Have you ever considered the importance of words? Spoken or written, words are essential to life. More than just passing on information, words can communicate and reveal to others our thoughts, feelings, and even our very essence of being. Words carry power and can encourage or tear down, inspire or tire, sadden or bring cheer.
We know the power of God’s Word, the way it pierces the heart, convicts, teaches, and changes us. It is His Word which reveals to us His being, His character, and His passions.
How about the words of others? God has used the words of other believers in my life to challenge and encourage me. I’ve seen my own heart reflected back to me in the words of a book, as though the author knew the exact struggles of my soul.
The right words, strung together in just the right order, can actually transform a life.
This is why I am so passionate about books and reading. Books have always been as essential to my living as bread and water. I become out of sorts, not like myself, if I don’t have a pile of books next to my bed. Perhaps growing up with a parent working at a library planted the taste in me, or perhaps I was created with this hunger to devour the written word.
John Piper puts it like this, “There are some books whose vision is so deep and clear that truth rings from the page like the toll of a large bell, perfectly obviously, but rare and precious. They unfold the heart of man and God with such forceful illumination that the truth is not just shown to my mind but created in my heart.” (from The Pleasures of God) Has that ever happened to you? A good book will leave you with nuggets of truth, like a sweet afternoon snack. A great book will provide a lasting feast you can eat from over and over again.
I had a recent request from a reader, asking me to share what I am currently reading. I never read only one book at a time, I always have at least three books I am reading at once. In fact, I’ve found that by reading multiple books, I read more books, more often.
The current pile of books next to my bed:
1. Champagne for the Soul: Celebrating God’s Gift of Joy
This book is about a man’s journey to finding joy. The author did an experiment, pursuing joy for 90 days. This book is a series of reflections on what he learned. I have so enjoyed this book that my accountability group has begun reading it.
2. Glorious Ruin: How Suffering Sets You Free
: Anyone who has read my blog for very long knows how much I love books by Tullian Tchividjian. And now I have another one I need for him to sign! This book is about suffering. It’s not about how to respond to suffering, per se, but a message of hope about the freedom found in suffering.
3. The Pleasures of God: Meditations on God’s Delight in Being God
: This book by John Piper is a great follow up read to Desiring God. When we know the pleasures of God, what makes Him happy, we can have a greater understanding of His glory. We were made to know and enjoy Him and this book helps us to drink deeply from the only well that satisfies.
4. Christian Heroes Books 1-5 Gift Set (Christian Heroes: Then & Now) (Displays and Gift Sets)
: This set of books is actually something I am reading with my son in homeschool. But I Iove it so much I wanted to tell you about it. I never knew much beyond basic facts about missionaries like
Nate Saint and Amy Carmichael. These books have fascinated both my son and myself about the lives and adventures of missionaries I had only heard about before. My son has enjoyed them so much that he will often read them in his free time. They are inspiring and reveal the way God worked in the lives of each of the missionaries, preparing them for His Kingdom work.
And on my Kindle:
5. Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer
: I once made a New Year’s resolution to read all of C.S. Lewis’s writings. I won’t say how long ago that was, but needless to say, I am far from completing that resolution. This book is a series of letters between Lewis and a close friend about prayer. It’s an intimate look at his journey in prayer.
6. Home: A Novel
: The only fiction book on my list, this book is a story about the Boughton family. If you’ve read Gilead and loved it, you will love this too. It is about the relationship between a dying father, his prodigal son, and the daughter who cares for him. It explores the complexities of family life, secrets, disappointments, expectations, and tragedies.
7. One Year to a Writing Life: Twelve Lessons to Deepen Every Writer’s Art and Craft
: This book is a guide to writing. The author discusses all the various genres of writing and provides practical, step-by-step exercises to learn and grow in the craft.
What’s on your nightstand these days?
Joining my friends in community to give thanks for: (#1925-1937)
Thankful for words and the power they have to heal
For God’s Word and the work it does to my heart
For the way He uses people to write words that impact me
That He sometimes even uses my own words and stories to help others
For new books, old books, used books, reread books
For friends who read and share what they are learning
For my new laptop I got for my birthday-a big surprise!
For cooler weather in Florida, my kids suddenly want to be outside!
For a clean and organized garage
For our first weekend at home since August
For date night and time to reconnect and talk
For my wonderful photographer friend who took family portraits of us
Linking up with these friends:
Christina…oh this makes me smile…so thankful that you found the same joy in this book as I did….praises to Him…
Yes, thanks for the gift of joy:)
Hi Christina - I too love books and also tend to have more than one going at a time. My book type has changed over the years and truly try to read only books that bring honour to God. Great post, lots of books to check out. Christina, on Wednesdays I have a bloghop called Winsome Wednesday and I would love for you to join me there.
God bless
Tracy
Thanks Tracy! I’ll be sure to visit on Wednesday. Thanks for stopping by!
Great book list. I will check these out. Love the Chesterton quote. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks, Donna! So glad you visited today!
I always love knowing what you are reading and hearing about books that are impacting you. Great post. Love the picture too!
Thanks, it’s one of my favorite quotes:)
I love books…I have been sorting through mine…in my book basket I have these books…the ESV Journaling Bible…Leaving a Trace by Alexandra Johnson (On Keeping a Journal)…The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children(Stormie OMartian)…Bold Love by Allender and Longman…40 Days in the Word (Bible Study by Rick Warren)…thanks for your list…I will see which ones I can get as samples on my kindle…
Great list! I ordered “One Year to a Writing Life: Twelve Lessons to Deepen Every Writer’s Art and Craft “. It looks great. Can’t wait to dive into it.
It is good book! I’ve enjoyed it. Blessings to you!
I love and share your thirst for reading and inspiration, Christina. And thanks so much for sharing what you’re reading. It’s always an interesting list.
I’m like you and often have more than one book going at a time. A couple that I’m reading right now are, The Five Languages of Apology, Platform - Get Noticed in a Noisy World and also I’m working through Intimate Encounters.
I read Platform recently. I love Chapman’s books. Thanks for sharing your list:) Blessings!
Looks like a great list! I’ve got “The Invisible Man” (finally), “The Radiance of the King”, “Christ Formed In You”, “A Life of Being, Having, and Doing Enough”, and “Love Does”. Saving some reading for a trip to ATL next week, and Sarasota in December!
You have just as many as I do:) What will you be doing in Fl?
Great list.
My mind is simple so at most, I can only handle two books at a time, and usually it includes one non-fiction. Right now, I am close to finishing the Bible in 90 Days Reading Challenge! Only 12 days to go! I’m actually a little sad now that I’m reaching the end. I’ve vowed to read the Bible completely at least once a year; it’s good for the soul. Also I’m reading For The Children’s Sake. When homeschooling days are rough, it helps to read encouraging words from veterans! Blessings to you!
Ah yes-books! And date nights! And life-giving words. Thanks for linking up this beautiful list.
Hi Christina, I love the quote by John Piper! So true. I’ve read so many wonderful books that have greatly influenced me, books like Oswald Chambers ‘My utmost for His highest.’ I have to read that one again!
I also read at least 3 books at a time. And it’s true, I end up reading more that way!
Found you through Marissa’s book blog hop and following.
What a great post - i agree completely (but you already know this don’t you) I’m so glad you decided to share this post with Cozy Book hop - I love having such book lovers in my community of friends!
Marissa
https://forfunreadinglist.blogspot.com
Oh, I love reading! I can survive without a pile of books, which is good, since homework usually prevents me from doing too much reading. These all sound so good, though! I may look into getting some of them to read over the summer. Thank you for sharing!
Visiting from Be Not Weary, and clicking right over to my library catalog to look for Letters to Malcolm. I am a prayER, and am always looking for wise words and encouragement. You have provided both today. Thank you!