3 hours ago
A Thing Of Beauty by Lisa Samson is a story about a child actress, Fia, who finds herself a hoarder as an adult after a particularly traumatizing childhood that ended when she "divorced" her parents. With her mother about to put out a memoir that will tell all the unpleasant details of her younger years, Fia takes a single boarder in her cluttered house, in order to earn extra money to make it look like she still has it all together. Josia, the boarder, starts turning her houseful of junk into beautiful things, and Fia does the same with all the once-broken pieces of her life.
I have to say, I was disappointed in this book. The plot idea had such potential, but the author ruined it for me with around 30 curse words. I was surprised to see so many curse words in a book that is from a Christian publisher. This book is not Christian in any way - the story line doesn't talk about God at all, and while there might be some sort of allegory potential there, it seems like a stretch. I'm honestly pretty surprised that Thomas Nelson chose to publish this book. I don't get it.
This book is written from a first person perspective, and while the main character is multi-dimensional and interesting, I'm not sure I particularly liked her. I also thought some of the narration was a little awkward - the word "okay" was thrown into sentences here and there, and while I think it was supposed to be conversational, I didn't like it.
In many ways, this book was depressing to me. While the character's initial hopeless attitude improved throughout the book, and a couple of her relationships improved, one of them was cut off completely, with no hope for a future reconciliation. The main character was also abused as a child, and the description of the moles.tation incidents painted a picture I didn't necessarily want in my head. The hatred for the horrible person who did that to her was fresh, and while she achieved some closure through a conversation with her father, it all just added to the depressing aspect for me. The final lesson seemed to be that you can find your own happiness in life if you just choose to, and while I suppose that is not a bad lesson, per se, it wasn't what I was expecting at all. I was just disappointed.
Note: I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for this review. This is my honest opinion.
I think one of the hardest things about being a working mom is that initial time of going back to work after your baby is born. Maternal instinct is a powerful thing, and it can be pretty stressful leaving your baby for the first time.
I have gone back to work after baby three different times now, and it was always important to me to make that day as easy as possible on myself and my new little one. There are a few things I would suggest if you are planning on going back to work after having a baby.
1. Take full advantage of your maternity leave. I think there can be a lot of pressure on new moms to go back to work as soon as they can after baby, but I recommend taking your time. You are never going to get these new days with your baby back. Take as much time as you can to just get used to this new person in your family and bond with your baby.
2. Get your baby used to a bottle. Unless you are able to dive out of work every few hours to nurse your baby, your little one will have to be given a bottle. It can be hard on some babies to get used to taking a bottle when all they have done is nurse, so it's good to start trying to get them used to taking an occasional bottle before you plan on returning to work.
3. Do a trial run. One of the hardest things about leaving your baby is . . . well, leaving your baby! The first time is always the hardest, so I think it is a good idea to make sure that first time is not on your first day back to work. Ask your caregiver if you can bring your child over for a trial run for a couple hours - this way you can make sure both your baby and you are comfortable with the care situation before that first day.
4. Work out pumping time. If you plan on continuing to breastfeed after you start work, you will need to work out some time to pump at work. In some jobs it might not be a problem to take a fifteen minute break every few hours, but jobs where you are scheduled may require a bit more planning - so make sure a plan is in place well in advance!
5. Prepare the night before. You don't want to spend your first morning back at work rushing around, trying to gather everything you and your baby need for the day. Get everything ready the night before you go back. Make sure your pump is charged and all pieces are accounted for, make sure the diaper bag is packed, set out clothes for you and your baby. I still do this every work night, and it makes our mornings go so much smoother!
6. Give yourself a little grace, and trust God with your baby. Some mothers may be able to transition seamlessly back into a work environment, but for others it can be an emotional experience, especially if it is your goal to someday stay home with your child. It's okay if you feel like crying! Bring your mascara for touchups, and spend some time in prayer on your way to work, putting your baby in God's hands.
Going back to work after baby can be difficult logistically and emotionally, but it is easier when we can give the Lord all our worries. This isn't the last time you will need to trust Him to take care of your child. Get all the emotions out, give Him all your anxieties, work out all the details in advance. Then rest in His peace and represent Him well where He has you right now! Show His love and grace to all those your encounter as you go about your work, because He has you working right now for a reason.
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For more reading for working moms, check out my post on Tommy Nelson today - I'm sharing a letter and prayer for working moms!
I have gone back to work after baby three different times now, and it was always important to me to make that day as easy as possible on myself and my new little one. There are a few things I would suggest if you are planning on going back to work after having a baby.
1. Take full advantage of your maternity leave. I think there can be a lot of pressure on new moms to go back to work as soon as they can after baby, but I recommend taking your time. You are never going to get these new days with your baby back. Take as much time as you can to just get used to this new person in your family and bond with your baby.
2. Get your baby used to a bottle. Unless you are able to dive out of work every few hours to nurse your baby, your little one will have to be given a bottle. It can be hard on some babies to get used to taking a bottle when all they have done is nurse, so it's good to start trying to get them used to taking an occasional bottle before you plan on returning to work.
3. Do a trial run. One of the hardest things about leaving your baby is . . . well, leaving your baby! The first time is always the hardest, so I think it is a good idea to make sure that first time is not on your first day back to work. Ask your caregiver if you can bring your child over for a trial run for a couple hours - this way you can make sure both your baby and you are comfortable with the care situation before that first day.
4. Work out pumping time. If you plan on continuing to breastfeed after you start work, you will need to work out some time to pump at work. In some jobs it might not be a problem to take a fifteen minute break every few hours, but jobs where you are scheduled may require a bit more planning - so make sure a plan is in place well in advance!
5. Prepare the night before. You don't want to spend your first morning back at work rushing around, trying to gather everything you and your baby need for the day. Get everything ready the night before you go back. Make sure your pump is charged and all pieces are accounted for, make sure the diaper bag is packed, set out clothes for you and your baby. I still do this every work night, and it makes our mornings go so much smoother!
6. Give yourself a little grace, and trust God with your baby. Some mothers may be able to transition seamlessly back into a work environment, but for others it can be an emotional experience, especially if it is your goal to someday stay home with your child. It's okay if you feel like crying! Bring your mascara for touchups, and spend some time in prayer on your way to work, putting your baby in God's hands.
Going back to work after baby can be difficult logistically and emotionally, but it is easier when we can give the Lord all our worries. This isn't the last time you will need to trust Him to take care of your child. Get all the emotions out, give Him all your anxieties, work out all the details in advance. Then rest in His peace and represent Him well where He has you right now! Show His love and grace to all those your encounter as you go about your work, because He has you working right now for a reason.
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For more reading for working moms, check out my post on Tommy Nelson today - I'm sharing a letter and prayer for working moms!
I have read several of Siri Mitchell's books, and I have to say, I love how well-researched her historical fiction is! "Like A Flower In Bloom" was no exception. This book follows the story of Charlotte Withersby, a young lady who aspires to be a botanist, as her uncle and father decide it is time for her to put botany aside and find a husband. Mr Trimble takes over as botany assistant to her father, and she soon concocts a plan, along with a new friend, to get rid of Mr. Trimble.
This book was set in an era a couple generations from Jane Austen, but to me it has that same sort of feel as on of Jane Austen's books as we follow Miss Withersby as she enters "society" in England. I also loved the romantic maneuvering and human nature angles that Mitchell included in this story.
Although I found myself getting irritated at Miss Withersby's arrogance at times (maybe she was just supposed to be naive, but her character also seemed a bit arrogant to me), I still thought she was pretty lovable. I wish that through the story she had recognized that maybe she doesn't know best about everything, but I still thought the ending was satisfying.
I found myself laughing throughout the book, and I think it was a very enjoyable read! If you like historical fiction or Jane-Austen-esque fiction, be sure to check this one out!
I found myself laughing throughout the book, and I think it was a very enjoyable read! If you like historical fiction or Jane-Austen-esque fiction, be sure to check this one out!
Note: I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for this review. This is my honest opinion.
Sometimes I get nervous when I start a new book, because I don't necessarily know what I am in for, especially when it is written by an author I don't know much about. That is kind of how I felt when I started 52 Weeks With Jesus by James Merrit. I didn't know what kind of book this was, or whether I would agree with the author's thoughts.
But I have to say, my nerves were soon calmed! This book is a devotional-type book that is meant to take you through an entire year. Each chapter addresses a different story about Jesus from one of the gospels, including verses for reference, thoughts from the author, a prayer to close, and a question to consider.
I had never heard of this author before, so I was on the lookout for anything fishy through the whole book, and I thought everything he said was theologically sound. The only thing I wished for was a few more references on some of the historical background Merrit gives on some of the stories - that would have made this book even more solid, in my opinion.
The author has an easy-to-read style, and he includes a lot of illustrations, which I really enjoyed. I thought his examples and stories tied things in very well, and it made each chapter interesting to read. I loved the insights Merrit gives into the history and cultural context of Jesus's words, and he pulled points out of many of stories that I had never thought of before.
Overall, I think this would be a great devotional and Bible study aid, and it would be perfect to start for the New Year! I recommend it.
Note: I received a digital copy of this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for tho review. This is my honest opinion.
Several times over the last few months I have heard a statistic being quoted that parents are not as happy as those who don't have children.
I am not sure why I have been hearing this statistic left and right lately, especially when there is research that suggests the opposite, including a study that measured day-to-day emotions of parents and non-parents.
But the repeated quoting of the more negative statistics bugs me. I think sometimes when it is shared, it is meant to serve as an encouragement that if you aren't happy now in the midst of new parenthood, it will get better. Or it might be quoted to make those who choose childlessness feel good about their decision. I don't know.
I do know that I don't trust that study. There is a growing anti-child trend in society today, which makes me suspicious. The fact that there is so much contradictory research makes me suspicious. My own experience, and the experiences of all the parents I know who wouldn't change a thing about their choice to have children, makes me suspicious.
Yes, kids, especially when they are young, are a lot of work. They interrupt your sleep. They add 30+ minutes to the process of getting ready to go somewhere. They cost money. They make most tasks that we used to take for granted so much more difficult to accomplish (hence the running joke about not being able to use the bathroom alone as a SAHM). They take up your time.
But oh, the joy.
When you are handed a squishy newborn and they peek open one little eye to peer at you as they settle into your arms - that tightness in your chest? That is joy.
When you feed your child a jar of baby food, and it gets everywhere, and they look at you and give a two-toothed grin with mush all over their face, and your heart squeezes a little? That is joy.
When your toddler is tucked in amidst the fluff of their covers, and they ask you to stay for a minute, and as you sit down, they snuggle in, stick a thumb in their mouth, and you watch them breathing as they drift off to sleep - that soft feeling? That is joy.
When you chase your preschooler around the living room, snatch them up, and they collapse in a pile of giggles as you tickle their stomach - and they are so giddy that you couldn't keep from laughing if you tried? That is joy.
There is a difference between happiness and joy. And joy makes it easier to choose happiness even during the hard times, and it makes happiness deeper.
Yes, children bring work, but so do most of the best things in life. If some can't see past a little work or inconvenience, I feel sorry for them. What a superficial way to look at the world. Yes, children have the ability to break your heart, but you give that power to anyone you let in your life and choose to love. It doesn't make choosing love any less worth the risk for those that do.
The joy that comes with children has the ability to overflow, and then even the work and stresses of parenthood can be colored with happiness, if you let it. That is why 97-98% of parents think kids are worth the cost and work. When parents think on how life would be without these little souls, it's hard to imagine, and the joy of having them in their lives outshines everything else.
Even some questionable statistic that won't stop being quoted.
A couple years ago, before Gwen was born, I came up with a list of Bible verses that I wanted to read for encouragement during labor. Of course, I didn't end up using them that time, because Gwen decided to come so quickly! I did, however, use them when I had Clyde - two in particular.
I repeated these two verses to myself during the last part of my labor with Clyde, and I loved that I could fill my mind with God's truth while I was in so much pain.
When I picked these verses for labor, I chose some because they seemed appropriate for labor and delivery, but many of them I just picked because they were verses that I have held close to my heart over the years - ones that have encouraged me at times when I needed it.
I felt like it was time to update the printables I originally made for these verses, so I made some new printables that I wanted to share with you!
These printables are now available in my new Etsy shop! The file with entire set of 10 cards is available for $3. Check them out here!
After I made these printable I got them printed up to test them out, and I realized that I kind of love having cards of these verses for day-to-day life - to remind me to focus on the Lord through even the little challenges. So whether you are having a baby and would like to use these cards for the purpose I originally intended, or whether you choose to print them up for your home or personal study, I hope you'll find them an encouragement and reminder of God's love for you!
Please note that these printables were previously offered as a gift to my newsletter subscribers. They are no long offered as a free printable, but can be downloaded immediately after purchase in my Etsy shop. Thank you!
Exploring Christian Theology Vo. 1, by Michael J. Svigel and Nathan D. Holsteen, explores the theological topics of the divine inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture, and the Trinity. If you are looking for light reading, this isn't it! But I loved delving deeper into these doctrines of the Christian faith.
The book is split into two sections, one for the divine inspiration of Scripture, and one for the doctrine of the Trinity. Each section is further divided into chapters that are written by different authors, including sections on passages of Scripture to master, dangers to avoid, principles to put into practice, and recommendations for further reading.
Everything in this book seemed to be really biblically accurate and doctrinally sound. There was one sentence (I believe in a quote) that referenced the idea of the perpetual virginity of Mary, which is not biblically based, but the authors didn't take a stance on that one way or another - everything else seemed to be spot-on.
This book will keep you thinking, and though I had to hurry to finish it so I could post this review, I think that it would be a great resource for further study. I also loved that they gave resources for further reading related to each of the topics they discussed, so if you are interested in digging deeper into either of these topics, it sets you up perfectly for that.
I think it is always good to come back to the cores of our beliefs as Christians, and this book covers these first two topics beautifully. If you are interested in studying theology, I think this book is good resource to use to start.
Note: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for this review. This is my honest opinion.
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