My Bookshelf

(For a more complete list of books I've read and recommend, check out the BOOKS highlight on my Instagram page!)

Rhythms of Grace

by: Kerri Weems

Rhythms of Grace will always hold a special place in my heart. This is the first book I read as part of a Small Group Bible Study. (To be honest, I was new to bible studies and still felt funny telling others what I was doing ... so I referred to our meetings as a book club!) Regardless of whether you read it alone or as part of a group, regardless of whether you call it a Bible Study or a book club, I recommend it wholeheartedly!

Looking back, I see without a doubt this book was the beginning of a major shift in how I live my life and prioritize my time, as I now strive to achieve Shalom - wholeness and peace - in my life.

Kerri Weems says it best herself, "Somewhere between the hamster wheel and the full stop there is a perfect pace, a rhythm that is a custom fit for your life and the leg of the race you are running right now. This perfect pace is God's tempo for your life, His perfect rhythm. His grace is what gives you the freedom and power to find that rhythm and walk in it."


Unglued: Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions
By: Lysa Terkeurst

Although I read Unglued on my own (and then recommended it to everyone in my Bible Study group!) it could also be read as a group Bible Study. Not only did I highlight and underline in the book, I took notes on it in my journal! 

Through the book Lysa gives honest, personal examples of times she has become unglued over things that are, in hindsight, probably not deserving of such big emotional responses. This made me feel better as I considered some examples from my own life ... as I may or may not be guilty of yelling at my kiddos over insignificant things simply because I'm stressed or things aren't happening the way I planned them 😖. 

Lysa Terkeurst discusses common types of reactions that many people experience when things feel out of control, gives helpful strategies for managing these circumstances and weaves in scripture so we can better see how God would like us to manage the emotions He has gifted us. If you've ever reflected on your day and realized that perhaps you "lost it" over some little thing that didn't really matter, then this book is for you!


The Inner Chapel: Embracing the Promises of God
By: Becky Eldridge

Sitting with Jesus in the quiet moments of my morning brings me comfort and peace. Allowing Him time and space to speak into my heart has brought healing and freedom I didn't know I needed. I never again want to experience life without acknowledging His close presence by myside, and I feel a strong desire to make others aware of it and help them achieve it...

Along these lines I cannot recommend this book enough! Filled with personal stories from her own life, Becky Eldridge puts into words so much of what I've experienced the last few years as I've been pulled into this amazing relationship with Jesus. Plus, each chapter ends with prayerful reflection questions and scripture verses with which you can pray - so you too can discover that God resides within you and is longing to be in relationship with you. This book is like a retreat you can do at your own pace, on your own time, in your own space.

Read it slowly. Take it to heart. Discover your own Inner Chapel so He can bless you with the same peace, love, healing, and freedom with which He's blessed me. 

One Thousand Gifts
By: Ann Voskamp

I'll be honest. There were times I found this book difficult to read. Not because of the content. Ann Voskamp's God-sent message is absolutely beautiful. Thought-provoking. Life-changing ... if I allow it. The style of writing, however, was a little difficult for me - a combination of poetry and prose that seems to throw all grammar rules out the window. I'm so glad I read, highlighted, and took notes on it, but you should know this ahead of time.

Early in the book we learn the Greek word Eucharisteo, translated throughout the Bible as "He gave thanks," actually has a much fuller, broader meaning encompassing the words gift, grace, and joy.  Spelling it out, we will only experience TRUE JOY if we see the things and events in our lives as grace - gifts from God - for which we then actively give thanks.

As Ann Voskamp shares her personal journey of learning to live a life filled with intentional gratitude, she also shares the wisdom God reveals to her throughout.

Redeeming Love
By: Francine Rivers

I stayed up way too late to finish this. But I could NOT put it down!!

At first glance you might think this is just another love story. But it's SO. MUCH. MORE.

She's so broken. He's a man with a strong faith and just seems too good to be true. And as their story unfolds you realize his love for her completely exemplifies the love our Father has for us. It's not earned. It's not deserved. It's unconditional. Healing. Self-sacrificing. Never-ending. Limitless. 

Get it. Read it. Lose yourself in it. See that the Lord calls you BELOVED. 

The Way of Serenity
By: Father Jonathan Morris

I had NO IDEA this little prayer I've spoken so many times was so rich. So full. So deep. As each line of the Serenity Prayer is broken down I gained a new understanding of what these words really mean: Serenity, Courage, Wisdom.

I recommend you read it slowly, taking time to immerse yourself in each chapter so you can absorb ALL the wisdom within.

One Beautiful Dream: The Rollicking Tale of Personal Passions, Family Chaos, and Saying Yes to Them Both

By: Jennifer Fulwiler

Jennifer Fulwiler invites us into her home, her heart, and her life as she reflects on all she previously experienced while writing her first book (which is now also on my To Read list). 

Filled with humor, she reveals the life lessons she has learned and shares the ways God has shaped her vision. More than once I found myself moved to tears, as through her words, I could hear the Holy Spirit whispering to me as well.