Starting the year with fresh goals always feels exciting, doesn’t it? But then, January slips by, and suddenly those resolutions feel a little… wobbly.
When it came to setting my reading goals for the year, I decided to keep things simple. I’d love to dig into the biographies that have been gathering dust in my Kindle library. I’m also planning to follow some of the categories in the VT Reading Challenge—it’s a great way to keep my reading life broad and balanced.
What I enjoy most about the reading challenge is how it stretches me to explore new topics and categories. Instead of grabbing the first book that catches my eye, I find myself researching, discovering, and curating my choices with purpose. It’s not just about filling time or adding another title to my list—it’s about reading with intention, knowing each book has the potential to shape my thinking and deepen my understanding.
For example, next month in the category of a graphic novel I'll be exploring the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer in an entirely fresh way. Another category, a book by or about a martyr, inspired me to pick The Passion of the Holy Martyrs Perpetua and Felicity. This choice feels especially meaningful because I’ve visited the ruins in Carthage where they were martyred. It’s incredible to think about their steadfast faith while standing in a place tied to their story.
Wherever your reading goals take you, I hope something from my shelf sparks encouragement or inspiration along the way.
You'll Find Topics On:
Fiction
Another well done Christian suspense from Lynn Blackburn. Meredith Quinn is a dentist providing services in a community of poverty and corruption, so when she uncovers the secrets of those in power, she becomes a target. If you've enjoyed her other novels, you'll want to add this to your TBR. (5 stars)
Another captivating story from an author I enjoy! This novel follows two separate plotlines, that turned out flowing well. Andi is investigating an art theft alongside security expert Christian Macleod. To complicate matters, Christian’s brother Deckard is the very man who ruined Andi’s career with the FBI. (5 stars)
Shifting from contemporary to historical fiction, this novel is set in the 1300s on the Scottish Isles. It beautifully weaves a nod to the story of Ruth and Naomi as Cara returns with her mother-in-law to their clan on the island. A new clan leader is determined to rebuild his people and land, but the looming threat of war casts a shadow. The story explores themes of redemption, restoration, and perseverance. (5 stars)
The Blessing of the Local Church
Last year, Gospel-Centered Discipleship ran a blog series on the blessing of the local church. This month, they’re publishing a collection of those essays in a book titled Broken But Beautiful: Reflections on the Blessing of the Local Church.
I’m both humbled and thrilled to share that my essay is included in this book! 🙌🏼 It’s an incredible honor to sit alongside writers I deeply admire. The book is filled with inspiring testimonies of how God has used the local church to bring encouragement and transformation to people’s lives. My prayer is that it will not only encourage you but also challenge all of us to live faithfully as part of our own church communities.
Growing in Delight
This book was a great way to start the year! Explore what robs us of our joy in Christ and how to build healthy rhythms. (4 stars)
Maturing in Ministry
While this book may be labeled as ministry, I think it's really important for all maturing believers (we're all to be 'doing' ministry anyway, right?). We don't often do a great job of holding two things in tension, so in this book you'll discover how to grow in maturity by understanding concepts that seem like opposites, as it relates to what we believer, how we relate with and serve others. (5 stars)
Theology of 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus
This is a great series for anyone doing personal bible study or teaching! I enjoyed this in depth look at the themes in these epistles and I think it would make a great addition to your resource shelf! (4 stars)
Prayer of Lament
I'm really so grateful for this book. It was one that God led me to when I didn't know I needed it. The prayer of lament has often been neglected or avoided, but here you'll find biblical teaching on how to pray both with your pain and everlasting hope.(5 stars)
Follow Along
*Denotes books I've received from Netgalley or the publisher with the opportunity to post an honest review
Comments