My Favorite Books From 2016

This has been a year of change, trust and growth for me. A large part of this has been been the direct result of books that I have read. After my morning Bible study, I have made it a habit to read a chapter or two of a study book. This has been an amazing experience for me, and I would love to share six of my favorite titles with you. Some are old, some are new and all are just plain wonderful.

* Do You Know You're Already Amazing? (2016) After reading Holley Gerth's book You're Already Amazing, I knew I had to have her new devotional. I'd read and passed around the first one to many women, but I wanted this one to be special and private, just for me. In it Holley helps us face the lies we've bought into and how to use God's Word to destroy them all and come out victorious. Love it. Love it. Love it.

* Spurgeon On Praise (1995) The absolute best way to combat fear, depression, discouragement and sorrow is praising God, and Charles Spurgeon frequently preached on the subject. This tiny book is full of insight on how praising God can chase the enemy from your heart, give you reasons to rejoice and lift others up at the same time. I'll have to go through it again soon because there are so many good ideas that I couldn't grasp them all at once.

* Fresh-Brewed Life (1999) I found Nicole Johnson's book at a community book sale, and it was one of my favorite finds. She sits with you through nine cups of coffee/cups of a fresh-brewed life, talking about surrendering to God, understanding your emotions and reactions and making personal changes that can also change the world around you. It's one of the first books I've ever read where I actually used a highlighter because it is just that good.

* Uninvited (2016) Lysa TerKeurst is one of my favorite authors, so I couldn't wait to order her newest book - yes, I waited by the mailbox for days. She knows what it is like to be hurt and rejected, so she can easily relate to the pain of rejection in our lives as well. Lysa wrote directly to my heart and helped me turn my focus away from my broken heart to the perfect love of God. If you don't have this on your book shelf yet, you need to get it today.

* Traveling Light (2001) I was given this book as a gift, and it's quickly become a favorite in my Max Lucado collection. We carry entirely too many burdens in life, burdens that should be unpacked and laid at the Savior's feet. With the study guide in the back, Max dives into some personal, practical territories in our lives, making us think about how much lighter life would be if we turned everything over to God.

* One In A Million (2010) This is my absolute favorite book I read in 2016. I actually read it five or six times, and I found more nuggets to meditate on each and every time. Priscilla Shirer made me love the story of the Israelites travels to the Promised Land even more than I already did, showing me truths about their mistakes and poor decisions that I had never seen. I want to be that one-in-a-million woman who draws close to God and refuses to settle for anything less than His best. I want those life-altering encounters with Him where I hear His voice clearly and I walk with Him more intimately than ever before. Priscilla's words of encouragement and truth let me know that I can and I will when I make having a close relationship with the Lord more important than anything else in my life.

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