Today I finished my last book of 2015! This is pretty huge–I’m usually reading until the last second on New Year’s Eve, hoping to finish book fifty in time. The last two books of this year were really great, and I’m excited to share them with you.

Book #49 is Mindscape: What to Think About Instead of Worrying by Timothy Z. Witmer. I read an article by Witmer on this topic in a magazine I subscribe to, so I decided to check out his book. Witmer basically takes Philippians 4:8-9 and explains in great detail how we can alter our “mindscape” to eliminate worry.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

-Philippians 4:8-9

Witmer takes each of these qualities in turn (true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, praiseworthy) and explains how they can help us fight against worry, stress, and temptation. If you’re prone to anxiety, I would definitely recommend this book. It can help you get a new mindset moving in to the new year.

Book #50 (hooray!) is The Story of God’s Love for You by Sally Lloyd-Jones. This book is an adult version of The Jesus Storybook Bible, also by Sally Lloyd-Jones. If you haven’t heard of The Jesus Storybook Bible, it’s awesome! It’s a child’s storybook, but all of the Bible stories mention Jesus in some way. It helps kids learn that Jesus is the central figure of the whole Bible–it’s all His story!

When I say that The Story of God’s Love for You is a grown-up version of the children’s book, I don’t mean it’s written for adults. In fact, the actual text is exactly the same. It’s just been repackaged without the illustrations. Somehow the simple language makes the story even more accessible and readable. I think this would be a great book to give as a gift–it would work nicely on a coffee table, or it could help introduce someone to Jesus.

It’s hard to believe that 2015 is almost over. I’m so glad I have a few days to clear my head before I jump into my reading goal for 2016. That being said, I’m really excited to be able to write about my 50 book goal in its entirety next year! Check back on New Year’s Eve to see what my reading goals for 2016 are.

Keep Reading!