Testing the Fireworks setting on my camera at the Best Fireworks in All The Land: Lake Ellyn
July has been a whirlwind so far and even though I'm supposedly blogging less the rest of this summer, I've amassed enough links necessitating a Mid-July Edition. This doesn't count as a "real" post though, right?
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I haven't worn a swimsuit in a couple of years. Not entirely on purpose. The opportunity to swim was either denied by work or rain or flat out business with other summer activities. Still, I needed this reminder from Shauna Niequist. I'm not going to hide either.
My friend Megan absolutely nailed her Deeper Story post. "I wonder what would happen if from the pulpit there were messages that energized them to learn what it means to live as a saint, fully loved and wholly redeemed. I wonder if the people under your care would be so inspired and intrigued by this New Creation Life you spoke of week after week, that they would be compelled, day after day, in the quiet of their own homes and hearts, to fall more in love with our Risen Lord."
If you only read one (or two) things from this list, let it be the Brown family's story. Last night I attended a benefit in Pearl Joy's honor. This sweet unborn babe is touching so many lives already. Amanda's follow up piece Leave a Crack in the Door for Jesus is such a good, necessary reminder and beautifully written to boot.
Shawn's story of unexpected checks in the mail gave me goosebumps. While you're over there, read this if you're feeling the need for encouragement. You are enough.
Sarah Bessey marks 7 years of blogging and proves her book deal all over again. I am so thankful I connected with her the last couple of years.
Because of working at a Christian bookstore for several years, I have pretty strong opinions about the industry and whether there's a place for my writing there. Rachel Held Evans takes on the subculture and I cheered her on with every sentence.
I wasn't familiar with R.A. Dickey's story prior to this NPR piece but now I want to buy his book and learn more about knuckleballs.
Love the way Lore Ferguson addresses her interesting name. Could I ever relate!
Carolyn Weber can do no wrong in my eyes. She's been doing a Children's Chapter Book Read Along this summer and I'm in awe of the insights she's gleaned from some of my favorites. This piece on Anne of Green Gables is a must-read for Anne with an E fans.
Addie Zierman's God Bless America was the best 4th of July inspired bit of writing I read.
Fascinating look at Trader Joe's. I feel sorry for you if you don't have access to this store.
Wise, wise post from Preston Yancey on how to disagree yet understand where another is coming from. Let us all extend listening ears and heartfelt grace no matter the topic.
Andi reminds us Childless Does Not Mean Incomplete. I offer a hearty amen.
Oh my. America's Forgotten Poor troubled me. How do we reach out to the least of these in our own communities?
The Spiritual Autobiography Project sounds so interesting!
I've been mulling over Kristin Tennant's Relevant column all week.
Language aside, the example and perspective in this comedian's response to Daniel Tosh's misquoted rape jokes is spot on.
"The real harm in Fifty Shades—and other “literature” like it—is that it dulls our conscience to the hideous crime that domestic violence really is." Great post from Relevant.
What are your favorite posts that you've read or written so far this month?
