Books and Raisins

I have almost completed reading three new devotional/spiritual life books since Abigail was born.  Nursing and late nights give lots of extra time for reading (boo! and yay! at the same time) .  I will blog on these books soon.  But first things first.  I must say that I don't read or blog about devotional/spiritual life books to be a champion for every jot and tittle in them, with exception to the Bible.  But, I do like to share them with others so that they too can learn and grow from these great tools.

Unfortunately, I hear from time to time people saying they put a book down, didn't finish it, got really angry (and the comments go on).  As a result, they rarely pick up a book anymore and/or approach it with a highly critical mindset.  Neither of which are helpful.  And, all because they don't like one sentence in it or because they don't see how a point made is practical to apply to their lives or family.  In many cases they are short-changing themselves out of a means for God to grow and change them or their family to look more like Christ (and faster).

So, I thought it could be helpful to write down the mindset that I come with to a new book in order to gather valuable, life-changing information.

1.  I choose a book that covers a topic I want to grow/change/be encouraged in.
2.  I read it thoroughly from front to back.  Yes, this means the preface and introduction as well as the questions at the end of each chapter (but not always every footnote or end note...sorry hubby!).
3.  I use the information as a springboard for help, change and encouragement in my life.  I do not think that most authors expect me to be just like them upon the completion of reading their book.  It is merely a means to get me thinking on how I can apply it to my specific situations and life to grow in sanctification.

Let's put it this way...I love cinnamon rolls.  I do not love raisins. So, you can guess that when I find raisins in my cinnamon rolls, I am quite dismayed.  What, then, do I do?  I pick out the raisins and finish the cinnamon roll.  I don't throw it away.  In the same way, when I find something that I don't like in a book, I pick it out.  I don't throw the book away...I finish it.