'With a few flowers in my garden,
half a dozen pictures,
and some books,
I live without envy.'
half a dozen pictures,
and some books,
I live without envy.'
- Lope DeVega -
1562 - 1635
1562 - 1635
I'm back!
You're here!
Let's go ...
If we're half way through the month, it's time for THE BOOKBAG! As always, it's a joy hanging out with you and chatting about all the good stuff going on in our reading and writing lives. Here's a glimpse of what I'm paging through, the link list many of you tell me you look forward to, a recent life-enhancing invitation that's shaken up my devotional life, your favorite post in recent weeks, and a verse that never leaves my mind and heart.
Please do share your favorite reads, writing projects, and links in the comment section. After all, I get my best recommendations from YOU!
THE BOOKS
Les Carter, Ph.D. & Frank Minirth, M.D.
conversational . interactive . beneficial
I'm about to begin using this workbook with a group of women making their way through the effects of the pandemic. I can't wait for the discussions we'll be having and seeing what the Lord will do in this season that's produced so much worry, fear, and anxiety. I wish I had gotten my hands on this superb resource, for lots of reasons, a long time ago.
Are you interested in going through this workbook as our next Book Club selection? Just let me know in the comments.
Liz Marie Galvin
gorgeous . comforting . inviting
I'm a huge fan of a cozy home with lots of white space, vintage furniture, and meaningful collectibles. This volume, filled with stunning photos and unique decorating ideas made me smile at every turn of the page. You'll find yourself relaxing and inspired as you make your way through this beautiful volume ... again and again.
Catherine Marshall
classic . faith-stretching . reflective
'Lord, I see now what You mean that everything that happens being part of the lesson material in Your schoolroom. I really can praise You that You refuse to let us stay children, that You keep insisting on our growing up. Thank You for caring that much about us ...
The matter of praise is obviously still one of my growing edges. I am convinced that living at the point of praise and seeking it will lead us to the richest discoveries we have ever made' {pg. 43}.
Emily P. Freeman
innovative . soul-searching . transformative
I stopped journaling about 14 months ago. I got tired of hearing myself go on and on, my endless, pain-filled words stalling me out instead of propelling me forward.
Emily's new little companion is unique, filled with searching questions, handy lists, and all kinds of opportunities to reflect. This is not your typical lined journal. Be prepared to be nudged forward, with purpose, in the most thought-provoking ways. You can start it any season of the year. I highly recommend. {ChristianBook.com may have a lower price.}
Aundi Kolber, MA, LPC
hopeful . gentle . life-altering
'One of the best parts of learning to open myself up to God and allowing him to sit with me in my joy and grief is this: I have learned to see myself as He sees me ...
During our hardest, scariest times - whether our bodies feel stressed and jumpy or sluggish and slow - God is there to reassure us that we are no defined by our best days or our worst days. We are His beloved' {pgs. 86-87}.
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when you use the links above
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THE LINKS
Anne Bogel
Frank Viola
How to Decorate With Vintage Books
KariAnne Wood
KariAnne Wood
Jean Wise
Christianity Today
Lois Flowers
William Grimes
Sarah Geringer
Ben Hooper
Cindy Bunch
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We've all spent hundreds of hours reading to our little ones. So when I found my devotional life in need of a bit of a jolt, I started reading through the Psalms ... out loud. I can't begin to tell you how much this is impacting my soul as eyes and voice join forces to impact the deepest part of who I am.
I'm planning to continue reading through God's Word loud and clear. It's keeping me focused on what's right in front of me, helping me to glean fresh perspective, and be fully present to what the Spirit is whispering and teaching.
If your find yourself distracted or your brain wandering in your quiet times, this just might be your key to renewed impact.
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THE FAVORITE
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THE VERSE
Let's talk about your recent reading and writing adventures ...
Linda
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talking books with
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Photo at top by
Hello sweet Linda. I hope that you are doing well. I love the verse, John 14:27. Have quoted it quite often. I am still currently digging into the bible study called, Determined, Living like Jesus every moment. Going through the whole book of Luke has been wonderful and refreshing this season of life. I write in my Bible too. I have notes, dates, phrases, all written within the pages of my Bible. I have so much written on the blank pages as well. Quotes, or simply a sentence that was spoken by someone that really jumped out at me at the time and I had to write it down and date it. Hope you are enjoying life, one day at a time. Or I have said, sometimes, it's one moment at a time. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteCindy, yes! I absolutely hear you about the notes, dates, phrases, quotes that we've filled our beloved Bibles with! Mine is 32 years old and literally held together with packing tape. It's my prize possession and I wouldn't trade it for another.
DeleteI lost it once for about a week, and it felt like losing my right arm. Praise God for His treasured written word!
I've been reading "Energy healing for empaths : how to protect yourself from energy vampires, honor your boundaries, and build healthier relationships" / by Lisa Campion. As one who deeply feels others emotions, I'm becoming aware how important it is to shield my soul from that which sucks the life out of me. I used to give all until I was a puddle but I'm learning..................
ReplyDeleteHi Val! I've put your book on my library request list ... your recommendation is good enough for me! I've heard of it and even the title sums up what we need to choose to stay healthy and effective in caring for others well.
DeleteNo more puddles!
;-}
There's books about anxiety,
ReplyDeleteand worry's awful cost,
but they do not apply to me,
'cause I'm lucky, all is lost,
and I can now dance through the days
without a frown or care,
singing joy and laughing praise
to the God up there
who set me down on cancer's road,
trusting that I could
see it not as savage load,
but rather, something good
that teaches me to see each moment
as a gift, and not as torment.
Today's ode reminds me of Romans 8:28, Andrew - 'And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.'
DeleteKeep keeping on, friend ...
Reading through the Psalms out loud sounds like a great practice to adopt, Linda. I'm currently reading Women of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream. I highly recommend it!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Martha, thanks for the recommendation!
DeleteI am brimming with the goodness of a novel by Cynthia Ruchti—just finished last night. Facing the Dawn
ReplyDeleteI don’t read much fiction anymore, but this showed up at just the right time.
And when I need to really GET what I am reading from Scripture, I always read it out loud. It’s glorious. (That’s also how I do my final edit of anything I write...)
Yeah, on occasion when a post is just not clicking, I'll read it out loud {over and over!} until I make myself totally crazy. It's that perfectionism streak that'll kill me.
DeleteAnd yes, so good to read different genres, Michele. Too often I tend to gravitate to the familiar. Thanks for that bit of a nudge ...
I am nearly finished with Reversed Thunder by Eugene Peterson, just finished A Fish Out of Water by Eric Metaxas, well into Melanie Dobson's new book, The Curator's Daughter, and reading Younger Next Year. While walking I am listening to It All Starts with Food. YES....I love to read and usually have several books of different themes going at once - always a fiction, an informational read, and inspirational read. Next up will be Patti Callahan's Surviving Savannah😊
ReplyDeletePatti Callahan! I'm in! Thanks for sharing such a lovely variety.
DeleteI have tried to keep a selection of books going at the same time, Pam, but my brain just doesn't like it! I don't even think it's old age, it's just how I've been put together!
;-}
My first job was working as a Page at the library--I shelved the books that had been returned. So of course, I had to click on the Doctor Doolittle link!
ReplyDeleteI loved volunteering at the library when I was in junior high, Margie ... and it makes me smile that you've come back a few times to keep the conversation going!
DeleteYou've made my day, friend ...
P.S. Thanks for the visit. Earl Grey is one of my all-time blends!
ReplyDeleteP.P.S. My boss is from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia (she lives in Ontario now) so I'm tickled that the library is in Cape Breton!
ReplyDeleteYou asked for my "projects", Linda. My Christian books are here:
ReplyDeletehttps://victormoubarak.wixsite.com/victormoubarak/books-co77
Thanx and God bless.
READERS - Victor not only is a man of humor, but of faith, creativity, and wisdom.
DeleteHere's what he says on his site -->'I hope that whatever I write will help someone somewhere to experience the love of God.'
May that be the goal we all focus on!
Happy Spring Linda! I may be interested in going through the worry workbook! I've had The Next Right Thing book on my shelf for awhile and was just thinking it could be my next read (and finish it this time). Feeling like I need some inspiration and mental motivation.
ReplyDeleteI'm hearing you ... let's head toward both inspiration and mental motivation, friend!
DeleteYour list is all nonfiction -- that's almost the opposite of mine! I always say I want to read more nonfiction, but it's harder for me so it doesn't always happen. I recently heard about Try Softer on a podcast and I'm thinking I might need to pick it up soon. Thanks for the suggestions!
ReplyDeleteJordan, hi! Last year was mostly fiction, the year before was non. Go figure! I'd love to hear your take on Try Softer if you go there ...
DeleteI just finished The Dearly Beloved. Great Book--fiction! Always enjoy looking over your reading list. Thank You!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Yes, The Dearly Beloved was a very unique read. I look forward to reading it a second time to catch all I missed in the first round.
DeleteGuided journaling is so interesting - I definitely process my emotions and feelings through writing and I've been intrigued by the idea of guided journaling, you're inspiring me to give it a try!
ReplyDeleteLis, yes ... it's good to shake things up and go in a different direction with journaling. This is a great opportunity!
DeleteLinda, I love how you give each book three adjectives. :) The ones you gave Try Softer are spot-on. I recently read a book I won in a drawing. The Orphan Beach by Laura Thomas. Such engaging characters and full of suspense. I could hardly put it down! Love and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteP.S. The Worry Workbook sounds like a great one to read and discuss here.
I'm thinking through how to do a workbook in an online Book Club! Any suggestions?
DeleteJohn 14:27 is probably my favorite verse in the whole Bible. "Not as the world gives do I give to you." How many times have I had to remind myself of that? Thanks for all of the wonderful recommendations. I must check out some of those websites.
ReplyDeleteAmen. I can't tell you how many times those words of Jesus have calmed my mind, soul, and body. No one can describe that heaven-sent peace that's so far removed from the world's attempts.
DeletePraise God for His Word. Our heavenly lifeline!
I always love to read your book recommendations, Linda! The Catherine Marshall one caught my eye because I remember I enjoyed reading another one of her books - although it was so long that I can't remember what it was called!
ReplyDeleteI'm in the middle of reading 12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You by Tony Reinke and it is very thought-provoking. I like that it acknowledges the positives of modern technology as well as the negatives and that it doesn't tell you what you should do but helps you to think it through for yourself.
Yep, I can't remember the last time I picked up one of her books, Lesley, but I remember appreciating their spiritual depth. It's good to have this volume in hand again. I love this kind of reading before bed ...
DeleteMeanwhile, the phone. Sigh. I'm guessing that much of the phone's impact has not been positive in my life. I continue to try to navigate its use in a healthy way but it can be a real challenge.
Thank you, Linda, for giving us a worthy list of reading options. Oh for more time to read! So many titles sound enticing--which to choose?! Might have to put a few titles in a hat. . .
ReplyDeleteI hear ya, Nancy. I have about 25 books 'frozen' on my library request list because I already have so much to read!
DeleteMaybe I'll get a hat, too.
;-}
Hi Linda, I’m reading along with Father Mike Schmitz in The Bible in a Year. I got a late start, but am trying to catch up by doing readings in a day.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time with the Lord, Kitty. No worries if you don't make it through in a year. Just keep moving along, growing more in love with our Savior ...
DeleteI still wish I lived close enough to be a part of your groups, Linda! I'd love going through The Worry Workbook in person. I've been working through a workbook on anxiety on my own, but it would be more profitable with a group, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend this for personal use as well as in a group. So many of us are yearning for in-person connection, healing, and renewal as we head into the 2nd year of the pandemic's presence.
DeleteI only know a few people who say they haven't been negatively affected by the last 14 months. And I'm not sure if they really have a grasp on the impact this season has had on countless souls ...
I am reading out loud lately also. Hearing is believing. Rom 10:14. Great exercise.
ReplyDeleteMy most fav book of the year is I’ll Push You by Patrick Gray and Justin Sheesuck. I learned so much from this endearing memoir of two pilgrims journeying thru the del Camino trails in Spain. It touches on what is Sabbath, endearing love of spouses, coping with disability, emotional/spiritual healing and friendship so rare only God could have brought it about. This is what I learned about Sabbath: “Every moment we rest in the presence of others and appreciate the time, beauty, and joy they have to offer, we practice Sabbath. It’s a mentality . . . an existence . . . a way of life.”
'Hearing is believing.' That'll stay with me. Thank you Paul!
DeleteI love these words about Sabbath ... they sure enlarge our view of this invitation God continues to offer us.
I do miss 'sabbath-ing' with you, dear friend ...
I really enjoyed your post and I'm glad for the resources. I noticed two of the books listed in The Books section mention anxiety/worry, and it is easy to see how all of them, one way or another, might contribute to gaining calm in one's life. I've recently struggled with anxiety and panic, and I appreciate your thoughtfulness in pursuing some sort of reprieve from it in your group study using the Worry Workbook. I just might have to check this one out. Blessings on your study.
ReplyDeleteWelcome, Suzette! I'm glad you've jumped right on in to the discussion. I love that!
DeleteIf you've been struggling with anxiety and panic, I highly recommend this book as it gets under the surface to some of the root causes. And, of course, if your anxiety continues, please see your doctor.
These are hard times and trust me, you're in very good company.
What a great list of interesting books. I just started listening to Try Softer. Anxious to hear more. I keep seeing the Next Right Thing Guided Journal. Wanting to pick it up.
ReplyDeleteBased on appreciating your powerful, insightful writing, Theresa, I think you'd love Emily's journal!
DeleteIf you go there, I'd love to hear how it works out for you.
Thanks for the mention, Linda. I love the book list and have Emily's journal too. I think I still have all the Catherine Marshall books too so need to reread Something More. What a classic!
ReplyDeleteYou continue to inspire me to dig a bit deeper into my faith, Jean. I am so appreciative of your writing.
DeleteWow. Great looking choices here. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're here, Lauren!
DeleteLinda, I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that it’s already time for another one of your bookish posts! Thanks for sharing mine on “On Writing Well” ... William Zinsser’s words are definitely serving as a guiding light for my writing life right now. And yes to reading the Psalms out loud! I need to remember to give that a try ... I’m guessing the words sink in a different way when we take the time to speak them. Hugs, friend.
ReplyDelete'I’m guessing the words sink in a different way when we take the time to speak them.'
DeleteI'm with you, Lois! I know there's scientific evidence to prove it yet sometimes you just KNOW when something is true ...
Ahhh, Linda. What a great bunch of books and links you've shared here! I really enjoyed Emily Freeman's, The Next Right Thing. I didn't know there was a journal. I may be checking that out. Thank you for sharing about that! I have found myself reading the Psalms out loud recently too! There has been so much to distract me during my quiet times, that focusing on reading God's word out loud is helping me be more focused in my time with Him. I should probably do it for all the reading I do in God's word in my daily quiet times. :)
ReplyDeleteJeanne, it's been so cool to hear that people are reading the Psalms outloud these days! You're so right, those distractions divert our attention to His Word way too easily. This works ... I'm with you, I'm going to continue ...
DeleteI'm off to sit with that journal now. Evening's a lovely time to consider what's happening ... and what we want to do with it all!