Discipling the Diseased Imagination by Justin Ariel Bailey

 

★★★★★ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 

I wasn't sure - from the title - if this was for people who were mentally ill or neurodivergent. Turns out it is for everyone, including me. Especially me.

What happens to our mind that needs rebuilding, redirecting, or reimagining? What damage do we sustain in the environment from childhood through maturity?

Bailey offers practical ways to pray and engage personally with God who loves us and wants the best for his creatures. "Whatever else prayer is, it is also about asking God for something, asking God to give something, to do something. Prayer is more than asking, but it is not less." The beautiful nature and being of God is brought alive in a fresh way. The chapter questions for reflection and discussion and the closing prayers offer an experience of going deeper.

Highly recommended if you are trying to pray, trying to understand prayer, or weary of praying and feeling unheard. You will be eased toward a joyful and abundant relationship with a God who has always wanted to reveal himself.  Going to read this at least twice.

The Lie You Don't Know You Believe by Jennie Allen

 

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 

Scripture upon scripture to expose what your heart may have assumed is true - although it doesn't agree with God's good plans for you. 

Allen is well-known for speaking and writing about spiritual life for adults and teens. This one was a beautiful collection of truth-telling, straight from the Bible.

Recommended for small groups - do a chapter at a time - and for personal reassurance that God really is in control of the world and you.

What Grows in Weary Lands by Tish Harrison Warren

 

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 

Many of us feel frustrated. We're not exactly burned out, but we're not on fire either. We have lost our resilience to life, either coasting along or slumped in depression.

Warren offers a fresh look at what it means to live the abundant life of Christ without the high emotion or accompanying energy that we desire. A beautiful book of encouragement and hope for everyone who has almost given up on a joyful and fruitful life.

Highly recommended for those who are "between" seasons of abundance and productivity. It was just what I needed in this time of transition.

Everyday Spiritual Habits by Hanna Seymour

 

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 

If you're intimidated by spiritual disciplines, discouraged by religious rules, or tired of never measuring up ias a church-goer, this one's for you. Seymour explores what it means to make life with Jesus a habit that is as natural as breathing.

With practical examples and hopeful suggestions, the author encourages you toward a vibrant life in Christ. Highly recommended, whether you're starting the journey of faith or are mature and settled. I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a lot.

The Prayerful Leader by Ryan Skoog; Cameron Doolittle; Peter Greer

 

★★★★★ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 

I read some of the prayers aloud to friends on Zoom calls. The scriptures, calls to prayer, and prayer action steps touched me deeply and resonated with other leaders as we connected.

In a season of transition, when I am intent on deepening my own prayer life, this book has been life-giving and personal. No meant just for pastors, Skoog and fellow authors offer a personal and intimate opportunity to make conversations with God part of every day and every hour.

Highly recommended for leaders of NGOs, churches, organizations, and projects. I'm only partway and already planning a second round.

Mudhouse Sabbath by Lauren F. Winner

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
Spiritual disciplines rooted in Jewish culture and traditions? Who better to know how to write about those than Winner? Raised a Jew and now following Jesus, she combines the rich heritage of her childhood with a relational encouragement to know the One True God of scripture.

Well worth reading for those interested in spiritual formation.

Plain Change: The Plain Fame Series, Book 2 by Sarah Price

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
If you like romance and adventure, mixed in with culture and a bit of American history, you're sure to like this novel. It's an insider-outsider view by the author who has Mennonite roots. 

Fame and fortune are not sought by all. But for the opportunistic, they matter. When true character meets scepticism and guarded hearts, you have a good story in the making. 

Take it on vacation. Or sit in an easy chair and enjoy the stirring of hearts pulled in opposite directions.