Fall into Reading Challenge Wrap-up

Today marks the end of the Fall into Reading Challenge that I attempted to participate in for the first time. I’m going to follow Katrina’s list of questions to wrap up for those who might be interested in learning how I did.

Did you finish reading all the books on your fall reading list? If not, why not?

I only had 7 titles on my list, all non-fiction. I am happy to report that I finished all of the books except for one. The one I stumbled with was the study book, Train up a mom. Things were going along pretty well until we transitioned our 2-year old into a toddler bed, and then into a regular twin bed. I was quite disciplined when I didn’t have to discipline him for getting out of his bed during nap time. Nap times were my best reading times of the day, and they suffered a bit when Quin went to a different bed. (Ok, this is not the best of excuses, but it is where I am…)

Did you stick to your original goals or did you change your list as you went along?

My goals remained the same. I am a list maker and one that tries to stick to the list.

What was your favorite book that you read this fall? Least favorite? Why?

I’d say the favorite from my list was Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. It was the most challenging and certainly has given me much to think and pray about. It is one of those books that you can read one chapter per year and work on nothing but that and still have room for growth. Perhaps my least favorite book was Train up a Mom – I only say this because for some reason, I didn’t have the motivation to finish it, but I do plan on working through it.

Did you discover a new author or genre this fall? Did you love them? Not love them?

Jerry Bridges is definitely a favorite author, but not new to me, since I’ve read through Trusting God before. I think I’d like to read some other of his titles. As for the genre, if I participate again, I need to include some fiction to break things up a bit.

Did you learn something new because of the Fall Into Reading challenge — something about reading, or yourself, or a topic you read about?

I would say what I’ve learned the most is how very much I need God. Parenting, motherhood, marriage, and spiritual disciplines must be rooted in dependence on God. I am so glad that God is opening my eyes to how much I need Him, and how much I need the help of others to journey through the Christian life.

What was your favorite thing about the Fall Into Reading challenge?

My favorite thing about this challenge was not being constantly bugged about whether I was doing my part or not. I liked putting a realistic list together and then working on it as time allowed. The no guilt, no harassment thing really helped me.

Would you like to participate in another challenge here this spring?

Of course I would like to do another challenge in the spring, but with a baby due in February, I think my springtime will be spent feeding, diapering, and sleeping (as if that is possible). Hopefully I can participate again next Fall. Thanks Katrina for giving me the motivation and encouragement to join in the challenge.

My List

Shepherding a child’s heart (Tedd Tripp)
Grace based parenting (Dr. Tim Kimmel)
Train up a mom (Vollie Sanders)
Bringing up boys (Dr. James Dobson)
Spiritual disciplines for the christian life (Donald S. Whitney)
Each for the other (Bryan Chapell)
Trusting God (Jerry Bridges)