Book Suggestions

The other day, my friend, Jenna, asked some of the ladies in our Bible study group at church to tell each other what books we've read to help us become a better wife, mom, and homemaker. I thought this was an excellent idea! I started taking inventory of my book shelf and found that I have so many books that I've read on home organizing, being a better wife, parenting, etc. But I have probably just as many that I've bought and never taken the time to read. This year, I'm going to make a plan to start reading more. I'm praying that reading these books will help me become more like Christ and will help me be a better wife and mom.

So here goes...

Books I’m currently reading:
The One Year Chronological Bible, New Living Translation. (I decided I needed to read the Bible through again this year, so I asked Daddy if I could borrow this translation. It’s a really easy read! I’ve only done this a couple of times in my life. It’s a huge commitment, but once I start, I really get into it! I LOVE reading the stories in Genesis! This Bible is written in chronological order, so it’s a different way to read it, too.)

Jesus Calling, Sarah Young (This is a 365-day devotional book with short passages each day. It’s like a conversation that Jesus is having with you personally using scripture. It’s really neat.)

Preparing Him for the Other Woman (A Mother’s Guide to Raising Her Son to Love a Wife & Lead a Family), Sheri Rose Shepherd (Thanks, Jenna! This is a great book! Good, practical ideas for every stage of life.)

The Gift of Dyslexia, Ronald D. Davis (This was recommended to me to help me with Evan. I’m really enjoying it too.)

The Love Dare, Stephen & Alex Kendrick (The book made famous by Fireproof. OK, I started reading this & trying to do the daily tasks last summer & got bogged down & stopped. During the New Year “Resolution” time, I decided I should try to do it again & finish this time. I’m trying to accomplish a task genuinely before moving to the next “day.” I’m now on day 5 finally & it’s now January 24! Instead of a 40-day plan, it might be a 40-week or 40-year plan for me!)

Great Devotionals:
Night Light, A Devotional for Couples, Dr. James & Shirley Dobson
15 Minute Devotions for Couples, Bob & Emilie Barnes
Diamonds in the Dust, Joni Eareckson Tada
10-Minute Time Outs for Busy Women, Grace Fox
More Faith in My Day (10 Minute Meditations for Women from Proverbs), Emilie Barnes
15 Minutes of Peace with God, Emilie Barnes
Managing Your Moods, Women of Faith

Excellent Organizing Books (Home Management, etc.)
Sink Reflections, Marla Cilley (The Fly Lady)***** Excellent organizing book!
Life Management for Busy Women, Elizabeth George
Keep It Simple for Busy Women, Emilie Barnes
Smart Organizing, Sandra Felton
Creative Home Organizer, Emilie Barnes
The 15 Minute Organizer, Emilie Barnes (Can you tell I like Emilie Barnes?)
Taking Care of the Me in Mommy, Lisa Whelchel (EXCELLENT book!)
The Quick-Fix Home Organizer, Emilie Barnes
Organizing Magic (40 days to a well-ordered home & life), Sandra Felton (I should have started this with our 40 day fast)


Books I’ve Read & need to again:
The Spirit of Loveliness, Emilie Barnes
How to be a Winner & Influence Anybody (The Fruit of the Spirit as the Essence of Leadership), James Merritt
The Dream Giver, Bruce Wilkinson
Cure for the Common Life (Living in Your Sweet Spot), Max Lucado
Calm My Anxious Heart, Linda Dillow
Creative Counterpart, Linda Dillow
For Women Only, Shaunti Feldhahn
Women Who Do Too Much (How to stop doing it all & start enjoying your life), Patricia Sprinkle (Excellent book!)
Conflict FREE Living, Joyce Meyer (Excellent)

Books I’ve started & need to finish (so bad about that):
Creative Correction, Lisa Whelchel
Grace Based Parenting, Dr. Tim Kimmel
Love & Respect, Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
Bringing Up Boys, Dr. James Dobson (OK, I’ve been looking all over the house for this book for 2 months and could never find it! And I just looked on my book shelf to gather these books and it is sitting right there! How weird!)
The Power of a Praying Wife, Stormie Omartian
Let Go, Sheila Walsh
Me & My Big Mouth (Your Answer is Right Under Your Nose), Joyce Meyer
A Positive Plan for Creating More Calm, Less Stress, Karol Ladd

Books I have & need to start AND finish (why do I buy these & never read them??):
Shaping the Next Generation (Helping Parents Seize Their Brief Window of Opportunity), David & Elaine Atchison
A Positive Plan for Creating more Fun, Less Whining, Karol Ladd
The Confident Woman, Joyce Meyer

Well, that's my huge list. Now it's your turn. What books have you read that helped you become a better wife, mom, and/or home manager? I'd love to hear your ideas!