My favorite book from 2016 wasn’t published this year. In fact, it wasn’t originally published this century. However, it felt extremely relevant in a year that seemed to display (and celebrate) every variety of sin. It faithfully reminded me that rather than look at the sin “out there” I must continually look at the sin “in here.”

My stocking was always my favorite thing to open on Christmas morning. I think it was the randomness of the items inside: candy, socks, chocolates, toothpaste (probably to alleviate some of the damage done by the candy and chocolate), fingernail polish, razors, and all kinds of other items. As they spilled out, I loved sorting through them all.

So, rather than offer you a top ten list, I thought I’d put together a “stocking” full of some of my favorite things from 2016: podcasts, songs, books, and Bible studies. These have encouraged me this year, and I hope you might find something to enjoy in the random assortment.

Talks to Ponder

One of the most helpful talks I heard this year was from Nancy Guthrie at an RTS counseling event. Her session was packed with wisdom from her new book, What Grieving People Wish You Knew About What Really Helps and What Really Hurts. Thankfully, it was recorded, and you can watch and listen here.

A talk that’s packed full of parenting wisdom is Jen Wilkin’s How to Raise an Alien Child from TGCW16.  If you have children, listen to this session. It’s full of insight, encouragement, and truth.

And don’t miss Following Jesus Far From Home from Mary Wilson. “We are far from home yes, but we are not far from Him.” Amen.

Songs to Sing

I’ve played the Getty’s new album, Facing a Task Unfinished, more times that I can count. Songs move my heart like nothing else, reminding me of truth in a way that awakens joy. Some of my favorites (in addition to the title song) are He Will Hold Me Fast and For the Cause.

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