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I asked what you all wanted to hear about first in 2021, and what books are on my reading list this year won. I’m so glad, because this just means we can be friends.

Books have always been exciting to me, and even though it can be a lot harder to work in time to read these days, it’s definitely not impossible. Audible and bluetooth headphones have helped tremendously, in addition to starting out the year with a break from screens to give me a chance to reset some habits.

I’ve put together a list of the books I hope to read this year, organized by categories. I hope that you enjoy finding some new titles, and by all means, let’s chat about some of them in the comments!

A few things to know about this list before we jump in: 

1. I’ve filled this list with wonderful books that I hope to read this year. I fully expect to not get through all of them, though that would be great if I did. I like to read multiple books at a time and will usually be halfway through a handful of books on any given day.
2. I like to do a mix of hold-in-my-hand-flip-the-pages books as well as audiobooks. We’ve been Audible members for several years and love the service. The quality is excellent and there are so many books that we listen to again and again. I made a note next to the books I plan to digest as audiobooks.
3. I already have at least half of this list, but will get the books I don’t have during the year once I have finished the ones I own. I do purchase a lot through Amazon, but also have a wonderful used bookstore nearby.
4. I don’t read all books the same way. Some nonfiction books I skim or pull off the shelf to read a chapter when an occasion or mood calls for it. There are also books on the list that I plan to read together with my husband or with friends. I looooove talking about books with other people.

When to read: 

This is always the question, isn’t it? When exactly can we make time to read? You’ve probably heard the general advice of making sure you have books in reach in different spots in your house. That definitely helps. It’s also as simple (and as hard) as making the choice to open a book when it would be easier to sit and scroll.

In addition to that basic advice, these are some of my favorite times to read:

• When I’m cleaning. I wear my bluetooth headphones almost all day, so it’s very easy to turn on a book to listen to while I wash dishes, tidy the house, and so on. (Listening to books also make these tasks much more enjoyable).
• At the park. When the weather is nice enough, we can head to the park to let the kids play and give mama time to read. I usually pack at least three books so I have options.
• Family reading time. We don’t do this consistently, though I’d like to make it more of a habit. Everyone reading together (different books) is also just a great way to model a love and enjoyment of reading for your kids.
• After the kids go to bed. I’ve started a habit most nights of making myself a cup of tea and reading in bed.
• As I go to bed. My husband and I both listen to books when we are going to sleep. I usually choose something I am mostly familiar with, and set a sleep timer on my phone.

My Reading List for 2021

Finish from Last Year

• In Vital Harmony, Karen Glass — This book has been so helpful in learning more thoroughly about the principles in a Charlotte Mason education.
• Warmth of Other Suns, Isabel Wilkerson (Audible)– My husband started listening to this last month (and says it’s transformational), so I’m waiting for him to finish before I resume so I don’t lose his place.
• The Lazy Genius Way, Kendra Adachi — I have been taking my time working through this book so I can really digest and consider all of Kendra’s excellent advice.

Re-Read/Re-Listen

These are the books I tend to re-read every year, or ones that I have simply been wanting to revisit.

• Adorning the Dark, Andrew Peterson (Audible) — I have this on Audible and paperback. I love listening to books read by the author, especially memoir type books, so I will listen again sometime this year.
• Mere Motherhood, Cindy Rollins– I’ve read this memoir by Cindy Rollins a couple of times. It’s so encouraging and instructive.
• Stepping Heavenward, Elizabeth Prentiss– inspiring and instructive story about a woman and mother striving to live for God.
• Little Women & Little Men, Louisa May Alcott (Audible) — I listen to both of these books at least once a year. They are some of the best parenting books I’ve read.
• Blue Castle, L.M. Montgomery (Audible) — I have listened to this book by the Anne of Green Gables author multiple times, and I just love the story so much. I’m sure I’ll listen at some point this year, probably to keep me company while doing chores.
• Gospel Primer, Milton Vincent (Audible) — I have this on Audible and paperback. I will likely try to take in both formats. This book is a short book, but such a wonderful refresher on the gospel that we can all use over and over.

Spiritual/Personal Growth

In addition to regular Bible reading and the devotionals I switch between, these are the books on my list to ready for my faith and my soul this year.

• Everlasting Is the Past, Walter Wangerin, Jr — I found this memoir style book on Rabbit Room Press. The description sounded relatable. I’m enjoying so far.
• Share Your Stuff, Laura Tremaine — This book releases in February and I’m so excited to read it! I will definitely be forcing my friends to read it with me.
• Hinds’ Feet on High Places, Hannah Hurnard — I’ve been wanting to read this book for a while after hearing positive reviews of it (beautiful illustrations, allegory similar to Pilgrims Progress). I grabbed it when it went on sale with the last Amazon B2G1 free sale.
• Heaven in Ordinary, Malcolm Guite — Short reflections on God and nature. Also from Rabbit Room Press.
• Another Gospel?, Alisa Childers — I have seen this book on progressive Christianity recommended multiple times. I’m looking forward to reading it this year.
• The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse, David Johnson — Very interested to read this author’s insights and counsel.
• Bittersweet, Shauna Niequist — Coping with change and disappointment.
• Every Moment Holy Volume 2, Death, Grief and Hope — VERY much looking forward to this second volume of everyday prayers, especially with its focus on sorrow and hope.
• Hidden Art of Homemaking, Edith Schaeffer — This book has also been recommended many times by likeminded women. I’m looking forward to reading her practical, creative, and God-centered approach to keeping a home.
• The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel van der Kork, M.D. — I’ve heard that this is both a very heavy book, and a very good one too. I’m sure it’ll take me a while to read, but will be very insightful at the same time.

Parenting & Marriage

• Five Love Languages for Children, Gary Chapman — I know my love language and my husband’s, but I want to intentionally consider how to best express love for my kids this year too.
• Mama Bear Apologetics, Hillary Morgan Ferrer — Another book constantly recommended, and one very timely and needed, I’m sure.
• Introverted Mom, Jamie Martin — A friend loaned me this book because both the title and the author make me want to read this book!
• Families Where Grace is in Place, Jeff VanVonderen — As we have gotten older and wiser, not to mention having more kids, we have shifted from a more authoritarian approach to parenting to one more rooted in grace and understanding. This book looks so good and has great reviews.
• Communication in Marriage, Marcus & Ashley Kusi — Honestly communication is not a strength of our marriage. We are going to read or listen to this book together and discuss.

Homeschool/Education

• Mother Culture, Karen Andreola — Homeschooling isn’t just about the kids. It’s about the rich life of the mother too. That’s what this book discusses.
• Mind to Mind, Charlotte Mason & Karen Glass — I love all of Karen Glass’ books and read at least one each year. This one puts Mason’s last work in contemporary language.
• Educating the Wholehearted Child, Clay & Sally Clarkson — This book has been on my “to read” list since we started homeschooling. I’m going to try and finally read it this year.
• Literary Life Commonplace Book, Angelina Stanford, Cindy Rollins, & Thomas Banks — Honestly, I’m here for anything Cindy and Angelina put out.

Fiction/Light

• Becoming Mrs. Lewis, Patti Callahan (Audible) — I’ve actually already finished this one this year! Its SO GOOD. I will definitely be listening again at some point.
• The Scarlett Letter, Nathanial Hawthorne — I read this in high school, but am sure reading it as an adult with more life experience will be completely different.
• The Queen’s Gambit, Walter Tevis (Audible) — This book is free on Audible Plus and has great reviews…so why not?!
• Blood, Bones, & Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef, Gabrielle Hamilton (Audible) — I totally stole this book from a friend’s reading list. It sounds great!
• The Man Who Ate Too Much: The Life of James Beard, John Birdsall (Audible) — My mother-in-law introduced me to James Beard. I can’t wait to hear more about his life. (This and the one above will definitely be books to listen to).
• Till We Have Faces, C.S. Lewis (Audible) — I want to read/listen to this book after hearing about it in Becoming Mrs. Lewis.
• Fantastes, George MacDonald — Same as above.

History/Social

• A Hobbit, A Wardrobe, & A Great War, Joseph Loconte — This topic and these authors fascinate me so much! I’m going to try and read this one with my husband, probably after the kids go to bed.
• Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson — I’ve wanted to read this book for a while. It’s always highly recommended, and a needed subject to learn more about.
• Seeds of America Trilogy, Laurie Halse Anderson — I started this trilogy last year, but hope to finish this year. The books are very well written.
• Jayber Crow, Wendell Berry — I’ve wanted to read this author for a while after seeing a friend share so many of his quotes!
• Under A Wild Sky: John James Audubon, William Souder — Audubon is our focus for nature study/artist study in homeschool this spring, so I bought a biography to learn more about him myself.

LITTLE HOUSE DEEP DIVE

We’ve listened to the Little House books for years, but since this time period is our history focus this year, I figured it would be the perfect time to go a little deeper.

• Caroline, Sarah Miller (Audible) — I’ve already listened to this book, and while I had high hopes for it, I would only give it three stars. Good, not great. I returned it on Audible.
• The Wilder Life, Wendy McClure — I’m super excited to read this book! I’ve already started and so far its funny and interesting.
• Laura Ingalls Wilder: A Family Collection — I found this book of Laura’s newspaper articles in a used bookstore a while ago. It’ll be great to read while learning more about the family and the time period.
• Letters of A Woman Homesteader, Elinore Stewart — So happy to have stumbled upon this book at a used bookstore recently!

Professional

• Stretched Too Thin, Jessica Turner — If this title isn’t my life, I don’t know what is. I hope this book gives me some practical strategies for being a work-at-home mom!
• Atomic Habits, James Clear — This book is on everyone’s list! I bought it last year, but 2020 wasn’t the year to adopt new habits. Let’s see if 2021 will be…
• Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, David Epstein — This concept fascinates me!
• The Flavor Bible, Karen Page — Of course a food blogger should read this, right?!

What is on your reading list? When do you find time to read? I’d love to hear! 

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The links below may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small compensation at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure policy here. 

Quite by chance, or better put, by providence, we ended up doing an impromptu study on birds, flowers, and John 6 this week. What first started simply as our regular reading from one of our morning time books, developed into a couple of days on nature study and a few really timely discussions about trusting God.

I shared a handful of quotes from the book the next day on Instagram and Facebook, but I’ve been so encouraged by them all week that I wanted to do something more to make it easier for others to be encouraged during this crazy time in history.

So many of us are facing uncertainty, not simply anxiety about health, but also jobs and schooling and family crises. It all can get overwhelming in a hurry. 

This simple children’s lesson on trusting God can remind us all that none of this is a surprise to God and that we really can trust our presents and our futures to His sovereign goodness. 

Look at the Birds & Flowers :: Children’s Lesson on Trusting God

John 6:25-34 says that we can look at the birds in the air and the flowers in the field and observe God’s care over creation. Neither the bird nor the flowers work or have any need to be anxious because God is faithful to them. And then Jesus tells us to note how much more are people worth than birds and flowers! Likewise, we have no need to be anxious about our lives.

Step 1: TAKE A WALK.

Go outside with your kids and take a walk. This can be around your yard, your neighborhood, or a nearby park. Simply notice things around you together and enjoy the time out of doors. Look for flowers and listen for birds.

(Not only is time outside good for our physical health, it is also incredibly restorative to our minds and spirits, not to mention all the ways God teaches us through the natural world).

Step 2: READ.

Parables of Nature: Daily Bread

I highly suggest the book, Parables of Nature, by Margaret Gatty. This was the book that inspired this lesson and is a constant source of wisdom and edification to our family. If you have the book, or want to get the $5 Kindle version (there are no pictures in this book, so an e-book would be an easy option), read chapter 7, Daily Bread.

The brief synopsis of this chapter is a robin who is chided by other animals about his persistent cheerfulness, despite the “impending doom of winter”. The food would be scarce, the season would be brutal and unforgiving, and it was unreasonable to continue to be content and happy. However, the robin insisted that he could be content with having just enough, and that he would be happy with today without fearing the unknown future. Moreover, later in the chapter, we are reminded to be encouraged when we hear the robin’s song because it tells us of God’s care for His children.

Depending on your kids ages, you may want to break the reading up into two segments. It is also helpful to stop after every page or two and ask for a short narration.

If you don’t have the book, these are the quotes that I shared online. You can get a basic idea from the quotes.

Jesus Storybook Bible: The Singer

If you’re not familiar with the Jesus Storybook Bible, it is a beautiful telling of the Bible, with every passage showing how the Bible is all one big story centered on Jesus.

The chapter called, The Singer, is based on the passage from John 6:25-34. It makes the ideas super accessible for small children, but it is also simply a refreshing and lovely way for big people to hear God’s truth as well.

If you do not have a copy of the Jesus Storybook Bible, you can watch and listen to the story in this YouTube video (below). 

https://youtu.be/oquLvaeimDs

John 6:25-34

Finish the reading portion by reading from the Bible, because there is no sufficient substitute for the actual words of the Bible. Once your kids have experienced the ideas via the Parables of Nature and the Jesus Storybook Bible, they will make lots of connections with this short passage in John.

Step 3: NATURE STUDY & COPYWORK

Now is a great time to have a little fun looking at nature guides, picture books, whatever you have on hand, about flowers and birds! This can be as little or as in depth as you want. There’s no pressure, just have fun learning together.

We read a few picture books about flowers, copied a diagram on the parts of a flower, and then drew pictures of robins (since that is the bird in the parable) and copied part of the Bible verse.

The books we read: 

• The Flower Alphabet
• Planting A Rainbow
• Nature Anatomy
• Fun with Nature: Birds, Nest, & Eggs
• Fun with Nature: Wildflowers, Blooms and Blossoms

I also created a few printables for you to make this even easier and fun! There is a page to copy part of the Bible passage and then draw a bird on the branch, another option where kids can just trace the Bible verse, and also a flowers and birds coloring page with the whole passage in the center (this one would be great for displaying!).

• PRINT :: BLANK COPYWORK & BIRD DRAWING
• PRINT :: TRACE COPYWORK & BIRD DRAWING
• PRINT :: BIRDS & FLOWERS COLORING PAGE

Step 4: LISTEN

This song, called Do Not Worry, is written about this exact Bible passage! It’s perfect and I love Ellie Holcomb’s music (not just her kids’ music!).

You can also find this song in my Kids Mix playlist (check out all my playlists here).

Step 5: OPTIONAL VIDEO

I wrapped up our lesson with a Magic School Bus video on plants (The Magic School Bus Gets Planted, season 3: episode 10). The kids sat at the table and watched the video while I made lunch. Then while we had lunch, they told me what was in the video.

It was major win/win.

You can watch the episode on Netflix. And if you’re interested in a little extra, you can find a hands-on activity to do together as a follow-up here.

More Like This ::

Here are some additional posts to help you through this period of quarantines, impromptu homeschooling, and grocery shortages: 

Sharing is caring! Don’t forget to pin and share. Thank you!

The post Look at the Birds & Flowers :: Children’s Lesson on Trusting God appeared first on This Pilgrim Life.

Today I’m sharing again a post I wrote a few years ago. I am so thankful for all the opportunities that God gives to teach us truth, and the privilege of working out those lessons here in words to share with others. 

On this particular morning, I was starting a new co-op with my kids. We didn’t know anyone and were just starting our homeschooling journey. The morning helped me to learn a valuable lesson that is still important years later.

None of us are immune from the temptation to compare ourselves to others. I hope this reminder encourages you today, no matter what life season you are in.

When we arrived at the park to visit a new homeschool co-op, the other families had just pulled in as well. I was thankful to see the only other mom I knew there in the parking lot. Seeing her meant my kids and I would not be walking into a new group alone.

The other kids walked together in pairs or groups of three and four, helping their mothers carry bags or waving wooden toys in rhythm with their strides – it was clear that they all had this co-op thing down.

On a picnic table under the grove of trees, a mother was organizing supplies for the day’s craft. Another mother was spreading a large tarp, and a few others were chatting together or reviewing notes before taking turns to teach.

The wooden toys were now being employed in battle by a handful of lively kids. I spotted a few agile climbers up in the trees. Everyone was enjoying the free time before we began.

THIS.

This is the freedom, beauty and wonder that I wanted to characterize my kids’ childhood. The folk songs with the sweet little movements. The rhythmic poetry. The silly games. The art. The classical music. The hymns. The community.

It seemed like all of this was exactly what I was aiming for.

It also seemed like everyone else was doing a much better job than me.

In the midst of our participation that morning, I was having an internal dialogue with the part of me that kept comparing myself to everyone else.

I should be doing SO. MUCH. MORE.

When can I schedule more nature journaling? Oh, we should totally be memorizing poetry! Why don’t we listen to more classical music? I can’t believe my kids can’t do a proper jumping jack!

Have you ever felt like this?

Maybe it’s not a homeschool co-op, but a playdate or dinner at a friend’s house or someone else’s better behaved kids … more stylish wardrobe … home cooked meals… more successful business… that prompts a similar internal dialogue.

Her Success is Not My Failure

Today more than ever, we have the ability to meet women with strengths of every sort. I’m sure in your handful of friends or social media circle, you know of women who are excellent cooks, or who are always dressed impeccably, or who are so patient with their kids you wonder if there’s a magic pill they’re taking that you’re missing out on.

The opportunities to compare ourselves to others never end. 

But, what we do with those opportunities is up to us. We can choose to be inspired or defeated.

We can look at other women’s successes and let them expose all the areas we feel lacking in. We can allow our minds to run wild thinking of all the ways we are “failing”. We can start immediately to figure out what to do in order to be JUST AS GOOD as everyone else.

Or … We can take control of our thoughts and remind ourselves of a few true things. 

Remember these three things the next time the comparison thief tries to steal your joy:

1. This motherhood gig is a marathon, not a sprint.

Remembering the marathon mentality is helpful. It takes time to find your groove and implement systems that work. It’s not single days or months that will make or break your kids. It is years of simply loving and investing in them that will make the biggest impact. Day after day, year after year, of sacrificially serving your children and taking advantage of all the small conversations and moments will create a legacy that will last.

If you’re struggling right now, it’s okay. The race is not over.

2. In order to be this woman’s friend, I need to honestly delight in her successes.

A true friend cannot always be comparing herself. Judgment, jealousy and pity follow comparison. If I look at a woman and only see my weaknesses, then what I am not looking at is this woman. Her person. Her worth. I am missing the forest for the trees.

Practice self-forgetfulness and be a good friend.

3. This is an opportunity for good. If I can see it.

When I let myself become defeated, it shuts the door on learning from women whose strengths I admire. Choose to see other women’s strengths for what they are – opportunities for inspiration.

Be thankful that we all have areas in which we excel, then take time to discern what you can learn from and what you should simply appreciate as another’s unique gifts.

More like this…

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