Books Worthy of Consideration

Mother's Day

       Mother's Day is just around the corner. This year in addition to sending her a $5 card, or if she's into the Web an electronic e-mail greeting card, give her a good Christian book to show her how much she means to you! And don't forget all those other women in your life who mother you, too.

        Books for women are booming this year. More women's books than ever have made the best-seller list. Good women authors are beginning to share the spotlight with men like Lucado and Swindoll. Topics are not limited to "women's issues" either. Subjects range from light devotionals to humor to deep Bible studies.

Editor's Picks

Hugs for Women by Mary Hollingsworth

        On the best-seller list for months, this attractive gift book will give Mom that hug that you wish you could give her. A collection of heartwarming stories, sayings, and scriptures, this is not just a cute coffee table book that will sit on the shelf--it will be read and reread. Hollingsworth, author of over 35 books, in her clear, down-to-earth style entertains, encourages, and inspires women of all ages. My mom's getting this one. Other Hugs books include Hugs for Mom, Hugs for Dad, Hugs for Grandparents, Hugs for Friends, Hugs from Heaven, and Hugs for Teachers.

The Women of Faith Series

        Sweeping the charts this season, these books are written by popular Women of Faith conference speakers Patsy Clairmont, Barbara Johnson, Marilyn Meberg, Luci Swindoll, Sheila Walsh, and Thelma Wells. If you're expecting the typical side-splitting humor of Barbara Johnson and Patsy Clairmont, you'll be disappointed. But if you want light-hearted devotionals that will encourage and touch your heart, they're perfect. They're easy to spot, they all have "joy" in the title: OverJoyed, JoyBreaks, We Brake for Joy! The Joyful Journey.

Boomerang Joy by Barbara Johnson

        Always with a book on the best-seller list, this is humorist Barbara Johnson's current book du jour. Not particularly appreciated by women under 40, she is the poster child for those over 40. A collection of 60 brief devotionals, Boomerang Joy testifies to the idea that all our words and deeds come back at us. If you initiate joy, if you learn to "fling a smile a mile," Johnson assures us we'll receive that same joy in return.

Meditations for Mothers by Elisa Morgan

        Elisa Morgan, president of Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), offers young moms short refreshing devotionals that are just the right size to squeeze in between crying babies, homework, dishes, and Little League. At a time in life when falling asleep before finishing a nighttime prayer is likely, active moms will find these little meditations are good enough to stay awake for. Even if she never finds time to read it, its charming cover will look good on her night stand.

For more serious choices, check these out:

Women's Devotional Bible NIV

        You can't go wrong with this most popular Bible for women. In the number 1 spot on the best-seller list this month (up from number 2), this Bible is popular with women because of its attractive, feminine cover and the encouraging daily devotions of over 100 well-known Christian women, such as Gloria Gaither and Ruth Bell Graham. It's also available in leather and in softcover, and in large print. Order it online or get more information!

The Financially Confident Woman by Mary Hunt

        Mary Hunt, publisher of "Cheapskate Monthly," has appeared on "Oprah" to talk about her practical financial philosophy. Hunt found herself unemployed and $100,000 in debt before she learned that being in debt is not a money problem, but an attitude problem. This is not a book about budgets or how to get more money (more is never enough), but about how to change negative financial behaviors into positive ones. Some of her practical tips include "77 Ways to Spend Less Money." Here are a few:
       1. Stop trying to impress other people.
       2. Stop shopping.
       3. Purchase with cash.
       4. Empty the pantry.
       5. Use baking soda.
       6. Keep your trunk empty.
       7. Double milk's useful life.
       8. Eat lunch...for dinner.
Unlike financial guru Suze Orman, Hunt adds a biblical perspective to her book. Cleverly written and simple to follow, this book is a winner for any woman.

Living a Purpose-Full Life by Jan Johnson

        Women from 20 to 70, single and married, are searching for meaning in the midst of their hectic schedules. Women read books, attend workshops, and listen to tapes trying to find our calling. Johnson, in her practical, common-sense way, lays out how to find your God-given purpose and encourages you to live it out. Each chapter ends with helpful questions and exercises. I especially like the Experiment in Listening Prayer. At the end of the book are more questions which could be useful in a group study. Johnson's architectural-blueprint approach makes this one of my all-time favorites.

The 6 Stress Points in a Woman's Life by Dr. Kevin Leman

        Best-selling author, psychologist, and humorist, Dr. Leman offers tips to help women overcome that drowning sensation often accompanied by the six stress points in a woman's life: kids, career, husband, housework, money, and crammed schedules. Especially aimed at young mothers, this book offers common-sense advice for minimizing stress and making it work for you.

        We'd like to hear from you! Tell us what issues you're struggling with and we'll include helpful resources in future newsletters, please email me, Patty Crowley, your suggestions.

You can find out how to order these books on line from Worthybooks who provides us montly updates on books from their Worthybooks ReviewLetter.