My intentions of reading and serving others more this year have been complementary, with the reading often inspiring me to serve differently. As I share a recap of my #SummerofService, I’ll begin by sharing some of the books I’ve read this year, and maybe they will spark ideas of service (or a new read) for you, too.
Reading
Books listed in the order I read them…(A) Denotes I listened to the book, often on Audible Plus.
Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table by Louie Giglio (A)
I loved this book to start off the year as it set the tone with how we think. This was a great reminder of what I often speak of with MemoryMinders regarding our thoughts and attitude influencing our mind wellness and actions. Very inspiring and I highly recommend!
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown (A)
This was a great listen. It was long and took a bit to get into, but listening as I walked etc. helped with that. A truly uplifting story worth reading! I also watched the movie which only covers the last, most exciting part. Reading it allowed me to be more inspired by better understanding these real-life characters.
How to Change by Katy Milkman This book dives deep into behavioral change concepts, but in an easily approachable way. Not for everyone, but I enjoyed it and felt inspired to change some things with more tools to do that after reading.
Flying Solo by Linda Holmes (A) A fun little easy read. This will inspire anyone who is going through adjustments in life to see life through a new lens.
The Little Liar by Mitch Albom (A) A sad and poignant story about choices and our judgements of others. Reminded me not all is as it seems and to dig deeper when it matters.
Resurrection Walk by Michael Connelly (A) The latest in the Lincoln Lawyer series, if you’ve watched the Netflix show, like we have. This was a good listen for a road trip for my husband and I loved the underdog mentality of it. If interested in starting at the beginning of this series, you can start with The Lincoln Lawyer Novel 1 which we are currently listening to and seems to be a great setup for all the books to come.
Mostly What God Does by Savannah Guthrie–(A) An encouraging and uplifting approach to seeing God in everyday life and inspired me to do more of the same.
The Hunter by Tana French –(A) I love Tana French mysteries and while not obviously a mystery, it was still enjoyable. It inspired me to always be a friend and not judge others so easily.
Funny Story by Emily Henry (A) A fun story that made me laugh out loud about love, loss, and love again.
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese (Kindle) This long, interwoven family saga was one I enjoyed but didn’t love. However, it did make me think about society, how we treat each other, and love that binds us together.
The Murderous Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie (A) This is the first Hercule Poirot mystery which I truly enjoyed. The different twists and nuances were interesting and unexpected.
Stars in an Italian Sky by Jill Santopolo– This multilayered family love story set both in the past after WWII and present was an interesting look at life then and now.
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera (A) A true crime podcast digs up a years old case about a best friend being accused but never charged with her friend’s murder. I highly recommend listening to it as the “podcast” was included as the mystery unravels. Also enjoyed not being able to easily predict the ending.
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware This was a good mystery I enjoyed trying to figure out. It also was a good reminder of how we can drift in life and how to prevent that by being more intentional.
The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom-(A) This classic memoir set around WWII is a good reminder of how God’s love prevails even among evil. Inspiring, uplifting, difficult at times, yet speaks to how we can all play a part in helping others, even in this sinful world.
The Women by Kristin Hannah –(A) A poignant, inspiring, sad, yet also encouraging historical fiction of the women of the Vietnam war. Well researched, written, and I very much appreciated the medical details as a nurse. Appreciate this book giving a voice to the women of this era and how we should all help each other.
Serving
As I mentioned in my newsletter early this summer, our church did a study on serving others. We are called to serve, not because we must, but as an expression of our love and faith in Jesus. I wanted to keep that going this summer and have been sharing ways to serve. Here’s a recap with some thoughts:
- Volunteer at your church. We can all do something and small things are impactful.
- Make/take some food to someone who’d appreciate it (new mom, someone grieving, recovering from illness, etc.)
- Send a note, card, text, or call to a new or old friend. You’ll brighten their day (and yours).
- Serve at a local food bank/shelter etc. One of our church women’s groups recently served at a baby bank sorting diapers and at a shoe ministry serving those in Africa.
- Express thankfulness in detail (send a note, text saying why you’re thankful to someone).
- Pay it forward (literally or figuratively). Help even if not asked, reach out when God prompts you, and watch what happens!
- Reach out in kindness to someone you don’t already know (someone who helps you, who you could help, or don’t know at all). This can be out of our comfort zone but so satisfying when we do something unexpected for someone. Try it!!
- Help someone older or younger than you in a selfless way. Be a mentor or that daughter or son someone doesn’t have.
- Be (truly) interested in others. Don’t just say “how are you”, really take an interest and be sincere.
- Purge and donate what you don’t need. Others can always benefit from what we don’t need or use.
- Organize or help with an upcoming Bible study or help others find a way to connect with God. Sometimes, we don’t know what we need. By offering to help, we can be that connection to God and just what is needed.
- Make a plan to continue acts of service in an ongoing way. If we plan it, often we’re better at following through.
I hope my highlights of reading and serving will encourage you to read more and be inspired to serve others as well.