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A couple of weeks ago my friend Shannon sent me an email asking me to share with her my top five favorite books. Of course, my mind began racing and I thought, (as every blogger does) “That would make a good blog post!”  So here it is, for sweet Shannon, and others who might be interested:

Original Blog Post November 17, 2010 – UPDATED.

1. Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer :: I went back and forth on which Tozer book to list here, but this one is my favorite.  If you want to immerse yourself in the attributes of God and transform the way you think this is the book for you.

2. Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson :: This book was the first book God used to show me motherhood as a high and holy calling.  Sally encouraged my heart and told me that on my tired, depleted, most weary days, He understands. This was huge for me as a new mom.

3.  The Christian’s Secret to a Happy Life by Hannah Whitehall Smith :: My husband read this book in about a day and handed it me and I did the same.   One of the few books I have read more than once, this book grabs you and says, “Man’s part is to trust, God’s part is to work.” It is in that place of trust that we find a life hid with God in Christ – and the secret to a  happy life. Love this book!

4.  Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard :: My friend Robin sent me this book when I was going through a difficult trial a few years ago.  She sent along a note that said, “Read this book, now.”  This story (allegory form) follows the journey of Much Afraid (aka, Me) who is called by her Good Shepherd to go to the high places.  Do you struggle with fear?  Are you on a journey with God and finding Him leading you through hard places?  This is the book for you.  Read it, now.

5.  Keep A Quiet Heart by Elizabeth Elliot :: This is a collection of essays written on everything from Why is God Doing This To Me to Ever Been Bitter? I keep this by my bed and read it every year at least once.  It is the book I buy in bulk and give away most frequently.

And because I can’t just name five….

Prayer:

With Christ in the School of Prayer by Andrew Murray – This book has impacted my prayer life more than any other prayer book. It is a book to be re-read again and again.

Daily Devotional:

New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp – This is a Gospel driven daily reminder of grace. Every time I read it I am encouraged by the richness of new mercies.

Fiction:

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers ::  This book came to me by way of my friend Lisa.  Hands down one of my favorite Fiction Books. I have recently become and avid Fiction reader. I also highly recommend Francine’s Mark of the Lion Series (book 1 is here).

Marriage:

When Bad Things Happen To Good Marriages by Les and Leslie Parrott :: I found this book at the library years ago, and hands down, I think it is the one of the best book on marriage that I have read. I love that the authors are married, to each other. This is not only for marriages in crisis, but for good marriages that want to be better.  If you are in ministry of any kind, this is a great book to read period.

Kids: (read aloud)

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall – just get the whole set. We love this family. We cried. We laughed. We miss them now that it is over.

Favorite Non-Fiction Books I read From This Past Year:

Unseen by Sara Hagerty – Sara is a dear friend and this book speaks to the ache of every heart that wonders if God truly sees us. It is beautifully written. (Sara graciously wrote the forward to Fresh Out of Amazing as well).

None Like Him – Jen Wilken this echoes much of what Tozer says in Knowledge of the Holy but is a much easier read. I love Jen’s passion for the Word!

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