Journey to the Cross
Journey to the Cross

These forty short but powerful devotions are intended to be used during the forty days leading to Easter, a season known as Lent on the Christian calendar. Tripp’s stated intention with these reflections is to guide the reader deeper into understanding our sin to more fully comprehend God’s grace and the marvelous gift of salvation in Christ. The focus on sin, so rare in today’s feel-good climate, was surprisingly refreshing. The book helped me to see my sin in a deeper (and surprisingly, more hopeful) way. After reading the devotion each morning, the reflection questions and suggested Bible passages gave me food for thought throughout the day.

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Karen Wade HayesDevotionalsComment
Theo of Golden
Theo of Golden

I am not surprised that Allen Levi’s first novel, Theo of Golden, landed on many “Favorite Book Lists.” It is artfully written, carefully crafted, and absorbing. Levi brings setting and characters to life with a believable and touching story about the power of listening, connecting, and caring for others. I hope it is the first of may books from this talented and insightful author.

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Karen Wade HayesFiction & Historical FictionComment
Crazy Busy
Crazy Busy

In a book written as much to himself as his readers, Kevin DeYoung seeks to get to the heart of the issues underlying persistent busyness in modern culture. His goal is to give “highly practical and accessibly theological” advice, sharing his life as a case study. He offers three dangers to avoid, seven diagnoses to consider, and one “thing you must do.”

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Karen Wade HayesMiscellaneousComment
Atomic Habits
Atomic Habits

If you are struggling to make better choices with your time, this bestseller by James Clear is brimming with unique suggestions. Though not biblically-based, it is interesting to read it with a mindset of establishing Christian rhythms and godly habits.

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Karen Wade HayesMiscellaneousComment
Daily Doctrine
Daily Doctrine

Formatted as a daily devotional, this book by Kevin DeYoung walks readers through 260 topics topics arranged by traditional systematic categories of doctrine. It is like a mini (and accessible) introduction to theology course. It is a palatable way to wade into challenging and complex topics of the Christian faith.

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Karen Wade HayesTheology & Christian LivingComment
The Storied Life
The Storied Life

Jared Wilson shares my belief that Christian writing is a ministry. He beautifully articulates how writing is not only pouring out faith through story but also a way to worship and be shaped by God - excellent insight and advice. He helpfully defines and explains what being a “Christian writer” means. He captured how writers think and process better than any book I have read.

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Karen Wade HayesFor WritersComment
The Art of Slow Writing
The Art of Slow Writing

This book by Louise DeSalvo is packed with short chapters that read like a writer’s devotional book (though not biblical). It offers excellent insights and encourages writers to stop rushing and craft words slowly and meditatively instead, treating time as an ally, not an enemy. Includes inspiring stories by well-known authors.

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Karen Wade HayesFor WritersComment
Do More Better
Do More Better

A prolific reader, writer, and blogger, Challies knows how to get things done efficiently. In this book on productivity, he shares his secrets. A good choice for anyone looking for a specific system of organization and task management, this book offers detailed and specific guidance for outlining roles, setting goals, and organizing tasks. Challies even recommends and explains how to use specific programs.

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Karen Wade HayesMiscellaneousComment
The Chicago Manual of Style
The Chicago Manual of Style

This essential guide for writers, editors, and publishers will answer most questions related to current industry standards for grammar, usage, citation, and much more. However, Christian writers also need The Christian Writer’s Style Manual for referencing or writing about religious materials.

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Karen Wade HayesFor WritersComment
Unoffendable
Unoffendable

Hansen's books are a pleasure to read, even when covering complex topics like anger, because of the trademark humor woven into his message. In Unoffendable, he offers thought-provoking reasons why Christians should stop assuming their anger is “righteous” and practical wisdom for embracing Christ-like humility, gratitude, and forgiveness instead.

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Karen Wade HayesTheology & Christian LivingComment
Life of Jesus in 30 Days
Life of Jesus in 30 Days

Life of Jesus in 30 Days, the second book of Trevin Wax’s three-part series, takes readers through the gospel accounts of the life of Jesus. In addition to readings from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the author includes content from the Psalms, prayers from Christians, and confessions of the faith, providing prayers and meditations for morning, midday, and evening quiet times. This book was invaluable to me in establishing a rhythm of intentional prayer three times per day.

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Karen Wade HayesDevotionalsComment
Psalms in 30 Days
Psalms in 30 Days

In this lovely book, 1 of 3 in a series, Trevin Wax revives the ancient tradition of praying three times per day. In this volume, Wax gives readers not only all 150 Psalms but also other prayers and confessions to use as fuel for prayer and reflection. The book helps cultivate the practice of intentionally coming to God morning, noon, and night to pause, read, reflect, and pray. It is a wonderful tool to help Christians maintain focus on the worship of God throughout the ups and downs of each day.

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Karen Wade HayesDevotionalsComment
In the Lord I Take Refuge
In the Lord I Take Refuge

In this gift-worthy volume, author Dane Ortlund shares the 150 Psalms of the Old Testament, following each with a thoughtful meditation. In the introduction, Ortlund says, “The purpose of this book is to foster communion with God amid all the ups and downs of daily life in this fallen world. The devotional content is meant to facilitate fellowship with God in the words of the Psalms.” (p. 7) I recommend reading one entry each evening at bedtime.

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Karen Wade HayesDevotionalsComment
The Shepherd's Life
The Shepherd's Life

Real-life shepherd James Rebanks shares a behind-the-scenes look at a life spent caring for sheep in this fascinating memoir. But more than that, he offers a view of life lived in connection with the created world and the people who have gone before us. Because of the many sheep/shepherd metaphors in the Bible, I am fascinated by sheep, so I was delighted to gain a deeper understanding into their ways But this memoir also helped me understand the importance of a good shepherd and gave me a deeper appreciation for God as my Good Shepherd.

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Karen Wade HayesMemoirs & BiographiesComment
Humility
Humility

Some people call this the best book about humility ever written. Author Andrew Murray has packed valuable riches and wisdom into this short and concise book, offering a compelling explanation for why humility is such a critical virtue. He then traces back all the wretchedness of humanity to the root of pride and explains why Christ is the only antidote and cure. Every Christian should read this book.

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Karen Wade HayesTheology & Christian LivingComment