I love books and bookstores, though they are falling away fast. This last year my niece has started reading all my childhood favorites. Each week I ask what she is reading and she will say “Nancy Drew” or “Little House On The Prairie”. She hears me sigh and say “that was my favorite book!” It is fun to see her love of reading bloom. Best of all, we can talk about the books together.
Reading transports us to new places and fuels our dreams.Books inform us, transform us and gives us a glimpse into other people’s lives. They are a wonderful escape.
Recently at my church bookstore the name of a favored author caught my eye. I had not seen a book of his in years. I couldn’t wait to start reading it. The author was Ken Gire and his latest book is Relentless Pursuit. His earlier books Windows of the Soul and were books that really shaped and broadened my picture of God. Being creative I often felt outside and he made me feel normal.
I have been intentionally reading more this summer. It is helping feed my soul. Here are a few of the books that I am reading or hope to this summer. What is on your list? Do you have a book you think I should read?
Relentless Pursuit: God’s Love of Outsiders Including the Outsider in All of Us
The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make A living, Do What you Love and Create a New Future
When I was at General Mills this spring one of my fellow bloggers had this book. It is a great encouragement on taking those steps to build your own business, based on your passion.
Love Without Walls: Learning to Be a Church In the World For the World (Leadership Network Innovation Series) by Laurie Beshore
Mariner’s Church and their Lighthouse Ministry changed my life. I found God’s grace and forgiveness there. While EV Free might have been my first step my life was profoundly changed in the 15 years I attended there and it all started with serving in the early years of Lighthouse. I recently have been attending there again. It’s like going home. Just like our family homes, it is far from perfect but reading this brought back a flood of memories.
Some Assembly Required: A Journal of My Son’s First Son by Anne Lamott & Sam Lamott
I love Anne’s unorthodox approach to her faith. I find myself either laughing out loud or tearing up at her raw and honest words.
Saying It Well: Touching Others with Your Words by Charles Swindoll
He was still pastor at First Evangelical Free Church when I found my way back to God and church. Later I worked for his ministry Insight For Living. He writes in a way that is so familiar and comfortable. I feel like he is sitting across from telling his story. He is such a gifted communicator so I love reading about his journey in the first half. I am looking forward to reading his approach to speaking!
Leaving (Bailey Flanigan Series) by Karen Kingsbury
Her books are my favorite Christian non fiction. I fell in love with the Baxter family and their little town. I need to read these so I can start the newest Baxter book!
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