I love to read, and every year I try to plan out some of the books I want to read. Of course there are always those books that others recommend or that I come across that interest me and I will add those during the year. This past year I was a part of a group that read one book a month. We would read it, write a one page summary of personal take-away’s. I also was reading other books during that time and continued to read my Bible. You might ask how I have time to read. I have to make time for it. I sometimes will actually schedule time to read, and I will often take an extended time to read on my days off. Reading is one of the best ways that I know of to grow and learn. I want to encourage you to read. If you don’t like to read, start slowly and make it a goal to get through at least one book this year. Then keep building on it. It will help you to read with a group of people, maybe your small group, to keep you accountable. So here is my summer reading list, I hope to get most of these books read over the next 3-4 months:
- I Quit by Geri Scazzero – Our entire staff is reading this book over the summer and will be discussing it in August
- Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone – by Mark Goulston – I have had this book for almost a year and am looking forward to learning how to listen better.
- The Confession – by John Grisham – the only fiction book on my list
- Out Live Your Life – by Max Lucado – Got a autographed copy from the author.
- Change Your Brain, Change Your Body – by Daniel Amen – love reading about the brain, God created us to use it.
I also have a handful of books on my Kindle that I plan on reading as well. Here are the ones I plan on trying to read:
- Absolute Surrender – By Andrew Murray – This is the second book I am reading by Murray. Old book, but great principles and helpful tool to grow spiritually.
- Every Day for Every Man – Daily Devotional by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stocker
- Leading at a Higher Level – by Ken Blanchard – Blanchard is an amazing leader and author. I’ve learned a lot from him.
- Helping People Win at Work – by Ken Blanchard
- Fearless – by Max Lucado – Fear hold so many of us back from all God wants us to be.
I am sure there will be a few other books thrown in there as I come across things that will help me grow. I want to encourage you to plan out what you will be reading this summer and get started.