Ok, it’s been almost a month since my last post. You might not have noticed (which is totally fine) but, if you did, I haven’t completely forgotten about this little corner of the internet.
As you may or may not know, I’m currently in college completing that bachelor’s degree I abandoned back in 1993. I also linked arms with my friend,
, to create an organization called . Add home, family, travel, writing my novel, and sports and…oh yeah, my son’s basketball team won the Tennessee state basketball tournament (I am SO dang proud of those boys), and…well you can see how I have been just a little distracted!
I told you I’ve been busy!
As Spring settles in with a whoosh (it is CRAZY windy here in Middle Tennessee) I am also preparing my gardens, raising a new flock of chicks, and watching all that was dead wake up and become green again. Wild Violets and Dandelions are in bloom throughout the green expanse around my house and the goats no longer need hay because privet and bright blades of grass await their hungry grazing.
It’s my favorite season (until Fall arrives, which is also my favorite), full of life and hope and reminders that God’s promises are true. He will make all things new and, for now, Spring helps me remember His goodness.
I’ve also been reading for personal growth and for fun. I thought I would share what I’ve been enjoying with you!
My mornings are spent with a few of my favorite authors, two of which are Malcolm Guite and Ann Voskamp.
Word in the Wilderness by Malcolm Guite is simply a beautiful and rich book of poetry, walking us with Jesus through Lent and beyond to those wondrous days after the resurrection. Malcolm expounds on each poem, helping inexperienced poetry readers like me learn to slow down, understand, and soak in all that is being said.
Loved to Life by Ann Voskamp…where do I even begin? This book will dig deep into your soul, plant the seed of truth that you are God’s Beloved, then water it until the roots are so deep and strong that nothing can pull it up. This book is a 40 day journey through the book of John who, in awe, referred to himself the one Jesus loved. Ann is a beautifully poetic writer and the artwork brings each day’s essay to life.
I’ve also been reading a diverse bunch of fiction, non-fiction, and audio books. Some are for school, some for fun, and a few turned out to be both which led me to the bookstore this morning to pick up a couple of used books by authors I have discovered through my classes. In the past month or so I have read, or am currently reading, To Be Where You Are by Jan Karon, The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs, Remote Control by Nnedi Okorafor, The Body Keeps the Score by Russel Van Der Kolk, MD, Look What Love Has Done by Melanie Waldman, The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien, and Lone Women by Victor Lavalle (which I did NOT expect to like but cannot put down).
One unexpected side effect of all these books? I am having some weird dreams. I can only assume it is my brain’s attempts to file all this away. Never a dull moment, even in my sleep.
Anywho, this is clearly not my usual post but I just wanted to step in for a minute and let you know I’m still here and still writing, though not as much on Substack these days. I really appreciate everyone who subscribes to Beloved, Be Loved. Hopefully I will be able to share more with you soon.
Have a wonderful weekend! And, if you have a minute, I would love to know what you are reading these days. Any book recommendations? Share away!
~Jeanine
What a rich life you’re living, friend! ❤️You deserve it.