Good books change the world. I believe that very strongly. First and foremost you only have to look at the Bible, the most influential book in history. No other book can change a person like the Bible can.
Having said that, I am reading two books right now that have got me so excited I can’t see straight. I actually have had to physically put them down a few times because my heart and my head were about to explode and I needed to get some air. Of course I am not going to hold back in telling you about these glorious books and hoping you pick them up.
For anyone who is interested in a great book, The Gospel For Real Life by Jerry Bridges is a beautiful and simple exposition of the truth of the gospel and how Jesus can change our lives–how we can experience the glorious riches of Christ. I would especially recommend it to new Christians or those who have grown up in legalism and want to see how the gospel can change their lives.
Another book called Transforming Grace, which was also written by Mr. Bridges, gets two thumbs up from me. He uses a lot of quotes from other writers in the book that truly have gone down deep in my soul. If you are like me, and have suffered under the weight of perfectionism/legalism in your relationship with God, I implore you to read this book. From the first few chapters where he talks about our mistaken belief in “sanctification by works” to the end where he explores all aspects of grace, it is a glorious exploration of grace. I’m a huge fan of Philip Yancey’s What’s So Amazing About Grace, and the two books are rather complimentary to each other.
I also recently bought a book that I haven’t read it yet, but all the reviews I’ve read are very positive, and I cannot wait to read it. It’s called When Sinners Say I Do; Discovering the Power of the Gospel for Marriage and it’s by a man named Dave Harvey. I’m taking a Marriage and Family class this semester, and so once I finish the last two chapters of The Gospel for Real Life I will start reading it and let you know how it is.
And now for a few blogs. I just wanted to catch you, my lovely blog readers, on a few blogs I’ve found of interest lately. I recently switched feed readers, so I’m in a phase where I’m trying to remember all the ones I read before as well as finding some new ones. Not all you’ll like. But I like them, so I’ll put them up.
finding grace is a wonderful blog about grace and how it applies to daily life. As another “recovering perfectionist”, I love reading about Emily’s story of the gospel invading her life.
Gospel Driven Life is from a pastor, and being as such, it is filled with a little bit more theologically. I go there to read about and mentally explore new ideas about how the gospel should apply to our theology and our lives as churches.
Completely unrelated to all this grace/gospel stuff are a few crafting blogs that I’ve discovered, most of which make me want to get married to a rich man so I can craft all day, have babies, make him good food, and be an artsy mother. And maybe write a few books on the side. I’ll keep you updated on how that’s going. In the meantime, here’s some of the cool craft blogs that inspired me:
futuregirl is really cool–she crochets. I want to learn how to crochet now. AND joy upon joys, I saw someone in one of my classes today crocheting a hat. I need only to not be so broke so I can buy some supplies and work it out.
my half of the brain is a cool little collection of free projects and such from across the web. I’m already feeling inspired to do some projects, including this quilt which I am officially in love with and WILL make once I get enough money to buy new needles for my machine and the fabric. I need a new comforter so I’m super-excited.
I have more, but I’ll save those for later. I think this post is way too long. But check out the books, please. They are glorious.
Kharzbon,
Sarah
