As part of my resolutions for 2017, I wanted to read one new book each month. January’s book was pretty simple. I started 2017 with The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines. I’ve already mentioned the book once in my posts, so that should tell you how influential it is!
On a surface level, it was a very quick read. It’s written like Chip and Joanna are simply telling you a story, back and forth between both of their points of view. The story isn’t too long, and it perfect to ignite your love of reading again. It had me laughing and crying, and completely inspired by the end. There’s even a portion in the middle of pictures of them throughout the stories they’re telling in the book.
There were a few different aspects of the book that really stood out to me. As mentioned previously, I was inspired by Joanna’s commentary on changing her mindset from simply surviving to thriving. So many times, we get caught up in just getting through the work day or just getting by in general. Once you take the time to realize that there’s more to life than that, it can really change your world. I’m still working on this one…
Joanna talks a good bit about how Chip wasn’t at all what she was looking for in a partner at that point in her life. He was outspoken and outgoing, whereas she was fairly reserved. I brought up this book with my mother, and this was the first portion she was sure to confirm with me (*cue the eye roll* Thanks, Mom.).
For those of you who know of Chip and Joanna, they’re faithful people. It’s no secret that religion is important to them, and they live their lives as such. I was pleasantly surprised that their novel didn’t…preach. Religion was not absent from their book, but I appreciated the voice they took with it. Joanna mentioned a few times about this “voice” that spoke to her in those important, life changing moments. I interpreted this voice as God helping her make the tough decisions. They commonly spoke of praying together and how their faith helped to bring them together.
I talk a lot of Joanna as I feel I relate to her as a woman. However, Chip’s entrepreneurial spirit was positively inspiring. Plus, his enthusiasm was seeping through the pages, just like he is in the show. He talked about bouncing around from venture to venture. Sometimes, they weren’t that successful. The pair had some financial troubles early on, and look at them now. Chip never gave up, and they worked together to build what has now become an entire empire.
They also talked about some low points in their relationship! They lived and worked together. Everyone always says that you should keep your relationships and business separate. They made it work. Yes, they fought. They got their pilot from a houseboat debacle. At the end of the day, they worked through things together, which is what every relationship needs.
All in all, I recommend this book. I’ve already loaned it to a friend of mine because I was raving so much. If you have the time, you should read it. I think there’s something in it for everyone. Let me know if you read it. I’d love to hear what your favorite parts were too!
Photo Courtesy of Magnolia Market
