My desk is lined with books in process. A stack of books sits next to my bed. There are magazines and books in each bathroom. I’m kinda addicted to information. Here are my favorites at this moment. I’ve attempted to divide them based on your current need. (If you click the picture of the book it will take you to Amazon.com).
Growing in your knowledge of God:
This book “leads you through a study of the Scriptures to discover the transforming power of freedom in Jesus Christ. Themes for this study come from Isaiah, a book about the captivity of God’s children, the faithfulness of God, and the road to freedom.” If you walking in bondage this book will help you see the freedom available through Christ. Start here!
This is an excellent study of the Holy Spirit…the source of true love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness & self-control…you know the attributes weary moms long for?
Spiritual Disciplines:
“one thousand gifts: a dare to live fully right where you are” by Ann Voskamp
Ann perfectly describes the negative attitude I tend towards. She eloquently motivated me to create a list of one thousand gifts of God’s daily grace to develop an attitude of gratitude. If you struggle with self-centeredness and pride, you may also suffer from a critical spirit that exhibits itself in grumbling. This book will help you see the mundane as majestic and be thankful.
-Check out Ann’s fabulous blog: www.aholyexperience.com
“Spiritual Disciplines Handbook
“Sixty-two spiritual disciplines or practices are explained, grouped in seven themes, including worship, prayer, sharing life with others, hearing God’s word and listening to God’s voice.” If you need a resource to help guide you to know God more through a variety of spiritual practices…this is that resource.
Motherhood:
“The Mission of Motherhood: Touching Your Child’s Heart for Eternity” by Sally Clarkson
“Tragically, today’s culture minimizes the vital importance of a mother’s role. By catching a vision of God’s original design and allowing it to shape your life, you can rediscover the joy and fulfillment to be found in the strategic role to which God in all his wisdom has called you, for a purpose far greater than you can ever imagine.”
This book opened my eyes to the eternal purpose of motherhood. Sally is a wonderful idealistic and paints a picture in stark contrast to culture…which when I look at culture is refreshing. She writes a wonderful blog: http://www.itakejoy.com/
“Good and Angry: Exchanging Frustration for Character in You and Your Kids” by S. Turansky & J. Miller
If you’ve ever struggled with anger while parenting, this book is for you. My favorite take-away: “Use anger to identify & problem not solve it.” Each chapter highlights an area of frustration (“they never listen”, “they always complain”…) then gives tips on training character for that specific need. Good stuff. Check out their website: http://www.effectiveparenting.org/
Marriage:
“How We Love: Discover your Love Style, Enhance your Marriage” by Milan and Kay Yerkovich
I wish I had this book when we were first married. It explores how you were loved as a child and how you developed your love style. Chapters focus on what happens when opposing unhealthy love styles join in marriage. The best section of the book includes tips to rehabilitate those unhealthy love styles and create a marriage that expresses the love God intended our marriages to reflect.