Welcome to my reading room.
I'm always reading.
In this section, I'll be sharing some of my latest discoveries!
You'll find books on cooking, health, exercise, faith or just about anything I happen to be interested in at the moment.
Have fun exploring and feel free to contribute some titles or comments on your latest discoveries!
"It is what we know already that often prevents us from learning."
Claude Bernard
words that open the heart
My journey from obesity to weight loss surgery success has not only been about my outward physical transformation, but I am also changing emotionally and spiritually.
Every year I prayerfully choose "one word" to focus on during the year. This year, for 2014, my one word is "open". This word helps me to focus on listening to the Lord and discovering new things about Him and about myself. It also reminds me that when I give him open and unhindered passage into my heart, not only am I changed on the inside, but outwardly as well.
The scripture that most aptly captures for me my one word "open" can be found in 2 Corinthians 3:18
"And all of us, as with unveiled (or open) face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured (transformed, changed) into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit." (Amp)
God's Word is like a mirror—reflecting our inmost being. It is powerful, alive and active. Ever transforming us into His likeness—we are image-bearers. His image bearers. Bearing and reflecting the image of the One who made us. His Word has the ability to change every area of our life. My prayer is that He will continue to open the spiritual ears of my heart, allowing me to hear His voice as He forms and changes me from the inside out.
During this year several books have made their way into my quiet time reading stack.
- The Sacred Echo - Hearing God's Voice in Every Area of Your Life by Margaret Feinberg (Book, DVD and workbook)
- Captivating - Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John and Stasi Eldredge (Book, DVD and workbook)
Happy reading!
Julia Holloman
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from books to dvds
In this summer's ready stack are more dvds and workbooks than reading books, but that's ok. I'm doing two bible studies at one time....call me crazy, but I'm loving it. Now that my book in out of my hands and into the hands of the editor, I have time for reading — and it won't be long before I'll be reading my own—the real thing!
- The Law of Love by Beth Moore
- Wonderstuck by Margaret Feinberg
my cookbook craze
I have always enjoyed cookbooks, but recently I have been inspired to cook and my cookbook craze is in full swing. Although I get a lot of my recipes from magazines, friends, television, and the internet (including Pinterest), it seems I never tire of spending an afternoon with a cup of hot tea and a plethora of the hardbound varieties.
Weight-loss surgery is no excuse for not enjoying food or cooking. Most recipes can be adapted to fit bariatric guidelines. I've learned to substitute ingredients such as stock or broth for oil when sautéing vegetables or fish. Culprits such as dressings and sauces can most often be served on the side.
In the beginning, just after surgery, I leaned closely to the old familiar recipes and those found is in old "dieting" cookbooks. Then soon I moved to the recipes that offered lighter versions of old favorites. Although I still enjoy those from time to time I have become more comfortable at adapting recipes from a few of the newest additions in my collection such as this one—"Purple Citrus and Sweet Perfume."
Although cookbooks have many recipes that can't be adapted to become bariatric friendly, I can still enjoy cooking new recipes for friends, dinner parties, and gatherings, or just looking at them in the photos. Which brings me to my first consideration when selecting a cookbook—each recipe must have a photo. They say you eat with your eyes first...but sometimes it's the only way to "eat them".... so find a new cookbook (or an old favorite) and enjoy!
summer reading stacks up
Ultra-Metabolism The simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss by Mark Hyman, M.D
Hypo-thyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness by Broada O. Barnes, M. D. and Lawrence Galton
not a fan. Becoming a Completely Committed follower of Jesus by Kyle Idleman
for the love of reading...february's stack
Even though I've been doing more writing than reading these days, there are still a few books in my stack. Most would be in the, "I wish I had time to read them" stack, but never-the-less, here are a few of my favorites for the month.
The DNA of Relationships by Dr. Gary Smalley
Returning to health means getting healthy in all areas of our life including relationships. My stack also includes a bible study workbook:
Me, Myself & Lies,...a thought closet makeover by Jennifer Rothschild
My husband and I also mentor pre-marital couples at our church and I am currently taking a 12 hour certication training program called:
2:24 Gensis Project by Light University
and last but not least, an inspiring story by a Diness Princess:
Get Over Yourself! 7 Principles to Get Over Your Past and on with Your Purpose by Jennifer Beckham