Starting Out the Year with Good Books

It has been extra quiet here on my blog for a few months, but with much going on in real life. We had a wonderful visit from my older siblings (who live a distance away) in the fall, followed by the passing away of our youngest brother the first week of December. Loren suffered from Parkinson's for many years, and we were privileged to have him being cared for nearby in Omaha for the last two years of his life. Close by, where we could have weekly input into his life and care.

Christmas season was a mix of the joy of being with our three daughters and their families who live here in Nebraska (missing others who live a distance away), and also the grieving of our loss. 

The first half of January 2025 has started out with both my husband and I fighting off some bad colds and coughs. Maybe made worse by our exhaustion emotionally and physically. So this New Year has started out extra slow for us.

I love how God cares for us (and for you) in the midst of real life - in the midst of joy and also when in the midst of grieving. 

One of the evidences of His comfort and care comes through filling our minds with His Truth, and also in giving us good books to relax with.

Starting Out the Year with Good Books

On my pile at the start of January:

My (in)Courage Devotional Bible 

I love this CSB Bible - the design, the translation, and the space for a bit of journaling. Though I am reading chronologically through the Bible using the sequence from the Chronological Life Application Study Bible, I often read the passages directly from my Devotional Bible, as well. As of January 1st, reading chronologically, I was up to the Acts 15 reading. 

My husband and I love to have a devotional that we read together in the evenings. Last year we read through New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp - so very good! And this year, we are reading through Grace & Glory by Louis Giglio, also so very good.

For relaxation, I usually have a historical fiction book on my reading pile. My first book of the year, which I completed a few days ago, is A Bound Heart, by Laura Frantz, at the top of my growing list of favorite authors! Set in the mid-1700's, I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

And last but not least, is my current inspirational/learning book ... Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools by Tyler Staton. Such an encouraging, insightful book on prayer. A good focus to start the New Year out with. 

I just love this quote from the first chapter of the book. We often try to make prayer so complicated, and something that we need "to do". And this may be the faulty thinking that keeps us from what prayer really is meant to be. I love how the author explains so clearly what prayer is at its core. The reason why Jesus Himself pulled away to just "be with the Father". And the reason why we are drawn to the same. Such a priceless joy and privilege!

What is on your book pile at the beginning of 2025? I love to get ideas from others on "Good Reads", as well, especially from some of our daughters who also love to read. Last year I read a total of 29 books, and have set my goal a bit higher this coming year! So much learning and joy from good books!