For a little while now I’ve been trying to maintain a reading regimen. I try to study through three or four books each month. There have been a few reasons why I’ve found this to be a valuable effort – first, it helps me grow my ability to cook healthy and nourishing meals, to be better steward, and most importantly to grow in godliness and Christlikeness. I think it will be fun to use a bit of space on the blog each month to review some of the books I’m reading. I hope you will share with me your recommendations, too!

Finding Selah: The Simple Practice of Peace When You Need It Most

“That something you’ve been looking for in the empty stress of you mad-dash days? It has a name. The Psalms call it selah- the pause, rest, or interlude between the notes in a song. More than merely an empty space, selah is a chance to stop and resync with the story and song of God. For all the ways life keeps you running, this word and practice offers a way to re-center yourself on the One who holds all things together and makes all things beautiful.”

Kristen’s story flows beautifully as she tells her words of pain, loss, chaos, and longing. The deep thirst for rest is within us all, and she unashamedly points the parched soul to Christ.

Keep It Shut: What to Say, How to Say It, and When to Say Nothing at All

“When a family member’s behavior threatens to knock the nice right out of us, we can pause. Recalculate. Punch in a different destination for the words now downloading from our brains onto our tongues. We can program them to first stop at gentleness, swing by to pick up respect and finally – arrive with grace. Then our mouths can utter pleasant words rather than those that are caustic, cutting, and unkind.”

This is a topic that each of us needs wisdom on, and Karen addresses it with much transparency and humor. Her gentle words encourage us to avoid careless chatter and understand the power of our tongues. Full of helpful, witty, and to-the-point advice!

Zero Waste Home: The Ultimate Guide to Simplying Your LIfe by Reducing Your Waste

“Women and men alike often have reservations about paring down their wardrobes for fear of losing options or outfit combinations. Ironically, the same individuals often simultaneously complain o having a closet full of nothing to wear. I have come to learn that decluttering unexpectedly makes options clear and easy.”

Bea Johnson shares her tips in a very relatable way. This book is very practical and full of step-by-step guides to diminishing waste in every area of your house. It comes down to the 5 Rs: Refuse, Reuse, Recycle, Rot.

with love. Damaris