Day 2 of 12 Buy Yourself and Someone Else A Book to Get You Started For a New Year

I love to read.  For the most part I love to read fiction, but there are a few non-fiction books I've read that have really changed my life.  Everyone looks for a new diet, a new way to organize, and new devotional etc for the new year.  I think in many ways this is a healthy thing.  We all love a fresh start.  Fresh starts bring new hope and momentum.

Here is a short list of books I've been impacted by that will help you start out the new year ready for anything!

Celebration of Discipline is always the first non-fiction book I recommend.  Richard Foster wrote this book over twenty years ago, but its classic content never grows old.  He touches on the disciplines of meditation, prayer, fasting just to name a few.  I love Foster's writing style and his use of the old classical authors from Augustine to Bonhoeffer.  I regularly purchase this book for my friends and Christian leaders.  This book would make an excellent gift for someone in the ministry.







This is such a devotional classic.  Oswald Chambers brings your walk with God into every nook and cranny of your life, and does it without judgment or guilt.  Instead he brings hope to the reader that spiritual transformation is definite when we trust God for change.

If you've never gone through this daily devotional it is a MUST!!







This book is an excellent guide especially for the person who can never say no.  Gordon MacDonald shares his tips on how to manage each portion of your life so that you can be balanced and honor God through every responsibility you have.










If you're looking for a great new devotional for the year.  Look no further.  Especially if you like in-depth Bible study.











I Dare You!  Challenges you from the first.  William Danforth, the founder of Purina, asks you to commit to reading through this booklet in one sitting.  This is a great book for a college and career person.  Someone just starting out in the world.  Some of the lessons are a little dated, but that just makes the book charming...









Do Hard Things is the ultimate book gift for a young person.  Authors Brett and Alex Harris, (brothers to Joshua Harris author of "I Kissed Dating Goodbye") challenge young people to rebel.  Yes, I said rebel.  But rather than rebelling against parents, God and church leaders, these insightful young men encourage young people to rebel against low standards and expectations.  How refreshing!  They are also the authors of a very successful blog.  This book is life changing!!