2012 Reading List

1. Seven by Jen Hatmaker: Loved this book!  It's an experimental mutiny against excess.  Jen Hatmaker took 7 months, identified seven areas of excess, and made seven simple choices to fight back against the modern-day disease of greed, materialism, and overindulgence.  I have to say, she is the most interesting writer I have ever read.  Her personality comes out and she is a fun, opinionated, authentic lady.  I was laughing with tears in my eyes to my heart being tugged at the gospel truths and pointing me to Jesus.  must read!

2. For Women Only by Shanti Feldhahn: This is the second time I have read this book. But I love it.  Basically she interviews thousands of men regarding the truth about their inner life he desperately wants you (the woman in their life) to know.

3. Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson: I should have written more down when I read this book last year, but I didn't.  A few take aways I had were: Taking responsibility for my actions-  I can't blame my hardened heart and negative attitude on Tim.  God is working in my heart and I need the eyes of my heart to be open to my need for Jesus.  Love and Respect each other regarding the other person's response- I am thankful for a husband who loves Jesus and loves me from the out pouring of God's love.

4. Orange Jumpsuit by Tara Lee Cobble: This is a biography of Tara Lee Cobble and through letting go of her comforts and choosing to be obedient to God's calling, she learned to walk in freedom from her fears that imprisoned her.

5. Safe Haven by Nicolas Sparks: The movie is currently in the theaters.  Go see it!

6. Resiliency by Elizabeth Edwards: This a biography about her life.  All most people remember about her life right now is the scandal.  But this gave me a picture of her entire life and all she has experienced  of being newly married, the passing of a child, having cancer, their political life, and the scandal.

7. How People Change by Paul Tripp and Timothy Lane: We read this book for our bible study and it was life changing, literally.  He starts off explaining how we often we can see the gospel forgiving us of our past sins and giving us future hope but we often neglect how the Lord is currently working in our lives.  They describe the big picture of our lives and a view of our daily lives that inform, motivate, convict and guide us through: Heat: This is the person's situation in daily life, with difficulties, blessings, and temptations.  Thorns: This is the person's ungodly response to the situation.  It includes behavior, the heart driving the behavior, and the consequences that result. Cross. This focuses on the presence of God in his redemptive glory and love. Through Christ, he brings comfort, cleansing, and the power to change. Fruit: This is the person's new godly response to the situation resulting from God's power at work in the heart. It includes behavior, the heart renewed by grace, and the harvest of consequences that follow. Love this book.

8. Babywise by Ezzo : Great book on getting your baby on a sleeping routine and sleeping through the night.

9. The Master Plan by Dr. Robert E. Coleman: This is the 2nd time I have read this book and it's a beautiful truth of how Jesus delcared his saving grace and need for Him through his daily life and being intentional in his relationships.

10. Instrument in the Redeemer's Hands by Paul David Tripp: My heart has been challenged and encouraged by this book.  He reminds us how we are all broken people in need of God and how we can be instruments of love and truth pointing others to God. Through seeing where their heart currently is and revealing areas in their heart they are not giving God ultimate control.  I love the practical questions to ask and ways to continue to evaluate where our heart is with the Lord and being able to be an instrument of the Lord in other people's lives. I know this book will be a reference for me often over the next few years.