10 Books I Loved in 2015

Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well by Douglas Stone  and Sheila Heen—I saw this book at the library and am so grateful for “impulsive checking out.” In my notebook I wrote nine key lessons I gleaned and will share one here. In general, feedback falls into one of three categories: appreciation, coaching, and evaluation. Often we are disappointed by the feedback we receive is because it’s a mismatch; you might be looking for evaluation and instead are given appreciation. If you’re a supervisor, don’t mix up these three and be clear which you are giving. If you are receiving feedback and there is one particular area you want, be clear in asking for what kind of feedback you’d like. Isn’t that simple, but profound? And that’s just one gem.

Embracing the Body: Finding God in Our Flesh and Bone by Tara M. Owens—In my notebook I wrote Tara helped me think more theologically about my body than I have been trained to do. I like what Amazon said, “Our bodies teach us about God, and God communicates to us through our bodies. Our bodies are more good than we can possibly imagine them to be. And yet at times we may struggle with feelings of shame and guilt or even pride in regard to our bodies. What is God trying to do through our skin and bones? In Embracing the Body spiritual director Tara Owens invites you to listen to your thoughts about your body in a way that draws you closer to God, calling you to explore how your spirituality is intimately tied to your physicality.”

My Life in France by Julia Childs and Alex Prud’Homme—Who doesn’t love Julia Childs? I enjoy hearing how people (in this case Julia) become interested in a subject (in this case French cooking, making cooking shows, and writing cookbooks). While she didn’t convert me to liking French foods, I do wish I could have enjoyed a meal with Julia and hear some of her stories in person. Any other Julia fans out there? (If you haven’t read “Julie and Julia” don’t. It was an utter disappointment compared to the movie.)

Sticking Points: How to Get 4 Generations Working Together in the 12 Places They Come Apart by Haydn Shaw—a fellow Velvet Ashian recommended this book to me (thanks Beth!), saying that every organization needs to read it. I agree! For the first time in history, four generations are in the workspace together (it had been three before). Shaw looks at each generation and what’s formed them, fascinating and helpful! He then explored 12 areas: communication, decision making, dress code, feedback, fun at work, knowledge transfer, loyalty, meetings, policies, respect, training, and work ethic. With each area he provides helpful ways to get unstuck. This book helped me understand myself and others around me better!

With: Reimagining the Way You Relate to God by Skye Jethani—my friend Hannah gave this to me! Yay for friends buying books. Jethani explains for possible ways people can relate to God: Life under God (sinner), Life over God (manager), Life from God (consumer), or Life for God (servant). Many in full time ministry struggle especially with “Life for God,” but what God really wants from us is life with Him. I found myself saying again and again as I read, “This is what I believe! But I couldn’t have said it as articulately.” Now I’ll just tell people to read this.

Soul Keeping: Caring For the Most Important Part of You by John Ortberg—If I could buy one book for everyone in the whole world, it would be this one. Soul Keeping is now on my top 10 most significant books and is one to be read every year. If I really understood how important my soul is, I’d “keep” it better. This is what the soul needs: it’s in it’s nature to need, it needs a keeper, center, future, to be with God, rest, freedom, blessing, satisfaction, and gratitude. This will be a Velvet Ashes book club book some day!