Books and Podcasts, May 2025

It’s been a while since I shared some podcasts and books I have been enjoying, so here we go.

Books

A Still and Quiet Mind: Twelve Strategies for Changing Unwanted Thoughts by Esther Smith. This is a practical read on using Scripture to take your thoughts captive. Not exactly a beach read but a helpful one if this is an area of struggle. 

Parenting with Hope: Raising Teens for Christ in a Secular Age by Melissa B. Kruger. This is my second time reading this book and honestly as someone who works and lives with teens it will probably be a yearly read for me for the next 10 years (at least). Please find me if you read it because I would love to chat more about what God taught you through this book. This time I enjoyed it as an audiobook on Hoopla (a FREE resource from the library, thanks to Ashley Bennett for that tip)! 

Peace Over Perfection: Enjoying a Good God When You Feel You’re Never Good Enough by Faith Chang. An easy read that I digested one chapter at a time. 

God Does His Best Work with Empty by Nancy Guthrie. I also listened to this as an audiobook (Hoopla for the win) and enjoyed her detailed use of Biblical stories to encourage us. I wasn’t able to take enough notes and will probably reread it as a physical book in the future!

Podcasts

Deep Dish Podcast with Melissa Kruger and Courtney Doctor. I LOVE this new podcast from The Gospel Coalition. It is like listening in on a conversation. The topics are fantastic and it has been one I have started looking forward to each Thursday. 

Journeywomen. This season was focused on discipleship and I loved the continuity of the messages with strong emphasis on Scripture. Warning: it was convicting to me and if you are not yet in a discipling relationship and/or discipling someone else, it just might change your thoughts on that! 

Encourage Women Podcast. Current seasons have been focused on a conversation format. It is a lighter podcast that often is perfect for my drive home from work when my brain isn’t functioning at full capacity but I still want to fill it with an encouraging Scripture-based conversation.

The Humble Skeptic. This podcast was introduced to me by a new friend at the church. I have listened to the faith series (way at the beginning). It makes me think critically and challenges me.  For me, this is a great podcast to listen to while I am doing something else (like dishes or folding laundry) because it requires me to engage intellectually in a different way from other podcasts.

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Christmas Music Recommendations

I love music. I love that it can change my attitude and refocus me so quickly. Christmas music is no different for me. I love it all: from Rudolph and Frosty, White Christmas, and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas to songs and carols with deep, soul-touching lyrics; songs that remind me of singing in choirs throughout the years, songs I remember from childhood, songs that make me remember those I loved who are no longer here; songs that have the power to bring me to tears as I realize my need for a Savior, His amazing grace, and His love for me. 

Here are some of the albums I have been playing on Amazon Music this month. (I have included Spotify links below, but most of these albums are available widely.) 

Disclaimer: This list is not exhaustive and you should put it through your own theological vetting process. (I may not be as reformed as some in my musical selections. 😉)

Kids Music

Sing Christmas Songs by Ellie Holcomb

Waiting Songs by Rain for Roots 

Slugs & Bugs Christmas 

Instrumental

Midwinter Carols by Joel Clarkson (volume 1 & volume 2)

Other Selections

Majesty & Glory of Christmas (Warning: If you have sung in choirs you will have a hard time not singing along. Your children may make fun of you!)

Prepare Him Room by Sovereign Grace

Heaven Has Come by Sovereign Grace

Sing! An Irish Christmas by Keith & Kristyn Getty

Joy! An Irish Christmas by Keith & Kristyn Getty

Christmas by Sandra McCracken

The Manger by Anne Wilson (Because I can’t help myself, I do still love country music!)

Resting in God’s Love

May music help you rest more deeply this Christmas season in God’s love for you and the joy He brings. Merry Christmas!

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