Would you like to read one of these books? Click on the picture of any of the Recommended Books below to find it on Amazon.com
 
The Total Money MakeoverIf you are looking for applicable financial guidance in a language that makes sense to you, this is the book. Plus Dave Ramsey's advice comes with the success of thousands of Americans who have turned their world around by getting out of debt and become financially stable. He is a Christian and talks freely about the spiritual aspect of handling money as well.
 
The Five Love Languages
When you read this book, suddenly it makes sense. We all express love in different ways. Knowing what your love language is helps you understand why certain actions and words make you feel loved while others do not. Also, knowing the love language of your spouse can make a marriage stronger and sweeter than ever.
 
Ready or Not (Aggie's Inheritance)
Aggie's topsy-turvy life was heart-warming and compelling. I enjoyed every paragraph and sentence and eagerly latched on to the second book in the series. If you are looking for a easy-read to take your mind off of worries, give you a few laughs, and strengthen your faith, "Ready or Not" was perfect.
 
Time and Again
Deborah Heal amazed me. This book sucked me in so fast that I had it all read in a day and am downloading the rest from the series. Somehow she brought the civil war era alive even while I was engaged in the struggles of a modern-day college student trying to help a young pre-teen girl. But, best of all, this faith-based fiction novel made me remember the intense love and care God takes with each of our lives.
 
Waterfall
This was a faith-based young adult novel. Lots of action and romance. What made me enjoy it so much was the unique narration. The main character is from modern times and is sent back in time to 14th century Italy. It was funny watching her try to conform to the culture of the time. I am excited to read the rest of the series.
 
The Calling of Emily Evans
Loved it!!!! This is such a beautiful story and so unique. A woman listens to God's call that she serve as a minister during a time and place in history where women in the church was not common at all. She sets up a church in a farming community and God is with her through her struggles and as she falls in love.
 
Ever After
This book was moving and passionate. I was amazed and caught up in the characters of the story and I didn't even read the first of the series before gobbling this one up. I cried and cried at certain parts and had to blame it on the onions I was cutting up for dinner. It was beautiful novel.
 
Sons of Encouragement
Did you ever decide you were going to read the Bible cover to cover but couldn’t “get into it” or connect with the people in the stories? Well, Francine Rivers made the people she wrote about come to life with clarity and passion that amazed me. Sons of Encouragement is a 5-book series where you follow the life of Aaron, Caleb, Jonathon, Amos, and Silas. Their stories completely amazed me and I had re-read those parts of the Bible because it brought their walks with God were so enlightening and encouraging.
 
All Things New
Watch two women rebuild their lives after the Civil War. One, an aristocratic daughter tries to rebuild her faith in God and realize the truth about her old way of life. Another, a freed-slave, must courageously face the changes and find a life for her and her family. Lynn Austin captured me completely with their stories and I'm already excited about reading more of her novels.
 
Seeking Patience
A Gypsy man finds himself at the mercy of young widowed countess. Moved by her compassion and her strong faith and God, Luca Bolder finds his life transformed as he falls in love with the woman who battles to save him. This was such a fun, easy-read, book to cuddle up with.
 
Redeeming Love
This novel gripped my heart. It was such a powerful book. Francine Rivers has no fear as she retells the story of Hosea, the man who God asked to marry a prostitute.
 
Power Thoughts
I found this book very applicable to my everyday life, making me happier, more motivated, and more connected to God. It is so amazing I've already read it twice.
 
A Woman Named Damaris
All Janette Oke's books are timeless. This one always puts a smile on my face. Enjoy!
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3 Things Happy People Don't Do
This one-page article was perfectly uplifting in the realization that to have joy is a pretty simple process after all.
When You're Tired of Wearing Masks
I read this today and was full of smiles. God wants us to embrace who we are and show it to the world. Because there is no substitute for what is genuine.
Should Christian Women Cover Their Heads?
Paul wrote how women worshiping and praying in church should have their head covered. That advice seems completely outdated...or is it? Dr. Roger talks about how women dressing with decency is an important choice for many reasons.
Can I Sin All I Want and Still Go to Heaven?
There's a question for you. We're Christians. We've been forgiven for all and everything. Does it matter if we go on deliberately sinning? I love how this pastor puts sin into perspective after receiving a shocking letter from a fellow Christian.
Lessons in Love: Raising a Child with Autism
You cannot plan what child you have. God crafts them with their own individuality, weakness, and gifts. I have always greatly respected parents whose children are disabled. It takes great faith, patience, and grace to raise these precious souls.
6 Ways to be Generous When You Have Too Much Stuff
What do you do with the mounds and hoards of things around your home that never get used? You know it is wasteful, but what can you do about it? Wendy van Eyck walks you through some organizations that will gladly use the things we keep around knowing they are too useful to throw away but never get around to using them at all.
Why Aren't We Teaching Christians How to Study the Bible?
Oh, this really caught my attention. Our generation of Christians are turning more and more towards contemporary Christian teachings (self-help books, popular ministers and ministries, daily devotionals) instead of sitting down and studying God's word. I'm very guilty of it too and realize that I must put studying God's word at the forefront of my Christian learning.
Accepting Our Postpartum Bodies
I think every of new mother struggles with that "baby weight". The challenge to get back to what we were before is set in front of us and looms over us. But, letting it prioritize your life so that it takes away from your joy of being a mother is wrong. I'll have to read this one again after this pregnancy.
Showing God Your Love This Valentine's Day
It makes sense that a holiday devoted to love should honor our God. This article talked about ways to center your life around God during Valentine's Day.
3 Steps to Resuscitate the Romance in Your Marriage
Even though I am blessed with an amazing husband and strong marriage, I still love reading articles like this. I think we can all use reminding to take care of our spouses and the relationship that is so important in our lives.
Because It's Never too Late to Find Your Wings
I've never been challenged like this..truly driven to pick up a cause. And I want to be what Ann Voskamp mentions in this article--A God Adorer, not a God user. Truly, completely, beautiful.
5 Ways Facebook May Be Harming Your Christian Life
Ouch! And, yes. The "Facebook" way of thinking and behaving can create some negative habits. This was a good read.
When You Aren't Like Her But Wish You Were
Robin Dance's words made my heart swell with happiness. This lady overcame feelings of jealously and inadequacy by remembering that God makes us all unique and there is incomparable beauty in God's design. Take a moment to read her beautiful words.
When Your "Best Of" List Comes Up Empty
Life can be incredibly hard at times. How do we survive those hard times? Especially when it is Christmas and everything that hurts is accented by displays of joy around you? Remember that these hard times don't last forever and God is always with us.
7 Ways to Make Christmas Come Alive for Your Preschooler
Celebrate the great joy of Christmas by showing your little one what the holidays are really all about. These ideas are fun ways to get in the spirit and teach your child invaluable lessons.
For the Mom Who Feels Weary
I think most mother's feel weary often. Our responsibilities tax the body, heart, and mind. But I also believe we have some of the most profound opportunities to show the glory of God's love. This article was beautiful.
When Unmet Expectations are Part of God's Plan
God has great plans for you. Trust in his goodness and do not put happiness on hold, waiting for for a certain day or time.
How to Stop Being Too Busy
Most people I know are busy and some of the people I admire the most are busy caring for their families and spouses. But, I know that we often fill our lives with occupations that are not God's will for us. This article was a beautiful guide to looking at how our time is spent and evaluating what we can do to find more peace and less stress.
For Lasting Victory Over Weeds, Deal with the Roots
I loved the perspective this article brought on dealing with sin in our lives. Wonderful! Here is a quote from Jay Sampson, "Sinful actions and attitudes are a result of believing that we need something that God refuses to give us and that we must take for ourselves."
The Unlikely Idol
A mother shares how fear for her children's safety got in the way of her relationship with God and her faith in Him. Her story made me do a lot of soul-searching.
How to Mentor From Your Mess
Beautiful advice on how to look at your experiences as blessings and use them to help others through their hard times.
Forgiving Me, Myself, and I
I forgive others easily, but I'm very hard on myself, sometimes even hating some aspect of personality or life until it interferes with embracing and enjoying the things God has provided for me. Forgiveness is healing and we all need to be whole.
Maybe We Should Stop Encouraging People to Get Out of Their Comfort Zones
This article made me sigh with relief and peace. It is ok to be an introvert. I'm an introvert that loves people, but I'm refreshed by my time alone with my own thoughts. There is space for all of us, introverts and extroverts, in the world and God designed us with beautiful plans for our lives.
Big Thighs
Full of honesty, Ruthie Dean talks about how her negative thoughts about her appearance and self-worth effected every relationship she ever had. She walks her readers through how to change your life by first changing your image of yourself. I loved this article and if any of my readers need some faith-filled advice on dating, it might be worth it to read her book Real Men Don't Text.
Keeping Your Emotional Tank Full
I recently had a day where I felt my emotional health had been sabotaged. There is simply a lot going on in my life and I was trying to cope with it all and wondering why I felt so icky when I thought I was being pretty strong about everything. This article by Wendy van Eyck lead me to re-think the way I look at my mood and help me to prepare for hard time.
Seven Ways to Sense God's Presence
I am always hungering to feel God in my daily life. I feel so inadequate when I cannot sense Him. Yet, it turns out that He is always right there with me, with us. We just need to know how to hear His voice and feel His presence.
The Key to Contentment
Dr. Roger Barrier's advice to be happy and content with life was absolutely beautiful. The people that are content are those that reach out with love and patient and work hard. I can do that! I can do all things through Christ.
For the Desperate New Mom Who Thinks She's Crazy Alone
I took one huge breath after reading this article and suddenly felt like it was all OK. It is OK that I'm constantly frustrated and often feel poorly equipped to handle everything my toddler throws at me. I'm not alone...I'm growing into motherhood.
Am I Doing Enough for God?
This article by Cindi McMenamin was so encouraging for me as a mother and wife trying to work for God. God has His own plans for us, and yes they are beautiful and grand. But more than anything He wants a loving relationship with us. Thank you, Cindi. Your book is on my wishlist!
Slowing Down to Breathe
Admitting that you're a mess can be difficult, but it is when we humbly ask God to change our hearts, bodies, and spirits that we see true change.
Pour Another Cup
Brooke Cooney, a wife and mother, pregnant with her third child, is preparing her heart and home for foster children as well. Her comments humbled me, grounded me, and I feel blessed to be given the opportunity to raise my beautiful baby girl.
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