3 Best Reads of 2023

Books that made the most impact

I use the Goodreads app to track all my books – because heaven knows my brain is full and doesn’t need a book list taking up more space. I can dump by book list on that app and free up some space for thinking about important things to research on WebMD. If you know, you know.

I almost always aim for 4 books per month, 48 books per year. I’m able to get that in pretty easily between Bible study books, books for homeschool, and books I read for fun. In 2023 I finished 53 books, but I still have the goal of 48 for 2024.

Here are my top 3 favorites from 2023.

1. Stop Calling Me Beautiful by Phylicia Masonheimer

I actually graduated from college with a degree in Youth Ministry and a minor in Christian Education and Bible. But I always felt too “dumb” to really understand theology. My professors were geniuses and I just didn’t measure up.

This book opened my eyes to the fact that I can actually dig in and learn theology – God didn’t make Himself hard to find. If you’re wanting to go deeper in your Bible study, I cannot recommend this book enough. Definitely add it to your reads for the year.

I purchased my book directly from Every Woman a Theologian.

2. Winning the War in Your Mind by Craig Groeschel

This one felt like being set free. I’ve struggled with a repeated fear and anxious thought since I was young. And I felt like it was probably just something I would carry with me forever. I learned, that’s not true.

This book is easy to read – while it contains a lot of science and research, it doesn’t come across as “high and mighty.” On the contrary, you’ll read it and think: Wow, I can get rid of my anxious thoughts!

If you have a repeated lie that goes on in your brain, I think this one will change you. It’ll definitely stay on my shelf, permanently.

I picked up my copy on Amazon.

3.Habits of the Household by Justin Earley

This ranks right up there as one of the best parenting books I have ever read – Love Centered Parenting is my top fave, but this one is more in the trenches with habits that you can implement.

While Mr Earley’s kids are younger than mine, I still found oodles of things to start doing with my own family to establish some good solid habits.

The basis of the book – we become our habits, and our kids become us…so habits matter. Our love for God should change our habits.

Easy to read. Great ideas to implement. Cliffs Notes at the end of each chapter. Highly, highly recommend.

Also purchased from Amazon.

What was your favorite read of 2023?