Experience is the best teacher, but it doesn’t always need to be your experience! These are some of the best books, videos, and podcasts that I have found from people who have been there and done that. **This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you click the link and make a purchase**
First and possibly foremost, “Jesus Calling” remains one of the most popular devotionals within my professional and friend group. I’ve seen countless of these little books on desks, in cars, in backpacks, everywhere. This is a simple and straight forward devotional that has a targeted reading for each day of the year. It is a staple for navigating the stressors of every day life, and the best part is that each devotion takes 1-2 minutes to read!
Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage by Mark Gungor
Mark Gungor is a Pastor and motivational speaker who manages to keep God the center of marital advice and keep it lighthearted, engaging, and informative. My husband and I enjoy his marriage retreats and seminars. This book is easy to read and puts a humorous spin on how to build and maintain an excellent marriage
For professional advice: “Everything Will Be Okay” by Dana Perino
This book is great for any woman who has ever questioned their career. It came to me during a time of major transition in my own life. Dana Perino is an accomplished journalist who has made her way through the world of career building with grace. She provides practical, everyday advice that will instill habits that help guide you.
Kayleigh McEnany writes about her journey to and through the White House as former Press Secretary. She writes about her insecurities, and her powerful piece of scripture from the book of Esther. In her second book, she outlines real world issues that are plaguing our country and how she finds her peace through scriptural truths.
This is the story of a woman who was raised in a very unique way, to put it lightly. I like it because it is very real and raw about the struggles that she went through growing up and wanting something more. It is the powerful story of a woman who carved her own life out her situation, and then reconciled her success with her tumultuous family relationships.
Table in the Presence by Carey Cash
This book is a MUST READ, no matter your affiliation with the military. It is the beautiful story of God’s hand of protection, and outlines the many stories of His grace and protection over a battalion of Marines in Iraq. Chaplain Cash is a talented writer and his account of what his men went through will not allow you to put this book down.
Malcolm Gladwell outlines the path to success in this book. It changed my perspective, not only for myself but in how I counsel others now as well. Talent is not enough; luck is not enough. Success happens on purpose, and this book is an excellent tool. It is very readable too, which makes it great for your high schooler 🙂
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
Jocko is a no-excuses man, and this book does not disappoint! Jocko and Leif talk about how to take ownership of everything about your life. Extreme accountability and how it will lead you to becoming a stronger and better leader. They use military examples and then directly link it to the civilian world through business, etc.
Read Everything written by Dr Ben Carson
Nobody believed that Ben Carson would ever become Dr. Ben Carson, much less a world-renowned pediatric brain surgeon. He had a rough childhood, to say the least. His story (and his advice) are inarguable for success.
Flags of Our Fathers by James Bradley
I love reading about history and military history because it puts my life now in perspective. This is the story of the the Marines who fought on Iwo Jima, written by the son of one of the famous flag raisers. It is heart wrenching at times, but reminds me of how far faith can take you, how deep love of country can run, and how thankful we should be today that men like that lived before us.
Ricochet by Judy Fridono
The wonderful story of a dog who couldn’t hack it as a seeing-eye dog. Ricochet loved to surf and became an awesome companion to many, many people through the pure love that can only come from a dog.
Bloom by Kelle Hampton
I haven’t read this book in many years, but I still think about it from time to time. It is the story of a mother writing about her child’s diagnosis of Down Syndrome. I like it because it is real. She talks about how her perspective changed many times after having her daughter, and she writes eloquently about things that are difficult to for a mother to talk about.
Kisses from Katie and Daring to Hope by Katie Davis Majors
Both of these books are written by a girl who took a mission trip to Uganda and felt called to stay. She built an incredible ministry program that is only growing stronger today. They are now building schools and work programs for women in Uganda, as well as providing medical and vocational care. A calling that most would ignore or call crazy, but this young woman made it her life’s work.
Here is the link to the ministry website: https://amazima.org/
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