Resources

This page outlines the importance of God's Word and practical helps to Living Free.       
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DEVOTE

Bible
 
No resources noted on this page can take the place of the truth found in God’s Word and having personal time with Him. He’s always there waiting to meet with you. If you do not have a consistent time of reading God's Word, then start with building that time into your schedule. Just like with most changes, you will have to give yourself adequate time (anywhere from 4-8 weeks) to allow this new choice to become a habit. So don’t give up! 
 

Early Morning Challenge
 
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place where he prayed. Mark 1:35

Further encouragement is to consider the added benefit of early devotional time. Sitting down with God first thing has the ability to set the stage for how we view the rest of the day. It’s giving God our first fruits versus giving Him whatever we can find throughout the day. If you’ve never given it a try, then set to take the challenge (again, giving anywhere from 4-8 weeks) to see how it impacts you.
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DEMOLISH

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5
 
Bibliotherapy
 
There are a lot of entities in this world that battle against the freedom we have in Jesus Christ. Entities that include battles within ourselves, with other people and/or repercussions of this broken world. Reading aligned with the truth found in God’s word can be therapeutic, informative and supportive. This section is filled with great recommendations, some that I’ve personally read and others that have been shared with me.    
 
Resources   
 
Enhancing your individual faith/life
  • Reclaiming Surrendered Ground by Jim Logan
  • Not a Fan: Becoming A Completely Committed Follower of Jesus by Kyle Idleman
  • Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God by Henry and Richard Blackaby, Claude King
  • Forgiving What You Can't Forget by Lysa TerKeurst
  • Winning the War in Your Mind by Craig Groeschel
  • Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by Dr. Henry Cloud and and Dr. John Townsend 
  • Goliath Must Fall: Winning the Battle Against Your Giants by Louie Giglio
  • Gay Girl Good God by Jackie Hill Perry

Marriage 
  • You and Me Forever: Marriage in Light of Eternity by Francis and Lisa Chan
  • The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts by Gary Chapman;
  • Unfaithful: Hope and Healing After Infidelity by Gary and Mona Shriver

Parenting/Family 
  • Growing Kids God’s Way (original version) and Parenting From the Tree of Life (updated curriculum) by Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo  (https://growingfamilies.life)
  • On Becoming Series by Gary Ezzo, MA and Robert Bucknam, MD
  • Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends: How to Fight the Good Fight at Home by Sarah, Stephen and Grace Mally
  • Keeping Our Children’s Hearts by Steven and Teri Maxwell
  • Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations by Alex and Brett Harris (a great one for parents to do with their teenagers)

For Women
  • M Is for Mama: A Rebellion against Mediocre Motherhood by Abbie Halberstadt
  • When Words Matter Most: Speaking Truth with Grace to Those You Love by Cheryl Marshall & Caroline Newheiser

Melissa's Pick

Parenting Your Parents
A Practical Guide for Caregivers
Grant and Tammy Ethridge
 
Another thrift store find! I try to find helpful books for different seasons of life. My husband and I are not in this season yet. However, I have personally felt a shift over the last several years from looking for my parents to support us to looking at how we can be a support to them. Grant and Tammy Ethridge share wisdom (biblical and practical) from their journey in caring for their aging parents. They also share a 30-day devotional for added support.  
                 
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DWELL

 
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable-if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy--dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8 (CSB)

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines desensitize as to make (a sensitized or hypersensitive individual) insensitive or nonreactive to a sensitizing agent or to make emotionally insensitive or callous. Humans underestimate the power of desensitization. If we are surrounding ourselves with entertainment that only speaks of the values, beliefs, and circumstances of the world, then don’t be surprised how comfortable we become with it and how much harder it is to see God in the midst of your life. What if we took it the other way? What if we were intentional in dwelling on the things God outlines in this scripture so we can be more sensitive to how He moves. We can be more sensitive and alert to the hope and redeeming power He offers. This section will spotlight entertainment (movies, TV, music, or books) that we can dwell on.
 
Melissa's Pick

The Sound of Freedom
Angel Studios

I finally got the chance to watch this movie. Initially, I was afraid it was going to be too much to manage since I knew the topic (human trafficking). I was conflicted because it is based on a true story and I did not want to ignore the topic. However, I also did not want to be overrun by fear. I decided to pray before I began asking God to help me see whatever I needed to see in this story and to keep fear from consuming me. After watching it I was grateful I did not let that initial fear keep me from seeing it. Overall, for such a difficult topic I thought it was good movie and hope it brings support for the cause. I have included a link to the Pugged In movie review below.

The Sound of Freedom - Plugged In Review