A Book Junkie - My 12 Books of Christmas Gifting

General

Nov 28

I am a self-professed book junkie. I’m asked a lot to give book or devotional suggestions. Thought I’d toss a few of my favs out as gift ideas for Christmas. Truly, there is nothing like a good book. Knowledge is power, imagination breeds creativity and finding both in a delicious book is a recipe for empowerment.

“A Glorious Becoming” by Cari Trotter – I want EVERYONE to have a copy of this book! I have an unquenchable desire for ALL of God’s daughters to allow the King a chance to remake them from the inside out. Can’t think of a better gift to give than the understanding that you are found in Christ as a worthy daughter. Purchase by December 15^th for guaranteed Christmas delivery!!
“You Are Special” by Max Lucado – I have had a board book copy since my son Cade (6 yrs) was a baby. Started reading it to all my kiddos when they were just wee little bundles of joy. Still one of our absolute favs. Never fails that when I read it to the kids I realize my worth as a Wemmick made by the ultimate Woodcarver, and all at once MY gray dots fall to the ground.
“Hinds’ Feet on High Places” by Hannah Hurnard – A beautiful tale of Much-Afraid and her journey through difficult places with her companions, Sorrow and Suffering. Overcoming fear is a REAL struggle and this book gave ridiculous power and understanding to what it looks like to walk hand in hand with joy and pain. Highly suggest this book for those looking to go deeper into the rabbit hole of spiritually understanding the heights and widths to God’s desires for us to have life and life abundantly!
“Power Through Prayer” by E. M. Bounds – Prayer is foundational to wisdom. Honestly, if you haven’t been schooled in prayer by the time honored teaching of E.M. Bounds you are missing out. Great suggestion for all those prayer warriors out there.
“The Circle Maker” by Mark Batterson – You want revival; circle yourself in prayer and don’t leave until revival gets all over YOU! This book powered up the “believing meter” for our family. God wants to know your desires – this book strikes a match to praying with power!
“My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers – This devotional has changed my life. I started reading it daily ten years ago and it is my absolute favorite daily devotional. It has been a most profound piece to building my understanding of spirit-filled theology. Timeless Truth.
“Spiritual Leadership” by Oswald Sanders – Read this book almost fifteen years ago as a student and still LOVE it for grasping a lasting understanding of spiritual leadership. Knit an understanding of what it looks like to be “set apart” for God early and honestly I still go back to its guidance as an adult in leadership. Great for those (high school to working professionals to ministry staff) in leadership positions.
“Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell – This book blew my mind! I got so much from it and the perspectives he brings up on the placement, background and work ethic of successful people. It will make you think. Great for businesses, ministries or dreamers.
“The Shack” by WM. Paul Young – Wow. Seriously, this….THIS! If you want to know what our God’s willingness to reach us is….well, just read this. It is the most absorbing fiction book I have EVER read. I know what I just said and I mean it. Completely saturated in what I believe to be the Holy Spirit leading Young’s pen. Be ready though, ‘cause it will not just blow your thoughts on God…it will obliterate them. Embrace Ephesians 3:20 before you dive in…”Beyond all that you can think or imagine.” For realz.
“Kisses from Katie” by Katie Davis – Read this with a box of Kleenex and a heart prepared to “GO!” in Jesus Name. A modern-day Mother Teresa, sweet Katie Davis will steal your heart. Every one of her stories ends with “so I took them home”….serving well beyond her own capabilities she exemplifies what giving God’s way looks like. Great suggestion for those with a heart for missions…oh, but wait that should be all of us as believers. Strike that, reverse it…great suggestion for everyone.
The American Girl Collection – So when I was around ten I was given the ‘Samantha’ series by my aunt – instant classics! I am now, almost twenty-five years later, reading those books to my daughters. They teach life lessons, history lessons, and relational lessons and are pure as the day is long. In this day and age this book and doll collection is so refreshing. Absolutely love!
“One Thousand Gifts” by Ann Voskamp – Thanksgiving breeds joy, the enduring Jesus Joy that lasts well beyond the highs and lows of life. I am in the middle of the challenge to journal 1000 gifts of thanksgiving…#51. The color filled rainbow of children’s books neatly stacked in a library.