Have you ever watched a kid run down a hill, knowing they’re going to topple head over feet as momentum gets the better of them?
I am that child.
The last six months of intense book-writing has done me in. It’s been such a sweet and stretching season, but I have officially collapsed in the grass, fully content to just stay here and stare at the sky while I wait for my body to catch up with me.
I have turned in the first draft of my manuscript (THANK YOU to everyone who prayed or sent a kind word or confetti) and am under strict instructions from my editor to rest and not touch the book for the next six weeks. (No complaints here.) I’m still marinating on all that this deep work has unearthed, and maybe one of these days, I will get around to wrapping words around those things, but for now, let’s just sit in summer for a minute, shall we?
Good Things to Pick Up
Each month, I share a few of the things that have pointed me to goodness in the middle of this little life. I’d love to have you share yours in the comments as well.
For Your Ears
Last week, I finished listening to Beth Moore’s memoir All My Knotted-Up Life, and y’all, the book is everything a memoir should be: complex, human, and honest. I recommend reading the audio version, because listening to Beth read it aloud really adds to the experience. (TW: note that the book does pull at some threads of sexual abuse and mental health)
I really appreciated this conversation on spirituality between Russell Moore and Rainn Wilson (also known as “Dwight from The Office”). These two men do not see completely eye to eye, but this conversation demonstrates how to be curious and compassionate and disagree with dignity.
For Your Belly
Summers around here are generally all about grilling, but there’s something about this season that makes me want a salad. A really good salad. We call this recipe “Bacon Salad,” and if you’re a fan of apples, bacon, Brussels sprouts, and vinaigrette dressing, you’re going to love it. (Plus, this one is clean, if that’s your thing.)
For the Readers
Our HT Summer Book Club begins June 1, and it’s never too late to join us (although the special annual offer ends May 31)! You can find all the details in this post, and make sure you pick up/borrow/download your copy of Tell Me the Dream Again by
(our June book pick).Special note: In addition to our monthly book club gatherings, we’ll be hosting a special live Q+A with Tasha Jun on July 18 at 8 pm EDT.
I also wanted to share with you my summer novel-reading list (gathered by recommendations from friends). I’ve starred the books I have already read, but thought I would share it here in case you’re wondering which novel to read next.
For the Writers
In June and July, I’m joining a Storytelling Intensive, led by my friend
within our community The Stories Between Us. (I’m Community Director there.) We’ll be reading through George Saunders’ acclaimed book A Swim in a Pond in the Rain, asking “What MAKES a good story?” while experimenting with our own short stories throughout the course of the eight weeks. We’d love for you to join us. (Registration ends June 1.)For Your Soul
Two questions I’ve been mulling over (and doing a little unseen writing to process through them) are: How do I know God? and How does God make himself known to me? It’s easy to have a split-second responses to these questions, but I’m trying to sit with them a little longer, to remind myself that knowing is not just for the head but for the heart, soul, and body as well.
What good things would you add?
Did you read, listen to, eat, find, or discover something that revealed a little more of the love of God? Feel free to tell us a little of the goodness (whatever its form) you’ve soaked in or sought in the last month. Share the love.
Beth Moore, Brussels Sprouts, and Book Club
I just finished listening to All My Knotted Up Life last night and oh my goodness...I cried more times than I have fingers to count them. It felt like an honour to be invited in.