books to grow as a christian woman, wife & mother

I'm a reader...but a very particular reader.

I only like to read non-fiction.

Particularly non-fiction that benefits myself, my family or my home.

I like to learn.

I like to better myself.

So for Mother's Day, Mr. Free & Levi gave me a big ol' stack of books.

I've started most of them so thought I would pass along some recommendations.

I am also going to recommend some tried and true books I have loved and read over the years.

All of these books are encouraging in my walk with the Lord and are applicable to whatever season of life God may have you in.

We read through this while we were engaged.

A good read understanding how you feel loved, and if you are in a relationship, how your partner feels loved.

A good, eye-opening read on relationships.

I love this book.

It isn't a christian book, however, so note that as you read.

But the basis of this book is fantastic.

I loved the tips that are shared on how we all need to slow down and simplify our lives with our children.

I highly recommend it...just be forewarned on the worldly view that it is evident during some parts of the book.

I fell in love with this book in college.

I was (is) obsessed with Mrs. Proverbs 31 and this book breaks down each verse.

It is daunting, and at times may seem unrealistic, but it is fabulous.

I was unmarried at the time and gleaned so much.

I have re-read it many times during changing seasons and find new application.

I love anything by Elizabeth George.
Many of her books have a similar theme, but are grounded in scripture.

This book is great on prioritizing what is important during busy seasons of life.

I read this book while really struggling with anxiety.

It is a great, encouraging read whenever life is a bit challenging.

 This book is very similar to Beautiful in God's Eyes, but with a different format.

It isn't solely based on Proverbs 31, rather using the entire Bible for helpful insight on what it means to be a godly woman.

 OK, I may be tarred and feathered, but this book isn't my favorite.

People are in LOVE with this book, but I can't say that I am.

I am, however, in love with her insight.

I just found the book to be a bit too detailed and wordy.

I love her premise of looking for the blessings in each day and to be grateful for all life's simple gifts.

This book is divided into 40 tiny chapters.

Perfect to read one a day before bed or with your daily devotional.

This is a very practical, easy read on how to make each day flow and be intentional as you raise your children for the Lord and manage your home.

Love this.

 This book is amazing.

My favorite mothering book by far.

Sally Clarkson has such an amazing heart for motherhood, that it is completely contagious.

The way she describes this important role of mothering completely affects your outlook on even the littlest tasks in child rearing.

It is convicting and inspiring.

Definitely read this.

This book is interesting.

It is about how our homes are the most important place on earth.

How they should minister to our family, brothers and sisters in Christ and the community.

The truly interesting thing about this is that it is written by a man.

He talks a lot about his childhood home and how it was a loving, nurturing place.

He takes those memories and applies them to his own home and how we can as well.

This book is a must-read no matter what season of life you are in.

I wish I would've read it sooner.

If you are in a relationship, read it together.

Make financial commitments together.

It truly makes a huge difference in your overall well-being.

So that's my list.

What would you add to your must-have books to help you grow?

The Importance of Personal Growth

As a teacher, professional development is very important.

I have binders and binders filled with strategies to teach better, ideas for managing behavior, charts to monitor progress, etc. etc.

All these resources help refine me as a teacher and improve not only my teaching but my students' learning.

A few weeks ago I shared my personal mission statement.

As I went through my life priorities, teaching wasn't at the top.

I love it, but my faith, family and friendships come first.

And it got me thinking.

I have so many resources and notes on being a better teacher, I should have the same for being a better Follower of Christ. To be a better wife. To be a better mother.

So, I began a personal growth binder.

And it has become a vital tool for my own personal growth.

These 2 binders are my lifesavers.

They sit on a shelf in my family room for easy access.

I brainstormed areas that I'd like more resources in with my role as a Christian, wife and mother.

Here are the different categories I came up with for myself:

Study (Bible)

Prayer

Plan

Health

Marriage

Motherhood

Home 
Finances

Whenever I find a particular resource I would want to access again and again, I print it off and add it to my binder.

I've already gotten quite a few items.

A great thing to google is 'free ebook' about a particular topic.

At the front of my binder is my Mission Statement.

Another daily reminder I need for my life's purpose each day.

So why is personal growth important?

1. It has eternal consequences

My personal growth affects His kingdom.

My growing and understanding of His word affects my relationship with Him.

2. It effects others

My personal growth as a believer, wife and mother have a great impact on my husband, son, family and friends.

As I work to be a better wife, a more patient mom and a better household manager, the people I love the most will greatly benefit.

I have a daily planning sheet to monitor my progress with my bible studies, exercise and other daily to-do's.

Just how I push myself to be better in the workforce, I push myself to be a better me.