Hello Friends!
During the years leading up to our move from Canada to France, life was FULL (too full?). Joel was finishing the renovation on the house, I (Becky) was working as a doctor (through COVID), we were busy with ministry connections with our church and in our community, and we were busy parenting our two amazing kiddos. Life back then often felt like we were stuck on a crazy rollercoaster ride with no end. And although I love rollercoasters, we all need to get off at some point and onto solid ground.
In that season of craziness, God used several books to anchor me to Him and remind me of the important things in life. These books were like the brakes on the rollercoaster, if you know what I mean.
I am sure many of you can relate to feeling that you can’t escape the perpetual busyness in life. So – if you’ve ever felt like you need to put on the brakes, or re-anchor yourself to God and what really matters in life, consider checking out these books.
Full disclosure: I listened to all of theses books on Audible… I get sick reading in a car! Who can read while on a rollercoaster?!
I can still hear the voices of the authors when I think of each book…
Book 1: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, John Mark Comer
How to stay emotionally healthy and spiritually alive in the chaos of the modern world.
I remember many evenings after the kids went to bed, standing around the kitchen island with Joel, working on a 1000 piece puzzle of some sort (was good stress relief for me!) and listening to this book. Life at that time felt very out of control, and this book inspired a complete perspective change.
Book 2: Crazy Love, Francis Chan
Overwhelmed by a Relentless God
This book spoke into deep areas of my heart. It inspired in me a fresh pursuit of an authentic faith grounded in knowing my Creator and falling in love with Him. Don’t read this book if you want to be comfortable! It is inspiring, challenging, and deeply convicting… for me, life changing.
Book 3: Habits of the Household, Justin Whitmel Earley
Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms
Joel and I very strongly believe discipleship must start at home. But with life being crazy all the time, we often struggled to really disciple our kids through everything going on. I listened to this book driving to work and back, and I loved how the author shared some very simple, real life habits that brought Jesus into family life in a relevant way for their family & kids.
Book 4: Mama Bear Apologetics, Hillary Morgan Ferrer
Empowering your kids to challenge cultural lies
I listened to this book in the same crazy season of life, because – well – parenting can’t take a pause when life is too full. No matter how much else was going on, we had to parent our kids through the inevitable questions of life in our broken world. This book was SO GOOD. In fact I feel like it should be an annual re-read. And all DADs out there, it’s not just for Mamas!
What are some of your favourites? I’d love to hear them — Write me back!
Much love,
Becky & the Kennedy Family