Jeff and I love books. “Love” with a capital “L”! To Jeff, it’s a hobby. He gets an email every time someone on craigslist posts about an estate sale, or some sale that involves books. Last year there was a seminary pastor graduating from Multnomah Bible College who was moving, and selling his entire library. Jeff took the whole day to drive down there, and bring back his treasures- 6 huge containers filled to the brim with books. His uncle made him custom built bookshelves just to hold all of his treasures.

I didn’t start reading until high school when I found a series that I fell in love with. Since then, I have loved reading. I love the feel of a book in my hands, and I love looking at my bookshelf, seeing all my dear friends sitting up there- friends who have greatly impacted my life at one point. Whether it was a good laugh, a great lesson, or just a riveting story. Recently someone asked me to post some of the books that have been most influential in my life. It was hard to narrow them down! But here are 5 books that the Lord has used in my life to shape me.

Top 5 Books that have Greatly Impacted my Life:

1. Trusting God by Jerry Bridges

This book talks about how we can truly trust the Lord in all of life’s circumstances, even when we’re hurting and walking through trials. Knowing that God is sovereign- that He is all powerful, all good, and all wise has transformed my view of God, and life. It has greatly helped me to walk through trials with hope- knowing God is present, at work and doing what is best for me, and for His glory.

2. Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard

Hurnard writes an allegory describing our trials as a deer climbing a mountain. There’s valleys, rocks, caves, cliffs–but the Lord provides exactly what we need, and leads us on this journey to strengthen us so we can climb mountains. One of my best friends gave me this book while I was healing from a very painful break up. Hinds Feet on High Places brought me so much peace and hope in the midst of my sorrow.

3. Praying for Your Future Husband by Robin Jones Gunn

I LOVE THIS BOOK! And have read it at least 6 times! What a useful tool to understanding the great importance of praying for our men, as well as how to do so. I went through this book with a group of women the season before Jeff & I got back together. It was a beautiful gift to see how the Lord answered my prayers for Jeff, and how he changed my heart in the process.

4. One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

WOW! Ann poetically writes her own story of finding beauty in the mundane, worship in the pain, and joy in the everyday. Thanksgiving invites us into the presence of the Lord and is an act of worship. We have so much to be thankful for, if we only open our heart and eyes to see it. This book came after a long season of being unthankful- it was a breath of fresh air, and the kick in the pants that I needed.

5. Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller

Jeff and I read through this book during our engagement. I’ve never read another book that so beautifully describes the purpose and “how to” of marriage. It brings great hope, as well as offers wisdom of how to serve and love your spouse daily.