- please forward to a bookish friend -
If you joined me in front of my bookshelves and told me I could pick only four titles focused on building healthier relationships, these are the ones I'd reach for.
In a heartbeat.
The great thing about these selections is that they are all-purpose. They're not one-facet volumes that solely focus on friendship or marriage or parenting or the workplace or the ministry arena. Their messages are applicable for wherever you find yourself and whatever challenges you're facing.
In a heartbeat.
The great thing about these selections is that they are all-purpose. They're not one-facet volumes that solely focus on friendship or marriage or parenting or the workplace or the ministry arena. Their messages are applicable for wherever you find yourself and whatever challenges you're facing.
They're like literary role models, perceptive companions to point us toward a wiser way to live, both relationally and spiritually.
~ Henry Cloud & John Townsend
I can't think of one person that couldn't use a bit of help when it comes to the whole issue of boundaries. None of us has arrived. This is the book I've recommended most to clients over the years. A readable, practical, must-read for sure, having sold millions of copies.
Love, love, love this book, these Christian psychologists, and their series of Boundaries books that followed this game-changing classic.
Kindle - $12.99
Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life
I can't think of one person that couldn't use a bit of help when it comes to the whole issue of boundaries. None of us has arrived. This is the book I've recommended most to clients over the years. A readable, practical, must-read for sure, having sold millions of copies.
Love, love, love this book, these Christian psychologists, and their series of Boundaries books that followed this game-changing classic.
Kindle - $12.99
The Emotionally Destructive Relationship: Seeing It, Stopping It, Surviving It
~ Leslie Vernick
When you begin to read Leslie's wise words, you'll thank God that someone's finally putting a name to the sometimes subtle yet always devastating travesty of abuse. Leslie hits the nail on the head, naming sinful relational patterns in all their various forms, and guides the reader toward sanity, hope, and freedom.
Biblical, enlightening, straight talk. You might be surprised at what you discover.
Kindle - $11.39
The Listening Life: Embracing Attentiveness in a World of Distraction
~ Adam McHugh
Not too far into Adam's pages, attentive readers get a wake-up call as we begin to realize how seldom we truly listen to the hearts of others.
He writes, 'The question that drives this book is, how would our relationships change, and how would we change, if we approached every situation with the intention of listening first? What if we approached our relationship with God as listeners? What if we viewed our relationship with nature as one of listening? What if we approached our relationships using our ears rather than our mouths? What if we sought to listen to our emotions before we preached to them?'
This, a simply splendid soul-searching adventure, ended up as one of Christianity Today's 2017 Books of the Year, and one of my all time favorites. Go ahead and buy a crate of them for everyone on this year's Christmas list.
Kindle - $14.99
The Bible
Since way back in 1989, I've been using the same NIV Study Bible. Held together by layers of clear packing tape, the leather is cracked and worn ... and it remains one of my most prized possessions. Some of the pages are stained from spills and tears, and many margins are filled with notes from godly pastors, teachers, and professors God has brought into my life over the years.
When it comes to relationships, learning how to love God and others well, understanding the virtues of forgiveness and grace and kindness ... no other book will ever come close to the Holy Scriptures.
The sacred, precious truth of God's Word stands forever.
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BOOKISH LINKS
Elisabeth Elliot's Lost Manuscript
Michelle Van Loon
Simple Steps to Become a Leisurely Reader
Hannah Graham
A trick for when you're stuck in a reading rut
Anne Bogel
5 Unexpected Reasons Every Leader Should Be a Reader
Carey Nieuwhof
Books Around America: Uncover the Books Set Nearest to You
Crossword Solver
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E-BOOK DEALS
Fictional classics, devotional companions, relationship guides ... and more! Click here to scroll through 50+ titles selected for our little online community. Chances are you'll discover a gem or two.
What books are patiently awaiting your attention?
Linda
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