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January is coming and is often a time for reflection and new resolutions. What aspect of your Christian walk would you like to rejuvenate in the coming year? We have some books to help you!
For Family
The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan
For the whole family - a beautiful, new take on an old classic!
This book has been printed and translated more than any other book except the Bible. The new edition by Helen Taylor retells the story using animals in such a way that the whole family can understand and enjoy its powerful message. Our library just got a copy of this beautiful book, and reading it as a family would be a great way to start 2024.
For Parents
Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms by Justin Whitmel Early
You long for tender moments with your children--but do you ever find yourself too busy to stop, make eye contact, and say something you really mean? Daily habits are powerful ways to shape the heart--but do you find yourself giving in to screen time just to get through the day? You want to parent with purpose--but do you know how to start?
Award-winning author and father of four, Justin Whitmel Earley, understands the tension between how you long to parent and what your daily life actually looks like. In Habits of the Household, Earley gives you the tools you need to create structure--from mealtimes to bedtimes--that free you to parent toddlers, kids, and teens with purpose. (Amazon.)
This book was recommended to us by our chaplain, Mr. Dan Culbertson. We hope to add this title to our library soon; in the meantime, it's available on Amazon.
For teens and adults
Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World by Jennie Allen
Ms. Savannah Prescott, our Spiritual life intern, recommended this book to us. While not in our school library yet, we hope to get a copy this spring. In the meantime, you can look for it in other places.
The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis
This book was recommended to us by Ms. Ros Barnes, our curriculum advisor. It can be found in the ICSB library.
Ms. Barnes writes, "In my opinion, this is still the best book ever written on Spiritual warfare. It is a creative look at the (often very simple and subtle) "tactics" used by the devil to undermine or distract our Spiritual growth. The language is admittedly a bit outdated, and the fact that the book is written from the devil's perspective, make it a challenging read. But if you are willing to put in the effort it is extremely insightful - exposing both the enemy's schemes and our tendency to fall prey to them. Being more aware of these schemes has helped me to recognize them when I see them and choose to resist."
Praying With Paul: A Call to Spiritual Reformation by D. A. Carson.
This book is also recommended to us by Ms. Ros Barnes. Unfortunately, it's not in our library at this time, but we're adding it to our shopping list!
Ms. Barnes has this to say, "This book takes you through the prayers of Paul recorded in his NT letters, noticing the main things that he prayed for and challenging us to imitate Paul by lifting our prayer concerns beyond immediate needs to issues of character and Spiritual growth. I have never since been left during my prayer time thinking "Ummm... what should I pray for?" because Paul's model of prayer points us to things we can always pray for - for ourselves and our friends. My prayer life became much more meaningful, and I was far more motivated to actually spend time praying."
The Growing Disciple, Seven Attributes of a Transformed Life by John R. Fraser
Many followers of Jesus know they should be growing spiritually, but feel stuck. They have been told to pray and read their Bible more, but they find it burdensome and unrewarding.
The biblical model laid out in 2 Peter 1:5-7 tells us to add seven attributes to our faith - virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. In this book, Dr. Fraser explains how to add these to your life by using tried-and-true practices so that you can start growing spiritually like never before.
This book is available to borrow from the ICSB library and purchase from our librarian's household. :-)
Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did. by John Mark Comer
This one won't be out until January 16, 2024 but it sounds like it's going to be great.
The author of the international bestseller The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry calls us to rediscover the path that leads to a deeper life with God. We are constantly being formed by the world around us. To be formed by Jesus will require us to become his apprentice.
To live by what the first Christian disciples called a Rule of Life—a set of practices and relational rhythms that slow us down and open up space in our daily lives for God to do what only God can do—transforms the deepest parts of us to become like him.
This introduction to spiritual formation is full of John Mark Comer's trademark mix of theological substance, cultural insight, and practical wisdom on developing your own Rule of Life. These ancient practices have much to offer us. By learning to rearrange our days, we can follow the Way of Jesus. We can be with him. Become like him. And do as he did. (Amazon.)
This book was recommended to us by our chaplain, Mr. Dan Culbertson. We look forward to its release!
We hope you have a blessed Christmas and Holiday Season!
Mrs. Tricia Fraser
tfraser@icsbudapest.org