Half of One

 Thoughts After Attending a Wedding

Image by prostooleh on Freepix: Image by p

In my five years as a widow

I’ve attended many weddings—

siblings, nephews, nieces, friends.

I’m grateful to be included,

invited to celebrate,

part of a community that values marriage,

honors commitment,

assumes permanence—

“until death do us part.”

But weddings are hard.

My presence feels like a pallor,

rain on a picnic,

a reminder that marriage isn’t forever.

It only lasts until death,

and death comes for all.

(Sometimes to the young.)

I wish death would take us together,

but usually one is left to walk alone.

The wedding service comes to the holy moment.

Hands clasp, vows spoken, promises made—

a mystery.

Two people, two individuals, two humans—

now one flesh

for life.

I said “I do.”

I’m still living,

but Ed is not.

I was one flesh, but now...

What is half of “one flesh”?

No wonder it hurts.

Should there be a ceremony

to signify the end of a marriage?

Something more than a funeral—

all dead have funerals.

Something more than a trip to the bank

to remove his name from our checking account.

Something…

but what?

I watch this love-struck, starry-eyed couple

say their vows.

They won’t feel any different

the moment they become one.

What happens in an instant,

takes years

to grow into oneness.

My marriage was rent

the moment that Ed breathed his last,

but maybe it takes years

to grow into a single person again.be I’ll limp for the rest of my life.tooleh on Freepik

: Image by prostooleh on Freepik

: Image by prostooleh on Freepi

: Image by prostooleh on Freepik

More in Number Than the Sand

I remember the day I realized that the world didn't revolve around me. 

Of course I knew in my head that I wasn't the center of the universe. I knew that only a tiny number of people on earth even knew of my existence. But somehow I viewed my life on center stage, with the spotlight on me, with my dreams, my griefs, my plans in the forefront and everyone else circling around me.

On that day, I was shopping and looked at the many people, and realized that, just like me, their lives were consumed by their dreams, their griefs, their plans. I wondered if others also had a ridulous sense of self-importance. Maybe each person I saw, and all the billions of other people in the world, also viewed their life as in the spotlight on center stage, with all other people as the extras of the set. Maybe we are all self-centered and wake each morning with our dreams, griefs, and plans as the most important thing in the universe. 

I am responsible for my thoughts, motives, words, and actions, so these things are necessarily important to me. But ever since that day, I've often looked at those I pass on the street, the driver of the car beside me, the strangers I elbow in a crowd and feel small. My dreams and plans, which feel so big to me, are unknown and unimportant to them. As one of the billions, my life is tiny.

Earlier this month we spent a week at the Outer Banks, North Carolina. Each morning I woke at my normal hour, peeked at the alarm clock, and considered my options. I was on vacation and could roll over and sleep a few more hours. But how can a person lay asleep at sunrise on the beach? 

I scrambled into clothes, grabbed my Bible, and headed to the top deck of our rental house, where the ocean was just barely visible. But the pounding of the waves continued to pull me. I popped in my earbuds, turned on my audio Bible, slipped on my sandals, and spent the next hour walking along the surf as the sky was painted pink and orange by the rising sun. 

I'm in awe of the power of the rhythmic waves. They are consistent, persistent, unrelenting. It didn't matter if I was watching or lying in bed. All over the world, day and night, year after year, the waves crash on the shore, moving methodically up and down with tide schedules so dependable they can be made years in advance. 

Sandpipers on twig-like legs, dance along the shore, always staying one step ahead of the wave, poking their beaks into the sand for some morsel. Three large birds (pelicans?) skim in silent procession just above the crest of the wave, disapearing in a silent dive then suddenly reappearing to skim the waves again. Crabs watch me warily, then scuttle into their holes. Each creature is consumed with its life, its survival. In each tiny brain, the spotlight is turned on it. Its life the most important existence in its universe. 

All over the world these motions are echoed - waves, birds, crabs - with a stunning sunrise as the backdrop. Usually no one watches; no one applauds. The astonishing colors exist without help from humans. The creatures follow their created instict with no orders, no recognition.

In the extravagance of the sunrise and the power of the waves, I feel tiny, miniscule, inconsequential. Just as when I was shopping and suddenly knew that each of the billions of people on earth had dreams, griefs, and plans just like me, I feel insignificant.

I believe God created this splendour, the amazing world of sunrises and sandpipers, pelicans and crabs. I believe He created the billions of people who walk this planet. The vastness of the universe and God's power overwhelms me. 

But I'm even more astounded when I read that God knows each sparrow and numbers my hair. (Matthew 10:29-31) He knew me before I was born and His thoughts of me are more than the number of the sand. (Psalm 139:14-18)  I'm only one of the billions, but I'm known.

I walk the shore, gazing at the glory of His creation, and want to weep at the glory of being a daughter of this God. 

***

Here are links to two old posts, both shared when I felt overwhelmed by current events in my own life and in the world. It is a little startling to see how much my children have grown in just a few years. It is also comforting to remember that God is still on His throne. In each post I shared a meaningful hymn.

November 2020 - Dear Lord and Father of Mankind

March 2022 - O Who Is Like Jehovah God

Sisters' Summer Reading Challenge Report

Charity and I both had a great reading season this summer. Here is our reports on the summer reading challenges.

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1. Choose a topic and read two books about it. 

Charity - Topic: The White House domestic staff

Upstairs at the White House by J.B. West

The Residence by Kate Anderson Brower

All the President’s Pastries by Roland Mesnier

I am intrigued by the behind the scenes of famous places and homes and especially serving staff throughout history. These three books cover the years from Franklin Rosevelt to Barak Obama and give a glimpse not only into how the executive mansion operates but also the personal lives of the first family and their staff. J.B. West recounts his experiences of working closely with the First Ladies during his years as assistant and head usher. He tells his stories with humor and a respect that makes the book worth reading. Kate Anderson Brower interviewed and read the memoirs of countless former staff and even members of the first family, to compile a glimpse into how such an important establishment operates. Mesnier tells about his own journey from rural France to pastry chef at the White House. His elaborate desserts were hard to imagine! 

Gina - Topic: Limitations

The Gift of Limitations by Sara Hagerty

Four Thousand Weeks: Time Mangement for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

This book duet was a happy accident. Both Hagerty and Burkeman were confronted with their human limitations. Hagerty explores the Scripture and what our limitations can teach us about God. Burkeman looks at studies and research to show that our drive for productivity has not added meaning to our lives. Together the two books helped me understand the beauty that accepting our limited time can give to our lives.

2. Choose a location and read two books that are set in that location. 

Charity - Location: Africa

West with the Night by Beryl Markham

The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

Beryl Markham writes with a beauty that had me savoring the words. Her father took her to Africa as a young girl where she grew up around tribal people, wild animals, and horses. Later she would become one of the fist female pilots in Africa. Her stories left me fascinated by the land, the air, and the people of Africa. The second book is a novel set in Africa. It is the first in a series of detective novels. I loved how the detective is the most unlikely woman to have the job and found the glimpse into life in Africa intriguing but also heart breaking. Recommended for the mature reader.

Gina - Location: England

The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff

A Morbid Taste for Bones by Ellis Peters

Amberwell by D.E. Stevenson

The Fight for English by David Crystal

My goal was to read books I already owned, and I had a number of books set in England on my unread shelf. Reading these four gave me an enjoyable scope of English history. The Eagle of the Ninth is a book of high adventure set in Roman England in the second century. Marcus sets off into the wilds of northern England to restore the lost eagle from his father's doomed legion. A Morbid Taste for Bones is the first in the Brother Cadfael detective series. Set in the 12th century, a Benedictine order wants to acquire relics for the honor of their abbey, but then there is a suspicious murder. Amberwell is listed as historical fiction, but Stevenson wrote it just after World War 2 so she knew the time well. The book follows the lives of the five Ayrton children as they grow up at Amberwell and how life scatters them. The Fight for English shares the history of teaching English grammar and spelling. To say that I loved the book probably tells you I'm some kind of nerd. Immersing myself into such different well-written books, set in widely different times, was quite rewarding. And now I have several authors to find more of their books.

3. Read a book about animals or a book that animals play a large role.

Neither Charity or I completed this challenge so are using this for our unfinished book challenge in the fall.

4. Read a book of the Bible and for each chapter, write down three words that describe the chapter.

Charity - Philippians

I loved this challenge but also found it to be somewhat difficult. But if I made a habit of studying this way, I would remember so much more about the main points of the chapters and even entire books.

Gina - Jeremiah

I was deep into the prophets this summer and this challenge helped me get more out of these chapters. I too want to practice this more as it helped me pay attention to my reading.

5. Write a note to someone and include a quote or verse. 

Charity - I was writing several little notes for a niece who moved far away. I rummaged through my journal for encouraging and thought provoking quotes. Sharing words from other authors is a way to pass on little treasures I have read along the way. 

Gina- I have the goal of sending one card of encouragement each month. This was the perfect time to record some of the verses I have found meaningful.

Books that we enjoyed this summer that didn't fit any of the challenges. 

Charity -

Agnes Grey by Anne Brontë

Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl

Create Anyway by Ashlee Gadd

You Are My Sunshine by Sean Dietrich 

Gina -

Where Is God When It Hurts by Philip Yancy

You Who? by Rachel Jankovic

Written by Bec Evans and Chris Smith

I'd love to hear what books you loved this summer.

Sisters' Fall Reading Challenge

Fall is approaching and I'm seeing the school buses again. I love to choose some new-to-me books for fall, maybe something a bit stretching. So here are the challenges that Charity and I chose for the next three months. 

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1. Duet Challenge: Read a classic book and a biography of the author.

Fall is a great time to tackle a longer book, like a classic. Some classics seem more difficult to understand because they are written in an unfamiliar language from a time period different than our own. Often reading a biography of the author can help me understand the setting and time in which the author wrote his books. Kipling's books couldn't have been written if he hadn't went to India. Alcott's books may have been different if her family hadn't faced financial struggles.

For this challenge, choose a classic, then find a biography about the author. Your library should have several options, or you could ask them to get in a biography of a favorite author. Dickens, Tolstoy, Twain, Tokien, Austen, Alcott - there are so many options.

If this challenge intimidates you, choose a children's classic. There are some great children's author biographies.

Here are a few examples of biographies that I've either read or heard recommended.

Invincible Louise by Cornelia Meigs (Lousia May Alcott)

Jane and Dorothy by Marian Veevers (Compares and contrasts the lives of Jane Austen and Dorothy Wordsworth)

Some Writer! by Melissa Sweet (a lovely child's book on E.B.White)

The Trouble Begins at 8 by Sid Fleischman (a wonderful children's biography of Mark Twain) 

P. G. Wodehouse by Frances Donalson

Beatrix Potter by Linda Lear

Jane Austen at Home by Lucy Worsley

2. Read a conversion story.

I love to read how a man or woman met God and how He changed their life. Here are a few of our favorite conversion stories. I don't agree with all the choices these individuals made, but their stories show me the work of God.

Gay Girl, Good God by Jackie Hill Perry

Miracle of Miracles by Mina Nevisa 

The Great Good Thing by Andrew Klavan

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi

I Dared to Call Him Father by Bliquis Sheikh

Born Again by Chuck Colson

By Searching by Isobel Kuhn

3. Finish a book you started, but never finished. 

Charity and I didn't finish the animal book challenge this summer. Here is your chance to pick up a book you abandoned or complete a challenge that you missed.

4. Read a book together with a friend.

I find so much joy in discussing a book with a friend. This summer a friend lent me Leif Enger's new book I Cheerfully Refuse, and I read it in two days because I couldn't wait to discuss it with her. 

Also this summer I was reading The Gift of Limitations by Sara Hagerty and thought of a friend who might enjoy it.  I bought her a copy and look forward to getting together this fall to talk about it. 

For the last couple years, a few ladies from church have been choosing a book each winter to read and discuss together. I get so much more from a book when I hear others' perspectives of a book.

Hopefully you have a reading friend that you can read a book with. The book can be fiction, nonfiction, a classic, inspirational, or whatever. 

A few months ago, I found two used copies of Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry. Charity and I have both had this book on our wish list, so this challenge will give us a good opportunity to read it together. 

5. Memorize a chapter of the Bible.

I haven't been doing much memorization so this challenge will hopefully encourage more attention to God's Word.

I'd love to hear what you plan to read this fall. 

Next week Charity and I will share our summer reading. It was a great reading season for me!

When a Great Tree Falls

One summer evening, when I was a girl, a bad storm hit our house. We quickly ran through the house closing windows against the rain. The wind whipped and roared, and we gathered in the back room of the house looking across the field at the galloping storm. The electricity blinked off, someone walked into the kitchen, and their shout brought us all running.

Between the house and the barn stood three large maple trees. Or had stood three large maple trees. In the few minutes that we had stood in the back room watching the storm, they had toppled, roots torn from the ground, huge branches now stretched across the lawn. No other damage had been done. Apparently the wind had twisted between the house and barn, laying those three trees neatly between the buildings, not touching the many large trees in the front yard. 

Chain saws roared, hacking the tree branches, forging a path through the debris. Today, over thirty years later, when I read of a war-torn country, such as in Ukraine, I still imagine the view out the kitchen window that day, a landscape transformed by destruction and wreckage. 

My brother now lives on that farm. A new generation is playing in the yard, one that doesn't remember those large maples. Maybe I'm the only one who remembers the way it used to be, the hours spent playing in, and under, and around those maples. Today young saplings are slowly gaining status as shade trees, filling the void left by their ancesors. 

A friend sent me Maya Angelou's poem "When a Great Tree Falls." Because of copyright, I won't share it here, but go to the link and read it. 

Go ahead. I'll wait. 

*****

In May it was five years since Ed's death. I wanted to share something meaningful and profound on such an important milestone. But how do I put into words the last five years of living with grief - five years as a widow and single mom? Besides I was too busy living in May and June. Those months were full of activity, responsibilities, and events - for which I am grateful. Life is full and beautiful and loved.

When Ed died, our children were ages three to fifteen. I didn't know it then, but life propells forward as if on steroids when your oldest is fifteen and her siblings are not far behind. For fifteen years I had a been a homeschool mom, at home with all six of my children nearly every hour of every day. 

Five years later, I barely recognize my life. Not just because I'm now a widow, though that too. But as a mother of six children, now ages eight to twenty, life looks different. Phones, drivers' licenses, and high school diplomas have transformed my oldest children's lives. And mine.

Next week my oldest plans to travel halfway around the world, planning to spend the school year in southeast Asia helping a missionary family. My oldest son works in construction with my brothers, and I occasionally run into his pleased customers who tell me of their new porch or remodeled bathroom. My third child recently graduated from high school and began a job he loves. 

Would Ed recognize our family? 

Our driveway looks like a used car lot with vehicles my husband never drove. They have busy social lives which mean cars pulling out the drive, it seems, any hour of the day or night. 

Five years ago I taught my children their knowledge and skills, but now my older children have skills and knowledge I don't have. My sons repair things that bewilders me, understand tech that confuses me. One daughter crochets adorable animals and another has TESOL certification. They are stronger, taller, smarter than me.

Even I have changed in five years. I've attempted new projects, accepted new tasks, and gained new friends. Some responsibilites were thrust upon me; some were chosen, even pursued. My calendar holds regular events that Ed never attended, my phone has contacts he never knew. My hair is gray, I wear glasses, I drink coffee, and I've become an early riser. 

Would Ed recognize me? 

A great tree fell. It hurts to see young saplings stretching alone into the open air, sky he once filled, wearing shoes his size, doing tasks that were once his. But I'm grateful that "after a period peace blooms" "spaces fill." We will never be the same for Ed "existed," he was planted here, in this place, in our family. He left his inprint, on me, on my children, on our community. 

Five years is long enough to pick up the debris, to replant grass, to stake the saplings that are now buffeted by the winds that took down the great tree. 

Five years is a long time. Long enough to almost forget how it felt to be shaded by a great tree. 

Five years is a short time. So short that sometimes I feel the shadow of the great tree, as if he were still standing tall.

A long time? A short time? I don't know. I don't know many things. Not about living and thriving in grief. Not about parenting teens and young adults. But five years showed me that life is full and beautiful and loved. 

Because God is here. And a great tree once shared our life.

Did you read this far and still not read Maya Angelou's poem? Here is the link again. 

If you want to read the Home Joys posts by email, you can sign up here. 

Walking with a Friend Through Stormy Days

 

After my husband’s funeral, my sister asked, “What should I say to a grieving friend?”

“As little as possible,” I replied.

Many friends shared meaningful condolences at Ed’s funeral, but I’d already heard the common Scriptures and platitudes during his two-year cancer journey. I wasn’t in the mood to hear more. What meant the most was the presence of friends.

We long to take away a friend’s pain, but nothing we can say can make it better. Sometimes my attempts result in bumbling words that sound coarse or ridiculous. Other times I may ignore a friend’s hurt because I don’t know what to say. But turning a blind eye to pain is even worse than saying the wrong thing.

Here are some things I’m learning about supporting a friend—whether at a viewing, in a hospital room, or in a sympathy card.

What To Say:

“I am sorry.”

Don’t pretend it isn’t awful and attempt to sugar coat their grief. Acknowledge their loss is devastatingly terrible, and you wish it were different.

“I’m praying.”

If it is true, there are no better words. I often didn’t feel capable of praying, and was relieved to know others were praying.

Consider praying out loud. One friend asked if she could pray for me at the viewing. You can pray on the phone, in a text message, or in a card.

We often forget to continue to pray for ongoing grief. I cried when a lady I barely knew told me I was still on her prayer list, three years after Ed’s funeral.

“I remember…”

Some of the most meaningful words spoken to me after Ed’s death were memories of Ed, especially ways Ed had blessed their lives. Most people want to talk about their loved one, so don’t avoid using their name in conversation. I also loved when friends wrote down memories for me to reread later.

What NOT To Say:

“At least…”

We all want to look on the bright side and count the blessings. “At least it is treatable.” “At least he didn’t have to suffer long.” “At least you had twenty years together.” “At least he is in a better place.” Those things may be true, and some day your friend may see the blessings, but saying “at least” can minimize their pain or shame their current state of grief.

“God has a plan.”

When faced with a tragedy, we want some higher purpose. Acknowledge that evil brought suffering to the world, and, though God can redeem our suffering, He didn’t create a world with accidents, cancer, and death.

“All things work together for good.”

We love stories of how God took something terrible and brought about good through it, such as Joseph, Elisabeth Elliot, and Corrie ten Boon. But when your friend’s life has crumbled, quoting verses like these can also feel cold and heartless. I preferred verses that acknowledged grief such as “God is near to the brokenhearted.”

“God won’t give you more than you can handle.”

The Bible shares stories of humanly impossible situations such as Gideon, David, and Elijah. Cancer, widowhood, and solo parenting were my Goliaths, and I needed assurance that God would walk with me through events I couldn’t handle alone.

“You are so strong.”

I was glad I didn’t fall apart at Ed’s cancer diagnosis, but I didn’t have a choice. I had to care for my six children even when I felt like staying in bed. When told I was strong, I couldn’t be honest about how weak I felt. Your friend doesn’t need more pressure to pretend she is capable.

“Have you tried . . .”

Of course you want your friend to find a cure, but please don’t give health advice unless you are asked. If you had the exact same diagnosis and have personal experience that may be helpful, share the information with a family member (not the sick person themselves). Then support whatever decision they make.

What To Do:

Be Present

One of my friends said she didn’t know what to do or say because she had never experienced deep grief. But when we were sitting by Ed’s bedside on the last week of his life, she stopped in several times and gave the gift of presence.

Cry

Jesus wept at the death of Lazarus, even knowing Lazarus’ death would lead to resurrection and God’s glory. Never underestimate the value of shutting your mouth and weeping with those who weep. After Ed’s diagnosis, I had friends call on the phone who were unable to speak through their tears. Not everyone is a crier—I’m not—but at Ed’s viewing, I valued tears more than words.

Ask thoughtful questions

Asking, “How are you doing?” is better than ignoring their pain, but consider asking specific questions such as, “What is the hardest adjustment of losing your husband?” “How are you sleeping?” “What worries do you have?” “What do you miss most about your mom?”

Not everyone is comfortable sharing deeply, but many long for a trustworthy friend who is willing to truly listen. These aren’t questions to be asked flippantly when walking out of church. Choose the right time, the right place, and the right words.

Help

When friends asked if we needed meals or other help, I often declined. I was either too proud or bull-headed to accept help. But thankfully, friends still brought food, sent checks, and helped in many practical ways. I don’t know how we would have survived without casseroles in our freezer and financial help.

A widow’s need for casseroles may abate, but the practical needs around the house might grow in upcoming years. One of my widow friends appreciates toolbox-toting friends who offer help with minor house repairs.

Walking with a grieving friend can and should look differently for each person, but if you share tears, a hug, and prayer, your friend will feel loved, even if you don’t know what to say.

******

This post was shared first in Commonplace: In the Company of Friends, published by Daughters of Promise Ministry

I'd love to hear how friends walked with you in your stormy days.

Sisters' Spring Reading Challenge Report

 Our spring reading was so fun! I loved how the duet challenges pushed me to look at books in a new way. 

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1. Duet Challenge: Read two books that are by the same author but in a different genre. 

Charity - Andrew Peterson - The God of the Garden and On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness

In The God of the Garden, Peterson explores beauty, home, trees, and poetry in this well-written collection of thoughts. It filled me with the longing to dig deep into the earth around my home and create. The second book is a totally different genre and target audience. On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is a middle-grade fantasy novel, the first in a series of four. I loved the theme of the battle between good and evil and the way he threw humor in to make the reader chuckle. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.

Gina - Luci Shaw - God in the Dark, Life Path, The Green Earth

 A few years ago, a friend introduced me to Luci Shaw's poetry. I love how her words drew me to God and the beauty of His creation. But I didn't know until recently that Luci also wrote nonfiction. God in the Dark is compiled from her journals over her husband's cancer journey and her first year as a widow. I related so much to her words. Life Path shares the value that Luci found in journal keeping. The Green Earth is a compilation of poetry, organized by season. All three of these books were much different from the others, but each celebrated the beauty of words and the presence of God.

2. Duet Challenge: Read two books connected to the same author.

Charity - Paradise Lost by John Milton, The Truth and Beauty by Andrew Klavan, and The Chid from the Sea by Elizabeth Goudge

Reading the well-known and often-referenced Paradise Lost (I’ve only read part of it so far…) has made me so excited. I find it mentioned by so many authors and speakers. Klavan’s book about the Sermon on the Mount and England’s poets, mentioned Milton and I was so pleased to understand the references more fully. The Child from the Sea is an historical novel about the secret wife of Charles ll and spends much time talking about the English civil war. Milton also was living at this time and supported Oliver Cromwell. Reading several books that connected in some way was fascinating.

Gina - Jane and Dorothy by Marian Veevers and Darcy's Story by Janet Alymer

This winter I finished reading through all of Jane Austen's novels and I wanted to learn more about Austen. Jane and Dorothy compares and contrasts the lives of Jane Austen and Dorothy Wordsworth and their contribution to literature. I knew almost nothing about Georgian England in which these two ladies lived. The author delves deeply into the social context of single women of that time which sheds light onto Austen's beloved book characters. Then, just for fun, I read Darcy's Story, a retelling of Pride and Predjudice from the perspective of Darcy. The author stayed very true to the original, even quoting passages.

3. Read a book that celebrates beauty.

Charity - Garden Maker by Christie Purifoy

A beautifully bound book filled with words and photos from Purifoy’s own garden has left me with the longing to plant roses and host a garden tea. This book is for the garden lover, wanna-be gardener, or just a lover of the Creator who has given so much beauty for us to enjoy.

Gina- Calling Your Name by Janice Etter

I wanted to read a poetry book as my book that celebrates beauty and chose Janice Etter's Calling Your Name. The book is divided into sections with poems celebrating nature, children, and grief. The latter section was probably the most meaningful to me. 

4. Take some notes every day about your Bible reading. 

Charity - Journaling along with my devotions is a habit I plan to continue. Often I only write a sentence or two or sometimes just a verse that I want to think about, but the practice of slowing down and thinking has enriched my quiet time.

Gina- I enjoyed jotting down a few notes with my Bible reading in March and April, but then the busyness of May dropped the habit. But I began again in June and hope to continue. Reading with a pen helps me read with more intention. 

5. Place a book in a free library box. 

Charity -The excuse to slip a book into one of the many Little Free Libraries I pass was so fun. Maybe I’ll do it again soon! 

Gina- This spring, I've been going through some of my shelves and clearing out some books to make room for new ones. I got rid of several boxes of books at a homeschool book swap/sale. But when I dropped off a few books at the free library box, I brought home several books, so I'm not sure that worked very well!

I'd love to hear what books brought beauty to your life this spring.

Sisters' Summer Reading Challenge

Spring was crazy busy, but I managed to read some excellent books. Now I'm looking forward to summer reading! We are trying to keep it a bit lighter, but still looking forward to traveling to new places and meeting new people through books. 

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For summer, we have two new duet challenges, one solo challenge, a Bible challenge, and an activity. 

A duet challenge is two books that connect in some way. 

1. Choose a topic and read two books about it. 

This could be two nonfiction, fiction and nonfiction, or whatever. I think the best way to do this is to choose a book that you want to read, then pick another book also about that topic. You could choose grief, gardening, Civil War, or whatever topic has your interest right now.

A few examples: 

Alzheimer's-  Still Alice by Lisa Genova and APromise Kept by Robertson McQuilkin

Jewish history - Miriam’sKitchen by Elizabeth Ehrlich and  The Chosen by Chaim Potok

2. Choose a location and read two books that are set in that location. 

This could include a travel memoir, a biography, nonfiction, novel, historical fiction, a middle-grade novel, or a foodie book. You can find a bio of a famous leader or a missionary for about every area of the world.

Again, the easiest way to do this challenge may be to find a book that you want to read then find another book set in the same location. Ideally they wouldn't be the same genre. I could easily binge read on several books by one of my favorite English authors like Elizabeth Goudge or D. E. Stevenson. But I'd probably benefit more from adding a nonfiction also based on England. 

There are many historical fiction books set in Europe, especially World War 2 stories. These could be paired with travel memiors such as Four Seasons in Rome by Anthony Doerr,  A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle (France), and Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes (Italy).

You could also choose an area of the United States. There are great books set in California, New York City, and the South. Pick your home area, or somewhere you'd love to visit, or maybe some place you hope to never visit. Some well-written examples are Virgil Wander by Leif Enger (Minnesota), My Antonoia by Willa Cather (Nebraska), To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (Alabama), and A Place on Earth by Wendell Berry (Kentucky).

A few examples of location book duets:

China: Peony by Pearl S. Buck, Safely Home by Randy Alcorn, Chu Ju's House by Gloria Whelan, or a bio of a Chinese missionary

Haiti: Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder and Kidnapped in HaitiKidnapped in Haiti by Katrina Hoover Lee

Afghanistan: In the Land of Blue Burqas by Kate McCord, Words in the Dust by Trent Reedy, or The Dressmaker of Khair Khana by Gayle Lemmon

Africa: Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton and The #1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

Yorkshire, England: Miss Bunckle's Book by D.E.Stevenson and All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot

3. Read a book about animals or a book that animals play a large role.

This could be nonfiction, fiction, fantasy, or middle-grade.

Ex. Wind in the Willows, JamesHerriot, Summer of the Monkeys, Where the Red Fern Grows, Watership Down, The Yearling.

4. Read a book of the Bible and for each chapter, write down three words that describe the chapter.

Don't stress about finding the perfect three words. Just three words that sum up the chapter to you or share something about your impression of the chapter.

5. Write a note to someone and include a quote or verse. 

Ideally handwrite it and mail it, but if you must, share it by text.

Happy Summer Reading!