The Good Life

Hearing in Technicolor is a great book! As the wife of a multi ethnic church planter, this book was right up my alley. I really enjoyed reading the story of First  Baptist Duluth and the way God is moving there. It’s a beautiful picture of what heaven will be! I believe when we as white Americans start viewing our brothers and sisters as integral to God’s mission and not people to be controlled, we will see true and lasting change in our churches becoming multicultural not just in word but in deed as well. To look at someone and not think, “How can I (subtly or not so subtly) make you more like me,” but instead say, “Without you and your gifts and background and skin tone, we will be missing a part of God’s heart here in our church!” I really enjoyed all of the stories from this book and highly recommend it to pastors, elders, and anyone desiring to see God’s people come together as one in Christ in our Church.  I just reviewed Hearing in Technicolor by Mark Hearn; Darcy Wiley...

Wow! Daniel Bowman, Jr.’s memoir/collection of essays is a must read for the Church. As more adults are diagnosed with autism, it can be hard to understand how to love, support, and understand their neurodiversities. Many memoirs and books about autism are written by parents, educators, psychologists, and about children. It’s rare to find books written about autism by autistic adults. On the Spectrum is a look into the world of a Christian with neurodiversities. I really enjoyed reading this book and I learned so much. As a body of Believers, we must come together to support and encourage the gifts, talents, and diversity of the members of our church. On the Spectrum challenges long held stereotypes and misinformation and allows the voice of someone with neurodiversities to tell their own story. It’s a powerful reminder and teaching moment to see the beauty of how God created each one of us and to allow us to use our own voice to share our stories. I highly recommend this book to pasto...

My husband is preaching through the book of Acts and when I saw “The Book of Acts as Story” I knew I had to read it! David R. Bauer does an excellent and thorough job of breaking down Acts in a new (to me) way of thinking and going deeper in our understanding of one of the most practical books of the Bible. I loved learning and reading and I highly recommend this book! I just reviewed The Book of Acts as Story by David R. Bauer. #TheBookofActsasStory #NetGalley 

Diane Langberg is an incredible counselor, author, and advocate. Her writing is so life giving and affirming for counselors, pastors, and victims of abuse. I’ve read her other books and couldn’t wait for this one to release. Redeeming Power is a much needed voice in a space that has been conspicuously silent. As believers, we should call out abuse and advocate justice. I highly recommend this book for all pastors, counselors, and people in power in religious spheres. The more you know, the more you can advocate and bring abuse to the light and bring justice and redemption to victims. And not only that, but put people and policies in place that will stop abuse. 

The Quran with Christian Commentary is a wonderful resource for Christians wanting to learn more about what Muslims believe. Dr. Nickel writes a very comprehensive commentary and I highly recommend this book. It is full of insight and wisdom and is a great tool for learning what our Muslim friends believe.  I received this book for free from NetGalley. My opinions are my own. 

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry is a must read!  I loved this book and it’s simplicity but much needed message. It’s written in a way that draws you in, informs, and encourages you. If you have read other books on time management, phone usage, and the pace of life, you might have felt condemned and overwhelmed after you finished. I loved that John Mark Comer’s book leaves you feeling renewed in your love for Jesus and looking at the big picture of your life. I highly recommend this book! I received this book for free from NetGalley. My opinions are my own. 

If I recommend one book this year, “Dear White Peacemakers” will be it! Osheta Moore writes with precision wrapped in kindness and grace. She continually brings the reader back to the heart of God and reminds of us as identity in Him and our role as peacemakers. Osheta’s encouragement and humble calling out to pursue anti racism work as Beloved Peacemakers is incredibly gracious and a true gift. This book is for all White people who love Jesus. It’s even better for people who claim to “not see color” or “I’m not racist.” I encourage all White people to come under the teaching and heart of a Black leader like Osheta Moore. Her book will challenge, encourage, and push you to become more like Jesus in how you love, think, and act.  You can tell with each chapter how much Osheta cares and desires for true peace between not just believers, but all people. I loved the breath prayers at the end of each chapter. “Inhale: Liberator. Exhale: Set the captives free.” I recommend this book for ...