Reading, Writing & Pondering

Do you have a special skill or talent that is unique to you? My Voice is a Beat by Kevin Olusola with Daniel Bernstrom is inspired by the author's true story of having an uncommon talent and using it in a special way. I love that My Voice is a Beat invites children to embrace their gifts and develop those gifts or talents as something that makes them special in a good way. The book shows that at first Kasey was teased for being himself with his unique skills. Then, when the kids see Kasey at a talent show, they cheer him on and his talent is showcased. This book might be a good gift for a young children who is struggling to be themselves with their own gifts from God. My Voice is a Beat is a large colorful picture book aimed at children ages four to eight. The book is 32 pages long and measures roughly 9 by 11 inches in size. At the back of the book, there is  an author's note from Kevin's heart about how he found the courage to be the perfect kind of different that God...

  I like to read financial books every now and then to brush up on my money skills to best help my family. The Seven Habits of Financially Healthy Women is a general money guidance book that could be helpful if you are looking to learn some basic money management skills.  The Seven Habits of Financially Healthy Women is a mix of personal stories, practical advice and tools, and encouragement that could help the reader make better financial choices if put into practice. This author is upbeat and encouraging. If you think you aren't any good with money, she is here to tell you that you can change. She offers advice for creating your own road map for financial health in a way that will work for you. While I think The Seven Habits of Financially Healthy Women would be most helpful to a younger person who can most benefit from making changes earlier in life, I also think there are things people of any age can learn from this book. The last two chapters were the two I personally f...

  Do you have a favorite season? I know Fall is a favorite of many people. I enjoy Fall but Spring is my favorite. 📖 Learn to Let Go by Meera Lee Patel is a beautifully illustrated guided journal. This beauty looks perfect for the start of the Fall season—or any time. It is a journal for exploring new beginnings and navigating change. It is perfect for the start of any new season in life. The author pairs inspiring quotes with encouraging prompts to help you face your current struggles and to navigate any difficult transitions. Changes happen throughout life—going back to school, starting a new job, making a new friend, or starting a new relationship—among others. This guided journal gives you prompts and space to process your feelings and gain clarity.  Learn to Let Go is a good size to carry along in your purse or book bag, besides using it at home. Thank you to @tarcher_books for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.  #averytarcherinfluencers

    Over the past few years, I think many of us have faced some big challenges, between the pandemic and life afterwords. In the midst of all of this, I don't know about you, but my faith has changed. Some days I do struggle to feel God. Midnight Hallelujah by Ebie Hepworth is a helpful book for those going through difficulties that leave the reader feeling like God is no where to be found.  From the Publisher:   If you’re disappointed with your life, struggling with faith, and frustrated with a seemingly silent God, Midnight Hallelujah dares to speak hope into the silence. Ebie Hepworth invites you into her dark nights and imagined conversations with Sarah, the mother of Isaac, who kept her company through them as she bridges our modern struggles with timeless biblical truths. If you are navigating life’s deepest valleys this book will help you: feel less alone as Ebie confides her own stories of grief showing up when least expected; know what it means to str...

  This Wasn't the Plan by Mac Bridges and Kenz Durham recently released from Thomas Nelson Publishing.  This wasn’t The Plan by Mac Bridges & Kenz Durham was written for women who felt their life hasn’t gone according to their plan. This book first helps you understand why you may be stuck. The second part of the book talks about different ways that you may be stuck in life. Maybe you can’t forgive someone? Maybe you don’t feel like you are living out your true calling? Or maybe it is something else. This book invites you to think and reflect so you can learn and grow.   From The Publisher:   Have you ever looked at your life and thought,  I thought my life would look better than this by now .  This book is for the woman who feels stuck—in her career, relationships, emotions, or calling. It’s a guidebook for the one who feels like she’s just enduring rather than embracing life to start moving toward the life you really want. If you’ve ever felt lo...

  Have  you found yourself in a time of struggle and uncertainty? Maybe you are facing your own dark night right now. What to do in a Valley: Trusting God to Breathe New Life into Your Dry Bones by Jabin Chavez is a book that may be helpful for you right now. All of us go through difficult times at one time or another. It is different for all of us--yours may be financial, relational, job-related, health-related or something else entirely. In any case, What to do in a Valley is a new release from Thomas Nelson. This book could serve as a guide to help you through your challenge(s). The author has faced his own challenges and writes from experience. He is easy to understand and relate to. From the publisher:  Take life’s valleys as not mere challenges but divine appointments designed to refine and strengthen your faith in this deep exploration of Psalm 23:4-6. You may be at your worst, but that’s when God can do his best work in your life. Take heart and use this opportun...