I love tiny goals, because mostly I can do tiny goals.

At the beginning of the year I set myself the tiny goal of reading just one book a month.

(I also decided to read one book at a time. So in between diving deep into heavy stuff I’ve caught my breath in novels. Doesn’t work for everyone; it’s working for me. Possibly because of the fragmented zillions of other words I trawl through daily online.)

The thing about tiny goals is that they kick-start momentum and before you know it you’ve exceeded them. So it’s September and I’ve read eleven books. Two in the bank! #TinyGoalsForTheWin

Here are my Top 5 so far.

I cannot recommend these books highly enough.

(None of these are affiliate links. I’m just sharing because these reads might bless you incredibly.)

5^th place goes to:

Sabbath by Wayne Muller

This book revolutionized my understanding of rest, and it has fuelled – for nine months and counting – our firm resolve-slash-delight in celebrating the Sabbath. It’s made all the difference.

(Warning: here and there Muller sprouts some airy-fairy, wishy-washy, namby-pamby stuff you’ll want to ignore. But the solid truth is heavy and bright, making the sifting easy and obvious.)

4^th place:

Show Them Jesus by Jack Klumpenhower

I’m currently reading this one. Only halfway but already I’ve bumped it into the Top 5. It’s about uncovering for kids the irresistible truth of a resurrected Saviour who will rock their world – as opposed to just bringing up another generation of churchy kids who know all the Bible stories, and all the good advice.

In 3^rd place:

Breaking Busy by Alli Worthington

I know – you don’t have time to read my thoughts on this, because you’re too busy. But please please please make time to read this book. It’s profound and hilarious, and it has shifted something in me forever.

2^nd place:

Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World by Kristen Welch

Oh my. I read this one twice. With a highlighter. Then I invited two dozen friends to read it too. They came over on some early Saturday mornings and we dissected it over coffee. I’m hoping we’ve started a revolution.

1^st place:

So Long, Insecurity by Beth Moore

I recognized myself in big chunks of this book. I also recognized pretty much every human I know.

It’s insightful. Incisive. Excruciating at times. Deeply comforting, liberating and empowering. Funny. Warm. Beth Moore uses Scripture like a scalpel. But mostly it’s like she’s leaping out of the pages to hug you.

This book is definitely going to be a friend I visit often.

. . .

What brilliant books have you read this year?

Thanks for hanging out here. Have a wonderful week.

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