I realize at this point we’re closer to the end of summer than we are to the beginning, but it’s never too late to put together a dream team of books. This is mine. 

I used to stack up a bunch of fiction books and call it my summer reading list. I have nothing against a great beach read (says the girl that read every Emily Giffin book the day they came out…) but these days, I just don’t feel like I have the luxury. I’m in a season where I just have so.much.to.learn. So much. I need to learn about health and what to put into my body and how to care for the bodies of my two littles. I need to learn about parenting from the viewpoint of the Gospel. I need to learn about Homeschooling and Homemaking. I need to learn about business. Gardening. Writing. Friends, I have so much to learn.

While I won’t learn all of these things this summer, I am so excited about a few books that I trust will guide me in my calling and this exact season of my life. And by ‘summer reading list,’ I really mean “the reading list I developed in Summer.” Because Lord knows, I’m not finishing all these books before September.

Parenting by Paul David Tripp.

This is my first book of summer 2018 and only about 1/4 of the way through its already shaken up my life. The perspective in this book about parenting as ambassadors for Christ dives into a truth I’ve known my whole life but didn’t know how to properly apply until this instruction. It’s the best parenting book I’ve read thus far and I believe that’s because it’s not a how-to list to ‘improve your kids.’ Not even close. It’s a heart check for me as a parent and reveals every hidden shortcoming in my motives, attitude and expectation. Phew.

Teaching from Rest: A Homemaker’s Guide to Unshakeable Peace by Sarah Mackenzie.

I’m starting a very loose homeschool schedule with Oshiolema in the fall and to be honest friends, I’m intimidated. I’m offering up my not-enough and receiving the grace and provision God has for me in this calling. I know for right now I’ve been called to homeschool. I never intended to and still have a hard time wrapping my head around it, but if I’m going to do it then I’m going to do my best and this book is the perfect jumping off point for this journey.

Praying for Boys by Brooke McGlothlin.

I’m so passionate about learning how to raise a man of God. I grew up with two brothers and four sisters, but being a woman I feel so much more confident with the things a girl needs to know and hear and understand in her walk with the Lord. I’m so excited to learn how to pray for Oshiolema and the man he’ll become.

Forks Over Knives Family by Alona Pulde.

Since becoming a plant-based family, (O had been vegan for two years, we joined him last August) one of my greatest concerns has been getting my kids enough protein. I want to make sure they have a vibrant, colorful, protein filled diet that is life-giving and also delicious.

The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness

I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about this book from both mentors and peers and I’m so ready to dive in. Our generation is likely the most self-aware in history, top that with the constant self-promotion and it’s quite a sea to navigate. I don’t want to get so caught up in “growing a following” that I forget I am first and foremost always a follower. This book is said to leave you changed forever and mama is ready.

What books are in your reading list right now? Please share with me in the comments!