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My Favorite Books on Spiritual growth & Mindset

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Here's a simple list of my recommended readings.  Many of these books I revisit yearly, some I try to read more than once a year.  All of these are linked on Amazon, but you can also find at your local bookstore and possibly even your public library or Hoopla/Libby library apps.
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Bibles + Devotionals to add to your collection

These are some of my every day go to books that I love.

 
Lorraine Penner profile picture
I have many bibles, but I like these compact bibles for traveling and taking to church with you.
KJV Compact Bible, red letter
 
Lorraine Penner profile picture
You might be a little turned off by each day just being numbered, but if you can get past that, this is a great devotional to add to your daily arsenal.
Live in Grace, Walk in Love: A 365-Day Journey
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Books on the Life with Jesus

These books help me see things differently than I have my entire life.  Some things are so simple yet so profound, and I struggle to see how I haven't know about them for so long

 
Lorraine Penner profile picture
This is literally one of my favorite books.  It helps us take a good look at ourselves and how we get caught up in the fast lane, and gives solid advice and instruction for just slowing it down.
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
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Lorraine Penner profile picture
ugh, this book just WRECKED me in the best way.  If you're struggling with gratitude and/or want to get started being more thankful on your walk of faith, this is the book for you to pick up right now.
One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
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Lorraine Penner profile picture
If you're a new follower of Christ or have been around for a while but feel like you've never been properly trained on how to actually read the Bible, definitely check this book out for some solid guidance on how to become a woman of the Word.
Women of the Word: Bible Study Guide
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Lorraine Penner profile picture
Driven by Eternity.  If you are a Christ follower but have no idea what the judgement seat looks like, please please check out this book for an introduction into what the Bible says.
Driven by Eternity: Make Your Life Count
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Lorraine Penner profile picture
What does life look like when love just exudes from you?  Love is action, and this book is a great read if you're feeling a lack.
Love Does by Bob Goff
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Lorraine Penner profile picture
A mighty follow up to Bob Goff's “Love Does”.  You don't want to miss this one.
Everybody, Always: Becoming Love in a World
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Lorraine Penner profile picture
The first step in spiritual formation is to really understand who God really is, and make sure you trust and believe that what the bible says about him is true.  Do you believe the biblical narrative about God, or the world's narrative?
The Good and Beautiful God: Falling in Love
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All About Dallas Willard

Dallas was an American philosopher and theologian also known for his writings on Christian spiritual formation.  He was a personal mentor and inspiration to hundreds of pastors, philosophers, and average churchgoers and by reading his books you can be inspired by him as well.

 
Lorraine Penner profile picture
If you've never heard of Dallas Willard, do yourself a favor and pick up this book.  I don't care if you buy it or loan it out from your public library - this book and man will change your life!  In this book, particularly he shows us how to live the Psalm 23 life with Jesus as our shepherd.
Life Without Lack: Fullness of Psalm 23
 
Lorraine Penner profile picture
If you're just learning about Dallas Willard and wanting to jump in to his wisdom regarding Jesus and the Way, this book is a great on-ramp (especially if you're not too familiar with reading deep theological wisdom and want to go for some baby steps...
Revolution of Character: Christ's Pattern
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Lorraine Penner profile picture
This is a GREAT book for those who are serious about becoming an apprentice under Jesus.  I would not recommend this as your first Willard book, but if you start with Life Without Lack, or Revolution of Character and want to dig in deeper - this book is for you.
Renovation of the Heart: Christ's Character
 
Lorraine Penner profile picture
Dallas Willard was a theologian who made it his life's goal to apprentice under Jesus and help others do the same.  Take a peek behind the curtain of one of his seminary courses on this 17 part you tube series about spiritual formation, and see where that lands you!
(YouTube 17 Part Series) Part #1 - The Human Side of Holiness
 
Lorraine Penner profile picture
Want to learn more about Dallas Willard and how he came to be the Christ follower that would bring countless lives to Christ through his life and study?
Becoming Dallas Willard: The Formation of a Philosopher, Teacher, and Christ Follower
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Mindset Books to Inspire Change

These are also great books to glean some insight in why we do what we do, and how to stop it from continuing to happen.

 
Lorraine Penner profile picture
Essentialism is similar to Minimalism, however rather than “less is more”, it takes it a bit further and becomes “the disciplined pursuit of less”.  Quote: Essentialism isn’t about getting more done in less time. It’s about getting only the right things done.
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
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Lorraine Penner profile picture
About every year or two I come back to this book to see if I'm falling back into old habits.  Mindset takes you through the “fixed” and “growth” mindsets and what sets them (and you!) apart.
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
 
Lorraine Penner profile picture
This is a great read if you find yourself being held back by what others think, limiting yourself, or any other number of reasons.  Rachel exposes the twenty lies and misconceptions that too often hold us back from living joyfully and productively, lies we’ve told ourselves so often we don’t even hear them anymore.
Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing Lies
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Lorraine Penner profile picture
This is a great peek into the mind of a former FBI hostage negotiator who says that life is a series of negotiations you should be prepared for: buying a car, negotiating a salary, buying a home, renegotiating rent, deliberating with your partner.
Never Split the Difference, Chris Voss (Paperback)
 
Lorraine Penner profile picture
This book is a testament to how one simple little change can absolutely change your life.
The 5 Second Rule: Transform Your Life
 
Lorraine Penner profile picture
I've officially ditched the New Years Resolutions, and in lieu of those each year I pick just ONE WORD that will be the theme of my year. This book helps you find your word and where to go from there.
One Word That Will Change Your Life
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Lorraine Penner profile picture
A quick summary of the book direct from the author "Get the easy stuff right".
The Algebra of Wealth: Financial Security
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