I’ve been an avid reader for as long as I can remember. I enjoy fiction novels as well as non-fiction. Most of the time I am reading a novel, a personal development book of sorts for myself, and a parenting, marriage, or other topic-specific book concurrently.
As summer approaches, maybe you will have a little time to take on some extra reading. Here are a few helpful resources I’ve discovered:
Team Us: Marriage Together by Ashleigh Slater
One of the great thoughts in this book that stuck out to me was “dream big.” As I continue to follow Jesus and learn more of who He is and who He says I am, I am drawn toward dreaming bigger with my husband and for His kingdom.
You and Me Forever: Marriage in Light of Eternity by Francis and Lisa Chan
I’m a long-time fan of Francis Chan. His materials are always truth-filled and challenging. My husband and I are going through this book together over the summer, in lieu of our MarriageWorks session, to be sure we continue studying God’s Word together and keep our marriage a priority. We have only just begun reading, but I’m confident its pages will gives us much to think on.
Lifelong Love Affair: How to Have a Passionate and Deeply Rewarding Marriage by Jimmy Evans
Having gone through multiple sessions of MarriageWorks, first as participants and then as table leaders, we are always learning from Jimmy Evans and his series and book, “Marriage on the Rock.” “Lifelong Love Affair” promises to deepen the relationship even more.
Motivate Your Child and Motivate Your Child Action Plan by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller
These two books can be used in tandem or each stands alone and will serve as wonderful guides to get to the hearts of your children. These books include Scripture, helpful tips, and action steps to take as you learn how to parent your children in a way that draws them closer to God and to the life He has for each of them.
Not a Statistic: Parenting in a Broken World by Kim Sorgius
This book is written by a single mom of four children. In her book, Kim deals with the heartbreak of children touched by divorce, and offers help to both the parent and the child who finds themselves in this situation. Her answer is Jesus, and she does a great job of giving us practical ways to lean on Him and to lead our children to His feet, too.
How to Manage Your Mouth: A 30-Day Wholesome Talk Challenge by Connie Hughes
This book is a study for moms. However, also available is a version for kids that would provide a great way for parent and child to go through this challenge together. Within her book, Connie focuses on studying scripture each day. That reminds us to think wholesome thoughts and to speak wholesome words. As we become more aware of the thoughts we are thinking and the words we are speaking, we are able to change them into the thoughts and words that God has for us, by meditating on His Word and renewing our minds each day.
There are probably many more books out there that I could recommend. These are just a handful of those I have either read or that I have on my list to read this summer. I hope you will choose one or two to peruse as you seek to build into your marriage and family.
— Wendy Woerner