Thursday, July 23, 2015

Currently {July}

+Watching... reruns of That Girl starring Marlo Thomas.  It's my fave retro show ever!

+Waiting... to start my new part time library gig.  My 1st day's tomorrow!  It's actually the same job I had about 8 years ago {my 1st ever paying job, in fact}, & here I am again...  God knows what He's doing, so I trust Him.

+Reading... Leviticus in my Bible reading plan {it's a tough book to get through} & I just finished It's Not About Me by Max Lucado {really encouraging / I recommend it} & am now starting No Longer a Slumdog by K.P. Yohannan {founder of the organization Gospel for Asia - you can actually get this book for free here}.

+Eating... pumpkin pie in July - cause I just couldn't help myself.  I love it year-round.

+Thankful... for so many countless things, including my new baby nephew, sweet time with special people, safety, health, adventures, mini road trips, sunshine, my new job... Jesus.

+Praying... for the families & loved ones of those brave men who lost their lives in my city & for the gunman's family, too.

Love,
-Bess-

P.S.: What are you up to lately?

Thursday, July 9, 2015

"Savor" Devotional Book Review

Savor 
by Shauna Niequist

Savor is a good word.  A very good word.  I want to savor this life God has given me… all the moments I get to breathe in & exhale – like now… - & now…  We’re not promised the next, so I want to savor the now.  Savor, a 365 day devotional, attracted me not only because of the title, but because it is authored by Shauna Niequist, whom I simply love!  Shauna also penned Cold Tangerines {read my raves for that book here} & others, so I was excited needless to say, cause Shauna is just one of those honest, shares the good & bad, shows her flaws & God’s redemptive-ness kinda writer-girl.

Plus, this devotional’s got recipes – 21 to be exact!  Shauna is a foodie, & to this would-be-foodie, it’s exciting to think of trying some of these out, especially the blueberry morning yogurt cake & the pumpkin banana anything muffins {don’t worry, there’s savory recipes included, too}.

The meat of each one page daily devotion is a short word from the author sandwiched between an accompanying Bible verse & a thinking point or question.   Shauna’s words are candid & often from little moment-stories from her life.  The only complaint I can muster is that some of the anecdotes were bits I recalled reading from Cold Tangerines, but they were good, nonetheless.
 
The devotional itself is a sturdy hardback with an attached ribbon bookmark, lovely striped linen-looking cover {resembling a tablecloth or fancy cloth napkin}, & dark navy edged pages.  This devotional would make a lovely gift for yourself or anyone you want to encourage to savor the moments God gives.  He is so good!

Bookish Love,
-Bess-

*I received this book as a complimentary copy from the publisher (through the BookLook Blogger program) in exchange for my honest review.

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Song Love {July}


"Trust In You" by Lauren Daigle


"Flawless" by MercyMe


"Unusual" by Francesca Battistelli

Music Love,
-Bess-

Friday, July 3, 2015

Bess' Baby Picks

Bess' Baby Picks

My sister had her baby a little over a week ago, & all are doing great!  Baby fever has set in once again {Did it ever really leave?} & I thought I'd share a few favorite baby items with you...

1. BabyLit Books
Think classic lit in the form of uber-charming counting, color, etc. board books!

2. Boudreaux's Butt Paste
My sister says this stuff is great for baby bums!

3. Vera Bradley Pacifier Pod
Clip it to your baby bag or stroller & never lose that pacifier again!

4. Leapfrog Violet or Scout Plush
This is more of a "grow-into" toy, but I think it's a great one!  Baby would enjoy musical aspects of this electronic plush {it comes in green for the boys}, & in toddler years it can be programmed to say your child's name along with other things, like favorite food, favorite activity, etc.

5. Carter's Bib
Cause babies are miraculous & kinda a big deal. =)

Baby Love,
-Bess-