10 Great Reads of 2014

I love this photo, it's kind of how I felt about picking my 10 favorites this year. : ) I read a lot of great books and it was so hard to choose! I probably read more non-fiction then fiction so most of my picks are from the non-fiction genre.

I made my goal of reading 55 books this year, but it was a stretch to the finish line this past month! How did I ever read 70 books last year?

Well now for my top 10 favorite reads of 2014.


God's Smuggler - This was an amazing autobiography by Brother Andrew, a man from Holland who smuggled Bibles into Communist countries in the 1950's. And is still working to bring Bibles to all he can today. It was co-written by John and Elizabeth Sherrill who helped co-wrote the Hiding Place with Corrie Ten Boom. Read my thoughts HERE

Abraham Lincoln: Civil War Stories - I really loved this book! Filled with great stories of Abraham Lincoln, which showed his great character. Read my thoughts HERE

Living Water - Brother Yun is a missionary in China. In his book he imparts his wisdom and encouragement. This was an extremely soul moving book. Read my thoughts HERE

Women Living Well - I first heard of Courtney over at her blog. She is a bubbly, fast-talking lady who loves the Lord and I found I could easily connect with her through our love of being stay-at-home wives and moms. Read my thoughts HERE

Jane Austen's First Love - Super sweet novel! Read my thoughts HERE

Out of a Far Country - This is a moving book about a gay son and a broken mother. I loved reading about their journeys and the wisdom they both impart. Read my thoughts HERE

The Hiding Place - This is probably my favorite read of this year. So much of God is this family's story. Read my thoughts HERE

Dear Mr. Knightley - This was a beautiful modern day story with a Austen flare. I really enjoyed this novel. Read my thoughts HERE

When We Have Failed - What Next? - K. P. Yohannan is the founder of the organization 'Gospel for Asia.' This booklet is very short but so profound. It shares an encouraging and Biblical way on dealing with our failures and how to move past them. Read my thoughts HERE

The Treasure Principle - I learnt so much from this little book. It will change the way you think about your money and about eternity. Read my thoughts HERE

                          Wishing you all a Happy New Year in 2015!

A Christmas Thought by John Huss

"Rejoice! that the immortal God is born, so that mortal man may live in eternity."
                                                                                                     John Huss

A Christmas Thought by St. Augustine

“He was created of a mother whom He created. He was carried by hands that He formed. He cried in the manger in wordless infancy. He, the Word, without whom all human eloquence is mute.”  

                                                                             St. Augustine   

   

A Christmas Thought by Corrie Ten Boom

"Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life."
                                                Corrie Ten Boom 

The End of Friday's Thought

Friday's Thought:

Well, this will be my last 'Friday's Thought' post for the year.

For the next few weeks I'll be sharing Christmas quotes on Tuesdays and then sharing my top 10 reads of 2014 at the end of the month. And of course, more thoughts on books in the new year. : )

For my last Friday's thought, I'll leave you with this beautiful song, one of my favorite renditions of 'Mary Did You Know?' by the group Pentatonix.

Enjoy and have a wonderful holiday season!

*Note - You can check out all my 'Friday's Thought' posts on my right-hand side column under Categories - Friday's Thought.

#GivingTuesday!

Today, Compassion International wants to help fund and launch a brand new Child Survival Program  in Gujarat, India - ALL IN ONE DAY, #GivingTuesday!

Why a Child Survival Program in India?

Because nearly one in every three newborn deaths in the world occurs in India. And because every year, more than two million children under age five die in India.

But we can change that. We can change that in one day.

Funding this center means we can:

• prepare moms with training to help care for their babies
• help mothers learn to read and write
• give children a safe place to learn and grow
• ensure lifesaving medical care for babies and moms proclaim the hope of God to families living in poverty

Would you like to help? Today you can donate to compassion to help babies in India. You can go HERE and have a look and see what it's all about.

Hope you are able to join me in the joy of giving this season! : )

Click HERE to donate.