A few good, good things from this month... Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen I enjoyed this classic more than I thought I could. Austen's characters pulled me in and kept me turning pages of this story. Especially Elizabeth Bennett. Have you read it? Let's talk more in the comments below. (I listened to the … Continue reading July Smiles
A handful of happy things from the month of May… The Chronicles of Narnia The journey was lovely, and it ended with The Last Battle over quarantine. Mr. Lewis brought it all to a sweeping finish that left me sighing with mingled longing and contentment. “All their life in this world and all … Continue reading May Smiles
Memorizing Scripture Quarantine has me chiseling out new habits and upkeeping old ones. I started memorizing Psalm 119 before COVID struck and decided there’s no excuse to forgo it now. I also jumped into John 17—Jesus’s High Priestly Prayer—with my pal, Gia, last week. The fruits of meditation and memorization are rich, especially during this … Continue reading April Smiles
What a cataclysmal month. It’s noisy and heavy out there, isn’t it? Is there anything worth smiling about? For the Christian, yes. Here are two praiseworthy truths I wrote about last week. Today, let’s talk about the little things— those resources and activities that have kept me busy (and sane) this month: Ray and Jani … Continue reading March Smiles
Where did you see God’s kindness in February? Here’s my list: James We’re mining some incredible jewels in James’s letter as a Sunday school class. I’ll be co-teaching on chapter four soon and it’s running over with both conviction and exhortation. James’s pen is heavy with passion and it’s helping me deal with my sin … Continue reading February Smiles
Here’s a list of lovely things from January… Writing Close to the Earth Each week is of this online class (taught by Dr. Jonathan Rogers) is richer than the last. We’ve dissected topics like concrete language, vision, and place. I know the community and feedback are sharpening my skills. (I’m excited about JR’s next class—Writing … Continue reading January Smiles
Happy Christmas, my friends! It’s been a beautiful month of lights and music and books and worship. Here’s my list of favorites: The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien I know I’ve listed this book twice now on my Smiles list. But I finished it this week and the greatness can’t go unannounced. Here’s an especially … Continue reading December Smiles
Here’s what made me smile and give thanks this month: Fernando Ortega If you missed it last Sunday, my email and blog post were all about Fernando Ortega after seeing him live in concert. I shared this essay on how his music shaped and warmed childhood (and now my teen years). I’m also enjoying a … Continue reading November Smiles
October 27 It’s been a busy, colorful, autumn month. Here are a few things I especially enjoyed in October: Adorning the Dark by Andrew Peterson I mentioned this book in last week’s Snippet and finished a few days ago. I’m certain it will be one I pick back up again soon. Adorning the Dark is … Continue reading October Smiles
September 29 Can I just say, September flew? Here I am at another month-end, ready for October bonfires and pumpkins and coffee. But first, here are a few things that made me happy in September: The Gray Havens This husband-wife duo has been making music I love for a long time. This month, they came … Continue reading September Smiles
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