Every now and then I feel a little world-weary. I’m sure you’ve felt it too. The ol’ Come Soon, Lord Jesus-weary, if you know what I…
12 CommentsRelevant Fiction for Body & Soul
Category: My Scribbler’s Heart
I’ve read a fair number of children’s classics over the years. There are those I read or had read to me as a child. Those…
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Every January, we commit.
We commit to exercise more and eat healthier. We resolve to have the best year ever at work. And yet, we neglect the essential part—our spiritual connection with Jesus.
Some people have the same reaction to the term “spiritual goals” as they do to the word “budget”! Begrudgingly, we settle for the more-easily-said-than-done, simple fixes. If you ask a friend how they’re going to improve their spiritual relationship with Christ this year, they may give you one of these examples:
Leave a CommentWelcome to the January 2019 edition of An Open Book, hosted both at My Scribbler’s Heart AND CatholicMom.com! Christmas reading continues in our house through the…
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As new homeowners twenty years ago, my husband and I relied on the opinions of “experts.” We listened to the realtor, the home inspector (who was oddly more concerned with ancient damage by powderpost beetles than existing basement puddles), and the plumber/electrician.
Let me tell you about the plumber/electrician. He came with a recommendation and a good price. I think his night job was tending bar at a private club. The details are fuzzy now. But I have a couple of stories, and this is one.
Leave a CommentTime to look back and then ahead! Looking back, I came up with a quick list of my favorite books from 2018. These are not necessarily books published in 2018, but books I read in 2018.
You can see in which category I read heavily: contemporary romance, which is also what I write.
My favorite books of 2018 - and a look ahead! Share on XIn a similar look back last year, I laid out all the books I wanted to read but didn’t get to. Let me tell you, looking at that list is humbling. I’ve read only one – ONE – book on that list. But, I’ve already started another, and those books are rocketing to the top of the 2019 list so I need not embarrass myself again next year.
Finally, I’ve listed some authors whose books I’m looking forward to reading in 2019!
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I know some people have already packed up their Christmas decorations, but ours have been up for less than a week, and we’re enjoying the Christmas season! I’ve been devouring Christmas books for a bit longer, and will likely continue into the new year.
Aside from those of us who celebrate Christmas during Christmas more than before, there are those who enjoying reading Christmas stories year round! These recommendations are for you! (Or, bookmark this page for next year.)
Here then are my 5-star and 4-star Christmas reads so far this season. For more books, including children’s books and reviews from previous years, check out my Goodreads Christmas shelf.
The best Christmas books I've read this year! Share on X 2 Comments
Christmas. The lights. The sparkle. Pittsburgh actually dubbed the run-up to Christmas as Sparkle Season at one point. And that it is.
I scroll through Instagram and see cozy homes lit by fire glow. Magnificent trees and Christmasy home décor. Gifts, gifts, and gifts galore.
Families with twice as many children as I do have carefully observed every Advent practice and feast culminating in a languid and joy-filled celebration of the 12 Days of Christmas straight through Epiphany and on to Candlemas Day. I know because they document it in posts and stories.
In my weaker moments, I’m tempted to envy. In my too-small house with growing children and shrinking income, my celebration doesn’t compare. Theirs teems with Christmas revelry, ours brims with clutter.
A grateful heart is the best antidote. But a discerning eye also reminds me that all is not what it may seem.
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