Friday, September 16, 2011

Three Bible Studies That Have Changed My Life

Today's "Show Us Your Life" at Kelly's Korner is about favorite Bible Studies or Devotionals.  I admit that I haven't been nearly as committed to Bible study as I'd like to be since Sam was born (or even before that, really), but I wanted to jump in and share three books that have particularly influenced me during three very different seasons of my life:

First, Lady in Waiting by Jackie Kendall & Debbie Jones.
This book is probably super out-dated now, but I read it my Junior year in high school after my first heartbreak. It really spoke to me a lot about guarding my heart and making sure it belonged to the Lord FIRST.  I have given this book/ recommended it to more young woman than I can list.  If you are in a season of waiting for the Lord to provide a husband (or even a boyfriend - which sounds ridiculous to me now, but it was my reality when I first read this), it is a great study.  

Next, Captivating by Jon and Stasi Eldredge
I'm guessing that this one is going to show up on lots of lists today... It is a BEAUTIFUL book about the heart and soul of a woman.  I first read this in college when Jeff and I were dating and talking about/ I-was-waiting-anxiously-for marriage.  I'm not sure any book has ever spoken so directly to my spirit.  I still think about this book ALL the time when it comes to understanding how I am made and how that influences my relationships, etc.  I've read it more than once and recommended it to me many girlfriends.

And, So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore.
I am actually reading this book right now (also one that I'm sure will pop up a lot today) and really loving it for this season of my life as a new mom etc.  Motherhood, like most other big milestones in life, has really revealed some of my biggest insecurities and the lies I believe about myself.  Beth Moore has an incredible way of being wise and powerful in her words, but also ordinary and gentle.  For me, now is the perfect time to read this book; but, it would speak to women in many different stages of life. 

That does it for me - although there are LOTS more books I could recommend if I wanted to keep going.  I'm really looking forward to seeing what other women have shared at Kelly's Korner today.

Happy Friday!

5 comments:

  1. I love Beth Moore. I've done several of her studies and am doing 90 Days with David right now and love it. You'd probably like it too b/c unlike her others with a TON of daily work, it's a shorter devotional every day with scripture reading and her message. It's so great. She also has 90 Days with Jesus and one with Paul too.

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  2. You always have the BEST recommendations!! Thank you for sharing :) I am interested in all of these books, and have some girlfriends that could definitely benefit as well!

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  3. I love So Long Insecurity and had the wonderful opportunity to hear her speak a few years ago- she is amazing!

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  4. I'm doing Beth's 90 Days with Paul now, and I agree - it's all of Beth's awesomeness, but lighter on the "homework". So Long Insecurity was amazing. I read it in spring 2010 and I still think about it.
    I think I need to re-read Captivating. I read it in college, and I have to admit - I struggled to finish it. I felt like there were really insightful parts, but that a lot of it was cliche or just playing into stereotypes. A lot of people have said how much they enjoyed it, so I should probably give it another shot :)

    I really enjoyed Strong Women, Soft Hearts by Paula Rinehart and I'm about to start reading What Women Fear by Angie Smith. I have a feeling it will be awesome!

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  5. I have loved all three of those books, and I love your concept of seasons. I'm getting ready to release a book about finding God in all seasons of motherhood. It will be free for a while. Come follow my blog for updates! :)

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