Reading

Reading

C. S. Lewis wrote of an "inconsolable secret" in each one of us which we cannot hide and cannot tell. Good books help us to do both. We find words to tell what is otherwise difficult to describe and we unearth, painfully at times, that which we hide.

Below are a few books which I have found enormously helpful toward "plowing up" the hard soil in my life. Clicking on each book title will take you to Amazon.com's web site where you may read more about each title and/or purchase. Enjoy!

"Get books into your houses, when you have not the spring near you, then get water into your cisterns; so when you have not that wholesome preaching that you desire, good books are cisterns that hold the water of life in them to refresh you.... So when you find a chillness upon your souls, and that your former heat begins to abate, ply yourselves with warm clothes, get those good books that may acquaint you with such truths as may warm and affect your hearts." - Thomas Watson - 1662

	Heaven, the Heart's Deepest Longing by Peter Kreeft Kreeft dares us to "ask our heart what it wants". This work on the longing of our hearts for our true home will deepen your faith and help you to understand why we are not yet happy. Highly recommended.

	Making Sense of Suffering by Peter Kreeft Kreeft does a masterful job of helping us see that suffering is part of God's plan for His glory and our joy. One of the best on this topic

	The Weight of Glory by C. S. Lewis A collection of essays, the first of which the title of the book is taken from, The Weight of Glory is perhaps Lewis' best singular sermon. The consideration of what it might mean that we are to bear the burden of one another's glory on our backs is worth the whole book.

	The Sacred Romance by Brent Curtis and John Eldredge The God we are in relationship with is not what we expected. He is "wild" as Brent and John put it. Prepare your heart for a poetic and rich journey in considering how God pursues us.

	The Sacred Journey by Frederick Buechner Frederick Buechner is a nourisher of the soul. His first memoir, The Sacred Journey feels like a good friend. This book is honest, courageous, and full of the kind of heart that makes me want to walk in my journey instead of away from it.

	The Pressure's Off by Larry Crabb Larry's insight into our hearts and his ability to consider how the New Covenant can transform our lives is stunning and joyful. So many people are worn out from trying to live their lives so that things work out well. Move from the pressure to "get it right" to the freedom to love in light of God's overwhelming knowledge and passion.

	Things Unseen by Mark Buchanan His second work, Mark Buchanan's poetic and moving writing style compliments his passion for understanding how a view of eternity can transform the way we live now. We really do live in a world of faith not sight.

	Bold Love by Dan Allender A provocative work on what it means to richly and intently love those who do us harm with a love that is disruptive and enticing rather than simply accepting and tolerant.

	The Wounded Heart by Dan Allender This classic text on the tragic reality of sexual abuse has been formative and life changing for many. Even if sexual abuse is not part of your story, read this book for it's potent discussions on the structure of the human heart.

	Traveling Mercies by Ann Lamott Ann Lamott is truly iconoclastic. She writes with the wisdom of an elder and the freedom of a child. Her memoir is not for the timid or easily offended. She is irreverent, passionate, joyful and hilarious. Many, including me, have found a friend in her style, wit and honest reflections on what it means to be human.

	The Curate's Awakening by George MacDonald C.S. Lewis once said that he has never written a page that did not bear the marks of Goerge MacDonald. The Curate's Awakening is the first in a series beginning with the fictional life of Thomas Wingfold, dutiful but lifeless curate in the Church of England and the transformation that occurs in his life. This book is out of print but may be available used from Amazon.

	Desiring God by John Piper Piper sets us free to admit and even move toward our desires by helping us to realize that God glorifies himself when we are most satisfied in Him. Delight is the duty of those who would know God and seek him. A classic on our motivation to seek Him.