Grace is Greater (and Other August Reads)

Although I’m ahead on my reading goals for the year, I only finished three books in August. It was a busy, distracted sort of month!

What’s more, I spent a bunch of the month on the road. That’s why all three of the titles I “read” were audiobooks — two of them freebies from my favorite supplier, christianaudio.com. (This is NOT a paid ad or affiliate link, by the way. It’s just a hearty endorsement from a satisfied customer!)

Grace Is Greater by Kyle Idleman

I once heard a clever definition God’s grace that took the form of an acrostic: “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.” Many of the hymns we sang in church centered on the same theme. “Amazing Grace — how sweet the sound — that saved a wretch like me!” And “Grace, grace. God’s grace! Grace that is greater than all our sin.”

Echoing that same sentiment, Kyle Idleman examines the unfathomable grace that God offers sinners. He writes: “No sin is so great, no bitterness so deep that God’s grace cannot transform the heart and rewrite the story.” Speaking of stories, Kyle’s book is rife with them. He uses both Biblical tales and personal anecdotes to illustrate the truth that God’s grace can overcome every obstacle that Satan erects against it. And he challenges Christians to extend the grace they’ve received to those around them, living in a way that unmistakably points others to Jesus.

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

I can’t even begin to count the number of times my family has enjoyed Where the Red Fern Grows. This classic packs powerful lessons on hard work, perseverance, familial love, kindness, and integrity. And it moves us to tears every time we read it.

Now that our grandkids are getting older — and because they were on the road with us during much of our travels this summer — we were able to share this beloved story with a whole new generation. And they were just as enthralled with it as the rest of us have always been.

Of course, they live on a farm in the country with a couple of faithful dogs who shadow their every move. That fact undoubtedly helps them relate to Billy Coleman on a deeper level (even though they prefer leaving snacks on the porch for their ring-tailed neighbors instead of treeing and skinning them).

Your Best Year Ever by Michael Hyatt

I devoured Your Best Year Ever when it first hit the shelves in January 2018. Yet, as mentioned on Instagram recently, I decided to re-read it last month.

After what was decidedly NOT my best summer ever, I thought my fall could use a reboot. The good news is, there’s no need to wait for January to change your trajectory. 🙂

I actually listened to the audio version this time around. This was another monthly, no-strings-attached freebie from christianaudio.com. It’s one of the best deals going for bibliophiles, so if you haven’t done so already, check them out. (Again, this public service announcement is just an enthusiastic endorsement, not an ad!)