Resources

On my bookshelf lately (May ’22)- 

• Gentle and Lowly, Dane Ortlund

Wow, one of my favorite reads in a while. Ortlund delves into the true, natural character of Christ as a gentle, loving, servant-hearted Savior who pursues those humbly penitent in heart. I could not recommend this book any more.

• Habits of Grace, David Mathis

A simple yet powerful overview of the spiritual disciplines, or as Mathis calls Habits of Grace. This book is a great refresher from those who have just started walking with Jesus to the most veteran of Christians. He invites us into exploring the gift of seeking our God in various ways, in which he categorizes into three primary groups – through God’s  Voice (the Word), God’s Ear (Prayer), and God’s Body (Fellowship). Would also highly recommend. It has already greatly challenged me in many areas of my walk with the Lord.

• The Lady’s Mine, Francine Rivers

I’m going to be honest – this was not one of my favorite of Rivers’ books, and I am more hesitant lately to recommend some of her books simply due to the sexual tension stored within much of her writing. But still, it was a fun fictional read that tells the story of an independent young woman who is sent alone out West in the late 1800s and ends up being the change that broken little town needs. It is always nice to have a good story to read alongside my theology books!

• The Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan

This is an entertaining and creative allegorical tale of a man’s journey to follow His King to the Celestial City. This book is a classic, and I love how Bunyan broke the mold of his time in exploring the gospel and Biblical themes in such a unique way by creating a fictional world that we travel alongside Christian and eventually his family. I actually listened to this book on audio (much more doable to listen to books during this season of my life on the go, or just doing dishes!), so that made it even more fun but at times to deeply take in all of the bridges Bunyan created.

Podcasts I’m listening to – 

• Risen Motherhood 

I will always recommend this one to mommas with somewhat young families. The hosts Emily and Laura explore a variety of topics that impact mothers, but all in light of the gospel and how we can seek truth in the midst of everything we are facing.

• Maverick by Pioneers

Oh man, if you have not listened to this yet, stop everything you are doing right now and start this short series! This 8-episode podcast follows the true story a man named Bishara, a young Muslim in Central Africa whose life flips on its head when he encounters Christ. It is beautifully depicted by Pioneers’ creative team and goes on a journey of exploring why a man who had it all would leave everything behind, risking death, torture, loss of family, fortune, and safety to follow this man in white.

• Let’s Talk by The Gospel Coalition

Hosts Jackie Hill Perry (one of my favorite teacher and speaker!), Jasmine Holmes, and Melissa Kruger explore many subjects important to Christian women in conversational ways. I love these women’s wisdom and vulnerability, and how they represent a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and life seasons.

Even if you don’t pick up one of these books or hop on one of these podcasts, I do hope it encourages you to just start reading (or listening) to something that will be yet another avenue for growth as we pursue Jesus with one another!