Taking breaks from the ‘usual’ is very important in grad school. Once I understood that being in grad school is only a part of my life as it does not constitute the entirety of it, I started treating it as such. Knowing my personality and how I’m prone to vigorously pursue my goals, the Holy Spirit had to step in to guide me in finding a balance (Still a work in progress). There will always be deadlines, assignments to submit, writings, and for those in a research-based field, that will always go on. It is equally important to tend to an all-round self-development. Your faith, your identity and general well-being are what makes you, you (for lack of better words). Outside of grad school, academia and research, who are you? Do you have your extra time in the books? (Haha…I have been itching to use that, no pun intended😎).
It’s essential to have a totally unrelated happy place where we could fall back on when we need to catch a break. There are people that love outdoorsy things- hiking, following trails, visiting parks and just going to new places are their favorite activities. Others love spending their time meeting new people, some volunteering in different causes. On the other hand, some are just home buddies (Period). They simply enjoy being in their home as a personalized niche and create special times. Cooking, baking, or trying recipes seem to interest others. Also, different genre of music gives many pure joy.
I love me some good books and I like to read them (aside a color palette for the shelf decor😄). Through reading, I dedicate some time to have a step-back and recalibrate (how science-y). The period of meditating and personal fellowship with God through the bible (the greatest book!) can’t be quantified. Another is connecting with great minds through their writings and getting a perspective of another’s life experiences. It is a way I get a quality use of my time, personally. It’s worship, it’s fun and it’s productive. So, the selection of books is an important step to get to that point. They have to speak to me per season (not to sound extreme but to be honest, sometimes, I’ve been inspired by God to pick a book when I’m struggling with wrapping my mind around certain situations).
How do I get my extra time in the books?
Here, I’ll be sharing some of the books that has blessed me.
Please note, these references are not in any way for profit, and I was not sponsored. I decided to share because they are great reads, you’ll be blessed reading if you ever decide to pick up any.
1. It is not supposed to be this way by Lysa Terkeurst.
It was my prime book of year 2020. The year was different and characterized with words like ‘unprecedented’, ‘uncertainties’ and ‘cancel’ as the most used words of the year. Where does that leave us? The message was an invite to a journey of faith, grit, and vulnerability as we trust God for the bigger picture. I highly recommend this book to anyone who might be interested. God used it to bless me immensely at a certain season in my life when I thought the waiting shattered me to pieces. After all, God picked the pieces back and molded the clay to something beautiful. In retrospect, I see how it prepared me for a more devastating season of grief. It has taught me to be excited and unapologetic in my waiting! There is a purpose for pain and a blessing in waiting. Hang in there!
Lysa Terkeurst of the proverbs 31 ministries is blessed with seasoned words that encourage the readers to hold on to the faith in Christ Jesus whether the fig tree blossom or not.
2. One thousand gifts by Ann Voskamp.
This was ‘that’ book for me in 2019. God is a good God who stays with us as he graciously takes us through things, He wants us to learn from. This book taught me not to be entitled but live a life of gratitude. It expresses Eucharisteo which is the grace of God in the moments of life from the most mundane to the most magnificent. One thousand gifts is a call to live in the present, as we wait in joyful hope for the promises of God. One practical thing I picked from the book is saying “God is good” more frequently. The song that comes to mind…”count your blessings name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done”.
3. How to hear from God. Battlefield of the mind. Knowing God intimately. All books by Joyce Meyer.
Joyce Meyer’s books are special to me. I have been blessed by her ministry over and over. There is a way she writes, and I have come to relate with it a lot. Even though, I am yet to meet her in person, reading her books has presented the feel of having gone to lunch with her. I imagine sitting across her with a coffee table between us as she counsels, dishing out seasoned words. She writes on a personal note, and I appreciate her down-to-earth approach as she shares her life experiences. She relays God’s word in relatable ways yet profound. I wanted to write about one but could not resist adding the two more. In case you are looking for a next read, none of these books will be a waste of time.
4. Raising Agents of Transformation: Discipleship, Disciples & Disciple-Making by Gbile Akanni.
This book is pre-grad school. However, it keeps coming back to me at every season. I came across this book back in 2016, whatever made my boss share the book with me, but I’m glad she did. One of the scriptures exposited in the book is Lamentations 3:26-32. At the time, it was just the right word of the moment for me, and it is one of my favorites. Gbile Akanni is a teacher of God’s word, to read his books is like listening to your Sunday school teacher explain ‘the lesson for today’.
The two books below are my current books. They are just beautiful. I won’t review them now; I am still receiving from them. In the process of preparing this content, I realized I may have a decent collection of marriage books (Can’t blame me, I am new in the game😉). Maybe I should review them in our anniversary month if God wills.
Books may not be your thing. That’s totally fine. Beautiful spring is here, and wonderful summer is right behind it. What are your plans?
Special note: Would you give your life to Jesus Christ? He is the way, the truth and the life. If yes, please pray the prayers below:
Lord Jesus, thank you for your death and resurrection for the salvation of my soul. Please forgive all my sins. I choose you today to follow and to obey. May your love and the holy spirit lead and guide my purpose for your glory. Thank you, my Lord and savior. Amen!
Grace and blessings,
Olushola.
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