Girl Meets Change

Girl Meets Change: Truth to Carry You Through Life’s Transition by Kristen Strong is a tender guide to those who are impacted by change—which is all of us.

Kristen helps the reader take courage in each season by weaving in biblical accounts of those affected by change and incorporating touching stories from her life and the lives of others.

Kristen does not minimize the pain that often accompanies change, but she points the reader upward, reminding them of the Sovereign and Loving God who knows what He is doing.

“Life and anything that represents life involves movement, and standing rigid against it will only break us. So being the loving parent he is, God gently but firmly urges us toward the uncomfortable places change brings.”
―Kristen Strong, Girl Meets Change

The Christmas Angel

The Christmas Angel by Doug Kloosterman is a fully-illustrated children’s book about what angels are really like. They aren’t delicate pastel figurines—they are warriors that carry messages and reassure their recipients not to be afraid.

Doug is one of our good friends and we are so proud of him for turning his yearly angel rant into a published book.

My kids were engaged by both the message and the pictures as we read this book aloud.

My Top 3 Reads of 2015:

You’re Loved No Matter What: Freeing Your Heart from the Need to Be Perfect by Holley Gerth.

Every once in awhile a book comes along that you feel is written just for you. You wonder if the author has been spying on your heart as their words address issues you have been dealing with for a lifetime.

You’re Loved No Matter What by Holley Gerth is that kind of book. It’s not just written for this Tightly Wound Woman, but for all of us recovering perfectionists who struggle to meet the unrealistic expectations that we put upon ourselves and others.

I think at the root of every desire for perfection is simply this: fear. The way we battle fear as humans is through control. And being perfect is the ultimate expression of control.” -Holley Gerth

You can read my full review here.

Women at War: Declaring a Cease-Fire on Toxic Female Relationships by Jan Greenwood.

Woman at War is a power-packed battle guide for calling women to freedom through revelation and spiritual training. Jan addresses mother/daughter relationships, sister relationships, friendships and church ministry relationships. She points us to the truth and offers practical resources for walking out the principles found in this book.

I am glad that I read Women at War and recommend that you read it too. You can download the first chapter for free.

Whatever He is asking you to do, it is your “yes” that allows Him to deposit something divine and powerful within you.” -pg. 68, Jan Greenwood

You can read my review here.

Jesus>Religion: Why He is So Much Better Than Trying Harder, Doing More, and Being Good Enough by Jefferson Bethke.

I can’t say enough good things about this book. It is by far my favorite read of the year. My husband and I purchased numerous copies to give to graduates. If you haven’t read Jesus > Religion I implore you to do so. You will be challenged, stirred up and excited to live in more freedom, love and truth than every before—at least we were.

“Our lives on earth aren’t just placeholders until we go to heaven. We are to create, cultivate, and redeem while we’re here. The misconception, I’ve realized, has come from a lack of knowledge of why we were created.”-Jefferson Bethke

Jefferson cuts through religious red tape and gets to the heart of the matter and the heart of Jesus. This book challenged my thinking on the topics of grace, art, and church life. I embarrassingly tend to lean towards legalism and Jefferson words helped illuminate a better way.

“One of my favorite things about following Jesus is I get to drop the act, admit I’m not good enough, walk in freedom-and that’s good news.” -Jefferson Bethke

Head on over here for a full list of books that I have reviewed to date.

This year I set a goal to read 25 books via Goodreads. I am 6 books behind schedule but am determined to try and meet my goal by year’s end. I better get reading!

What are some of the best books that you have read in 2015?

P.S. Still looking for gift ideas? Why not purchase a copy of one of these books?

Also my friend, Krafty Kash, has some great gift ideas for under $20. If you order before Friday your items will still arrive before Christmas!

Happy Shopping! 🙂

 

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