The Calling of Emily Evans

The Calling of Emily Evans (Women of the West Book #1)
By Janette Oke

It is easy for me to think of all the characters in books as just like someone I know - sure they are not the influence on the author, but for me, I relate a person I know to a character and somehow the book starts meaning more.  When I can't find a person I know to connect to the main character, books tend to be a little more boring to me because they don't really come alive. Granted there are exceptions.

This is probably my one main hangup in this first book of the Women of the West.

Discipline: Daily Prayer

By this point, I am feeling not too bad about this idea of daily discipline when it comes to my relationship with God.  I mean I can totally handle opening my Bible for a few minutes every day. And I can find different study methods that allow me to dig a little deeper and actually understand why I am reading certain events and thoughts of others.

It is at this point that we need to consider adding to our daily Spiritual disciplines (in fact some of you might want to try to get in the habit of this daily discipline first...).

Let's talk about daily prayer.

Cozy Reading Spot

Welcome to Cozy Reading Spot!  This is your chance to share your posts, and then grab your favorite drink to curl up with and read other's posts.  We share posts on books, reading, and all that is inspiring us.  Sorry for the delay this week - it's Vacation Bible Camp week, and well my mama brain is on overload!

What's been going on at Reading List this week:

Here's what I've been writing this week, just in case you missed it.

The Grand Weaver

There are some books that I read and they lift me up during those moments I can steal away to read.  There are others that simply allow me to consider a new perspective.  And rarely I come across a book that makes me question my perspective, try to put it aside, let of any guilt that society would want me to feel over putting aside a worldview, and try to find the courage to climb into the perspective the book portrays.

To be honest, these books that really challenge, can sometimes be depressing to actually read for me.  You see I don't like to admit that my way is wrong, and that there is a better option. Then there is the acceptance of a different way and for me that always comes with a tiny bit of guilt over being so stubborn in my old way.  Finally, after some introspection and thought, I find that the journey the book put me through actually produced a better version of me in the end.  Have you found a book that took you on such a journey?

Little Cloud

***I used Grammarly to grammar check this post, because this mama is spending the extra time outside dancing in the puddles.

I have to admit that even though I'd rather be inside, I have been trying extra hard to get my boys outside every day at least once. I mean it is summer, and there is something about playing in the sun that lends itself to nice naptimes and easy bedtimes!

Of course, it is inevitable that rain will prevent a daily trip outside after a while... So what is a determined mom to do?

Search Pinterest for some extra ideas!

Discipline: Bible Reading

I believe anyone who has taken on the task of learning a sport or instrument know that there is a need for daily practice, specifically in the fundamentals.

The question then for Christians should follow, what are the fundamentals that need daily practice.

If the first fundamental of basketball is dribbling the ball, or in piano is playing the scales, it is probably safe to put Bible reading in this first level of fundamentals for the purpose of becoming spiritually disciplined.

Is is a surprise that as Christians, looking to experience a real relationship with God, we need to make it a priority to be in God's word daily?

I mean, how are we supposed to really know when we hear God's voice if we do not know the language He speaks. How will we know what His instructions are if we do not know where to even begin listening?

Keep the Falling from Being the Failing

There is nothing like watching a little kid learn to walk.

After months of watch everyone else walk, he figures that he must get his feet under him in order to actually walk. And so he finds himself standing.  Then there is the stage of cruising along furniture - getting the idea of transferring weight from foot to foot.

But the power that comes with the freedom to walk - anywhere.  That pushes such a little being to let go and take that step.

And usually not long after that first step, there is the fall.