Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Choosing joy: a book.

 

  Ever since I can remember, I've been a reader. Like stay up late and get in trouble for hiding in a book and flashlight in my bed kind of reader. Also, my elementary school bff and I used to get together just to sit next to each other and read. Rockstars, I know. 
  Anyways, I love reading. There's just something about a really good story on paper or someone putting exactly how I feel into words. When I find a book I love, I hold on to it and read it over and over. And share it with everyone who will listen. Bittersweet is one of those books. It speaks directly to my heart and I think I've decided I will read it every Fall. I first picked it up around this time last year and thought it couldn't have come a better time in my life. Then this Fall rolled around and I realized I could stand to hear that message again. I think about this time next year, even though life with probably be a little different, I'll still find this book completely relevant and I will pick it up again.
 It's a book about life and how it is equal parts bitter & sweet. Mainly, though, its about how to choose joy and thankfulness {aren't they the same thing?} in both bitter and sweet times. It's one of those books that has you stopping every few paragraphs to digest and shaking your head while reading because it's like she read your mind {in a completely un-creepy way, of course}.
  So, if you haven't read it, do it. Pick it up. Share it with a friend. If you have, I'd love to hear what you think! How do you think Shauna encourages joy?
   "When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. When life is bitter, say thank you and grow. " -Shauna Niequist


The Whole series:
Day 2. Let's chat. 
Day 3. Nouwen's words. 
Day 4. A choice. 
Day 5. A picture. 
Day 6. A quote
Day 7. In marriage.
Day 8. Fake it.  
Day 9. A song
Day 10. Zucchini bread
Day 11. Best of my days.
Day 13. A quote. {2}
Day 14. Priorities
Day 15. A book

2 comments:

Chelsea E. said...

I was constantly in trouble for the flashlight and book under the sheets thing too! I've always loved books. I really miss having time for them with school, especially since I've got about 6 new books on my kindle. I'm planning a book reading spree for my three weeks off of school in December!

Anonymous said...

I listened to that book on audio this summer during our many road trips. I wept like a little girl. Such an incredible message. And YES--Shauna is a total mind reader!