HEALTHY HABITSâ—½ YOU
The Stack
by Marcy Lytle
What’s in your stack of books that you’re reading, or on your wish list, or among your thoughts of what you want to read…if you have the time? One of my wishes for this holiday season is to take five and read more…all different kinds of stories. Reading might be one of the healthiest things we can do for ourselves when we have the least amount of time to read – like when we’re super busy! Taking out time to sit down, rest our feet, engage our minds and slip away to another time, another place, or to a comfortable resting spot…might be just what our souls need as we end 2024.
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Here are some examples of what’s in my stack:
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A recommendation – Sometimes a friend will mention a book to me and I’ll order and place in my stack. This time it’s a 52 week devotional that looks amazing, and I want to read it with my husband one night a week as the new year begins. Encouraging words – always the best.
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An inspiration – If you haven’t read Be the Gift by Ann Voskamp, place this book in your stack and enjoy her unique way of writing as you encounter all sorts of ways to be a blessing.
A fun one – My daughter gave me The Third Gilmore Girl to read, for my birthday. I loved The Gilmore Girls way back when, and now my daughter and her friends are fans too! And I loved the mom in that show – so this book is by her!
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A mystery – I met an author at a festival and her stories looked intriguing, so I bought one of her books. I always love supporting local authors if I can!
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A vintage – Have you visited the vintage stores just looking for books? I have a cookbook and a “girls’ book” I’m excited to read and enjoy, and I love the green book covers!
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A whimsical – I was in Five Below and saw a book called Jane Austen’s Table and I grabbed it. Recipes and cute ways of decorating – why not? Will I ever make them or use these ideas? I hope so!
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A seasonal – I just finished The Pumpkin Spice Café – an easy read – and a pretty cover – always a must as each season changes. A little romance, a cute town, fun characters – what’s not to love? I’m reading this month O’Henry at the Holidays.
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A cookbook – Are these out of style, because we have the internet? I hope not! I love the photos, the feel of the pages, all the hints and the ingredients, and recipes that make me want to cook! One of my favorites is one with pesto recipes to try.
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The bible – I often get up early and read scripture on biblegateway.com on my phone, or start writing devotionals using the bible as my guide. It’s the best book to have in your stack.
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Sometime I don’t read at all, because I either feel guilty for taking the time to do so, or I let my to-do list rule my day. But when I take time to sit in a comfy chair near a window, or pull over under a tree in a parking lot, just to open a book and read a while…I’m escorted away from today’s troubles. And that’s healthy living on a daily basis.