Favorite Reads from 2019

I read a bunch of books this year. Some of the books I read were rereads. Some were books that were new to me. Here are my favorites from this year.

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
This is one of two memoirs that really stuck with me this year. I loved learning more about Malala's life and her dedication to pursuing her education.

Belonging by Nora Krug
In this memoir, Nora wrestles with what it means to be German and how to honor one's homeland and heritage.

Dark Tide by Stephen Puleo
I loved this well-written read about a molasses (!) flood and not just the history behind the event, but the lasting ramifications of it as well.

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Such a good read. If you haven't read it yet, go read it!

The Six by K. B. Hoyle
I really enjoyed not just this book by K. B. Hoyle, but the entire series. A really fun young adult read!

A Bitter Feast by Deborah Crombie
I've now read all the books Deborah Crombie has written. This one was another great read!


Any books you read in 2019 that you recommend? I'd love to hear your recommendations.

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The Light of Christmas Morn

The blasts of chill December sound
The farewell of the year,
And night’s swift shadows gathering round
O’ercloud the soul with fear;
But rest you well, good Christian men,
Nor be of heart forlorn;
December’s darkness brings again
The Light of Christmas morn.

The welcome snow at Christmastide
Falls shining from the skies:
On village paths and uplands wide
All holy-white it lies;
It crowns with pearl the oaks and pines,
And glitters on the thorn;
But purer is the Light that shines
On gladsome Christmas morn.

At Christmastide the gracious moon
Keeps vigil while we sleep,
And sheds abroad her light’s sweet boon,
On vale and mountain-steep;
O’er all the slumbering land descends
Her radiancy unshorn;
But brighter is the light, good friends,
That shines on Christmas morn.

’Twas when the world was waxing old,
And night on Bethlehem lay,
The shepherds saw the heavens unfold
A light beyond the day;
Such glory ne’er had visited
A world with sin outworn;
But yet more glorious Light is shed
On happy Christmas morn.

Those shepherds poor, how blest were they
The angels’ song to hear!
In manger cradle as He lay,
To greet their Lord so dear!
The Lord of Heaven’s eternal height
For us a Child was born;
And He, the very Light of light,
Shone forth that Christmas morn!

Before His infant smile afar,
Were driven the hosts of hell;
And still in souls that childlike are
His guardian love shall dwell:
O then rejoice, good Christian men,
Nor be of heart forlorn;
December’s darkness brings again
The light of Christmas morn.

The Light of Christmas Morn by Norvad Clyne

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There is Faint Music

There is faint music in the night
and pale wings fanned by silver flight.
A frosty hill with tender glow
of countless stars that shine on snow.

A shelter from the winter storm,
a straw-lined manger safe and warm,
and Mary singing lullabies
to hush her baby's sleepy sighs.

Her eyes are fixed upon his face,
unheeded here is time and space.
Her heart is filled with blinding joy
for God's own son, her baby boy.

There is Faint Music by Nancy Buckley

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The Wise Men

Once a star rose in the sky,
Silver star of mystery,
But the wise men, pondering, knew
What it said that they must do.

So, in that first Christmastide,
On their camels they did ride—
Rode to far Jerusalem,
Rode to farther Bethlehem;

Found the little, precious child,
On the ground before Him piled
Gold and frankincense and myrrh;
Hailed Him Royal Conqueror.

Once again, led by a Star,
Do we come from near and far,
Drawn by Love’s beloved cords,
Hail our Savior, Lord of lords.

And as holy seraphim
Veil their faces, worship Him,
Pray we now this Christmas grace—
Reverence as we seek His Face.

The Wise Men by Amy Carmichael

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30-Day Giving Challenge 2019 - Week 5

"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought;
and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder."
- G.K. Chesterton

I am thankful this year to be able to take time to focus on being grateful. I'm also enjoying being able to purposefully focus on giving to others. Here are some of the opportunities I had this past week.

Tuesday - volunteered at a local library
Wednesday - donated to the Salvation Army
Thursday - donated to Read Indeed
Friday - donated to Book Aid International
Saturday - donated to a hospital in Togo

I've enjoyed taking extra time during November to focus on others. I'm thankful for the opportunities I've had to hopefully make someone's day just a little brighter. As we move into December may you know the joy that this season brings.

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