Reading, Writing & Pondering

  After the Fall by Deborah Clack is the second book in the Shelter and Sky series. This book could be read as a stand-alone, but like most series books, would be even better if you read Even After This  first. Penelope Reid is currently working as Harlan Holcombe's manager. However, Penelope grew up in the foster care system and she has skills she thinks would help the girls at the ranch and she wants to give back so she hopes to become the manager of Twelve Bluebells Ranch, which is a halfway house for women who have aged out of the foster care system.  Luke works security for the ranch and is there to investigate some vandalism before Harlan and Meredith Harper's wedding. Luke had his own tough upbringing and he, too, got attached to the halfway house ladies at the ranch as he hopes to keep everyone safe--even after the wedding. After the Fall had some light moments, but this book also dealt with some heavy topics. I could relate to Penelope's migraine headache stori...

  Faithfully Dissident Daughters by Chelsea Kim Long was an interesting read for me. There was much I could relate to with author. There was also much for me to think about. According to the author, "To be faithfully dissident means accepting each part of your story and trusting that authenticity is the way to abundant life." I like that thought and I think the older I get, the more that is true for me.  Faithfully Dissident Daughters is divided into 4 parts: Awakening, Breaking, Liberating, and Expanding. I also have gone through some changes in my faith over the past few years. I have not studied as deeply as this author so I can't verify all of her words. However, I can say that she backs them all up and speaks clearly in her work. I don't necessarily agree with everything but there is much that I do relate to.  I enjoyed reading this book. I don't read non-fiction quickly but I like to learn. I journal, use page markers to annotate and I reflect. I received ...

  I grew up watching Oprah Winfrey. I admire her for her success and for how she gives back to others. I took a couple of her classes when she featured Brene Brown on her show and they changed my life. This new book for children, Little People, Big Dreams could certainly inspire young people to dream big and become who they wish to be.  This book starts out be talking about Oprah's early days and some of the challenges within her family. It also talks about how important books were to Oprah as she grew up. I didn't realize she was the first black woman to read the evening news on Nashville' local TV station. I also wondered about her name and that was explained early in the book. Little People Big Dreams: Oprah Winfrey is a hardcover book that measures roughly 8 by 9 1/2 inches in size and is 32 pages long. It is aimed at children ages six to eight. I think it would be especially inspirational for young girls who need inspiration and hope to become who they want to become...

  If you struggle with fear/anxiety, Christine Caine has a new release out from Thomas Nelson, Whom Shall I Fear? that is now available that may be a helpful book for you. Whom Shall I Fear? contains 100 devotions. It is divided into 4 parts: A Call to Rest, Fighting the Good Fight—with prayer, In Spirit and In Truth and His Joy, Our Strength. All the readings are 2 pages long with a Bible verse, a reading written by Christine Caine, and ends with a prayer. This may be a good gift for a friend facing challenges—and there is a gift inscription page in the front of the book.   From the Publisher:   Learn to live to the life you are called to with the courage and joyful endurance that come from fully trusting in the God who fights for you. What would you do if you woke up each day without fear? What  wouldn’t  you do?  Today is the day to stop giving power to fear and start living the life you are called to. Whom Shall I Fear?  by bestselling author ...

    I'll be honest, I am a middle-aged woman. You probably guessed that. However, I have loved Strawberry Shortcake since I was a child--and it still makes me happy to see her new books. Strawberry Shortcake and the Berry Besties Festival by Jennifer Moorman is a fun Strawberry Shortcake picture book complete with STICKERS in the back.  I especially love the theme of Strawberry Shortcake and the Berry Besties Festival. The story is about Strawberry Shortcake and her friends teaming up for a fundraiser for needy animals. I am also a huge fan of dogs, cats and helping shelters. This story also shows how we can help each other out when things go wrong. The story is fun to read and one that I think children will enjoy--especially fans of strawberry shortcake and her friends, as well as animal lovers. Strawberry Shortcake and the Berry Besties Festival is aimed at children ages four to eight. The book is 32 pages long and measures a little over nine inches square. The illustra...

    Does your prayer life feel stale? Like all you do is ask God for stuff? A Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving by Wendy Speake is a 30-Day devotional and ask fast that just may rejuvenate your prayer life.  I know people who like to do a gratitude journal during the month of November to go along with Thanksgiving. This is a good devotional to go along with Thanksgiving too, although it can be done any time of the year. The book is based on Psalm 100. Each day there is a verse to focus on, a reading, and ends with a prayer and some journaling that you could do. From the publisher:  When life is bright and blessings abound, are you quick to feel grateful and lift a song of thanks to God? What about the seasons when heartache and hopelessness overwhelm, and deep soul-sadness threatens? When life feels awful, do you find it awfully hard to persevere in praise and rejoice in God’s goodness? Discover strength and renewal in times when praise feels more like a sacrific...