Weekly Reads

Ok, it's been a couple of weeks since I posted my weekly reads.  Just because I've been busy, not because I haven't been reading.  Since I last posted on this, I did finish What Women Fear by Angie Smith.  I can't say it enough - every woman should read this book.  Fear is one of my greatest struggles, and this spoke to me so strongly!  I know I'm not alone in this struggle though, so if you also struggle with fear, read this book!

I have since read:

 The Elm Creek Quilters Series is one of my favorite book series ever.  The books alternate between present day and historical fiction (my fave).  I think this is the 18th in the series, and I have read them all.   Even if you don't quilt, you will enjoy these books about friendship, learning, and the historical significance of quilting.  

 I have always loved Debbie Macomber's books.  I was fortunate enough to meet her when she did a book signing in Habersham a few years ago. (crazy that she came to Habersham, I know) I really love her Blossom Street books that center around a knitting store and the people who frequent it, but her Cedar Cove books are also good.  Her books are always clean, with a good message.  This one was the same.  A quick, easy read.

This book was really good.  I have read several of Melody Carlson's other books, and this was one I couldn't put down.  I didn't want to stop reading at night.  It is Christian fiction, but not overly so.  It takes place in Oregon, on the Siuslaw River.  It is an interesting story of family and friendship and how they overlap and compensate for each other at times.  I would highly recommend it.  

On another note, I began Crossfit this week.  I am so sore I hate to move.  I am really trying to get fit, and I'm pretty sure this will do it if I don't keel over first.  ;)  I told my trainer yesterday as she was telling me I had good form and looked good that it wasn't that I couldn't do exercise, I would just rather lay on the couch and read all day!  So pray that this will semi-cure me of that.  I am actually excited about the program - if I can move enough to go back.  

What have you been reading?  

Music Monday -Page CXVI

I can't remember how I found out about Page CXVI, but for those of you who love hymns, you will love them.  Their mission is to make hymns known and loved.  They have changed them up a bit, with a little retro vibe,  but they still contain the same rich lyrics that make hymns so beloved.  I know that many churches have quit singing hymns, but some of the lyrics are so powerful.  It breaks my heart that we might pass these by.  This hymn is one of my favorites, and the lyrics are amazing.  I think it is perfect for this time of Lent.  How Deep the Father's Love For Us. His love is so deep, and so perfect.  Listen and let the words sink in and wrap around you as you imagine our Father's deep, deep love.  

 Also, check out Page CXVI.  You will love them!

Still That Girl

Sometimes I am amazed at how many of my friends never listen to Christian music.  And I get it, kind of.  A lot of Christian music just isn't as good as mainstream pop and rock.  But Christian music has come a long way.  A loooooong way.   I am always trying to find new Christian artists that I enjoy and now think my kids will like also.  I want Aubrey to have Christian guy artists who he thinks are cool, and I want Mallory to have Christian ladies who are hip and fun and she thinks are cool too.  So it was in this journey that I found Britt Nicole.  I have liked several of her songs for a couple of years, but her Gold album is just that.  Gold.  Mallory and I love to listen to fun, happy songs like those of Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, etc., but there aren't many out there that are appropriate for us.  I was reminded of that last night seeing pictures of the performers at the Grammys.  Yikes!  That being said, Britt Nicole fits the bill.  It isn't often that I buy an entire album anymore.  I bought this entire album.  We love to listen to it together, and I love it when I'm home alone and can sing as loud as I like!  

This song hits home for me, as I am sure it will for many of you.  Growing up, we all had ideas of what our lives would be like.  Young and idealistic, we dreamed amazing dreams.  Sometimes life turns out like our dreams, but more often than not, it doesn't.  It doesn't mean our lives are bad, but there are definitely seasons that we didn't sign up for.  This song reminds us that we are still that girl who dreamed God sized dreams.  Right now I'm doing a study on the book of Luke and today we were challenged to dream God sized dreams.  What would they look like?  You're still that girl who can change the world.  It's what I want my Mallory to know.  No matter what happens, our God sized dreams can always come true if we believe and obey and stay close to our Savior.  So my sweet friends, your story's not over!  You're still that girl!