Reading, Writing & Pondering

  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...

  Nero and Paul: How the Gospel of Grace defeated the Ruler of Rome by Kathie Lee Gifford with Bryan Litfin released in March from Thomas Nelson. This creative non-fiction book will help you understand just what it was like to live in the historical times of Nero and Paul. The history in this book is so helpful to better understanding the Bible and relating it to life today. There are maps in the front of Nero and Paul so readers can better see the land they are reading about. Then the two authors have a conversation throughout much of the book that relays the history of this era to the reader from a historical aspect. It is interesting and not at all dry like some history books can be. From the publisher:   Does gaining power, possessions, and popularity lead to happiness and fulfillment? Or does inner transformation and self-sacrificial love bring the most joy and satisfaction?  New York Times  bestselling author Kathie Lee Gifford and scholar Bryan Litfi...

  One of my goals is to spend less time on-line this year. When I saw Edit Your Life: A Handbook for Living with Intention by Elisabeth Sharp McKetta, I wanted to see what advice this book had to offer that would help me as I work towards my goals, including that one. This book is aimed at anyone wanting to make changes in any or all areas of their lives--at any age. Edit Your Life is divided into three parts. Part One is Examine Your Life. There are some questions to ask yourself and points to think about in this section. What is it? What Could it Be? What is Needed? The author offers suggestions on how to claim what is necessary FOR YOUR LIFE, and discard what is not. It isn't the same for everyone. We are all unique people and she makes that clear. Part 2 is to Edit Your Life. Edit for Clarity, Growth and Generosity. The author makes suggestions in each of these areas. She includes examples from her life and the lives of others she knows.  Part 3 is to Enjoy Your Life. En...

I was looking forward to Not what We Pictured by Becca Kinzer all year--and was so excited to get my copy. I have read all of her previous books and enjoyed them--and I enjoyed this one too. As the book begins, McKenna Boston is trying to look out for her much younger sister, Bobbi, when she helps her boyfriend stage a proposal that goes awry. She promised her deceased mother that she would give her mother's engagement ring to Bobbi. She also wants to know Bobbi is safe and happy. She loves her sister and she thinks she will be free to move on in her own career besides seeing Bobbi happy. Nate Lambert is in Omaha for a funeral. He ends up resting on a park bench to relax and stave off a headache. . .but things get a little wild when he doesn't want to move off of the special bench McKenna needs to stage for Bobbi and Oliver's proposal plan. I enjoyed getting to know McKenna and Nate through Not What We Pictured . There were some humorous moments throughout the book. There ...