Books since the new year

Today is January 8th and I am almost done with my third book of the year.
Yes, you read that right. THIRD BOOK of the YEAR.

1.  Love Does by Bob Goff

For starters- the foreword? Holy cow. I normally skip forewords in books because they're just fluff... and sometimes confusing (like my Alice in Wonderland foreword. I was so confused by the time I got 3 pages into it, I had to skip), but this one is amazing. Maybe it's Donald Miller, but it is by far the best foreword I've ever read.  All I know about it is this: when I write a book one day - hey, it could happen! - I would hope someone could write something like this about me--- and it be TRUE! I guess that's the most important part.  I hope that something like this could be said of me. Even if only by one friend. 

For the most part, the entire book is personal stories of things that have happened in Bob's life- which are amazing, hilarious, engaging, and wonderful- and how he ties those things in to spirituality.  He paints pictures with words like few that I have ever read.  He also sees things in a way that I would love to.  He doesn't spend the whole book telling you how you need to go to church and pray more and be holier- I like that. 

Also, it appears that his favorite word might just be WHIMSY. 

Photo Credit Here
Yes. Whimsy. Go ahead, let that float off the page in 3D glitter letters made of clouds and feathers. 

Some of my favorite quotes:

"It has always seemed to me that broken things, just like broken people, get used more; it's probably because God has more pieces to work with." 

"You know what it is about someone that makes them a friend? A friend doesn't just say things; a friend does." 

"Words of encouragement are like that.  They have their own power.  And when they are said by the right people, they can change everything.  What I've found in following Jesus is that most of the time, when it comes to who says it, we each are the right people.  And I've concluded something else.  That the words people say to us not only have shelf life but have the ability to shape life." 

"For those who resonate with formulas, here it is: add your whole life, your loves, your passions, and your interests together with what God said He wants us to be about, and that's your answer. If you want to know the answer to the bigger question -- what's God's plan for the whole world? -- buckle up: it's us."

" People who take huge risks aren't afraid to fail.  In fact, they love to fail.  It's because failing means they found the edge."

"We need to make our faith our very own love story" 

"Pick something you aren't just able to do; instead, pick something you feel like you were made to do and then do lots of that." 

OK, so that's pretty much the whole book... Not really, but you get the idea. I literally have 4 pages of highlighted stuff in my kindle from this book because I want to be able to find it all again when I come upon a situation that needs these words.

Love this book. 

Read it.

Seriously.



2.  Then Just Stay Fat by Shannon Sorrels 

Yeah. That's the title. The book is as no-nonsense as one would expect. I liked that she didn't just say, "Work out more. Eat Less" (Although that was the majority of it...) but explained the chemical and mathematical sides of losing weight. I think that nerds would really enjoy this book... you know, like me.  Apparently, you're supposed to take in fewer calories than you use in order to lose weight... who knew? 

Favorite quotes from this book:

"Want is a relative term.  Wen someone says, "I eat what I want," they might "want" one slice of pizza or some steamed broccoli.  When I say, "eat what I want," I mean a whole pizza and a bag of M&Ms.  A lot of thin people probably do "eat what they want." They just don't want what I want."

"Action is where the finite constraints of time meet stated priorities.  We must act our way toward our goals.  We can't just keep talking about them."  

"...say, "No, thank you" when the temptations surround you.  If you mess up and give in, see the first bullet."  

From what I've read, this gluten free cookie brownie would probably be frowned upon.
Or at least the amount of it I ingested would be.

3.  Permanently Beat PCOS: The Complete Solution by Caroline D. Greene

There's really nothing exciting about this book. I would definitely only recommend it if you have PCOS and give a crap about this stuff.  Lots of info on vitamins to take, foods to eat, exercise to do, etc to improve "Fertility, Weight Loss and Clear Skin through Simple Diet, Exercise and Lifestyle Changes." 

So what next? I think 3 non-fictions in the first 2 weeks of the year earns me a fluffy fiction fantasy read, right?  I'm thinking about finally starting The Mortal Instruments series... City of Bones is up first! I've read 3 pages so far, but I have to finish Book #3 up there first. I don't like to make it 84% through something and give up! That's something of which Shannon Sorrels would totes disapprove. 

OK now for the good stuff!! 

PICTURES of the PUPPIES! 

Aren't they the cutest things? 

Carmen San Diego was sleepy yesterday. Welcome to Cuddle Town!

Tini thinks she's sexy. Haaay boys check out mah hurr cut!  I'm so dainty and lady like with my feets crossed! 

That's all I have for now

Have fun, kiddos!

♥ EM