Reading Poetry in April

I've written before that I've attempted to read more poetry with the goal of slowing down. I usually read fast, consuming dozens of books every year. But poetry can't be read (or at least read well) at a fast clip. 

I've tried reading poetry online, since there are some great email newsletters (such as The Curator and Rabbit Room Poetry) that share great poetry each week, but the truth is, I read differently on paper (and you probably do too). So I've decided to invest in a few new poetry books each year. It is an inexpensive splurge to value rest. My goal is to read a page or so of poetry every day - a goal that I fail at dismally. Though a poetry book resides by my bed all year long, too often it doesn't get opened. But for the last couple years, I've been sharing a poem with friends every day in April (on a screen!) for Poetry Month. This makes me prioritize opening up my poetry books (as well as searching for new poems online - yes, I'll still keep reading poetry on a screen!)

Here are three books that I'm presently enjoying.

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Tracing Lines by Lori Hershberger

I enjoy reading Lori's newsletter. Her poems are inspired by the prairie of her homeland in Kansas and her present home in the mountains of Thailand. Her words have a lush poignancy that makes me go back and reread them. 

I was thrilled when Lori made a new collection of her poems in a book. Even though some of these I've read before, I love having a paper copy. Whether she is writing about moths or sparrows, grief or sunrises, jet lag or Amish hymns - I always relish Lori's words.

You can read Lori's poetry on her blog or order her new book from Lori or Amazon.

Cup My Days Like Water by Abigail Carroll

Many Christians would pick Psalms as their favorite book of the Bible. The words of Psalms have brought comfort to countless  believers, giving words to life joys and sorrows. Even those who would say they don't enjoy poetry, may enjoy Psalms.

Abigail Carroll has written a collection of poems inspired by the first half of the book of Psalms. Each poem includes a phrase, sometimes only a few words, from a Psalm. Each morning this month I've been beginning my day by reading the next Psalm in a version that formats the chapter as a poem. Then I read Carroll's poem based on that Psalm. Her poetry always feels fresh and reviving. She is a master at metaphors from nature and I usually go back and reread the Psalm with a fresh perspective. 

I'm hoping that Carroll is working on completing the last half of Psalms in a future book.

You can read some of Carroll's poems on her website or order one of her book.

An Axe for the Frozen Sea: Conversations with Poets about What Matters Most by Ben Palpant

A couple years ago, I had an epiphany that I didn't need to like every poem I read, just as I didn't need to enjoy every published book. I narrowed down my preference of poetry to modern poets who are followers of Christ who write about Scripture or nature. That doesn't mean that I enjoy all modern poetry written by Christians. Or that I don't like some old poets. Or enjoy some poetry written by nonChristians. But to narrow down the genre has helped me find some poets that seem to hit my sweet spot. And I could ditch the pressure of liking a famous poets who others seemed to enjoy.

Two years ago, Ben Palpant interviewed seventeen poets about their life, work, and faith. He compiled their conversations into a book, called An Axe for the Frozen Sea. Only a few of the poets were familiar to me, but I came to the book hoping to find a few more favorite poets. 

These were informal conversations. At times I wished they included essays by the poet, instead of a rambly conversation. But the interviews give a comfortable feeling of sitting in the poet's living room, or at a park or coffee shop and talking about family, vision, suffering, and more. 

Many, maybe most, of these poets are older, some in their eighties and nineties. Though I'd certainly disagree with some of these poets' stance on doctrine, I appreciate their long term faithfulness to God and desire to build His kingdom. I read this book last year, and immediately wanted to reread it, but saved it for this spring to reread in Poetry Month.

One warning, though each interview includes at least one poem by each poet, this book is likely to give you a longing to buy more poetry books to read more of their poems.

You can listen to book for free on the Rabbit Room Press Presents podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Or purchase a paper copy at the Rabbit Room or Amazon.

Do you have a favorite poet or poetry book? I'd love to get some more book recommendations!

Would I Be a Hero?

When I was a child, I loved historical fiction. I soaked in adventures of slaves fleeing evil masters, helped by kind people on the Underground Railroad and stories of smuggling food to Jews who were fleeing Nazi soldiers. I imagined myself as a bold, daring rescuer, willing to risk my life to help others. 

In the last several years I've read several books by adults struggling to find out details of their past and their parents and grandparent's roles in history. In Belonging: A German Reckons with History and Home, Nora Krug searches for evidence of what her grandfather was doing during the years leading up to World War 2 in Germany. Where was he when the local synagogue was burned and their Jewish neighbors hauled away in train cars? Did he try to help? Or was he part of the Nazi mob?

Today, with social media, where opinions and beliefs are freely shared and recorded for all to see, it can be hard to imagine the silence of that time, especially with destroyed records and tight-lipped grandparents.  Nora struggled with a deep sense of shame for her German heritage, though she had been born years after the Holocaust.

I recently read Soul Survivor by Philip Yancy, which records his struggle to recover from his upbringing in a white Atlanta church where he heard blatantly racist sermons and the deacons patrolled the church doors to make sure no blacks entered. Yancy faced the truth that the blacks in his hometown, with his same last name, had once been owned by his great-grandfather before the Civil War.

I remember looking at the photos of the first black students to integrate into all-white schools in the south and shuddering at the hate in the white faces. I wondered what it would be like to see that photo and recognize the face of my mother or grandmother.

I'll admit to feeling rather smug. My ancestors have been peace-loving, hard-working Anabaptists in Pennsylvania for over ten generations. They weren't slave owners or Nazi supporters, nor did they throw tomatoes at little black girls walking to school. 

Somehow I assumed that if I had been living in the mid-1800s, I'd been part of the Underground Railroad, giving a ride and food to weary slaves. Or if I'd been in Germany in the 1930s, I'd have sheltered Jews despite the risk, just like heroes such as Corrie ten Boom.

But what makes me think I'd have been in that small minority who fought against the norms of their culture? I tried to do a bit of research, but the numbers were rather elusive. In Poland, the European country that had the largest population of Jews before World War 2, it is estimated that three million of Jews died, about 90% of the Jewish population. Many Polish people did help the Jews, and about 1,000 Poles were killed for their role in rescuing Jews. But the number of people who helped the Jews is very small, maybe one or two percent of the Polish population. If I had lived in Poland during that time, chances are great that I'd have been among the average, the 98%, who either didn't help or worse, actively hurt the Jews.

We all want to be considered above average, and the historical fiction books didn't help my view of the times. But most of us will be average; that is reality. We can't possibily all be in the one percent.

My ancestors lived just north of the Mason-Dixon line during the Civil War. The stone house that I grew up in was old enough that it would have seen General Jeb Stuart's cavalry travel up the Mercersburg Road to round up horses for the Confederate army. Family stories tell of hiding horses and blankets by the creek from General Stuart's raiders. 

But there are no family stories about hiding slaves. With their location so near to the Potomac River, surely there were slaves traveling through the area. There is at least one house, a few miles away, that is said to be a stop on the Underground Railroad, but what role did my great-great-great grandparents play? Did they never happen to be at the right place to lend assistance? Were they unaware of the needs of those across the border, and instead focused on the daily work on their farms? Were they unwilling to help slaves, not wanting to get on the wrong side of the law? Or were they so humble that their roles in helping others were never spoken of or recorded for future generations? I'll never know.

As I muddled through these thoughts, I realized that no matter where and when I lived I would most likely been average, and not the heroic rescuer of my childhood dreams. And I need to repent of my pride that my ancestors were not evil slave masters or Nazi camp guards.

So what does it mean for me today? Though I claim to want to serve others, I usually choose modes of service that are convenient, comfortable, and personally fulfilling. I pat myself on the back when I help with the prison Bible study, but then go back to my comfortable home with no risk until my next scheduled evening. I enjoy helping with a children's Bible club, because the children are cute and sweet, even when they are a bit dirty, but I wish to ignore the adults in those same households, with their addictions, poor choices, and chronic health conditions. I'm am not the material of which heroes are made, not when I lack the patience for even long rambling conversations with mentally-unstable people.

I look in awe at friends who jump fully into serving others - loving a foster baby and her parents, walking with a neighbor bound by addictions, choosing to be family to a new immigrant. I admire those who form long-term relationships with broken people and selflessly give beyond convenience.

At one time I read stories and gloated about who I would be if I had just been born in another era. Now I see my own heart and know that without the power of God, I am a miserably selfish person. But I'm certain that Corrie ten Boom didn't view herself as heroic nor did she seek adventure, but she simply loved her neighbors because God gave her His love.

I have a choice to love, a choice to surrender, and choice to put others before myself. And those choices make us a true hero, even if our story is never told in a book.

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New Book! Every Girl's Journey

It is always fun to share a big project with a friend who has a similiar goal. Whether it is planning a wedding, anticipating a new baby, or working on a home improvement project, we bond with friends who are facing similiar joys and challenges. 

My friend Regina Rosenberry began her book writing journey about ten years ago, just like me.
Both our book journeys had numerous setbacks over the years. Sometimes we set aside our projects for months, or even longer. Sometimes we thought that the book project had completely died, but somehow it always resurrected. We sent each other chapters as we finished them, celebrated small milestones, and groaned together over delays. We never dreamed that we would both be holding the first copies of our books within weeks of each other. I'm delighted to share this journey with her and introduce Regina's book, Every Girl's Journey to you.

Regina caught the vision for her book when she searched for resources to share the facts of growing up with her pre-teen daughter and didn't like the options she found at her local library. She wanted a book that would celebrate the beauty of God's creation of the female body with practical tips and godly wisdom. So she combined her love of nutrition and care for our bodies with her passion for encouraging young women in the Lord into a lovely book to share with her daughters. 

This book is beautiful! Regina and Hannah Lehigh combined their talents to design water-color paintings which give this book a feminine charm. 

But it more than just pretty pages. Regina delves into all sorts of topics from acne to friendships. She even tackles some hard topics like eating disorders and abuse with tact and kindness. I love her motherly tone that is both matter-fact and warm. I think girls will love her stories where she bravely shares some of her embarrassing moments, showing that she is real and faced these changes in life as well. She even includes a few recipes.

As a mom of four daughters, I'm grateful for resources like these. I suggest that you read the book first and decide what age your daughter is ready for this material. Every girl is different and only you know when it a good age. You may want to share the first chapters with your daughter, but wait until she is a bit older for some of the later chapters.

You can get your own copy of Every Girl's Journey at Christian Light. If you are a local, you can buy one directly from Regina. 

Also, if you hurry, you can enter a giveaway by our friend Nola and maybe win a copy of my book, Regina's book, or our friend Geneva's book. But it ends tomorrow (Wednesday). If you sign up for the giveaway, sign up to get Nola's emails as well because she is an excellent writer that I hope will someday have her own book.

And if you are the Lancaster area, Regina and I are doing a book signing on Friday. We'd love to see you. 

And on another note...my sister Charity makes beautiful, hand-sewn, genuine leather journal and has a supply available in various sizes for Christmas gifts. Message me if you want more info.

Sisters' Summer/Fall Bookshelf

I've always loved to read, but this year I've enjoyed reading even more and completed more books than usual. And I'm not sure why.

Since life was extra busy this year, my sister Charity and I decided not to do any Sisters' Reading Challenges as we have for the last four years. I worried that I might read less, but somehow I have read more. And I've read more books that I loved.

I'm not sure what to credit for the extra reading. The last months have been crazy busy, but being busy obviously doesn't curtail reading at my house. Maybe it is because I was given several giftcards to bookstores, and I bought books I was excited about reading. Maybe I'm doing better at picking books that I will enjoy. Maybe I've just been in the right mental state to love reading. Whatever the cause, it has been so much fun. 

I asked Charity to share a few of the books she enjoyed reading the last few months, and I chose a couple books from my stack. It is fun to see the variety of styles in these few books. Biography, food memoir, nonfiction, classic novel, and even a graphic novel!

And please remember, this isn't a comparison game. Charity and I prioritize reading and consume more than the average number of books. We love helping others find good books, and we love talking about books. But if you read only a few books compared to our stacks, that is fine! There can be good reasons to read slowly and deeply. 

But I do encourage you to consider putting down your phone (after you read this!), and pick up a book. I know that the phone is my biggest deterrent in reading books. I rarely regret reading a book; I often regret the wasted time spent on my phone. 

Here are some of our favorite books read the last few months.

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Charity - 

Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler by John Hendrix

I stepped out of my usual genre by reading a graphic novel. It deserves the highest rating on my book list! Hendrix combines his incredible artistic ability with a truly fascinating story. The book is a combination of a typical graphic novel style with parts that are normal prose. Throughout the book Hendrix contrasts the life of Hitler with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the pastor spy. The author captures this difficult time in history in a way that is easy to understand but shows the internal struggle of a man who wanted to rescue his beloved Germany and also follow God. The life of this controversial man will have you wanting to read the next page.  I also loved the book by the same author/illustrator, about C.S.Lewis and J.R.R.Tolkien, entitled The Mythmakers. 

The Everlasting Meal: Cooking with Economy and Grace by Tamar Adler

It's rare that I read a cookbook from cover to cover. I love a cookbook as much as most women but one without pictures isn't usually a page turner. But this food memoir is more of a philosophy of cooking, a way of life. I couldn't put it down. Who knew reading about how to properly cook a pot of beans could make my mouth water and seriously consider if I should give up buying canned beans for the rest of my life. I enjoyed her stories of food mixed in with recipes, tips, and a way of cooking that is wholesome and so much more than the mindless filling of mouths. I think I'll read it again the next time preparing food starts to feel like just another chore. 

The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

Set during the Gilded Age in New York City, in this classic novel,Wharton transports her readers back in time to a place and time she knew as a child. The author belonged to the wealthy society of New York City residents which means the world she is writing about is one she knew intimately. Newland Archer's world is turned upside down when his fiance's cousin arrives from Europe. Ellen is fascinating, straightforward, European, and fleeing an abusive husband. A lot of questions about society, marriage, and manners are suddenly called into question in Archer's life. The Literary Life Podcast was invaluable in helping me understand the story's time period, interpret the various references throughout, and know how to correctly read the story.  If you don't get a chance to listen to the podcast just remember to read it as a parable of American culture and less of a love triangle. 

Gina -

Being Elisabeth Elliot by Ellen Vaughn

This is the second in a two volume biography on Elisabeth Elliot. Being Elisabeth Elliot covers the years from when she returned to the United States from Equador until her death. The author used 
Elisabeth's diaries and letters to write a well-rounded account of her life. I related to her experiences as a widow and was impressed by how much joy and delight she found in life as she raised her daughter. But then after her second husband's death, it was painful to read that her intense loneliness led her to terrible choices in her marriage to her third husband. Elliot's ministry was very influential on my life, especially when I was a youth and I was able to meet her in person several times. It was both inspiring and sad to read of the behind-the-scenes trials in her life. I now understand better why Elisabeth could write with such power about suffering and loneliness. This book is both a reminder to not put people on a pedestal but also that God can use imperfect people and redeem hard situations.

From Hollow to Hope by Sarah Weaver and Hannah Martin

I had seen this book, but didn't think it applied to me since it recounts the author's battle with a severe eating disorder. But this summer I met the authors and realized that their book was about so much more than eating disorders. Sarah (a pen name) shares her story about how God brought freedom from bondage in her life. In every chapter, her mentor, "Hannah," addresses topics relating to freedom and gives tools for things such as overcoming perfectionism and finding our identity in Christ. I have shared this book with women of all ages and each one has told me how meaningful this book was to them personally. I highly recommend it for all women.

Rembrandt Is in the Wind: Learning to Love Art Through the Eyes of Faith by Russ Ramsey 

I'm not sure how to categorize this book. Is it a art history? Bible study? Devotional book? Ramsey is a pastor, a storyteller, and a lover of art, and he skillfully combines stories of great painters with Scripture and personal application. Whether he is writing about grief, race, loneliness, or the importance of belonging, Ramsey contrasts the brokeness of this world with the hope of redemption. Often I'm disappointed by sequels, but Ramsey's second book, Van Gogh Has a Broken Heart may have been even better as he delves into the toipc of suffering. I loved these books, but assume there are only a few people who would pick up a book on art history and risk being attacked by a strong desire to visit an art museum. 

I'd love hear what books you loved recently. Maybe I can start a list of books to read this winter.

On another note...my friend Regina Rosenberry just published a book! It has been so much fun to be in this book journey with her.  I'll be sharing a full book review later, but for now I wanted to let you know that we are doing a book signing together. If you are in the Lancaster County area, come to Ken's Educational Joys on Friday, November 21 from 11-2! and say "Hi."

You can alsi find Regina's book and my book online.

Q&A - She Shall Be Praised

A few days ago, I went to Holmes County, Ohio with my younger girls. We had a fun girls trip with lots of thrift stores and fabric shops. 

But one of the main purposes of the trip was to pick up my book order at the publisher. It has been such fun to share She Shall Be Praised with friends and family. 

I've loved hearing from some of you who have ordered the book or bought it at your local store. Thanks for sharing your photos! 

Several of you have asked questions, and so I thought I'd do a Q&A.

Who is the target audience for this book?

I wrote this book for myself and my own wrestling with questions such as, "Who is the Proverbs 31 woman? Is this a checklist that I should complete? What about the days (weeks, months, years) that I fail and can't measure up to this ideal woman? 

So I suppose the target audience for this book is the person who has asked similiar questions. Maybe a woman who has felt intimidated by Proverbs 31, even a bit ashamed at her inadequacy. If you love Proverbs 31, hate Proverbs 31, or know nothing about Proverbs 31, you will probably learn something.

Is this a book for moms or would a single woman enjoy it?

I'm a mom, so I write from my viewpoint as a mom. When I began writing this book, I was a also wife, but became a widow halfway through writing it. I began to look at Proverbs 31 a bit differently as a widow, not only because I no longer had a husband, but because I felt far more needy than when I began the book. I have had to be on the receiving end instead of the one serving, which made me doubt my whole identity.

As a widow, I've sat through sermons on marriage or family and wondered why I was there. It was important to me that those who are unmarried or childless would not feel alienated when reading this book, so I had a single friend read through the manuscript to point out places I should change. Hopefully women of any age and season of life can gain something from it.

Is this a devotional book?

That is probably a good description. I purposely kept the chapters very short, only a couple pages, for busy women. Each chapter concludes with an additional Bible passage reference for further study and a few reflection questions. There are thirty chapters, so you could use it as a thirty-day study, though I didn't list it as days since I know how frustrating it is to miss a day and get behind and have to "catch up."

Would this book be appropriate for a women or girls' Bible study?

That probably depends on how your Bible study is organized. The chapters are very short, so if you planned to read one chapter and then discuss it, you may not have enough to fill a whole Bible study. But if you study the additional Bible passage, and use the reflection questions, it would likely work. Or you could do more than one chapter at a time. Some of the chapters include additional historical or cultural information.

Can I get a copy of the book in Canada? 

Living Waters bookstore in Ontario carries the book and should be able to ship to all parts of Canada (as long as the postal strike doesn't hinder delivery.) Living Waters also has an online store in New York, so US customers can also order from them online.

Can I order a signed copy from you?

Yes, I have several cases of books and would be glad to sign your copy. I would love if you'd stop in at my house and buy a copy or two. I give a discount for bulk orders. 

But I am not shipping books. I'd prefer if you supported your local bookstore. Call and ask if they carry the She Shall Be Praised. If they don't have one in stock, they will likely be glad to order one for you from the publisher, Carlisle Press. 

Or, if you don't have a local bookstore, you can order a copy directly from the publisher, Carlisle Press - Phone: 330-852-1900, Email: service.cpress@upwardmail.com Or online at Carlisle Press. They offer bulk discounts.

Do you have any other questions? You can read more of the history of how the book came about.

She Shall Be Praised - A new book announcement

 

In the fall of 2009, I was asked to give a short talk on Proverbs 31 at a lunch to honor the older ladies at our church. 

At the time I was a busy mother with four children ages five years to six months. We had just begun our first year of homeschooling and the week before the event, my father-in-law had unexpectedly died. 

Life was full. Most days I enjoyed the challenge of mothering and had big dreams for the future, but I often I failed to live up to my goals. 

I always enjoyed Proverbs 31 and the description of the Virtuous Woman. When I was a teen, I memorized the passage and looked at it as a checklist, a goal to reach toward. But by now, I saw my many failures as a wife and mom. 

As I studied Proverbs 31, I looked up the word "virtue" and found that this English word was only mentioned a few times in the KJV Bible, and it carried the meaning of "power." In Mark 5, a woman touches Jesus in the crowd and the KJV states that Jesus knew that "virtue" (power) had gone out of Him.

I recently found my notes from that talk back in 2009, where I had written, "As God's daughters, we can be virtuous, not through our own efforts, I've failed often enough to know that doesn't work, but because of Christ's power in us." I've thought of those words often through the years. I need God's power, because I can't conjure up the character of the Proverbs 31 woman on my own strength. 

In 2015, I decided to try writing an article for each verse in the Proverbs 31 passage about the virtuous woman. I didn't know how far I'd get, since I'm often better at starting projects than completing them. My goal was to choose a Biblical woman that connected to the Proverbs 31 verse and apply it to the New Testament and my life today. 

I wrote the first two articles and sent them to the Keepers at Home magazine, printed by Carlisle Press, a small Amish publisher in Ohio. The publisher called to say he'd like to print the articles in their magazine, and suggested they could print the completed series in a devotional book for women. 

The phone call came days after my sixth child was born, and I didn't know if I could write and keep up with normal life. I had no idea how crazy life would become. The next year, Ed was diagnosed with brain cancer, and he was gone two years later. But I kept reading and studying the verses from Proverbs 31 and Biblical characters, and the lives of women who faced danger, trials, and widowhood became even more meaningful. I'm grateful that I had a purposeful reason in those years to dig into these Biblical accounts. 

In 2021, I finally completed the series and the publisher repeated his suggestion that we compile the articles into a book. I spent the next several years editing the articles and writing additional chapters.

Ten years after I wrote the first words, I'm excited to announce that the book is being printed. The designer did an amazing job, turning it into a beautiful, full-color book. 

If you'd like a copy, and you live close to me, stop buy and pick one up.

You can order a copy directly from the publisher, Carlisle Press - Phone: 330-852-1900, Email: service.cpress@upwardmail.com or Online.

Or ask for the book at your local bookstore.

Here is a bit more info:

Title: She Shall Be Praised: Rediscovering the Proverbs 31 Woman

Full color photos and art on every page

Size: 8x8

168 pages

Retail Price: $18.99

Lilias Trotter: Authors Who Have Impacted My Life

This post contains affiliate links. 

When I think of Victorian women from privileged British families, I imagine fashionable young ladies trained in the arts of embroidery, music, and dancing. These girls expected to attract a husband, so needed no practical skills or knowledge. But one of these refined young women shows us what God can do with a life fully surrendered to Him.

Lilias Trotter, born in 1853, had a comfortable childhood in a loving home with the advantages of a wealthy British family in London. Her father died when she was a young teen, which drew Lilias’s heart toward her Heavenly Father. Her love for the Lord and study of the Bible led her to volunteer at a hostel for young working women in London. With deep compassion for the lost, she would walk the dangerous streets at night, reaching out to prostitutes at the rail station and persuading them to come to places of safety and get job training.

Lilias showed extraordinary talent in painting, and her mother was determined to give her every advantage. In her early twenties. Lilias and her mother vacationed in Venice, Italy. Her mother discovered that the famous and very influential art critic, John Ruskin, was staying at the same hotel. Her mother sent Ruskin a sample of Lilias’s watercolor paintings, hoping that he would give Lilias some input. Ruskin was impressed by her talent and invited Lilias to sketch with him. Both Ruskin and Lilias loved nature and could be moved to tears by the beauty of the Alps. Amazed at how quickly she learned, Ruskin invited Lilias to study with him in England and they formed a life-long friendship. Years later he would say that he thought “women could not draw or paint” until he met Lilias and observed her rare talent.

But after several years, Ruskin was disturbed by how Lilias’s mission work in London hindered the development of her art. Ruskin invited Lilias to his country home and laid out a beautiful future. He told Lilias that with his skilled teaching and influence in the art world, "she would be the greatest living painter and do things that would be Immortal." But he insisted that she must devote her time wholly to her art and put aside her mission work.

Lilias didn’t take the offer lightly; she knew the value of what Ruskin was offering to her. After days of consideration, she made her decision. “I cannot give myself to painting and continue still to 'seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.’” Many of her friends and family were critical of her choice to throw away such a phenomenal opportunity and a chance for fame and acclaim.

Lilias continued her work in London, but after a few years her heart became drawn toward those who had never heard of Jesus in North Africa. She applied to a mission board but was turned down because of her weak heart. But, still determined, in 1888, at age thirty-five, Lilias traveled to Algiers in Northern Africa with two other financially independent young women. They knew no one, had no training, and spoke not a word of Arabic. Though they were accustomed to servants bringing them tea each morning, they rented a house and slowly began to learn domestic skills, study Arabic, and reach out to their new neighbors. They found creative methods, such as copying Arabic Scriptures on little cards and going to the cafes and asking, with their limited language skills, for the men to read the cards to them.

Lilias spent the next forty years in Algeria. At the time, Algeria was a French colony, and the English were looked at with suspicion, which sometimes hindered her ability to travel within the country. Many of the new believers were banished or beaten, and some were killed. Lilias spent weeks traveling by camel into the Sahara Desert, visiting places never before reached by a European woman.

Lilias used her talent of painting to produce tracts and booklets to reach the color-loving Arabs. Her poor health often forced her to rest, and on some of these mandatory visits to England, she wrote and illustrated devotional books. Others joined the work, and by her death, in 1928, the team included thirty workers and thirteen mission stations.

I was first introduced to Lilias Trotter years ago when I read Elisabeth Elliot’s book, A Path Through Suffering. In this book, Elliot began each chapter with an excerpt from Trotter’s devotional book Parables of the Cross with a description of her paintings. Trotter’s words were beautiful, but reading about a painting is a bit disappointing. I searched for a copy of the original book, but could only find old exorbitantly priced collector’s copies. I gave up on finding more information about Lilias.

Thankfully, Miriam Huffman Rockness prompted renewed interest in this amazing woman when she wrote Lilias’s biography in 1999 and helped produce a documentary about Lilias a few years later. Reproductions of Parablesof the Cross and Parables of the Christ-Life with Lilias’s paintings can now be purchased from Amazon or read online at Project Gutenberg.

Today you can’t find Lilias’s painting in famous museums. She died mostly unknown. But she continues to inspire those who work in areas that are closed to the Gospel. Since she couldn’t use traditional evangelistic methods, such as building churches, she searched for new methods, some of which are considered to be a hundred years before their time. We can continue to read her words about the joy of surrender to Christ and know that Lilias lived out this message.

Resources on Lilias Trotter

(Some are out of print, but may be found through online used book sellers)

A Blossom in the Desert by Lilias Trotter– a compilation of Lilias’s paintings and writings

A Passion for the Impossible: The Life of Lilias Trotter by Miriam Huffman Rockness (biography)

Daringin the Desert by Irene Howat (middle-grade biography)

Lily: The Girl Who Could See by Sally Oxley and Tim Ladwig (children’s picture book biography)

Liliastrotter.com (A website dedicated to sharing Lilias’ life and legacy)

ManyBeautiful Things – film documentary on Lilias Trotters’ life available on youtube

This article was first published for the Brighter Winter email newsletter.

Sisters' Bookshelf - Poetry

Two years ago, I wrote about my goal to read slower and my struggle with reading poetry. Poetry had always been something that I wanted to enjoy, but didn't. But I realized that I needed to read poetry slowly, savouring the words instead of inhaling them, in order to enjoy them. 

Last year, a friend challenged me to read a poem every day. I haven't quite accomplished that habit yet, but I have been more deliberate about keeping a poetry book nearby and dipping into it occasionally. I keep reminding myself that poetry isn't like prose, and one page is adequate, probably even preferred. 

I've also decided that I enjoy modern poetry more than classic poetry. This sorta surprises me since in general I enjoy old classic books. I do enjoy some poets such as Christinia Rosetti, but I struggle to appreciate great poets such as Tennyson, Wordsworth, Poe, Yeats, and Coleridge. And I decided to be okay with that. I occasionally push myself to read out of my comfort zone, (such as my attempt at Paradise Lost by Milton last year), but I don't apologize for enjoying some modern poets. (And there is LOTS of modern poetry that I don't enjoy!)

I also found that I most enjoy poets who write on nature and Biblical themes. Maybe this is because these are two categories that I know something about so don't feel as lost. I enjoy how these poems can help me look at Biblical accounts and the natural world with fresh eyes. 

I know opinions on poetry vary widely, but if you have simular poetry preferences, maybe you'll enjoy some of the books Charity and I have enjoyed.

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Charity- 

Water at the Roots by Philip Britts

I am a new explorer into the world of poetry. So often I find poems overwhelming and over my head. This book ( a recommendation from my brother) is perfect for anyone who feels intimidated by poetry. Philip Britts joined the Burderhoff community in Costwald, England during World War 2. Eventually he immigrated with the colony to Paraguay. His life story is narrated between his poems, with journal entries and other writings. Not only is Britts an inspiring man, the poetry is beautiful. I devoured this book and definitely will be coming back to it in the future.

Habitation of Wonder by Abigail Carroll

Do you notice a theme? My favorite poetry is about nature. These poems range from an Ode to Onions to How to Prepare for the Second Coming. As I flip through the book the phrase that comes to mind is "a celebration of words.” I find myself filled with wonder as I read these poems and long to get out and enjoy this beautiful world. If you love words and nature and God, you will love Carroll’s poetry. 

Gina - 

Calling Your Name by Janice Etter

Janice is a German Baptist  mother and grandmother from Indiana. Her poetry is relateable as she examines life, nature, and faith through the power of written words. I like poetry that is approachable without being trite, and this book fits this goal perfectly.

Accompanied by Angels: Poems of the Incarnation by Luci Shaw

Last year I was on a huge Shaw kick, reading several of her prose books as well as several poetry collections. This collection, which follows the life of Christ from the Annuciation to the Resurrection, is my favorite so far. These are poems that prompt worship. Shaw is now in her mid-nineties and still writing poetry with a new book coming out this spring, so she has decades of poetry for us to enjoy.

If you want to add a bit of poetry to your day and don't know where to begin, grab a hymnbook. Hymn lyrics are poems and many of them are beautiful. This is an easy way to add the beauty of words and spiritual refreshment to you day.

April is Poetry Month. Even if it is out of your comfort zone, try reading at least one poem this week! 

Do you have favorite poets or poetry collections? 

Sisters' Favorite Bright Winter Books

In January and February, Charity and I took part in the Brighter Winter Reading Program. We've done this every year since it began, and it is one of the highlights of our winter. Not only do we get stretched a bit out of our comfort zone, we also love connecting with other readers over books and discovering new-to-us books.

We are each sharing three of the favorite books that we read for Brighter Winter this year. 

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Charity-

1. Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy L. Sayers 

(Classic by a female author, book from my unread shelf)

A masterpiece of Golden Age detective fiction, this mystery was everything I love about Sayers. She didn't just write a murder mystery but included the humor and depth of human character that all her books contain. Sayers worked in the advertising world in the early 1900s, which makes the setting of an ad agency all the more realistic. This is one of my favorites so far in the Lord Peter Wimsey series.

2. The Dressmaker of Khair Khana by Gayle Tezmach Lemmon 

(Book set in Asia, book that features clothing or sewing)

The Taliban has gained control of Kabul and all women are suddenly thrust into a new way of life. The city is ruled by fear--don’t say the wrong things, talk to the wrong person, and, if you’re a women, become invisible. Suddenly countless Muslim women working to support their families find that those jobs are almost all illegal for women to hold. This is the story of Kamila, a young women who becomes a successful business owner, risking much to support her family and provide jobs for other women. This true story had me marveling at how God made humans to be incredibly resourceful and creative even in the most oppressed situations. 

3. Miriam’s Kitchen by Elizabeth Ehrlich (book by an author of Jewish heritage)

This memoir combines Elrich’s family story and her mother-in-law's memories of the Holocaust, intertwined with Jewish food. The author explores her Jewish heritage and her journey back to the kosher lifestyle of her grandmothers and mother-in-law.  It is a book I won’t soon forget, and it may be a favorite of 2025!

Gina -  

1. Under a Silent Sky by Claudia Lehman 

(Two books by the same author, book from my unread shelf)

I've had this book on my shelf for years but somehow never read it. I find books about persecution hard to read, even though I know they can inspire deeper faith. Set in the 1200s in a Waldesian community, this historical fiction asks questions about following God even when He appears silent. Quote: "There's no truer worship than to honor Him for who He is when everything He's doing disappoints you."

2. Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman 

(Book mentioned in another book)

I love reading time management books, but this one is unlike most. Burkeman begins with the fact that our time on earth is fleeting (only four thousand week, give or take a few). He shows the futility of thinking that we can control time and the flawed goal of productivity. Though Burkeman doesn't approach life from a Biblical perspective, he had a valuable perspective that I needed.

3. By Searching by Isobel Kuhn 

(Book about someone converting to Christianity)

A teen enters college, where her parent's religion is scorned by her professor, so she rejects God and lives for the next party. When she finds that her fiance is cheating on her, she becomes so depressed she plans her suicide. This may sound like the story of a modern teen, but it happened over one hundred years ago, in the 1920s. In By Searching, Isobel tells of her spiritual journey and how God led her from a depressed college student to missionary to China. God's leading in her life is inspiring.

Sisters' Reading Plans in 2025 - 

For the last four years, Charity and I enjoyed sharing the Sisters' Reading Challenges. It has been fun to have some of you join us, and we enjoyed stretching ourselves to read different books. We always enjoyed discussing the books we read and laughing during a bookish photo shoot. You can find all the past reading challenges and books reviews on the Book Tab on the Home Joys blog. 

But since Charity is busy with two little ones, we do not plan to set any reading challenges for 2025.  But we know that we will still be reading, and we always love talking about books, so we plan to do a post once a month or so and chat about books we are reading and give book recommendations.

So here is a question for you...

What kinds of books would you like us to discuss? 

Are you looking for middle grade fiction, memoir, picture books, gardening books, or ??? Let us know and maybe we can put it on our list of topics. 

And as always, we'd love to hear what books you are enjoying. What was one of your favorite books that you read this winter?

Sisters' Fall Reading Challenge

 

A report on our reading this fall.

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

Charity- The Joy of the Snow and The Rosemary Tree by Elizabeth Goudge

Goudge is an author that always beckons me to linger and savor her books. I’ve always wanted to read her autobiography with the hope that I would understand why her novels have that certain flavor and feel. The Joy of the Snow does not tell about every part of her life, but Goudge shares about the people and places that most influenced her. Through her story I realized why houses often feel like characters in her novels since the homes she lived in were important to her. I relished her stories of her mother’s island home and what life was like in wartime Britain. I didn't agree with her theology and a few other ideas, so take that into consideration, but if you love Elizabeth Goudge’s novels I think you will enjoy this glimpse into the author. The Rosemary Tree is set in post World War 2 England. Once again Goudge creates a place you wish you could visit and fascinating characters with complicated past. It left me longing to grow an English-style garden and to treasure my home and beauty even more. 

Gina - The Man Who Invented Christmas by Les Standiford, Christmas Stories by Charles Dickens

For years, I read Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol each December, but I didn't know much about his life. Standiford's short biography gives an overview of his life, but focuses on the time around when Dickens wrote his most famous Christmas story and the affect that had on his life and on English society. It is hard to imagine just how popular and influential Dickens was in his time. I was surprised to find that after the success of A Christmas Carol, Dickens wrote a novella every Christmas for four more years, probably hoping to capitlize on the initial success. I decided to read them all. Maybe I wasn't in the mood, but I found the Victorian tales to be rather sentimental and struggled to engage with the stories. Surprisingly, I enjoyed the last one The Haunted Man, the most. In that story, Redlaw is promised by a spirit that he will forget his sorrowful memories of the past and have the gift of allowing others to also forget the past. The result of this "gift" brings all sorts of misery to those around Redlaw and eventually it becomes obvious that forgetting the past, even the hard things, doesn't bring joy. 

2. Read a conversion story.

Charity - Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis

I have mostly read Lewis’ fiction and found his story of childhood until conversion fascinating. All of our life is woven together and influences what we believe. Lewis shows that as he tells of his loss of faith and his eventual return to Christ. I was touched by the influence friends had on his life for good and for bad often in ways they may have never known. 

Gina - Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber

Weber was given the opportunity of a lifetime - to study at Oxford. There she met Christians who talked about God and the Bible in ways she had never heard before. Steeped in literature and in the setting of the ancient Oxford buildings, Weber confronts the truth of Christ that will change her life. This book is just delightful for those who love literature and listening into conversations about faith questions.

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

Charity-  The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawling

It is Florida in the 1930’s, a time and place I know little about. Jody Baxter is the only living child of his parents and often lonely. This is a story of growing up, a father’s love and wisdom, and a beautiful fawn that stands in the way of survival. The story is both beautiful and heartbreaking. 

Gina - Watership Down by Richard Adams

I had trouble getting into Watership Down and had abadoned it and wondered why it was a favorite of so many people. But I picked it up again, and eventually I hit the point where I was staying up far too late, reading about the escapades of a group of rabbits in England. A classic tale of journey, danger, and search for belonging that somehow allows these rabbit characters to burrow into the heart.. 

4. Read a book together with a friend. 

Charity - Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry

Such a small book but packed so full of life. Seventy-year-old Hannah tells of her life in the small farming community of Port William, that Berry has skillfully created many stories about. The time period is not long ago, and I find it intriguing to be given a glimpse of a life that my grandparents would have been familiar with. Her story reminds us of the importance of community and how it often holds us together in ways we never realize. But I can’t help but feel a sense of sadness, because Jesus is sadly absent in the story and so hope is also absent. (I couldn’t resist reading Nathan Coulter right after this book, and they deserve to be read close together!)

Gina - Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry

I was delighted to find two used copies of Hannah Coulter which made a perfect book for Charity and I to read together. I had already met Hannah in some of Berry's other books, but in this one, Hannah gets center stage as she shares the story of her life as a twice widowed matriarch in the Port William community. Her journey is echoed by many women in rural American who watched a community disapear with changing times. Even though this book is fiction, it shows the long-term impact that our choices. And Berry's beautiful writing makes me want to linger over the pages.

5. Memorize a chapter of the Bible.

Charity- Ephesians 1

Why is it so hard to decide what to memorize? Or am I just revealing some procrastination? Most likely that is the answer. Needless to say I am barley half way through the chapter. But I am so glad to be memorizing again and I won’t be stopping just because the end of fall has arrived! 

Gina - Ephesians 1

Charity and I had not talked about which chapter we were memorizing and were surprised to find that we chose the same one. I too had procrastinated and lacked discipline to work faithfully on this chapter so didn't complete it. I would like to get in a better habit of memorizing because I know that time spent thinking deeply on the Scripture is time well spent.

Did you read anything memorable this fall?

Sisters' Cozy December Reading

Yesterday, I turned the calendar page and pulled out a stack of books to enjoy for the new month. If there is anything as much fun as reading, it is planning what to read.  

Charity and I decided not to set a reading challenge this month. Charity is busy preparing for the arrival her baby in the new year, and we don't want any extra stress. But, of course, we will both still be reading. We are selecting some favorite cozy reads to finish out our reading year. There is something delightful in opening the book of a favorite author such as Dickens or Elliot and finding a friend.

Here are a few recommendations if you want too enjoy cozy December reading. 

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Children's story books

Charity - My little boy is only eighteen months old so most of my Christmas/winter book collection is too advanced for him, but we've already starting reading these.

The Hat by Jan Brett

Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton

The Mousery by Charlotte Pomerants

Cozy Reads

Charity: I love a good reread during December. Something makes me want to sip tea and curl up under a blanket. Here are a few I'm considering dipping back into this December.

At Home in Mitford and Shepherd's Abiding by Jan Karon

Pilgrim's Inn by Elizabeth Goudge

Bleak House by Charles Dickens

Gina: A few of my favorites that I'd love to reread this winter.

Suncatchers by Jamie Langsdon Turner (Every since reading Turner's newest book, I've wanted to reread Suncatchers and be reaquainted with Eldeen.)

Emma by Jane Austin

Virgil Wander by Leif Enger

Poetry

Gina: Winter gives me a longing to linger over beautiful words. I actually have four poetry books by my bed that I'm dabbling in and thoroughly enjoying. 

Waiting on the Word by Malcolm Guite (An advent book with a poem and short explanation for every day in December.) 

Every Moment Holy: Volume 3, The Work of the People (Prayers for all sorts of times and places.

Accompanied by Angels: Poems of the Incarnation by Luci Shaw (Poems on the life of Christ)

Hope in the Dark by Geneva Eby (Advent poems and thoughts on the Biblical characters who awaited Christ's coming.)

Planning for Next Year

Charity: I love to dream about flower gardening and these two books are perfect choices for some cozy dreaming. Even if the garden never gets planted in the spring!

The Garden Maker by Christie Purifoy

A Home in Bloom by Christie Purifoy

What are you reading?