I love to read. There is just nothing better than curling up with a good book and a mug of hot tea, with no plans ahead of you. It’s been so fun going through the book production process, because it’s given me a glimpse of what authors go through in order to deliver the books I love so much.
Maybe I have books on my mind because Walk Through Fire releases this Thursday, but for some reason today I feel led to share with you some of my favorite books I think Christian women should read. Each of these has impacted my life in some way, and I hope you’re encouraged by this list and that you even pick up one of these books and let it change you too.
Here’s a short list of a few books that I have enjoyed:
1. The Excellent Wife: a Biblical Perspective By Martha Peace
Growing up, the word, “Submission” seemed like another 4-letter naughty word. It wasn’t until several years ago that I learned what Biblical submission was. I read this book as a bible study with a group of several women friends. The cool things was, at the time we were going through this book study, our husbands were doing a study from the book, “The Exemplary Husband.” Both David and I were able to learn the importance of his leadership in our marriage and that I was made to be his helper. This book was a wonderful tool that has blessed our marriage.
2. Let It Go: How to Stop Running the Show and Start Walking in Faith By Karen Ehman
I was able to watch the DVD series that goes along with this book study with a group of woman in my church that calls ourselves, “the Jesus Girls.” For anyone that knows me very well, I’m a little bit of a control freak and I’m very detail oriented. I love to plan things out. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with being a planner, if it gets in the way of letting God be God, then it’s a problem. I love the fact that I was studying this book when our son-in-law, Rudy actually met with David to ask if he could have our blessing for him to ask our daughter to marry him. Talk about a lesson on letting go!
3. Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire With God, Not Food By Lisa TerKeurst
I’ve struggled with my weight for most of my life. It’s been a roller coaster ride that never seems to end. A few years ago, I decided to lead this study with a few other women at our church. This book is packed with so many wonderful truths, our group has gone through the study more than once. It’s not about a diet. It’s all about finding our “want to” change our focus from food to God.
4. Undaunted: Daring to do what God Calls You to do By Christine Caine
This book kicked me in the hind end on several occasions. I was actually going through this book at the same time that our literary agent challenged us to think about starting a speaking ministry to go along with writing our story. David and I were struggling with lots of doubts and fears and feeling of inadequacy. This book challenged the daylights out of us, sometimes to the point of me closing the book and having to walk away from it. By completing the study, we came to terms that God would equip us with what we’d need to accomplish what He was asking us to do. I’ll never forget the day in September of 2014 when I called our agent and told her that while we weren’t certain of all that we’d have to do, we were willing to be obedient to God’s calling.
5. Love and Respect: The Love She Most Desires. The Respect He Desperately Needs By Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
This is another powerful book that has shaped our marriage. David and I were able to do this study together at our church many years ago. It reiterates the fact that husbands and wives are created differently by God and that it’s imperative for us to understand how our spouse is wired so we can communicate and meet their needs more effectively. This book changed how I looked at David as a husband and a man. It also made me think about how I respond in a completely different, more Christ-like way.
These are only a few of the books that have impacted my life, and I hope to continue adding to them as long as I live. What are some of your favorite books? I would love to hear your list!
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