Mindy Lee Hopman

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV)

There are many good books published today, but here are a few that have led me to the One who captured my mothering heart and refreshed my soul this summer season.

Sometimes the greater act of faith is to let God lead us, talk to us, and instruct us beside the water.  Lysa Terkeurst

Strong Mothers, Strong Sons by Meg Meeker, M.D. was a gift given to me from the mom of a set of twins I taught for many years in school.  We both have sons whom we are trying to raise in the Word in this world we live in today.  Dr. Meeker gives great professional advice from her years of observation and treatment in her pediatric and adolescent practice, and she also relates to moms of boys on a personal level.  Through stories from parents’ perspectives, as well true adolescent stories, Dr. Meeker helps moms understand how boys are physically and emotionally created, so we can help our sons navigate each growing stage they goes through.

You are his home.  Home is where he finds his roots.  Home is where he begins to learn the meaning of life. Home is where he learns the great lessons (courage, acceptance, and forgiveness).  Home is where he returns. Dr. Meg Meeker

The Hour that Matters Most: The Surprising Power of the Family Meal by Les & Leslie Parrott w/ Stephanie Allen & Tina Kuna reinforced the importance of sitting around the table for family meals. The best conversations occur around the dinner table!

To be in your children’s memories tomorrow, you have to be in their lives today. Anonymous

From creating a pleasant atmosphere, to helpful hints to get kids to the dinner table, to creating great table-talk and instilling good manners, The Hour that Matters Most is encouraging, practical, and fun for the family.  Putting a little thought into this special hour will help curb the stress which comes from a lack of meal planning and will give you a few ideas to make this hour memorable – so kids won’t want to miss it and will pass down the importance of this special time to their own families one day.

Home Behind the Sun: Connect with God in the Brilliance of the Everyday by Timothy Willard and Jason Locy intertwines a Biblical worldview with beautiful poetry, allowing the reader to see and understand how God’s glory shines brilliantly on every aspect of his or her life.

As I reflect on it, I see that each of us has the ability to move from shadow to light without any permanent soul damage once our gaze is fixed on Christ, once we step into a relationship with Him.  Timothy Willard

From birth to belief to forgiveness to brilliancy, life is a dance and Home Behind the Sun encourages the reader to open his or her eyes to see God’s Light and walk in it.  Home Behind the Sun weaves Biblical stories together with literary giants in order to beautifully and giftedly apply them within our everyday lives.

Soul Keeping: Caring for the Most Important Part of You by John Ortberg – This book slowed my soul down, refreshed it with a cool drink, and set it free again in Christ.  Soul Keeping came in the mail at the beginning of summer, as I was packing boxes in my old home.  After every box I packed, I stole away to read another chapter.  I didn’t realize how much I needed to provide time and space for God to nurture my soul, as well as the souls of my husband and children, during this time of transition in our lives.

Attending to the soul doesn’t mean we neglect those practical things like career or health.  The soul lies a the center of them all.  It means I don’t simply ask, ‘How can I be more successful at work?’ or ‘How can I acquire more money?’ Instead, I learn to understand how my involvement in each area of life is marking my soul.  John Ortberg

Our souls need rest, just as our bodies need rest.  We cannot live in the kingdom of God with hurried souls.  We cannot rest in God with hurried souls.  Ortberg explains how Jesus was busy, but never hurried.  He goes on to explain that the soul needs: a keeper, a center, a future, to be with God, rest, freedom, blessing, satisfaction, and gratitude.  Take time to refresh your soul by finding  your place in the world and finding soul-satisfaction completely in God instead of the world.

Limitless Life: You Are More Than Your Past When God Holds Your Future by Derwin L. Gray was an excellent book of choice for a summer Bible study through Proverbs 31 ministries.  Gray, Pastor and former NFL football player, writes in a voice which makes you feels as though he is right across the table from you, encouraging you about your passion, and cheering you on to transform you from where you are into where God wants you to be!

God has a stunning vision for your life, but if He showed it to you all at once, it would be too much to handle.  Derwin L. Gray

Through true story, personal reflection, and words seasoned with grace, Gray encourages you to courageously put down the rear-view mirror and walk as God’s masterpiece into the freedom He created for you.  You are a “trophy of grace” who was purposefully created to faithfully contribute right where you are.  What’s holding you back?  Go!  There is no fear if God holds your future!

The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands by Lysa Terkeurst is the most current book I have read and of course, I will pass it along.  It is a favorite.  Terkeurst is a master story-teller.  She brings the Bible to life, and her Biblical worldview penetrates into the hearts of women through everyday scenarios, in which we can all relate – everyone one of us has had that fearful mystery box, the emotionally draining extra house-guest, and who doesn’t want to be a fearless Fosbury?!

Knowledge is wisdom that comes from acquiring truth.  Insight is wisdom that comes from living out the truth we acquire.  Discernment is wisdom that comes from the Holy Spirit’s reminders of that knowledge and insight.  Lysa Terkeurst

Not only does Terkeurst bring women into the Word, but in this book she helps women apply the Word to their lives in order to makes wise decisions which honor God and nourish the soul.  Let’s face it, women have a hard time making decisions sometimes because we do not consider all of the factors involved (physical, financial, emotional, spiritual, and relational).  Decisions which honor God (regardless of how we feel or what our heart wants) do not deplete your soul.  Ultimately, a nourished soul allows for God to shine brillantly onto everyone you encounter.

Wisdom makes decisions today that will still be good tomorrow.  Lysa Terkeurst

Truths from God’s Word have impacted my life this summer and these books have helped to point myself and my family towards Him.

I encourage you to get in the Word and spend time reading about how to apply His Word in today’s crazy world.

Have you read any good books lately?  Can you recommend a good one?

Please leave me a comment to let me know!

Basking in His Light

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