I have been an avid reader all my life. I generally pick up more fiction than non-fiction. But I do like to expand my knowledge on a personally interesting subject, like Scripture & medicine. I hasten to add that I seek more popular teaching, not exclusive academic.

Who’s Afraid of the Old Testament God? by Dr. Alden Thompson. Dr. Thompson was a professor of theology to my husband in his university years. This book was one of the first we published. I read it when he came to do a teaching weekend at the Methodist church we were attending. I was inspired & excited about studying the Old Testament & have retained that joy all these years later!

Prayer Trilogy by Kimberly Gordon. This was Kimberly’s first novel & it is a winner, in my opinion. Good strong, identifiable characters & a Christian story that holds you close without ‘preaching’.

Surviving a Son’s Suicide: Finding Comfort and Hope in Faith, Friends, and Community by Ron Higdon. Dr. Ronald Higdon is a retired pastor & brings his personal story in a book that is helpful if you are reading this individually or it also makes a good group Bible study or for a support group. I worked in hospice for 13 years & I recommend this for your Resource List.

Ditch the Building: Seven Ways The Church Could Go Rogue and Change Everything by Nick May. This is not a book with the author’s precise laid-out plan for how your church can be successful. Nick grew up in church, worked in a megachurch and then pastored a church plant & God may be giving you a vision for how He wants your church to fill His plan but the ingrained church structures may block the paths. Jesus changes lives & the world. He may use this book to change yours as He did Nick’s & mine.

Long Shot by Leah Church. I played some college basketball & I really enjoyed this story of a Division I women’s basketball player from the University of North Carolina & the current 3-point world record holder, Leah Church. She did not have the perfect rags to riches story. She had a real story with ups, downs, tears, & triumphs. Her journey is told from her heart with the reality of struggle both on the court & off, from a hospital bed, & in her bedroom alone, talking to God.

It’s in the Toolbox by Greg May. My dad had a toolbox where he kept the “essential” tools in the garage. He could pick it up & fix the door knob on my bedroom door. Or grab it as he headed out to the stable to drive a nail or two on the horse’s stall. Greg shares the various tools he has learned to use in working with youth groups & men’s groups in the church. Jesus taught him it is not a ‘one tool fits all’!