What I've Been Reading

Reading is a discipline that I'm learning blesses others more than it blesses me. While I might glean nuggets of wisdom that challenge and grow my heart, the nuggets I receive actually end up loving and serving the friend that I talk with later on. I've read a lot of books like this over the past month, books that encouraged me and might just encourage you, which is why I like to share about them. So here are a few books that I've been reading over the past few months and how they might encourage you. 

Humble Roots by Hannah Anderson 

A few weeks back, I wrote a blog post called When Humility Brings Peace as a result of reflecting upon reading Humble Roots by Hannah Anderson. I was deeply encouraged by Anderson's writing and her connections from the Bible in regards to humility and peace. Her main point: you are not God and you desperately and dependently need Him, and the humility of that statement brings peace.

​I've been walking through a season where the Lord is showing me my desperate need and dependence on Him and how important it is that I abide in Jesus. If you're looking for peace in your life, I would recommend this book to you. PS: the chapter on transplanting vines is my favorite because it relates directly to abiding in Jesus. 
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Discipling: How to Help Others Follow Jesus by Mark Dever

If you're looking for a short but helpful book that will help you in the process of helping others grow in their walks with Christ, this book is for you. Immensely practical, Dever gives a definition of discipleship (doing spiritual good to others to help them grow in their relationship with Jesus), and gives helpful practicals of what that looks like. As someone that loves discipleship (giving and receiving), I would love to see others grow in thinking through how God has called them and equipped them from the Bible to be disciples and to help others to be disciples. 

The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines

I'm a big fan of Fixer Upper and the business model that Chip and Joanna Gaines employ. They use their business to love other people like Jesus and have a heart to see the restoration of homes. They're in the business of restoration, and I am too! (Just in the business of heart restoration through Christ.) This book was an enjoyable read, and it encouraged me in hearing what God has done through the lives of this couple and their business. If you like Fixer Upper or Magnolia, this book is a great read for you! If you want to read a book about a couple that use their business to glorify God and love others, this book is for you as well. If you just want an autobiographical read... you got it, this is for you! 

Made for More: An Invitation to Live in God's Image by Hannah Anderson

I just finished reading this book, and I am so thankful that I did. I read it at just the right time, when I needed to be reminded that I am made in the image of God and for a purpose. If you're in a place where you feel purposeless or that you're not living up to your true potential or just discouraged in the things that God has called you to, then this book is a timely read for you! After finishing Made for More, I've taken a fair amount of time to think through how God has made me and in what specific ways He is calling me to image Him in my work and my day-to-day life, and have been invigorated in my work by how I can reflect the Lord. 
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How about you, my friends? Have you read any books lately that you would recommend? Send some love and comment your titles below!
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