Life can be so fast-paced sometimes, but I love a good book because it somehow can slow things down. Books have been a great place of rest for me lately.

I am reading multiple books right now and I am not sure if that is a good or bad thing. 😉 While I should probably stick to one book at a time, nonetheless, I have been trying to turn some pages in my books rather than scroll through social media.

I thought it would be fun to share with you what I have been reading. I would love to hear what you are reading, too, so make sure to share what book (or books) you’re reading right now in the comments.

I just finished reading Chasing Vines by Beth Moore. The Father took me through a refining process a little over a year ago, so this book was perfect for the journey I have been on. Chasing Vines beautifully displays how God is our vine and He uses everything – the good and the bad – for a purpose. Everything matters. The vinedresser. The vine. The soil. The manure – yes, even that. The fruit. The harvest.

It brings me joy knowing that fruit comes after enduring the painful moments. As I look back, I know without a doubt that while I couldn’t see the fruit during the crushing, I am beginning to see the fruit now.

If you are in the crushing right now, can I encourage you that fruit will come?

Another great book I have been reading is Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen. I battle with overthinking so this book has been perfect for me. I have also battled with anxious thoughts but I am learning that I don’t have to stay there. With Jesus always right there with me, I know that I can quiet my mind and calm any anxious thought.

Jennie says, “Not only can our thoughts be changed, but we can be the ones to change them.” We have the choice to change our thoughts and remind ourselves that we have the power of Christ within us. We can choose what we think about.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

When our thoughts are not true or lovely, we have a choice to change those thoughts. We can choose to stay there or we can choose to redirect our thoughts toward what is true. We can choose peace over anxiety. We can choose rest over striving.

I have been on a personal journey of renewing my mind, so another book I have been reading is Switch on Your Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf. I will probably have to read this book seven plus times to process all of it, but it has been so insightful! We have an amazing Creator who created our minds and gives us the power to choose our thoughts.

Dr. Leaf has really got me thinking! She says, “Whatever you think about will grow. This applies to both the positive and negative ends of the spectrum.” I want fruit to grow. I want good things to grow. And I know our Creator wants us to think on the good things so that we can bear fruit.

So, what are you reading? I am so glad for those moments when I can just turn off the world and read a good book and be renewed by good words.