What I’m wearing: | Cozy Cream Cardigan | Olive Leggings / Similar / Similar | Long Sleeve Henley Top – Similar / Similar / Similar |
I’ve generally always been the ‘only read a book on vacation’ type of girl. (I’m currently dreaming of being poolside with a big glass of iced tea right now.) But in the past six months or so, I’ve started making reading more of a priority and there simply is not enough time to read all the books I want to! I’ve never been a big fan of fiction reading so you won’t find any mystery novels on this list but I assure you, there’s lots of great reads!
Today, I want to share with you a few of my current favorite books that I recommend you adding to your own list!
The majority of my reading time is devoted to the Bible, devotionals and Christian books and studies, which is most of what you’ll see here today. But! I do have a few of what I like to call lifestyle/entertainment/for fun books for you as well. If you want to see what’s on my list, keep on reading, girl!
Christian Books
1. Embraced by Lysa Terkeurst
100 Devotions to Know God is Holding You Close
If you follow along on my stories, you know that I often share excerpts from this devotional! It’s all about being embraced and known by God, and how we can seek him in our daily lives. Each passage is so relatable! Lysa has a great way of speaking truth, while being encouraging at the same time.
“We run at a breakneck pace to try and achieve what God wants us to slow down enough to receive. He really does have it all worked out. The gaps filled. The needs met. The questions answered. The problems solved. And the parts He’s purposed for us? They’re all perfectly proportioned out in assignments meant for us today. No more. No less.”
Lysa has a way of relating so closely to our everyday lives while continuing to speak truth, and after each time I read a passage I’m left feeling like “yes, she understands me, and God understand me.” It will only take you about 15 minutes each day, includes prayer prompts and is a great way to spend time with the Lord in the morning to start your day!
Here are two other devotionals that provide you with quick daily reads and prayer prompts (one passage for each day of the year so it’s easy to follow along):
2. The Confident Women Devotional by Joyce Meyer – this daily devotional is all about encouraging you through those areas/insecurities of life that we, as women often deal with, and encouraging you to live confidently and boldly. I love reading this one during my work week to start my day.
3. Jesus Calling by Sarah Young is all about “enjoying peace in his presence” and these shorter daily reads are focused on drawing closer to the Lord. Each passage is written as if God was speaking directly to you which makes it that much more impactful!
“Give up the illusion that you deserve a problem-free life. Part of you is still hungering for the resolution of all difficulties. This is false hope! As I told my disciples, in the world you will have trouble. Link your hope not to problem solving in this life but to the promise of an eternity of problem-free life in heaven. Instead of seeking perfection in this fallen world, pour your energy into seeking Me. It is possible to enjoy Me and glorify Me in the midst of adverse circumstances. In fact, My Light shines most brightly through believers who trust Me in the dark.”
4. Choosing Gratitude by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Your Journey to Joy
This is such a positive read! It’s all about transforming your perspective and leading with a heart of gratitude.
If you’re someone who deals with negative thinking and anxiety, or simply wants to have a more positive outlook, I would recommend giving this a read. It can help to transform your entire thought process, and how you see yourself and others.
It also includes a 30-day devotional in the back of the book!
5. Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst
Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out and Lonely
I highly recommend this book for anyone, but especially those who are involved in the blogging community. It can be easy to fall into the comparison game, feel rejected and constantly like you have “something to prove” and this book dives into those lies that we feed ourselves and challenges you to ask yourself where your true source of joy and identity lies.
“The minds feasts on what it focuses on. What consumes my thinking will be the making or breaking of my identity.”
Lysa provides questions to ask yourself, ways to pray and real applications for taking steps to live above the ways the world may make you feel.
The thing I love most about Lysa’s books, is she is so relatable. She shares pains, worries, triumphs and joys in her own life in a way that makes you feel like she’d be your best friend if you met her! And that’s the type of encouragement I want to be reading. If you’re interested, her blog is also a great resource.
Quick note: You don’t have to be a Christian to read these books. Whether you’ve talked with God this morning, last week or last year, there’s never a wrong time to be encouraged by His truths and start your day on a positive note!
Lifestyle/Entertainment Books
6. Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be
This is a #1 New York Times Best Seller and I’m sure you’re not surprised this one is on my list with all the hype around this book. And for good reason! I simply could not put this book down! Rachel dives into the lies/misconceptions we tell ourselves that keep us from living joyfully, mixed with relatable stories and humor!
This one really leaves you thinking about the perspective you have on yourself and what you can be doing to be a more joyful, confident, better version of yourself.
If you haven’t read this one yet, I highly recommend ordering it today! You’ll probably finish it by next week 🙂
7. Magnolia Table
A Collection of Recipes for Gathering
If you’re even the slightest Joanna Gaines fan, you’ll love her cookbook! I love how she infuses her family, marriage, Christian foundation and passion into everything she does. I ended up gifting this twice this past Christmas and both said they’ve used it multiple times already.
Joanna includes tons of wholesome recipes, tips, tricks and guides, and an added bonus: it actually has pictures of what you’re cooking! I’ve always been surprised when cook books lack imagery – that’s the best part!
8. Grit by Angela Duckworth
The Power of Passion and Perseverance
For all of my boss babes, this one’s for you!
This inspiring read will put you into the entrepreneurial spirit. It’s all about the idea that the “secret” to success is not necessarily the talent/skills you have, but rather a combination of passion and perseverance called grit. Angela also shares a great TED Talk video on the concept of grit.
9. InstaStyle by Tezza
Curate Your Life, Create Stunning Photos, and Elevate Your Instagram Influence
I think it’s important to always be learning! This book dives into the blogging/instagram world to provide tips, tricks and strategies for creating and elevating your own brand!
Need a thank you for your Galentine’s Day host? Have a blogging friend’s birthday coming up? This would make a great gift!
I hope you’ll add at least one of these too your list! And I want to know your recommendations too! So shoot me an email, a DM or leave them here!
Happy Reading!
