Reading, Writing & Pondering

  I was already familiar with Dr. Kelly Flanagan as I read and reviewed his first book, Loveable , in 2017. I remembered finding that book helpful so looked forward to The Road Less Triggered . The Road Less Triggered has a lot of good advice in it for improving your relationships on your own. I think it could also be helpful book to use with a therapist too. Dr. Flanagan divides this book into three parts: Get Calm Get Free Get Connected You have to read  The Road Less Triggered to understand what those three parts really mean.  There are three chapters in each section. Through the stories of others who have followed this advice, the reader can then apply that information to improve their own relationships. Dr. Flanagan especially follows one couple through the book to best see the ups and downs of learning this strategy. The key concept throughout the book is that the reader works to have an open heart. Dr. Flanagan explains how to do that and how to use this concept ...

   I have enjoyed every book in this Love in Sheet Cake, Texas series. The Pocket Pair is a bit different than the rest though because this one is Val and Chevy's story. They have connections to the Graham family and live in Sheet Cake but aren't part of the family like the main characters in the other books in the series. Val is an artist. She starts out the book living with Mari, but then Mari moves to Puerto Rico. Val is also going to go to Puerto Rico to study under and artist but she needs a temporary place to live . Val had no where else to live so Chevy offered her his sister's former room at his house. This creates some romantic tension. I love the friends to lovers trope and I enjoyed the romantic moments in this book. I also enjoyed catching up with the rest of the Graham family in Sheet Cake. I like all of Emma's books and this Sheet Cake series ranks up there as some of my favorites.  I like the voices in the audio book of The Pocket Pair . I enjoyed listen...

  I believe health is holistic and that is how God made us to be--body, mind, and spirit/soul all work together for our best health. For that reason, I like Prayer in Motion by Jennifer Tucker. This is her third book and I previously enjoyed Breath as Prayer too. Prayer In Motion helps me better understand and visualize what God meant in the Bible when it says to pray without ceasing. This book starts out with a story about Saint Patrick and how he started praying daily. I am enjoying working through this book. There is information on somatic praying, embodied prayer, prayer while walking, and so many other types of praying. I also especially liked her Nature Inspired Movement prayer as someone who finds her happy place in nature. Also, as I am a practical person,  the  grounding techniques, movement activities, and connection practices are truly helpful for me in easing stress and promote rest and restoration Prayer in Motion is a book that will be on my keeper shel...

  A More Beautiful Way to Live by Bethaney B. Wilkinson was a beautiful book to read for me. A lot of what this author said resonated with me and while I am sure we have differences, she really felt like a kindred spirit. A More Beautiful Way to Live is divided into three sections: 1. Groundwork 2. Cultivation 3. Sustenance There are three practices within each section that make up the 9 practices the author recommends to unlearn anxiety, fear and urgency through time, body and soul. I share interest with Wilkinson in that she likes to garden, write in her journal with a fountain pen and read, among other activities she shared. These are all activities that I enjoy too--well, I haven't used my fountain pen much, but I plan to use it more now :). At the end of each section, and in other parts in between, she gives suggestions for writing in a journal and self-reflection. I learn well this way so I especially liked that aspect of this book. I could also relate to some of her strug...

  The Divine Counselor by Alex Seeley released from Thomas Nelson in April. This is a book that focuses on guidance from the Holy Spirit. I don't think many of us really think about the Holy Spirit much. Pastor Alex Seeley, co-founder of The Belonging Co., reveals how the Holy Spirit provides the deep healing, peace, and purpose beyond what therapy alone can provide. At a time when many feel anxious and discouraged, the idea of living whole, healed, and empowered sounds wonderful–but often out of reach. Counseling, self-help books, and podcasts seem to offer temporary relief, but what about life-changing transformation? In  The Divine Counselor ,  Pastor Alex Seeley introduces readers to the best therapist they’ll ever meet: the Holy Spirit. Drawing on biblical insights and personal stories, Alex endeavors to answer readers’ deepest questions and doubts, while showing how the Holy Spirit . . . advocates on their behalf, interceding when they don’t have the word...

  The Not So Neutral Zone by Susan and Sarah May Warren is the first in a new series called The Blue Ox Boys. While I am not a huge hockey fan, I am a fan of the Warrens and this contemporary romance set in Minnesota. Chloe seems to be invisible to her family. She is often overlooked. Honestly, without going into my own family, I could relate to her in a lot of ways. Then she meets Brody "Candy" Cane in Barcelona. He saves her purse from a thief and they connect with a romantic evening. Until Brody vanishes and she doesn't hear from him for six months. Now, she is home and planning her sister's wedding. Her sister is marrying hockey player, Derek. Brody has his own family problems. His mom died and his dad couldn't deal with it and became an addict. Brody is a hockey good boy. . .but he has to cover for his dad. Then an influencer seeks to ruin his reputation.  Chloe and Brody reconnect at a Minnesota coffee shop--and make a deal to fake date to help each other o...