Found Goodness: Books I just read and am reading

One of my favorite things to do when I have down time....is to read. I am a huge book lover, and a lover of knowledge...{meaning, I love to challenge my brain and learn new things}....so I thought I would share with you a few books I have been reading and am getting ready to read.1. buy-ology - I read this book over Christmas....and many times my husband was sitting next to me on the couch as I would read interesting tidbits to him out loud. This book is so very interesting, and as a retail shop owner I feel it is a must read. It basically boils down to really interesting studies on the human brain....what stimulates it, why, how......and highlights well known facts about us humans. I especially love the study and writings on mirror neurons......you know, those little things in our brain that at first see the ugliest pair of shoes in the world....but then all of a sudden since everyone else is wearing them...we HAVE to have them? Yeah. I highly recommend this book, it is a really good read and will make you think.... a lot. I will be reading more of Martin Lindstrom's books in the near future.2. The Year I Almost Drowned- I also read this book over Christmas, and it is a fictional piece written by a local author who I happen to know personally....... Shannon McCrimmon. I am super proud of all that Shannon has accomplished in writing these books. In the words of the author "In this continuation of The Summer I Learned to Dive, nineteen-year old Finley “Finn” Hemmings is living in Graceville, South Carolina with her grandparents. She’s getting to know the family that she was separated from for the last sixteen years. Finn and Jesse’s relationship seems to be going strong until they’re forced to deal with obstacles that throw them off-track. As Finn prepares to leave for college, she has to say goodbye to the town, her friends and family, and the way of life that she has grown to love.At college, Finn tries to acclimate to a new setting, but quickly falls into an old pattern. Just as things start to become normal and Finn begins to fit in, something unexpected happens that takes her back to Graceville where she is forced to deal with one challenge after another. Her world nearly collapses, and she finds herself struggling to keep from drowning. Through it all, Finn discovers the power of love and friendship. She learns what it means to follow her heart and to stay true to what she wants, even if what she wants isn’t what she originally planned"3. The Life of a Bowerbird- What can I say? Sibella Court books always have me hook line and sinker! My husband bought me this book for Christmas and I devoured every gorgeous page. I love that this book is an autobiography of sorts....with personal tidbits thrown in here and there......and of course every single page is gorgeous and styled to perfection.These next two should be arriving in the mail tomorrow and I am super ready to dig in! I will let you know what I think when I am done!4. Purple Cow- by Seth Godin.......love his business mind.5. Boundaries- I am most excited about this last book! I have been wanting to read it for some time now....and I am so excited to finally embark on it. I have trouble saying "no" and setting boundaries.......but with my constant move towards authenticity and truth....I want to grow in this area. I love what the book jacket says: " Having clear boundaries is essential to a healthy, balanced lifestyle. A boundary is a personal property line that marks those things for which we are responsible. In other words, boundaries define who we are and who we are not. Boundaries impact all areas of our lives: Physical boundaries help us determine who may touch us and under what circumstances -- Mental boundaries give us the freedom to have our own thoughts and opinions -- Emotional boundaries help us to deal with our own emotions and disengage from the harmful, manipulative emotions of others -- Spiritual boundaries help us to distinguish God's will from our own and give us renewed awe for our Creator -- Often, Christians focus so much on being loving and unselfish that they forget their own limits and limitations. When confronted with their lack of boundaries, they ask: - Can I set limits and still be a loving person? - What are legitimate boundaries? - What if someone is upset or hurt by my boundaries? - How do I answer someone who wants my time, love, energy, or money? - Aren't boundaries selfish? - Why do I feel guilty or afraid when I consider setting boundaries? Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend offer biblically-based answers to these and other tough questions, showing us how to set healthy boundaries with our parents, spouses, children, friends, co-workers, and even ourselves."Happy Reading!xo,Barb