I started my year with a lofty reading goal. I’m enjoying rediscovering my love of books and sharing my favorite finds with others. I wish everyone had time to sit and read a fabulous book. Fiction or Nonfiction. Paper books, e-books, audio books. (Audio books can be your best friend if you’re in a particularly busy life-stage).
Here are three books I’ve read so far this year that I loved.
All In– by Mark Batterson
Mark Batterson is best known as the author of the Circle Maker. I love how he writes in a way that challenges the reader to deeper faith. He’s not flowery. He’s just completely committed to talking about the transforming power of God and that comes through in all of his books. Here’s an excerpt from the amazon synopsis:
“The message of All In is simple: if Jesus is not Lord of all then Jesus is not Lord at all. It’s all or nothing. It’s now or never. Kneeling at the foot of cross of Christ and surrendering to His Lordship is a radical act of dethroning yourself and enthroning Christ as King. It’s also an act of disowning yourself. Nothing belongs to you. Not even you.”
Rising Srong– Brene Brown
I loved this book because it made me think in a completely new way about the power of how we work through hard things. How do people come back after a blow?
“It is the rise from falling that Brown takes as her subject in Rising Strong. As a grounded theory researcher, Brown has listened as a range of people—from leaders in Fortune 500 companies and the military to artists, couples in long-term relationships, teachers, and parents—shared their stories of being brave, falling, and getting back up. She asked herself, What do these people with strong and loving relationships, leaders nurturing creativity, artists pushing innovation, and clergy walking with people through faith and mystery have in common? The answer was clear: They recognize the power of emotion and they’re not afraid to lean in to discomfort.”
This has already changed the way I respond when I’m hurt or feel like I’m in crisis. One of my favorite take-aways is how she refers to our emotional, initial reactions to something as a “rough draft”. I love that because it identifies our emotions as something that need need to be worked through and figured out. Sometimes, when we look at them again, we realize there are things that need to be edited out.
The Best Yes– Lysa TerKeurst
I’m halfway through this book and it’s already completely marked up. If you struggle with decision making, feel over-committed or are making decision based on the fear of letting other people down, you need this book.
Two quotes I love:
“But we have to know that God is especially fond of filling empty spaces. God is the master at providing just the right thing in just the right timing. Sometimes we are the answer and God will provide through us. Sometimes our “yes” answers are the way others will know and experience God’s provision. But here’s the core issue — we aren’t the master provider. He is.” (emphasis mine) I so needed that reminder. I don’t need to feel responsible for everyone’s needs. God is ultimately the one who provides. It’s not on my shoulders.
And
“My imperfections will never override God’s promises. God’s promises are not dependent on my ability to always choose well, but rather on His ability to use well.”
You turn! What are you reading? I need to start my summer reading list!
*affiliate links included.