Song #14// Back To You

 

song #13// If It Feels Good

 A feel good song that's awesome to dance to AND is sung by Leon Bridges? Yea, I was sold right away too!!!

Song 12// By and By

 

Song 11/Knockin on Heavens Door

 

Song 10// Wait for it

 Sometimes there are just song lyrics that resonate because of a big event or season in your life. This is one of those for me right now. 

Also- Leslie Odom Jr is a phenomenal singer.... I seriously could listen. To his voice all day!

***********

BURR/ENSEMBLE
Death doesn't discriminate
Between the sinners and the saints,
it takes and it takes and it takes
and we keep living anyway.
We rise and we fall
and we break
and we make our mistakes.
And if there's a reason I'm still alive
when everyone who loves me has died
I'm willing to wait for it.
I'm willing to wait for it.
Wait for it.

ENSEMBLE
Wait for it
Wait for it
Wait for it

BURR
I am the one thing in life I can control

Song #9// can’t sleep

Sometimes I’m so just so darn grateful for Austin and his music taste. We played this album a lot the other day and this song is probably my favorite of all the songs! ❤️ Enjoy!

Song 8// Who Lives Who Dies Who Tells Your Story

Like everyone else, Austin and I have been on the Hamilton bandwagon as of late. I can’t even tell you how many times we’ve watched and listened. The music is incredible and the choreography is unbelievably good. I couldn’t figure out which song to post (I love just about every single one) but this song has resonated with me lately. And it’s the very last song, almost poetic to share it. 

Song #7// RITMO

This song reminds me of my childhood (Rhythm of the Night and Spanish music)! I grew up in Sputh Florida (where Bad Boys was filmed).... so very perfect. ❤️

April Reads

This month I read....

1. The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley ****

So my mom actually told me about this book. She was reading an article somewhere and heard how great this book was supposed to be and since she knows I love to read- she told me about it. It was the first of Foley's books I've ever read and I really enjoyed it. I felt like it kept me in suspense until the very end!! I can't wait to read her next one!

2. Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis ***

While this wasn't one of my favorites in the series, I did still enjoy it. And I highly recommend the entire series!!!

3. The Path Between Us....... by Suzanne Stabile ***

Since I already own (and love) the book: The Road Back To You and am totally obsessed with all things enneagram right now, when my Bible Study mentioned this book I put it on hold right away! This month I finally got to read it. It deals mainly with the relationships between the numbers, which has definitely helped at work. If just choosing one though, I would recommend and prefer The Road Back To You over this one. 

4. Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Bali Kaur Jaswel ****

Recommended by a friend, I wasn't sure what I was getting into (with the title alone I felt hesitant). I really enjoyed this book though! The premise is a group of Indian women living in England (and most are widows- all have been married) sign up for a writing class with a young Indian/English tutor. The stories turn out to be very provocative (and amazing) and the story that unfolds throughout the classes is a great plot twist. The best part though, is definitely looking at the idea of marriage in different cultures and what they have taught women about marriage end even sex and if that should still be taught and accepted. 

5. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid ****

This is the first of Reid's books I've read and I really liked it. It was surprising and revealing and I enjoyed the entire thing. I love how Reid broke up the story telling into sections about each husband. It makes you wonder about all the Hollywood stars of the past and their true backgrounds!

6. The Alice Network by Kate Quinn ****

This was the book we had picked for our Ashes Book Club (my work). While the quarantine meant that we weren't able to meet in person like we normally do after Afternoon Tea- we did meet virtually to discuss. The writing was great and the story itself was heartbreakingly beautiful.  It then started me on a World War 2, set in France genre. 

7. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah *****

So while this book was actually written about World War 1 (and present times)- it also was set in France. Kristin Hannah is a phenomenal author and this book is by far one of my favorites. 

8. The Kommandant's Girl by Pam Jenoff ****

Another World War 2 book that deals with what happens when you are forced to work under the enemy, but then fall for him?  I liked that while the theme was similar to the others I read- it was it's own book with its own plot twists. 

9. Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid ***

I figured I would jump on the DJ&TS train, especially since I loved the last book by Reid I had read. Based in the 60's and 70's about a fictional band (that is mirrored after Fleetwood Mac-- one of my favorites) I was super excited to delve in. Unlike her other novel though, this one was written like an interview. So while the story was interesting- with so many characters talking it took awhile for my confusion to subside and my interest in it to peek. Someone recommended listening to this one on audible and I feel like I would have enjoyed it more if I had. 

10. The Library Book by Susan Orlean ***1/2

A friend of mine not only recommended this book to me, but also lent it to me as well. Switching from fiction to nonfiction can be difficult to me, which is why it's only 3 1/2 stars instead of higher. I will say though, I love Orlean's writing. It is enamoring and a true work of art. I also loved the topic, since libraries have always been one of my favorite places- an entire book written about a specific library was intriguing to me. The only thing that I didn't enjoy was how she broke up the chapters- I couldn't understand the back and forth order and therefore it took me a bit longer to get back into the flow of things. Overall though- I loved this book and will forever recommend it!

11. The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis ***

Another of the Chronicles of Narnia Series. This one really dug deeper into the devil aspect and what it looks like when we think we are following the right one, only to find out we were misled. It's a slippery slope. C.S. Lewis and his work of talking about God and big picture subjects in a mythical way for kids to enjoy baffles me and I love him for his amazing creativity! 

12. The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis ****

The LAST of the Chronicles series and the end is truly heartbreaking. This part of the series really made me question how God can love us when we are so awful. But His grace and love are shown throughout this story and makes me love Him all the more. 

until next time,

xo, kel

Living in the time of COVID-19

Our lives are definitely different right now. And even in this uncertainty, it's almost therapeutic knowing that we are all in it together. Not that I for any reason like that so many people are suffering right now, but at least we all know what this is like and can be there for one another.

Unity and Community.

Another uplifting quote I keep hearing and trying to live by is "Faith over fear". Because that's what this pandemic is trying to do to us- cause fear. Because the enemy knows that "Fear eats faith" as my pastor put it in one of his current sermons.  I think it's so easy to look around us right now and keep tally of all the awful things being shoved in our faces. Because it is all around us.


It's terrifying if I let myself dwell on all of it. On the fact that I don't know when I'll be paid again. That Austin's night job has stopped paying it's workers. That I had to stop seeing my mom and step-dad for over a month. That my best friend's wedding has been postponed...twice.

So instead, I'm trying to have faith. To rely on God and His provision. To find joy even when times are tough. Because even if this continues, for however long it continues, our God is a God that is going through it with us.  He is also a God that takes terrible, awful, crappy things and makes something good from it.

And sometimes it's really freaking hard. This week has been one of those where I haven't wanted to do much more than cuddle up on the sofa or in bed and cry. Don't get me wrong- this faith of mine, this God of mine is still very present. But for some reason this week it's been more of a struggle to believe things will be back to normal, or even okay. And I think it's okay to feel that way -- as long as we don't dwell in it, because that's where it becomes isolating and overwhelming. And that's what I'm working on this week- not to dwell. Austin has been amazing in trying to get me outside and doing things to get my mind off of the terrifying reality that is. But I've also realized it's something only I can myself to do.

So have faith friend, if you are feeling crappy right now- you are not alone. I am not alone. And whatever comes of this- whatever our new "normal" becomes, God will be with us through it all. One thing I keep reminding myself, even in my lowest of lows, is that even if I'm in the pit, He is there with me. And it's reassuring to know that even if I'm in the midst of awful- I am not alone in it. I never have been and I never will be. And that is what has gotten me through each day.

<3 kel

in only took a pandemic in order to......

I've been home (and technically without a job) for the past 7 weeks and just like everyone else, a lot of every day things in life have changed.

So here are the things that it took a pandemic occurring in order to finally happen....



~Have a "normal" schedule with Austin. His night job furloughed him as well, so we've been spending every night at home together, which has never in our 7 years together happened. Typically he worked most nights and didn't get home from work until late (sometimes I was already in bed). There were also days that our schedules kept us from even seeing each other.

~Cooking at home. Like most, we've been making and eating home cooked meals just about every night. Very rarely do we order to go or do left overs. Most of the time it is Austin cooking though and he's gotten really adventurous and good! He made a homemade pizza last week where everything (including the dough) was from scratch.

~We finally watched the popular movie "A Star is Born" with Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. The music was fantastic- the ending was heartbreaking.

~People are finally realizing how important and amazing teachers are to our society! I've seen so many parents post pictures or videos of how their kids' teachers went above and beyond for them. As a former teacher, I've seen this so many times from my colleagues. Most teachers love kids and they want their students to succeed, which a majority of the time means going above and beyond. So let me be clear, this is NOTHING new-- the pandemic didn't create this attitude, it just brought it to your doorstep.  But I'm so grateful that parents and others are finally seeing and spreading the word about how incredible some teachers are.

~I've been working on my social media game for Ashes. Granted it's not where I want it to be yet- but it's better and I love learning more.
goal: Continue and take 3 more classes online about Business to better help Ashes. 

~Read books that were on my to be read pile. There are a ton of them and I've made time to finally read and check them off. I've read about 20 books while in quarantine.
goal: keep reading so that by December I get to 100 books read for the year.

~Take online classes. There are several places to do it, but I finally signed up for a Contemporary Art class and two Business courses. I've wanted to for awhile, but just never had the time or will power. I would love to take a history course, but there aren't any on coursera.

~Clean and clear out in our place. To be clear- it's been Austin doing this and he seriously has done an amazing job! We have so much more room!!!!
goal: for me to clean out the closet and fix the broken shelving. 

~Have morning time with God doing a devotion that is long as I want it to be. Let's be real-- I am NOT a morning person, so typically my devotions were done when I got home from work or at night and I was exhausted, so they weren't very long. With all this extra time, it's more frequent that I'm doing my devotional and I get to spend as much time as I want outside or on my comfy bed reading and studying. It's been amazing. I'm currently in 2 Peter. Not sure what I'll do next though....

things I'm currently loving

Luna has been a major cuddle bug lately, which is probably what I am loving the most right now!

Loved this quiz on finding out what your interior design type is. Mine is Bohemian and mid century.

These DIY necklaces!!!!

Or these super cute party earrings!

The perfect gift for the book lover in your life (my birthdays May 5th...cough....cough)!

I’m a little obsessed with this tote! Actually, I’m pretty much in love with everything on this site and the best part is their cause!!!

Candle scents by your enneagram numbers?!?! Sign me up please!

THIS video of Julia Roberts acting out her film career with James Corden!

One thing I'm currently enjoying is taking online classes FOR FREE. I've already enrolled and started 2 business classes and 1 art class. I'm a total nerd, but I don't care!

until next time,

-k

song #6// I Choose To Worship

I feel like this is the perfect song for right now. 

"You are good, even when life is not" is one of my favorite of the lyrics. 

Granted, things in my life aren't as hard as they are for others, but during this uncertain and weird time, we're all struggling in some way.  This song puts into words what my heart tells me. I don't know how else to explain it. 

I also love that during this stay at home time, Rend Collective has done concerts on instagram live at least weekly. 

Through all of it.....I will choose to worship. I hope you do too.

-k

song #5// This Old Heart of Mine

Last week we watched the movie "Bad Times At the El Royale. Okay, it was one of the millions of movies we watched, thanks Covid-19 for giving us a LOT of down time. 

Anyway, it was a strange movie to say the least, but one of the main characters sings this song and it's beautiful!!! I of course have had it stuck in my head ever since... but I'm okay with that. 

-k

March reads

The monthly roundup....

1. The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton **

I've mentioned before that I'm participating in a 2020 Book Challenge (on facebook) and one of the challenges was to read a book published in 1920. Unfortunately, the only Agatha Christie book that would've fit this category I had  already read (and I want to read only new to me books for this challenge). Which stinks, because I am a HUGE Agatha Christie fan..... Edith  Wharton, not so much.  It was definitely proof that language has changed in the past 100 years, which does make me a little sad- language use to be said eloquently, not we shorten our words because apparently it takes too long to say adorable. 

The main takeaway from this book for me was sometimes life sucks, but you make your choices and you stick with them (or at least in 1920 you did)-- another fun change of our modern culture. (Can you hear my sarcasm?) Some might enjoy this book, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.

2. Prince Caspian/ Chronicles of Narnia Series by C.S. Lewis ****

Ever since our book club decided to read The Chronicles of Narnia last November, I decided that I would read the entire series. (I also made this my "series" challenge in our 2020 Book Challenge.) I really have throughly loved all the books in the series so far, but honestly nothing will ever be greater than Lewis' first, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. 

3. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan ***

So I watched this movie and decided I wanted to actually read the book too. For once, I felt like the movie was better (am I even allowed to say that?). 

4. Inspired by Rachel Held Evans ***
Evans is one of my favorite authors to read- her books have all been heartfelt and sincere and this one was no different. Her view on church (having been brought up in one) put into words what I've felt and couldn't express. Her passing took away an amazing and though provoking woman that I wish I had known.

5. Philippians by John Mac Arthur ***
When doing a Bible book study, I like learning the history and context of a book/it's author/etc.  MacArthur provides that, although not in as much depth as I would like, it's enough for me in the right now. 

6. The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott ***
This novel is told from multiple women's perspectives during the Cold War/Iron Curtain time. I really enjoyed the stories told from an American and a Russian while both on a mission to release the Russian Masterpiece, Doctor Zhivago. I did feel like the book lacked as much detail as I would've liked and I sometimes spent too much time trying to remember who was currently telling the story. Overall though, it was an interesting read and I enjoyed it.

7. The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell **1/2
Okay, to be honest- had I read this book a decade ago, my rating would've been so much higher. But alas, I put it off until now. I did learn a lot (like what a Maven is) and it's interesting that since I've learned these terms, I've noticed them more frequently (even on FreeForm shows, ha!). Since the Internet and Social Media have exploded in the last few years and so the information explained in this book isn't as relevant as it once was. Still an interesting read.

8. Philippians- Small Group Study by Henry Blackaby ***
Philippians was obviously the Bible book I was studying during March.... while I did enjoy this book, it was more of a devotional-- asking questions meant for self-study- which is not a bad thing, just not what I was looking for at the time. 

9. China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan ***
After reading (and watching) Crazy Rich Asians and enjoying it, I wanted to give the second book in the series a chance. While it was a good "light" read- the overdone drama and ridiculousness of the characters sometimes wore on me. Overall, not a bad story- but would I read it again? No.

10. Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan **
After reading 2 of the 3 books in the series, I felt compelled to download and read the last one. I think at this point I was over the insane amount of drama needed to make this book work and the characters were no longer funny in their overly rich and shallow ways- it was just too much. I finished it- and I will say the author gave the series a good ending, it was not my favorite book.


11. Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan ***
Since I've been reading the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, I was really intrigued by learning more about him and his wife. Although this is a work of fiction based on true life events, I still felt like I learned a great deal about the creator of Narnia. Recommended by a friend, I would also highly recommend this book as well.


Until next month,
-k

Song #4// Ain’t no sunshine (in memory of Bill Withers)

One of my favorite musicians passed away today.

Bill Withers, thank you for sharing your talent with us. 

February Reads

This past month saw more reading than watching tv for me. I'm just hoping it lasts.

In total, I read 14 books in February!! WHAT?!?

1. 9 Perfect Strangers by Laine Moriatry ****

I started this book because it is going to be made into a movie this year (and that was one of the book challenges for the group I'm in). I enjoyed it, although towards the end I did kind of feel like it got a little too crazy and unbelievable. I also wish that they did a little better character development for the main "crazy" woman character. But overall, it was a page turner and I really enjoyed it. Can't wait to catch it in the theaters. 

2. The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine (which is a pen name for 2 sisters) ****

This was a book club read and I really enjoyed it!!! It was definitely a page turner and wasn't what I was expecting, which is nice. Sometimes I feel like some books can all become too similar. The ending was a little too happily ever after, could it have really worked out that way? But I don't care, it made me happy!

3. Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan **

So yes, essentially this book is about a bookstore, but it also is part mystery (which I liked). What I didn't like what how much technology talk there was. I don't know code, I don't understand what certain technological things are and so often times I felt lost while reading this.

4. To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han *****

Yes, that's right 5 stars! Would I have thought that if I hadn't of seen the movie first? Maybe not. But I loved this story and I love, love, love Lara Jean Song Covey. And Peter. It's the cutest high School love story I've read in a long, long time. 

5. The Witch's Kind by Louisa Morgan ***

Another book club book. The description made this book sound like it was going to be a lot like the Sandra Bullock movie, Practical Magic. Luckily, it was nothing like it. Some parts were drawn out for me, but overall I felt like it was a new and interesting read- it didn't remind me of anything I had read before, which always is a plus for me. 

6. Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi ***

So I actually listened to this book. And it took me 4 months. I realized that I could only get 1-2 chapters in while I drove to work and try as I may, I just cannot listen to reading anywhere else. Not my thing. But at least I tried. As for the book, it was the 2nd of a trilogy and I really liked how the author wrote both parts 1 and 2 (this one). It's a bit magical and has African roots. I can't wait for the third!

7. The Prodigal Prophet.... by Timothy Keller ****

Nonfiction Christian book and I loved it. I've become a really big fan of Keller's books. This one is mainly about Jonah (you know, the one that was swallowed by a whale in the Bible?) and how he shows both sons from the Prodigal Son Bible story. It was thought provoking and had me digging into my Bible. Definitely recommend it!

8. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng ****

Another book that is going to be made into a movie this year! I wasn't sure where this book was going (and I think that's why I enjoyed it so much). It tells the story of 2 families and how their worlds and lives intertwine. You also won't see the end coming!

9. PS I Still Love You (To All the Boys I've Loved Before) #2 by Jenny Han ****

Since the second movie was coming out, I had to read this book before it did. It had some aspects that were different from the movie, but it was still cute. A little bit more "cutesy" and cheesy than the first book though, which is why I really liked it, but not as much as the first. I also hate to admit this, but I preferred the second movie to the second book. EK!

10. Always and Forever (To All the Boys I've Loved Before) #3 by Jenny Han****

The last (sniff, sniff) installment of the series. I wasn't sure how it was going to end (or where in regards to time). Overall, I liked it, but I REALLY want to know what happens in college!!!!!!

11. The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer ****

Two main characters from two different countries and time periods, but connected because they are family. One character lives in Poland and her story takes place as WWII begins and the Nazis invade her country while she is just a teenager. The other main character is an adult woman in recent times with two children, one being severely on the autism spectrum. I enjoyed both stories and how they merged. I feel like it had a different take than other WWII books I've read and I honestly didn't see it working out the way it did. The end had me gushing tears, but I loved this beautiful story. 

12. A Beautiful Day in The Neighborhood, Poems by Fred Rogers a/k/a Mr. Rogers **1/2

Okay, so let me preface this with I am NOT a poetry person. I hate poetry. However, another book challenge from the group I'm in had "read a book of poems", so I picked this one. I loved Mr. Rogers as a kid (much to my mom's distain). The Tom Hanks movie has also recently come out (which I have yet to see). So in knowing I needed a book of poetry, but not looking forward to finding one, when someone recommended this book I jumped at it. While it is definitely made for little kids, it was adorable and fun and I feel like is something I will one day read to my kiddos. 

13. James by John MacArthur ***

I've been trying to read commentary books on the Bible along with the books of the Bible as my study time. I really enjoyed reading James, especially since we were also studying it in Bible Study at church. 

14. The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah ***

My friend Kelly recommended this book to me and I am glad I read it, even though it was a little too sad for me (but I also blame that on having just finished The Things We Cannot Say).  It's a story of a small family (dad, mom, daughter) who travel to Alaska (The Great Alone) in the 1970's and how they cope with living off the grid. It's beautifully written and for that I feel like it may deserve more stars from me, but I just couldn't stand how the mother handled every situation. But- it's real life, so I guess it's not always suppose to be rose colored glasses. Either way, I would recommend it (as would/did Kelly)! 

2020 soundtrack, song #3 On My Way Downtown

Tonight Austin and I joined our friends Ben and Amy for the Lucero concert. Austin and Ben often ply their music at their gigs, so I’ve heard them practice some of these songs a lot. I have to say, this concert was amazing!

Song #2// Put on Your Sunday Clothes

Hello Dolly will always be one of my favorite musicals and I think this song will always be one of my favorites from the film!! Last week I was a little blue with Austin being gone and so as I would get ready in the morning, I would play this song. It’s hard to be sad when you’re singing and dancing.... although Luna is definitely not a fan of me doing either!!

Xo- kel

January 2020 reads

For 2019 my goal was to read 100 books.... I think I got to the mid 60's. 

So this year, I am determined to read 100. 

I've also joined some awesome facebook reading groups- Silent Book Club, PBS Reads, and a private 202 Reading Challenge group that a friend invited me to. Each one has great discussion, great ideas, and even ways of tracking books.  So let's just say that my "to be read" pile has increased expediently!! 

January reads and how I rated them: 

Autopsy of a Boring Wife by Marie-Renee Lavoie **

( I actually picked this for our Ashes' Book Club- our family Tea Room's book club which meets every 3 months). 

Okay so I enjoyed reading this story, but it also brought back painful memories of when my dad left my mom so it was hard to get through. Luckily it had humorous parts and was relatively short. 

Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis ***

(This was a book club pick for my friends book club group, but I was behind on reading it. I do plan to read the whole series this year). 

A classic. I cannot believe I haven't read this sooner. And of course the ending made me cry. 

The Hopeful Skeptic...by Nick Fiedler ***

I've had this book waiting to be read for awhile. Maybe if I had read it earlier I would've liked it better, but for where I am now I just didn't enjoy it. It wasn't consistent in its point and I didn't agree with a lot of what I read. *

Galatians by John MacArthur ****

Galatians by Theodore H. Epp ****

Galatians.... Edited by James Merritt ***

To be fair, I was co-leading a Bible Study group with my mother-in-law on Galatians the last couple of weeks, so I used these books as resources. The book by Mr. Epp was actually my grandmother's and her handwriting is in it, which made it even more special. I learned a lot from each of these books though and loved all three. 

The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy and Kathy Keller ****

Absolutely loved this book. Austin and I have been married 3 and 1/2 years and I feel like this book taught me so much. It is written by husband and wife in such an honest fashion that it could be read by long term spouses to just married spouses, to engaged or dating couples, and even singles. I definitely recommend this book!

One Day in December by Josie Silver ***
I finally read this book after my friend Kelly told me that while yes it was chick lit, it had a different ending than you would think. I liked that it was original and not like every other girl falls for boy story, but I'm still not the biggest fan of romance novels...

The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri ****
Another recommendation by my friend Kelly (she really does pick good ones). It was beautifully written and I enjoyed learning more about Indian culture, especially this family's transition from India to America.

The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis ***
I'm really enjoying this series (more than I thought I would).

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine ****
This was a book club pick and I am so glad it was chosen. It was such a great and interesting read. I could not put it down!!!!

Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie ***
Another great Agatha Christie read and twist. I don't even try to guess the murderer anymore... I never come anywhere close, but I love that about her books! 

2020 soundtrack// song 1: Be Okay

Spotify's Discover Weekly is one of my favorite things! I heard this song on that list this week and I have it on repeat now! 

"Thank the Lord I am here and now".

-Oh Honey

xo, kel

a year of habits/ Weeks 3-7

The good and hard thing about starting something so big in December is that sometimes the holidays take over more than I mean for them to.  Christmas and New Years is an incredibly busy time with retail and the tea room (which is the opposite in teaching).  Then New Years Eve I got super sick and it took awhile to get back to normal.

With that being said, I haven't done as well as I wanted with these habits, but at the same time I've also discovered which ones I want to be daily habits, which work better as a weekly or monthly habit, and which are just an occasional habit I want to make time for.

So here's how things have been looking so far....

Praying before every meal is something I want to do daily.

Confession is something I want to end my day with every night.

Meditation and Study are things that I want to incorporate into my week, but not necessarily every day.

Sabbath Rest and Silence can actually be a part of all of these other disciplines, so they won't stay on my habit list as is for the month of February. 

Then there is fasting..... So I did decide to try a three hour fast (basically 10pm I cut myself off from eating until I fell asleep. But the big thing with fasting is that it is not to be done lightly. The more I talked to people and the more I read, I realized that in giving up food- yes I am saying God is all I need, even more than food and He will provide for me and keep me going. But it also needs to be a time where I am grieving or burdened by something in relation to God's kingdom on earth and right now I just don't feel that pull on my heart. So instead of practicing this discipline right now, I'm just trying to learn more about it. 

Overall I am really enjoying this habit practice. I've not only learned a lot, but I feel like I have grown so much closer to God in this experience. It's taught me that I am incapable of so many things and I really do need to rely on Him for every single thing. 

I may not be the best at keeping up with these habits, but I am tracking them and reflecting on them every week. 

xo, kel

2019 reads

This year I decided to track my reading throughout the year (of course I also tried to track each month by goals and awesome events, but that didn't work out so well).  Tracking the books I read was more of a success though- I actually did it throughout the entire year (thanks to Goodreads for helping). And yes, I get that writing it down when I have a GoodReads account may be redundant, but I don't care. It makes me happy.

So my list of 2019 reads (and how I rated them-- out of 5 stars):

January

1. What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa Terkeurst ***

2. The Color Purple by Alice Walker ***

3. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith ***

4. Mary Poppins by PL Travers ***

February

5. It's Not Suppose to Be This Way by Lysa Terkeurst *****

6. In Bloom by Kayla Aimee ****

7. In a Pit With a Lion On a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson ****

8. Chase the Lion by Mark Patterson ****

March

9. Death in the Clouds by Agatha Christie ***

10. Everybody Always by Bob Goff ****

11. I Gave Up Men For Lent by Kacie Main *

12. A Year of Biblical Womanhood by Rachel Held Evans ****. (Her passing this year was horrible, and I wish I had found her and her books sooner!

13. Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney ***

14. A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles ***

April

15. The ABC Murders by Agatha Christie *** (The Amazon Mini-series of this is awesome by the way!!)

16. Living Jesus by Randy Harris **

17. Forgotten God by Francis Chan ****

18. Cards on the Table by Agatha Christie ***

19. The President is Missing by James Patterson and Bill Clinton ****

20. In 50 Years We'll All Be Chicks by Adam Corolla *

21. The Bookshop of Yesterdays by Amy Meyerson **

22. Murder in Mesopotamia by Agatha Christie ****

23. Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear ***

24. If Life Is a Bowl of Cherries.... by Erma Bombeck *

May

25. The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict **

26.  Searching For Sunday by Rachel Held Evans ***

27. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson **

28. The Paris Key by Juliet Blackwell ****

29. Becoming by Michelle Obama ***

June

30. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens ****

31. Rules of Civility by Amor Towles ***

32. Experience God by Henry Blackby ****

33. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote ***

July

34. The First Mistake by Sandie Jones ***

35. Wunderland by Jennifer C. Eptein ****

36.  Stay Sexy and Don't Get Murdered by Karen Kilgariff **

37. Dumb Witness by Agatha Christie. ***

August

38. Furious Hours by Caey Cep ***

39, Mistress of the Ritz by Melanie Benjamin ****

40. When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton *****

41. Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee **

September

42. Mademoiselle Chanel by CW Gortner ***

43. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris ****

44. Children of Nazis by Tania Crananski ***

45. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by Caitlin Daughty ***

46. Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly *****

47. The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe ****

48. I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella *

49. You have Arrived at Your Destination by Amor Towles **

50. Thank You Notes by Jimmy Fallon **

October

51. Next Year in Havan by Chanel Cleeton ***

52. Lost Roses by Martha Hall Kelly ****

November

53. The Road Back to You by Ian MCron ****

54, The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides ****

55. Appointment With Death by Agatha Christie ***

56. The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult *****

57. The Four Loves by CS Lewis **

December 

58. The Man Who Saw Everything by Deborah Levy **

59. The Magician's Nephew by CS Lewis **

60. The Gown by Jennifer Robson ****

61. A Woman in Berlin by Anonymous