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Are you looking for something insightful and life-changing to read this year? If you’re like me, you probably already have quite a list but I highly recommend the following five books that I read last year! (And when I say life-changing, I’m not exaggerating!)
1. Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption by Katie Davis
After reading Kisses from Katie, my passion and trust grew to another level. We all have a special role to play while on earth and what we are capable of doing with God’s grace is amazing! This book will make you view the world and yourself differently – guaranteed!
2. What Happens When Women Say Yes to God: Experiencing Life in Extraordinary Ways by Lysa TerKeurst
Lysa reminds readers that throughout each day there are several opportunities to “say yes to God”. This book helped me to see that there are so many times that I dismiss promptings from the Holy Spirit or come up with excuses why I shouldn’t do something. We never know how our interactions with others can bring them closer to God and strengthen our own relationship.
3. The Rhythm of Life: Living Every Day with Passion and Purpose by Matthew Kelly
I read this book for the first time a couple years ago, but I listened to the audio version again and there are so many truths and great nuggets in this book! If you’ve followed my blog at all, you know that I love me some Matthew Kelly! No matter what stage of life that we are in, nothing is impossible with God! He wants what is best for us! This is a great motivational book!
4. Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas
Do you want a role-model who stands up for others and really lives their faith? This biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer will energize you and make you examine how far you would go to do God’s will. Bonhoeffer was a Lutheran pastor and anti-Nazi activist who was executed just a few weeks before Hitler committed suicide. Bonhoeffer is truly inspiring and more people are needed like him now in America! This book is long, but worth the read!
5. Wrecked: When a Broken World Slams into your Comfortable Life by Jeff Goins
When I randomly stumbled upon this book three times in one day online, I figured God was trying to tell me to read it, so I did! Wrecked is another great book that gets readers to let go of personal dreams and follow God’s will. I don’t think these things are necessarily mutually exclusive, but responding to God’s call will always require courage and sacrifice and it may not line up with our idyllic vision. His plan is always better than ours, though!
If you have read any of the above books, how did they challenge you? Any other books that you would recommend? If you read any of these books in the future, please come back and let me know what you think!
A Dreamer's Wife 
Thanks for sharing! I’ve found some more titles for me to-read list, especially “What Happens When Women Say Yes to God.”
I need to get back on Goodreads. I know that you have quite a list going!
I really want to read #1 and #2! I’ve owned The Rhythm of Life for years! I always stop reading because I’m not putting in the effort I should be. I don’t know why, but it is hard for me to be THAT honest with myself. I LOVE Matthew Kelly, though!