Blog - Lauren Sparks

Turn the Page: Top 10 Book Recs for the New Year

January 15, 2021 by Lauren 12 Comments

Little did we know at the start of last year how much time 2020 would eventually grant us to work through our reading resolutions. And yet I managed to still waste too much time and not get to as many books as I wished. I am resigned, however, that my reading list will never reach completion. As soon as I cross one book off, I add three more.

With Christmas in the rear view, my thoughts turn to the books I still want to tackle. So, in case you need some reading recommendations for the new year, I present my 10 favorites from those perused in 2020. And the rest as well.

For When You Need Something Light (and Who Doesn’t These Days?)

On the Bright Side by Melanie Shankle – Melanie remains one of my favorite authors and somehow knew exactly what 2020 needed. Part humor, part memoir and all an encouragement to look for the good in any situation.
Why I Hate Green Beans by Lincee Ray – Melanie Shankle wrote the intro and I agree with her synopsis. This book feels like a conversation with an old friend.

For When You Want Something True(ish)

3. My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie – Yes, I know. This is technically fiction, but so well researched that I learned a lot. I have been a Hamilfan for several years, but this book gave me a much deeper understanding of the musical. I enjoyed subsequent viewings on Disney+ even more. This author team also wrote another favorite of mine – America’s First Daughter, which they based on the letters between Thomas Jefferson and his oldest daughter. Do yourself a favor and read both!

4. Wally Funk’s Race for Space: The Extraordinary Story of a Female Aviation Pioneer by Sue Nelson – I can’t say for sure if my love for this book would be the same had I never met Ms. Funk. She attends (at least pre-Covid-19) the senior center where I hold a part time job. But I wanted to read it because I do find her fascinating! She was among the Mercury 13, the first group of American pilots to complete NASA’s 1961 Women in Space Program. Her physical and mental test scores outranked many male astronauts including John Glenn! Unfortunately, the program’s sponsors cut funding, but she still awaits a trip to space now well into her 80’s. Her many other accomplishments won’t fit in this post, but I think you will like to read about them in the book.

When the Prominent Topics of the Day Pique Your Interest

5. Gay Girl, Good God by Jackie Hill Perry – a memoir from a girl of color who came to know God and learned she wasn’t who she thought all along. Whether you want to learn more about same sex attraction or read more women of color, you won’t be sorry you picked up this beautifully written memoir.

6. A Bigger World Yet: Faith, Brotherhood and Same-Sex Needs by Tim Timmerman. This one might be hard to find, but proved for me a very eye-opening perspective on how the church, and Christ-minded individuals might better love the same-sex attracted.

7. White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide by Carol Anderson – Lots of books about racial inequality and justice got into lots of hands last year. I chose this one, written by a reputable author, on good recommendation. I won’t sugar coat how much my heart broke to read about some of the lesser known events of our nation’s history with regard to racial relations. But I think it’s important to know how we got here so that we can do better.

When You Need to Read and Meditate More on Scripture

8. Chasing Vines: Finding Your Way to an Immensely Fruitful Life by Beth Moore – Whether you read the book alone or do the workbook with videos in a group (I did both.), just read it. Full of insight and truth with encouragement to introspect, you will come away with a new appreciation for the God of creation and want to know and serve Him better.

9. Love Found a Way: Stories of Christmas by Ron Mehl – Each chapter of this little book tells a precious freestanding story with enough scripture included to use for devotionals during Advent. That’s what I did.

Last, but Not Least, Fiction

10. The Bookshop of Yesterdays by Amy Meyerson – You have to weed through a few curse words, but this story is a delight for the literary minded. Part family mystery, part love story set in a background of books, books, books. I read other fiction books last year, but none as enjoyable.

And the Rest (Some Good, Some Forgettable)

Confident Moms, Confident Daughters: Helping Your Daughter Live Free from Insecurity and Love How She Looks by Maria Furlough. Review here in To End a Generational Curse.
Sharing Love Abundantly in Special Needs Families: The 5 Love Languages for Parents Raising Children with Disabilities by Gary Chapman and Jolene Philo
Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter by Kate Clifford Larson
Out of a Far Country: A Gay Son’s Journey to God, a Broken Mother’s Search for Hope by Christopher Yuan and Angela Yuan
Rooted Peace (Small Town Secrets #3) by M.E. Weyerbacher.
God’s Heart for the Nations by Jeff Lewis.
Ready to Rise: Own Your Voice, Gather Your Community, Step into Your Influence by Jo Saxton
Sunday Punday: Celebrate the Little Everyday Joys That Make Us Smile by Winsor Kinkade
Well, Girl: An Inside-Out Journey to Wellness by Jami Amerine
Appeal to the Courtroom of Heaven by Shonda Whitworth
Lose It For Life by Stephen Arterburn
Where Does a Mother Go to Resign by Barbara Johnson
My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman
Giant Killer: A Heart Like David by Dennis Jernigan
The Enneagram for Spiritual Formation: How Knowing Ourselves Can Make Us More Like Jesus by A.J. Sherrill
Chasing Vines Group Experience: Finding Your Way to an Immensely Fruitful Life by Beth Moore with Darin Buursma
The Care of Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls by Anissa Gray
The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck
The Ghost of Christmas Past (Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #8.5) by Angie Fox. Don’t ask me why and don’t ask how this could be number 8 and a half in a series.
The Christmas Honeymoon by Alicia Street
Two Heart’ Christmas Wish (Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance #4) by Tamara Ferguson

And now for this week’s featured post!

For one more week I selected a post similar to my own. While I read lots of bloggers’ book recommendations, this is the first one I’ve seen written about books the writer wants to read versus books she already read. I enjoyed this fresh twist and added a couple from her wish list to mine! Visit Cathy at thoughtsonbooks.blogspot.com to read 5 Books on my Future Reading List.

1. Share 1 or 2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. (No DIY, crafts, recipes, or inappropriate articles.) All links are randomly sorted.

2. Comment on 1 or 2 other links. Grace & Truth linkup encourages community.

3. Every host features one entry from the previous week. To be featured, include this button or link back here on your post (mandatory to be featured, but not to participate).

We encourage you to follow our hosts on their blogs or social media.

MAREE DEE – Embracing the Unexpected
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

HEATHER HART & VALERIE RIESE – Candidly Christian
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

LAUREN SPARKS
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

LISA BURGESS – Lisa notes
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Now Let’s Link Up!

To find some great places where I might be sharing this post, click here.

Top 10 Blog Posts of 2020

January 8, 2021 by Lauren 19 Comments

We have rounded another year. I say “another” as if it retains any semblance to the others. It doesn’t. But I have lived (somewhat), written, felt and survived to do it all again. I am so very thankful that the challenges of 2020 pushed me closer and closer to my Heavenly Father, but now I would like them to end (said in jest – sort of).

I want to thank you, bloggy friend, for taking the time to follow my writing and for any amount of time sacrificed to read these words. It means more to me than you could possibly know. And each and every comment left was like a present for me to open. While I know now more than ever that I have no idea what topics the future will provide for this website, I still plan a little, holding it loosely. Proverbs 19:21 says, Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. NIV I desire deeply for God’s purpose to be fulfilled here.

So I looked back for research at what posts you all enjoyed most from last year. This information helps me hone in on what is helpful and meaningful to you. So I present to you (in case you missed any of these or would like to revisit) the top 10 most viewed posts from my site in 2020. And thank you again being such an important community for me. (Also, take a gander at my list of the top posts of 2019 here.)

10. The Good Thing V. the God Thing February 7, 2020

Mark 1:40-45 tells the story of a man Jesus cured of leprosy only to command him to keep his miraculous healing to himself. Common sense seems to say that Jesus’ ministry would only be enhanced by the sharing of this good news. But God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9), so we must seek His guidance in all things and not forge ahead using only our own feeble wisdom.

9. God is Good…but Life is Still Hard March 6, 2020

Certain situations and events from the year past drove me to study Job. Good ol’ Job who lost his wealth, his family and finally his own health. Although he lamented (this can be so healthy), Job never lost his faith in God. In the midst of his heartache – before any earthly blessing was restored to him – Job exclaimed, “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.” (19:25) When all else slips away, we can cling to that.

8. I Love… February 14, 2020

This Valentine’s Day post only touched on romantic love. It’s more about the many things and people I love and am thankful for in this life. Even though I wrote this pre-Covid 19, reading the list again encouraged me. So many of my treasures I still enjoy in the midst of it. I hope it encourages you too.

7. Better Late than Never – My Thoughts on Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and Others June 5, 2020

As the death of several black Americans set our world on fire last summer, I struggled with whether or not my voice in matters of systemic racism and injustice mattered. But I finally had to speak – with people that I know and with my computer keys. I forced myself to examine my privilege and any biases and prejudices with which I view the world. I don’t pretend to be “woke” to the things I’ve been blind to, but I am determined to keep working on it. All life has value. Genesis 1:27 says God created mankind in His own image. The Bible lists no exceptions to this. Black lives matter.

6. The Pursuit May 8, 2020

Using a different translation of Psalm 23:6 gave me a deepened perspective on God’s vast love for us. He created us, He loves us, and He wants us. In this world that is still so full of uncertainty, I find great comfort in this. In Him.

5. Farewell to February February 28, 2020

This was the only month end review to make the list. Reading again about all my social activities pre-virus almost brought a tear to my eye. May it be again soon, Lord.

4. Today I Cannot…a Coronavirus Lament May 15, 2020

The title of this one explains itself pretty well. It took me a couple of months of lock down to reach this boiling point, but many of these things still grieve me (although some days my will to endure stays stronger than the moment in time I penned this). Maybe you can relate to some of my things. And maybe you just need to read the verse at the end for comfort and hope.

3. A Conversation on Race, Part 1 June 19, 2020

Two fellow bloggers of color, Yvonne Chase and Calvonia Radford agreed to an interview on the issues of racial injustice that news journalists and the everyman with a cell phone brought to the forefront of our consciousness. I will warn those of you that look like me that it’s not easy to read. But I pray you will be prompted to examine your own heart against the feelings and facts they share. We still have a long way to go in the arena of race relations in America. You might just find a good start here. And don’t miss the links to their websites. Read Part II of this conversation as well. “In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist.” – Angela Davis

2. These are a Few of My Favorite Things (100 to Be Exact) November 6, 2020

“If I am losing it beyond the normal parameters of losing it, I write out or say 100 things I am grateful for.” – Jami Amerine. She calls this a gratitude blitz and I tried my hand at it a couple of months ago. That this list landed in the #2 spot tells me a lot about our need for positivity right now. Hopefully something you read here will touch you, encourage you, entertain you or motivate you to make your own list. And maybe we will decide – at least for a moment – that things really aren’t that bad.

1. Dear Teenage Daughter, You Aren’t Entitled February 21, 2020

I suspect from this #1 post that some of you deal with the challenges of an entitled generation. I promise you that this letter, written two days before my teen’s birthday has a happy ending. And she gave me her permission and approval. Part rant, part lesson and confession from me – it is all heart. And I could not love her more.

This concludes a year in the life of this blogger. A year I honestly hope we never see the likes of again. But important lessons for me – and maybe you – reside here. I hope you are informed or encouraged, and I pray God is glorified here. I thank you, again, for being my reader friends and hope this relationship continues into the new year. Also, happy birthday to the best Papa in the world (and Elvis).

And now for this week’s featured post!

In keeping with the theme of my post for this week, I chose Heather Hart’s Top Candid Posts of 2020 on candidlychristian.com. I would love nothing better than for you to hop over and see some well-loved posts from one of my teammates at Grace and Truth (after you read mine of course). 😉

1. Share 1 or 2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. (No DIY, crafts, recipes, or inappropriate articles.) All links are randomly sorted.

2. Comment on 1 or 2 other links. Grace & Truth linkup encourages community.

3. Every host features one entry from the previous week. To be featured, include this button or link back here on your post (mandatory to be featured, but not to participate).

We encourage you to follow our hosts on their blogs or social media.

MAREE DEE – Embracing the Unexpected
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

HEATHER HART & VALERIE RIESE – Candidly Christian
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

LAUREN SPARKS
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

LISA BURGESS – Lisa notes
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Now Let’s Link Up!

To find some great places where I might be sharing this post, click here.

One Minute… Makes a Big Difference!

January 1, 2021 by Lauren 22 Comments

As we all breathe a sigh of relief to see 2020 go, I want to wish you a Happy New Year, bloggy friends!! On this first day of 2021, I find myself recovering from Covid-19, so I decided to loan my web space to Shannon Pugh. Although she doesn’t call herself a writer, she uses words beautifully and faithfully in a monthly newsletter. She and her ministry team mean so much to my family, and I couldn’t wait to share her thoughts on the turning of the calendar with you:

I’m not an anthropology buff. To be honest, I had to look up the word “anthropology” to make sure it actually means what I thought it meant (the study of human societies and cultures). But from what I do know about the history of humanity across the ages, every culture has developed some sort of system for marking the passage of time. Our current system of seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, decades, etc. is apparently called the “Gregorian calendar”… I learned something new today! Thanks Wikipedia! At IBC [Irving Bible Church], we observe Advent and Lent, which are part of the Liturgical year that many denominations of Christianity follow.

Not only do we use these systems to mark the passage of time, but we also use them to give meaning to the passage of time. We assign importance to specific dates like birthdays, holidays, anniversaries of important events and even seasons. Again, this is across cultures and over the course of human history. Time is important!

And I think that’s because we know, deep down, that our lives have a purpose. It’s not just about surviving as long as possible and then dying as painlessly as possible. It’s about making daily choices to better the world around us in some way. For me, it’s about making life on earth as much like heaven as it can possibly be. May Your kingdom come, Lord, may Your will and work be done on earth, as it already is in heaven.

There’s nothing magical about January 1st — really, it’s just the day after December 31st (and both of those are just words and numbers that help us mark the passing of time). However, those days have had special importance for hundreds and hundreds of years. Because, although nothing actually changes when the clock turns to 12:00 on January 1st, it’s an opportunity for us to realign our priorities and renew our commitment to make the world around us a better place, one moment at a time.

I, for one, don’t want life to just float by and slip through my hands. But that requires me to be intentional about how I act and react on a daily basis… not just the big events, but the little decisions I make moment-by-moment. So each year I take some time in December and January to look back and look forward. I use a tool that was given to me by a mentor years ago, and I can’t overstate how much it’s changed the way I approach each new year. That tiny, seemingly insignificant difference between 11:59pm on December 31st and 12:00am on January 1st has become a chance for me to try to end each year having done my best to made the world a better place in even just the tiniest way.

If you would like to join me in looking back and looking forward, you can find the questions I use here. Nothing will magically change on January 1, 2021 (as much as we would like it to!) The only thing we have control over is the way we approach each minute, hour, day, week, and month. When we choose to do that with the goal of improving the world around us, it really truly does make a difference!

Shannon Pugh taught special education for 9 years before leading the special needs ministry at Irving Bible Church in the Dallas, Texas area. She has held that role since 2012 – first as a volunteer, then part-time staff and now full-time.

And now for this week’s featured post!

All of my co-hosts on this link up are excellent writers, but I try not to feature them here (although I hope you visit each of their sites regularly). Sometimes, though, their words are too good not to share with you. Heather Hart of candidlychristian.com wrote about the most important part of the Christmas season (really any season) in How to Pray for the Unsaved at Christmas. Praying for and sharing the love of Jesus with those who don’t yet know Him lends others the hope we feel during Advent. And I think everyone could use this kind of hope. Always, and especially right now.

1. Share 1 or 2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. (No DIY, crafts, recipes, or inappropriate articles.) All links are randomly sorted.

2. Comment on 1 or 2 other links. Grace & Truth linkup encourages community.

3. Every host features one entry from the previous week. To be featured, include this button or link back here on your post (mandatory to be featured, but not to participate).

We encourage you to follow our hosts on their blogs or social media.

MAREE DEE – Embracing the Unexpected
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

HEATHER HART & VALERIE RIESE – Candidly Christian
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

LAUREN SPARKS
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

LISA BURGESS – Lisa notes
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Now Let’s Link Up!

Sharing is caring! If you liked this post, do me the huge honor of using the buttons below to share it to your favorite social media accounts. And if you want to get these essays emailed to you once a week, subscribe! Lastly, my posts may contain affiliate links and I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy anything from one of these links, I will receive a few pennies to help offset the cost of this website at no additional charge to you. Thank you in advance for your help.

To find some great places where I might be sharing this post, click here.