Pursuing God | A Collection of Devotionals, Books, Podcasts & Other Resources

“The sweetest thing in all my life has been the longing to find where all the beauty comes from.” C. S. Lewis

I shared this in an Instagram post about week ago:

“This feels weird to say on IG, and it feels weird saying that it feels weird on IG, but whatever. I want more God in my life. I feel that pull, anyhow. You know those rare but profound moments, the time slowing ones, the goosebumps ones, the ones that rush over and through your like a warm ocean wave giving you a ripple of clarity and purpose…the small but memorable moments out of the fray that catch  you in a soft net and help push you forward? Those. They are worth pursuing. And I recognize that when in a spiritual place, although not always physically, I experience these moments the most. It’s like God gives us these precious minutes, or even seconds as it happens to me sometimes, like a gift to help soften and open our hearts. Maybe you feel this tug? This invitation? And maybe, like me, you’re tired of telling yourself you’re too busy or you’re already doing enough to water that area of your life? 

But as I sit and think, it’s clear to me that this tug is really beautiful and absolutely worth listening to and although a bit vulnerable, sharing here with others who may feel similar or who have been inspired to share. With that, I have been on the search for a new devotional (or some sort of intentional practice) to work with, an anchor for my days, and preferably one that speaks to motherhood and the blessed but beautiful challenging calling that is the work of raising humans. If you have any worthwhile recommendations I’d love to hear them. And to those who keep challenging me to pursue God, whether near or far, thank you.”

To all who commented either in solidarity or with inspiration and material to look into, thank you. I’ve spent the last week pouring over everything you all suggested and came up with a good list to help you (and frankly, myself) on our journey in pursuing a more consistent relationship with God. Whether you are mother or not, the resources listed below are wonderful places to start if you are looking for a new daily devotional to start your day, or simply a beautiful book to read tucked in bed at night.

I have linked everything to you so if you want a better look or are interested in buying you can head in that direction. There is no rhyme or reason in how I organized this list, I just went with what was given and kept building. I hope you find it useful, and if you have more resources to share with this community, by all means, share away!

 

Nonfiction, Devotional, & Bible Study Authors (Non-alphabetized):

On Instagram: 

Podcasts:

Other Resources:

 

 

  • Norma Aguilar - I’m always thankful for the Holy Spirit nudging me to seek God more. So thankful God doesn’t give up on me and continually desires to spend time with me.

    Thank you for all the links♥ReplyCancel

  • Katie - Amanda, this is beautiful! I recently made the decision to wake up at 4am to sneak away with the Lord before the little and my husband wakes. It’s been deeply refreshing and a little scandalous to have that time alone with Him, to breathe and then write with no needs to meet except my own. Thank you for the resources what a lovely master list.ReplyCancel

  • Katie - I am reading The Broken Way by Ann Voskamp right now. The way she writes made it hard for me to get into at first, but now that I am in, I am loving it. I have actually thought of you while reading it. I think it will really bless you. Thanks for the list!ReplyCancel

  • Taylor Norris - This is great!

    Don’t forget Shannan Martin’s book “Falling Free.” Really important message to follow Jesus in ways that contradict the American Dream. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannanwrites/

    PS: The light gray and small type is so hard for me to read on here. Any chance you’d like to make it pure black and/or larger type?ReplyCancel

  • Lia Behr - I’m going to be elbows deep in all of this glorious information you’ve collected for awhile! Thank you! I’m so glad you’ve come out and just said “IT.” It’s so silly the whole “God” topic is so taboo, because when it comes down to it – “IT” is all life is really about. You’re writing, family and journey inspire me!

    Thank you for what you do.

    LiaReplyCancel

  • Lianne - Oh my word, yes. This is amazing. Thank you so much for this post! I’ve already requested from the library both Ann Voskamp’s books you have listed. So excited for this!

    xo,
    lianneReplyCancel

  • Stephanie Johnson - Thank you for this post and for compiling this list! I am currently reading “Parenting” by Paul David Tripp and cannot recommend it enough! It has been transformational in my parenting in the short time I’ve been reading it!ReplyCancel

  • Renee Eby - On Emily P. Freeman’s blog you can sign up for “7Days of still moments” a free audio devotional. I find her voice very soothing and calming. Her writing is so honest yet challenging. I’ve followed you since Stella was just about 1 year old. I, too, was a teacher (6th grade) and ended up staying home after finishing the year after having my first, which was 21 years ago. Yikes! Anyway, I enjoy your blog and your writing.ReplyCancel

  • torii weber - also from aw tozer.. Knowledge of the Holy. Mere Christianity by cs lewis is excellent as well. their language is so articulate and the truths they share are so profound! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Holly Yinger - Oh, I was so tickled to check in on your blog today and find this! I was reflecting on your seasonal library posts in the past and how much I’ve loved what you’ve shared and was hoping you would do one soon. I’m thankful to follow writers that recognize there is so much value in creating beauty and in embracing the simple, but that isolated it can wind up feeling empty sometimes. When we allow it to be an expression of love for the Creator and savoring the endless beautiful creations, it feels so much more full and sacred. Homemaking as worship. Simply all of life becomes a thanks song.ReplyCancel

    • Kristiana Volkers - Holly, I love what you said about homemaking as worship. As one with marriage in her close future, this really spoke to me, as I think about my future and what children and a home entails.

      “Homemaking as worship. Simply all of life becomes a thanks song.” Thank you for this poetry!ReplyCancel

  • Jenni - Thank you so much for compiling this extensive list! I have been looking for new devotional material to read and I very much look forward to checking out some of these. 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Ashley - Very impressed with this list. Elizabeth Elliot is my very favourite! We are a missionary family and I love the example her life provides of a life sold out to the Lord. Susannah Spurgeon is another woman I draw immense inspiration from as a pastor’s wife and mother to little ones. Thanks for sharing!ReplyCancel

  • Laureena - Just curious, but you seemed to be more unsure of organized religion and your stance on god in (way) older posts. What made you change your mind and now believe so firmly?ReplyCancel

    • admin - Laureena, oh absolutely! This could be a really, really long post because so many things have influenced my faith journey, something that although going up Catholic and attending Catholic school has never been stagnant. There were many years I longed to be a part of a supportive faith community that made me feel closer to God, yet I let my ego, skepticism, cynicism and overall confusion lead me and my choices. There were years I actually worked hard to not pursue God. That hurts to write but it’s true. What was missing was a community of compassionate people that gave me grace along spiritual experiences outside of what I thought Christianity to be to help me open my eyes and learn that we are all brothers and sisters and deeply in need of Jesus and His grace. I learned that if I want to do better and be better and help guide my children to do the same I need God. I need him and I actively need to pursue Him. I don’t know if this answers your question entirely, or that I even can do that, but it’s part of my story and I am proud to share it here. Blessings to you! x AmandaReplyCancel

  • Lauren - So glad to see you showing yourself, and not hiding from your depth as a person which many are apt to do on social media. Your instagram photo on the Women’s March is sparking a lot, and I am so happy that you are leaving it open and partaking in the conversation. I feel like you’ve really grown a thicker skin for this stuff than most and it is beautiful to see you trying to bridge the gap. Open dialogue is the most important way we can show up for one another, a divine action of conscious caring- being there. Thank you for creating so many spaces for worthy, thoughtful, conversation & sharing. Much love. xoxReplyCancel

  • Rachel - One of my resolutions for this year has been to devote more time to God, so this is perfect! I’m definitely bookmarking this–so many valuable resources! Thanks for putting it together.ReplyCancel

  • Sarah - This is a book I found one time at a used book sale. The focus isn’t specifically about faith and God but I found a lot of parallels between the life the author was writing about and the life I want to live and my relationships, including with God. It is one of the best books I have ever read and one that I like to reread every year or so when I need to feel comforted.

    https://www.amazon.com/Plain-Simple-Womans-Journey-Amish/dp/0062501860/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1485137689&sr=8-20&keywords=plain+and+simple+bookReplyCancel

  • Jacque - I resonate with your words about how God feels. Thanks for describing it and discussing it in such an authentic way. That warm spirit is so real but seems to be so under-discussed.ReplyCancel

  • Kate - Hi, Amanda, I read your comment saying you grew up Catholic, but I was wondering if that is still what you practiced? It is evident you are a Christian I was just wondering your domination. I personally am a practicing Catholic, but my long term boyfriend is Methodist, I frequently debate whether or not I would stay Catholic or become Methodist when we marry.ReplyCancel

  • lia - Thank you so much for this list. And to everyone who contributed to it. I am feeling such shifts and a calling to Jesus, unlike anything I have felt before. I was raised pagan and my mother resists any mention of our Catholic background. So while I still feel universalist heart towards all, I personally am being called to Jesus. I know these resources are going to effect my life deeply and that of my husband and children.

    xoxoReplyCancel

  • Sara Cone - Thank you for this list… I have book looking for something like this. Blessings!ReplyCancel

  • Christie Goetz - Hi, which do you recommend for a single, no kid, 35 year old?? Any good recommendations?

    Thanks,
    ChristieReplyCancel

  • Hailey Shaffer - I have come back and back again to this page. Thank you for doing this 💕ReplyCancel

  • Rochelle - Another podcast I recently discovered via Instagram is called Risen Motherhood and it’s very encouraging.ReplyCancel

    • admin - Rochelle, thank you! Adding it to my list. x AmandaReplyCancel

  • Mary Ross - I just read 1000 gifts on a long plane ride because I saw it on this list. Amazing book! Thank you!ReplyCancel

    • admin - Mary, that book is so life-giving!! A precious read, I am so glad you enjoyed it! x AmandaReplyCancel

  • Magda - Hi, I’ve been following your account on ig for a while but just discovered your website. It is such a wonderful resource for all things close to my heart. I can’t wait to dive deeper into your blog. Thanks for what you’re doing ‘mama’!ReplyCancel

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