You Asked For It

I have always been an avid reader. Even as a child, the library was one of my favorite places to go. My hometown library was only one block from my house and during the summer, I would go there every single day! I loved the smell of the library, I loved the look and feel of the books, and I loved the quiet places where I could sit, read and lose myself in another world. My time at the library is some of my favorite childhood memories.And I still love books. I’ve built quite a large library of them over the years. I still love the smell of books and the look of the books. I love holding a book in my hands and reading the words of authors I most probably will never meet. Books are a treasure trove of wisdom and insight, and of life lessons learned from people who have all walked this journey of life. The author’s personality, their victories and struggles, their strengths and weakness, their perception and their misconceptions, all come out through the pages of their books.I am asked regularly what books I would recommend, or what books have I read lately. So, I’ve included a recommended reading list in this devotion to answer those questions. This is not an exhaustive list. This just what I’ve read recently, or in years past but will re-read from time to time. I will also update you on what I am reading in the future and explain why I’m reading a particular book.I have been mentored, shaped, convicted, encouraged and found purpose and direction through the books that I’ve read over my lifetime. However, I have tried to keep this rule: all the books (even the really great ones) will never take the place of my reading the Word of God. The Bible is my first and foremost book to read, to meditate on, to memorize and to pattern my life after. I never read any other books more than I read the Bible.Before I give you a book list, let me give you the names of some of my favorite authors:

1. Gene Edwards ( both Edwards and Elliot are old-school authors from years ago and you might have to search to find their books)
2. Elisabeth Elliot
3. Eugene Peterson
4. RT Kendall

Any of the books these authors have written will be well worth your time reading.

Here are some books that I would recommend for you to read (and not only read but to put into practice in your life):

1. Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist: 

This book was the catalyst in my life a couple of years ago, in my slowing down…in prioritizing what I am to do and what I’m not to do…and even for our eventual move to the country. 

2. One thousand gifts by Ann Voscamp:

I’ve read this book several times.  It’s such a great story of how actively practicing gratitude and thankfulness brought deep healing and wholeness to its author, and by reading this, also to mine.

3. A Sacred Slow by Alicia Britt Chole:

This book gives you practical steps in purposefully living a life of slowed pace and a life of greater intention.

4. Total Forgiveness by RT Kendall:

Of all the books I’ve read on forgiveness (and I’ve read a lot because I needed to forgive a lot!) this one is the absolute best one!!  This book was a great catalyst in helping me get to the place of not just forgiveness, but TOTAL forgiveness!

5. Let Justice Roll and One Blood, both by Dr. John Perkins:

Both of these books speak to the continued race relations that we face in our culture today. They are written beautifully and genuinely by a man who has faced the unconscionable in his life, and his words gave me even a greater understanding and compassion to what so many have walked through in their lifetimes.

     

6. My Southern Journey by Rick Bragg:

I also love reading books that have no spiritual significance at all! I love reading just for pure enjoyment and this book will make you laugh until you cry, and deeply touch your heart to tears also. I think I love all of Rick Bragg’s books because it reminds me so much of my upbringing in a small, country town and so many fond memories!

7. Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall:

This is a great true story (was even made into a movie but the book is MUCH better!) written from two totally different walks of life and perspectives. Of how simple acts of kindness can change a person’s life, and how two totally different people, with many different backgrounds, can forge a life-long relationship.

8. Spiritual Leadership by Oswald Sanders:

This is old-school leadership 101 and I love it because I am OLD-SCHOOL!!  My husband and I have read this book many times over through the years, and each time gain a greater understanding and conviction of the true costs of being a leader in the kingdom of God.

9. Everybody Always by Bob Goff:

An absolute riveting book of stories of how LOVE changes everything in a person’s life.  In a world with so much hatred and evil, this book reminds us that LOVE is still the greatest force of all!!