It’s been a L O N G time since I’ve read a {non-fiction} book that I couldn’t put down, and Y’all! In June, I read three.
#1: Gentle and Lowly
Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers, by Dane Ortlund was my favorite. Here’s a description of the book from Amazon.
Christians can easily feel that Jesus is perpetually disappointed and frustrated, maybe even close to giving up on them. They know what Christ has done for them―but who is he? How does he feel about his people amid all their sins and failures?
In Matthew 11, Jesus describes himself as “gentle and lowly in heart,” longing for his people to find rest in him. This book reflects on his words, diving deep into Bible passages that speak of Christ’s affections for sinners and encouraging believers as they journey, weary and faltering, toward heaven.
Plain and simple, this book made me love Jesus more. I underlined and reread large chunks of this book until they sunk in deep. I highly recommend this book!!
#2: Soundtracks
Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking by Jon Acuff was a fun, practical read. Acuff is a believer but this book wasn’t written from a Christian perspective (although the insights certainly line up with Biblical truth).
You know that thought that keeps you up at night? That one you’ve been thinking about for years? Let’s do something about that. Soundtracks made of music have the ability to completely transform a moment, but soundtracks made of thoughts are even more powerful. When you don’t create, curate, and choose what soundtracks you’ll listen to, the music doesn’t stop. You just hear a bunch of songs you don’t like. Overthinking is essentially when your brain spins on a thought or an idea for longer than you anticipated. The good news is that you’re bigger than your brain. It’s just one part of you, and it’s under your control. The same brain that told you for years that you couldn’t do something can be taught to tell you just the opposite. Your brain is waiting for you each day. It’s waiting to be told what to think. It’s waiting to see what kind of soundtracks you’ll choose. It’s waiting to see if you really want to build a different life.
I really enjoyed this fun, quirky, and SUPER practical book. The concept of thinking of thoughts as soundtracks is genius, and learning to choose what soundtracks we actually want to listen to each day is life changing. I loved this book!
#3: A Burning in My Bones
A Burning in My Bones: The Authorized Biography of Eugene H. Peterson, Translator of The Message by Winn Collier was such an interesting read. I’m not usually a big biography reader, but the way Collier wove together Eugene’s life story captured me from the first chapter.
This essential authorized biography of Eugene Peterson offers unique insights into the experiences and spiritual convictions of the iconic American pastor and beloved translator of The Message.
This book challenged, inspired, and entertained. Again, I highly recommend.
I’ve already started the next book on my list, and I’d love to add more.
What’s the last book you couldn’t put down? I’d love to to hear from you!!
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