Marydean Draws

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November 30, 2016 books that shape me•christmas•gift guide•my favorite things

on my Christmas wish list: books!

I just love books and how God uses them to change me. I have to admit I’m not always great at finishing them, but I have great expectations!

Here is a collection of books I’d like to read this coming year:

A. The Green Ember by SD Smith (comes highly recommended by the Read-Aloud Revival’s Sarah Makenzie). This one is to read with the girls.
 
B. Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles that Can Radically Change your Family by Paul David Tripp (author of my favorite marriage book)
 
C. Teaching from Rest:A Homeschooler’s Guide to Unshakeable Peace
 
D. A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society by Eugene Peterson. That title alone . . . 
 
E. Uninvited: Living Loved when you feel less than, left out, and lonely by Lysa Terkeurst
 
F. New Morning Mercies:  A Daily Gospel Devotional by Paul David Tripp (actually, I already bought this one and started! It’s solid.)
 
G. Assimilate or Go Home: Notes from a Failed Missionary on Rediscovering Faith  by DL Mayfield
 
H. Your Inner Critic is a Big Jerk: And other Truths about Being Creative by Danielle Krysa
 
I. John Adams by David McCulough (because I’m terrible at history)
 
Have you read any of these and do you recommend them?

Any good fiction recommendations to round out my list? I love books that take me away from the pace of my real life. It seems to help my anxiety. I read two classic Anthony Trollope novels (think very slow-cooker novel pace) this past year and enjoyed them. You can get some of them free for the Kindle on Amazon (and you don’t need a Kindle to read them–you can download the Kindle app)! Or . . . just check your local library. 

If you’re looking for a can’t-put-this-book-down read, my friend, Sydney Betts, has written two novels set in Native American culture and they are FABULOUS, a breath of fresh air in the world of Christian fiction! She’s working on publishing the third now, and I can’t wait to read it. You can find them here.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. MBCW says

    December 1, 2016 at 3:47 am

    I love Teaching from Rest and we all loved The Green Ember. If your Christmas wishes aren't fulfilled you are welcome to borrow either!

  2. MarydeanDraws says

    December 1, 2016 at 3:48 am

    Oh yay–thank you!! Yeah, books aren't very exciting to buy for people, but something they humor me. 🙂

  3. Katie says

    December 2, 2016 at 12:17 pm

    I have read C, D, and I. All worth reading, and you may borrow C or D. I concur about Sydney's books. I love the title of H.

  4. MarydeanDraws says

    December 2, 2016 at 12:20 pm

    Oh thanks!! I woukd love to borrow them then (when I "finish" my current reading).

  5. Unknown says

    September 18, 2017 at 11:31 am

    Love these. Ty

  6. MarydeanDraws says

    September 21, 2017 at 2:14 am

    You're welcome!

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Welcome to the blog!

I’m Mary and I’m glad you’re here! Since 2014, I’ve been sharing encouraging words, fun Bible printables, and accessible art activities.

let’s talk about . . .

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In today’s Friday Chat, I’m joined by my frien In today’s Friday Chat, I’m joined by my friend Katie to talk about my Bible study pet peeves and best practices for leading Bible studies. We have both led and been part of small group Bible studies for many years, and we talk about how our ideas about the purpose of Bible study have changed over the years.

We discuss the importance of letting the Bible be complex, keeping Jesus at the center, dealing with the fear of the discussions going off the rails, and Katie’s hot take on the importance of actually praying in our small groups. You’ll also get to hear Katie’s answer to the question, “Is Jesus a Republican or a Democrat?”

It’s a wide-ranging discussion that I found really helpful and challenging. You might agree or disagree with us, but that’s okay, because that’s the point we’re making. Hope you enjoy the discussion!

Mentioned in this episode:

Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering https://www.priyaparker.com/

Lectio style Bible study https://renovare.org/articles/lectio-divina-1 (for example)

Inductive study method https://www.precept.org/2023/02/what-is-inductive-bible-study/ (for example)

Mary’s Magnificat in Luke 1:46-55

Orthodoxy vs Orthopraxy https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/reviews/nobody-turn-you-around/ (for example)

Moms in Prayer https://momsinprayer.org/

In case you missed it, I published the next Luke study on John the Baptist and the first part of Luke 3 this week. You can read it here:
https://marydeandraws.substack.com/p/the-gospel-of-luke-eyewitnesses-to-d53

🖤

You can find The Pictured Word podcast on Substack, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. You can also find me at www.marydeandraws.com or by searching for “Substack Marydean Draws.” 

All my Bible studies are available for anyone to read on Substack, but you can support my work by becoming a paid subscribers. Paid subscribers can download the printable study guides and coloring pages. 

You can also find my hymn art prints, cards, postcards, stickers, and Bible printables on my website. On my website or on Substack, you can sign up for my mailing list and get everything in your inbox, including new Bible studies each month and weekly newsletters.
The study in Luke is up on Substack! Here's a prev The study in Luke is up on Substack! Here's a preview of what's covered:
🖤 maps, I love maps!
🖤 Luke establishes the timeline
🖤 so many Old Testament connections
🖤 why does John have wings in this Syrian icon??

Read it all on Substack!
https://marydeandraws.substack.com/p/the-gospel-of-luke-eyewitnesses-to-d53
These colors 😍. These colors 😍.
Part of my heart is always drawn to abstraction an Part of my heart is always drawn to abstraction and pure color play. 💕
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