Everyone wants their summer to be the “best summer ever,” but then we get overwhelmed and anxious about pulling it off. Here are a few books that will bring rest to your soul, health to your home, and hope for your heart. That sounds like a good summer to me!
1. I’d Like You More if You Were More Like Me – John Ortberg
Ortberg is one of my favorite speakers and authors because of his ability to convey spiritual truth with practical application. In his latest book, he walks through the many differences we face and how we can overcome them to find health at home.
2. Braving the Wilderness – Brene Brown
Brene is the voice of reason and wisdom for anyone who carries a suitcase full of shame. Each book of hers gives us more insight on how to empty it out and move on. Her latest book is no exception. A great read on the beach or by the pool as you reflect on your life and what steps to take next.
3. The Boys in the Boat – Daniel James Brown
I know I’m late to the party on this, but it is a great story that became a #1 New York Times Best Seller. This is the true story of a group of college boys from the University of Washington’s eight-oar crew-team that shocked the world in the 1936 Olympics held in Nazi Germany. Fascinating.
4. A Contrarian’s Guide to Knowing God: Spirituality for the Rest of Us – Larry Osborne
I’m proud to say that I know Larry personally and he’s the real deal. This book will give hope and life to anyone who finds trying to know God to be exhausting. I’ve read this book several times and I’m always blessed by it.
5. Just As I Am – Billy Graham
Confession: I haven’t read this yet. It’s been sitting on my shelf for years and after the passing of Billy, I find myself fascinated by his life and legacy. This is my summer reading. Want to join me?
6. Finding Favor: God’s Blessing Beyond Health, Wealth, and Happiness – Brian Jones
Brian is a pastor and author that has written several books and this one is fantastic. For everyone who has wondered how to define God’s blessings in a world of either believing in the prosperity gospel or assuming God doesn’t exist, this book will give great clarity.
7. God of Tomorrow – Caleb Kaltenbach
Caleb has struck a nerve with this one. If you have felt that this world is only getting worse … if you’ve wondered where God is … if you’ve thought the future looks darker than the past … this book is for you. A great reminder of where God is when we see him the least.
8. Mindset – Carol Dweck
This was a very interesting exploration into the mindset we take into every situation. It’s often passed down from our parents, but many of us are beat before we begin. Why is it that some of us just believe we can do anything, while others assume we can do nothing?
9. Building Family Ties with Faith, Love and Laughter – Dave Stone
Dave and his wife Beth raised three great kids, all who love mom and dad and all who love to come back home. How’d they do it? Dave shares some of the things they learned and practiced along the way in this book so short you can read at traffic lights. There is one other book that goes along with this – Raising Your Kids to Love the Lord. Might as well get them both!
10. The Problem of God – Mark Clark
For those who like books on apologetics and dealing with skeptics’ challenges to Christianity, this is your next great read. Love the way this book is put together and presented. I see it as a possible sermon series in the future!
Well, those are mine … what are yours? What books do you recommend before I head to the beach?