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What I’m Reading

I just finished C.S. Lewis’ book Letters to Malcolm, Chiefly on Prayer.

This is a funny little compilation of letters Lewis wrote to his friend Malcolm. It’s a bit strange only getting one side of the conversation, but a fun dive into the mind of Lewis and a great lesson in how curiosity and good question asking can really help one probe the depths of theology. It’s also entertaining to read the little tiffs between Lewis and his friend, and realize the great mind behind The Chronicles of Narnia was just as human as we are.

Speaking of Narnia, my husband and I recently returned from a trip to England where we had the opportunity to tour Oxford University. Apparently, the story goes that this door, it’s embellishments, and the nearby street lamp were the inspiration for Narnia!

I guess the advice to write what you know/ from your life really rings true!

Here are two excerpts from Letters to Malcolm, that I shared on Instagram: Excerpt 1, Excerpt 2

What I’m buying:

I’ve had this on my wish list since last November, and I finally bought it. So much better than gingerbread house kits don’t you think?

I recently purchased this soft jersey eye mask, and I loved it! That is before I accidentally left it in London…will be buying another one.

Estee Lauder’s Color Replenish Lip Balm – It’s moisturizing, fun to put on, and enhances the natural color in your lips. I’m obsessed.

Also from Estee Lauder… the Double Wear Zero Smudge Lengthening Mascara. Ya’ll… I have tiny, pitiful eye lashes, and this mascara makes them look awesome. It separates every individual lash, and as promised, does NOT smudge, even for my oily lashes. I’ve found my mascara soul mate and I’m never looking back.

Nixie Peach Black Tea Sparkling Water (I get mine at The Fresh Market)

What I’m listening to:

When I want to worship: Shane and Shane’s new CD, Hymns: Volume 2

When I want to laugh: The Popcast Podcast

When I want to learn: Help Me Teach the Bible Podcast

When I want to be challenged in my role as a wife: The Fierce Marriage Podcast

When I want to step up my homemaking game: The Lazy Genius Podcast

When I need some writing motivation: Home Row: Just Keep Writing Podcast

What I’m cooking:

This Thanksgiving, I’m going to try out this turkey method.

Last Thanksgiving I made this pecan pie, and it was so incredible that it will be returning annually, and in spades, if I have anything to do with it.

I recently made these for dinner! They were easy and delicious, and most importantly (sometimes), the kids ate them.

This is my go-to pancake recipe, and I recently made a batch that went into the freezer. My goodness is it delightful to pull fluffy, homemade pancakes out whenever you want! They warm up quickly in the toaster and are just as good as the day they were made.

If you are looking for a new cookie recipe this Christmas, Oatmeal Scotchies are some of my very favorite. I don’t see them made very often, so it’s fun to bring a delicious cookie that most people aren’t expecting.

What’s keeping me busy:

Driving my kids to and from school (x2)

Planning women’s ministry events and teaching material

Involving myself in the lives of the people in our community group (that’s the small group that we meet with every Wednesday to talk about the sermon from Sunday).

What I’m learning:

• Relationships are time consuming! Genuine love for others means a willingness to serve them and meet their needs —which means sacrificing something else so I can do that. It results in this strange mix of exhaustion and joy that only makes sense in light of Jesus’ example and the promise of what waits in eternity.
• Kids grow so fast, and they change so much. I’m learning to appreciate them even in their shortcomings, and savor the things that make them unique today. Weeks from now, some of those silly jokes won’t seem silly to them anymore, and the words they mispronounce will suddenly be said the right way, and they’ll seem a decade older just like that.
• Apparently I really like sheep. Witness me in full dork mode, trying to beckon them on the side of the road, while we were in the Cotswolds in England.

Thanks so much for reading.

-Stephanie