Fruitful

Fruitful, by Megan Hill, Melissa Kruger, et al.

44/60 | Started 04.28.24 • Finished 08.08.24 | 5 stars

This spring release from The Gospel Coalition was chosen as our church's women's ministry summer Bible study. This 40 day devotional (plus some recipes to boot) through the fruit of the Spirit has a number of newer contributors, one for each aspect of the fruit. So, each aspect gets four days, all of which are written by the same author, which helped bring continuity. Each followed a progression of thought from a Biblical definition to Jesus's display of that aspect, to what it means for the reader to cultivate it in our own souls, to ramifications in our relationships with others.

I found this to be a really straightforward exploration of the fruit of the Spirit, and while a light lift - only about three pages per day - really dug down deep, pulling in other passages of Scripture, thoughtful quotes, and helpful responses, questions, and prayers. I would recommend this to any woman looking for a devotional that is easy on time but avoids the fluffy surface-level emotive stuff of many women's devotionals.

Oh, Lord, I want to be a woman who bears an increasing harvest of fruit with each passing year. Plant me in your house and let me flourish in your courts. Thank you for making me righteous in Christ and giving me a home with your people. Bless me, that I might be a blessing to others all the days of my life.

The Day the World Came to Town

The Day the World Came to Town, by Jim DeFede

43/60 | Started 07.29.24 • Finished 08.06.24 | 4 stars

My mother-in-law recommended this book to me when she was only part way through and she was spot on! This book was so enjoyable, diving into the lives of people who participated in an event I knew nothing about.

When planes hit the towers on September 11, 2001, hundreds of planes in flight over or en route to the United States had to land somewhere as soon as possible. Due to its proximity to flight paths, and the fact that it possessed a rather large airport, Gander, Newfoundland took in over a dozen commercial planes. This flooded the small town with hundreds of people all of whom needed food, shelter, clothing, support, and eventually transportation out of Gander. DeFede's book tells the story at large while also drilling down to some of the passengers and townspeople. A truly remarkable achievement of the apparently famous hospitable nature of Newfoundlanders. Definitely give this one a shot.

Somehow: Thoughts on Love

Somehow: Thoughts on Love, by Anne Lamott

42/60 | Started 07.24.24 • Finished 07.29.24 | 4 stars

It's been a while since I've read any Anne Lamott, and her writing just never fails to jump off the page and smack you right in the face. I'll say up front, I don't agree with much of her theology, and I definitely take note of her irreverance. But I'm not necessarily looking for theological wisdom so much as beautiful and sometimes heartbreaking stories. If you can stomach the caveats, read it for her use of the English language and ability to paint a picture with words.

Being at all, living, is a miracle, and - note to self - attention must be paid.