Hello, Friend!!!
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!! I am posting my Five Star picks early so you can have more ideas as you go Christmas shopping for your family & friends :o) As you will notice, there's not a ton of books reviewed...yet; however, I will be adding on to my reviews as I complete them, so come back and visit my blogsite to see all my updates!
Just click on the folder above labeled, "Five Star Books & More newsletter" and you can check out what's new. And feel free to go to the "Archived Newsletters" folder to find past reviews.
Blessings & Love!!!
Susan aka The Reading Mom
Jer 29:11
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Monday, November 3, 2014
Five Star Books & More Newsletter SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014
Happy Fall, friends!!! My newsletter has arrived :o)
Check out my FIVE STAR picks for these months!!! Just click on the link above that says, "Five Star Books & More Newsletter."
Check out my FIVE STAR picks for these months!!! Just click on the link above that says, "Five Star Books & More Newsletter."
Sunday, August 31, 2014
It's Here!!!
My reviews for my newsletter, Five Star Books & More are in for the months of July & August. Happy reading, friend!!!
Monday, June 30, 2014
The May-June Five Star Books & More newsletter is....here!!!
Happy reading, friends!!! You'll find the latest reviews posted here on my blog, so click on the "Five Star Books & More newsletter" link to see some great picks for your summer reading list :o)
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Five Star Books & More newsletter... is here :o)
My March - April newsletter of reviews is here (click at the link "Five Star Books & More Newsletter" above)!!! Happy Reading!!!
Monday, February 10, 2014
winter bane... or winter blessing? that is the question.
overheard in the car the other day...
michael: i want to learn how to decipher hieroglyphics when i grow up. last year, he wanted to be an ice cream man with an ice cream truck so i suppose this is a step up in his career path!!!
michael and i started reading the bible together at the beginning of the year. we are using karyn henley's (i love her and have good memories of our interviews during my icrs marathon interview days!!!), God's Story and it's been so nice to end his day with the bible! i was sick last weekend and lost my voice so michael had to read for me. i really enjoyed listening to his little voice as he read for us!
this winter has been such a bane... and a blessing, too (i love it when the kids get to stay home from school!!!). in fact, it's been a real eye opener! here are some lessons i've picked up so far...
1. optimum warmth in bed requires preheating the electric blanket a little after 4pm so making it to bed after 11:30pm thaws me out nicely.
2. wear high boots when trying to reach the the recycling bin that's on top of a snow plowed hill in your yard.
3. you can get calluses on your fingers from zippering up your boots every day.
4. layers are your friend... and enemy (adds an instant additional 5 lbs to you). but freezing is not an option so i'm happy to walk around feeling like the abominable snowman :o)
5. snow looks prettier on top of the tree branches than on the roads where it turns to a disgusting gray blob.
6. 30 degrees feels downright tropical these days.
7. note to self: the seat warmer-heater-thingy that everyone else has in their cars (except for us) is a must-have for the next car purchase.
8. the oversized hood on my coat is a potential health/life hazard. when i pull over my hood, the only thing i can see is straight ahead which makes it dangerous when crossing a parking lot; however, it does a very effective job of blocking out the wind from my face.... which will be pointless if i get run over while crossing in front of an oncoming car...
9. beware of huge icicles hanging off the roof by the entrance of any building. look up before you go in!!! death by impalement is, ah, painful, i'm sure.
10. i battle coveting issues every time i look at pretty, sunny weather pictures posted by my socal friends on facebook!!! sigh.
11. hot pot dinners with friends is one of the best ways to stay warm :o)
the biggest thing i've learned this winter is the importance of being content. even when the weather gets colder or windier, i'm trying to fight the urge to complain (hello! these roads are terrible! where are the snow plows and salt trucks?!? or i'm so sick of putting on my scarf, coat, boots, etc. every time i leave the house every single stinkin' day! or why couldn't we be in cali right now?!? this weather is killin' my skin!!!)!!!
instead, i want to be grateful. i'm grateful that when it's cold outside, we have a home with great windows that doesn't leak air like the ones we had in our first home in nj. * i'm grateful our pipes haven't burst... yet. * i'm grateful we have an electric kettle that heats up water pretty fast so we can drink something warm anytime of the day or night. * i'm grateful the car has a good heater. * i'm grateful that we can still communicate through cell phones, skype/face time, facebook, etc. when we're staying indoors because of the weather. * i'm grateful for the multiple silk undershirts & underpants my mom forced on me the last time she was here. * i'm grateful we have warm blankets and comfy beds to sleep in every night. * i'm grateful we're so close to costco and a ton of other grocery stores! * i'm grateful for our washer & dryer---they can hold soooo much clothing so i end up doing less loads than most people i know! * i'm grateful jacob orders our kleenexes by the bulk --- i went through 6 boxes of kleenexes when i was sick and we still have more :o) * i'm grateful for beautiful snowy days which make me feel like i'm on the inside of a snow globe. * i'm grateful that Jesus doesn't give up on me even when i forget to be grateful :o)
i love how the message version & the amplified bible puts the apostle paul's words in philippians 4:11-13 (thank you, biblegateway.com!!!)...
"Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. " (the message)
"I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without andbeing in want.I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who[b]infuses inner strength into me; I am [c]self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency]." (the amplified bible)
so, how about you??? got contentment???
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
44 gifts in 2014
i'm starting my new year today and it doesn't feel any different being one year older than when i was 25. i guess, after a while, you realize that age is just a number---it doesn't define you, can't hold you back or limit you, right?!?
last night i was wide awake. it may have had something to do with the fact i took my shower at 1am... sleeping with wet hair is never truly comfortable; however, leaving the warmth of my electric blanket was not an option!
so, i started thinking about my blog topic. i mean, what do i want to share? last year, i shared my 43 favorite bible verses. but that took a while editing it down to just 43. sigh. then i thought about listing 44 influential people in my life, but that list went on and on. and on. nix that idea! how about 44 goals for the year? ummm... i can only think of 2, so no. 44 favorite books?!? definitely not happening. that's like asking who's your favorite child?!? it's impossible!!! how about 44 favorite movies i've seen? unfortunately, due to my limited memory, i don't think i can come up with 44 at the moment without doing a google search on movies. 44 things i want to change this year? nah. i'll have to wait until i'm at least 100 to do that list justice!
and then it hit me. i can do 44 gifts. it coincides with a book study that started in the fall with a group of old and new friends inspired by ann voskamp's one thousand gifts. we've all been keeping a journal and it's been so relaxing to write down 10 gifts every day reflecting on all the good gifts God has given :o) so here are mine in no particular order after #1...
1. GOD He completes me, forgives me, gives me grace, mercy, peace & joy and promises me a future & a hope!!!
2. my electric blanket although i am coveting my friend esther's heat mat aka bun warmer (!), this wonderful invention keeps me cocooned in warmth when i'm in bed :o)
3. jacob i got to sleep in every day while he was home and he cooked & cleaned!!! lucky me :o)
4. krista she's sensitive, insightful, wise beyond her years, makes me laugh, sweet with her brother & is so much fun to be with!!!
5. michael every morning, he's in our room at 7 am-ish (except for today because krista hung out with him so i could see how long i could stay in bed!!!). he draws pictures, chatters, snuggles and says the funniest things!
6. our office it's cozy & warm and we all love to hang out in here. it's the place where i spend time with God, make cards with Krista, read, blog, check my emails, watch stuff on the computer, etc.
7. the deep freeze thanks to the record cold temps & wind chill factor, everyone got to stay home a few extra days!!!
8. hobby lobby one of my favorite midwest features---it's the store with every kind of art supply imaginable, home accessories, furniture, etc. and they play instrumental music by maranatha! praise & others like that!
9. kale & cranberry smoothies krista got me hooked on this smoothie. she found the recipe, improvised it and now we have these fairly often! yum!!!
10. my favorite sister there is no one like her!!! she is fun, loving, a great cook, creative and so easy going!!! i can't wait to spend time with her this summer :o)
11. fresh fallen snow i love how it looks on bare tree limbs and on evergreen trees! there's something magical about freshly fallen snow until you have to drive in it...
12. technology it allows us to stay in touch with our friends from all around the world :o)
13. indoor plumbing can you imagine having to go to an outhouse to use the facility in these frigid temps?!? ice!!! we are so spoiled to have 4.5 bathrooms in this house!!!
14. warm soup or tea on acold frigid day we have a plethora of tea options in our pantry---so perfect for these chilly days!!!
15. friends i love this quote: "friends are the family you choose for yourself"
16. trader joe's salt & pepper rice crisps the perfect gluten-free snack :o)
17. bsf i'm learning so much and am getting so much out of my bible study!!! love it!!!
18. whole food's french macaroons: mango these delectable treats are my favorite!!!
19. heated floors need i say more?!?
20. my iPhone camera feature i've taken more pix thanks to the phone :o)
21. sakura brand glitter gel pens yes, i am a gel pen snob. i can't help that i love this brand of gel pens---they're smooth & sparkly!!!
22. my slightly-darker-than-cotton-candy-blue kitchen aid mixer seeing this beautiful machine on the counter inspires me to bake!
23. biblegateway.com this is my go-to resource for looking up various versions of the Bible for clarity. my favorite versions are the nlt, the amplified bible, the esv, the message and the nasb.
24. the electric kettle it's the fastest way to boil water for tea :o)
25. crockpot liners the inventor of these wonderful liners is simply brilliant!!! it makes life SO easy when you can just remove the liner (no mess!!!) and just wipe down the crockpot (if needed). i currently have enough boxes in my pantry to service a third world country.
26. roasted seasoned seaweed it makes anything with rice taste better :o)
27. mini glue dots i just discovered these recently and they're perfect for holding things down when i'm using glittery card stock!!! plus, they're so cute :o)
28. handmade cards by krista & michael i treasure the cards these two make me. krista is at the age where she writes very meaningful messages and i love reading her cards!!!
29. birthday wishes from all over :o) thank you for all the birthday love!!!
30. quiet nights after i put michael down for the night, i can gather my thoughts together to write notes or blog. savor the silence :o)
31. kleenexes with lotion these are a life saver if you have a perpetually running nose from a cold!!!
32. hot pot with friends the perfect meal on a cold night with friends!!!
33. priority flat rate boxes you can stuff these boxes to the max and the shipping price is fixed. love these boxes!!!
34. the scent of raspberry sorbet candles burning they make a room smell so warm and inviting!!!
35. the God's story bible michael and i are reading through the bible with this tool by karen henley!
36. decorative brads these are so fun to use when i'm making cards!!!
37. a well organized pantry there's a shelf for snacks, a shelf for breakfast stuff, a shelf for canned goods, bottled goods & dry goods, 2 shelves devoted to baking needs, a shelf for tea & coffee drinks, a shelf for cookbooks, a shelf for jello, popcorn & misc, and 2 shelves for paper products and plastic ware :o)
38. twin rolling cabinets with 10 drawers these are perfect for me to store all my papers, decorative brads, stickers, etc. for card making!!!
39. gift wrap organizer i love organization so getting this organizer for all my gift wrapping, rolls of ribbons & bows and gift bags in one place needs was a necessity!!!
40. one-day contacts i feel blessed to have these b/c my allergies make it challenging to use my contacts more than once.
41. my resurrected lap top thanks to john d. for putting his healing hands on my machine!!! now i can start doing all my reviews again :o)
42. fleece lined leather gloves these have been one of my best friends this winter!!!
43. sherlock holmes okay. i'm hooked on this series!!! i'm bummed there are only 3 episodes per season though!
44. jacob's job we're so thankful God provides. we can share what we have with others!!!
as i get one year older (& hopefully, wiser!!!), i pray that i will...
love more and dislike less
listen more and talk less
reach out more and spend less :oD
i'll leave you with these verses from galatians 6:9-10 (i'm liking the amplified bible's version of it from biblegateway.com):
last night i was wide awake. it may have had something to do with the fact i took my shower at 1am... sleeping with wet hair is never truly comfortable; however, leaving the warmth of my electric blanket was not an option!
so, i started thinking about my blog topic. i mean, what do i want to share? last year, i shared my 43 favorite bible verses. but that took a while editing it down to just 43. sigh. then i thought about listing 44 influential people in my life, but that list went on and on. and on. nix that idea! how about 44 goals for the year? ummm... i can only think of 2, so no. 44 favorite books?!? definitely not happening. that's like asking who's your favorite child?!? it's impossible!!! how about 44 favorite movies i've seen? unfortunately, due to my limited memory, i don't think i can come up with 44 at the moment without doing a google search on movies. 44 things i want to change this year? nah. i'll have to wait until i'm at least 100 to do that list justice!
and then it hit me. i can do 44 gifts. it coincides with a book study that started in the fall with a group of old and new friends inspired by ann voskamp's one thousand gifts. we've all been keeping a journal and it's been so relaxing to write down 10 gifts every day reflecting on all the good gifts God has given :o) so here are mine in no particular order after #1...
1. GOD He completes me, forgives me, gives me grace, mercy, peace & joy and promises me a future & a hope!!!
2. my electric blanket although i am coveting my friend esther's heat mat aka bun warmer (!), this wonderful invention keeps me cocooned in warmth when i'm in bed :o)
3. jacob i got to sleep in every day while he was home and he cooked & cleaned!!! lucky me :o)
4. krista she's sensitive, insightful, wise beyond her years, makes me laugh, sweet with her brother & is so much fun to be with!!!
5. michael every morning, he's in our room at 7 am-ish (except for today because krista hung out with him so i could see how long i could stay in bed!!!). he draws pictures, chatters, snuggles and says the funniest things!
6. our office it's cozy & warm and we all love to hang out in here. it's the place where i spend time with God, make cards with Krista, read, blog, check my emails, watch stuff on the computer, etc.
7. the deep freeze thanks to the record cold temps & wind chill factor, everyone got to stay home a few extra days!!!
8. hobby lobby one of my favorite midwest features---it's the store with every kind of art supply imaginable, home accessories, furniture, etc. and they play instrumental music by maranatha! praise & others like that!
9. kale & cranberry smoothies krista got me hooked on this smoothie. she found the recipe, improvised it and now we have these fairly often! yum!!!
10. my favorite sister there is no one like her!!! she is fun, loving, a great cook, creative and so easy going!!! i can't wait to spend time with her this summer :o)
11. fresh fallen snow i love how it looks on bare tree limbs and on evergreen trees! there's something magical about freshly fallen snow until you have to drive in it...
12. technology it allows us to stay in touch with our friends from all around the world :o)
13. indoor plumbing can you imagine having to go to an outhouse to use the facility in these frigid temps?!? ice!!! we are so spoiled to have 4.5 bathrooms in this house!!!
14. warm soup or tea on a
15. friends i love this quote: "friends are the family you choose for yourself"
16. trader joe's salt & pepper rice crisps the perfect gluten-free snack :o)
17. bsf i'm learning so much and am getting so much out of my bible study!!! love it!!!
18. whole food's french macaroons: mango these delectable treats are my favorite!!!
19. heated floors need i say more?!?
20. my iPhone camera feature i've taken more pix thanks to the phone :o)
21. sakura brand glitter gel pens yes, i am a gel pen snob. i can't help that i love this brand of gel pens---they're smooth & sparkly!!!
22. my slightly-darker-than-cotton-candy-blue kitchen aid mixer seeing this beautiful machine on the counter inspires me to bake!
23. biblegateway.com this is my go-to resource for looking up various versions of the Bible for clarity. my favorite versions are the nlt, the amplified bible, the esv, the message and the nasb.
24. the electric kettle it's the fastest way to boil water for tea :o)
25. crockpot liners the inventor of these wonderful liners is simply brilliant!!! it makes life SO easy when you can just remove the liner (no mess!!!) and just wipe down the crockpot (if needed). i currently have enough boxes in my pantry to service a third world country.
26. roasted seasoned seaweed it makes anything with rice taste better :o)
27. mini glue dots i just discovered these recently and they're perfect for holding things down when i'm using glittery card stock!!! plus, they're so cute :o)
28. handmade cards by krista & michael i treasure the cards these two make me. krista is at the age where she writes very meaningful messages and i love reading her cards!!!
29. birthday wishes from all over :o) thank you for all the birthday love!!!
30. quiet nights after i put michael down for the night, i can gather my thoughts together to write notes or blog. savor the silence :o)
31. kleenexes with lotion these are a life saver if you have a perpetually running nose from a cold!!!
32. hot pot with friends the perfect meal on a cold night with friends!!!
33. priority flat rate boxes you can stuff these boxes to the max and the shipping price is fixed. love these boxes!!!
34. the scent of raspberry sorbet candles burning they make a room smell so warm and inviting!!!
35. the God's story bible michael and i are reading through the bible with this tool by karen henley!
36. decorative brads these are so fun to use when i'm making cards!!!
37. a well organized pantry there's a shelf for snacks, a shelf for breakfast stuff, a shelf for canned goods, bottled goods & dry goods, 2 shelves devoted to baking needs, a shelf for tea & coffee drinks, a shelf for cookbooks, a shelf for jello, popcorn & misc, and 2 shelves for paper products and plastic ware :o)
38. twin rolling cabinets with 10 drawers these are perfect for me to store all my papers, decorative brads, stickers, etc. for card making!!!
39. gift wrap organizer i love organization so getting this organizer for all my gift wrapping, rolls of ribbons & bows and gift bags in one place needs was a necessity!!!
40. one-day contacts i feel blessed to have these b/c my allergies make it challenging to use my contacts more than once.
41. my resurrected lap top thanks to john d. for putting his healing hands on my machine!!! now i can start doing all my reviews again :o)
42. fleece lined leather gloves these have been one of my best friends this winter!!!
43. sherlock holmes okay. i'm hooked on this series!!! i'm bummed there are only 3 episodes per season though!
44. jacob's job we're so thankful God provides. we can share what we have with others!!!
as i get one year older (& hopefully, wiser!!!), i pray that i will...
love more and dislike less
listen more and talk less
reach out more and spend less :oD
i'll leave you with these verses from galatians 6:9-10 (i'm liking the amplified bible's version of it from biblegateway.com):
9 "And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.
10 So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us do good [[a]morally] to all people [not only[b]being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith [those who belong to God’s family with you, the believers]."
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