Things I Was Loving in the Months of July, August, and September
- meashley1124
- Oct 6, 2021
- 4 min read
It's been a minute since my last "5 Things I Loved" wrap up -- heck, it's been a minute since I posted, period!
Life has a way of sneaking up on us, doesn't it? To summarize the last few months: Youth Pastor life got hectic with the start of school, I was diagnosed with lupus (more on this later), I've been approved for candidacy to become a local pastor and have applied for seminary, and we've been looking for a new apartment/rental opportunity because it's time to move out of our current place. It's been one thing after another, but fortunately I've been keeping track of everything I've loved, and I'm excited to share them with you today! Let's get into it.
The Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila (Mirabai Starr Translation) (Book) -- I have been on a journey of familiarizing myself with the Christian mystics of old, and St. Teresa has quickly become my favorite, hands down. This book is a beautiful guide on how knowing ourselves actually leads to our knowing Jesus on a deeper, more meaningful level. Favorite quote: "If you want to make progress on the path and ascend to the places you have longed for, the important thing is not to think much but to love much, and so to do whatever best awakens you to love. If you fall sometimes, do not lose heart. Keep striving to walk your path with integrity. God will draw out the good even from your fall..."
"Green Pastures" by Housefires (Song) -- My replay button is broken at this point, honestly. Lyrics: VERSE: When I feel alone, I’m never alone, You are right beside me Standing in the fire and with the ashes You make something beautiful / CHORUS: No matter where I go You've already been There is no shadow you aren't standing in I wont fear tomorrow You know what lies ahead. Green pastures, still waters, are your promises. / VERSE TWO: You are God with me, Emmanuel Beginning to the end When you whisper peace, you still my heart The power of your presence, it is revealed / BRIDGE: Lord take my broken cup and fill me with your love Only you can make me whole again, Only you can make me whole again.
Daily Grace Co. Prayer Journal (Book) -- I am such a Daily Grace Co. stan: their journals, bible studies, necklaces, and prints are everything to me. This particular prayer journal has been a beautiful addition to my quiet time. It sections prayers into paragraphs, "Adoration, Confessions, Sanctification, On My Heart, and Verse I am Praying." I do better when I write my prayers, and this sort of structured guide has helped me so much. (Plus, the journal itself is beautiful. Beautiful, I say!)
Bath and Bodyworks 3-Wick Candle in "Pumpkin Carving" (Home) -- Proud to share that my candle addiction is still going strong, mostly due to B&BW's awesome fall scents. This one has been my house's favorite so far. Fragrance notes are fresh pumpkin, spiced pumpkin seeds, and brown sugar. It really just smells like how fall feels. You know what I mean?
T-shirts from Jadelynn Brooke (Clothes) -- I am a huge t-shirt and tights person, and I just happened to stumble across this brand on Instagram. They have the cutest stuff, y'all. Their shirts are so comfy and bright and durable. They'd make awesome Christmas presents. Just saying.
ThunderFit Silicone Wedding Bands (Misc) -- These silicone rings have been one of my favorite purchases for the whole year. They are so comfortable, basically indestructible, and so cheap! Bonus: if you have inflammation in your finger joints, these come on and off really easily. 10/10.
Silicone Ear Plugs (Misc) -- My husband snores like a chainsaw in a blender. I've tried SO. MANY. different kinds of ear plugs, and these are, BY FAR, the best. They are totally noise cancelling; perfect for travel and swimming, too!
The Bible Handbook by Daily Grace Co. (Book) -- This is an awesome, awesome resource for biblical scholars. "The Bible Handbook is a reference book to help you approach the Bible. This resource includes background and contextual information for every book of the Bible, including literary genre, historical context, purpose, themes, and more. The handbook is complete with summaries of every book of the Bible, maps, and other beautiful graphics and illustrations to enhance your understanding of Scripture. This stunning resource is the perfect coffee table book and an excellent tool to reach for whenever you study a book of the Bible." I think everyone should have a copy of this -- it is so much knowledge packed into manageable, easy-to-read bites.
BookBub (Website) -- If you are a voracious reader and you have an eReader, then you must, must, MUST subscribe to BookBub. They send you daily deals for book genres of your choosing, and it is the best way to find cheap, cheap reads.
Carnival Row (TV Show) -- Unfortunately, this show is only available to Amazon Prime members but holy smokes! We are obsessed. It's phenomenal story-telling and world-building. (If you're a fantasy nerd like me, you'll love it.) It focuses on an investigator who is trying to figure out his past while solving vicious murders and reconnecting with his lost love, who happens to become a fairy mercenary. Yep, fairy mercenary, you heard me right. (Note: not for Littles, ok?! There's some graphic stuff.) It's really great television.
Annnnnd that's all I've got, folks. Hit me up with your current faves! <3
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