat Bowditch's incredible stamina in pursuing his own self education, despite his father committing him as an indentured apprentice for 7 years. Despite not being able to go to Harvard as a youth, he teaches himself everything regarding arithmetic, sea-faring, Latin, and you name it.

I find it very interesting that Nat keeps several notebooks containing tidbits of what he learns. As I understand, the great scholar and former president Thomas Jefferson did the same. He even taught himself Spanish by translating Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, which Nat similarly does, teaching himself Latin by translating Principia by Isaac Newton.

Nat also presses forward with his goals and passions, despite significant setbacks and discouragement by another man in the company where he works. It reminds me of Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem despite significant ridicule and naysaying by Sanballat and others. I suppose we all have to hear negative voices in our lives -- including sometimes our own -- but it's encouraging to see the examples of those who carry on and triumph anyway.

War and Peace

Leo Tolstoy, courtesy wikipedia

Don't ask me why I'm going through War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. I'm not sure, except that it's considered a great classic, and I've never read it.

I'm actually listening to it on Librivox, which so far (still in book 1) has been an excellent recording. I've found some of the characters difficult to follow, so I've been referencing different online summaries and character breakdowns. I think I actually need to print them out for easier reference.

So far, it's been interesting to gain some insight into the aristocratic Russians' perspective on Napoleon, France, war, and high society. I also very much appreciate the insights into human character -- the good, the bad, the shallow, and the clever.

I keep hearing, by those who advocate reading classics to learn about humanity, that the classics teach us human nature, and I'm finally beginning to appreciate how they do teach it. I hope my children learn most of their insight into the evils of humanity through the Bible and the classics, as opposed to personal experience.

A Family Guide to the Biblical Holidays

I have been reading this book by Robin Sampson and Linda Pierce, on and off, in preparation for the coming biblical Fall holidays, namely the Feast of Trumpets (Sept 29), the days of Teshuvah/Repentance (lasting Sept 29 to Oct 7), Yom Kippur/Atonement (Oct 8), and Sukkot/Tabernacles (Oct 13). (They all begin at sundown the evening before.)

There are also several insightful, brief articles on the holidays -- which the LORD calls "My feasts" in Leviticus 23 -- and how to celebrate them at Sampson's blog, Heart of Wisdom.

I went all out, in my relative terms, to teach the children about the LORD through the Feast of Passover (we don't use the word Easter in our family, but I totally appreciate that others do). You can check it out at the post Passover, First Fruits, Unleavened Bread ... a Jesus Celebration! 

I'm afraid this season's celebration may not be as memorable, but we are considering building a sukkah. I'm also about to focus on teaching the children more about the Hebrews' wandering in the wilderness and the birth of Jesus the Messiah (likely not born December 25, on the birthdays of 4 false gods).

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There are some other books I'm relishing, like Leadership Education: The Phases of Learning and Charlotte Mason's Home Education, but since my boys are both stirring, I must get going. I hope you'll accept my wishes of Shabbat Shalom, as we like to say around here on Friday evenings. Have a blessed and lovely weekend.