Book Reviews – Page 2 – Laurel Luehmann

Book Reviews, Journaling, Personal, reading

January memories – 2025

February 3, 2025by Laurel Luehmann3 Comments

Hello, friends! It’s the first post of the year!!!

I know it’s been a bit quieter on the blog these days, but it’s been with intention! While life off the page was very exciting this month, I’ve been intentionally shifting away from the blog to focus on building a consistent and meaningful newsletter. You can sign up for that here if you’d like to keep reading new things that aren’t just monthly updates! XD

Anyway. Let’s get to the fun stuff.

How much larger your life would be if your self could become smaller in it.
G.K. Chesterton

Things worth remembering…

New Year’s Day tractor adventures
God giving back the opportunity to lead worship regularly
a friend’s poetry speaking directly to my heart
enjoying my first latte with actual latte art!
attempting to be a responsible plant mother
my first time being an Urgent Care escort
HIKING!!!
glorious sunrises
a cutthroat game of Monopoly (I did not win)
a video chat with a dear friend
surviving the brutal cold snap
discovering Pride and Prejudice read in a southern accent
lots of quality time with my grandma
flying through the hay field in my car
encouragement from friends
ice skating for the first (official) time
fake snake adventures

I want to be free of self-pity. It is a tool of Satan to rot away a life. I am sure that this is the perfect will of God.
Barbara Youderian

What I’ve been reading…

Out to Canaan – Jan Karon

The fourth book in The Mitford Years…another gem. These books are just so good for the days when I need a cozy read that is heartwarming and entertaining…and not too hard to follow!

Into Thin Air – Jon Krakauer

I’ve decided to stop being such a reading purist and start claiming audiobooks I’ve listened through as “read” in these recaps. XD This one, however, I would probably have absorbed better if I’d actually read it. It was a fascinating story! Krakauer is a gifted writer, and I appreciated his vulnerability and humility in sharing about such a difficult experience. However, I don’t recommend it for younger readers because of consistent language throughout (ugh) and a bit of content.

What Is a Healthy Church? – Mark Dever

Man, this has been such a good and convicting read.

A Tale of Two Cities – Charles Dickens

Home, sweet home…I love Dickens’ work, and this is my favorite of his. So far! Rereading it this month has been a blast…I’m catching all the foreshadowing and appreciating it for the first time as someone who’s already familiar with the entire story. In a way, it’s better the second time around!

In the Shadow of a Sunbeam – Rachel Rowbottom

I was blessed with an ARC of this book! It comes out in February, and I’ll be sharing my review when it releases. Meanwhile you can follow Rachel’s literary adventures through her Linktree!

What We Hide – Colleen Coble, Rick Acker

I ran out of audiobook hours in the middle of this one! To be honest I’m really frustrated by one of the main characters, but I’m intrigued by the mystery and have to know what’s going on. So back to this one I go! (When Spotify renews my audiobook hours. XD)

If Your presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.
Exodus 33:15

From the journal…

Again God will be the same merciful God I have known and loved, and at the end of this year He will still be worthy of my soul, my life, my all.

I trust You, Father, even with my blunders.

Oh, the power of the Resurrection!! Among so many other things, it gives us the power to live self-controlled, to happily trust broken lives to the God Who makes all things new.

oh, wondering soul, time is a measurement of hope
as for a wedding day.
Hosanna Emily

How was your January, friends?

Stay the course!

❤ Laurel

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase something through one of the links I share in this post, I receive a small commission…at no extra cost to you.:)

Book Reviews, Journaling, Personal

November memories – 2024

December 2, 2024December 2, 2024by Laurel Luehmann1 Comment

Let us move in the common affairs of life with studied holiness, diligence, kindness, and integrity.
charles spurgeon

Things worth remembering

hiking, bridges, and chili
writing more letters and journaling more profusely
so much mud
the first snow of the season
pizza and The Village
raking cornstalks and hauling bales
the Christmas lights adventure
the face paint that didn’t come off
the loudest game of Life I’ve experienced
accusations, meme-worthy moments, and a toast

All God’s giants have been weak men, who did great things for God because they reckoned on His being with them.
Hudson taylor

What I’ve been reading

The Boys in the Boat – Daniel James Brown

This book came highly recommended from my dad, and I’ve so been enjoying it! I love the variety that the triple timeline provides.

50 People Every Christian Should Know – Warren W. Wiersbe

Still enjoying this one!

These High, Green Hills – Jan Karon

I’m still sad they tore one of my favorite characters from me, but – no surprise – this book was a joy.

The Mouse and the Motorcycle – Beverly Cleary

Toy! thought Ralph indignantly. This ambulance is carrying medical supplies to the sick.

Rereading this one was so much fun! I love how the author really captured what it feels like to be a child longing so much to

The Doll People – Ann M. Martin

It had been forty-five years since Annabelle had seen Auntie Sarah. And forty-five years is a very long time, especially for an eight-year-old girl.

I enjoyed this book when I was younger, and it’s been fun to read through it again!

Wait on the LORD;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD!
psalm 27:14

From the journal

Even here, in this present darkness, Your goodness is writing comeback stories in the flesh and bones of the wounded and wounding. Great are You, Great are You, Lord! What mercy this is!

There is hope and there is beauty, in and beyond this present darkness.

I know that even when this life feels dry, You are the source of living water. Don’t let me forsake You in pursuit of temporal, more visible wells.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase something through one of the links I share in this post, I receive a small commission…at no extra cost to you.:)

Book Reviews, Journaling, Personal

October memories – 2024

November 4, 2024by Laurel LuehmannLeave a Comment

There is a place called ‘heaven’ where the good here unfinished is completed; and where the stories unwritten, and the hopes unfulfilled, are continued. We may laugh together yet.
J.R.R. TOlkien

Things worth remembering

joining a new Bible study
blood sausage conversations
live music and sunlight
the bonfire and the northern lights
all. the. stairs.
creating a fake crime scene for a Sunday school lesson
leading worship with a friend
prayers answered and prayers refined

Let us move in the common affairs of life with studied holiness, diligence, kindness, and integrity.
Charles spurgeon

What I’ve been reading

Cathedral – Maya Joelle

You are worthless, and yet you deserve so much more than you are given. I tear you apart with contradiction.

This book has become my go-to collection of poetry for autumn, and I’m savoring it. It really is a gem.

50 People Every Christian Should Know – Warren W. Wiersbe

“Life is the only cure for death, not the prescriptions of duty, not the threats of punishment and damnation, not the arts and refinement of education, but new, spiritual, Divine Life.” – Christmas Evans

This is essentially a collection of mini biographies, and what a joy it’s been! Learning about the lives, ministries and habits of such giants of the faith has been refreshing and a challenge for me in the way I live my life.

These High, Green Hills – Jan Karon

“You didn’ say nothin’ to th’ Lord ’bout my beans,” Louella reminded him.

“I didn’t?”

“Jus’ th’ cornbread,” she said darkly.

Yes, another Mitford book! It’s just as cozy and humorous as I was expecting.

Frost Light – Danielle Bullen

“We all think that we are so brave, so selfless lifting these things that we are too selfish to see don’t even need to be carried alone.”

Still enjoying this one!

True humility is when you are so focused on God that your self-focus becomes secondary. You are so devoted to His cause that You are able to fully rest in His gentle care without a thought for how things will play out.
Jessie Anderson

From the journal

Cleanse, Father. Heal. Do all that must be done to make me the truest reflection of Your heart that I can be.

…it’s been so good for me to hear the stories of relatively short lives that left a deep impact on the church, not because of their scrambling to be all and do all at once, but because they delighted in the presence and work of God and framed their life around it.

Struck again in Matthew 1 by the value of upright men quietly walking difficult paths in obedience to the Lord.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase something through one of the links I share in this post, I receive a small commission…at no extra cost to you.:)

Book Reviews, Journaling, Personal

July memories – 2024

August 5, 2024by Laurel Luehmann3 Comments

I keep saying this, but…what a month! XD

O Lord, keep far from me the curse of leanness of soul; let me not have to cry, “My leanness, my leanness, woe unto me!” but may I be well-fed and nourished in Thy house, that I may praise Thy name.
Charles spurgeon

Things worth remembering

dancing the Jitterbug with my grandma
the county fair
watching the trailer races at aforementioned county fair
INTENSE heat and humidity
the concert that wasn’t and the subsequent sunset
songwriting with a friend
a photoshoot with friends and a host of mosquitoes
the fights that were much more enjoyable to watch than the baseball game
more intentional reading
getting the notes for Project Redemption from my developmental editor (!!!)

Beware the barrenness of a busy life!
bishop j. Taylor Smith

What I’ve been reading

Holy Hygge – Jamie Erickson

Who you turn to when the stakes are high – when the responsibilities are mounting – says a lot about whom you trust.

Guys, I FINALLY FINISHED IT!!! As in, you won’t be seeing this book pop up over and over again in the monthly recap posts as it has been lately. XD It was a good and thought-provoking read with a healthy dose of questions to lead to action steps.✨

Giants in the Earth – O.E. Rolvaag

The sun had no strength these days. It peeped out in the morning, glided across the sky as before, yet life it had not until toward evening, as it was nearing the western rim of the prairie. Then it awoke, grew big and blushing, took on a splendour which forced everyone to stop and look; the western sky foamed and flooded with a wanton richness of colour, which ran up in streams to meet the coming night.

Goodness, this novel on pioneer life in the Dakota Territory has been fascinating. The author gets into the heads of his characters so well, and the descriptions of the prairie are gorgeous. (The book does contain a good amount of mild language…just something to be aware of.)

Once There Was a Bear: Tales of Before It All Began – Jane Riordan

“Oh,” said Tigger, who couldn’t quite remember if a hum was something to eat or something to sit on. “Tiggers like those, too.”

The Winnie-the-Pooh books by A.A. Milne are some of my favorites, and the author of this prequel did a stellar job preserving the spirit of Milne’s characters and narrative style! This book has been an absolute delight.

You will keep him in perfect peace,
whose mind is stayed on You,
because he trusts in You.
trust in the LORD forever,
for in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength.
isaiah 26:3-4

From the journal

Oh, but Jesus, my story was never supposed to be about me and my achievements, anyway. It’s all about You being strong through me, even when I can’t seem to take a step forward.

Can’t I trust the seedling to the hands of the One who planted and watered the seed in the first place?

What made this July memorable for you?

❤ Laurel

Book Reviews, Journaling, Personal

June memories – 2024

July 1, 2024July 8, 2024by Laurel Luehmann3 Comments

This June was sunshine and thunderstorms and wildflowers and good books.✨

And mosquitoes. Lots of mosquitoes.

When he bares his teeth,
Winter meets its death,
And when he shakes his mane,
We shall have spring again.
C.S. Lewis

Things worth remembering

the start of the local farmers market
flower shopping with a brother
kayaking with the same brother in the rain
wandering through a newly-discovered cemetery
savoring slow mornings on vacation
reading on the dock
sand volleyball and Crossnet
Facetiming a dear friend
hayrides with cousins
wild costumes and Uno in the rain
late night cousin chats
scrounging wildflowers from the ditches

“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works…”
Revelation 2:4-5a

What I’ve been reading

Morning and Evening – Charles Spurgeon

Jesus says, “take freely.” He wants no payment or preparation. He seeks no recommendation from our virtuous emotions.

I think this is the best daily devotional I’ve had yet. ❤

A Light in the Window – Jan Karon

“What don’t you love?” he asked, looking at her intently.

She gazed back at him. “Oh, soggy mittens, chocolate without nuts, a man who can’t find it in himself to hold your hand when it’s sticking right out there in plain view.”

He took her hand that was resting on the table. “What else?” he said.

I finished this one on our family vacation, and it was a delight. I’m so glad there are so many more books set in Mitford!

The Colors of Rain – Abigail Hayven

Her life was pretty normal, but normal through rose-colored glasses. Normal with abstract colors thrown in. Normal in an intentionally romanticized way.

This book is a masterpiece. Both the pacing and narration are absolutely brilliant, and Rain is one of those characters who deserves to go down in literary history with the likes of Anne Shirley and Jo March.

Holy Hygge – Jamie Erickson

When you’re brave enough to show your scars to others, you declare that both your celebrations and your sufferings belong to the Lord. In doing so, you steward them both well.

Yes, I’m STILL reading this book! XD It’s still good.

(I’ve also been beta reading a short story that will be published in this anthology!)

LORD, my heart is not haughty,
nor my eyes lofty.
Neither do I concern myself with great matters,
Nor with things too profound for me.
Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul like a weaned child with his mother;
like a weaned child is my soul within me.
psalm 131:1-2

From the journal

It is His strength within me. His love. His heart. His mind.

It was glorious this evening, and beauty is pulsing stronger on the horizon. God, You are so good to carry Your weak ones and give them hope’s whispers in unexpected places.

Let me not long for the cup You have not given.

What stood out to you from this June?

Oh! Just a note…I’ll be sending out a newsletter with some writing updates in a week or so here that you might not want to miss. You can click here to join my mailing list if you haven’t yet.

Stay the course!✨

❤ Laurel

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase something through one of the links I share in this post, I receive a small commission…at no extra cost to you.:)

Book Reviews, Journaling, Personal, Poetry

May memories – 2024

June 3, 2024June 3, 2024by Laurel Luehmann2 Comments

Goodness sakes…what a month! Buckle up, friends, because this isn’t going to be a short post. XD

We are too prone to engrave our trials in marble and our blessings in sand.
Charles Spurgeon

Things worth remembering…

finding a bunny while mowing
rain…rain…more rain…
jamming with music friends, VeggieTales and Springsteen
feeling ridiculously proud of my brother and his student address at his commencement ceremony
spending a week in Tennessee with old and new friends
sharing tears and laughter with this dear friend who always points through the dark to Jesus
spotting one of my music heroes in downtown Franklin
finally visiting the Rabbit Room
windows-down car rides + music swaps
Livy and Kiana’s performance of “Santa Fe” when the WiFi was being cantankerous
seeing one of my friends get married off
tornado warnings and music practice with no electricity (RIP, keyboard and bass guitar)
the first songwriting session
The Noodle Redemption
riding in the tractor with a brother

I realized that I was immortal till my Master’s work was done. – John Patton

What I’ve been reading…

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader – C.S. Lewis

“Am I to understand,” said Reepicheep to Lucy after a long stare at Eustace, “that this singularly discourteous person is under your Majesty’s protection? Because, if not–“

My heart has needed a return to Narnia. ❤

Adorning the Dark – Andrew Peterson

Sometimes you start with nothing and hope it all works out. Not sometimes—every time. All you really have is your willingness to fail, coupled with the mountain of evidence that the Maker has never left nor forsaken you.

I started a reread of this on the plane to Tennessee. Andrew Peterson’s appreciation of and hunger for hope and beauty is catching.

future flowers, whispered war-cries – Hosanna Emily

i may wake to morning stars or thick darkness yet, but maybe – hope against hope – it’ll be Day. soon, He promises, and that’s enough.

Hosanna and I did a book swap in Tennessee, and I’m savoring the journey through this chunky book of hope-laced poems. Hosanna has a passion for Jesus and His coming that is contagious, and she articulates her heart so well in this poetry collection!

A Light in the Window – Jan Karon

“What do you want to talk about?”

“Everything and nothing. What you did today, what I did today, what we’ll do tomorrow. About God and how He’s working in our lives. About my work, about your work, about life, about love, about what’s for dinner and how the roses are doing – do they have black spot or beetles…”

So far, I’m loving the second book in the Mitford series even more than the first! It feels softer, cozier, even more full of warmth and gentle healing.

Holy Hygge – Jamie Erickson

Even when we’re only given fleeting seconds of connection, we almost always have the opportunity to share the touch of Christ, if not in our actions, certainly in our reactions.

I’m still savoring this book!

Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name…
Romans 1:5

From the journal…

Oh, God! Get it through this hard head of mine that nothing shall be impossible for You, and that You have not left the business of redemption. Open my eyes to see the chariots of fire. Open my heart to wait on You and You alone for provision…there is joy set before me…and so I can endure.

Help me, Lord, as I walk the rim of the darkness, staggering towards the light and holding it in my heart. Thank You for this time of grace…this opportunity to stand firm in the darkness and hold high my torch. You are so good…always, even when the world continues to fall apart around me.

Thank You, Jesus, that You are sovereign, and that Your kingdom shall reign over all the earth.

Instead of seeing every bad thing as a failure of God’s goodness, why don’t I see every good thing as His grace?

Let me not be defined by what I lack. I am not a dry tree. I am planted by Your river.
Liz Snell

What are you taking away from this May?

Stay the course!

❤ Laurel

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase something through one of the links I share in this post, I receive a small commission…at no extra cost to you.:)

Book Reviews, Journaling, Personal

April memories -2024

April 29, 2024April 27, 2024by Laurel Luehmann3 Comments

Hello, friends!

April showers have been bringing dandelions and daffodils…and this post.:)

Things worth remembering…

not having a cold for the first time in forever
living on ice cream, yogurt, and noodles after bidding wisdom teeth goodbye
a nostalgic viewing of a Winnie the Pooh movie…or two
handing Project Redemption off to an editor
being able to write poetry again
hitting a cajon with wild abandon for the first live worship time with our entire church
being told by a young child that I’m “too little to drive”

Fear not tomorrows, child of the King; trust them with Jesus. Do the next thing.
Author unknown

What I’ve been reading…

Holy Hygge – Jamie Erickson

Encouragement is more than just giving a compliment. It is the passing on of courage. To encourage someone is to give them the courage to face an unknown future, the courage to trust an unseen God, the courage to stand firm in a turbulent culture.

I’m so glad I finally got this book. I’m marking it up all over the place! It’s been a gentle challenge for me to consider the way that I walk through life and treat the people that surround me…and what that lifestyle says about who God is.

At Home in Mitford – Jan Karon

“Timothy, look at that funny cow staring at us.”

He raised his head slightly, and froze. “Do not move,” he said. “That is a bull.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake,” she whispered, “this happens in comic books, not real life. Will we be gored?”

I’m such a slow reader, but I was able to tear through this book while I was down after getting my wisdom teeth out! XD You can read my full review here.

The Inheritance Games – Jennifer Lynn Barnes

…I looked past her to the counter and realized she’d baked more than muffins. There were also cupcakes. I felt my stomach plummet. “Oh, no, Lib.”

“It’s not what you think,” Libby promised. She was an apology cupcake baker. A guilty cupcake baker. A please-don’t-be-mad-at-me cupcake baker.

I did end up shelving this as DNF because the combination of teenage angst and implied content wasn’t my cup of tea. That and the plot just didn’t grab me like I’d hoped. I loved the MC’s snappy dialogue, though, and the glimpse of the tender heart beneath her armor, even in the first chapter.

“…we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”
2 chronicles 20:12

From the journal…

Let me see each day, each aspect of my life as a battleground; an opportunity to decrease and let You increase.

What made your April memorable?

❤ Laurel

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase something through one of the links I share in this post, I receive a small commission…at no extra cost to you.:)

Book Reviews, Journaling, Personal

March memories – 2024

April 15, 2024by Laurel LuehmannLeave a Comment

Hello, friends!

Now that we’re in the middle of April, here’s the March review! XD

If there is anything that we ought to get straight, it is how little we are.
a.W. Tozer

Things worth remembering

walks in the pasture
a family birthday celebration
poetry in the Notes app on a late drive home
goat kids
driving with the windows down while snacking on kettle chips
talking books and family history with my grandma
making garlic toast
working dates with a friend
music practice with friends
reading through John leading up to Holy Week
a hike with glorious views

“…unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.”
John 12:24

What I’ve been reading

The Words We Lost – Nicole Deese

Funny how differently time is prioritized when it’s in short supply.

If I enjoyed the romance genre (or if this book didn’t happen to be written as a romance…XD) it would likely receive five stars from me. The pacing, the side characters, the plot twists…it’s a heavy read, but an endearing one. It handles the topics of grief and loss so well, and I loved the coastal town feels! And now I want a blackberry lemonade slush. XD

At Home in Mitford – Jan Karon

My goodness, the humor in this book! The characters are so real. There are some minor things in it that I’m not a fan of, but in general it’s been an easy fun read with all of the small town feels.

“…the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.”
John 3:29-30

From the journal

God, be my strength and smile today! Open my eyes to see what You are doing.

when my soul is weary and pleading for more than a sin-soiled world, there is hope and satiation in Your very presence beside me…

You are the-God-who-sees. You see me pressed beneath the weight of this deadline…and You call Yourself enough within me to bear this weight. You see me faltering before the most miniscule decisions…and I call You my Shepherd, all knowing and sovereign. You see my longing, and I call You all I’ll ever need.

“Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour?’ But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name.”
John 12:27-28a

Jumping back a few weeks…what was memorable in your life this March?

❤ Laurel

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase something through one of the links I share in this post, I receive a small commission…at no extra cost to you.:)

Book Reviews, Journaling, Personal

February memories – 2024

March 4, 2024March 4, 2024by Laurel Luehmann3 Comments

Hello, friends!

The post graphic is a bit deceitful, as this February held virtually no snow and lots and lots of spring-like weather. It was definitely a month for the books…

I trace the rainbow through the rain
and find the promise is not vain
that morn shall tearless be.
from George Matheson’s “O Love that will not let me go”

Things worth remembering…

talks with friends that were good for the soul
lots of walks in unseasonably warm weather
color palette experiments
Chinese food with sisters
realizing how much I dislike elevators
watching geese fly north
learning again that “He must increase, I must decrease” (John 3:30)
lots of fun music practice sessions
hiking with friends (and not losing anyone over the edge)

The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger,
And his glory is to overlook a transgression.
Proverbs 19:11

What I’ve been reading…

The Golden Road – L.M. Montgomery

“Sometimes I don’t think it’s right to tell funny stories about ministers,” said Felicity. “It certainly isn’t respectful.”

“A good story is a good story – no matter who it’s about,” said the Story Girl with ungrammatical relish.

I had such good memories of reading The Story Girl, and it was so enjoyable to read the sequel! There are portions where witchcraft is handled lightly, however, so that’s something to keep in mind when handing it off to younger siblings/friends. L.M. Montgomery can get a little too poetic (ironic, I know!) for my liking, but the cousin/friend dynamics are absolutely hilarious and touching all at once.

The Mysterious Benedict Society – Trenton Lee Stewart

‘If any others flee the room in panic or dismay,’ she said sternly, ‘please remember to close the door behind you. Your sobs may disturb the other test-takers.’

It’s been so much fun to read this book with my sisters! Each character is so vividly unique…my personal favorite is Number Two.😂

From the Grave – A.W. Tozer

…the will of God is the place of blessed, painful, fruitful trouble…It is my conviction that one of the reasons we exhibit very little spiritual power is because we are unwilling to accept and experience the fellowship of the Savior’s sufferings, which means acceptance of His cross.

This Lent devotional has been really thought-provoking. I always appreciate Tozer’s perspective.

Do not be afraid of sudden terror…
for the Lord will be your confidence.
from Proverbs 3:25-26

From the journal…

God, may they see Your fingerprints all over my motives and my actions!

Help me to choose You in everything…to love people well because they bear Your image.

I find it so interesting that David ends Psalm 119 – a psalm about the Word of God – with a confession that “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I do not forget Your commandments.” No matter how much we love the Word, our hearts are still prone to wander and we’re no less desperate for grace. The commandment doesn’t save; the gospel does.

Even in all these broken places You are Lord.

What made your February memorable?

❤ Laurel

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase something through one of the links I share in this post, I receive a small commission…at no extra cost to you.:)

Book Reviews, Journaling, Personal, reading

January memories – 2024

February 5, 2024February 5, 2024by Laurel Luehmann5 Comments

The first review post of 2024!!

when you understand that God is never late, you wait differently.
unknown

Things worth remembering…

kicking off the new year with a stomach bug…hurrah! It could only get better from there. XD
practicing bass runs with my brother
road-tripping with siblings and some of our favorite songs
coming up with a tentative title for Project Redemption👀
tea and chats with friends
hitting 50k words on Project Redemption
people watching at Culvers
frigid temps followed by a glorious (albeit slushy) heat wave
music practice that felt like the best worship jam session ever
toting a baby doll and stroller around the mall in disguise

No matter how far from ease, a wise woman’s heart is betrothed to gratitude.
from “The divine proverb of streusel” by Sara Brunsvold

What I’ve been reading…

The School Story – Andrew Clements

…in that instant Natalie saw what mattered. It wasn’t whether the book got published or not. It wasn’t whether Zoe was absolutely crazy – which she was. The important thing was Zoe herself, her friend.

This is such a fun MG read! While I’m not a fan of all of his books, I so enjoy how Andrew Clements’ style shines in this one. He really writes some powerful kid characters, and the mother-daughter relationship almost made me cry. I loved reading this to my sisters. (FYI, it does contain a good amount of name calling. I just skip over those words when reading it to sisters!)

Wonderstruck – Brian Selznick

Maybe, thought Ben, we are all cabinets of wonders.

I absolutely LOVED the experience of reading this book. It kept me turning pages so fast…especially because of the brilliance of using only drawings to tell one side of the story. The author used so many little details to draw the reader in and imply things in such a powerful way.
I did feel a little let down by the ending, though…there were some minor questions I’d asked that didn’t feel answered, and I just generally wanted more. Also, with it being MG fiction I struggled with the addition of a few mature elements being mentioned/handled casually. Just throwing that out there as a heads up if you want to hand it off to younger ones. Overall, though, I’d probably reread it for fun, as it is such an enjoyable experience!

In My Father’s House – Corrie ten Boom

She began to make plans – we had no money, no experience – but we started.

I’m savoring every moment of this book. I especially love hearing about how two single women and their father opened their home and hearts to so many in the name of Jesus. (It’s also sprinkled with a healthy dose of Corrie’s humor. :))

The Divine Proverb of Streusel – Sara Brunsvold

Ask Nikki questions, she’d told him. Memorize her answers. Lover her accordingly.

This book feels like coming home. I absolutely love Sara Brunsvold’s poetic prose and the quotable qualities of her writing, but wrap it around a rural setting full of German food and history, characters who are solid and real, and a middle-aged bachelor who is painfully awkward around the woman who adores him? I’m sold.❤️❤️

(While handled so tactfully, dealing with the aftermath of a divorce following unfaithfulness is a premise of the story, so be aware of that if it’s something that’s too painful for you.)

I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.
charles spurgeon

From the journal…

Sinning is basically telling God that His ways aren’t good enough for us…telling God that we know better than He does.

I don’t have to slink into Your presence with the faint remains of stains on my skin. You have purified me completely, and You cause these bones You have broken to rejoice.

In the way I respond to trials and disruptions – help me to see Your image in the souls that trouble my own. May I deal graciously and uprightly with any who cross my path. You must increase, I must decrease. Be Lord over my life, not simply my words!

Waiting is just a gift of time in disguise – a time to pray wrapped in a ribbon of patience – because is the Lord ever late?
Ann voskamp

What made your January memorable?

❤ Laurel