On My Shelf
In case you forgot, I love to read. Stacks of books seem to pile up all over the house — most of them half read. Other women buy shoes; I buy books.
On My Shelf
What’s on my nightstand right now?
- The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Your Sabbath by Mark Buchanan
- The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands by Lysa TerKeurst
- Whispers of Hope: 10 Weeks of Devotional Prayer by Beth Moore
- Meet the Bible: A Panorama of God’s Word in 366 Daily Readings and Reflections by Philip Yancey and Brenda Quinn
What am I learning about life and following Jesus?
- True joy comes when I welcome interruptions as an invitation to slow down and engage in a Providential assignment.
- I need to say NO to the good so that I can say YES to the best that God has for me.
- I must purpose to choose rest until I’m overwhelmed by His presence, rather than live out my days overworked and weary.
- I must die daily to selfishness. No gain without pain.
- His miracles are unraveling as we watch and pray in community. #PrayBig #ArmorOn
What are some books I regularly re-read and why?
- Daily Light on the Daily Path by Samuel Bagster
- I incorporate this thematic compilation of Scripture readings into my quiet time every morning (It’s also available online for free here.)
- The One-Year Bible by Tyndale
- I read through the Bible once a year –using a different translation every year. (It’s easy to do because it’s also available online for free in multiple translations here.)
- Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas by Ann Voskamp
- This book was written for kids, but my hubby and I are “kids at heart.” We read this every year in preparation for Advent.
What books have profoundly shaped how I serve and lead others for the sake of the Gospel?
- On Being a Servant of God by Warren Wiersbe
- Becoming a Woman of Influence: Making a Lasting Impact on Others by Carol Kent
- Restoring Your Spiritual Passion by Gordon MacDonald (reprinted as Renewing Your Spiritual Passion)
What biographies or autobiographies have most influenced me and why?
- Passion and Purity: Learning to Bring Your Love Life Under God’s Control by Elisabeth Elliot
- I started keeping a spiritual journal after reading the biographical works of Elisabeth Elliot, a spiritual practice that I’ve maintained for 35 plus years. Her life taught me the importance of surrender, discipline, and resilience.
- The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
- This story showed me how faith perseveres in the darkest places. Corrie never regretted paying the price for sacrificing for others, and I am called to do the same.
Looking for more great reads? Join me on Pinterest for
- My Favorite Books on Marriage
- Great Books to Encourage Along Your Spiritual Growth
- Devotionals I Love
- Rockin’ Books for My Single Sisters
- Inspiring Biographies
- Reads the Rocked My World and Helped Improve My Life
P.S. — If you are a fellow book nerd, you might want to join me on Good Reads.
This post was inspired by a monthly series called “On My Shelf” on The Gospel Coalition blog.
I am sharing “On My Shelf?” and joining like-minded sisters at Give Me Grace, Weekend Whispers, Spiritual Sundays, Faith-Filled Friday, Blessing Counters, Essential Fridays, Live Free Thursday, Tell His Story, Coffee for Your Heart, Three-Word Wednesday, Purposeful Faith’s RaRaLinkup, Rich-Faith Rising, Testimony Tuesday, Sharing His Beauty, and Playdates with God.
I find myself returning to the work of Elisabeth Elliot as well. Also Luci Shaw – both prose and poetry!
Blessings, Lyli. I love your list!
I too have stacks of books on my nightstand, in my closet, on the floor. Sadly, I’m the woman who buys books….and shoes, LOL! I’m going to look at the Daily Light devotional. Those seem to be the types of books I reach for often. Thank you for sharing this treasure trove!
Love reading what others are reading. I lead a young adult small group and they absolutely loved the Best Yes. Still talk about it and use its principals all the time. Excited to see how well a book can positively impact lives. Just finished reading Michael Hyatts new book Living Forward. good advice and easy read. enjoy reading your blog.
Thanks for these great resources Lyli! I have not read Elisabeth Eliot or Corrie Ten Boom me both titles intrigue me. I also like what you share about engaging in providential assignments. So much good stuff here – blessings!
“Other women buy shoes; I buy books.” Me, too, Lyli. Or in my case, I check them out from the library. 🙂 And now I can check them out immediately on my Kindle from the library. Such amazing technology; I don’t even have to leave my house! Lots of good books that you’re reading right now. I’ve not read any of them, but each one intrigues me.
I love these kinds of post, Lyli! I’ve enjoyed Beth Moore’s Whispers of Hope, it’s currently on my nightstand. As is The Right to Write by Julia Cameron, Roots & Sky by Christie Purifoy, Playdates with God by Laura Boggess (2nd read), The Circle of Seasons by Kimberlee Conway Ireton, and Quiet Moments with God by Lloyd John Ogilvie. Then there is my Kindle list, lol, which is too lengthy to be named here, but the current read is Sherlock Holmes. I would have to agree with you on Passion and Purity and The Hiding Place. Both those books continue to influence me to this day. I always seem to forget about Philip Yancey, but I really like his writing. I’ll have to check that one out! Thanks for this, Lyli! Blessings on your week!
I have unfinished books of Sophie Kinsella on my nightstand. 🙂
Thanks for the great list! I’ve got so many stacked up! On top, in the drawers, off to the side! Lol! it’s always great to visit here, Lyli!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
It’s always good to have recommendations of books that have shaped a reading friend. Thanks for sharing. Great list. I’ll be adding some of them to my list.
Hi, Lyli, I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you and your husband. I do trust that all is well with you. God bless you both.
Thank you, Cheryl 🙂