What to read? NONFICTION

It's been interesting what books have popped into my mind these last few days, knowing I wanted to post about nonfiction that I would recommend. I typically choose a nonfiction book based on whatever I'm going through at that time so all books may not be good for all seasons. This list won't be exhaustive on any front, but these are the books I put out money for, and I have read and/or referenced later.


SPIRITUAL GROWTH:
My favorite books are by Elizabeth George. I read these books as fast as they came out and I really felt they were feeding my roots in my spiritual walk. I not only read them but found them perfect for ladies small groups that we were starting in our church at that time and then later for Sunday School when I taught a ladies class. She is so down to earth and has the most wonderful stories to help teach her points. Her books include:
LOVING GOD WITH ALL YOUR MIND
A WOMAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART
A WOMAN'S HIGH CALLING
A WOMAN'S CALL TO PRAYER
GOD'S WISDOM FOR A WOMAN'S LIFE
A WOMAN'S WALK WITH GOD - my absolute favorite- growing in the Fruit of the Spirit


Most of her books come with questions at the back for the chapters- but the study guides you can buy separately are worth the cost.



It will come as no surprise that I think Beth Moore is a friend of God and a wonderful communicator. Because our Beth Moore classes are on Wed nights and I have led children's choir at the same time, I haven't been in a class. I have read several of her books and my favorites are JESUS, THE ONE AND ONLY, and most recently PRAYING GOD'S WORD.

INTIMACY WITH THE ALMIGHTY is the smallest book I own with the most powerful message. Charles Spurgeon wrote this and it is so rich with challenges to be closer to the Lord.


PARENTING:
It really depends on where I'm at in the process. Somedays I'm hunting down one of the books on raising boys, other days I'm looking for personality temperments clarification, and some days I need a controlling my anger (self control) books...

If you know me at all you know I think the Babywise, Toddlerwise, PreSchoolwise, Childwise, and Teenwise books are handbooks for parents. I haven't ever read something in these books that wasn't appealing as a parent and worth it to try to follow. These books have been a help to many many parents trying to raise children who were blessings to the world and lovers of Jesus. I highly recommend these books by Gary Ezzo and friends. (available at www.gfi.org)
Other books that are tools for us:
MAKING BROTHERS AND SISTERS BEST FRIENDS by the Mally siblings





PARENTING TODAY'S ADOLESCENT by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
10 THINGS I WANT MY DAUGHTER TO KNOW by Annie Chapman


There are so many more in this category. I really listen to my mentors about what they're reading. I ask about books for whatever specific interest I have at the time.
I have a great book on potty training, puberty, and intimacy, which were all GREAT at the time, but I'm not sure they'd be in my all time list!


ORGANIZING:
Karen Ehman's THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO GETTING AND STAYING ORGANIZED. This is a must have! I have implemented a lot of her ideas and brought order from chaos in our home. I'd implement more, but I can't find my copy! check it out here

MARRIAGE & FAMILY:
Again, so many good ones. But beware, so many bad ones too. Short list:
Other than the afore mentioned Elizabeth George books,
THE SHAPING OF A CHRISTIAN FAMILY by Elizabeth Elliot


Nonfiction books I'm going to read this summer include:
Love and Respect
Blue Like Jazz

Please feel free to give me some suggestions. Like I said in my FICTION post, I'm always looking for a new book or author to read.