Next to Jesus, few topics could put a smile on my face like today link-up topic of favorite books. I adore books. I have a NOOKcolor, and it is good for traveling, but give me a hold-it-in-my-hand book any day. I love the feel of a book in my hand. I love the smell of a book. I love the possibilities of a book. I just love to read. So, when the topic of favorite books was announced, I was a giddy as a 16 year old on her first date. I am such a book nerd that I even organized one of my bookshelves by color a few years ago.
Someone called me a bad name after that. They said I was obsessive-compulsive. I represent that remark completely!!!!
Enough about me! Forbid it that I should delay any longer. Here are a few of my favorite books.
The Bible
It is the ultimate self-help, love-story, comedy, text-book, feelin-kinda-low, pick-me-up, smack-me-around book there is. The Scriptures are everything we need for life and godliness. Almost 15 years ago, the Holy Spirit caused me to fall in love with the Word of God, and I am still completely smitten with it. It is life to me. What versions do I like? I like the New King James and the NIV best.
ANY BOOK by Joel Rosenberg
Just prior to my first trip to Israel in 2006, I had been introduced to Joel Rosenberg’s writing. So, I decided to take his first and second fiction offerings with me. They were titled The Last Jihad and The Last Days. My pastor made terrible fun of me…taking a book about jihad into Israel. I think he was fairly sure I might not make it out of The Land alive. Rosenberg, a Messianic Jew, wrote about current events months before they ever happened. U.S. News & World Reports called Rosenberg ‘a modern Nostradamus’, while the New York Daily News says that Rosenberg’s writing is ‘eerily prophetic. Rosenberg wrote about 9/11 months before it happened. Ditto for the deaths of Sadam Hussein and Osama bin Laden. Rosenberg’s books read like they are ripped from TOMORROW’S headlines. His first fiction series, The Jihad Series, is based on Ezekiel 38 and 39. He is an expert on the Middle East and Biblical prophecy. Rosenberg regularly consults with government officials from around the world. I promise you….you definitely want to read anything Rosenberg writes. The day in which we live demands that you do.
Trusting God’s Heart: Finding Peace in Times of Sorrow
I read Trusting God’s Heart about a year before I would end up needing it. Written by Dr. Frank Cox, it is the story of the brain cancer diagnosis, and ultimate death of his young wife, Debbie, leaving Frank with a 4 year old son to raise. Trusting God’s Heart is one of the most encouraging, faith-boosting books I have ever read. Dr. Cox experienced everything that anyone who loses a loved one experiences, and writes about it in such a way as to encourage the reader to trust the heart of God in the good times and the bad. I have literally given scores of copies of this book to people going through difficult times. One year after I read it for the first time, my Daddy was diagnosed with cancer. Because of this book, my faith in God was steadfast, and I was able to trust the heart of my heavenly Father to do what was best for my earthly Father. Copies can be purchased from Dr. Cox.
Tired of Trying to Measure Up: Getting Free from the Demands, Expectations, and Intimidations of Well-meaning People
I wrote about the impact this book had on me in my journey with anorexia. You can read about it here. FYI: The book is NOT about anorexia. It is about what underlies issues like anorexia, drug addiction, people-pleasing, and so much else.
There are a few other books that I have totally enjoyed and definitely recommend:
- Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas
- Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs
- Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
- Safely Home by Randy Alcorn
- Love Idol by Jennifer Lee
- Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
- Trust Without Borders by Arabah Joy
That’s a few of the books that I enjoy. I can’t wait to read your recommendations. The linky is at the bottom of this post.
#TheLoft
To Participate:
1. Be creative. We provide the topic. You feel free to use words, photos, video, audio, your family pet, whatever, to communicate on the weekly topic.
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6. Link-Up. Each Wednesday morning at 5am EST, the link goes live, and for 6 glorious days you can link up your post on that week’s topic. The linky will close at 5pm EST on Monday.
This Week’s Topic: Choose a Verse ~ Books: What Are You Reading? (share what book or books you are reading or have read that really lit your fire and why. are there books that have made a difference in your life? if you have a ‘library’ in your home, share some of the books that you have.)
Next Week’s (September 30) Topic: Pot Luck ( this week you may link up any post you want on any topic. it could be a written post, a video, a picture, a poem, anything that strikes your fancy…link ‘er up today.)
I hope you will plan to join us each week at The Loft Link-Up.
Now, it is time to link-up!!
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