Bold subtitle, huh…
The lists below contains books, blog posts, and podcasts that have in some way shaped my heart, soul, and mind.
You should know that I worked crazy hard to keep this list just the best of the best.
My intention for this blog post is that it will serve as a resource for you when you’re itching for something new to read or listen to.
You’ll notice that my taste in ‘media content’ is pretty skewed towards self-help and and faith-based self-help. It’s what I love! Expanding my mind to new ideas, thought-processes and perspectives really fires me up! Gah, I love it!
I’m also including a running list of books and devotionals that I’d like to complete this year. 2020 Goals! Want to read along with me? Hopefully some will sky rocket my Loved List, too!
My Loved List
Carry On, Warrior, Glennon Doyle Melton: This book rocked my world. I’ve read it more than once and oh gosh, it’s just the yummiest most honest content. I’ve never felt more understood. Her second book was great, but didn’t make my list. And her third book releases March 11!
The Power of Vulnerability TED Talk, Listening to Shame TED Talk, The Call to Courage Netflix Special, Brene Brown: Well, Brene gave me those fiercely understood feelings too! I listened to these talks with my hands in the air saying “oh my gosh, yes!!!” {All 952 times I have watched them. That good.} Y’all. Brene will rock your world. {somehow I have all of her books and have only made it 3-4 chapters into each… sigh, maybe this is my year??}
Cultivate, Lara Casey: I learned things about life that I needed to learn so very bad. I read this at a really crucial point in my life. Lara’s words and lessons were exactly what got me through. That should say a lot
Savor, Shauna Niequest: If you are looking for a quick daily devotional that will give you light bulb moment after light bulb moment, this is for you, sister. I spent most days thinking “wait, how did she know I needed that today???” 😉
The Finishing School, Val Marie Woerner: I read this as a daily devotional {one chapter per day for 22 days} in January of this year. It was amazing! If you want practical rhythms and mindset shifts that you can put into action right now – get this! Make sure you download and complete the corresponding worksheets, too. Your life will change!
How to Number Your Days Podcast, Lara Casey: This is the 90 minute podcast that re-shapes your minutes. Yup, your minutes. Take a few days to listen through it all. It’s deep and impactful. And her voice is so dang comforting.
30 Days of Prayer for the Dreamer and the Doer: Great stuff! This may be the one and only devotional that I have completed all on my own! The prayer journal that goes with it, is the one that I continue to use to this day.
Cold Tangerines and Bittersweet, Shauna Niequist: These books were the first time that I consumed this type of self-help, vulnerable, honest, life story, content. Blew my mind. I’ve been sold ever since! Bread and Wine is also lovely!
A Simplified Life, Emily Ley: A ton of the rhythms, routines, and habits taught in this book have stuck with me and have absolutely simplified my daily life. Super easy read, totally worth it. She also has a series of Facebook Live’s with similar content – I loved the holiday decorating one!
Freefall to Fly, Rebekah Lyons: Here’s the thing… I read this in 2013, so I don’t remember a whole whole lot. But I do remember it fondly. I’ve read lots of similar books so that feeling says something. Wow, this book is currently listed for under $5
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Marie Kondo: Hey, parts of it were actually life changing!
Hope Heals, Katherine and Jay Wolf: Whew, what a story. Amazing perspective and incredible examples of… well, hope!
Lara Casey Goal Setting Blog Posts Series: Do this work!!! It’s such good stuff! You can do it at any point in the year. She actually recommends doing it at the turn of each season. This is soul work! Oh and the fruits that it will produce! Yes!!
The Purpose Show Episode 110: Got a busy season coming up? Listen to this first! And do the free worksheets! I’ve listened to a good bit of other episodes from this show – all great!
Goal List: Books
Breathe Mama Breath, Shonda Moralis: This book teaches about mindfulness with a specific spin for motherhood. I’ve had this for a year or so. I’d like to finally finish it!
Only Love Today, Rachel Macy Stafford: Quick little chapters that I believe are intended to be read one day at a time. But not chewy enough to use as a devotional. I’ve had it for years as well… and even though I haven’t exactly read it, I say “only love today” to myself a lot a lot a lot! Great mantra!!
Make It Happen, Lara Casey: Like her PowerSheets, I miss-categorized this book thinking it is for people beginning a business or big huge goal. I was wrong and would like to finally dig into this purchase from 2014. Gosh, I adore Lara!
Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday, Valerie Woerner: Her first book was filled with such amazing content {see completed list below}, I am excited to explore this book! I may read it in tandem with her motherhood devotional…
Rethinking Sexuality, Dr. Julie Slattery: This was highly recommended at a MOPS Sex Talk. Yeah, you read that right.
Get Out of Your Head, Jennie Allen: I am currently obsessing over her podcasts that have been released as a part of this book’s launch. Honestly, I didn’t think I would connect with this content, but I think I am wrong! You can read it as a group bible study if anyone wants to do that with me?
Uninvited, Lysa Terkerurst: Another book that has unfortunately been sitting unread on my bookshelf for a long time. I enjoyed her devotional last year though! Well, the parts that I read 😉 And I’ve heard such wonderful things about her latest book.
When Less Becomes More, Emily Ley: I keep trying read this and I’m just not getting into it. Going to keep trying. I have loved her social media content and listening to her speak for so long! Not sure what is with me and her books though…
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, John Mark Comer: This is what I am currently reading now. It is fascinating! The subtitle reads “How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World.” Umm, yes please, thank you.
Chasing Slow, Erin Loechner: This will be a re-read for me. Loved it the first time and am interested to read it from a different place this year.
Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family, Paul David Tripp: One of my big goals for the year is to let the Lord lead my life. When I dug into the reviews of this book {after it came highly recommended at MOPS}, I felt that this would be content that would help to shape my mind to do just that. Especially as I raise my babies.
You Are Free, Rebekah Lyons: I already own this but haven’t read it! I don’t think…
Rhythms of Renewal, Rebekah Lyons: Her latest book! Subtitle reads “Trading Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace and Purpose.” Need I say more.
Goal List: Devotionals
Breathing Room, Sandra Stanley: 28 Days {there is also a Mom version. But I already own this one. I did it in 2018 and have restarted it this month}
Redeeming the Afternoon Slump, Val Marie Woerner: 9 Days
Fresh Start for Moms, Val Marie Woerner: 31 Days
House Prayers, Val Marie Woerner: 1-3 Days
Social Media Detox, Val Marie Woerner: 7 Days
Renew Challenge, Val Marie Woerner: 14 Days
31 Days for the Dreamer and the Doer: 31 Days
Pressing Pause, Karen Ehman: 100 Days
Take Good Care 2020 Challenge, Letters by Lanta: 2 Days {I think more coming though}
The Friend Guide, Jennie Allen: 8 Days
The Anxious Thoughts Guide, Jennie Allen: 1 Day
The Dream Guide, Jennie Allen: 1-3 Days
Cultivate Faith Guide, Lara Casey: 1-3 Days
CURRENTLY CONSUMING
February 2020
Book: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, John Mark Comer
Devotional: Breathing Room, Sandra Stanley
Podcast: Made For This Podcast, Jennie Allen
2020 COMPLETED LIST
The Finishing School, Val Marie Woerner: this is also on my loved list. I reference the worksheets and underlined pages of the book often. Like, really often. I completed this as a 24-day devotional.
Hope Unfolding, Becky Thompson: I’ve been wanting to finish this for a really long time. I restarted it and finished it. It wasn’t for me, but the last chapter was sooo for me! That’s why you gotta finish the books, right! 😉
My 2020 reading and devotional goal lists are quite full, but I’m never one to turn off my ears to recommendations. Let me know what’s on your list!
I will update this post as I finish content!
Thank you for reading,
Amanda Macy Hall
You may also enjoy this 2016 post: HOPES & DREAMS | 4 Best Stranger Friends That Changed My Life
amanda macy hall 