Monthly Miscellany: February Edition

Recent Reads and Favorite Things

Feb 29, 2024

shallow focus photography of books — Photo by Kimberly Farmer on Unsplash

I did not read much this month, but I did fly through Drowning by T.J. Newman1. Drowning tells the story of passengers on an airplane that ends up having to ditch in the ocean. The plot involves one stressful catastrophe after another, but it had a lot of emotional impact for me because of the family relationships explored in it. Newman also wrote Falling, which I read last year and really enjoyed. (But if you have a fear of flying, definitely don’t read either of these on an airplane.)

Favorite Music

“Happy from the Inside Out” by The Porter’s Gate. This song is a straight-up good time.
“Where Else Can I Go” by Anchor Hymns. I’m such a huge fan of the music Anchor Hymns is releasing.
“Head Down” by Lost Frequencies and Bastille. There’s nothing too deep here, but it pairs very well with a windows-down car ride.
“Beautiful Insanity” by Mercy Gordon. “And every time I think of who you are and all you've done, I'm captivated by the thought that you desire us.”

Favorite Podcasts

condenser microphone with black background — Photo by Matt Botsford on Unsplash

“911” and “The Liverpool Exchange” from Criminal. It recently occurred to me that I have never shared an episode from this podcast, which I have been listening to for longer than just about any other podcast. The storytelling is top-notch.
“3 Things to Do When You’re Having a Hard Body Image Day” from The Joy-Filled Eater Podcast with Brittany Braswell.

Favorite Finds Around the Web

This piece by Krista stayed with me for DAYS. Such a moving, skillful essay.
To Tell You the Truth
So, What Are We Supposed To Do With All These Teeth?
One It all started the day my five-year-old’s best friend announced her first wiggly tooth. “Wait, what?” I said to her mother, sitting nearby. “Already?” She shrugged and nodded with an expression I knew well—the tired resignation of a mother realizing her child would grow older, with or without her permission…
Read more
a year ago · 55 likes · 36 comments · Krista Drechsel

I always appreciate Rachel’s words.

Dear Hildegaard

Dear Hildegaard, One of the very first words you learned how to say was: God. This shouldn’t surprise anyone considering who your Dad is. We taught you that first simple, but profound, catechism before you could walk: Q: Who made you? A: God. Sometimes you say …

a year ago · 27 likes · 3 comments · Rachel Joy Welcher

There has yet to be a post from Katie Blackburn that doesn’t make me cry.

let me tell you

The Tire Shop

My son hears the strange noise coming from the passenger side front tire before I do, but when he calls me over to listen, I cannot deny that it sure sounds like air being forced out of a balloon. Common sense knows this is not a good sound coming from a tire, but there is not much I can do about right now, because we have to leave to get my other son a…

a year ago · 203 likes · 51 comments · Katie Blackburn

I love this poem by Marie Howe.
Laura Wifler is one of my favorite Instagram follows. I saved this post and have read it several times.
“Wherever He Leads, He’ll Go” by Glenna Marshall. I will read anything Glenna writes.

Odds and Ends

I would appreciate your prayers as I get ready to speak to a group of pastors’ wives at their countywide associational gathering next weekend. I have so much love and respect for pastors’ wives and hope I can offer them some truth and encouragement from God’s Word.
One of my posts on here was picked up by a website in AUSTRALIA. Anxious Faith is doing some wonderful work in the realms of faith and mental health, and I was delighted when they reached out to me about sharing my piece. You can read it here. They also have a really great podcast.

Reader Poll

That’s it for this month’s miscellany! What are you reading, listening to, or watching lately?