I always love to start the year off with giving you some ideas for books you should read in the new year. The following books I have read and highly recommend. If you don’t own these, go buy one or borrow one from a friend!
1. Everybody, Always (Bob Goff)
I cannot say enough good things about this book. In his third book (go read the introduction to see why it’s his third book), he shares with us stories of how to “become love in a world full of setbacks and difficult people.” Loving people is hard, but he opens up and shares how he has shown love to creepy people, neighbors, limo drivers, witch doctors, and many more. Grab a copy of this book as I know you will be blessed!
2. Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption (Katie Davis Majors)
This is a true story of an 18-year old girl from Nashville who feels God calling her to move to Uganda to live after she goes on a mission trip during her senior year in high school. She tells her story of how she served God by loving the children she encountered. This led to her adopting 13 children in Uganda and starting her own non-profit ministry called Amazima. Her story is truly inspiring. I was blown away by her obedience to do all God has called her to do. Make sure to grab some tissues before you read!
3. It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way (Lysa TerKeurst)
This is the latest book (and recently released) from the Proverbs 31 Ministries President. Lysa has always been one of my favorite writers. I love how she writes so openly about the struggles within her marriage and other difficult experiences. She helps us to see that our strength comes from God even when life doesn’t go the way we expected. Proverbs 31 Online Bible Studies is doing this as their next book study (Jan 21-March 1, 2019). Sign up now if you would like to join in!
4. Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World (Max Lucado)
As someone who struggles with anxiety, this book brought much peace to me. Using the Scripture of Philippians 4: 6-7, Max show us how to have C.A.L.M. in our lives. We need to Celebrate God’s goodness, Ask God for help, Leave our concerns with Him, and Meditate on good things. This book has been underlined and highlighted a lot! So many helpful things for you in this book if you struggle with anxiety.
5. David: A Man of Passion and Destiny (Charles R. Swindoll)
I love studies of a person in the Bible, and this book is excellent if you are wanting to learn more about David. Charles takes us through the whole life of David from the time Samuel anointed him as the next king of Israel all the way to his death. This book inspired me to want to have a heart like David. It opened up new things I learned about David and how to be obedient to God.
Bonus Book!!
In August 2018 I released my first book. I would love for you to check it out!
Rise Up: Choosing Faith over Fear in Christian Ministry
My book is for those who struggle with fear when it comes to serving God. I openly and honestly share the fears I have had in the ministry for the past 17 years. God’s calling isn’t always easy, but I am grateful that God helped me to find freedom from each fear.
