Recommendations
Books I Love
When a book helps me grow closer to Christ, I can’t help but share it.
These are a few that have inspired, challenged, and encouraged me in my walk of faith. I hope they do the same for you.
A Year of Living Prayerfully
How a Curious Traveler Met the Pope, Walked on Coals, Danced with Rabbis, and Revived His Prayer Life
By Jared Brock (2015)
When I first started this book, I wasn’t sure whether it was a whimsical look at prayer or a serious attempt to discover what a deep prayer life looked like. I’m still not completely sure which the author intended, but I found the book enlightening, funny, and filled with deep, serious quotes about prayer. Mr. Brock traveled the world, exploring monasteries, synagogues, and churches. Along the way, he learned about the rich history of prayer and introduced his readers to the concept that prayer is unique to each individual. The Foreword describes it like this: “It’s about one man having his world reordered as he, by turns, limps and leaps, crawls and runs, begs and storms his way to the throne of grace. His story frees us to live our own story, to find and enter our own fellowship with the Father through the Son by His Spirit.” I hope the book will inspire you to a deeper prayer life.
Spirit Walk
By Steve Smith (2018)
I’ve often heard Christians say that we are living the 29th chapter of Acts. In case you are not familiar with that book, it ends with chapter 28. Yet, the Church is still alive and growing, as the Holy Spirit moves across the globe, igniting Christians to a deeper walk with Him. Galatians 5:25 says, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (NIV84). The question is, how do we do that? Mr. Smith’s goal in this book is to lay out a roadmap for being filled with the Spirit and walking with His power and guidance daily. He sets out four basic principles for his readers: “Surrender to His will and His every word; wait on God in prayer; avoid sin, and let God root out all unrighteousness; and pursue the promptings of the Spirit.” SWAP is the acronym designed to guide the reader into the Spirit Walk. If you are looking for a deeper connection with the Holy Spirit, this is an excellent place to start. As Mr. Smith reminds us, God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary acts through the power of the Holy Spirit. We just have to know how to walk closely with Him.
Another Shot, A Game Plan for Rebounding in Life
By Dave Martin (2015)
If you have tried to reach a goal and failed, or if you have dreams that you want to pursue, this may be the book to get you moving forward. Using examples from a wide range of sports, Mr. Martin sets out a game plan for successfully pursuing your goals in life. If you are a teacher or a coach, you will find many great examples that will help you teach your students and players to persevere regardless of the setbacks they face. As Mr. Martin puts it, “You have the God-given talents you will need to succeed, the passion you will need to be motivated and persistent, and the keys that will unlock all the doors of opportunity that will confront you along the way.” This is a book to keep on your shelf and reread from time to time to encourage you to “get back in the game.”
John Adams
By David McCullough (2001)
If you like American history, as I do, this is the book for you. Mr. McCullough has given a brilliant picture of the birth of the United States from behind the scenes. Most books concerning the Revolution focus on the war, but this biography of our second President focuses on what took place behind the scenes as Adams, Jefferson, and countless others dealt with France, seeking assistance, and England, seeking peace. After the war concluded, the story continues as Adams and Jefferson, who were originally great friends, became bitter political enemies as they each struggled to lead the new country according to their personal preferences. Many of their political tactics reminded me that “some things never change.” In their defense, they were ultimately able to settle their differences and again became fast friends before they each died on the same day—July 4, 1826. While the book is voluminous, any history buff will find it worth the challenge.
From Eden to Egypt:
A Guided Tour of Genesis
By Alex Duke (2025)
If you are looking for a fun and informative study of the book of Genesis, this is the book. At times, it has a whimsical flair, but it never fails to show God’s hand as well as His plan as the people of Genesis and their stories come alive. It’s definitely worth the read!
Musings from My Sun Porch 