Laurel's Recommended Reading List For The Righteous!(LOL)

Awesome God

There is nothing like cozying up and reading a good book! Whether it's in the cold of winter, under a warm throw, or in the heat of summer, on a beach chair, reading is a delight that transports not only our imaginations but can change our lives as well. I guess you can tell I love reading. And I have found that in addtition to reading my bible, reading books written by others in the Body of Christ, has enriched my growth in Christ greatly. Here I share some of the books I have found to be gems in my walk with the Lord. I must warn you though...the compiling of this list is a huge task for me... and I'm more of a reader than an organizer. But, I'm sharing titles as I can. Some titles may no longer be in print but are still worth seeking out!

Table of Contents Click here on the section to which you wish to go:
Biblical Novels Biographies & AutoBiographies Marriage, Parenting & Other Relationships Study Guides

Biblical Novels
In case you are unfamiliar with biblical novels they are much like historical novels. They are researched throughly to make sure the information in them is biblically correct (in otherwords, that nothing conflicts with what the bible reveals) and also that the historical setting is acurate, as well as the customs of the times. Then the author adds "possible" conversations, feelings and events to the story without, of course, conflicting with the biblical and historical facts. Biblical novels are not only very interesting, but after reading them, you can relate to the experiences of the bible characters so much better than before and therefore, find bible study all the more fasinating as it comes alive with the possibilities of what each bible character may have experienced.
Vinegar Boy by Alberta Hawse-Moody Press, Publisher.
This is the story of the boy who offered Christ the vinegar wine at His crucifixion. You will feel like you were there!

Biographies & AutoBiographies
Against The Tide: The Story of Watchman Nee by Angus I. Kinnear-Christian Literature Crusade, Publisher
This is the life story of an amazing man, whom I grew up praying for daily. "The account of this man's spiritual pilgrimage is a major contribution to the annals of defiant Christian faith."
The Emancipation of Robert Sadler by Robert Sadler-Bethany Fellowship, Publisher
The captivating life of a slave who chose to honor God in his life through the worst of circumstances.
First We Have Coffee by Margeret Jensen-Here's Life Publishers, Inc.
The romance, mystery, tragedy, comedy and faith in the real ife stories of an immigrant family from Norway. This book will help you believe even more in miracles from the hand of God!
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman, Ed.D., Mood Press
We tend to express love to our loved ones in the way we want love expressed to us. But, when our styles of giving and receiving love differ we sometimes miss the message completely leading to hurts and misunderstandings. This book will help you understand your own and your loved ones loving styles.
The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom, Baker Pulishers
Corrie's story of how her family sheltered Jews in Nazi-occupied Holland and her Nazi camp experience is a story that is just unbelievable, except for the wonderous grace of God.
Just as I Am by Billy Graham, Harper Collins/Zondervan-pulishers
The life of this gentle man is just amazing and I'm so glad he wrote this book so I could journey back with him! You will recognize many names in this book and be in awe of the work the Lord has done over the years.
Rebel With A Cause by Franklin Graham-Nelson, Publisher
What's it like to be the son of the world's most famous evangelist? Well this is the book in which to find the answer. I couldn't put it down!
Suddenly Family by Debi & Steve Stanford-Word Publishers
Ever wonder what it would be like to have a family and then decide to add to your family by adopting children from another nation? This book is an honest and loving look at a family that did just that!
The Teacher Who Couldn't Read by John Corcoran-Focus On The Family, publisher
How could an illiterate man teach English in our nation's schools and get away with it? Mr. Cocoran his inspritational story is as encouraging as it is unbelievable. Another which you will get through fast, because you won't want to put it down!
Welcome Home Davey by Dave Roever-Word, Publisher
Davey Roever served in Vietnam and was literally blown to pieces during battle, amazingly to survive! He says, "Determination kept me alive, but it took love to heal the wounds."
Check out Davey's website Roever & Associates

Marriage, Parenting & Other Relationships
As For Me And My House by Walter Wangerin, Jr.-Nelson, Publisher
This book is authored by a pastor who normally writes novels but here he departs from fiction to impart a truly biblical dipiction of the marriage relationship along with many autobiographical illustrations. This is one not to be missed!
The Birth Order Book by Kevin Leman-Fleming H. Revell Company, Publisher
As you laugh through this book you will also discover, "why you are the way you are" because of your birth position in your family. Also, see if you don't recognize everyone you know while learning these facts!
Hidden Keys For a Loving, Lasting Marriage by Gary Smalley-Zondervan, Publisher
This book is a combination of 2 of Mr. Smalley's earlier published works, If He Only Knew and For Better or For Best. This book explores reasons why marriages fail, how to meet the needs of your spouse, how a husband's lack of affection weakens a marriage, crucial differences between men and women and how to motivate your spouse to listen to you.
Intimate Allies by Dan B. Allender & Tremper Longman-Tyndale House Publishers
This book cuts through our cultural expectations of marriage and pierces to the heart of marriage issues such as leadership, submission, conflict disappointments, gender differences, roles, sexuality, and shared service. Study questions help couples, as well as groups, discuss the implications of the Bible's message.
So You're Getting Married by H. Norman Wright This is a good book on the subject of communication and commitment in the marriage relationship.
Straight Talk by Dr. James C. Dobson-Word, publisher
This book tells you what men need to know and what women should understand!
Torn Asunder-Recovering from ExtraMaritial Affairs, by Dave Carder, publisher Moody Press. While christian authors seem to have several books out on how to get healing and recover from adultry after a divorce, this is the only one I've found that focuses on saving the marriage where the guilty party is repentative, the spouse wishes to forgive, and they both desire to find healing from the Lord to build to a stronger marriage than ever before.
The Two Sides of Love by Gary Smalley/John Trent-Focus on The Family, publisher
Finding a healthy balance between love's hard and soft sides. For all relationships.
Many more to come in this catagory...

Study Guides
The pastor of my church, Pete Scazzero has written a ground breaking book that pastors all over the world are using in their walks with God and in leading their churches. Please give it a look!
The Emotionally Healthy Church - A Stradegy for DISCIPLESHIP that ACTUALLY CHANGES LIVES by Peter Scazzero-Zondervan, Publisher
Pastor Pete has also authored and co-authored some fantastic bible study materials so I must include them here!
Christian Disciplines by Andrea Sterk & Peter Scazzero-Intervarsity Press, Publisher
12 Studies for individuals or groups
Introducing Jesus, Starting an Inductive Bible Study by Peter Scazzero-Intervarsity Press, Publisher
This publication has 6 studies for small groups.
LOVE-Fruit of the Spirit Bible Study Series, Building Healthy Relationships by Peter Scazzero-Intervarsity Press, Publisher
New Life in Christ/The Discipleship Series by Peter Scazzero- Intervarsity Press, Publisher
This publication has 6 Studies for small groups or individuals.
Old Testament Characters by Peter Scazzero-Intervarsity Press, Publisher
12 Studies for individuals or groups

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