I have a friend named Gail Macdonald.  She is an amazing woman of God.  She is also a Pastor’s wife, and has been down the road way ahead of me in her walk with Jesus.  I had the opportunity to meet Gail a few years ago when Lori Salierno invited a group of women to join her on a trip to Gail’s house in New Hampshire.  Lori talked about Gail, and how something stirred inside of her when Gail spoke.  I knew I needed to meet her.  It took me all of 5 seconds to fall in love with Gail.  We had an amazing weekend retreat with Gail that lead to a friendship that I treasure deeply today.

This is a photo of me and Gail from the women’s retreat in April 2006.  Gail is so nice to me.  I am always asking her questions, emailing her with my dilemmas and the drama of my life.  I enjoy probing her (incredibly intelligent) brain for what’s next as far as books and learning go for me.  When I asked Gail what books she thought I should recommend to people who are followers of Christ, she gave me a great list.  It is by far NOT an all-inclusive list, but for people who are trying to follow Jesus, these books are tried and true, and pretty core to what a Christ-follower’s path of learning should follow.  So, here’s the list:

My Utmost for His Highest Oswald Chambers;

The Celebration of Disciplines– Richard Foster;

The Knowledge of the Holy– A. W. Tozer;

Where is God When it Hurts– Philip Yancey

Ordering Your Private World – Gordon MacDonald (Gail and Gordon are married) 🙂

I am so thankful for Gail’s friendship.  My hope is that everyone can find a "Gail"..someone who is down the road just a bit farther than they are.  Someone who can be a guide, a friend and a mentor.