Here are some of the books I read in 2013
Duties of Parents by J.C. Ryle - Probably the most straightforward parenting book I've read. This is one I plan to reread many times over. This is a manual of sorts for what Christians should aim for in child-rearing. Ryle gives parents the tools and focus to "train them up in the way they should go." -Prov. 22:6
The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer - A true classic that will encourage your walk with God and draw you into deeper relationship with Him. This book brought much conviction, encouragement, prayer, and nearness of God. Wherever you are in your walk with God this book will be a great source of encouragement!
Because He Loves Me by Elyse M.Fitzpatrick - I really enjoy Elyse Fitzpatrick's books. I've read several now and love the gospel more as a result! Fitzpatrick unpacks the impact of Christ on our daily lives....how He transforms our lives. She asks the question: "In your pursuit of godliness, have you left Jesus behind?" She talks about our need to be rescued from our "identity amnesia" and pointed to our true identity as God's beloved children - adopted by the Father, united with the Son, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Great book!
Desperate by Sarah Mae & Sally Clarkson - An honest book written by a younger and older woman team. Thankful for the insight and encouragement from an older woman (Sally Clarkson) who has been there and encouraging younger moms like me. This book was a refreshing reminder to me that I'm not alone in feeling "desperate" in this mothering journey at times.
Radical Womanhood by Carolyn McCulley - This is a book that has been on my book list for a long time so I decided to invite some college girls from CP group last Spring to read it with me. This is a book every woman should read! This book equips believers and exposes the agenda of historical feminism while presenting the beautiful truths of womanhood in Scripture. She covers some hard topics but does it with such boldness and grace! Great read for women to understand biblical womanhood!
Communion with God by John Owen - We have owned some of these Puritan Paperbacks for awhile and I'm making it a goal to read at least one of them a year. This book was surprisingly worshipful to my soul and walk with God! He explains the nature of our communion with God and recognizes that through the Son we have access by the Spirit to the Father. It is a doctrinal book by nature and was a part of The Works of John Owen. This is abridged by R.J.K. Law.
Christ in the Chaos by Kimm Crandall - Best book I've read on motherhood hands down! This is an honest, no fluff, book that gives moms gospel truths in this calling called motherhood. She emphasizes the importance of the gospel and how Christ's life, death, and resurrection change every aspect of motherhood. This book was a great encouragement to me as it exposed my sin and breathed freedom to serve my family knowing that God's love does not change based on my performance! Love this book! I have a feeling I'll be rereading this one!
Crazy Love by Francis Chan - I read this over a long period of time on my iPhone at night (free via amazon kindle). Chan's love for God is contagious as you read this book. This book calls you to a passionate love relationship with God. As we encounter God's love we are changed by it!
A Gospel Primer for Christians by Milton Vincent - I've read this book several times now with my quiet time and am rereading again now. Christians need to hear the gospel even after conversion and this book helps you to do that. There is lots of talk about being gospel-centered today and this book exemplifies that practice. I love reading this in the morning as it helps me preach the gospel to myself!
The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions - Like A Gospel Primer I enjoy reading a prayer from this book along with my Bible reading. The prayers in this are beautiful! This book encourages the discipline of prayer in my life.
Crazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung - I'm a big fan of Kevin DeYoung and have enjoyed other books by him. This book address the problem of busyness and we all can identify with. He digs deep in God's word to get to the source of the issue of our busyness and addresses the heart. I appreciate the depth yet the practicality of this book. One that I'm still seeking to apply!
Glimpses of Grace by Gloria Furman - This book was an encouragement to see the reality of God's grace in the all of life (even the most mundane of activities). This was a gospel-centered book and spurs me to experience the gospel in my everyday....especially when the mundane tasks get monotonous.
