I’ve had the privilege of reading quite a few lovely books this year by some beautifully gifted writers. I’m writing this short post to share some of these books with you—because God spoke to me through words in these books, and I know He can do the same for you.

Seth and I recently started a new nighttime routine where we’ll go to bed 30 minutes or so before we actually intend to sleep. We’ll spend that time reading books that encourage and inspire us to walk with Christ through every step of life.

I’d absolutely recommend this routine to anyone who wants to add rest to the chaos that can become our lives. Reading before bed is a wonderful way to unwind and debrief. It’s better on the eyes and the mind than a television screen (to be fair, we do watch our share of Netflix), and it can be so sweet for the heart as well.

Anyway, here are a few of the books that have been sweetest to me this year.

1. The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears by Mark Batterson

This book is a reminder to never stop dreaming and never stop praying. It’s a call to pray our way through our hopes, through our fears, through our Bibles. It’s an awakening to see the power of prayer. And quite honestly, I think it’s the best book I’ve ever read on prayer. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to revitalize their prayer life, and life in general.

2. One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp

Ann Voskamp’s writing is just beautiful. I don’t know how else to describe it. That’s why I have two of her books on this short list—her books have been beyond sweet to me this year. So much so that I’m thinking of buying both of these books so I can re-read them, because they’re just that good. Anyway, One Thousand Gifts is a call to slow down and live your best life, a life filled with thanksgiving and joy. In the book, Ann commits to writing a list of one thousand gifts God has placed into her everyday life. I’m planning to start my own list of thankfulness, a lovely alternative to the bucket lists I’ve created in the past.

3. The Broken Way: A Daring Path Into the Abundant Life by Ann Voskamp

Again, Ann Voskamp is such a gifted writer. I read The Broken Way right after I finished One Thousand Gifts, and it makes a perfect sequel. While One Thousand Gifts focuses on cherishing and recognizing the gifts God gives us, The Broken Way dwells on how we can give back His love in our interactions with others. We are broken people in a broken world, but we can still be such a gift to others and that is the stuff abundant life is made of.

4. For the Love: Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards by Jen Hatmaker

If you want a book that will make you laugh, pick up pretty much any book by Jen Hatmaker. I read a couple of Jen’s books this year, and For the Love was my favorite. But they were all really funny. Like, I laughed out loud by myself when I was reading them, and I bookmarked passages to share with Seth because I knew he’d think they were funny too. The best part is Jen’s writing is humorous and encouraging. Jen shares a beautiful message while managing to be a wonderful friend who is sure to make her readers laugh.

5. Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely by Lysa TerKeurst

This book is a must-read if you’ve ever felt (like the title implies) less than, left out, or lonely. Lysa is a storyteller. She draws her stories, the stories of others, and stories from the Bible into her writing to create a beautiful picture of God’s grace. If my copy of the book hadn’t belonged to the library, I know I would’ve been highlighting and underlining so many passages.

These five books are just the tip of the iceberg of what I’ve read this year. But they’re my favorites, and I really think you’ll get something out of them too.

And now, I’m looking for books to read in 2019… so if you have any good recommendations, please send them my way!

And never forget… you are onederfully created.

Love,
Becca