Books from Bed Rest

One of the beautiful parts of bed rest is the extra time it allows me to read.

Now, granted, as the mother of a toddler I have less time to read on bed rest this time around than I did when I was expecting my first. Even though I'm not getting up or taking care of her, from my perch on the couch I read many board books, color with crayons, shout commands, and observe her rambunctiousness from afar. I'm also chatting with my mom all day, who is taking care of S.

Still, I'm making the effort and finding it easier to squeeze extra reading into the cracks and crevices of my days. It is delightful! Here's what I've been enjoying lately:

For the Children's Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and School by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay. The grown daughter of Francis Schaeffer explores Charlotte Mason's incredibly sensible and lovely approach to education. I am really loving the read, feeling very inspired as a mother and future home educator.

My one criticism {so far} is that both the author and Charlotte Mason seem to place a little too much trust in the natural goodness of children. While she discusses sin and the fall, I wish that a stronger sense of the total depravity of man governed her work. As long as its taken with a grain of salt, however, there is much benefit to be gleaned from this book!

Keep a Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot. I'm continuing to make my way through this soundly Biblical and challenging devotional. A collection of short pieces {1-3 pages each} from her newsletters, I read three or four sections a day. I am always astounded by this godly woman's insights into the Christian life!

Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe. One of my goals as a lover of literature is to always be reading through classic novels. From the author of Robinson Crusoe, this work is a little gloomy and dark, following the exploits of a fallen woman and her eventual road to redemption. Maybe a third of the way through, I'm still not sure what I think of it. Have you read it? What were your impressions? I'd love to know!

Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson. This is one of those books that I believe every Christian parent ought to read! Over the last several years, I've been realizing the important role the gospel plays in my daily understanding, sanctification, and life as a believer. I still need to grow immensely in this area, for sure. Give Them Grace has shown me how vital it is for me to be a woman of grace as I seek to share the gospel of grace with my children.

The Birth Book: Everything You Need to Know to Have a Safe and Satisfying Birth by Dr. William and Martha Sears. A very natural friendly, yet balanced look at all of a woman's birth options. In our area there are unfortunately few options for expectant mamas- we have one hospital with a neonatal ward, and the two practices of doctors that deliver there are far from being natural childbirth proponents. My high risk status makes me ineligible for a home birth, so my best bet as a natural loving mama is to read up as much as possible, be a gracious yet firm advocate for myself as a patient, and trust the rest to the Lord!

This book has been helpful as I seek to understand the pros and cons of various interventions, different philosophies of birthing,  and how to navigate the medical system. Highly recommend for its informative and balanced perspective!

So that's how I've been filling my days lately. What have you been reading? Any good recommendations to share?