Check out what I read along my spiritual and charismatic quest in 2023.
Here's what I've read in the order I read it. I also include some thoughts and links to book reviews I've written.
2023 Reading:
| Title | Notes |
| Is God Really Good?: Bill Johnson Answers Your Toughest Questions about the Goodness of God | By Bill Johnson I ordered this book as a supplemental reading for a bible study I was participating in, based upon the "God is Good" book (see below). Bill's wife passed away in mid-2022 and when my wife passed away in December of 2022, I found myself frequently asking, "What would Bill tell me about...?" I purchased this book in early 2023 and began to read it, I frequently found Bill's thoughts and musings on some of the very questions I had asked myself. It was a good read, but tough for me personally, as my grief was fresh and raw. God spoke to me through Bill and this book. I plan on reading it again just so I can absorb additional wisdom and insights without my pain and grief. |
| The Tender Scar: Life After the Death of a Spouse | By Richard L. Mabry This book was gifted to me by my friend and neighbor, Jim Taylor, several weeks after my wife had passed (several of his books are listed below). Jim's wife passed away while they were serving as missionaries in Africa and he came across this book which helped him in his grief. I have since gifted this to several other friends who have lost their spouses and highly recommend it to anyone who is journeying through the loss of a spouse or partner. |
| The Miraculous Journey of Henry Vanderbush | By Ronda J. Vanderbush Henry was a loveable and curious evangelist who spared nothing to share the Gospel of Jesus with anyone who would listen, even farm animals. This is a biography written by Henry's wife and son, Ronda and Bill. I highly recommend this to anyone who is encouraged by the attitude and bravery of those who freely share Christ's love with everyone they meet. |
| A Time To Grieve (booklet 1 of 4) | By Kenneth C. Haugk This is a 4-booklet set, that I received from a pastor friend of mine. He sent these to me and my son every few months as we traveled through the first year after my wife (his mother) passed. I found these booklets helpful and in turn, purchased copies for my other children and several friends. These are part of the Stephen Ministries resources for dealing with grief. |
| Experiencing Grief (booklet 2 of 4) | By Kenneth C. Haugk Booklet 2 of the Stephen Ministries resources for dealing with grief. |
| Paradox Unbound | By Grant N. Cain Grant is an acquaintance of mine through my church. This year he started a new journey as a YA-fiction writer. I will post a book review at a later date. |
| God is Good: He's Better Than You Think | By Bill Johnson As mentioned above, I read this book as part of a bible study. I have found two foundational truths in my spiritual journey: 2 - that our identity through Christ is critical in walking out our assignments. And... 1 - if you don't truly believe that God is good, you'll have difficulty with your identity, your calling, and your faith. I shared copies of this with fifteen friends as my Christmas present to them and highly recommend this for anyone to read and grow in their faith and understanding of God. |
| Finding Hope and Healing (booklet 3 of 4) | By Kenneth C. Haugk Booklet 3 of the Stephen Ministries resources for dealing with grief. |
| Rebuilding and Remembering (booklet 4 of 4) | By Kenneth C. Haugk Booklet 3 of the Stephen Ministries resources for dealing with grief. |
| Here Comes the Bride: How the Holy Spirit Leads us Home | By Henry Vanderbush Henry published his sermon using an Old Testament story to illustrate how the Holy Spirit has been sent to earth by the Father to find a bride for His Son. |
| Footprints: Scripture with Reflections Inspired By the Best-loved Poem | By Margaret Fishhack Powers A friend of mine, who had lost her husband years ago, gifted me this book as a means of processing my own grief. I won't get into the debate on the true author of the poem, but found the scripture references for each verse of the poem comforting and helpful. |
| The Joy Of Helplessness | By Jim Taylor This is one of the books by my friend and neighbor, Jim. It's a short read, but really helped me to understand what it means to be fully surrendered to God. |
| HOW DO I HANDLE THIS?: Some Answers For The Battles Of Life | By Jim Taylor Another of Jim's books. This one is how we can move through tough times in life and not lose our faith. |
| Igniting Faith in 40 Days | By Steve Backlund A 40-day devotional on igniting faith. |
| The Case for a Creator: A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence That Points Toward God | By Lee Strobel I read Lee's book "The Case for Christ" years ago. However, "Case for a Creator" was loaned to me by a good friend who was an atheist until he was 64 (he's now in his 80s). This book, according to him, was a key factor in his coming to faith. I would say, whatever stirs your heart to believe in God, is important for you to invest some time in reading. |
| Igniting Hope in 40 Days | By Steve Backlund A 40-day devotional on igniting hope. |
~~Ken
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