book club

My new goal this year was to read one book each month.

It's time I set aside the blogs once in awhile and read a REAL book ya know?

So, I will start listing books I've read and loved, along with books I hope to read....

hopefully to inspire you in your reading journey as well!

~~~~~~~
Life:


The Way of Agape: Understanding God's Love:  Hands down THE most influential book I have ever read.  Not only did it change me, but it changed the way I view my purpose in life, the way I love others, even the way I see God loving me.  If there was only one book in life you could read, this would be the one I'd recommend.


Jesus Calling:  THE best devotional EVER.  I read it once in the morning and again at night, and it's like a deep calming breath each time I spend time reading.

Marriage:

Sacred Marriage: I think this is definitely the best book on marriage I have ever read. It absolutely gave me a new perspective, amazing insight, and a fire inside to make my marriage work no matter what.  I'm telling you, it's AMAZING.  Not at all cheesy, and there is no way you will walk away without feeling changed.

Devotions for a Sacred Marriage: A Year of Weekly Devotions for Couples: Now, when you're done with that book, you gotta check out this devotional!  It's a quick read that you can go through with your spouse each night, and will take you through the year.  Good stuff in there.

....more to come...


Parenting:
Going Public: If you've ever struggled with your decision to send your kids to Public Schools, this book offers a refreshing perspective...that there is hope and that it can be OKAY!
Love this book!!!


Parenting by the Book:  SO good, and SO works.  I like that there wasn't a lot of fluff.  Just straight up, like your grandma gave, advice.


Making Your Child Mind Without Losing Yours:  Another one that I repeatedly go back to over and over.  It's just so practical and very ah ha!  

Your Stuff:
The Anxiety Cure: Definitely the best book out there that I have found in regards to anxiety and panic attacks.  I can't tell you how many times I've read it, and how much of it is underlined and highlighted.  Actually, it's a once a year read for me.  And anyone I know who struggles with anxiety, this is book I make them read.

So Long, Insecurity: You've Been a Bad Friend to Us: I have some issues, if you read this blog then you are well aware of this.  One of those issues is insecurity...mostly regarding my body, but it has shown it's ugly head in other areas as well.  Beth Moore, who is now my most favorite christian woman author, brings light and healing to insecurity in ALL areas....and it is goo-ood.  A must read FOR SHO.


The Mood Cure:  If you are looking to try a natural approach to treating your moods, this book is an amazing read.


....more to come...

Fiction:
Redeeming Love: For years, I had been told to read this book, and for years I rejected the idea.  It just didn't seem like my type of book....I was more into the Shopaholic type mush back then.  (Still am at times!)  But, when I finally sat down and opened it up, one chapter in, and I was hooked.  I have never had a fiction book touch my heart and my life in such an inspiring way.  It was incredibly written, and a story that will never ever leave my heart.


The Hunger Games Trilogy:  So strange yet so addicting and TOTALLY entertaining.

Memoirs:
Three Little Words: A Memoir: When I started our foster care experience, I felt completely overwhelmed and confused by my emotions and experiences.  There were so many moments I wondered what I had gotten myself into, and I knew that I needed support.  So, I went to books.  I decided I needed a perspective from the side of the foster child.  I needed to hear my foster sons voice.  This book was an incredible story that touched my heart in a way that I will never look at foster children the same way.  Even if you're not interested in foster care, you will absolutely love this story.

One Small Boat: The Story of a Little Girl, Lost Then Found: Now, after I read the side of the foster child, I decided I needed to hear from the other side.  The perspective of the foster parent.  I wanted the feeling of a support group, someone who had gone through what I'm going through, and made it through.  I needed to sit at the feet of wisdom...and this book was just that.  In fact, she has another book that is on my To Read list.  She is an AMAZING mother, and an amazing author.