My Treasure: October 2014

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Let's All Be Brave by Annie Downs

When I saw Annie Downs' book Let's All Be Brave as one of my options for books to review on BookLook Bloggers, I was thrilled. I went to college with Annie and know her to authentic and funny. I expected her book to be the same, and I was not disappointed. What I did not expect was to weep through a large portion of the book.

I can't even say why, exactly, this book made me weep except that it hit me in my tender spot. You know, the place where God has already been poking and prodding. My "word" that God gave me at the beginning of this year was BRAVE. I have had, as we all do, many chances to practice being brave this year, but in reading this book I feel God's summons to me was taken to a new level.

Let's All Be Brave challenges and encourages, awakening old dreams while inspiring new ones, highlighting big acts of bravery while applauding small ones. Even in reviewing this, I feel myself shiver with anticipation for opportunities that I know are coming my way. Chances to say yes and dive into the unknown as well as the difficult known.

I definitely recommend Annie's book. Even if you don't read something in it you've never seen before, you will be reminded of many truths and opportunities you will want to grab hold of for the future.

I gave my opinion on this book in exchange for a free copy from BookLook Bloggers. My opinions are my own.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Susanna's First Birthday

If I had known how fast this year would fly, I probably would have wanted to chain myself to the floor and stop all activities so I could sit and not miss a single second of this sweet child's first year. I cannot believe she's already one. I cannot even begin to describe how much joy she has brought our family. From the second her eyes open in the morning to the time I shut her door at night she is receiving kisses, hugs, silly faces...we basically all act like fools just to be rewarded with her smiles. And she gives them freely.

September 19 was celebrated with dinner at Olive Garden and her birthday was celebrated on the 28th at our new home. We warmed the house and ate birthday cake at the same time.

a little pre-birthday happiness