Two Refreshing Christian Books For Summer

Want an easy, yet still inspiring, book to read this summer? Try The Magnolia Story by Joanna Gaines or So Close To Amazing by KariAnne Wood. See my reasons ...

Two Refreshing Christian Books For Summer

June 15

~ Today’s Scripture Art and post about Christian books for summer were designed to help you find light and fun summer reading that will also write God’s Word on your heart. ~

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Does your summer reading list look different than the rest of the year? Mine usually does.

And this year is no different.

Maybe you are like me and like to take a short break from your normal reading pattern during the summer.

This time of year, my usual preferred choices of impactful, life-challenging books tend to morph into more light-hearted, don’t-even-need-to-underline, cruise-right-through books.

I just finished two books that fit the bill – The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines and So Close To Amazing by KariAnne Wood.

Side note: You may recall how I wrote about Fixer Upper here.

Turns out, both books had a lot in common. They were both memoirs, each telling their unique success story.

My favorite part?

They both gave God all the glory!

Matthew 5:16 (ESV): In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Ephesians 5:20 (NASB): always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;

Joanna said, “I simply never could have imagined just how much God had in store for us, and I certainly couldn’t have dreamed just how many keys to other doors God had already placed in our hands.”

KariAnne said, “When we began our adventure years ago, I knew God had a purpose for all this. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt there was a plan. I didn’t know the what or the why or the where or even the how of the design [but] looking back now, I see the purpose more clearly. Now I see more of the plan. … Along the way, He has been shaping me and refining me and allowing me to grow in ways I never could have imagined.”

Ephesians 3:20-21 (NASB): Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21 Scripture Art — *Shop this ^ printable HERE.*

One big thing that stood out in both success stories is that these sisters in Christ were obedient and followed God’s prompting.

Sure, they asked God questions first, but they both were willing to do His plan even though it required giant leaps of faith.

How willing are we?

Proverbs 16:1 (NLT): We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.

Joanna wrote, “I kept asking God, ‘Are you sure this is the right move? If it is, why does it seem so painful and hard?’ That’s when I heard that gentle whisper, Joanna, if you trust me with your dreams, I’ll take them further than you could have ever imagined. It is no easy thing to trust in God, to walk away from a career, to give it all up not knowing if you can ever get it back or even come close. But I did it. I heeded his voice, and somehow I found peace about it.”

KariAnne wrote, “I’m the one who moved with my husband and four children hundreds of miles across the Mississippi River, from the Dallas Metroplex to the rolling hills of Kentucky, leaving behind everything and everyone we knew and loved because we felt God calling. That’s me – following a dream without too much of a plan, let alone a safety net.”

Both of these books are written by self-taught home designers who weave their faith into their careers and everything they do.

We can all take a lesson from that.

Joanna said, “I came to a brand new conclusion: If all I’m doing is creating beautiful spaces, I’m failing. But if I’m creating beautiful spaces where families are thriving, then I’m really doing something. Doing that became my new calling.”

KariAnne said, “I’m a planner, a designer. I like to make beauty out of ordinary things and create order out of chaos. But when things like this happen, I’m left with the sobering realization that I’m not the director here. I’m not in charge. Even though I’m good at writing Hallmark scripts, there’s someone far wiser directing the show.”