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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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.

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In my Friday newsletter: celebrating Black History In my Friday newsletter: celebrating Black History Month with the story of the song, "Lift Every Voice and Sing," and its author, James Weldon Johnson. Weldon's career is incredibly impressive, and the song is timeless and inspiring. I think you'll be encouraged! 

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If you sign up for my newsletter, you can receive all my posts in your inbox. Sign up on my website at www.marydeandraws.com or by finding me on Substack. You don't have to get the Substack app to read my posts, but it's easy to use, and you can listen to any of the stories with the playback feature.
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