Some friends were at my home this weekend, and one of them was perusing my bookshelves. “What’s your favorite book right now?”

So, here are a few of my favorite things – not only books, but also podcasts, organizations, and more.

Books

If it’s on, I usually turn off the TV 30 minutes before going to bed and spend some time reading. (I highly recommend that practice!) When I’m on a plane (and most other times) I have a book with me. “Of the making of books there is no end.”

And here are some of my favorites that I’ve read recently.

• When to Walk Away; Finding Freedom from Toxic People (Gary Thomas, Zondervan, 2019). Powerful New Testament perspective on dealing with those people who are truly destructive.
• Letters to the Church (Francis Chan, David C. Cook, 2018). Out of his own personal experience, this book may challenge your idea of church – what it is, what God meant it to be, and what to do about it.
• Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I Was, and Who God Has Always Been (Jackie Hill Perry, B&H Books, 2018). Published over a year ago, but I just read it recently. I feel like I’m late to the party! Awesome writing. Clear gospel. Highly recommended.
• After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters (N.T. Wright, HarperOne, 2012). Another where I’m late to the party. Thoughtful, deep, encouraging, theological.
• Living Beyond Pain: A Holistic Approach to Manage Pain and Get Your Life Back (Linda S. Mintle and James S. Kribs, Baker Books, 2019). In an era where opioid addiction is much too common, this book provides physical, emotional, and spiritual insights and resources to increase function and wellbeing when faced with chronic pain.
• Find Your Way: Unleash Your Power and Highest Potential (Carly Fiorina, Tyndale Momentum, 2019). Though not primarily a Christian book, her perspective is solid, empowering, and one I believe deserves reading. Carly is a person of faith, and that shines through brightly.
• People Fuel: Fill Your Tank for Life, Love, and Leadership (Dr John Townsend, Zondervan, 2019). One of the most actionable and helpful books I’ve read in a long time, showing you the kinds of relationships you need and how to find and nurture them.
• Unwanted: How Sexual Brokenness Reveals Our Way to Healing (Jay Stringer, NavPress, 2018). A much-needed message in today’s sex-saturated culture. Incorporating real scientific research and Biblical perspective, this book uncovers so many roots of sexual struggle and shows the pathway to the kind of healing Jesus desires for you.
• Excellence Wins: A No-Nonsense Guide to Becoming the Best in a World of Compromise (Horst Schultze, Zondervan, 2019). From a man of faith living and making a lasting difference in the business world, this book will inspire you.
• Holy Sexuality and the Gospel: Sex, Desire, and Relationships Shaped by God’s Grand Story (Christopher Yuan, Multnomah, 2018). Dramatically converted from an agnostic gay man to now a Bible professor who puts his identity in Christ alone, Yuan presents a solid gospel-centered discussion of sex, desire, and relationships.
• Healing the Wounded Heart: The Heartache of Sexual Abuse and the Hope of Transformation (Dan Allender, Baker Books, 2016). Deeper and more transformational than his earlier work. Solidly Biblical, and a must-read for anyone struggling with sexual abuse or those trying to help them.
• The Christian’s Journey Through Grief: How to Walk Through the Valley with Hope (Carol Peters-Tanksley, Siloam, 2019). Perhaps shameless self-promotion here. But if you or someone you know is walking through grief, this will provide an indispensable guide for the journey.

Podcasts

I’m quite voracious in consuming podcasts. You can gain an education while you jog, drive, or clean the house. I listen to most or all of the episodes in each podcast listed here.

• The Allender Center, with Dr Dan Allender and his team. Engaging topics on healing and restoration through the unique intersection of theology and psychology.
• Catalyst Podcast, for leaders who love the church. Conversations with both young and seasoned church leaders, authors, and influencers.
• The Emotionally Healthy Leader, with Pete Scazzero. Exploring themes around spiritual authenticity and growth in the Christian life.
• Java with Juli, from Authentic Intimacy. Conversations about sexuality, intimacy, and culture from a solidly Biblical worldview.
• Ransomed Heart with John Eldredge. Conversations about the life of the heart, and the restoration God intends.
• Entreleadership, from Ramsey Solutions. Lively conversations with many of the top minds in business, in a faith-friendly way.
• 48 Days to the Work You Love, with Dan Miller. Talk about finding or creating work that is meaningful, purposeful, and profitable, from a man with a deep faith.
• Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast. Practical insights from the leader of one of the largest multi-site church organizations in America.
• Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast. From successful pastor, author, and awesome communicator, helping leaders go farther faster.
• Relationship Prescriptions with Dr Carol. OK, shameless self-promotion again. But did you know we have a podcast? I’d love you to join me!

Other Organizations

Here are some organizations I connect with, believe in, and am happy to recommend.

• Christian Healthcare Ministries– believers helping to share the costs of medical care for each other. (I am honored to serve as a  member of the Board of Directors (uncompensated).)
• Compassion International– releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name. (I sponsor a precious child, Luz Esther.)
• Charity Water– they do water – and charity – right. I love donating to this organization.
• Catalyst Leader– equipping and empowering leaders who love the church. If you’re a church leader, check them out.
• Covenant Eyes– amazing organization providing help for those who want to break free from pornography and related issues.
• Be Broken– Helping adults find freedom from a life of sexual brokenness and addiction.
• Ransomed Heart– a bunch of resources and events helping men and women regain the life of the heart as Jesus intended.
• Emotionally Healthy Discipleship– helping believers move from shallow Christianity to depth in Christ. At least take the free personal assessment, and discover if you’re a spiritual/emotional infant, adolescent, or adult.
• JuicePlus+ – the only nutritional supplement I take. It’s the next best thing to fruits and vegetables.
• Noom – a revolutionary way to control weight and get fit, providing a personalized custom plan and help to develop a healthy lifestyle.

May these resources be inspiring, and fill your winter days and evenings with meaning and growth.

** Note: Listing a resource here does not imply that I or Dr Carol Ministries endorse every idea promoted in these resources. Amazon links, and links to Covenant Eyes, JuicePlus, and Noom are affiliate links, whereby you can also support Dr Carol Ministries by purchasing/connecting with them.

Your Turn: What are your favorite books, podcasts, or organizations? Are there any of these that you’ve enjoyed yourself? You can leave a comment below.

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