July was full, that’s for sure – traveling to celebrate the fourth with family, getting sick for a week after said travel, going to a spontaneous concert with a friend, celebrating turning 28, and starting a newsletter (something I’m SO very pumped about – learn more about it here).

Interspersed between these big and memorable moments were lots of wonderful small moments too. Lots of walks through our neighborhood to our favorite overlook. Ordering pad Thai at our favorite restaurant. Dinners with friends and playing volleyball with our small group.

All that to say, I didn’t get to read as many books as I would have liked. But it sure was a wonderful month.

I am excited though, to share a few books with you!

Click on the image of the book to find it on Amazon!

Zeal Without Burnout, by Christopher Ash: As we’re on the cusp of church-planting, I find myself continually asking how in the world we are going to do everything that needs to be done without killing ourselves. The answer Christopher offers in this book was exactly the grace-filled, gospel-centered truth I needed – that a lifelong ministry of sustainable sacrifice requires HUMILITY, dependence, and trust. I’d wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone – pastor, counselor, friend, mom – anyone who is spending themselves for the sake of God’s mission.

Life Together, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer: I try to read this book at least once every few years, and each time I read it, my love for the body of Christ is renewed. Scripture says that it is through the CHURCH that the manifold wisdom of God will be made known to the world (Eph. 3:10). It’s through imperfect, messed up you-and-i’s that the world will know God. Bonhoeffer reminds us of the beauty and purpose of community. In this book, he teaches us that we are not able to do this faith-life alone. We desperately need each other.

Building a Story Brand, by Donald Miller: I ordered this book to read for my job, but it has proved to be helpful in so many other areas as well. I’ve read a few other book by Donald Miller and have appreciated them for his ability to tell engaging and compelling stories. This book builds off of the “story” concepts in some ways, as Miller coaches organizations and individuals on how to build their own “Storybrand” – essentially the journey you take a customer or reader on when they engage with you or your company. The biggest thing I took away is the concept of making your customer (or reader or client) the hero of the story – what do they want and how does what you sell (or write or offer) meet their need? There’s too much goodness to fit in one short review, but overall I would highly suggest this book for anyone looking to grow their brand, sell a product, or clarify and centralize the message of their writing.

I’m excited to read more books next month! Drop any recommendations below, and don’t forget to subscribe to my new newsletter!