Monthly Miscellany: August Edition
Recent Reads and Favorite Things
If you’re new here, welcome! This is my monthly recap of things that I love, whether it’s a book, podcast, song, or nail polish color. If I love it, you’re going to hear about it! I love hearing what you’re enjoying as well, so please feel free to leave a comment or hit reply to this email and share your faves with me!
Life Lately
Thank you all for your kind comments on my last post. I read every comment and message and truly appreciate them. School has been back in swing for the girls for several weeks now, and my job is keeping my mind busy, so I am thankful for the distractions.
Last month I was pleased to have a poem in Our Jackson Home’s Literary Journal. I’ll repost it here:
Before Leaving
by Erin Mount
“But time makes you bolder. Children get older.”
Stevie Nicks
You are not yet
gone but there is still so much left
to teach you, so much you don’t yet know
about all that happened before.
The days stack into weeks,
stack into months,
stack into years,
layers piling up like laundry
before I have the time
to reckon carefully with them.
Here, let me play you this song
one more time.
“Mirror in the sky, what is love?”
Did I tell you about the time
that I got pulled over for speeding while
trying to change out the cassette in my car?
(Have I shown you what a cassette looks like?)
Did you know that when I was your age
we could not ask Siri anything?
I had so many questions without answers.
I keep making lists in my head
because then I can keep the time
at bay a little longer, keep it
from rushing by and carrying you away
in its current. We haven’t even been
out West yet or seen the Atlantic Ocean.
Someone needs to teach you how
to change a tire, how to balance your checkbook.
Come close and listen one more time.
“You took my love, and you took it down.”
Recent Reads
The only book I read recently was this month’s book club pick, The Wonder1 by Emma Donoghue. What a strange, disturbing book. I don’t recommend this book at all, but it made for a really great discussion.
Have you read something funny, uplifting, or light-hearted recently? Please share in the comments!
Favorite Music
“Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul” by Indelible Grace. The lyrics of this song were written by Anne Steele, who wrote over 100 hymns in the 18th century. I have loved this song ever since I first heard it years ago, and when I learned that my friend Bethany wanted me to read a poem at her funeral, I quickly decided to read this one.
“Night Vision” by FAITHFUL, JJ Heller, and Sandra McCracken. I have lost count of how many times I have played this song since I found it. “You are not surprised/ You are the keeper of the night/ You will not grow tired / You are the everlasting light./ You are not afraid/ You are the fire burning bright/ You are my night vision”
“Faith More Precious Than Gold” by Mission House & Jacob Early. This is another song that has gotten a lot of plays recently. “Though we don’t see you, we love you/ When we don’t feel you, we still sing/ We’ve got a reason to trust you/ Jesus in everything
“Watchman” by Josh Garrels. “‘Cause You're all I have, Lord/ You are the Way/ And I'll always love You/ And I will wait/ Like a Watchman at the gate/ Wait for morning to break.”
Favorite Podcasts
“Joy in the Midst of Chronic Pain with Glenna Marshall” on Revive Our Hearts. This interview with Glenna about her years of dealing with chronic pain is encouraging and convicting. I adore Glenna as a person and as a writer. Give this a listen.
“Breaking Free from Body Image Issues with Heather Creekmore” on the Love Your Body Well podcast. Body image issues have plagued me the majority of my life, and I found this episode relatable and helpful. If this is a struggle for you too, also check out Heather’s Podcast, Compared to Who?.
Favorite Articles
“Grief Can Be So Lonely” by Tim Challies. This was a helpful perspective for me.
“When Her Suffering Shakes Your Faith” by Katie Laitkep. I am thankful that God led me to this article. It definitely struck a nerve.
“Is This a Fresh Start?” by Rachel Joy Welcher. Rachel writes beautifully, and the end of this piece made me tear up.
“All the Bits” by Kaitlin Rogers.
“Taste & See” by Ashlee Gadd. “When you believe religious productivity is your one-way ticket to heaven, you miss that glorious moment when Jesus pulls you off the hamster wheel. You miss the freedom. You miss the joy. That is all to say: you miss the entire point.”
Favorite Finds Around the Web
This comedy bit about an autocorrect fail had me cackling.
This video of a “Worship Song Song” is hysterical and so accurate.
I recently ordered these flat hair clips and love them! They look tidy and don’t poke into my scalp the way that other claw clips do.
I have started using this Kenra smoothing spray, and even though I am usually skeptical about such things, I think it is really helping tame my frizz!
I gifted a friend this bracelet from Dear Mushka and was so impressed with their personal touches and stellar customer service. Highly recommend them!
Finally, I must give a shoutout to my lovely paid subscribers who support my work financially even though they basically get nothing in return: Jodi, Wendy, and Carla, you are amazing!
Book me for your next event!
I’d love to speak at your church’s next women’s event and am currently booking for the fall. I’m passionate about declaring God’s goodness in the midst of suffering and showing the ways God’s Word and His people can sustain us. Whether it’s a luncheon, conference, or retreat, I’m happy to tailor a message for your event. Reach out to me at erinmountspeaks@gmail.com for availability.
That’s it for this month’s miscellany! What are you reading, listening to, or watching lately? Please give me all the feel-good recommendations you have.
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That’s such a beautiful poem, Erin!! Loved it, and congratulations on getting it published!! ❤️
As always, your poem was incredible! And I laughed till I cried listening to the autocorrect story. 🤣