Valley Women's Encouragement Conference

It’s like they reach right into my soul and put words to paper for what they find there. The Lord has used many books to build up, and tug at me, the way the Scriptures have already taught me.

I really appreciate book lists made by other women of their top reading choices. I’ve read a number of books on someone else’s recommendation that I would not have considered otherwise. One of the most recent examples of this would be Sir Dalton, by Chuck Black.

All that to say, maybe sharing a few of my favourites, just a few mind you, may give you a chance to break out of your norm and try something a little different. And if you see something that interests you, check with Cheryl @ HomeGrown to see if she has it in stock. Her prices are great!

So, here are some of my top book choices in no particular order:

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi
Didn’t take long to get through this one. A great true-story of a muslim who is transformed by meeting Jesus. Absolutely amazing story and will make you want to know your Bible a lot better and the box you have God in may get a whole lot bigger. 😉

Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe by Todd Wilson
SO ENCOURAGING. A quick read and down-to-earth common sense. If you are a homeschooling mom, you need to read this book. Also, Todd is going to be the speaker at the HENB conference in New Brunswick this year. Can’t wait to listen to him in person and chat with his family! Maybe I’ll see you there?!

Kisses From Katie by Katie Davis
This one gave me a whole new perspective on mission work both abroad and here in my own home with my own children. Humbled and encouraged me. Absolutely worth the read.

Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
A must read in my opinion. One I will be reading yearly. If you have read it you know what I’m talking about. It’s powerful. In chapter 10 Christian explains to Hopeful:

“They think that these fears are prompted by the devil (though in reality they are wrought of God) and, thinking so, they resist them as something evil that would unbalance the mind. They also think that such fears will undermine faith (what they have is only fancy, not faith), and they harden their hearts against them. They presume that fear is a weakness, and that it is wrong to be afraid. Therefore, in spite of their sincere convictions, they become unduly self-confident. They see that fear tends to destroy their happiness and their pitiful self-righteousness; therefore, they resist it with all their willpower.”

God Isn’t In a Hurry by Warren Wiersbe
Another encouraging book that won’t take long to read. It was passed on to me through my dad. Want to get rid of what I call ‘white-washed tomb syndrome’? This book will give you a glimpse into areas of your life that you just might be behaving like a pharisee. I loved it. It was a huge help to me.

Born After Midnight by A.W.Tozer
Oh. My. Goodness!! I love Tozer. Anything I’ve read by him has been highlight-able. (I’m known for underlining and highlighting like there’s no tomorrow!)

 “To me it has always been difficult to understand those evangelical Christians who insist upon living in the crisis as if no crisis existed. They say they serve the Lord, but they divide their days so as to leave plenty of time to play and loaf as enjoy the pleasures of the world as well. They are at ease while the world burns; and they can furnish many convincing reasons for their conduct, even quoting Scripture if you press them a bit.
I wonder whether such Christians actually believe in the fall of man.”

Keep A Quiet Heart by Elizabeth Elliot 
Daily constant encouragement from this well-known author. Short chapters for a mom on the go. Short chapters, but packed with good stuff. All women need this kind of reading on their coffee table!

Our Search for Serenity by Dr.Stephan & Gigi Tchividjian (Also titled A Woman’s Quest for Serenity, depending on the year)
In a time when I was young, discouraged, and overwhelmed I was given this book. The elderly lady that handed it to this young wife & mother didn’t know how much of an impact it would have…. or maybe she did. 😉 I have since thanked her for it and told her how much of a help it was. It’s out of print now, but I find copies here and there in used book places and always pick it up so I have giveaway copies. I’ve also bought some used copies on amazon.

Mimosa by Amy Carmichal
What a beautiful, brain-stretching story!! Please read this book! It was my niece’s favourite and let my mom borrow it. Mom was fascinated and passed it on to me. Now I buy it and pass it on. Another one that will force you to take God out of the box you have created!

Sir Dalton by Chuck Black
I had googled ‘Christian Women Book List’ (or something like that) and a lady had a number of my all-time favourite books on her list, so I figured we had similar taste. Sir Dalton was on her ‘must read’ list for every christian woman. That’s a kids book! Fiction! I am not one to give my time to fiction.  My kids have been enjoying a number of Chuck Black books for a few years so I rummaged around and found it. An allegory and heavy on the importance of Scripture… It was SO good!

Happy Reading! And feel free to share your own book recommendations in the comments. I’d love to know what your all-time favourites are!

~Shannon