With break in hindsight, we finally have time to catch up on some fun reading and reading in our free time (what even is this concept anymore?) I think words are awesome. They contain so much power and worth and value when strung together well.

With that being said, books are some of my favorite things. I think books have a greater impact on your life than you think. Here are just a few faith based titles that have helped shape my life, caused me to laugh, made me think, asked the hard questions about my faith, and made me love life just that much more.

"Cold Tangerines" // Shauna Niequist

One of my all time favorites, this book is filled to the brim with zeal and love for life and everything in it. With anecdotes from Shauna's life and experiences she draws from, these pages contain much encouragement and love in savoring the little things in life and seeing joy in any situation.

"Loveology" // John Mark Comer

This is a friend of my cousin's book he threw together from the magical land of Portland. He does a great job of covering the huge topic of love. He carefully articulates the art of it and how to contain a heart of love that is like the love of Christ in all forms of relationships in life: marriage, friendships, family.

"Mere Christianity" // C. S. Lewis

My main man, Clive Staples Lewis: this guy knows what he's talking about. This wise articulator and Oxford dweller's works never fail to cause me to think and ponder and wrestle with topics about Christianity and faith. His writings are dense, but are full of with much wisdom and truth. This one discusses the foundations and fundamental teachings of Christianity. Read this one slow and carefully. I read a chapter of so of this one, and then take a while to process it and fully understand what's he's trying to portray.

"Blue Like Jazz" // Donald Miller

I'm a big fan of Donald Miller's work. This is a collection of essays and personal reflections chronicling the author's growing understanding of the nature of God and Jesus, and the need and responsibility for an authentic personal response to that understanding.

"7" // Jen Hatmaker

This one's wildly entertaining and incredibly heartfelt. Jen talks about her time of when she tackles a seven-month experimental mutiny against excess, tackling seven areas of overconsumption in the spirit of a fast; a fast from greed, irresponsibility, apathy, and insatiability. She is authentic and humorous and you learn much from her stories.

"Redeeming Love" // Francine Rivers

I'm not a huge fan of fiction, but this classic utterly grazed my heart with what it's worth. If you want a good read, read this one. It's a beautiful story based on the story of Hosea in the Bible and how he practiced insurmountable love that is deeply rooted in Christ to a prostitute that needs it. This will make you cry and ball and joyful and tear your heart apart all at the same time.

"Jesus> Religion" // Jefferson Bethke

With proud roots from my hometown in Washington as well, Jeff throws it down with much truth in this book about his faith and God in general. He's honest and real about what he thinks and believes in and makes great statements about the Lord. Some controversial, most incredible, this book will make you think.

"One Thousand Gifts" // Ann Voskamp

This is a book that will teach you to be thankful and to live a life that is fully alive. Ann invites us to slow down, to open your eyes to extraordinary grace, and to learn how to live the full life of joy and gratitude regardless of circumstances.

"Love Does" // Bob Goff

No brainer. Love the Young Life roots Bob has and his zeal for life, people, and Jesus is indescribable. His stories are unreal and incredible. If this one doesn't make you hungry for life, nothing else will. This one is always a winner.