In our hourse we’re preparing for the kids to return to school and for me to return to face-to-face classes at Purdue. We all came home in mid-March, and I’d say we’re largely ready to see what the fall has in store. This year has been the year of Flexible Chaos, and I’m certain it’s not over yet!
Those who know me well would be quick to confirm that I don’t do chaos well…at all. In fact I prefer having a plan even if I have to flex in the middle of the plan. I’m better at flexing now that I’m no longer in my 20s, but it’s still a struggle for me. This year has made it imperative, but there have been days and weeks as I tried to imagine what this fall would look like, that I had to grab a book and hide on our patio. Anyone relate?
One of the things that has been helpful has been taking hour-long walks most mornings (Monday through Friday) while my kids were at swim team practices. I’d stroll through neighborhoods that have now become as familiar to me as my own and listen to books. It may have been a Lisa Scottoline as I binged her Rosato & Associates series. Or this last week a couple non-fiction histories that have engaged my mind. I’ve also read books to try and fill my mind with truth at a time it’s been easy to focus on all the craziness and uncertainty in the world. Have you read any of these?
I have been challenged to look at God’s nature and character more broadly by Jen Wilken in her books None Like Him and In His Image. In None Like Him she focuses on the attributes of God that are so different from us. It’s been a great reminder in a time that feels so out of control that God is bigger and His ways are unknowable and unsearchable. In odd ways, that’s actually been really encouraging as I work through this book a second time.
I read You Are the Girl for the Job by Jess Connolly right before COVID hit, and it is powerful. It’s one I want to give to every woman who’s wondering if God can use her, whether there’s a call on her life. I listened to the audiobook (such fun as the author narrated it so I could hear her heart in the words), and I’ve dug through the paperback I already owned. Rich with wisdom, honesty, and vulnerability. But even more the pages are FILLED with passion for women to take their place alongside God as He works through them to reach the world. If you’re interested in this one, FaithGateway and the author have teamed up for a free online study that starts on September 7th. I’m excited to do that and go through the truth again. You can register here.
Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen isn’t a book that you’ll blow through in a couple days — at least not if you want to eat the meat that’s inside. The book is designed to help us stop our toxic thoughts — who hasn’t had some of those this year? I love how the author is vulnerable in her pursuit of showing us a path away from spiraling thoughts. We have a choice. I have a choice. Such a simple, yet powerful, concept. Then she provides roadmaps for eight sets of thoughts- how to transfer them to choices and regain control of our thoughts.
Last but not least, Rhythms of Renewal by Rebekah Lyons reminded me of Good and Beautiful God or Celebration of Discipline. It’s focus is on how to step out of the craziness of our days and find ways to settle in with God. I was reading this in the early days of our shelter-in-place and it’s a book I could return to again and again. Filled with practical strategies and relevant examples, Rebekah Lyons builds the case that we need rhythm in four areas: Rest, Restore, Connect and Create. When we feel stessed, overwhelmed or anxious, she suggests it’s because we’ve lost balance in one or more of those areas. While those alone aren’t new concepts, she has three questions at the end of each chapter that when applied help us move into application.
The final one, though I don’t have a fun photo of it for you, is Chasing Vines by Beth Moore. Man, that one read my mail and was a lifeline. I listened to it right after Rhythms of Renewal, and Chasing Vines was just what I needed at this time. I listened to the audiobook while walking when I needed to get away from my desk during #shelterinplace. Listening to Beth read her book kept the emotion real and the feeling I was sitting with a friend as she shared wisdom with me. I’ve long loved Beth Moore’s Bible studies, and have led many for the women in our church. But this came at a time I needed to go deep and see the hope of good and hard times. Highly recommend.
What are you reading right now? I’m about done with my second time through None Like Him, so I’m looking for recommendations. Leave a comment and enter below. I’ll randomly select someone to send a copy of None Like Him.
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I have read both You’re the Girl for the Job (audio) and Get out of Your Head.
Both are good and challenging!
I found Charles Martin’s non-fiction book, What If It’s True?: A Storyteller’s Journey with Jesus, to be very thought-provoking and encouraging. My daughters both really like Jen Wilkin. I’ll have to try None Like Him. Thanks for recommending!
Oh! I’ve meant to pick that one up.
I have been touched by Christian fiction a lot of times – and that’s why I’m here. But perhaps I should read more genres. I will try out some of those you recommended if I get them.
I love it when novels strengthen my faith!
Thank you for the recommendations maybe I’ll give them a try!
Books have definitely helped me in these different times they have helped me keep my eyes on something else other then every thing going on around us
I’ve inhaled books in the midst of the chaos. I’m at almost 100 books!
I enjoyed Rhythms of Renewal too and agree it was so helpful to be reminded of those sweet ways of living especially during this stressful time. I’m going to download Beth Moore’s book and take a walk!
Now I just need to apply some of those rhythms consistently. And Beth narrates her book, so it’s really fun to listen to her.
Reading Dr. David Jeremiah’s “Revealing the Mysteries of Heaven” reveals so much of God’s awesome love for us not only for eternity, but also for us Now as we live in the now here on earth! It will lift you as a reader, and as a writer it will fill you with joy for your calling and insight for creating your character’s journeys.
That sounds like a wonderful one to read.
The non fiction I read most is The Bible. I am pretty much a fiction (almost exclusively Christian fiction) kind of gal. I was just looking at my bookshelves this morning and thought I need to make time to read the nonfiction books I have there. Thank you for your reminder and suggestions.
It’s been so life giving to dive into some non-fiction with more intentionality this year. I LOVE fiction, but I also really enjoy a well placed non-fiction.
I agree
Great recommendations! Thank you! 🙂 And here we go, more new as schools start up. Ours are virtual at least through Oct. 30.
Ours are starting face=to-face. I hope we’re able to maintain that!
I just finished Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen. It had some great tidbits in it and definitely wasn’t something I breezed on through. I recommend that one as well! I have Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst on my TBR. I don’t read a lot of non-fiction but have been trying to make myself add more of them to my list. I usually only read maybe a chapter every couple of days. I didn’t think to try them on audio so I can hear the author’s voice. That might be more engaging for me. You mentioned some great ones here that I’ll have to look up. I have some audible credits waiting so this might work out perfectly!
Lysa’s books, especially Uninvited and It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way, have been key for me. The second one was absolutely life-giving last year. I do love listening to the books — the authors read all of the ones above. I love that. I get them through Libby or Hoopla via my library but also have bought a couple because they are that good.
Wild Goose Chase (Mark Batterson), Death By Living (N.D. Wilson), Chase The Lion (Mark Batterson), and Beautiful Outlaw (John Eldridge) are my top devotional-type books. Really powerful stuff!
I LOVE Mark Batterson’s Books. I own a couple of his audios plus many of the paperbacks. And his books always encourage and challenge me to deeper faith.
At the moment I am reading a Christian fiction romance called Rosemary cottage by Coleen cobble if you’re looking for a good clean romance I recommend this series called Hope beach
That is such a good one!
I’m reading None Like Him now–so good. I thought maybe I’d read In His Image first, because it seemed more practical to read about the attributes of God that we’re supposed to emulate. But I like to do things in order, so I’m reading None Like Him first. Wow! I loved Jen’s Women of the Word, too.
I’m also reading Write Better by Andrew T. Le Peau. And, I had collected a lot of Warren Wiersbe’s “Be” commentaries on various books of the Bible when they were on sale for the Kindle app, but then forgot I had them. I’ve been using them the last few months as our church Bible reading program went through the major and minor prophets. We just started Revelation, and that commentary is Be Victorious. I like that Wiersbe gives some great insight and background information, but his books aren’t as long and academic as some commentaries are.
I did start with In His Image — Loved it and led a group of women from our church through it. So good and rich. I’ve always wondered about the Warren Wiersbe commentaries. Sounds like those have been helpful.
All of the books sound amazing Thank you for the recommendation Blessings to You Cara!
Cara, Thank you for these recommendations. Inspirational fiction feeds my soul!
The Bible and Joyce Meyer’s devotional: “Closer to God Each Day”
The book I’m reading right now is The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate.
The problem with being a friend with another audiobook lover, Cara, is that you keep recommending books that I want to listen to, too. More books added to my Audible wish list.
not reading anything now
I’m listening to the Bible on Audible And reading along as well and haven gotten to the Psalms, so that’s what’s feeding my souls right now. I plan to listen to the entire Bible.It’s The Word of Promise NKJV.
It’s not a new book but the non-fiction I am reading is A Walk Through the Dark by Eva Piper.
Reading Christian fiction in several different genres is feeding my soul right now. Going to a quiet place and getting immersed in their stories is like walking into a whole new (mask-free!) world.
But honestly, my Bible is truly my life line. Author MaryLu Tyndall had a wonderful suggestion on her blog about taking your Biblical medication three times a day to battle anxiety, fear and worry. Read an Old Testament chapter in the morning, NT in afternoon and a Psalm before bed. It has honestly been the best and most healing “prescription” I’ve ever had.
I am reading A Single Step.