Tag: Jesus

Favorite Books of 2018
books · Uncategorized

Favorite Books of 2018

Jaycee3 Comments

Ah, the end of another year. It’s that time we reflect on all the highs and lows and realize how quickly time is passing. Do you make resolutions?

I can happily say that I do not. If I make any kind of resolution, it’s a sure fire way to ensure it will never, ever get done.

And since I’m not much in the mood for bare-your-guts self-reflection today, I’ll share instead something much lighter and a whole lot more fun. Of course, it’ll probably reveal plenty about me once I go into my reasons for choosing the items on this list!

My favorite reads of 2018

I’ll go ahead and admit right off the bat that I love romantic stories. I love mysteries, suspense, heavy-hitters, light and fluffy, comedies, whatever, so long as there’s a romantic element to it. I’ve always been like that. My favorite childhood stories were The Secret Garden and Anne of Green Gables. Gilbert Blythe set me on a path for the rest of my life of loving dark haired, dimple-cheeked heroes with a sideways smile full of mischief. How my handsome husband managed to knock me off my feet being a blonde, I can’t explain. But before him, I definitely had a type. It’s probably that mischievous grin, because he may be quiet around others, but the man is hilarious and sharp-witted and definitely full of mischief.

But I digress. Sorry. He’s just still, all these years later, pretty darn cute to me. Even without the dark hair and dimples.

Back to the books.

I am listing these in no particular order, and I will not repeat the descriptions because they’re easily found on Amazon and GoodReads. I’ll simply note why I loved it and let you click on it to see the other details. Also, I had to narrow down a really, really good book year to around ten, so chances are you haven’t heard of all of these. I love the greats like Becky Wade (who had two incredible books this year!), Rachel Hauck, and Terri Blackstock (If I Run series, my GOODNESS!), but I tend to prefer the indies, hybrids, and smaller press authors, so that’s who you’ll see here.

Fancy Pants by Cathy Marie Hake — There is only one historical era I really care to read about, and that’s the late 1800s in either Victorian England or the American Old West. This book perfectly pairs the two. I loved Sydney, her grit and determination to make it in a cowboy’s world as an English lady dressed in man’s garments. Much of the book is a comedy of errors as she tries to hide her true identity while dealing with more flak than she should have had to. Once everything comes out into the open, the real romance begins and we’re treated to a much deeper story as well.  This book is everything my pioneer heart loves!

When You Look at Me by Pepper Basham — This book makes me want to flash stern English teacher eyes and chastise anyone who dares suggest that Mr. Darcy is the ultimate English hero, because Henry makes Darcy look like a gloomy arse. I LOVED 2017’s Just the Way You Are. It’s fantastic and I highly recommend it if you haven’t read it yet. But this sequel? Oh, man. Julia was date raped and left pregnant, floundering through her healing but finding expression for her swinging emotions through music. Henry, an acclaimed composer who thinks in music, is the epitome of a good guy; the perfect book hero who seeks to connect to Julia in a meaningful way. Pepper Basham perfectly portrays the kinds of wounds a woman in Julia’s position would feel, including her fear and inability to handle being touched that wars with her desires. Henry is patient and understanding, even if a bit overeager at times. From start to finish, I have to say that Henry is officially at the top of my favorite book-heroes-ever list now.

A Change of Plans by Donna K. Weaver (no relation) — I had no idea this book would be so intriguing when I picked it up. The description was good, but I was pleasantly surprised by the emotional depth and the span of time it covered. I was shocked at some events, saddened by losses, and yet throughout there was hope that everything would fall into place. I found I couldn’t take not knowing, so this was one I had to flip toward the end to make sure there would be a happy ending. I was simply too emotionally invested in the characters halfway in and couldn’t bring myself to finish if it was going to turn out tragically.

Bookishly Ever After and Literarily for Keeps by Sarah Monzon — Last year’s The Esther Paradigm made my top reads of 2017 list and this year, she explored and conquered the novella world with these two titles. Both are charming and emotionally engaging with fully developed characters and plot lines in adorable little packages. Who can resist books with bookish heroines and laugh-out-loud moments? Not me!

Worth It by Jenn Faulk — Feminism and God’s view of women are dissected through the eyes of a powerful, almost obnoxious woman as she struggles to meet a challenge she’s issued for herself. Two academics form a deep, meaningful friendship that’s always held more just bubbling under the surface. Jenn Faulk deals with some incredibly tough topics, including abortion and gender identity, with grace and a positive, biblical worldview. She takes hot topic issues and breaks them down simply but beautifully without being condemning or judgy, simply reflecting God’s heart to love people and reach the lost and hurting. This is definitely a book that will force readers to think and analyze, but the romance and chemistry are fierce. I’ve always loved her books, but this was an unexpectedly powerful story I won’t soon forget.

Running from Monday by Lea Simms — I cannot recommend this book highly enough, y’all. It was hard–really hard–to read at times, because she doesn’t shy away from letting readers see the horrors Delaney experienced while growing up. In between some intense flashbacks (which may trigger some readers, but please don’t let that stop you from giving this a chance), Lea Simms tells the story of a woman completely and utterly lost and broken. Delaney’s journey is probably the most transformative story of any character I’ve ever read. We see her entire metamorphosis from icky, prickly caterpillar to chrysalis and then lush-winged butterfly as she comes to Christ in a powerful way and is forced to face her deepest wounds. I love that Lea Simms unabashedly deals with real life and true pain head-on, hiding none of the ugliness and yet thoroughly showing readers the definitive power of the Love of God.

Rooms by James L. Rubart — Now here’s a story that will appeal to men and women alike. Micah Taylor appears to have it all, but a single letter arrives and with it comes a tug-of-war for his soul. This story is rich with images, dreams, altered realities, and excellent characters. I can’t exactly put to words without giving away the story exactly why I loved this book, but I’m pretty sure I highlighted a serious chunk of it (see my GoodReads). This was easily one of the hardest books to put down once I picked it up. If you’re a Ted Dekker fan, you’ll love it.

Finding Evergreen by Jennifer Rodewald — Last year, one of my favorite books was a marriage romance, and this book is another excellent one. Jennifer Rodewald has a gift for wringing out readers’ emotions and leaving you raw. Here, the main characters married quickly, too immature to really handle their unrealistic expectations, lack of communication, and childhood issues. They spend most of the book fighting their resentment and some very negative feelings toward one another. Through it all, they are trying to be the best foster parents possible to an emotionally unstable girl. I loved how gritty and gripping the story was, all emotions laid bare for us to see as they work to decide whether it’s worth it to keep fighting for this marriage or simply give up.

Criss Cross series by CC Warrens — While this isn’t a romance, it deserves a mention on my top reads list for sure. I devoured all three books in the series and have been harping on Crystal all year to PLEASE write a fourth. Holly is one of those memorable characters who worms their way under your skin and won’t let go–she becomes a real person. That’s a very rare gift, I find, for someone who reads books once and then quickly forgets most of them. You can’t help but adore Holly for her love of marshmallows and her impulsive need to help others even if it means putting herself in danger. She has a long list of fears and quirks, all perfectly valid considering what she’s been through, but she finds herself repeatedly facing those fears when someone she cares about needs her. I will say that the books get more graphic by the third one, but through them all we clearly see that Christ is bigger and gives her strength to endure the evil that hunts her. And boy, does it hunt her. If you enjoy thrilling suspense and twisted villains, incredible characters, and quirky humor, you’ll love Holly Cross and her ragtag group of friends.

Chasing Someday by Crystal Walton — This is definitely a story that goes beyond a simple friends-to-more romance. Chasing Someday is funny, sweet, poignant, and packed with chemistry. I enjoyed it so much, especially Livy’s awkward klutziness and all of the interrupted “moments” between her and Chase! The Home in You series is absolutely beautiful, with complex characters and relationships, lighthearted humor, deeply moving emotions, and clean, romantic storylines that sweep you away to swoonyville! I have no idea why Crystal doesn’t receive more acclaim because truly, anyone who enjoys clean romance should be reading her books. They are SO GOOD.

Others to note — I mentioned Becky Wade, Rachel Hauck, and Terri Blackstock above. I read quite a few from each of them this year and it’s easy to see why they’re the Big Names on the Christian fiction scene. Also deserving of note are Denise Hunter and Courtney Walsh, who put out some great books this year as well. I can’t wait to see what 2019 holds! (Bethany Turner, I’m looking at you, lady!)

I’d love to hear your thoughts and see what books YOU’ve chosen for your top of 2018. Share in the comments or stop by and tell me on social media!

 

Bouncing Back!
about me · inspirational · Uncategorized

Bouncing Back!

Jaycee

It’s a good day. Why? I’m still alive and kicking, that’s why.

About a week ago now, I had major surgery. I knew it was coming, and I was mostly prepared for it. I’ll back up.

So last August, I had some severe abdominal pain that I wasn’t sure was appendicitis, gall bladder, ovarian cyst, or what. I had signs that it could be any of the above and it was the devil. Within a couple of weeks, though, I had some nice images of a lovely uterine nodule that was embedded in the too-thick lining of my too-big uterus as well as signs of pretty angry cysts in both ovaries. I was able to get into a specialist here in town (who I instantly adored) after a second round of ultrasounds showed the same thing, only better and worse in different ways. By round three, that pesky nodule had grown and looked cranky.

She recommended we take the uterus since I’ve been blessed with my three girls and we’ve been done having babies for a while. We made the plans, I dealt with the frequent pain from those cysts and nodule cycling through, well, my cycle, and protesting their frustrations loud and proud. Life goes on. I prepared best I could at home, getting the house spic and span like any neurotic recovering perfectionist would, making meals for the freezer that could be cooked later, teaching the kids how to do laundry and other things. The night before I made sure everyone understood the depth of my love. And that if the worst happened, they better remember never to bury me or have an open casket of any kind, ever, because I will come back and angry haunt them. Nuh uh, no way. They already knew that, of course, because I’ve made my opinion known on that lots of times. I’m kind of morbid like that.

And then, I spent most of the night before praying and reminding the Lord that while I love Him and look forward to being in glory, eternity can wait another 50 years, thank you very much. If that’s His will, of course. But seriously, Lord. Not til I’m 90 something, okay? A thousand years is but a day to Him and all that. These are the thoughts of a crazy lady trying not to let anxiety rule before the scariest surgery of her life. I’d put off processing my emotions really until that night like any good procrastinator does. (Side note, that’s what procrastination usually is–perfectionism delayed because we don’t want to face failure or fear or flaws.)

Anyway, my incredibly wonderful hubby and I go into the hospital while normal, sane people are still asleep and get checked in and prepped. My mom gets there and we’re joking around until I get one little dose of meds in the IV and wake up hours later sore and woozy. Weirdest experience ever, waking up somewhere else knowing your body’s been sliced and yanked and sewn up without your awareness. Surgery takes a whole lot of faith for a control freak.

So now it’s been almost a week. I’ve been mostly resting while trying not to command the troops too forcefully. They’re all amazing, by the way. Friends showing up with dinner, family helping care for and cart around the kids, and my immediate gang pitching in often and wonderfully.

It’s still not all smooth sailing, though. Bouncing back is hard work.

It’s hard to rest when you’re used to doing and doing. It’s hard to let others help you and shut your mouth because they’re not doing it your way, even when you realize expecting that is so rude and makes you sound like a controlling monster. It’s hard when your heart is grateful but your mind is frustrated that you only have the energy for a few minutes’ walk to the bathroom and to get water before you have to rest again. It’s hard when you know that everyone already has so much on their plates that you don’t want to add more, which is why you do everything you do in the first place. It’s hard when you can’t alleviate those burdens and need to be on the receiving end. It’s hard to express that you’re thankful for what everyone is doing but you’re a jumbled mess.

It’s hard when your body is just realizing that all of its normal hormone-balancing parts are gone and the job is left to one little lone ovary to figure herself out. It’s hard when the emotions start processing whether you want them to or not, and suddenly you’re crying buckets one minute and wanting to hit something the next, trying not to get hurt over stupid things, still needing to intervene when the kids are bickering, and yet wanting to crawl into a hole and sleep for days ALL IN THE SAME HOUR. It’s hard when every day feels different, physically and emotionally.

The good news is, it’s temporary. I’m still here and taking more steps forward than back. I’m learning new things everyday about myself, about my strengths and weaknesses. Realizing changes I need to make within myself to better serve my family like I’m supposed to be. Why is it we so easily become stuck in our ruts and routines and don’t realize the things we’ve let slide until there’s a major upheaval?

So I’m grateful I needed this procedure. Sure, there’s a lot of hard stuff to face and deal with afterward. Physically, emotionally, even spiritually. But it’s going to be so much better in the long run. There’s a lot to look forward to physically once I’ve healed, but it’s the emotional and spiritual journey that this has kickstarted I’m most looking forward to. I’m not yet all that I want to be, and God let me wake up afterward so that I can get there. He’s given me time and the desire to make things better and become who He’s made me to be. He’s reignited my eternal spark of hope that’s getting ready to burst into flame once more for Him, for His will in me, in my life, and in my family. For that, I’d go through all of the hard stuff a thousand times, and worse. Because like Romans 5:3-5 says:

“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”

It’s spring, and I’m alive. There is hope, for those who take the seasons of upheaval and persevere to learn something. I don’t want to miss my chance. So while there’s not a lot I can do right now as I recover physically, there’s a lot I can do inside (or rather, a lot Jesus can do in me). I’m not going to waste this season.

Come on, Jesus!

Hope and Glory
inspirational · Uncategorized

Hope and Glory

Jaycee

Hope. That’s the word that most often comes to mind when I think of how spring feels. But, even though flowers and eggs have replaced pumpkins and leaves in our decor, the need for thanksgiving hasn’t been replaced in my heart.

Today is Easter, a day that represents so much. And with all that it represents, all that it means, my heart is full of too much to find the right words to adequately express how I feel today. So I will give glory instead.

Glory to God for His care of me.

Glory to God for His care of my family.

Glory to God for inspiration, perseverance, and mercy.

Glory to God for miracles that still happen, big and small, seen and unseen.

Glory to God for grace unending. Grace that covers a multitude of shortcomings. Grace that gives new life and new hope and says that you’re never too far gone to make a course correction.

Glory to God for His Love. Love that said, “I can’t bear the thought of eternity without my people. I will make a way.” Love that looked within and said, “My Son will be that way. The way, the truth, the life.” Love that the built the bridge across the divide with a pure and humble life and set a living example for how to live freely and get along with others, even when they hate you for it. Love that was taunted, assaulted, and broken without fighting back. Love that was bloodied and brutalized and mocked. Love that then prayed His forgiveness for all of those things and all of the things hundreds of generations had yet to do as He wheezed His last breaths. Love that died on a cross in this world, defeated the devil in the next, and came back to this world on the Third Day. Love that could’ve said, “Ha! In yo’ FACE!” but said, “Check out my scars. I told you this would happen and that when all seemed lost I’d be back.” Love that sent His Spirit to stick around forever, so that though the devil still had the freedom to play and mess with the world, His Spirit would lift up believers and remind them they’re never alone and there’s still victory. That someday, He’d be more than just spirit again and we’d see His face and though bodies might die and journeys might not be easy, burdens might not be light, we come to Him and it’s better. Because Love conquers all. Love wins. Even when all seems lost, there is Hope on the Third Day because LOVE IS.

Glory to the One who called Himself I AM. Because He Is. And because God is Love, so Love Is. Before, during, after; a circle that never starts or stops. He just is, His love just is, and it’s yours if you only believe and call Him.

Glory to the One who calls me. Calls me His child, calls me to Him, calls me to live and breathe and do. Calls you.

There’s so much more I’d love to write, but that’s all I’ve got today. Be blessed. Love others. Snuggle a little closer to the One who loves you. His arms are open, ready, and waiting. You’ve never gone too far that you can’t come home again. You are loved. Never, ever lose hope. Because just like spring comes after the losses of fall and the dead of winter, a new season of life and love and beauty will come for you, too. There is always hope.

Connection isn’t just a buzz word.
about me · inspirational · Uncategorized

Connection isn’t just a buzz word.

Jaycee

Cue deep breath, followed by long sigh. Okay. I can write now.

So it’s been awhile, and I’m not the most faithful at blogging. Not that I have a ton of subscribers to impress anyway, nor is that my goal. So what is my goal, you ask? Easy. I just want to have a place to write and share a little of who I am.

In this crazy busy world of polarized opinion over-sharing and character counts, I’m looking for a little something more.

Connection. I think that’s ultimately what we all crave.

Our need for connection is woven into the very fiber of our existence. We seek connection within ourselves, the world around us, in relationships with other people, and especially spiritually. Connecting ourselves to new information, texts we read, things we hear, and pretty much every experience we have is actually a vital element to learning even from a young age. We feel positively about the things we connect with personally.

So. Connection. It’s one of those buzz words all over the place these days, as people begin to realize how we’ve allowed ourselves to become isolated. And we have done this.

We join social media, but become disheartened by the climate there or distracted and disillusioned by the highlights we see peeking in on others’ lives. Maybe we take the time now and then to connect in person. Maybe we don’t. We spend a little too much time inside working, living, doing. We’re busy. Some of us put ourselves out there over and over again and receive bupkiss in return. Or, if you’re like me, you make really great friends for a while and then–bam!–they move away. (So many times! I tell you, if you want to leave Albuquerque, let’s be friends. I try not to feel cursed.)

But I digress.

So many of the problems on the rise in our country could be resolved and prevented by this one simple concept of truly connecting. Think about it. Suicide rates, school shootings, racial tensions, the polarization of public opinions. Yes, there are extenuating factors making each issue more complex. But at the very heart of things, as we lose face-to-face connection with other people, as we focus more on ourselves, as we keep from doing the things we love and enjoy, spend more time indoors and less in nature, we lose more and more connections. The very connections that make us who we are as a person, but also as a people.

So how do we find connection when we have an infinite list of reasons to remain distracted, isolated, withdrawn, or in our little family bubble?

I find it’s easiest to start physically. I’ve recently gone back to practicing yoga, and my Christ honoring instructor pointed out how important it is we feel connected to the very ground under our feet. She wanted us to really feel the floor with our hands and feet while the rest of our bodies are twisting like pretzels. And guess what? It makes sense. That physical connection opened my heart back up to checking out the world around me, and looking for other broken connections.

When I look up and around, the first thing my eyes are always drawn to are the Sandia Mountains.

This isn’t even that great of a shot. But look at those pretty Watermelon Mountains (in case you wondered what Sandia means). Every time I look at them, I marvel at the way they never look the same. And I mean never. You could do a time-lapse over a year and it would be a crazy mix of colors, clarity, brightness, depth, and mystery. I could write an ode or sonnet about all the things I love about my mountains. As long as I can see them, I feel connected to my home. I come back to ABQ from a long trip, and as soon as I catch sight of them my heart wants to leap from its chest and sing, “I’m home! I’m home!” Sure, they’re small compared to the mountains further north or across the world, but they’re mine.

When I turn away from the mountains to face west, I catch an expanse of the most incredible sky in the world. Yes. I said that. New Mexico has incredibly blue skies, and the sunsets here are like nowhere else. Whenever I’m driving westward in the late afternoon, I feel like God has painted a spectacular work of art just for me. Just. For. Me. I don’t care how many people live here and see it. He did it for me, and you can’t tell me differently. Because connecting to the artistry and beauty of creation opens my heart and spirit to connect with God himself. And a spiritual connection is ultimately what we’re all created for in the first place. So get out there and connect to your world, your environment. Experience it. Put down the distractions more often and let your love for a place ground you and start healing those wounded places.

Once you’ve reset yourself again, you’re ready to get out there and make human connections again. And let’s face it. We all go through seasons of isolation and withdrawal. We get tired and frustrated and it’s easier to not put ourselves out there anymore to avoid the hurt. Or we become “too busy,” allowing our busy-ness to make us feel more important and significant. All that does is elevate us onto a different plane away from the very thing we need most, other people. Even you introverts out there. You need your people. Small, controlled doses with plenty of solo time after, but you need them, too. And you extroverted introverts (like me) who need to be surrounded by people, but it’s like pulling teeth to get you there past the dread and temptation to cancel. I see you, I know how you are. Suck it up, buttercup, and make a plan with somebody and stick to it. You need it.

I won’t go on about all the ways we can foster our interpersonal connections because what each of us needs varies greatly from person to person. I just want to encourage you to find a small way to actually do it. Start with your little world around you. Throw yourself back into something that you love, or pursue that person you’ve lost touch with. Reconnect with your faith, even if it’s just a quick prayer of “Hey, God, I’m still here. Sorry I’ve ignored you lately.”

Make one connection today, and maybe another one tomorrow.

If we all just got outside ourselves for a minute, think of the good we could do in this world.