Top 10 Books That Have Impacted My Life
"There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island." – Walt Disney
I’ve often heard it said that you can tell a lot about a person by what their personal library holds on its shelves. I guess with ebooks, Kindles, Nooks and any other electronic reader out there, you can’t accurately measure someone by their physical shelves at home, but what they read can be insightful nonetheless. I like to find out what other people are reading. First and foremost it gives me suggestions of books that I may have never heard of, that I may want to add to my list of “things to read”. Second, it actually helps me learn more about that person. It tells me what’s important to them and gives some understanding on how they view things.
I’ve heard many debates about physical books verses ebooks, and while I definitely appreciate the benefit of a Kindle holding 200 books for me to have access to at any time, I still am a devout fan of physical books. I suppose that is old school of me, but I’m okay with that. I read every night before going to bed, and there is nothing better than ending a busy, long day, by curling up in bed holding a book and getting lost in its pages. I stare at a screen long enough during the day at work on my computer and on my phone, and don’t find it very relaxing. There is something absolutely comforting about holding a book, and physically flipping the pages to find out what’s next. Long live the printing press!
I find that I go through seasons as to what types of books I’m drawn to. My goal for the past few years has been to read at least one book a month. I will typically sit down in December and choose the books I will be reading for the following year and assign each of them to a month. I’m flexible with myself, in that if I discover a new book or something that suits my particular season more, I’ll swap the currently scheduled one with it. But I’ve found that if I at least set the “schedule” of books to read, I’ll be more apt to stick with it, and can switch a book out if I need/want to.
So in the spirit of books and reading, I thought I would dedicate this blog post to share with you a list of some of the top 10 books that have impacted my life. Some I’ve read recently, some I read years and years ago, and most of them I’ve read more than once. Obviously there are many more books that I’ve read through the years; many, many good, insightful and impactful books. Maybe I’ll share more in another post, but for now, drum roll please. (I’ve attached links for your convenience if you want to look into any of them for your own library, and please note, these are not in any particular order as my intention is not to designate good, better, best within this list.)
1) Terri Savelle Foy - Pep Talk
An inspirational read on discovering what to say from God's Word about your freedom, faith, finances, family, fitness and your future dreams and goals. Complete with guides on what to say and how to say it.
2) Dave Ramsey - Total Money Makeover
I have learned so much about finances from the solid principles in this book and highly recommend it.
(Find it here)
3) Terry Law - How To Enter The Presence of God
I read this book years ago and it helped shape my view of praise and worship. I still lean on its wisdom today. He depicts a beautiful parallel between The Tabernacle of the Old Testament, and how that pattern guides us even today.
(Find it here)
4) Jon Acuff - Do Over
This is one I've read recently, and it helped me give myself permission to be flexible with my definition of success. This is a great read if you're needing to give yourself a fresh start, and realize that giving up on your dreams and goals is not an option.
(Find it here)
5) Kenneth and Gloria Copeland - From Faith to Faith
I've used this devotional for many years and love how simple they make it to get a daily dose of the Word.
(Find it here)
6) Kenneth Hagin - The Believer's Authority
The title says it all and I believe this should be a staple in every believer's library.
(Find it here)
7) Christine Caine - Unstoppable
Christine Caine is a powerhouse and I respect and admire her so much. This book will encourage you to run the race God has put before you, never giving up, no matter the obstacle.
(Find it here)
8) Louie Giglio - The Air I Breathe (Worship As A Way of Life)
A timely message reminding us that worship is more than just a service on Sunday.
(Find it here)
9) John Maxwell - 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership
From the leadership expert himself, no description needed.
(Find it here)
10) Jerry Savelle - The God of the Breakthrough Will Visit Your House
Clear and to the point, this book is a faith-builder and a reminder that God takes pleasure in the prosperity of His people.
(Find it here)
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