New Reads and Such

I seem to read more in the winter months. Probably because I'm more of an outside person and since I detest cold weather, I just stay indoors and read! I have got a pretty good list running so far this year!

Starting out strong with the Bible. I have never actually accomplished it, but for the past two years, it has been a goal of mine to read through the Bible in a year. So far, so good!

I set out to read more "wholesome" books this year, and in my efforts, I found this one. It is a very uplifting novel. Once you start reading, you won't want to stop! But you may want to grab some tissues!

"From the bestselling author of Raised to Stay comes a hope-filled, practical path forward for our churches to rebuild from the rubble of deconstruction and the discouragement of recent years and become a world-changing family of God again."

With personal stories and practical ideas, she encourages and stirs your heart to see God's churches become healthy, whole, and back on mission with the Great Commission.

As with many books like this, you sometimes have to weed through the information that applies to you, but overall, I would definitely recommend it!

And my last book ties right in with the one above it. It's somewhat of a cry for change in the evangelical Christian world. Another great book. Lots of opportunities for note taking!

At the beginning of December, our Ladies Bible Study group was given a challenge to come up with a "life verse" from the Bible and to memorize it. I was ready for a new year/ new beginning, so I started looking for my verse immediately. I started writing several down as I would come across them. No matter how many I wrote down, I kept coming back to Philippians 4:8:

"Finally bretheren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

So that is what I chose. I memorized it. I studied it. And man, was I convicted! It's so much more than positive thoughts. Our thoughts matter, that is true. After telling my verse, I was asked to give a lesson on it for the month of March. I am excited and a little nervous. Even if nobody else gets anything from it, I have learned a ton and I hope that I can apply all that I have learned.

If you need encouragement, I hope one of these books can help!

Much Love,

Beth

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