I’ve been doing quite a bit of reading … for me at least. I’ve got stacks of books {physical and virtual} that I’m never quite able to get to. But in the last few months, I’ve had some time to read through some of them and I’d like to recommend them to you …
First is Reshaping It All … if you struggle with weight or body image {ahem}, this is an inspiring read. There are many great tidbits of physical and spiritual information that I think can help you move beyond issues you might be having.
Choosing to See … I loved this book. This is the ultimate story of turning a tragic event into something for God’s glory. One of the most painful things a family could endure, the tragic loss of a child … and pain from so many different angles … and yet, they’re choosing to SEE. I love it and was incredibly inspired by it. I trust you will be too.
OHMYWORD! Picking Cotton is a MUST read! Wrongly accused, a man had eleven years of his life taken away. This. my friends is an incredible story of forgiveness and grace. If you’re struggling with unforgiveness, I urge you to buy this book today.
Have you heard Colton’s story? Ah.Maze.Ing!! Heaven is for Real is a quick read that will send chills down your spine and put a desire in your heart to meet your Heavenly Father! This little boy’s story made Heaven all the more real for me … and I can.not.wait to get there! Proof this is a great read? Taylor {my non-reader} picked up the book and sat for two hours straight til she was done … if that’s not a recommendation, I’m not sure what is!
And counter to a story about Heaven, we have a story about one man’s visit to hell. 23 Minutes in Hell paints a vivid, and very real image of what hell is like. I believe in hell. I fear hell. I don’t want anyone to spend an eternity in a place God created for satan. I encourage you to read Bill’s account of his tormented 23 minutes. He also wrote a follow up answering questions that came out of his first book. Each answer is based on God’s Word … if you’re a “hell cynic” I encourage you to read both.
And last, but not least … I actually finished Stormie: A Story of Forgiveness and Healing a couple of days ago. This was more than a story of forgiveness and healing. It was about deliverance, redemption, obedience … it was as inspiring as any book you could ever read. Her connection with God is awe-inspiring and makes me hunger for more.
So friends … that’s what’s been on my shelf … how ’bout yours? Anything you’d recommend?
I’ll have to get copies of Choosing to See and Picking Cotton from my library – both sound good and I have had others recommend them too.
Have you ever read Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families? I *love* that book – in fact I keep extra copies on hand and can bring you one when I visit if you’d like :)
My last post (written many weeks ago – I have stopped blogging for now) is a review of some books I enjoyed – My Life with the Gypsies, The Long Walk and East Wind were particularly good – I still think about them and it’s been weeks since I finished them.
I just finished “Grace for the Good Girl” by Emily Freeman (out this fall), and I decided to finally read Jane Austen, instead of just watching the movies. So I’m loving “Pride and Prejudice” with all of my heart.
Of course you know I’m reading “The Ministry of Motherhood”, too!
Blessings on your new bloggy home. I love it. And you. :)
Ohhhh! LOVE the new blog design – very nice <3
I have read Heaven is For Real and LOVED it…cannot wait to see what Heaven has in store! I too read it in 2 hours and then passed it forward so someone else could enjoy it. Great list Tracie – just added a few more to my reading list. Thanks!
ooo… you have been reading up a storm! the only one i’ve read is heaven is for real :) like taylor, i read in in one sitting, too enthralled to do one other thing until i had savored every page!
your new space is very pretty :) i have yet to explore, i am still a little stunned from clicking over and seeing the new digs :) but i like your fresh start. admire that that you are taking big brave steps. but ummm… you forgot me on your daily reads list- hahaha!! xoxox
dawn, i must remedy that asap!! as you have a way of weaving words like no other!
tracie, you are so connected to real needs. thank you for sharing. i will dig in & share them, too.
Can’t wait to start a few of these.
I am just starting “Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner: The Transforming Power of God’s Story” by Wendy Blight.
A Proverbs 31 Ministries find. Can’t wait.
Thank you for all your awesome recommendations.
Blessings to you!
Nicky
I did ready “Heaven is for real” and just passed it on to my friend for her to read while she’s sitting on the beach in Mexico! Since we both lost our fathers, I thought it was an excellent book that provides that light of hope that we will all see our loved ones once again!
Thanks for the suggestions! I read “Reshaping it All” too and loved it! Now I just have to put into practice what I read. :) I’m actually using quite a bit of her recipes from the book. The Black Bean/Pineapple/Chicken Enchiladas are yummy. I have to admit that I then read her brother’s book, “Still Growing” by Kirk Cameron. Not as well written but very interesting tidbits. I have “Heaven is for Real” on my pile to read, so hopefully I will get to that soon. I’m currently reading “Eat the Cookies, Buy the Shoes” by Joyce Meyer. Good insights there too. Happy summer reading! :)
oh! i so love candace AND stormy! hadn’t heard of the others but i’ll have to give them a read. thanks! :)
Putting several of these on my Amazon wish list immediately – thank you!!
These all look like great reads…would be great while I’m hope with baby number three!!! Happy Monday!
I’ve read a couple on your list (Stormie and Chapman) and now I’ll put the rest on MY TO READ!!!! :):) Your new patio looks PERFECT for a relaxing and peaceful reading! (if you can take your eyes off of God’s glorious sunsets!) LOVE and HUGS!xoxoxoxox
Stormie is a wonderful author! I have read all of the Power of a Praying…(wife and parent) and highly recommend them both as tools to use when praying for your spouses and children! I have seen many prayers answered along the way! :) I have also read Choosing to See and I cried through the entire book!! Its a must have! I love Ted Dekker books too if you like a dark mystery woven with good vs. evil plots. Of course I’ve had to read books right along with my soon to be graduating from 8th grade son…just to help him do some of his language arts papers so I’ve read the Hunger Games triology (very good, movie coming out next year) and I’m on book four of the Ranger’s Apprentice which is a great series for middle school age kids to read. Of course I could go on and on about books because I love them…but I read Hinds’ Feet on High Places every year! This is a great allegory about salvation. There is a sequel called Mountains of Spices which is an allegory about the fruit of the Spirit. Ok…enough! :)
loved Stormie……. thanks so much for recommending it. Kathleen loved it too. Now I can’t wait to read Heaven is for Real. love you tracie!
Just got done reading Heaven is for real because of this post, passing it along to my family to let them know our angel boy is in fact in great hands right now. Also, a recommendation The Shack by William P Young.