Monday, January 4, 2016

My Reading List for 2016

The following are books that I *hope* to read in the coming year. I love to read, but having very young children has dramatically altered the amount of time that I am able to spend "behind the books." :-) And so this is not a long list, but it is a practical one for me at this time in my life. I am really looking forward to each one. Maybe you will find one among them that you might enjoy, too (pictures and titles are clickable links)--



How I Found Livingstone, by Henry Morton Stanley

This is a book that was given to me for my birthday. I love, love, love missionary/Christian biographies, and so this one has a special "drawing" for me, but not for that reason alone. This past year, I made a difficult decision that was painful and costly for me, only by the grace of God. At the time when I was prayerfully arriving at this decision, the Lord spoke to me powerfully through a message that Ravi Zacharias gave. In it, he mentioned the missionary David Livingstone and this particular biography. I won't go into much detail here, because I am hoping to write more about it later, but Livingstone's testimony deeply touched me and I felt compelled to read this book. 



Authentic Fire, by Michael L. Brown

This was actually one of my husband's Christmas presents that I mean to confiscate. ;-). As a very Conservative believer who holds that God still speaks (not primarily, but occasionally) through dreams, visions, and impressions upon our hearts and minds -- according to His Word and by His Spirit), I was very glad to see this respectful rebuttal of well-known theologian John MacArthur's position on this topic (cessationism). Through extensive reading of missionary biographies, the testimony of the persecuted church (especially in closed countries) and through my own experience, I am convinced that the Holy Spirit still works as He did with New Testament believers, in a living, breathing, active way. I am looking forward to delving into Michael Brown's position and examples on this topic. 



The Practice of the Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence

This is a short book that I'm hoping to include in my devotional time. Brother Lawrence's deep love and thirst after God comes through strongly in his writings. He inspires me to live a life more devoted to Christ through his example. The little "chew" mark at the top of the book? From a house bunny. :-) They can be very sweet pets, but also very mischievous. :-)





Streams in the Desert, compiled by L.B. Cowman

I began this devotional last year and am planning to continue it this year. The Lord has used these beautiful, Christ-saturated writings from older authors to speak to my heart deeply over the past several months. I'm looking forward to continuing with it. 




Outlasting the Gay Revolution, by Michael L. Brown

In light of the Supreme Court decision, this book really piqued my interest this year. I purchased the book and have been anticipating reading it. I love Micheal Brown's godly, gracious, unwavering positions, and admire his courage in writing on such a difficult topic. As believers we must be prepared Scripturally and spiritually to stand on the Word of God, even when it will cost us--and above all, our position undergirded with love



God's Good News Bible Storybook, by Billy Graham

I was so happy when our family received this book for Christmas! I try to have a daily quiet time with my young children, and had been hoping to find a new devotional for this year. This one is wonderful . . . We began it and my young daughter especially loves it (my son is still a little too young to express his opinions! :-)). The pictures are vivid and engaging and the devotion itself is deeply rooted in Scripture. Something that I also personally like is that the Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version, which is the version that I like to use, so that is an added blessing for me!  




And there you have it, my reading list for 2016. What are you hoping to read in the coming year? 






You might find me on these link-ups:

Strangers and Pilgrims on EarthInspire Me MondayLiteracy Musing MondaysThe Modest MomWhat Joy is Mine, SDG Gathering, A Mama's Story, Mom's the Word, Rich Faith Rising, Time Warp Wife, Cornerstone Confessions, Mom's Morning Coffee, Motivate and Rejuvenate MondaysSo Much at Home, Raising Homemakers, Hope in Every SeasonA Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Woman to Woman Ministries, Whole-Hearted Home, Testimony TuesdayTell His StoryA Soft Gentle Voice, My Daily Walk in His Grace, Women With Intention WednesdaysMessy Marriage, The Charm of Home, Graced Simplicity, Theology ThursdaysChildren Are A Blessing, Mittenstate Sheep and Wool, Imparting Grace, Preparedness Mama, A Look at the Book, Essential Thing Devotions, Thought Provoking ThursdayEvery Day JesusCount My Blessings, Christian Mommy Blogger, Renewed Daily, Soul SurvivalGood Morning MondaysThe Weekend BrewBlessing Counters Link PartyThe HomeAcre HopMommy Moments Link UpGrace and Truth LinkupFaith Filled FridaySaturday Soiree Blog PartyTell It To Me TuesdaysSHINE Blog Hop, Faith and  Fellowship Blog HopMotivate and Rejuvenate Monday Link-UpA Little R&R WednesdaysTGI Saturdays Blog HopTotally Terrific TuesdayRaRaLinkup

37 comments:

  1. What a great list with several thought-provoking titles. I'm checking these out. Thanks so much for a great list and for linking through Modest Monday!

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    1. Oh, you're welcome, Jennifer; the Lord bless you!

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  2. This doesn't really have anything to do with books, but I was happy to see someone use the work "piqued" correctly! So many people use "peeked" or "peaked". Thank you for using the correct homonym. And, I hope you enjoy the one about Livingstone. I found it hard to wade through. Might be easier in print than on Kindle, though. There were some really interesting gems here and there through it.

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    1. Emma, the part of your comment about the word "piqued" made me smile! One of my sisters is an English major and the other a writer; without their influence, I may have used the word incorrectly, too!--hahaha :-).

      I'm hoping to enjoy the Livingstone biography. I figure, if I could "wade" through Moby Dick, then anything is possible!! :-)

      Blessings to you, Emma. :-)

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  3. What a helpful list! I love to read as well, and I know exactly what you mean about young children changing how you can use your time. Hope you have a wonderful year!

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    1. I'm glad that it was helpful, Amy! I hope that you have a wonderful year also! :-)

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  4. Bekki, Thanks so much for sharing these wonderful book recommendations.

    Two summers ago I read The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. It is such a good book! I loved the practical ways He incorporated God's presence into His life which really helped me in my own walk.

    I will need to pick up God's Good News for Lexi! :-)

    God bless,

    Karen

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    1. You're welcome, Karen! Yes; I am really looking forward to reading the one by Brother Lawrence! I kept meaning to, but never really got around to it!

      Blessings to you and your family and your precious granddaughter!

      Much love,
      Bekki

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  5. These all sound like interesting books, and I may add some of them to my list, I think! Thank you for sharing a bit about each of them :-)

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    1. Oh, you're welcome, Gwen! I'm glad that they sounded interesting! The Lord bless you and your family. :-)

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  6. Rebekah, these look great! I really don't have a list, but a stack. Some are books on writing. Others are biographies (a favorite genre) and ones that teach or inspire. I am currently reading Jon Meecham's new bio of George H.W. Bush, The Great American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush: Destiny and Power. I love this author's writing and am touched by the story of his courtship with Barbara and their early years including his time in the navy during WWII when he was shot down. These and the death of their daughter open new insights into this man. I am currently also reading two books I am slated to review. One is Devo for The Rest of Us and the other is Peace for a Lifetime. Even though I am retired now, I seem to never have as much times as I wish to be able to read. Have a blessed time reading! Hope to hear more about some of these. I am especially interested in Authentic Fire. Visiting from Mom's The Word today.

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    1. Pam, thank you so much for sharing those with me! I love biographies, too, so I understand your interest in them! The one about Bush sounds very interesting--it is fascinating to look into the lives of the Presidents.
      The others that you shared sound interesting, too!

      Yes; I am hoping to share about Authentic Fire after I finish it--this is a topic that really interests me.

      Thank you for sharing with me, Pam; the Lord bless you! Happy reading! :-)

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  7. Love this list!!! I'm reading Streams in the Desert, too, and Authentic Fire is also on my TBR list. :-) I'm also hoping to read more of George MacDonald's novels - so meaty and rich!

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    1. I think that you will love Streams in the Desert, Alicia :-). And I am forever indebted to you for introducing me to George MacDonald. I love you!

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  8. great reading list! i'm always looking for something new to read! I'm so glad I was able to find your blog through the link up! can't wait to read more!

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    1. I'm glad that you visited, Cait; the Lord bless you! :-)

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  9. Hi
    I agree with you. I am convinced that the Holy Spirit still works as He did with New Testament believers, in a living, breathing, active way.
    Otherwise how would I hear the word He gave me this year. Not a word I would think or even know. One I didn't study or learn.
    Love you list.
    Blessings,
    Janis
    Please consider linking to Word of God Speak - as you can see by my title I do believe He speaks to us today. I found you at Proverbs 31wife.

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    1. Janis, thank you for your encouraging words . . . yes; I agree with you! He is a living, breathing Word--a personal, speaking God--that knowledge and experience brings me such comfort and joy daily!

      The Lord bless you, Janis! Thank you for inviting me to the link-up. I added it to my list! :-)

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  10. Streams in the Dessert is great! And I have Practicing the Presence on my list as well!
    Happy 2016!
    Sarah (www.sarahefrazer.com)

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    1. Yes; I've been enjoying Streams in the Desert so much! And I'm looking forward to the Brother Lawrence one, too!

      The Lord bless you, Sarah!

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  11. Several of these have really grabbed my interest, and I'm especially keen to hear more about the way the Lord used both Ravi Zacharias and David Livingstone to speak to your heart. I just shared my to-read list for this year on my all-things-books link-up that I host every Thursday on Mommynificent.com. I'd love to have you check out my list and join the link-up if you'd like - http://mommynificent.com/2016/01/07/booknificent-thursday-129/! I found you on Literacy Musing Mondays and I'm so glad I did.
    Tina

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    1. Tina; yes, I'm looking forward to sharing about that in the near future, the Lord willing! Thank you for sharing about the link-up; I would love to participate in it (shared my post there and would love to continue to be a part of it :-)).

      The Lord bless you, Tina.

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    3. So glad you came over and found Booknificent Thursday! I will definitely look forward to your sweet spirit and words of wisdom about books in the weeks to come!
      Tina

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  12. Great, I love the books on your blog. I wish Streams in the Dessert was translated in Dutch. I am reading a book of Joseph Shulam ( out of Jeruzalem) You can read about him and his books here: http://www.netivyah.org/book/book-language/english/

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    1. Thank you for that recommendation, Jedidja; I will check it out! Yes; Streams in the Desert is such an encouraging devotional; I'm grateful for the way that the Lord has been using it to speak to me.

      The Lord bless you as you serve Him.

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  13. These look like some wonderful reads! I also like the NKJV version... Thank you for sharing with us on the Art of Home-Making Mondays Rebekah. Your writings are a blessing to us!

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    1. JES, thank you for your encouragement! I am blessed to be able to share on The Art of Homemaking Mondays.

      Have a blessed Sunday! :-)

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  14. a great list - have you read Through Gates of Splendor or Abandoned to God? Both great for your 2017! next to you at faith friday. blessings!

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    1. Sue, I have read Abandoned to God and loved it, and have read many of Elisabeth Elliot's books, but never that one! Thank you for recommending it; I will keep it in mind! The Lord bless you! :-)

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  15. I see a few book titles that are new to me. I'm particularly interested in "Outlasting the Gay Revolution". I'm looking forward to reading your thoughts on it in the near future. I hope you'll remind me with a post at the Literacy Musing Mondays linkup. :)

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    1. Tami, yes; I'm hoping to share some thoughts about that one! Thank you for stopping by; the Lord bless you!

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  16. Rebekah - I'm looking forward to getting back to reading this year! Thanks for sharing this at Coffee & Conversation :-) We'll be including it in our features tomorrow!!

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    1. Thank you, Pat! That is such a blessing to me; thank you for featuring it! the Lord bless you :-).

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  17. These are some inspiring choice, Rebekah and the perfect way to usher in the new year. Thanks so much for sharing this on #SHINEbloghop last week. I hope to see you again tomorrow for another round!

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    1. Thank you for your encouragement, Maria; the Lord bless you!

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