A Reflection on Six Months and What I'm Into

Six months ago, on a hot summer morning, I was reading through my list of blogs, and Sarah Bessey asked a question, "What is saving your life right now?" I felt poked and prodded and I landed somewhere between brave and foolish and I shared words that normally just my journal heard. And I hit publish. And although it seems so small, and so insignificant, it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. 

Six months of writing....no, not the writing itself, perhaps the transparency.... have made me a stronger person, more sure of myself all while making me more open. And when I think back, I realize that it was that very question, "What is saving your life right now?" which is saving my life. Saving it then. Saving it more and more each day. For it's the peeling back of the layers, the stepping out, the looking out that makes me more human and puts me closer to the things that I was made to do.

What I'm Into - January

What I'm Reading - Books:  

I started off the year wanting to read more, so I made a list and it turned into 50 books and keeps growing. I don't know if I will make it through them all (life with three kids 5 and under, y'all) but I am trying. This month I read Scot McKnight's Junia is Not Alone, Ken Wilson's Mystical Prayer, Elora Ramirez's Come Alive. 

Okay. Seriously. So so good. I usually gravitate to nonfiction, but I loved this and now that it's over, I miss her characters so much. I read it in one morning. I gave the girls some popcorn, put on a movie, and read. Glorious. 

I also started Luci Shaw's Breath for the Bones. I have a feeling this will be one of the ones that sits on my nightstands for a few months as I read one chapter at a time for inspiration in between other books.

And then there is Peter Enn's Inspiration and Incarnation as part of Kelley Nikondeha's amazing book club. Grateful to have something to chew on and a group of other readers along side! 

What I'm Reading - Blogs: 

There is always great stuff to read, but this month I have been really drawn to Addie Zierman, Preston Yancey, and Grace Biskie who have all been talking about prayer and those times God seems silent. It's really helped me process some of my own issues that I have and I feel better as a result. (I had the amazing opportunity to guest post for Grace and talk about where I'm at - Thanks, Grace!)


What I'm Watching - Movies:

So, I very rarely watch movies. With the little ones sleeping habits and my dear husband's work and school schedule, it's impossible to get through a whole movie. However, I did manage to watch The Bourne Legacy, The Dark Knight Rises, and (Lord help me, it was a free HBO weeekend) Bridesmaids. 

What I'm Watching - TV:

It's still the usual: Once Upon a Time, Downton Abbey, How I Met Your Mother, Modern Family, and Elementary are some of my favorites.

What I'm Listening To:

In my attempt to SOAR, I turned down the Gungor, All Sons &Daughters, and Mumford and attempted to listen to some of my older, more "upbeat" worship music. I have realized how much I really still love Chris Tomlin, Delirious, and Matt Redmond. I also may have listened to a great deal of old Justin Timberlake and Beyonce for inspiration at the gym....but I can neither confirm or deny that. 

What I'm Pondering:

I've been thinking about....modesty. I know, if I read another post (really, comments on said post) about modesty I don't know what I'll do, but as a mother of three girls, I am sorting out what modesty means in a very practical way, as I shop for clothes for my girls and talk to them about these issues. I may write something out in the next month. 

At church we have been doing an amazing series on Jesus and Culture. I can't say enough how refreshing it is to here our pastor talk about so many things that have always been off limits before. I'm so grateful for my church! I am planning on sharing a bit more of that, so stay tuned!

What I'm Cooking: 

I am back on a French kick. If it has Herbes de Provence in it, I'm making it. And if it doesn't? I'm putting them in anyway! January is always a good month to take out my Julia Child's cookbook and warm my house with good food and good smells. Come on by and I'll make something yummy for you, promise!

What I'm Loving:

Linking up with the lovely Leigh Kramer for her monthly round up!

Thank you for reading...whether you have been peeking at my blog for the past six months, or you today is your first time, I am all sorts of grateful.