Sippin’ through Summer: Books and Podcasts from Our Heart to Yours!

We’ve been given a little gift this summer by scaling back our schedules and commitments and having more time to spend at home! When I get to the end of the day I am ready to do anything that helps ground me in the present and connect with my family. Reading books and listening to podcasts have been so life giving and have provided a way for us to settle down and unwind together. 

A few of the staff members at Awana have compiled a list of their favorite podcasts and books to share with you!

Favorite Books

All Shall Be Well by Catherine McNiel

If you love God and you love His Creation, then you need to read this book as your daily devotional. If you love one and not the other, then you need to read this book to truly understand and appreciate how God is speaking to us through the special revelation of His Word and in the general revelation of the world He created. This book will inspire you to worship! -Tom

Bridging Theory and Practice in Children’s Spirituality Edited by Mimi L. Larson and Robert J. Keeley

This book explores the different contexts and methods that foster a child’s faith development. It is from a Christ-centered perspective and blends practical applications and theoretical understanding of how a child’s faith develops, and what practitioners can learn from academics and vice versa. Chapters are written by respected voices in the field of children’s spirituality and help the reader to put theory into practice. -Kirsten

Dune by Frank Herbert 

I’ve always loved Sci-Fi, and with Dune being made into a full film series releasing later this year, I wanted to read the source material. -John 

Elephant Thief by Jane Kerr

Based on true events, this is a story of a boy who is accidentally caught up in a race to ride an elephant through Scotland in the late 1800s. Complex characters and an ongoing mystery make it an engaging read. This book is technically Young Adult fiction, which makes it super entertaining for kids, and a clean and interesting story for grown-ups. -Kristin

I’ll Push You by Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck

This is an epic story of faith and friendship. Best friends Patrick and Justin share about Justin’s disability and confinement to a wheelchair, their 500-mile hike across Spain, and the life lessons they learned along the way. -Tom

Just Courage: God’s Great Expedition for the Restless Christian by Gary Haugen 

The book talks about believers who are on the journey with Christ, but miss the adventure along the way. I am wondering if I have been playing it safe in my walk with Christ or if I will fully trust where He leads. I don’t want to miss the adventure He has to offer. -Robin 

Oneness Embraced by Tony Evans

Oneness Embraced is calling God’s people to a Kingdom-focused unity. Unity in the body of Christ is an essential biblical principle given by Jesus himself. Dr. Erwin Lutzer said it best that, “This book by Tony Evans is a real gift to the whole church, a compelling call for racial reconciliation centered in the truths of the Gospel.” The church needs bridge-builders. At a time when our nation is facing division on all fronts, this is a must read. -Samuel

Resurrection and Moral Order by Oliver O’Donovan 

This is a great introduction to Christian ethics and why the moral order of the universe is rooted in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. I read some of O’Donovan in college and wanted to read some of his other works. -John

Favorite Podcasts

Ask Away with Meredith Miller

This new podcast is focused on answering kids’ questions about the Bible. The goal is about helping kids encounter God through God’s Word. She takes kids’ questions and helps guide their conversation of their wonderings. Excellent for families to listen to together! -Kirsten

Bible Project

Hosted by Tim Mackie and Jon Collins, this podcast will give you an in-depth look into the Bible in a way only scholars can do. These episodes are rich and often need to be listened to over again to fully capture the biblical nuance and wisdom! -Melanie 

Bridgetown Daily Devotionals + Morning/Evening Meditations

Bridgetown is a church based in Portland, Oregon that releases daily 10-minute devotional podcasts, and morning and evening meditations based on a single Psalm. My new favorite thing this summer has been listening while going for walks in the morning sun and doing yoga in the evening shade. My days have been brought to such peace, and after listening my heart always feels recentered towards the Lord. -Monica

Gospel in Life – featuring Tim Keller’s sermons

Tim Keller rightly divides the Word of Truth. I would recommend this podcast for seekers, new believers, and for those who are mature in the faith. There’s something for everyone in Tim’s sermons, and he is always sharing the gospel. -Tom 

Make Me Smart

Kai Ryssdal and Molly Wood cover tech, culture, and the economy and try to make sense of the ever-changing world we live in. They have an honest conversation about the news, but aren’t trying to sensationalize or hide an agenda. -Ross

Past and the Curious 

Mick Sullivan tells the craziest and most interesting stories from history, occasionally with a song as well. Great for families of elementary-age kids to listen to together. (My 5-year-old likes it as much as my 12-year-old.) For parents, it feels like learning cool pieces of history trivia. -Kristin

That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs

This is a weekly podcast that will keep you laughing and connecting with biblical truth in every episode! Annie is an authentic interviewer, always keeping God at the center and wanting to learn from everyone she meets. -Melanie

The Big Fib

In each episode of this podcast, a kid has to decide between two adult experts which one is telling the truth and which one is lying. They cover interesting topics and teach a thing or two about discernment along the way. Great for elementary kids. -Kristin

The Table Podcast, hosted by Dr. Darrell Bock 

The Table is a weekly podcast on topics related to God, Christianity, and culture. It is hard to pick favorites, but this one is at the top! -Ed 

Now it’s your turn! What would you recommend to read or listen to? Share your recommendations in the comments or email us! 

Let’s make this a summer for the books, shall we?!? (See what I did there ….)

Disclaimer: The mention of any product or service in this blog does not imply endorsement by Awana Clubs International.