BOOKS! Books are one of my favorite things.
Each of these authors and titles have impacted my heart, mind and soul for the better. They have given me the opportunity to look within and examine my ways, look up at God and examine His ways, and look at the world and examine it’s ways. I have been supremely blessed by these, and by sharing these I share with you a bit of my heart. This is not an extensive list of my recommendations, but just some that I thought of off the top of my head.
So, without delay, here are my favorites and recommendations.
Corrie ten Boom– All of her writings I’m sure but I’ve only read “The Hiding Place” and “A Prisoner and Yet” and maybe “Tramp for the Lord” (I can’t remember without looking at my bookshelf which ones for certain). 
I think she is such a beautiful woman- her smile is a testament of Gods faithfulness, grace and adoration. Corrie and her sister Betsy’s stories have mentored me over the years.
Catherine Marshall– A Man Called Peter: It is a biography of Catherines late husband and his heart towards God, and ultimately Gods heart towards man.
Julie and Christy are two more that I would HIGHLY recommend, they would make it on this list but I’m trying to keep it short. All of her books are phenomenal with deep lessons on trusting God.
C.S. Lewis– The Space Trilogy: Lessons on contentment, complacency, good and evil, love and obedience. Impeccable plot, scenery and characters. It follows a man who gets into a space-pod, travels to another planet, meets new species/races and of course a bad man with a gun. (It is a big deal in the story.)
Of course, Clive (I wish I was on a first name basis with him) Lewis has other books like Mere Christianity and The Great Divorce. His other books are good, but his Space Trilogy needs more exposure because it has a gentle way of exposing our weaknesses and encouraging us to love God above all things.
Michael Philips– The Secrets of Heathersleigh Hall: Set in the 1800’s, this 4 book historical Christian fiction series dives into a family’s struggle with a prodigal daughter. There are spies, pirates, secrets (of course), nuns, travel, war, family lessons, love and lost love and most interestingly a detailed account of the Christian worldview at the time. Delightful, inviting and intense page turner.
Hugh Ross– More than a Theory: This talks about testable models for Creation; correlating Genesis to scientific discovery. It was a delicious page turner for me… whether things happened as Ross thinks or not, I am satisfied with the fact that God is indeed magnificent and literally ‘bigger than life’.
The book is great for all readers interested in studying testable models for creation (which don’t fight scientific discovery) and those who wish to know what it takes for life to be sustained.
Jan Karen– The Mitford Series: This delightful series kept me sane on long drives (and sometimes just parked in my driveway…). Karen indroduces Father Tim, an Episcipal priest, who in his 60’s experiences for the first time what it is to grow a family instead of a parish (I love that word, parish). Through this series you enjoy the life of a small town man and his travels, daily adventures, and the local characters.
I quote the characters often, and learned what it is to enjoy the little, daily things in life.
N.T. Wright– Wrights “For Everyone” series: He dives into the historical context and detail in the different letters of the New Testament, and makes it digestible for lay-readers like myself. I enjoy his writings because, though they are digestible, they are also rich.
I would suggest his writings to anyone who wants to dive deeper into the history of Jesus time and after, and/or wants more understanding/perspective into the lives and meanings of the authors/letters.
William Lane Craig– On Guard: Ahh… a book full of tasty reasons to believe in God. If you have ever been excited to eat your favorite dessert, you’ll understand how I feel about Christian apologetics.
Craig lays out the main arguements in an easy to understand way, and I would encourage every believer to pick up his book or another one of its kind.
“But in your hearts honor christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect”-1 Peter 3:15
So, welcome to a bit of what God has used to shape me. He is the potter, and He uses words to engrave on my heart. I love it. Thank you for reading!
UPDATE on funding! : I have around 4,000 raised so far! Praise God! My goal is to have 11,000 raised by depature in 4 months. If you feel lead to give, I will gladly accept and praise God for anything (5$!!) you have to offer.
