Normally, the books I suggest you read are practical, not necessarily beautiful. Recently though, I was offered an opportunity to review a book that was both practical, beautiful and designed to help you grow a bit spiritually. Life In Season: Celebrate the Moments That Fill Your Heart & Home by Vanessa Hunt and Heather Patterson combines so many things I enjoy about books all in one volume.
I have to admit, I had never seen or read their At the Picket Fence blog, so I am not a fan writing a review. (Although, I did look at their blog while reading the book.) The authors, who are sisters, have taken each of the seasons and written beautiful chapters which are part devotional, part motivational, part how-to.
There are crafts, recipes and other beautiful ideas for you to replicate throughout the book. They usually include detailed, but simple directions for doing it yourself. On the “Martha Stewart Difficulty Scale” (If you are familiar with Martha Stewart, you totally understand what I mean!), the ideas are as beautiful, but usually less difficult. At least one required a drill though, so be warned not all of the ideas can be completed without purchasing a few items.
I’m not sure why, but it always seems there are a lot more opportunities for women to have small group Bible studies than there are for men. There also seem to be a lot more devotional book options.
If you haven’t figured it out already, Christian parenting can be hard. There are days when you are sleep deprived or discouraged. At times, it can be hard to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get back in the parenting game.
Often when I talk with pre-teen, teen and even college aged girls, the conversation gradually turns to some variant of a discussion of popularity. With the younger set, the focus is often on being popular with fellow girls. As they get older, many of those discussions turn to how to get boys to “like” them. No matter the age or the direction though, the basic need they are trying to meet is being loved and accepted for who they are.
Do you have Christian parents on your Christmas list? Are you looking for a great gift for your spouse? Are you thinking of ideas for presents friends and relatives can give you? While the Bible is always your best resource for finding the answers you need in life, sometimes it helps to have some extra practical ideas or encouragement from someone who has walked in your shoes.