Can I tell you a secret? I wish I was one of those bloggers who did the “what I wore” posts. I love cute clothes and if we went to lunch or grabbed coffee one morning, I feel sure we’d chat about where your necklace came from or how much I love my Evy’s Tree hoodies. But it just has never felt natural to write about those things. I’ve tried a few times.

But writing about books? Oh yeah, I can totally do that! And the truth is, if we were at lunch after we finished chatting about our outfits, I am sure I’d end up bringing up what I’m reading. And, I’d probably tell you what you should read too.

WHAT I’M READING {MAY 2017}

Okay, first the coolest news — the first copy of my book arrived last week! In fact, I was on the phone with my incredible editor at Bethany House when it arrived. Y’all, I loved the cover just from the images they sent me, but when I saw it live and in person, it’s so pretty! In fact, when I took it to church that was one of the things everyone said. Also, Casiday was home with me when it arrived so it was great to have her there for that moment.

Not going to lie — I may have shed a few tears while we were jumping up and down. I still can’t believe I’ve been given this opportunity. It’s overwhelming to me when I think about it all. I always land here in James:

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like the shifting shadows. James 1:17 CSB

I told my editor how much I appreciate all he’s done to champion and shepherd this project. And how very aware I am of the great privilege it is so have this opportunity. God has been abundantly good to me in this regard … not because of me but because of Him.

And when I start thinking about the women who have been reading my blog and inviting me to speak at their events and joining the Bible studies and praying the prayers … well, then I am just a hot mess all over everywhere.

Since I’m now all teary, I better switch gears and fill you in on what I’m reading.

Books in Progress

Sacred Privilege: Your Life and Ministry as a Pastor’s Wife by Kay Warren — If you are in ministry or are a pastor’s wife, you need this book. Seriously. I’m about halfway through and it has been one of the most honest and truly helpful books on ministry life I’ve read.

The Imperfect Disciple: Grace for People who Can’t Get their Act Together by Jared C. Wilson — I’ve read four chapters so far and underlined at least half of the book. Like this, for example —

What is discipleship, then, but following Jesus not on some religious quest to become bigger, better, or faster but to become more trusting of his mercy toward our total inability to become those things? (p. 51)

Adorned: Living Out the Beauty of the Gospel Together by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth — I know, it’s taking me forever. But it’s so good and the podcasts she as she taught through the book are also amazing.

Redeemed: Grace to Live Every Day Better than Before by Angela Thomas-Pharr — I’m finishing up this study with the LifeWay online group this week but I’m doing it also with a group at church and we’re only on week two so I’m sort of finishing and starting at the same time. But it’s such a great study. My favorite part is reading through the Psalms over the 40 days. (Which says a lot considering how I used to dislike them so strongly, right?)

Coming up Next:

Letters to My Daughters: The Art of Becoming a Wife by Barbara Rainey
A Family Shaped by Grace: How to Get along with the People who Matter Most by Gary Morland
Overcome: Replacing the Lies that Hold Us Down with the Truths that Set Us Free by Clayton King
What Keeps You Up at Night: How to Find Peace while Chasing Your Dreams by Pete Wilson

So that’s what I’m reading. Now tell me — what are YOU reading? What do I need to add to my stack?

Also, just a quick reminder my #SummerBibleStudy starts this week. Get the details and sign up for the email reminders here.

xoxo,

Teri Lynne

Get the Books

Here are the books I mentioned in this post. These are affiliate links so I will receive a small commission should you purchase through them. Thank you for your support!

Sacred Privilege || The Imperfect Disciple || Adorned || Redeemed ||Letters to My Daughters || A Family Shaped by Grace || Overcome || What Keeps You Up at Night