It is certainly hard to believe that today is the last day of October. When this series began, I invited you here everyday in October, to come with open hands, a willing heart, and a soul ready to breathe in sweet grace. From the comments and emails I’ve received, it seems you have done just that. I hope that is true for those of you I haven’t heard from.
As promised, I wanted to close out this series with a list of some recommended resources for further study, if you feel so inclined. This list is in no way exhaustive, and I may add to it as more come to mind.
Over the last 10 years or so, The Man and I have found some books that we keep going back to. A bit of a warning, we can be a little geeky and theology-ish when it comes to this subject. As in, we listen to sermons on tape (yes, tape) and we read books written by people who have been dead for a while and we have notebooks filled with scribbles and scrabbles on grace. We talk about the doctrine of grace a lot, about the finished work of Christ and other things that may not be super user-friendly language. So some of the books I suggest may reflect that. Just so you know.
non-fiction books
The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whittal Smith :: Because it was originally published in 1875, it is now part of the public domain and you can read it here. It is fantastic.
The Saving Life of Christ by Major Ian Thomas
The Normal Christian Life by Watchman Nee
Families Where Grace is in Place by Jeff VanVonderan :: a well-worn favorite. I’ve linked to the updated version with study guides for families and small groups.
Loving Our Kids on Purpose by Danny Silk :: he also has a series of talks on CD that is kind of the book on tape but not exactly. I’ve not read the book, but I’ve listened to the talks. Very good.
Breaking the Rules by Fil Anderson :: a family friend, Fil has an easy-to-listen-to voice and a great story of how he learned grace after a lifetime of religion.
Grace Works by Dudley Hall :: if you are a good girl or grew up thinking you had to be perfect, this could be a book you might relate to. This was one that loosened up some of my rigid religion when I was in my early twenties.
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young :: a 365 day devotional. You already have this one though, right? Essential.
What God Wishes Christians Knew About Christianity by Bill Gillham
. . . and coming Fall 2011 My Almost-But-Not-Yet-Titled Book :: again, for all you girls out there who are tired of living a try-hard life, this (I very much hope) wil be a grace offering to you. More to come on that.
. . . and a few I’ve not read yet but heard are good
Gracenomics: Unleash the Power of Second Chance Living by Mike Foster
The Naked Gospel by Andrew Farley :: we have this one, and I’ve thumbed through. Really cool cover.
The Grace of God by Andy Stanley :: you can read about the book on Michael Hyatt’s blog.
fiction books
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers :: based on the story of Hosea and Gomer. A beautiful, captivating read.
The Defiance Texas Trilogy by Mary E. DeMuth :: Mary confronts difficult issues in this beautifully written 3-book series, issues that have grace and redemption weaved throughout.
blogs
“It is extraordinarily powerful. It is often extraordinarily slow. Fear works quicker. But fear erodes relationships. Grace is like a crock pot.” – Andy Stanley, on grace from the Michael Hyatt interview
Grace is for Sinners Serena Woods
A Holy Experience Ann VosKamp
Face to Face Heather Gemann Wilson @ (in)courage on showing grace to your enemies.
Grace-Hating Sarah Markley at The Best Days of My Life on showing grace to grace-haters.
31 Days of Grace :: you may click here to read each post in this series.
And of course, I have to say hello and yay to the other girls who hosted a 31 Days Series this month: my sister at Nesting Place, Balancing Beauty and Bedlam, My First Kitchen, Life With My 3 Boybarians, Reluctant Entertainer, The Inspired Room, and Remodeling This Life.
Are there resources you have discovered on this topic of grace? Please, share them with us in the comments – title only – if you leave a link, it will go to spam. I have had so much fun writing this month. Tomorrow I’ll share a bit of the behind-the-scenes about that. Or maybe I’ll wait til the next day !! And again, thank you for joining me for 31 Days of Grace.
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