More than likely we will not see the grass again until around Easter, (BOOOOOOH - i digress) so most of us will be spending considerably more time inside throughout the winter. This is a great opportunity to grow through reading. We need to continually be growing emotionally, relationally, spiritually etc. There is nothing wrong with reading fiction and enjoying a great story, in fact, I would highly recommend it. However, if we are not intentional about reading to grow; growing closer to God, and growing closer to others - it will not just happen by reading great stories and watching Netflix! So here are 10 books that I would recommend to slay the 5 giants of laziness, ignorance, complacency, apathy, and self-sufficiency.

1. Gospel Fluency by Jeff Vanderstelt

2. Boundaries by Henry Cloud & John Townsend

3. Surrender to Love by David Benner (also The Gift of Being Yourself by Benner is great)

4. The Trellis and The Vine by Colin Marshall & Tony Payne

5. The Reason for God by Timothy Keller

6. Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerich

7. I Am a Church Member by Thom Rainer

8. Contagious Disciple Making by David Watson & Paul Watson

9. The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller

10. When People are Big and God is Small by Edward Welch

I hope that you take advantage of the hours and hours of cold and darkness of the Maine winter (BOOOOOOH - again i digress). We have been blessed with these hours and are required to be good stewards of them. One of our core values at Hollis Center Church is Continuous Personal Growth, and one of the best ways to learn, to be stretched, to be strengthened, and to grow is by reading. Here are 5 smooth stones to help you get the most of what you are reading.

1. PRAY FOR GOD'S GUIDANCE

2. READ SLOW

3. STOP AND THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU HAVE READ AFTER EVERY PARAGRAPH

4. REWORD WHAT YOU HAVE READ AND REPEAT IT BACK TO YOURSELF

5. THINK ABOUT HOW WHAT YOU ARE READING APPLIES TO YOUR LIFE

Winter Blessings, Stephen