Monday, January 10, 2011

2011 Book List: Book #1

I'm not one for making resolutions each year but I did set a goal to read more this year- at least 1 a month but I'm hoping for more. (Maybe... there are those children to care for. ;) I'm hoping to list the books I read on the blog & maybe even write up a review. It won't be as good as my friend Dawn's reviews but it will help me keep track of what I read & what I thought afterward.


Today I finished "Ten P's In A Pod" by Arnold Pent III. The book shares the story of a family of 10 in the 40s and 50s who traveled throughout the United States, sharing the Gospel. The Pent family traveled over a million miles, often with little or no money to live by. Everywhere they went, they called people to repentance in the Lord Jesus Christ & encouraged people to daily read the Word of God.

This family didn't just talk the talk. They LIVED it. Over the years, each member of the family was able to memorize the entire New Testament & many books of the Old Testament from "simply" reading God's Word each day- half to one hour of private reading each morning and 1/2 hour of reading together as a family after each meal. WOW.

The book was written by one of the sons; some of the writing is taken from his journaling. It isn't a sophisticated book in style (which is okay b/c I'm not sophisticated myself) and, at times, I had a hard time seeing how all the stories connected. I also had a huge issue with the fact that corporate worship is not emphasized. The Pent family sought out a church to attend everywhere they went, so it is there. But I do believe that the importance of being connected to a local body of Christ was missing in the book.

I'm really glad I read this book. It was fun to read the stories of another large family. It both encouraged & convicted me in my commitment to daily read the Bible. I think as a reformed Presbyterian christian, I get the corporate worship thing easy. But it can be all too easy to get "busy" or "tired" and neglect God's Word. It's even easier to make excuses for our children. I was also encouraged by the Pent's trust in the Lord to provide all their needs. My faith needs to grow. I live too comfortable.

I'm planning on reading this book aloud to the children. I think they'll enjoy the funny stories & I hope they'll be encouraged in their own Bible reading/memorization. Good stuff. It's worth picking up & reading.
- Heather

6 comments:

dawn said...

Very good review! Told me the good, the bad, and your recommendation. Thanks! I've considered this one in the past ...

Tully Family said...

Thanks, Dawn. Hope it doesn't bother you too much that I steal some of your ideas for posts.

dawn said...

Not in the least ... I wouldn't post it if I weren't interested, therefore I'm interested in what *you're* doing too! As I told Anna, the more the merrier!

Jeanelle said...

I've been wanting to read this. Thanks for the excellent review!

Courtney said...

This was a very inspiring book to me.

Tully Family said...

ME TOO, Courtney! :)