My Summer Reading List...

With school out for the summer, it is time to pick up some books which have been on my reading list for a while.  With a cup of hot tea in hand, I'm looking forward to digging into these books this summer:

#1 Abide in Christ by Andrew Murray
Anything by Andrew Murray is amazing!  We picked up this gem at a library book sale a while back and I have been waiting for the perfect opportunity to begin reading it.  His books overflow with wisdom and humility.
#2 A White Bird Flying by Bess Streeter Aldrich
This is the sequel to my favorite A Lantern in Her Hand.  The original book reminds me of a mix between Little House on the Prarie and a Janette Oke novel.  I'm excited to see which direction the author takes with this sequel.
#3 A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers
This series by Francine Rivers, The Mark of the Lion, has come to me highly recommended by several friends. Her books are generally not my favorite...I like the message of the books, but they are INTENSE.  I usually prefer lighter reads, but since the books have already been loaned to me by a friend, I will give them a try.
#4 Emma by Jane Austen
I have only read one Jane Austen novel so far, Pride and Prejudice, so I'm curious to read more of her works.  She is classic!  I have heard Emma is a more comical work of Austen's.
#5 Julie by Catherine Marshall
Christy by Catherine Marshall is one of my all-time favorite books, so I am looking to forward to reading another book by her.  This book is set during the Great Depression in a town prone to flooding from what I've read about it.
#6 Love's Unending Legacy by Janette Oke
This is the 5th book in the Love Comes Softly series.  I have been slowly working my way through these books by Janette Oke. I generally read one of these books over summer break and one over Christmas break.
#7 Shadow of the Almighty by Elisabeth Elliot
Any book by Elisabeth Elliot is a true gem; her wisdom is unmatched.  This book focuses on her husband Jim Elliot's life.
#8 The Hope Chest by Rebekah Wilson
I loved the Grandmother's Hope Chest books and crafts by Rebekah Wilson when I was younger, so I am inspired to read this book which has been on our shelf for a while.  I think the whole idea of a hope chest is so sweet.  I'm thinking this book will share some good pointers as to what should constitute a hope chest.
#9 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Another classic.  I recently heard a friend say this was her favorite book.
#10 Trusting God by Jerry Bridges
I have never read anything by Jerry Bridges, but everyone in my church speaks very highly of him.  I have been told he is one of the most humble people you will ever hear of, and I am looking forward to reading this book about the sovereignty of God.

Did Homeschooling Prepare Me for College?

As a home-school graduate finishing my sophomore year of college, people are often surprised when they hear I was homeschooled.  I am quite frequently asked: "Did homeschooling prepare you for college?" The short answer: Yes!  I wholeheartedly believe the reason I have done well in college is attributable to my years of homeschooling.  I could elaborate for days, but these are the highlights of how homeschooling benefitted me in my first year of college.

Years of homeschooling taught me to take control of my schoolwork, manage my time effectively, and be an independent learner.  My parents were always more than happy to answer questions or provide guidance where needed, but I was encouraged to take on my education as my own.  As a result, I have never struggled with self-motivation or time management in college. Once you start college, no one is there to stand over you to check that you read your assigned chapters, completed your homework, or if you have studied for your upcoming tests. 

From being homeschooled, I was already comfortable interacting with various age groups which has been indispensable since starting college.  I was completely confident from the beginning communicating with professors, staff, and students, yet watched other public-school graduates struggle with this.

Thanks to Lessons Worth Learning Classes for homeschoolers, I had already read many college-level classic books and had strong foundations in writing.  Apologia's science textbooks are incredible and prepared me exceptionally well for my college science classes.  My Apologia chemistry textbook was more difficult than my college-level Intro to Chemistry textbook at a distinctly science-driven university.  Except for one chapter on organic chemistry in my college textbook, I was already familiar with all topics covered in my college chemistry class.  

Needless to say, I highly recommend homeschooling for effective college preparation.

Easiest Cookies on the Planet

Nothing is better than pulling a fresh batch of cookies out of the oven.  An added bonus is when the cookies take five minutes to mix together and only require four ingredients.  Sounds too good to be true, right?

The recipe:

4-5 Over-ripe bananas
2 Cups rolled oats
2 Cups quick oats
3/4 - 1 Cup chocolate chips or raisins

Bake on greased cookie sheets at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
Makes approximately 30 small cookies. 

In one large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork or pastry blender before adding in the oats.  After stirring in the oats, add in the chocolate chips or raisins.  I use a small cookie scoop to ensure all cookies are the same size, and then slightly flatten the mounds of cookie dough before baking.

Kids love these cookies!  The recipe is easy enough that they can help make them, too.  I make this recipe when we have over-ripe bananas that need to be either used quickly or thrown away.

Enjoy!

"Stepping Heavenward" by Elizabeth Prentiss

This sweet book by Elizabeth Prentiss is a true gem.  I read it first in high-school, but have been reading it again over the past months with a precious group of girls from my church.  This book follows a girl's spiritual journey through the highs and lows of her earthly life.  It is a humbling read and many lessons can be learned from it.  I have laughed and cried right alongside the main character of this book.  Seeing the main character's growth as a Christian is beautiful.  The well-known hymn "More Love to Thee, O Christ" is written by the same author of Stepping Heavenward.  If you are looking for a convicting read this Summer, I cannot recommend Stepping Heavenward enough.  It will not leave you the same person it found you.