Favorite Books read in 2009

1. Interrupted by Jen Hatmaker
God used this book (and our church - Austin Stone Community Church) to awaken an area of my relationship with God that I blindly didn't realize was not really making the jump from my "good intentions" to my actions. If you feel like something is off in your walk with God, read this book!!! It is about the author and her family's journey to rediscovering their faith, and how God redirected their focus from protecting their comfort and climbing the social ladder to serving "the least of these." The author is local, too (Austin area)! If I could afford it, I would give everyone I know a copy of this book, then relentlessly ask if they read it yet :) I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book!!! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE read it :)

2. Desiring God by John Piper
I had to put on my big girl panties for this one :) Super theological and takes some time to go through, but completely BRILLIANT and transformational! Very convincingly makes the point that perhaps the greatest commandment in the Bible (outside of loving God and loving others) is "Delight yourself in the Lord." Most likely, I will come back to re-read this book A LOT in the years to come. Piper's contributions to Christian theology are such a blessing!

3. Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Trip
Great parenting book! Focuses on the heart behind a child's behaviors instead of just correcting a child's behavior. Helps parents bring the Gospel into their parenting. It also has a very helpful study guide that would be great to go through for your family.

4. The Tangible Kingdom Primer by Hugh Halter & Matt Smay
This is an eight week study that is wonderful small group material. It will help your small group get on track and missionally (outwardly) focused. If you feel like your small group is stuck in a rut, definitely check this study out! Would also be a great study if you are starting a new small group. It will definitely get everyone started on the right foot. NOTE: not available on Amazon. Only available on The Tangible Kingdom website.

5. The Blessing by John Trent & Gary Smalley
A great opportunity to reflect on your own childhood and the way your parents raised you...especially what could have been missing (meaningful touch, a spoken message, attaching high value, picturing a special future, an active commitment). Then, through that reflection, you find inspiration on how you desire to raise your own children. It is so important to honestly look at the past to decide where you want to go in the future.

6. Premeditated Parenting by Steve Nelson
Another great parenting book. Very practical advise! Encourages parents to be proactive in their parenting, not reactive. Very funny, too! Author doesn't act like he is a perfect parent that has it all figured out and shares many of his own experiences where he dropped the ball.

7. Thomas Jefferson by R.B. Bernstein
Really interesting biography on T. Jefferson. Less than 200 pages, so it is not a big time investment.

8. Ester by Beth Moore
This is a 10 week womans' Bible study that is AMAZING! I went though this study right when we moved back to central Texas and going through a really uncertain time. God used this study of Ester to speak a lot of vision and encouragement to me, and in turn, for me to speak vision and encouragement to Chad. It was such a blessing!

9. A Celebration of Sex by Dr. Douglas E. Rosenau
Every married couple should have a copy of this book!!! Dr. Rosenau doesn't leave anything out. He writes very directly and openly. It will transform your bedroom life :) Bow-chika-wow-now!

10. The Help by Kathryn Stockett (still reading this book, great fiction!)
I hardly ever read fiction, but I got a Kindle for Christmas (thank you, thank you, thank you Mom and Dad!), and this was the first book I downloaded. So far, I can't put it down! It is set in Mississippi in the 60's, and explores the social tension that existed in the south during this time. A different character is the narrator of each chapter, so you see the story from many different angles. LOVE THIS BOOK, so far :)

Books I am excited to read in 2010:

The Irresistible Revolution
Holiness by Grace
Same Kind of Different as Me
Death by Love
Vintage Jesus
Sacred Marriage
When People are Big and God is Small
Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide