For a little while now I’ve been trying to maintain a reading regimen. I try to study through three or four books each month. There have been a few reasons why I’ve found this to be a valuable effort – first, it helps me grow my ability to cook healthy and nourishing meals, to be better steward, and most importantly to grow in godliness and Christlikeness. I think it will be fun to use a bit of space on the blog each month to review some of the books I’m reading. Of course, while I don’t necessarily endorse all things written or said by the authors, I have been encouraged by these books and they all come recommended to me. I hope you will share with me your recommendations, too!

The Set-Apart Woman: God’s Invitation to Sacred Living

“True Christianity has always been, and always be, offensive to the culture. And only when we no longer care what we look like to this world can we truly impact it for Jesus Christ.” Leslie Ludy makes a clear call to a closer walk with God in holiness and encourages us to have courage it takes to be set-apart. The dangers of many distractions that this culture offers leave us unfulfilled. Oftentimes, apathy, self-centeredness, and lack of principles claim our thoughts and decisions leaving us wavering and fearful. “Ask God for His supernatural enabling power to do what is impossible in your own strength. As you yield your heart, mind, and body, to Him, He will grant you the grace for every step of obedience He calls you to.”

Of Mess and Moxie: Wrangling Delight Out of This Wild and Glorious Life

I was reading through this book and came across a paragraph in one of the chapters where the author appears to endorse homosexuality. I was surprised and disappointed, but there are some encouraging and Biblical parts. Reading it feels like friends’ chatting over coffee. Jen Hatmaker uses humor to discuss difficult topics and reminds women that God has built us to be resilient and resourceful. With her quirky and laidback way, she encourages women in marriage, friendships, homemaking, cooking, parenting, and just womanhood in general. The chapters are full of joy and laughter, plus she includes some of her favorite recipes. Here are some quotes: “People may hate us because of Jesus, but they should never hate Jesus because of us.” “We need not fear that He will say, “You loved too greatly, too liberally, too generously, too shockingly.”

Grace Not Perfection: Embracing Simplicity, Celebration Joy

A beautiful hard-back book full of insight and encouragement. Emily Ley weaves her story through the pages and at the same time sprinkles organizational and simplifying tips. It is both personal and helpful on a very practical level, and it’s a very easy read! A couple of my favorite quotes: “Don’t sacrifice the good to chase the perfect.” “God cares more about us abiding by His commandments and loving big—feeling deeply alive and free from the traps of perfection and comparison. He’s watching us scurry about, saying, ‘Sweet girls, why are you so hard on yourselves? All this worry and busyness is for what? I’ve given you all you need.’”

with love. Damaris