It’s my birthday! 🎉
This week, I shall be turning 35. I don’t know why, but this feels more of a milestone than 30.
We talk about finding ourselves in our culture a lot, but I feel that finally in the last five years, I’ve finally come to a place of contentment. Contentment in who God made me to be and the life which He intended for me. I didn't find myself, I found who I am in Christ.
A life where He is priority, His word is a lamp to my feet, family is to be cherished, nurtured and prioritised, the church is to be loved and served, and I’m doing something I sincerely love in the midst of that - writing!
So the year of 35 is one I feel so very excited to celebrate! 🎉
As a way to celebrate, I am offering 20% off both of my guides from today until the 28th of September. You can find the links below:
What’s On Our Shelves?
For me: I’m reading a new middle grade novel called Island of Stars which is a true delight thus far. I am a firm believer that children’s books can be equally delighted in by adults, and this book is proving that to be true! Full of mystery, adventure, history, narwhals and so much more! I look forward to sharing a review with you in the coming weeks.
My latest gripping read though, which I will be recommending to anyone who will listen, is Endurance! I just could not put it down! (Neither could my husband)… I will not give any spoilers, as I want you to read it, but I came away feeling it is a must read for my children. Why? Because in an age where everything is comfortable, risks are rarely taken and bodies are rarely pushed to their limit, I want my children to see how incredible the human body and mind is, made and sustained by our Maker, even in the harshest of conditions. God given talent, passions and capability. I hope they leave inspired to follow whatever calling God puts on their life, believing that in His strength, they can do it!
Now go and order it friends ❤️
For our family read aloud with our 4 and 7 year old: We have just finished Winnie the Pooh (which was excellent - chuckles all round) and we are currently in the middle of The Mouse and the Motorcycle which they are both thoroughly enjoying.
My 7 year old’s independent read: My son is loving the Bear Grylls series at the moment. He has read them all cover to cover countless times.
Whilst these books aren’t overtly Christian, Bear is a believer and has written a series of engaging, adventure filled stories for young readers. I wouldn’t consider them beautifully written books, but they are fun and engaging, so if you have a voracious reader, this series might be a hit to keep them going for a little while.
For my spiritual formation: I have been using the Colossians Study from At His Feet Studies in our weekly Bible study with two other local mums and have found it to be such a thoughtful tool, both for personal study and in this group.
With engaging questions and helpful commentary breaking down each verse into bite size chunks, this book walks you through the book of Colossians slowly, and in an in-depth way, helping you to truly grasp all of the gold to be found in its pages.
Many blessings,
Jessica
