I recently returned from “study week”. I stack up a huge pile of theology/scripture/fiction/spiritual books and come home wishing I was a faster reader! But I also come home inspired, excited and with a plan of sermons for the coming eight months! So I thought this would be a good time to share a list of suggested readings and podcasts that might foster your own life of faith.

Non-Fiction:
Somehow by Anne Lamott. She’s bawdy, brutally honest and a brilliant writer. I found this to be one of her best books – laugh out loud funny but also hopeful and inspiring.

Field Notes for the Wilderness; Practices for an Evolving Faith by Sarah Bessey. Her journey from conservative evangelical to a more open-minded faith invites us to grow in our own journey with God and God’s people.

The Twelve Degrees of Silence by Marie-Aimee de Jesus. This tiny little book is a guide for silent meditation that helps us ponder and reflect.

The Monastic Heart by Sister Joan Chittister. A great daily devotional. She takes ancient practices of monks and applies them to our modern lives

A is for Alabaster by Anna Carter Florence. Her 52 reflections on the stories of scripture are intellectually stimulating, creatively playful and spiritually engaging.

A Public Faith by Miroslov Volf. In this election year, this work by a renowned Christian theologian empowers us to connect our faith to the community.

Novels:
The Women
 by Kristin Hannah. This novel about women nurses in the Vietnam War tells a story that needs to be told but it’s more than that. It also tells of the power of friendship and the ways the community can save us.

The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni. I love this book! If you read it, tell me what you think.

Podcasts:
No Small Endeavor by Lee C. Camp. A podcast on what it means to live the good life, Camp is a theology professor at Lipscomb in Nashville. I enjoy his warmth and wisdom and his choice of guests to interview.

Pray as you Go. I’ve suggested it before but will remind you again that its a great soulful way to start or end your day. Only about 13 minutes of guided music and reflection on a short scripture.

Grace and Peace,
Carla