Monthly Miscellany: March Edition
Recent Reads and Favorite Things
Buckle up, friends! This is a long one. If you are reading this in your email, you may have to click on “view entire message” if you see a message that says the email has been clipped for length.
Recent Reads
I have seen so much good buzz about How to Stay Married by Harrison Scott Key, and this book absolutely lives up to the hype. Key is a hilarious writer, and I was truly impressed by his ability to make me laugh while talking about the aftermath of his wife’s infidelity. This book is honest and raw and compelling, and I highly recommend it1.
The other book I loved is None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell. I have never read anything by this author, but this book sucked me in completely and had my jaw on the floor. The plot is insane and rather dark, so sensitive readers should beware.
I also read The Inmate by Freida McFadden and was decidedly less impressed with it. This is my 3rd book to read by McFadden, and for me it seems that they all have intriguing premises but suffer in their execution.
Favorite Music
I found a lot of music to love this month. I also made 2 new playlists: Mostly Hipster Hymns (I’m not sure exactly how to define a “hipster hymn,” but I know it when I hear it) and Let the Light In, the perfect spring playlist.
“Awestruck (On My Way Home)” by Jason Gray.
“Why Don’t You Give That to Me” by Cadence Collens. This song came up in a mix I was listening to on Spotify, and it caught my attention enough for me to go back and play it again.
“No Filter” by Sara Kroger. I appreciate the honesty of these lyrics and really like the music video.
“Where Can I Go-Psalm 139” by Ellie Holcomb. I am SO excited that Ellie is releasing a whole album inspired by the Psalms called All of My Days. It releases on April 12!
Favorite Podcasts
“An Interview with Christine and Kyle Hoover” on the Ministry Wives Podcast. Christine is usually the one doing the interviews, but this time she hands over the mic to Ben and Lynley Mandrell, who interview her and her husband. Christine shares very candidly about her struggles with being a pastor’s wife during a difficult season. Even though I am not a pastor’s wife, I was encouraged by this episode to have increased compassion for my pastors and their spouses.
“Understanding the Power of Awe (& How You Can Experience It Today)” on the Risen Motherhood podcast. I’m enjoying this season’s episodes focused on wholeness, and this one was thought-provoking.
Favorite Finds Around the Web
“The Women Who Cry in Aldi” by Elizbeth Berget. I read this with that sense of recognition that comes with having been the mom with the melting down child in a grocery store.
“A Liturgy Before Writing” by Malcom Guite.
“Name-and-Birthdate, Please” by Laura Kelly Fanucci. “Every nameandbirthdate in that waiting room could unspool yard after yard of stories if you tug the right thread, infinite variations on the theme of life.”
“Make Every Effort…” by Jen Pollock Michel. “Isn’t that the central paradox of many things in life, that effort breeds effort—and apathy, apathy? The investment of time and money and attention fortifies our commitments, yet our commitments suffer from the neglect of our time and money and attention. It makes the problem incredibly difficult to solve.”
“God Is Good and Does Good—Even in Our Pain” by Garrett Kell. Kell’s discussion of George Mueller and his response to his wife’s death was deeply moving and challenging.
This Washington Post article about America’s ranking in the World Happiness report is fascinating and sobering.
Odds and Ends
I got these Bluetooth sleep headphones so I could fall asleep to music while not disturbing my husband. The eye mask is very soft and comfortable, and since I set my Spotify playlist on a sleep timer, I’m not using the battery all night long. I definitely feel spoiled now!
I’ve become a big fan of this very inexpensive foundation. It’s a medium coverage and gives me a nice glow. (I wear Classic Beige.)
Reader Poll
Closing Thought
I’ve been challenged by these words in Psalm 119:65-68:
You have dealt well with your servant,
O Lord, according to your word.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I keep your word.
68 You are good and do good;
teach me your statutes.
Sometimes I don’t always think that God is doing good, whether it’s for me or people I love. But I have to pray and ask Him to give me the wisdom to see and the faith to trust that His path is the only way. I want to have good judgment and believe that what He asks of me is good. May it always be so.
That’s it for this month’s miscellany! What are you reading, listening to, or watching lately?
All Amazon links are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase using my links. Thank you for your support!
Thanks so much for linking to my Aldi essay! It's been such a joy to see how it's resonated with so many....we've truly ALL been there!
James & I just listened to the audio version of How to Stop Time. I loved it! He thought it was just okay and says he much preferred The Midnight Library by the same author. I think enjoyed them equally. We also recently listened to The Diamond Eye and we both thought that one was excellent.