• The Best Yes, by Lysa TerKeurst – yes, another Lysa TerKeurst book! The Best Yes may have been the first Lysa TerKeurst book I ever read – I can’t quite remember. But it certainly made a huge impact on me. The basic message: focus on saying yes to things that really matter, even when saying no to other things is hard. I love her writing because it makes me feel like we’re sitting at the kitchen table, talking about life while drinking tea and coffee. I haven’t found a book by Lysa TerKeurst yet that I wouldn’t recommend.
  • Chasing Vines, by Beth Moore is Beth’s best book ever – in my opinion. As believers, we all know that we are to “abide” in Christ and “bear fruit.” Beth takes us into the vineyard to see what that means in practical as well as theological terms. I listened to the audio version but will be getting a hard copy so I can re-read it and underline, highlight, and write in the margins.
  • I finally got around to reading when you, then God by Rusty George this year. Rusty George spoke at my church a few years ago and brought a great message on the topic covered in this book. This book will take you on a journey through the promises of God.
  • I am currently reading If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg. After the first chapter, I silently scolded myself for not reading it several years ago. If you’re comfortable in your easy Christianity – don’t read this book. But if you long to live a life of deep faith and risk-taking for God, get it now!
  • Anything, by Jennie Allen is amazing! This book tells the story of Jennie and her husband Zac praying the “anything” prayer. Anything God wanted from them, they would do. Sprinkled with stories of other “anything” pray-ers, this book makes you want to jump up and yell, “Here am I – send me – use me!”
  • I loved Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis Majors so much that I wrote an entire blog post about it! A truly inspiring story of a typical American teenager who falls in love with Jesus and then with Uganda. Katie’s story was pivotal to Jennie Allen’s story in Anything.
  • I loved Through Gates of Splendor by Elizabeth Elliott. I cannot believe I had never read it, even though I’ve heard about it for years! This is the true story of five young men who died to reach a primitive tribe of Indians with the gospel of Jesus in 1956. It is a testament to the power of their story, their lives, and the gospel, that this book – first published in 1957 – is still in print. The author, Elizabeth Elliott, was one of the widows left behind. She went on to live with the tribe that murdered her husband for many years and saw God change hearts and lives.
  • I recently finished the audio version of Something Needs to Change by David Platt. I think of this book as part indictment of Christians in the West, part plea for revival, part heartbreaking glimpse into extreme poverty, and all “throw down the gauntlet” challenge. If you feel like you’re missing out on the heart of Christianity – you probably are. This book could help open your eyes to the desperate physical and spiritual needs you could have a hand in meeting. Read it, then read it again. 
  • Lies Women Believe, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss, was on my bookshelf for years before I finally read it! I confess to having too many such books. And, as is always the case, once I read it, I wondered what had taken me so long! This book presents basic Biblical truths for women to build their lives on – and skillfully answers objections that are often voiced. If you are confused by the voice of the culture around you – this is the book you need.
  • I have read many books by Lysa TerKeust – some of which may eventually make it onto this page. But the first one I’d recommend is It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way. Have you avoided the feeling that your life should have turned out differently? That you somehow woke up 15 years in the future in someone else’s body and someone else’s life? I have. It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way deals with all the emotions and doubts and challenges to our faith that those feelings present. But every chapter is still a chapter of hope. It will probably always be in my “Top 10” list of books to read and recommend. 
  • I read Fervent, by Priscilla Shirer shortly after it was published in 2015. But I am re-reading it now and being much more serious about applying the principles taught to my prayer life. Understandably, this approach is taking much longer. But the time spent is worth it. Even if you’ve already read Fervent, I encourage you to read it again.
  • One of my favorite prayer books is The Circle Maker, by Mark Batterson. I’ve read it two or three times, and glean something new each time. Perhaps what I most appreciate about this book is the ever-present challenge to really take God at His Word. I often fall short in that regard. I know in my mind that He’s trustworthy and faithful and always keeps His promises. But getting that knowledge into my heart and out from there to my feet, knees, hands, and prayers takes effort. I re-read this book because I constantly need the challenge to live and pray as if I believed God. 
  • Like Lysa TerKeust, Mark Batterson is one of my favorite authors. I’ve read several of his books and been challenged by most. But my second favorite – after The Circle Maker – is In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day. You will need to read the book to understand the title. But I’ll share this tidbit of truth: you are more likely to regret the things you didn’t do than the things you did. I’ve also re-read this one – again, for the challenge it presents to my day-to-day life.