It is certainly hard to believe that today is the last day of October. When this series began, I invited you here everyday in October, to come with open hands, a willing heart, and a soul ready to breathe in sweet grace. From the comments and emails I’ve received, it seems you have done just that. I hope that is true for those of you I haven’t heard from.
As promised, I wanted to close out this series with a list of some recommended resources for further study, if you feel so inclined. This list is in no way exhaustive, and I may add to it as more come to mind.
Over the last 10 years or so, The Man and I have found some books that we keep going back to. A bit of a warning, we can be a little geeky and theology-ish when it comes to this subject. As in, we listen to sermons on tape (yes, tape) and we read books written by people who have been dead for a while and we have notebooks filled with scribbles and scrabbles on grace. We talk about the doctrine of grace a lot, about the finished work of Christ and other things that may not be super user-friendly language. So some of the books I suggest may reflect that. Just so you know.
non-fiction books
The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whittal Smith :: Because it was originally published in 1875, it is now part of the public domain and you can read it here. It is fantastic.
The Saving Life of Christ by Major Ian Thomas
The Normal Christian Life by Watchman Nee
Families Where Grace is in Place by Jeff VanVonderan :: a well-worn favorite. I’ve linked to the updated version with study guides for families and small groups.
Loving Our Kids on Purpose by Danny Silk :: he also has a series of talks on CD that is kind of the book on tape but not exactly. I’ve not read the book, but I’ve listened to the talks. Very good.
Breaking the Rules by Fil Anderson :: a family friend, Fil has an easy-to-listen-to voice and a great story of how he learned grace after a lifetime of religion.
Grace Works by Dudley Hall :: if you are a good girl or grew up thinking you had to be perfect, this could be a book you might relate to. This was one that loosened up some of my rigid religion when I was in my early twenties.
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young :: a 365 day devotional. You already have this one though, right? Essential.
What God Wishes Christians Knew About Christianity by Bill Gillham
. . . and coming Fall 2011 My Almost-But-Not-Yet-Titled Book :: again, for all you girls out there who are tired of living a try-hard life, this (I very much hope) wil be a grace offering to you. More to come on that.
. . . and a few I’ve not read yet but heard are good
Gracenomics: Unleash the Power of Second Chance Living by Mike Foster
The Naked Gospel by Andrew Farley :: we have this one, and I’ve thumbed through. Really cool cover.
The Grace of God by Andy Stanley :: you can read about the book on Michael Hyatt’s blog.
fiction books
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers :: based on the story of Hosea and Gomer. A beautiful, captivating read.
The Defiance Texas Trilogy by Mary E. DeMuth :: Mary confronts difficult issues in this beautifully written 3-book series, issues that have grace and redemption weaved throughout.
blogs
“It is extraordinarily powerful. It is often extraordinarily slow. Fear works quicker. But fear erodes relationships. Grace is like a crock pot.” – Andy Stanley, on grace from the Michael Hyatt interview
Grace is for Sinners Serena Woods
A Holy Experience Ann VosKamp
Face to Face Heather Gemann Wilson @ (in)courage on showing grace to your enemies.
Grace-Hating Sarah Markley at The Best Days of My Life on showing grace to grace-haters.
31 Days of Grace :: you may click here to read each post in this series.
And of course, I have to say hello and yay to the other girls who hosted a 31 Days Series this month: my sister at Nesting Place, Balancing Beauty and Bedlam, My First Kitchen, Life With My 3 Boybarians, Reluctant Entertainer, The Inspired Room, and Remodeling This Life.
Are there resources you have discovered on this topic of grace? Please, share them with us in the comments – title only – if you leave a link, it will go to spam. I have had so much fun writing this month. Tomorrow I’ll share a bit of the behind-the-scenes about that. Or maybe I’ll wait til the next day !! And again, thank you for joining me for 31 Days of Grace.
This month of posts has been wonderful. Thanks so much for your words of wisdom and inspiration! Thank you!
Lisa´s last [type] ..Grace Full
Love you started with the Smith book; it’s been a favorite for many years. I’m visiting via Dawn, Everyday Ordinary Dawnings, and am sorry I didn’t get here the first of the month. As time permits, I hope to visit other October posts. God’s blessings on you, yours and the work of your hands and heart.
The Ragamuffin Gospel was a big one for me. I dated a guy who said that book made God seem like a pansy, and I knew it wasn’t going to work out for us.
Kari´s last [type] ..Only the children- pretending to be ghosts- are real
I forgot about that one. His devotional, Reflections of a Ragamuffin, is also very good. I would love to know what guy said that book makes God seem like a pansy…
Yeah, I am terrible at devotionals, but I liked the format of that one. Also, you don’t know the boy. He did write me a theme song, though. My very own theme song.
Kari´s last [type] ..Only the children- pretending to be ghosts- are real
Emily, thank you so much for this beautiful series. I can’t wait to read your book. Here’s my favorite on grace:
Free of Charge: Giving and Forgiving in a Culture Stripped of Grace by Miroslav Volf
Awesome series, Emily. And can I just say, I think you had the most challenging topic for the 31 days series. Way to go!
Michelle DeRusha @ Graceful´s last [type] ..A Graceful Conversation
Thank you for sharing your heart and God’s Grace with us.
I teach a girl’s discipleship group and last Wednesday did a lesson on the Grace of Jesus Christ compiled from snippets of wisdom from your 31 days that made me cry, suck in my breath, and then decide that I really could live in the land of “extending the Grace that was given to me” everyday.
Hopefully the girls think about Grace in a whole new way as well. (There were vanilla jelly beans given out!)
Keep blessing and being blessed!
Sher
Thanks for the resources. Classic Christianity by Bob George is awesome. He has several other books that help the Christian understand the grace-life without legalism, works, or rules. http://www.realanswers.net
allison morrison´s last [type] ..Grace- Grace Gods Grace
I’ve read Classic Christianity too! That is a good one for sure…
It is quite hard to believe October is already over. Somehow the month got away from me. But I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every single one of your posts, Emily. The grace shown and shared here is beautiful.
Hi again,
This journey with grace has been wonderful!
Thanks for the list of “grace book’s” –
I cut my teeth, so to speak, on Watchmen Nee’s “The Normal Christian Life” – and will always be grateful for his insights.
And Hannah’s book wasn’t far behind.
I look forward to your book coming out
Suggestion for another great read: “What’s So Amazing About Grace?” by Philip Yancey
allie´s last [type] ..Pressing Pause Really
Thanks so much for the encouragements on grace! It’s true…fear works faster, but grace is so patient…working a much deeper work into us.
My family has been studying Destined To Reign by Joseph Prince this year…has changed every aspect of our Christian walk.
Blessings to you, Emily!
HappyWinter!
I’ve so enjoyed every post of this series, Emily. I’ve learned from you. I’ve also heard the Naked Gospel is really good. Thanks for the list of books, and for just being YOU. Love you friend!
Sandy @ Reluctant Entertainer´s last [type] ..Day 31 Stress-Free Entertaining- A Grace-Filled Ending!
Thank you Emily, for writing this series. It has been really a joy to read, full of insight and encouragement and resources.
Sharon´s last [type] ..A Path- His Presence- and Pleasures Forevermore
Yancey’s “What’s so Amazing About Grace” is my favorite. It’s a wonderful book that I read over and over.
xo Erin
love this one. so powerful!
suzannah {so much shouting, so much laughter}´s last [type] ..ebenezer-raising
Life-changing. How can I refuse to forgive someone when I realize all that God has forgiven of me? (paraphrase)
Emily, you thanked us for joining you, but let me thank you for giving. You gave your time and your talent to work so hard at giving a great teaching on grace. Thank you.
I’m sad it’s over. You have starting me thinking anew and often about grace. I have caught myself as I’ve disciplined children or talked with a friend or had exchanges with my husband, “What does grace do or say or look like here?” {Bracelet idea? WWGD? It could be the next big thing, you know.}
Thank you for writing grace in this space for all of us. Not just over the past 31 days but every time we meet here. I think that must be one of the reasons I’ve loved it so much from the beginning, why I never miss a post. It is a place of grace.
Scooper´s last [type] ..What I Scored at the Nesters Yard Sale
Oops, I almost forgot. A couple of favorite Grace reads:
A Scandalous Freedom by Steve Brown
The Prodigal God by Tim Keller
Abba’s Child by Brennan Manning
Scooper´s last [type] ..What I Scored at the Nesters Yard Sale
Thanks Emily, I only caught on to your blog at about day 12, but couldn’t resist adding my comments to the discussion regularly since then…one of my favourite books at the moment is “A Lineage of Grace” by Francine Rivers…when you mentioned another of her books it reminded me. It is a fascinating look at the characters of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary, through the eyes of God’s grace…very easy to read.
Naturally Carol´s last [type] ..Bittersweet
Healing Grace by David Seamands is one of the books I’ve found to be most helpful in overcoming perfectionism and learning to live by God’s grace. I read Redeeming Grace for a Seminary class and really liked it, but somehow every time I think of reading it again, I find that I can’t. There is so much pain in it…
I’m really sorry that this series is over, I’ve enjoyed it so much.
Blessings to you, and may God continue to do his work through your work.
I absolutely loved Redeeming Love!! Definitely one of my favorites! I’m particularly interested in Grace Works, from your description it sounds like I could use that. Thank you, I’m a new reader and am in college for the first time and I am attempting to pursue God. I find your writing very encouraging. Thank you!
Livi´s last [type] ..Broken Not so much
“A Christian’s Secret to A Happy Life” is one of my all time favorites!!!
Well done girl. Thanks for shining your grace flashlight! I have been encouraged!
stacey´s last [type] ..Multitude Monday
I just finished The Grace of God by Andy Stanley and it is a FANTASTIC book!!! My husband isn’t a big reader (I’m the book worm in the family) but, because of hearing me talk about the book, he picked it up and started reading it as soon as I finished it. (I read several things to him, too, as I was reading the book– things that really touched a spot in my heart.)
I have so enjoyed your Grace series… and most of all, I see grace in places I didn’t before. Thank you for sharing this wonderful 31 day journey!
Nickie´s last [type] ..Early morning mustard seeds…
I’m late here, but I wanted to share this piece which said “grace” to me. Serendipity. I found this while cleaning out some paperwork. I clipped if from a bulletin in 1999.
“A Japanese version of Psalm 23, translated into English, emphasizes rest and balance.
“The Lord is my pace-setter, I shall not rush. He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals, he provides me with images of stillness which restore my serenity. He leads me in the ways of efficiency through calmness of mind and his guidance is peace. Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day, I will not fret, for his presence is here. His timelessness, his all-importance will keep in balance. He prepares refreshment and renewals in the midst of my activity by anointing my mind with his oil of tranquility. My cup of joyous energy overflows. Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hours, for I shall walk in the peace of my Lord and dwell in his house forever.”
Carol´s last [type] ..Dogwood quilt October update
Hi Emily!
Lived this wrap up to the 31 days. I was not able to follow along as I had hoped, but plan to go back and savor it as soon as I can. Grace is definitely one place where I can use all the understanding I can get!
Thanks for hosting this!
Bernice
Ramblings of a Woman´s last [type] ..Living the Balanced Life- Pefectly Imbalanced
you are not going to believe this, but today, i begin to read your 31 days of grace…
life got a little crazy and hubby is working late and i can’t think of a better way to spend the evening…
patty´s last [type] ..Halloween Masquerade Party
I so loved this series and I, too, only came in around half way… So glad to hear your writing a book. GOOD!
What came to my mind was the question “What’s so amazing about Grace?” – (I think that is a book title – as well) and the quick answer for me comes from these two definitions regarding the difference between Mercy and Grace.
Mercy: Not getting what you deserve.
Grace: Getting what you don’t deserve.
Bevy´s last [type] ..HOWDY!!
I’ve been jumping around your grace series – I need it and it’s wonderful.
I just downloaded The Christian’s Secret to a Happy Life on my Kindle (it was a mere .99, and easy on the eyes
) I look forward to digging into it and the other resources you mentioned above. I have never heard of any of them (with the exception of Redeeming Love – LOVE, and Jesus Calling)! Which is saying something because my husband and I are avid readers and theology thinkers, too. So thank you for sharing your resource list with us!
Christin´s last [type] ..Day 9 Confronting Laziness 31 Days to Clean