In My Book Basket (Winter 2023)

Who else loves snuggling up with a steamy mug of something creamy and a good book at this time of year? Here are the books I am currently reading, along with my thoughts about them. They may be just what you need on a winter afternoon. (Please note that I may not agree with the entirety of the authors’ views and ideas, but overall I thought the books were very helpful and/or worthwhile.)

The Intentional Year

Do you want to make 2023 the year you find peace, freedom, and purpose? The Intentional Year may be the book for you!

We struggle to keep up with the demands of life, but God invites us into freedom.


We feel anxious and overwhelmed, but God promises peace.


We’re stretched and empty, but God offers purpose.

The Intentional Year is an invitation to stop right now, right where you are, and choose to live on purpose. Click here to purchase.

The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction

The modern world is a machine of a thousand invisible habits, forming us into anxious, busy, and depressed people. We yearn for the freedom and peace of the gospel, but remain addicted to our technology, shackled by our screens, and exhausted by our routines. But because our habits are the water we swim in, they are almost invisible to us. What can we do about it?

The Common Rule by Justin Whitmel Earley will help you to form intentional habits and keep your focus during this age of distractions. Click here to purchase.

Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots: Finding Grace, Freedom, and Purpose in an Overachieving World

I met Mary Marantz this past year when I was a guest on her podcast and she has grown to be one of my favorite people to follow on social media. This book, Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots, from her is so encouraging!

When gold stars, highlight reels, and seeking approval from strangers on the internet are not enough, Mary gives you permission to stop running. In this unique, powerful devotional filled with stunning photography, she shows you how to move from achieving, striving, and performing for your worth to the grace, freedom, and purpose that come from knowing your identity and calling are determined by God. Highly recommended. Click here to purchase.

Prayer in the Night: For Those Who Work or Watch or Weep

In the past four years or so, due to losing many loved ones to death, I have had my fair share of weeping nights. Where do we find comfort when we lie awake worrying or weeping in the night? If you want a helpful resource for such times, Prayer in the Night is just the ticket.

This book was the ECPA Christian Book of the Year. In it, Tish Harrison Warren offers a prayerful and frank approach to the difficulties in our ordinary lives at work, at home, and in a world filled with uncertainty. It explores themes of human vulnerability, suffering, and God’s seeming absence. Click here to purchase.

The Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible: CSB Edition, Hardbound

I am often asked what resources I use when writing Bible studies or teaching to women’s groups or how I know the original Greek and Hebrew meanings of words. This Bible is one of my favorite tools! The Hebrew-Greek Key Word® Study Bible identifies the key words of the original languages and presents clear, precise explanations of their meaning and usage.

Those who love God’s Word will treasure this Bible, for it contains a whole library of biblical helps within its covers. It is a little pricey but totally worth it! Click here to purchase.

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3 Comments

  1. I, too, am really enjoying your newsletter. I am finding tips,books,recipes,encouragement….I keep reading just one more thing. I want to save all this good info so I made a file for you in my inbox so I can refer back to them. Thank you,Karen.

  2. I truly enjoyed your newsletter today. Will try each of the recipes, as that is one of my favorite things to do.
    I did receive 2 copies of your newsletter.

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