below are books recommended by the library team to
​assist & encourage you in your walk with the Lord...
This is the book that I wish had been published 30 years ago when my husband and I were in the parenting trenches. I've made plenty of mistakes as a mother and I have read lots of books on the subject of parenting. Elyse Fitzpatrick and her daughter, Jessica, pool their wisdom and answer the question, "What does it look like to reflect the Gospel in our parenting relationships?" in their joint effort, Give Them Grace. After reluctantly agreeing to lead the review and diving deeper into this book's material, I am astounded at what I learned about the gospel, grace and parenting. If I could lead any parent through any book on parenting it would be this one.

Elyse and Jessica write as a team; a team with the wisdom of experience and with the fresh "this is what it feels like in the trenches" perspective. Here are the key points that I really enjoyed about this book:
  • Give Them Grace differentiates between moralism and the Gospel: "Mormons, Muslims, and moralistic atheists all share the belief that law can perfect us, but Christians don't. Christians know that the law can't save us; what we need is a Savior."
  • It warns against formula parenting: "Giving grace to our children is not another formula that guarantees their salvation or obedience. Grace-parenting is not another law for you to master to perfect your parenting or your children."
  • It encourages going back to what Christ has done (and often quotes one of my favorite books, The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name): "Please stop for a moment and ask yourself what percentage of your time is spent in declaring the rules and what percentage in reciting the Story."
  • It keeps reaffirming the centrality of the Gospel in all of Scripture, in all of life: "Parenting methods that assume or ignore the gospel are not Christian. The gospel must hold the center in all we think, do, and say with our kids."
  • It reminds us that we, as parents, need the Gospel, too: "In our hearts we know that's true because the law hasn't made us good, either, has it?"
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How to Really Love Your Child by Dr. Ross Campbell
You know you love your child. You attend school events, care for physical needs, and discipline when needed. But did you know that most children, even in loving households, doubt that they are genuinely and unconditionally loved? In Dr. Ross Campbell’s groundbreaking book, he explains the emotional needs of a child and provides you with skills that will help your child feel truly loved and accepted. Using eye contact, affirmation, and spiritual nurturing, you’ll learn to really love your child no matter what the circumstances. The practical applications in How to Really Love Your Child have already helped over 2 million parents around the world show love to their children in a way that can be received and returned, again and again. 
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How To Really Love Your Teen by Dr.Ross Campbell
It's one of the most common parenting scenarios--parent and child are developing nicely, when the child crosses that mysterious threshold into the "teenager zone." Suddenly, the parents feel unable to fully relate to their teen--and the teen responds to the parents' uneasiness. In this best-selling book, Dr. Campbell helps parents understanding the delicate dance between parents and their emerging teenagers. Learn how to create a solid, balanced approach for relating to your teen, how to communicate unconditional love, how to handle teenage anger, as well as your own, and how to help your teenager grow spiritually and intellectually.


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Second Forgetting by Dr. Benjamin Mast, MD
Through the personal stories of those affected and the loved ones who care for them, Dr. Benjamin Mast highlights the power of the gospel for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Filled with helpful, up-to-date information, Dr. Mast answers common questions about the disease and its effect  on personal identity and faith as he explores the biblical importance of remembering and God’s commitment to not forget his people. In addition, he gives practical suggestions for how the church can come alongside families and those struggling, offering help and hope to victims of this debilitating disease. If you are a Christian who knows or loves someone with Alzheimer’s disease, have recently been diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s disease, or are a pastor or ministry leader seeking to better understand and minister to people with Alzheimer’s disease this book will encourage you with the good news of God’s faithfulness and the future hope he calls us to.
 
Dancing with Max by Emily Colson
Dancing with Max by Emily Colson is an autobiographical account of Colson’s struggle raising an autistic son as a newly single mother. Therefore, it is also a biographical account of the life of her 19-year-old autistic son Max. Colson shares their personal struggles as they find their way through life’s most difficult obstacles. She shares how her journey becomes one of joy and resilience as well as one of heartaches and setbacks. Especially inspiring to us, as part of the family of God, is the way their church family comes alongside Emily and Max to encourage and support them – and how Max’s disability and our response to it helps to define not only who Max is, but also who we are. This book will make you cry. It will make you laugh. And it will help you recognize what is truly important.
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Finding Grace in the Face of Dementia by John Dunlop,  MD
Finding Grace in the Face of Dementia qualifies as one of the few books I would recommend as a “must have” book. Although it is not an enjoyable or “feel good” book, it is helpful, informative, biblical, and relevant. Sadly, 5% of Americans have dementia by the age of 65, and that number is increasing yearly. As a result, an increasing number of us have a family member or close friend or neighbor who has been impacted by this disease. This book covers all aspects of dementia, and helps us understand how to recognize the disease, how to care for loved ones who have it, how the church can minister to those who are suffering from it and how the church can support their care-givers. The author, John Dunlop, is not only a believer and an MD who has been treating patients with dementia for over 37 years, but he experienced its effects firsthand when his mother spent the last years of her life with this dementia. Dunlop is successful in showing us how God can be honored in this disease and how we can respect the dignity of those who suffer from it.
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90 Days of God's Goodness by Randy Alcorn
I had an opportunity, several years ago, to attend a conference and sit under author Randy Alcorn (Heaven, If God is Good, etc.). I have high regard for Alcorn, so when he released a devotional, 90 Days of God's Goodness, I was eager to read it. Alcorn's devotional is an encouragement to anyone experiencing loss and is suffering. The book is divided into 90 short devotionals (2-3 pages each), focusing upon aspects of suffering as well as a biblically-based encouragement to trust God. The devotional is rich in both inspirational stories of those acquainted with suffering as well as how one may trust in God's goodness and faithfulness during such times. 90 Days of God's Goodness truly does engender hope in the hearts of the downtrodden.
A Grandmother's Prayers by Kay Swatkowski
Do you have the desire to have an eternal impact on your grandchildren? Do you pray for them, but wish your prayers could be more meaningful? Kay Swatkowski's book A Grandmother's Prayers leads the reader through 60 days of devotions that can help you pray more effectively for your grandchildren and give you insights into ways to engage your grandchildren in activities and conversations that have eternal value. Her insights would equally apply to your children. This is a book that every believer with children or grandchildren should read!
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A Place of Quiet Rest by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Are you a new believer and are not sure what quiet time is? Do you want to be closer to the Lord, but are struggling to figure out how to have an effective quiet time? Are you a mature believer who desires an even closer intimacy with God? Nancy Leigh DeMoss's book is written as an encouragement to lead us into that close intimacy with God. Using Scripture, hymns, testimonies, poems, counsel and wisdom, DeMoss, who describes herself as "a woman on a pilgrimage to know God" rather than as an expert, guides the reader past the mechanics of a quiet time into a natural relationship with Him.

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The Wonder of His Name: 32 Life-Changing Names of Jesus by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
As you meditate on these 32 life-changing names of Jesus, you will grow in your understanding of His character and of His awesome love. Spend some time reading about each of these powerful names and then meditating on what they mean to you and your relationship with Him!
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A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller
With over 2 million copies sold, Phillip Keller's beloved contemporary classic spans the decades with its uplifting insights on Psalm 23. Pairing Keller's sublime reflections with the New International Version, this edition sheds light for a new generation of readers on the nature and ways of sheep and of the Good Shepherd who cares for them.
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Comforts From the Cross by Elyse Fitzpatrick
I read the devotional, Comforts From the Cross by Elyse Fitzpatrick during a challenging time in my life. I was truly comforted by this insightful author's understanding and articulate explanation of grace. It is one of the most influential devotional books that I have read especially regarding the topic of grace. I have given away many copies.
Comforts From Romans by Elyse Fitzpatrick
I became increasingly saddened as I neared the end of Comforts From the Cross for it had been so enriching. However, I encouraged my heart with the knowledge that I also owned Elyse Fitzpatrick's Comforts From Romans. I found this devotional to be equally as insightful and relevant. Both devotionals were written to a female audience, but the material is significant to both men and women.
New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp
Need some encouragement? Looking for truth in bite-sized pieces? Searching for a deeper understanding of God's tender work in the lives of His people? Perhaps Paul David Tripp's devotional New Morning Mercies is just what you need. Each day of New Morning Mercies will make you feel as if you are sitting with a loving and honest friend who has a window into the real struggles we all face. From our identity as Christians to freedom from guilt, Pastor Tripp's words bring much needed hope.
The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller
In The Prodigal God, Keller takes his trademark intellectual approach to understanding Christianity and uses the parable of the prodigal son to reveal an unexpected message of hope and salvation. Within that parable Jesus reveals God's prodigal grace toward both the irreligious and the moralistic. This book will challenge both the devout and skeptics to see Christianity in a whole new way.
You Are my Hiding Place: A 40-Day Journey in the Company of Amy Carmichael
Can I trust God in every circumstance? What happens when it doesn't seem like He is answering my prayers? What should be my attitude toward God when I struggle? In the devotional You Are My Hiding Place, Amy Carmichael answers those questions. Amy Carmichael was a missionary to India from 1895-1961. She faced every kind of difficulty--from physical danger and disappointment to a life-altering injury from which she never recovered. In these excerpts from her devotional writings, she reveals the Lord she came to know and trust completely in the midst of her difficulties. If you are struggling with circumstances in your life, you will be encouraged by her insights.
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The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones
Introduce your child to the story of the Bible with The Jesus Storybook Bible. The theme of this children's Bible is that "Every story whispers His name." Beginning with creation and Adam and Eve and continuing through Noah and Moses and King David, every story points to the Savior. Each story is creatively illustrated and will capture your child's attention.
God's Names by Sally Michael
Would you like to teach your child about the majesty of our Lord? God's Names by Sally Michael is the perfect resource. Michaels calls this book, "a mini-primer on the character of God as revealed by His names." The lessons are intended to teach children that God can be trusted and that He is worthy of our praise.
The Righteous Shall Live by Faith: Family Devotional Guide by Sally Michael
As Sally Michael reminds us in her introduction to this guide, Scripture instructs parents to teach their children "when they sit in their houses, when they walk in the way, when they lie down, and when they get up (Deuteronomy 6:7)." This study contains 13 week-long lessons based on the Ten Commandments and is designed to help parents as they prayerfully consider how to fulfill the command of Deuteronomy 6:7. Each weekly lesson begins by introducing the week's Scripture, key verse, and key themes. Daily lessons include a passage of Scripture to read and questions to discuss. There are also activities you can plan as a family and additional resources you may want to investigate. If you want to begin a family devotional time, consider using this inspiring resource.