Reminders

“The more you read, the more things you will know.
The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

- Dr. Seuss, "I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!"

As I pulled my copy of "One Thousand Gifts" off the bookshelf yesterday, I realized just how excited I am do be reading this with you and how much I am looking forward to our discussions and conversations. I know some of you quite well, but some of you I have never met. I look forward to learning together.

I want to reiterate that this format and pace can be altered and changed. I welcome the feedback and want to make this as enjoyable for everyone as possible.

If you can't get the book by next week or don't get chapters read as quickly, please join me anyway! You can jump in at anytime or just "listen" in. All levels of participation are welcome!

Reading for Mental Health

Depression can be quite debilitating. It can ruin a relationship, jeopardize employment and steal joy. It can keep a fulfilling life at bay. I would like to keep depression at bay. The bible says I have been given a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7) and I claim that verse whenever I feel depression creeping in. But sometimes it gets a foothold anyway and then it takes a real battle to evict this unwanted guest.

During a recent battle, I came across information on Dr. Neil Nedley and his research and work on depression. The most helpful was this video where Dr Nedley talks about some of the causes of depression. Most interesting to me was his suggested link between depression and the frontal lobe of the brain. He suggested reading (especially the biblical narratives) as a way to help stimulate the frontal lobe and counter the effects of the depression (starting at 13:30).

I decided to make reading a part of my health regimen, like eating veggies and using my elliptical. Reading for my mental health.

Book Announcement!

Book 1:  One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

This delightful little book, only 212 pages in eleven chapters, walks us through moments in the author's life where she learned to see blessings. She shares a way of looking at life, and living life, with grace and gratitude. I have personally started this book twice and am excited to read it in it's entirety. It is available at most Christian book stores, Barns and Nobel and online through Amazon, as well as ebay.

I will start reading chapter one on September 4th, posting reminders and such so the conversation can begin immediately! Tentatively. we will start a new chapter every Tuesday after that, completing the book by November 20th. The pace can speed up or slow down as needed, so just keep communicating where you are at and what you need. The more we all communicate, the more we can all get out it!

Wecome!

"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. It is wholesome and bracing for the mind to have its faculties kept on the stretch."

This quote by Sir Richard Steele (1672-1779) has captured my attention. With all the focus I place on my physical health (as well I should), I fear I focus far too little on my 'mental health' if you will. It is easier to just know what I already know and continue on in life, than to challenge my mind, to learn something new, to ponder and reflect on another's thoughts. With this in mind, I set goals for myself to read, both fiction and non-fiction, religious and not. Books that challenge and encourage my journey through life. However, I have found it as hard to hold myself accountable on this as it is with diet and exercise.

Recently a friend shared about a book on the top of my list which she had been trying to read, but had not been able to get past the first few chapters. Thus began my search for a way to keep myself accountable and encourage others to join me! I pondered a typical book club, but location was an issue. I looked into a facebook group, but excluded some who showed an interest in joining me. I researched online book clubs, but they require memberships, while free, would still be one more thing to sign up for. This is how I arrived at forming this group through a blog.

I will be the "facilitator" getting each post going and encouraging discussion. Anyone, whether or not they are registered, may reply with comments, thoughts, questions, ponderings, insights, other books for consideration, etc... I will post information on the first book, reading for your journey, soon and plan on starting September 4th (after the holiday). I plan on keeping the pace simple and adjusting it as needed depending on the material we uncover and the discussions it brings. I am excited to get started and look forward to stretching my mind. Will you join me?