Reading shapes our lives. In this blog post, you will read about the 6 books that have changed my life!
Freely and Lightly
This book by Emily Lex is one of those books that feels like a warm hug – like a coffee shop heart-to-heart with a wise and caring friend. Her words gently encouraged me to dive deeper into my faith and find a “quiet confidence” in my relationship with God. She reminded me that the reality of life is that we carry heavy burdens of doubt and worry. But in return, God’s grace is sufficient in those seasons.
Reading her book, I found myself liberated and challenged on how I could apply her wisdom to my life. Faith should deep, yet light. It shouldn’t be a heavy loader burden to lug around. Her vulnerability makes this book relatable, reminding me that God’s invitation to live freely and lightly is always an open invitation, no matter where you are in life.
Check it out here!
Extraordinary Hospitality for Ordinary Christians
This book struck quite a chord with me in a way I didn’t expect. It’s not your stereotypical hospitality book. The author keeps it real and raw and reminded me that I don’t need a mansion to foster a life of connection with the walls of my home. You don’t need a bottomless budget to host people, nor a home that is perfectly kept. The heart and intention behind the hosting is what brings others in.
This book challenged me to rethink how I approach welcoming others into my home and into my life. It’s all about creating space for meaningful, God-centered relationships. As I read, I couldn’t help but think about my home and how I can foster those connections within its walls in a more relational and intentional way – making it a haven for grace and joy. Hospitality is not an obligation. It’s a joyful opportunity! Definitely a must-read for anyone looking to bring more meaning and intention through their front doors!
Check it out here!
Chop Wood Carry Water
This is a book that is a huge eye-opener! It’s a pretty intense kick in the pants for anyone looking to grow in their work ethic. It’s not your typical “self-help” book filled with complex ideas. Kind of like a conversation with a wise friend who has “been there, done that.” I found the author’s down-to-earth writing to be quite refreshing and restorative. He reminded me that becoming great isn’t about becoming successful overnight – it is about the process of growth and being diligent in the daily grind. It’s about being faithful in what has been given to you and even in the mundane tasks, doing them with excellence.
This book reminded me to appreciate the journey, the small steps, and the hard work it takes to become a better, more refined version of myself. If you are looking for a practical guide to self-improvement and growth without the fluff, this is the book for you!
Check it out here!
The 5AM Club
Oh yes, the snooze button used to be my absolute favorite thing. I mean, come on! This book was a wake-up call for me (literally) – and I am sure for anyone who is used to hitting the snooze button one too many times each morning. Sharma’s take on early mornings is all about savoring that special time before the world (and honestly, the sun) wakes up. You can steward your morning well and this book will tell you how!
Here’s what got me – it’s not just about setting your alarm clock earlier. It’s about setting the tone for your entire day through self-discipline. The author is the ultimate storyteller, making the book refreshing and entertaining. He dishes out wisdom like your favorite life coach. If you are looking for purpose in your early mornings, it’s definitely worth a read! I am still not a morning person at 5 AM’s are not my favorite, but I push myself each day to be better and better in the wee hours of the morning. I am getting there! One step at a time.
Check it out here!
The Year of Less
This book really hit me in the feels. I am a shopper, but mostly a window shopper. I simply hate a cluttered home. Most things in my cart end up back on the shelf. Every time I buy something, I try to get rid of something else that I don’t need. It helps significantly with clutter management. This book is all about Cait’s journey of quitting shopping, decluttering, and embracing a life of minimalism. Her vulnerability was so refreshing! She doesn’t gloss over the challenges and triumphs of finding comfort in shopping. I am not addicted to shopping… don’t get me wrong! It’s relaxing for me, but it’s not like I would die without it. I more read it for the practical tips and tricks on decluttering and simplifying.
Every page inspired me to become better and to stretch myself in the decluttering process. There is so much comfort that comes from living with less and ever since this book, I have seen that ring true over and over again. It’s not just about “tidying up.” It’s about making room for what really matters and most of those things cannot be bought in a store. If you are a shopper and wanting to be challenged in harnessing that, this is the book for you!
Check it out here!
Make Your Bed
Honestly, I felt like the author was my dad. My dad has always pushed me to make my bed. I always rolled my eyes at him, especially in high school when “ain’t nobody got time for that!” Now that I wake up early (special thanks to the 5AM Club book), making my bed truly sets my day up for success! Life isn’t all about making your bed, but it is a start. It is a part of stewarding your morning. McRaven, a retired Navy Seal admiral, shares some down-to-earth wisdom that he picked up from his training.
It’s not about the big life-changing habits, but rather starting with being faithful the small and mundane tasks. I mean, come on, who knew making your bed in the morning could set the tone for a productive day? His writing is straightforward and to the point – jam packed with practical advice and life stories that made me pause and think about how I approach the tedious tasks that life brings. If you are into quick, easy reads that are packed with punches of motivation and common-sense life advice, this can be a game-changer for you!
Check it out here!
In Conclusion…
Oh, friends! Reading is such a gift. These are the books that have changed my life. If you are looking for a good read, head on over to the book store (or Amazon) and grab yourself a copy.
Much love,
Mallory
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