books he got for Christmas- 7 quick takes

It has been slow going this January...I had such plans to blog more frequently! Ah, me- those who fail to plan, plan to fail....In any case, this is my first 'quick takes' that is hosted by 'This ain't the Lyceum,' and I still have Christmas on the mind. Here's what priest-husband is reading: (affiliate links)

1. A Christian Ending by Mark & Elizabeth Barna- a handbook for burial in the ancient Christian tradition also answering the question- How should Christian people prepare for death, their own and that of loved ones? No question can be more important than this, since death is the final reality of our earthly life. This should be useful and educational for his ministry.

2. Thirty Steps to Heaven: The Ladder of Divine Ascent for All Walks of Life- we might have to fight over who reads this first. hmm...fighting over a religious book doesn't seem very holy, does it? I love books like this- it seems like it will be an Eastern take on day to day holiness much like St Francis de Sales, Introduction to the Devout Life.

3. In Defense of Sanity: The Best Essays of G K Chesterton. It can be hard to commit to a long, serious theological and philosophical work, knowing there really isn't time in the day. Essays and short stories (Thurber and Bradbury being favorites of mine, even if they aren't always theological...) are where we are. Click over and just read the table of contents. Chesterton is a master.

4. When the Church was Young: Voices of the Early Fathers by Marcellino d'Ambrosio- Here is another great book that father is already using as a part of his ministry. It is extra special because D'Ambrosio was a professor of his during his Master's program. Although it is a historical and theological work, I believe this book will be accessible to any reader who is open to learning more about the early Church.

5. Practical Theology: Spiritual Direction from St Thomas Aquinas edited and with commentary by Peter Kreeft will be used daily in this house! When father was going through seminary, he was prepared to be a parish priest in Romania with tasks to perform as well in his bishop's office because of his knowledge of French and English. Times have changed! Not only is he working in hospital ministry daily, he works with police as well. Spiritual direction and counseling is becoming more and more a part of his ministry.I think this book will be helpful.

6. and if you were concerned that we are getting too solemn...he enjoyed Dad is Fat by Jim Gaffigan. First, he had to steal it back from the 15-year old.

7. and some music...Music from The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings performed by the City of Prague Philharmonic. I haven't mentioned it on this blog, but we moved locally between Thanksgiving and Christmas (yes...crazy, busy times!). We are renting a larger house and renting out our townhouse. And we named the rental house The Prancing Pony. We don't expect any nazguls, but we want it to be a place of hospitality, cheer and good food for everyone else- hobbits, elves and dwarves.