In My Book Basket: Summer 2023

Summer can be a great time for spiritual growth, goal-setting, and restarts. Here are a few of my current favorite reads to help you do just that!

The Law of Happiness

This book is currently in my book basket and I am loving it! (Nothing new here. I usually love books by Dr. Henry Cloud!) Drawing from the latest scientific and psychological research on the quest for happiness, The Law of Happiness reveals that the spiritual truths of the Bible hold the secrets to the happiness we desire. As Dr. Cloud unpacks these universal, eternal principles, he reveals that true happiness is not about circumstances, physical health, financial success, or even about the people in our lives. In other words, it’s not about the factors that are frequently beyond our control. Rather, happiness is found in choosing to become the kind of people God created us to be.  To purchase, click here!

Celebration of Discipline

I have read this book each summer since the late 1980’s and it always inspires me. Hailed by many as the best modern book on Christian spirituality, Celebration of Discipline explores the “classic Disciplines,” or central spiritual practices, of the Christian faith. Dividing the Disciplines into three movements of the Spirit, Richard Foster shows how each of these areas contribute to a balanced spiritual life. The inward Disciplines of meditation, prayer, fasting, and study offer avenues of personal examination and change. The outward Disciplines of simplicity, solitude, submission, and service help prepare us to make the world a better place. The corporate Disciplines of confession, worship, guidance, and celebration bring us nearer to one another and to God. If your spiritual life could use a boost, you’ll love this book. To purchase, click here!

Why Do I Do What I Don’t Want to Do?

Jonathan “JP” Pokluda is a new author to me and I am already finding this book extremely helpful. We live in an upside-down culture. We wink at our vices as coping strategies while restricting our virtues to our online personas, where they won’t interfere with our real lives. And we wonder why we feel empty, exhausted, and directionless. But why do we do things that we know are harmful for us? Pokluda teaches there’s a better, more fulfilling way to live, and it doesn’t involve looking inside yourself for the answers–because that’s not where you’ll find them. With his signature wit and wisdom, he explains, unpacks, and expands on the age-old virtues we’re told to pursue in Scripture: humility, forgiveness, generosity, diligence, self-control, authenticity, rest, and optimism. Far from being restrictive, these God-given goals for living free us to love and live as we wish we would. To purchase, click here!

Secrets of the Secret Place

I saw several people recommend this on line and so I snagged a copy. I keep it in my Bible study basket and read a short chapter each day. This book is a timeless classic, an unparalleled resource for fueling your devotional prayer life. It is a must reading for anyone wanting fresh momentum in their quiet time with Jesus. It defuses common struggles, equips, and inspires fervency for Jesus. 52 short chapters. To purchase, click here!

The Bare Bones Bible Handbook

My mother-in-law bought this book for me years ago and I refer to it often. This resource by bestselling author Jim George is the perfect resource for learning about the books of the Bible in short, fascinating overviews that include the grand theme and main points of each book, the key men and women of God and what you can learn from them, as well as the major events in Bible history and their significance. Each overview takes only 10 minutes to read and will enable you to master the books of the Bible more quickly. Excellent for anyone who wants to understand and mine the riches of God’s Word more deeply. To purchase, click here!

Atomic Habits

I am on my second read through of this since there is so much great content to absorb! No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving a little every day. James Clear, one of the world’s leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results. If you’re having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn’t you. The problem is your system. Bad habits repeat themselves again and again not because you don’t want to change, but because you have the wrong system for change. You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems. Here, you’ll get a proven system that can take you to new heights. To purchase, click here!