2014 Reading List for Moms {Giveaway}

Last year I did this post on the best books I had read the year prior + the ones I planned to read in 2013. It continues to be a popular post here at Grace for Moms. I’ve never been an avid reader. Perhaps it’s my growing age or perhaps it’s because as a mom of littles, I am constantly searching for serenity now! Getting lost in a good book, both fiction and non-fiction, is a great way to find YOUR space as a mom. So my yearly reading lists keep growing as I find ways to consume more and more serenity through the pages of a good story or an inspirational book.

I like to break my list into categories to make sure I’m feeding every area of my life through words on pages. This also ensures that I don’t get so tunnel-visioned on one idea or philosophy that it consumes me. As moms who are knee deep in diapers and Legos all.day.long, we need a balance of other stimulants and inspirations in our lives. If you want to create a 2014 reading list, consider the main areas of life you want to focus on this year or perhaps consider your one word for the year as you look for books that will feed you.

My 2014 Reading List

Faith

Restless: Because You Were Made for More, Jennie Allen. I haven’t read anything by Jennie Allen yet and I’m excited to start with Restless. I think this clip from the Amazon description says enough about why I am excited to read this:

Using the story of Joseph, the dreamer, Jennie explains how his suffering, gifts, relationships—all of the threads of his life—fit into the greater story of God and how our stories can do the same. What would happen if God got bigger than your fear and insecurity, and you spent the rest of your life running without reservation after his purposes for you? You were created for more.

One Way Love: Inexhaustible Grace for an Exhausted World, Tullian Tchividjian. Y’all know I am all about grace. This book sounds like it takes an in-depth approach to looking at grace and how we need to apply it to our lives today.

Speaking of Jesus: The Art of Not-Evangelism, Carl Medearis. I read Carl’s book, Muslims, Christians, and Jesus
a few years ago and was blown away by it’s paradigm shift in evangelical approach. I grew up in a charismatic church so we were all about beating people over the head with the gospel. Carl’s experience and heart are inspirational in finding a new way to introduce people to Jesus. I am really looking forward to this follow up.

On God’s Side: What Religion Forgets and Politics Hasn’t Learned about Serving the Common Good, Jim Wallis. Before reading this book, I’m going to have to put my big girl pants on. This is probably a more controversial and progressive book than I would normally read but I am learning to challenge my faith with voices that hold different beliefs than I do. I’m learning not to be threatened by others’ theology. I’m learning to solidify my faith through the consideration of other viewpoints.

Personal Growth

Bread & Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table, Shauna Niequist. I had the great privilege of hearing Shauna speak at a conference this past fall. She is the real deal girls. So fun and down to earth and passionate about people. I love that! I think I’m going to do a book club with this one. Reading together a book that celebrates fellowship while sharing food and wine around a table? Yes, please!

Say Goodbye to Survival Mode: 9 Simple Strategies to Stress Less, Sleep More, and Restore Your Passion for Life, Crystal Paine. To be honest, this is not the type of book that I would normally pick up but I love Crystal and her ministry and I’m very interested to read her advice on life strategy.

The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are, Brene Brown. I started skimming this book last year as research for a project and I was immediately drawn in by Brene’s words. There’s been a lot of hype surrounding her and her writing the past few years. I understand why. This woman has got a pulse on what makes us tick and what makes us twinge.

Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead, Brene Brown. Ditto. I couldn’t pick one of these titles so I’m going to try to read both. This book sounds so holistic. I am excited to read how Brene applies her wisdom to all areas of life.

Parenting

Raising Kids for True Greatness: Redefine Success for You and Your Child/Grace-Based Parenting, Dr. Tim Kimmel. I started reading Grace-Based Parenting last year but only got about 1/3 through. This week on Instagram someone suggested I also check out this other title by Dr. Kimmel. I know both of these books will be a great encouragement as I continue to navigate the waters of parenting little people.

Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus, Elyse M. Fitzpatrick. This book was on my list last year but I never got to it. I am looking forward to what the author shares about extending grace and the love of Jesus to my kids. I’m really interested to hear her thoughts on balancing grace and discipline.

The Way They Learn, Cynthia Ulrich Tobias. Since becoming a mom and since I’ve started doing some curriculum based writing, I am fascinated with how kids learn and process information. I’ve heard great things about this book and hope it will shed some light on the little minds and tiny hearts I interact with daily.

Intentional Parenting: Autopilot Is for Planes, Sissy Goff, David Thomas, Melissa Trevathan. I have followed Daystar Ministries for years and highly respect the authors of this book. If you aren’t familiar, check out their new space, Raising Boys and Girls. I am really looking forward to the wisdom Sissy, Davis and Melissa share in this book.

Speak Love: Making Your Words Matter, Annie Downs. Y’all, my daughter is 5 and in kindergarten and tonight bedtime took a bit longer because we had to talk about the “mean girl” at school. She’s 5!! Are you kidding me?! We are already dealing with this?! Sadly, yes. Although Annie’s book is written with tween/teen girls in mind, I know the heart and wisdom she shares will help me guide my daughter through this tough relationship at school. If you have daughters, this is a must read.

Who Made the Moon?: A Father Explores How Faith and Science Agree, Sigmund Brouwer. I discovered this book and picked it up since I couldn’t find “Faith and Science for Dummies”. I’m reading it to not only help in answering questions my children may ask, but also as a personal exploration in response to some conversations people around me are having. Should be an interesting read.

Praying for Boys: Asking God for the Things They Need Most, Brooke McGlothlin. If you read my review of this book last week, you know why I am reading through Praying for Boys this year. If you are a mom to boys, you have to grab this book. Now is the perfect time to start praying these prayers over your boy/s!

Family/Marriage

Love & Respect in the Family: The Respect Parents Desire; The Love Children Need, Emerson Eggerichs. I love the balance expressed even through the title of this book. Cannot wait to dig in.

Sacred Influence: How God Uses Wives to Shape the Souls of Their Husbands, Gary Thomas {re-read}. Friends, if you haven’t read this book, you must read it this year. Best marriage book I have ever read. So, so good. I think it’s about time I read through it again. Such deep truth about how wives can be so influential in their husband’s lives if they approach it the right way.

Professional/Creative

On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction, William Zinsser. I wanted to read this book last year but didn’t get to it. I am always looking for resources to help grow my craft of writing. By the end of the year I’ll be amazing! : )

Storyline: Finding Your Subplot in God’s Story, Donald Miller. Have you seen Donald’s recent blog series, A Week of Free Life Coaching? These posts have been great! And it’s made me realize I want to walk through this process with my husband as we both look towards transitional seasons.

A Million Little Ways : Uncover the Art You Were Made to Live, Emily P. Freeman. I started reading Emily’s new book in the fall but after my mom’s passing, I wasn’t able to pick it back up. The little bit I read spoke to my heart deeply. Emily’s poetic writing style, combined with her insight into the hearts and minds of women brings art to life for even those of us who feel the furthest thing from an artist. I am looking forward to journeying with Emily again this year.

You’re Made for a God-Sized Dream: Opening the Door to All God Has for You, Holley Gerth. We all have dreams, right friends? Even if you aren’t a huge dreamer, I believe this book will be helpful to you. Holley Gerth is one of the most encouraging writers I know, cheering on her readers to all God has for them. If you have an inkling in your heart that there’s something more God is calling you to, this book is for you. I also started reading this book back in the fall and had to put it down for a bit. I believe the Lord knew exactly when I needed this message because I feel like this is the perfect timing to read Holley’s words. Will you join me in realizing our God-sized dreams?

Just for Fun

A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet: Southern Stories of Faith, Family, and Fifteen Pounds of Bacon, Sophie Hudson. Do y’all read Boo Mama’s blog? Sophie is so hilarious and down to earth. I’ve been waiting to read this book and know it will bring great joy to me this year.

Allegiant (Divergent Series), Veronica Roth. I am finally completing this series, just in time for the first movie to come out this spring. If you liked Hunger Games and haven’t tried this series, check it out this year. So, so good!

The Mysterious Benedict Society {vol. 2}, Trenton Lee Stewart. A friend lent me the first book in this series last year. I didn’t even know it was a series. I got to the end of this fun and charming book and realized there were more. Score! This series is meant for young adults {aren’t all series’ these days?!} but it’s a fun, dystopian meets mystery read for adults too. If you have kids 10+ I highly recommend this series.

That’s 24 books. Two per month. Not crazy, right? We’ll see. In the spirit of grace, let’s just say this is my 2014 Reading {Wish} List for Moms. . .and a list that will hopefully inspire you to make your own, perhaps with a few of these gems.

To get you started with your 2014 Reading List, our friends at Revell Publishing are giving away a copy of A Million Little Ways by Emily P. Freeman and You Were Made for a God-Sized Dream {book and devo} by Holley Gerth. Enter through Rafflecopter below!

Do you have big reading plans this year? What’s on your list?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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