Word 1 and Book Share

Each year, I join the masses and set a New Year's Resolution. Some years I do better than others. The last few years, I have made my resolutions more general: "get in shape", "be healthy", "be more kind and generous".  This year was no exception, I do want to work on becoming the best version of myself but I also want to practice self-care so that I can take better care of those I love.

 I define "self-care" as taking care of myself: body, mind and soul. The body part is easier said than done. I love my gym and up until Christmas could be found there 4-5 days a week. Since making my resolution, I have been out of commission, suffering from sciatica, which has kept me from being able to walk across a room without help, much less attend a cycle class. Now not being able to exercise regularly means that eating healthy is even more important, but guess what? Being injured makes me want to eat! I guess I am taking full advantage of all that "comfort food"! I am happy to say that I have got the eating under control and am slowly starting to be able to walk longer distances, but I have a long way to go. This leads me to the self-care for mind and soul. I haven't been able to attend regular church services (not able to walk) so I have relied on online services, Bible reading, prayer and devotional books to feed my soul (and mind). Since reading can be good for mind and soul I decided to read at least 12 books this year: one for each of my 12 words. I love books. Reading online is great, but nothing is better than turning the pages and seeing how far you have read or how much you have left. My dilemma, however, is I have LOTS of books and so do my husband and children...a whole room full to be exact. I did not need to add 12 more, so my Book Share was born. With the encouragement of my daughter, I faced a huge fear and took to social media to do a "Facebook Live" sharing my idea. I would read at least one book each month and then do a book talk on Facebook when finished and offer up the book to whomever wanted to read it. AND. IT. WORKED!!!

Book #1 was "Just Open the Door" by Jen Schmidt. It was not the book I wanted to start with, but I believe God sent me to it. As I searched a local bookstore for a book on a different topic, I saw this book at every turn. I reluctantly bought the book on HOSPITALITY expecting to feel ashamed of myself for not being more hospitable. Boy, was I wrong. It was such a blessing. Yes, it stepped on my toes a bit. But it taught me the difference in hospitality and entertaining and gave me grace. I now have so many ideas for be hospitable in every aspect of my life. I did the book talk a few days ago and 3 people have already asked to read it. I know people can go out and buy their own copy and that is fine, but I want to use this experiment to bless people. Each time someone finishes the book, they will write a blessing for the next reader with the date they finished. I pray that one day I will see this book again and the covers will be filled with blessings and well wishes.