February Favorites

It’s time for another round of monthly favorites.

I thought it would be cute to theme this month’s favorites around love in honor of Valentine’s Day. Except then I remembered that I’m not really into lovey-dovey stuff. That and we seldom do anything special for Valentine’s Day. So, I guess that spoils that plan.

Instead, here are the things I’m loving right now, in no particular order.

#1: THIS NAIL POLISH COLOR

I’m in a “paint my nails” phase right now, and I’ve finally found my favorite shade of winter pink. It’s called “pink beige”. I love it because it’s not too bright, not too baby-doll, and no too grandma mauve. I bought it at Walmart for $1. (Score!)

(And yes, I’m sorry. My cuticles. I have a thing with eating my fingers. And since we’re talking food …)

#2: THESE NO BAKE ENERGY BITES

I am in no way a specimen of health, but now that I’m working out a little, I’m trying to make some improvements in my eating too. These have become one of my favorite go-to snacks. They are quick and easy to make, with just a few simple (and healthy!) ingredients. Plus they are delicious.

You can find the recipe HERE.

#3: THIS “COCOON”

I know you all thought I was kidding when I made my public service announcement about wearing this cozy sweatshirt (or it’s blue twin) every day that it’s cold. But now you’ve seen me out and about and know it’s (mostly) true. No shame. It was $7 at Old Navy.

That little, staring dog is one of my favorites too. The rest of the family likes to torture her (and call her “rat dog”) but she’s my girl. We got her from the SPCA a few years ago, and she’s been the perfect furry addition to our family. (I promise, you get used to the staring eventually.)

#4: THESE BOOKS

It’s no exaggeration when I say I am a massive consumer of books. I like to read. It’s part of what I do. Plus, they say that good readers make better writers. So besides loving to be inspired and challenged by what I read, I hope all this reading is helping to shape my writing too.

I recently finished Kyle Idleman’s latest book, The End of Me. Like the other two books of his that I’ve read, it was great. His writing style is easy to read and relate-able, while the content is get-in-your-business-good. If you haven’t read any of these, I highly recommend all three.

Currently I’m slow moving through this book. (Because really, how can one rush through a book about not being in a hurry.)

I know I’m starting to sound like the boy who cried wolf in my excitement over books, but this one has quickly become one of my favorites. It is serving as a gentle guide into a new kind of season for me – a quieter season – an unhurried season. A season of more lingering. More resting. More listening. Although it generally feels less productive (because I’m so conditioned to think productive looks and feels busy), it’s purpose is rich. I’m want to learn to live in such a way that makes space for God every minute of every day. I want to learn how “to live in a hurried world somehow unhurried in my walk and work with God.” This book is right for me in this season.

And since we’re (still) on the topic of books, I’ve just started listening to this (Christian fiction) series again.

oh yall! These books.

This is the Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers. I think Francine has an incredible gift of writing stories that show us what it looks like to live out our faith in every day life. This series made such an impact on my faith walk when I read it the first time (probably 10 years ago) and I’m loving them all over again.

#5: AMERICAN IDOL

Am I the only one still watching this??? Although we’ve never voted, we have watched every single season. It has become quite the family affair. Call me crazy, but I’m sad that this is the last season.

#6: THIS VERSE

When facing adversity. In the midst of uncertainty. I borrow these words …

More on this passage next week.

…

One more thought as I close.

I was reading through the “love” verses and I noticed something that struck me afresh. It says,

“Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Have you ever noticed that patient and kind are the only two words used to describe what love is? The rest of the verses tell us what it isn’t and what it does/doesn’t do.

So… if I want to grow in the ways I love the people around me, extending patience and kindness is probably a really good place to start.

What are some of your favorites right now? I’d love to hear back from you!