Wise Words

I usually have a few books on the go. There's usually one fiction for bedtime reading, and a few nonfiction, which include psychology, personal growth and faith-based encouragement. I have dreams of spending long afternoons reading and note taking, but that doesn't usually happen. I usually end up reading in snatches and folding the bottom corner of the pages to indicate a passage that's worth rereading and then maybe later copying it down in my quotes journal.  

Some books take me months, maybe years to finish. One I've been slowly reading is Soul Cravings by Erwin McManus. McManus is a filmmaker, author, artist, and pastor of the Mosaic Church in Los Angeles. Basically, this book is about what it means to be human and explores our longings, desires, needs, and cravings. It explores our soul. 

With books like these,  I often ponder how the content relates to the times we are living in. The following passages are so relevant to what's happening in our country and the world. 

The future doesn't happen by accident; it happens through engagement. 

We were created to strive for progress and to pursue it with passion. It is God who designed us this way. He made us creative, and he makes us responsible. Somehow there are many of us who have missed this point. We have allowed human history to be shaped by those who are distant from God and hostile toward people. 

Evil never looks for permission. 

Tyrants never consider the appropriateness of their actions. One of the great tragedies of human history is that while those who are motivated by greed and power and violence have forged the future of their liking, too many of those who long for a better world have sat passively by, watching and wishing the world could be different. 

....I think quite often it has been a misunderstanding about God. We think it's God's job to fix everything. Sincere people have deferred their responsibiltiy while waiting on God to do something, but it has created a spirituality that lacks initiative and engagement. This goes against the nature of the human spirit, and it goes against the way God has created us. We might actually conclude God is apathetic and indifferent just because we are. God created us to engage, solve problems, meet needs, do something with our lives. He made us to get involved and expects us to act. .....Human compassion reflects God and moves us towards God. 

... We have to believe in tomorrow to function well today. It will never be enough for us simply to exist, and if all we have is now, our souls will starve from lack of nourishment. Without a future, there is no hope, and hope is essential for our souls to thrive. Hope exists only in the future, and if the future does not exist, there is no hope. ...Without hope, there is only despair. ... Everyone of us is on a search for destiny.                                                       ( Soul Cravings, excerpts from Entry 6, 7, 8) 

I recently listened to an interview with Jordan Peterson, a Canadian psychology professor emeritus at the U of Tornonto, a clinical psychologist, author, and podcaster on cultural and political issues.  He was asked what one thing he would say to young students entering university. His reply was very emotional. He encouraged them to hold onto their passion and not to let anyone steal it from them, because a university education will do that. It will paint a bleak picture of the future and take away hope. 

Personally, I feel that the move towards globalism and loss of personal autonomy and control will lead to a general lack of hope and a loss of passion (among other things!) This is not good for the future of humanity. Thankfully, there is hope for better days! 

Hope is vital. I'm so thankful that my hope is not in politics! 

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23)

Just a few things I've been pondering lately. Maybe you have some thoughts on this as well! 

That To-Be-Read Pile

About 11 months ago, I challenged myself to tackle the fiction books on my unread bookshelf. I was going to give myself over a year to accomplish this. That seemed very doable to me. But... I didn't factor in the strong pull of my local library and the bookish podcasts I love to listen to. My unread books continued to languish on the shelf. I never seemed to get to them. Then I heard a recommendation on the Currently Reading podcast on how to overcome this problem.

The idea was to pick up the chosen unread book- the one I kept saying I wanted to read but never quite got around to it -  and read a certain number of pages each day. How simple would that be? I decided 12 was the number of pages for me. It didn't seem like a lot and I knew I'd make some headway and perhaps get deep enough into the book that I'd want to read more. As long as I felt the book was worth reading, I'd continue on until it was finished.

Well, it worked!

I finished reading Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson today, using that method. To be honest, I didn't read from it every day, but keeping it by my bed reminded me that it was there.

No, I wouldn't call it one of my favourites, but it was definitely worth reading, even just for some of the prose and description. The story grew on me and I read more than I needed to today to finish off the book, because I wanted to know what was going to happen. It's a book that lends itself to slow reading, and even rereading some passages to ponder the meaning. 

Now, if there's book you'd like to get sucked into that's pretty hard to put down, try The Mother In Law by Sally Hepworth (I borrowed this one from my local library). I dare you to stop at 12 pages!

Book Review: Loving Your Spouse When You Feel Like Walking Away

I've been married over 35 years and still learning how to live together with someone so very different from ... ME! As well, I don't have to look too long and too far to find someone who is struggling or living in a difficult marriage. I'm sure you can say the same.

So, when the book  loving your spouse when you feel like walking away by Gary Chapman became available to review, I ordered it.

 Can I change my spouse? Are misery and divorce the only options in a difficult or broken marriage? Am I a failure because my marriage is a mess?

This is a book that offers hope in situations where one is tempted to give up on their marriage (and with good reason). Chapman lists the myths we often believe, often without even being aware of them. The he counters them with his 'reality living' principles. It takes determination and work, but things can change.

Difficult marriage categories highlighted include abusive, apathetic, and disconnected spouses. These categories include those who are workaholics, depressed, controlling, abusive, unfaithful, and more. If you are struggling, you will probably find encouragement included in these pages.

Chapman gives examples of those whose marriages have turned around and those who haven't. He clearly states that some may need more professional help. The bottom line is that there is HOPE for those who are desperate.

I would highly recommend this book if you want to improve your marriage, whether you've been married one year or fifty years!  As well, it's a great one to pass on to a friend who might be struggling and is feeling very hopeless.Who knows, it may make a world of difference.  In a world where marriages don't often make it, this book really does give hope.

Thanks to Moody Publishers for this free resource in exchange for an honest review.

A readerly afternoon

One of my favorite pastimes is reading, as my friends and family know. I listen to some bookish podcasts, which helps me keep a list of books that sound promising. I have an Amazon wish list that I will never get through, even if I live to be 120 years old!   As well, it's easy to follow others' recommendations on Goodreads. Of course, just talking books with other book-loving friends helps too! A trip to the library to pick up holds is usually a highlight for me.

Today is one of those lazy days. I'm fighting a bit of a cold, so I decided it was okay to pamper myself and spend a few hours in the middle of the day to finish off a book I'd been really enjoying. 

Night of Miracles by Elizabeth Berg is a book about residents coming together finding the true power of community. It's a  follow up to The Story of Arthur Truluv. Both books are heartwarming fiction taking place in the small town of Mason, Missouri.  

Berg has a way of developing realistic characters and situations and although there's a sweetness to these two particular books, there's also pain and sorrow. Her books are always full of beauty and hope in the middle of ordinary days and trying life circumstances. She understands the complexities of life. She writes about all ages and stages of living, and in these two books, the older characters are portrayed so well. 

I've read several Elizabeth Berg novels over the years, and have enjoyed the majority of them. She writes women's fiction really well. The first book I ever read of hers (quite a number of years ago) was about a marriage that was falling apart. I had just finished reading a similar book by a Christian author, and Berg's book rang much more honest and believable to me. 

It's a joy to find fiction books that I lose myself in. It doesn't always happen. 

~Build~ (Five Minute Friday)

I’ve been thinking lately how to build a better life and realize that a lot of it has to do with habits.  It really is the little things, it seems.

I have started reading Atomic Habits by James Clear, all about how small changes can make a big difference in your life.  His life and his research shows that improving just 1 percent each day for one year will make you 37x better by the time you're done, and getting 1 percent worse each day will result in being at zero. 

"If you want to predict where you’ll end up in life, all you have to do is follow the curve of tiny gains or tiny losses, and see how your daily choices will compound ten or twenty years down the road.” 

James Clear believes we should be more concerned with where we're heading than our current results. This makes a lot of sense to me, when considering things we have control over (choices). For example, choosing to eat healthy food  today doesn’t really make much of a difference, but continue that habit tomorrow and the day after that, for one year, and your body will thank you - you’ll feel different than you do now! Speaking kindly to yourself today might not change your thought patterns, but if you did that everyday, what changes would you experience after a year? How might spending regular time in spiritual disciplines change your spiritual life?   Doing yoga three times this week might not make you feel calmer and flexible after 7 days, but continue that habit for 52 weeks, and you’ll see a difference. I know that I must apply this habit building concept to writing, because I tend to think about  and read about writing more than actually putting the pen to paper!

“Time magnifies the margin between success and failure. It will multiply whatever you feed it. Good habits make time your ally. Bad habits make time your enemy.” 

I’ve been challenged to think about the habits I am making. Are they leading me to a better life? This book is motivating me to be intentional about my future. I look forward to learning how to design and build habits to set me up for the life I believe I was created for. It's never too late to start. 

This post is part of the Five Minute Friday freewrite. Write for 5 minutes, no editing required! Please join in! 

The books are coming!

I've been on a sort of book binge lately. I received a generous Amazon gift card from my previous employer when I moved on to other adventures at the end of June. To me Amazon equates books, even though I could order so many other items,  and so I began loading up my cart, looking for both new and used good reads. I finally clicked on 'checkout' and now I'm happily awaiting the mail carrier each day to see if there's another package to open.

Here is one I received this past week. The Power of a Praying Grandparent by Stormie Omartian is  a book of encouragement and prayers to remind me to pray consistently for my grandchildren (one dear little boy and one on the way so far!). It reminds me to focus on encouraging my son and his wife as they start out their parenting adventure. I remember how exhausting it can be with little ones and it's such a huge responsibility (and a privilege) to raise children. These days there are so many more waters to navigate with our ever changing times, including the explosion of the internet. It seems we had an easier time in some ways.

Becoming a grandparent was one of the happiest days of my entire life, and I want to be the best I can be and a force for good in my grandchildren's lives. My mom has been a great role model, of which I am so thankful!

We are promised that our prayers won't return void. God is always working, even though we may not see it or feel it. And so I will continue to pray!

"Having a grandchild is to forever have your heart walk around outside your body" 

Book Review: Born to Wander

Do you consider yourself  a spiritual tourist, settler,  pilgrim or spiritually aimless?

In Born to Wander, Michelle Van Loon shows us the value of our pilgrim identity, as she walks us from Genesis through to Revelation, identifying pilgrimage throughout. It is a part of our identity and purpose as God's people. Security is not our purpose in life, but rather finding rest in the wandering that we all experience in our lives. She shares her thoughts on the meaning of contentment,  what our true identity is, hope, and where our wandering takes us. All of our stories and journeys are different, depending on so many things including our personalities, passions, and circumstances. Our lives involve moral, physical, and interior pilgrimages, and when centered on God, we have purpose, and transformation occurs.

 I especially loved the prayers at the end of each chapter - they were powerful and helpful in summarizing each chapter. As well, there are study questions for each chapter, which makes this book a great one to read along with a friend. 

A lot of study and research has gone into this book and I didn't find it a quick read. I appreciated definitions of key words focusing on Greek roots.  This book is one to read or reread  with a pencil in hand. Recommended! 

"We are born to wander, but we are born again to wander home". Michelle Van Loon

 This book was provided free by Moody Publishers, in exchange for an honest review. Thanks, Moody! 

Book Review: Humble Roots

During a season (who am I kidding--it's ongoing!!)  of learning about humility, I chose to read Humble Roots. The beautiful cover alone enticed me to read the book. And I do love plants and the *idea* of a large, productive garden, even though in real life, mine is far from that!

Humble Roots by Hannah Anderson focuses on the importance of humility in finding peace in our lives. Focusing on plant and garden life, Anderson shares about stress vs trust, submitting to God, being okay with not knowing everything, accepting imperfection, waiting for God, brokenness, new life, and more. 

The chapters and topics didn't 'flow' as well as I had hoped; thus, I didn't find this a totally satisfying read. Nevertheless, the wisdom and insights shared were gentle and encouraging. 

If you're a person who loves to get your hands into the soil, you may find the relationship between soil and humility engaging. 

This book was provided free by Moody Publishers, in exchange for an honest review. Thanks, Moody! 

Yes and No

Looking back at the past year has caused me to ponder what I'd like 2017 to look like -- at least the parts that I can control. I know that accountability factors high in successful goals, so maybe I'm setting myself up for failure with some of these! But then I remember my mantra for the year...

I'm saying yes more often to :

• journaling- quotes, devotional/prayer, morning pages, gratitude journal, memoir (however sporadic!)
• reading hard copy books borrowed from the library
• using Overdrive to listen to audio books (free!). I've not been a huge fan of audio books, but I'm giving it another go.
• time for creativity- knitting, watercolor, cardmaking - have enjoyed them all this past year. 
• watching a few good shows on my Ipad -- my little 'zone out' pleasures -  favorites: The Voice, Dancing with the Stars, This is Us, and Nashville (if/when it appears on Netflix). 
• using my YouVersion Bible app.  I tried to get back to using my hard copy Bible, but I always seem to gravitate back to the app more often than not. 
• the Abide prayer app
• GoodReads - a great place to keep track of what I've read and to see what others are recommending. I've set a goal of 25 books this year. Life isn't all about quantity, right?
• personal growth - spiritual - through Freedom Session this year. 
• regular fitness activities, which includes intentional walking and spending time outdoors 
• continuing to go gray... I might add a few highlights to help my hair through the transition, though! This might include another purple, green, or blue streak.. you never know. 
• listening to Spotify playlists. Best $10 a month I've ever spent. 
• listening to podcasts -- all those thought provoking conversations! 
• family time - fun, dinners, and just being there to help out 
• nurturing friendships, practicing hospitality,  and being of service to others 
• eating healthy - more paleo for me and my man
• Instagramming - just because I like it. 

I'm saying no more often to:

• reading too many books at once. This is tough because every time I get a new book, I add it to my already impossibly tall pile of readings-in-progress. I think I'm a bit of a book hoarder - not so much on the shelves, but on my side table! Which leads to...
•  borrowing too many books from the library; must.set.a.limit
• reading books for review. I've realized that it just stressed me out to have to read books on a schedule, especially when I realized I wasn't enjoying them that much. I'm going to pick and choose very few this year. I still LOVE to get books in the mail! 
• doing things out of guilt 
• procrastination. This is going to be very difficult because it's my default! 
• starting too many 'free' online courses.  It just clutters up my brain. Ugh. 
• signing up for too many free online newsletters. 
• subscribing to too many podcasts. 

I see a theme running through my list.. the words 'too many' show up too many times! ;)  Balance. Simplicity. Moderation.
 Keeping my mantra for 2017 in mind, "Always, we begin again", I just may experience some success in sticking to my yes's and no's.

What are you saying yes or no to this year?

It's Never Just One

Earlier this year I had lamented the fact that I had SO many books on my 'to read' stack and never seemed to get to the bottom of them. So, I implemented some ruthless steps to keep myself on track.

 One of these was to refrain from purchasing ANY books this year (unless I was given a gift card). I did really well... until the day I didn't. In a moment of weakness, I clicked on my Amazon Kindle 'one click' order button and a new book appeared.

It's just one, I comforted myself, Chin up! It's not like this is a slippery slope or anything. 

But it was.

I have failed. Miserably. I have not focused well on my List of 21 Books to Read in 2016. 

How did this happen? Sometimes resolve melts away. It is similar to telling yourself you are only going to 'eat one' delectable piece of chocolate from the jumbo bar you've just purchased and then in less than 3 minutes, you find yourself crumpling up the empty wrapper and swallowing hard, having eaten every. single. piece. alone in your car. And you wonder what happened to your self discipline. Yes, it's like that with books, too. Especially one click ordering on Kindle Deals!

Looking back, I should have never allowed myself to borrow from the library or (confession) resubscribed to the  What Should I Read Next? podcast. Or freely browsed through GoodReads. Then I might have actually focused on those 21 books.

But that would be harsh.. much too harsh.

So, how did I actually fare in whittling down my self imposed 'list?

 I finished  nine of them and am currently working through another five (Yes, I multi-read). And the others I haven't touched. I should get honest with myself and look for a good home for a few of those. When one says 'working through' in relation to reading, it's probably not a good sign.

The good news is I've enjoyed some really great books these past months... I was successful in reading more fiction than I usually do. Several I really enjoyed were:
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman
Wonder by R.J. Palacia
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens

How do you manage your 'to read' list? Is yours becoming unmanageable?

Book Review: Running on Red Dog Road

Looks like all I do is review books on here lately. Waiting to be inspired to blog again.. but it's coming up pretty empty these days.

But, wait! I do want to tell you about my latest book I read for review.

Running on Red Dog Road by Drema Hall Berkheimer was such a great memoir! If I ever decide to write mine, I would like it to be as entertaining and inspiring as this one. Simple stories, yet written so well and so authentically, with humour, from the point of view of a child.

Drema was born in a coal camp in Appalachia, the child of a West Virginia coal miner who died when Drema was just a child. Drema's mother worked in another city during WW2, working in a factory like many women in those days, to help the cause. So, Drema and her siblings were loved and cared for by their devout Pentecostal grandparents. These coming of age stories include gypsies, carnivals, faith healers, revivals, hardships, family drama, adventures, and more.

I loved watching The Waltons when I was a teenager, and this story reminds me a bit of that style of family life and community. You never know who you might meet living in the hills or down the road. And life lessons are everywhere.

Running on Red Dog Road was an easy, light read, but yet full of meaning... perfect for a weekend away. I heartily recommend you read it!

Thanks to BookLookBloggers for this free book given to me in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: This Is Awkward

I really enjoy authors who  spread a little humour throughout the pages of their books.. the kind of humour that really does make me chuckle and say "Oh, that is so true! I can relate!" Sammy Rhodes, a campus minister,  IS funny. His book This Is Awkward - How Life's Uncomfortable Moments Open the Door to Intimacy and Connection -  is honest and yes, even a little awkward. He lets the reader see his own insecurities, which does make reading it feel a little awkward, but I think in a good way. 

Awkward can mean different things, and Rhodes explains it as "the gap between what we should be and what we actually are. Life is awkward because it doesn't go the way that it should go. People are awkward because they don't do and say and think what they should do and say and think. All of us are awkward because all of us experience this gap in some way." We tend to want to hide our awkwardness (shame), which makes it even more awkward when it shows up. But it is both necessary and freeing to talk about this; this is where we can find connection with others and God.  

Awkward (and sometimes heavy) topics covered in this book include: parent wounds, divorce, porn, depression, marriage expectations, true friendship vs online fame, introversion, and Jesus' love for us (right theology). 

I appreciated Sammy Rhode's transparency about his own life experiences as he wrote this book, including his insecurities about writing a book, journal type entries dispersed throughout.  

This book is relevant for any age, but its target audience is probably primarily young adults. I am going to offer it to my kids and hopefully they will find it worth the read, too.

I received this book for free from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. 

Happy Leap Day!

The sun is shining.
Got in a morning walk.
Enjoyed a cup of coffee and some quiet time.
And... a review book arrived in the mail!

That's a good way to begin today.
There are so many books on how to begin a marriage on the right foot. Practices to keep it going. Date night ideas. Keeping families strong.  Empty nesting. And I have several on my shelves (or have had and passed them on).

But I haven't found too many that are specifically focused on life together in the 'second half'. Not just theoretical how-to, but real life -- with the challenges and joys that come with aging.

That's why I am very  interested in reading this:

I hope that it's honest, practical, realistic, and super encouraging. I am planning to go the distance and some days..well..  I need all the help I can get!

Getting Through February

February is not my favorite month of the year, although I do like it better than January.With February the promise of Spring is that much closer. I know, we have almost another official month of winter, but around here the snow is gone and it's not really that cold out any more. Still hovering around freezing in the morning sometimes, but still, it could be worse!

So, what's gotten me through February, a month that finds me mostly indoors sipping coffee (one cup a day usually-- I really do sip!) whittling away at portfolios, and dreaming of warmer days?

A trip to the coast! We celebrated my mother in law's 86th birthday together with a slew of family. A great weekend.

This little guy. He is my companion. He is a blessing in my life. He makes me laugh. He gets me off my chair,  taking little breaks throughout the day. He sleeps quietly as I work. And he's always over-the-moon happy to see me when I return home from outings. Talk about an esteem booster! No, I'm not talking about my hubby although he does fit the bill in some ways!haha!

Books!  I've got a few on the go. Just finished Someday Someday Maybe by Lauren Graham. I saw it recommended on Goodreads and decided to finally read it. A twenty something tries to make it as an actress in New York. A cute, funny quick read with some great characters.
I'm also reading In the Land of the Blue Burquas by Kate McCord. It was written before Farewell, Four Waters, which I just finished a few weeks ago. But I don't think it really matters that I'm reading in reverse order. It's giving me more insight into the culture in Afghanistan, and the life of a foreign aid worker. Fascinating.
I am half way through The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown. Three adult sisters converge on their home town to visit their mother who is battling cancer. All about family relationships, importance of home, growing up, and figuring out life. The title refers to Shakespeare and the father quotes Shakespeare all the time (his daughters are named after characters) and all members of the family are book nerds. I wasn't sure I was going to like this book, but it's grown on me. It's my bedtime read.

Spotify. I listen to music all. day. long. sometimes. Music to reflect my mood or to get me out of my mood! Or to motivate me to work.
Classical, contemplative, meditative, acoustic, counry, jazz, pop. Adele, Andy Grammar, Andra Day, All Sons and Daughters, Rend Collective, The Brilliance. etc etc.  If you're looking for some new music, check out Spotify. It's free and it recommends music based on what you like, so there is always something new to explore. 

Podcasts. I've added a few more to my list. Don't listen to every
episode but sure do enjoy them. I find the ones that are about 30 minutes in length are just about right. Any longer, and I skip them because I don't always have one hour to listen.  A few others I enjoy: The Essential Oil Revolution, Spark My Muse, Katy Says with Katy Bowman

Knitting. Been enjoying knitting a comfort shawl and socks this winter. And some bibs and dish cloths. Just small items but it's great to have something on the needles when I feel the urge to create something tangible. And they make great little gifts to give away.

Netflix. My hubby and I try to find something we both like to watch together one or two nights a week. We are not always successful. We did watch Making a Murderer together and I have to say we were sucked right into the drama of that documentary. Truth and justice and the miscarriage of it. Who knows what the the truth is when people lie through their teeth? Yes, it was a pretty biased documentary, but we had some good discussion while watching that. Still confused about what really happened. It was hard to watch at times, just seeing the depravity and awful lives some people live. Sad. I couldn't watch too many shows like this, that's for sure. We binge watched it for about 2 weeks.  I think I prefer fiction! He likes shows with zombies or war  and I would rather watch an episode of Downton Abbey or Mr Selfridge, but the verdict is still out on the latter. Haven't continued for a few weeks. Sometimes we watch  an episode of  the murder mystery Death in Paradise. It's good!  I'm waiting for Nashville Season 4 to come to Netflix. And looking foward to watching the next season of The Voice (on the CTVgo App) . Got any recommendations for must-see TV shows on Netflix?

Planet Woman - got a membership for one month because my kids encouraged me to sign up for a 5km trail run at the end of March, and how am I going to be able to do that if I don't grow my muscles and my cardio?! Don't always want to go but always glad when I do. Except when I'm sore afterwards. And recovery takes longer than it used to! Soon I must transition my workouts to the outdoors..actually running 5 km!! Doesn't sound like much except if you haven't done it in a while! I'm a little bit concerned... but --as my daughter in law mentioned "There's no shame in walking". I'll try to embrace that thought.

and finally...

Z is for Zumba. Imagine doing Zumba with a band of church ladies aged 19-50-something? To hip hop music? Imagine the fun and comeraderie. Yes, it brings some much needed levity to my Wednesdays. We don't do the moves very well at all, but it's good for a laugh, it's a workout, and it's a way to connect with those I mostly just see at church happenings.

What got you through February?

Book Review: Breaking Busy

Author, speaker, blogger, wife,  mom of five boys, and the executive director of Propel Women,  Alli Worthington probably has something to say about breaking busy--how to find peace & purpose in a world of crazy!

My list of 'how I spend my time' is nothing like hers, but still I figured I could  glean some helpful hints here. Even in my relatively quiet life, I could learn a thing or two about peace and purpose.
Breaking Busy contains practical advice on how to get one's life back under control, how to find out what really gives you purpose, help with decision making, how to determine best ways to communicate with others (there are so many options these days!), how to fight the tyranny of the urgent, and much more.

The section on determining time wasters was one of my favorite parts of this book. Social media alone can sap hours of your day, leaving you asking 'what did I really accomplish? ' Do you really know how many hours of your day are frittered away without you even realizing it? Worthington suggests keeping a time diary. She offers several free downloadable resources at her website. Once you have that information, follow her advice to make some changes, if necessary.

I'm not a huge social media person, but I was a little shocked at how much time I spend looking at my phone or being distracted on my computer. Ouch.

There is really nothing earth shattering here in this book, but it's honest, upbeat, positive, encouraging, and will even make you chuckle. It will encourage you to pursue God's best in a world that sends other messages! And it's a quick read. Recommended to share with someone who might need a little balance and direction in her life.

Thanks to BookLookBloggers for this free book sent to me in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Farewell Four Waters

Kidnapping was Marie's worst fear. She didn't know treachery was more deadly.

Book recommendation coming up. Farewell Four Waters by Kate McCord (a protective pseudonym), is full of intrigue and emotion. Although security prohibits the telling of her exact story, this novel is drawn from events gathered across Afghanistan over several years.

Marie is an aid worker living in a small town in Afghanistan. Her mission is to set up literacy classes for women.  This riveting story begins with Day 14 and then counts down the days leading to this brave woman's necessary escape from Afghanistan, a place she deeply loved and considered home.

This story is full of many details and excellent descriptions of life in this country  - for both Christian aid workers in NGOs and for the Afghan people. I felt as if I were there every step of the way. Marie, a believer in the "Honorable Jesus Messiah", has a passion for bettering the lives of women in Afghanistan, and with deep respect for their customs and beliefs, she befriends them through loving deeds and conversations.

I especially appreciated her honest struggles related to the events and circumstances she experienced. She incorporated conversation with God through journaling and prayers, not hiding her frustrations and how hard it was to make sense of things at times. Where was Jesus in the middle of all of it?  I also loved learning about this land and culture and what life is like for foreign aid workers.

This book drew me in and it never let up until I finished the last page. It is well worth the read!

I'm really looking forward to reading Kate McCord's first book In the Land of the Blue Burquas. Another book to request at the library!

Thanks to Moody Publishers who sent me this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Getting my craft on..

With teaching Gr. K-2 children shape and space concepts every Thursday morning, I've been spending a lot of time researching creative, engaging activities. That leads to the fun part of teaching -- getting to watch the children enjoying the creative process.
Maybe it's due to it being the middle of winter (not getting out enough!), but I have been enjoying some creative endeavours. Besides knitting and a little furniture restoration, today I created a very cool craft which I am pleased to say turned out very well.

Our church is having a 'life group fair' next weekend, and I am promoting a "She Reads Good Books" book club. We were encouraged to add some pizzazz to our table spaces, so I decided to make this:

book fan

I experienced a twinge of regret as I worked on this, because of the necessary sacrifice -- a hardcover book. I was encouraged to think of this as 'repurposing', not ruining. I think I'll go with that. This was one of my  favorite read alouds from days gone by, but I'm pretty sure I have another copy somewhere. And besides, this 'fan book' can be undone in the future. No spine ripping required for this craft.

I actually like the outcome of this folding craft so much, I'm planning to keep it up on my desk shelf for a while.

Poof! Gone!

Just like the year 2015, my latest published post just up and disappeared on me. Poof! Gone! I still can't figure out what happened there, but suffice it to say, 2016 will be just fine without that post.

I had written about a challenge I had given myself on how to get my 'to read' booklist under control. In a nutshell, I've decided not to purchase any new books in 2016 (except with a gift card, etc). So, I've begun unsubscribing from Kindle ebook deals. It was tough, but sometimes the big guns have to come out. I've got the shakes, but I think I'll be okay. ;)

I made a list of about 21 books I want to complete before I read anything else. These have been set aside for easy access.  In the last two days, I've completed two, so I'm already whittling away.

My fiction to nonfiction ratio is about 2:19, which must be remedied. I need a little more FICTION in my life.  Honey For A Woman's Heart - growing your world through reading great books is a book I already own which I'm planning to refer to once my to-read pile has dwindled.

I'm also going to be ruthless about which books to complete. If it feels like work to get through them, I will add them to my giveaway pile. I feel better already!

Here's to another great year of enjoying and pondering new ideas, old ideas, truths and mysteries, fact and fiction.



Do you have specific reading plans this year? Are you a fiction or non fiction fan?

Reading update 2016

Finished/recommended:
A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards
In Awe of God by Rita Peters

Enjoying:
Two Steps Forward by Sharon Garlough Brown (book 2)
A Circle of Quiet by Madeleine L'Engle
Half the Church by Carolyn Custis James

Next in line: 
Farewell Four Waters by Kate McCord

For the Win!

Last month I submitted several words on our local library website, describing what my local library means to me. And then promptly forgot about it.

This afternoon, I received a call informing me that I was one of the winners of the Canadian Library Month contest and invited to pick up my prize at the downtown library.

I'll be browsing the aisles of our local Chapters book store soon, with a $25 gift certificate in hand! Should be fun!

The NIV Bible for Women - a review

How does one write  a review of the Bible? In this case, I am going to focus on what makes this recently published hardcover copy of NIV Bible For Women unique.

First of all, the cover. It's very attractive in both the color and the print style. I'd call it a robin's egg blue - soft, clean, and peaceful - which makes it a great color for a Bible jacket.

The subtitle for this version is "Fresh Insights For Thriving in Today's World', and it includes 260 relevant devotionals (one for each weekday)  tied to particular passages throughout the Bible. Each comes with a reflection and prayer.

 As well, there are 52 "Myths" that our culture  might have us believe is true, and these are described, explored, and exposed. All stories are actual events that have taken place in the writers' lives, and they are honest and relatable, especially for women. Quotes by well know authors are also included. These topics would be great conversation starters over a cup of coffee with girlfriends, too!

 If you read Christian women's blogs or are an avid reader of Christian nonfiction, you might be familiar with some of the writers featured in this Bible- Annie F. Downs, Shauna Niequist, Katie Davis, Laura Ortberg Turner, Tsh Oxenreider, and Margaret Feinberg, and Sarah Bessey, and many more (all with biographies at the back of the Bible). Topics range from social justice, social media addiction, economic inequality to  prayer, relationships, faith & doubt,  career, calling, and so much more. Definitely something for women in their 20's and up.

A few little quibbles with the NIV Bible For Women would be the font size. It's a little small for aging eyes! And not very dark. As well, the pages are thin, but then, I think most Bibles are printed on thin paper. I also might have preferred the Myths as an appendix, so they'd be easier to skim through. They have been strategically placed, along with the devotionals, throughout the Bible, with directions to the 'next' one.

If you are looking for a new updated copy of your New International Version Bible, or you are looking for a readable version of the Bible, this one would be great! It's full of encouragement to dig into the Bible to hear God's voice and grow deeper in your relationship with Him, and the extras remind us how relevant the Bible really is for us today!

I received this free Bible in exchange for an honest review. Thanks,   BookLookBloggers!