September Recap
September has gone by so quickly. It has been full of checking things off my to-do list (that have been on there far too long), celebrating Jackson’s 25th birthday, and listening for the whisperings of fall. It has been a month filled with a lot of dreaming, questions, and simmering life down to the truth of what matters.
It is easy to get lost nowadays. The fall feels like a slower, quieter life. With each year that passes, the more that is what I am about.
So, if you have been around for a while now, you know how this goes. Here are some of the things I have been reading, watching, listening to, and doing as summer fades into fall.
Reading
I feel like fall is the quintessential reading time. Of course, summer is great for a beach read. But to me, fall is when reading becomes an everyday activity, when the sun sets early and the night is cold.
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn - I LOVED this book! It was a bit of a long one, but I still read it so quickly. It has everything from romance to history to friendship to mystery. The story is set during WWII at Bletchley Park, which was the center of Allied code-breaking during the war. I feel like this will end up being one of my favorite reads of the year. I am ready to read some more historical fiction now!
When in Rome by Sarah Adams - This book feels just like a Hallmark movie but less cheesy. It details the most charming romance between a pie shop owner and a pop star. Set in a small town, you will meet amazing characters, and the book is a closed door romance so there is little to no spice! Sarah Adams’ other books are definitely on my reading list now!
Liveliness List newsletter - Obviously I love newsletters because I started my own, but I love reading other peoples’ as well! I absolutely love the way Caroline writes the Liveliness List, and I find the thoughts she shares so relatable. The quote below is something she posted this morning that really resonated with me. I hope you check her out!
Watching
Virgin River on Netflix - Virgin River is one of my favorite more recent shows. It is set in a small town in Northern California, but much of the filming actually took place in British Columbia in Canada. The nature and locations are stunning! Season five came out at the beginning of the month, and I finished it within a week.
Brynley Joyner: 72 hour fast - Brynley is a you-tuber who I love to watch, but this video in particular is one that has really stuck with me! Her and her husband show their personal experience completing a 72-hour fast and also share the science of why this particular fast is beneficial for your health. The short and simple version is that when your body is not digesting food, it can work on repairing and tending to other things in your body that need attention. This is called cellular autophagy. I love learning about the human body, so this was fascinating to me. I will definitely be looking more into this!
From Cleveland Clinic: Autophagy is your body's cellular recycling system. It allows a cell to disassemble its junk parts and repurpose the salvageable bits and pieces into new, usable cell parts. A cell can discard the parts it doesn't need. Autophagy is also quality control for your cells.
Listening
Red (Taylor’s Version) by Taylor Swift - To me, this is Taylor Swift’s fall album. It has definitely been playing in my car a lot this month.
That’s the Point Podcast - Kristin Johns was the first you-tuber I ever watched and just last week, she and one of her best friends launched a podcast! There is only one episode out right now, but I already know it will be one of my favorites. They described the vibes as cozy conversation with a friend, which is typically the kind of podcast I listen to. I can’t wait for more episodes!
More Than Able by Elevation Worship - If you have not heard this worship song, go check it out.
Doing
Unlike my past editions, I do not feel like I have anything specific I have been doing this month. BUT I feel like I do have a general mindset I have shifted into so far this season. The mindset I have cultivated I feel is one of paradoxes.
I have been slowing down but also trying to live more life in the present - which sometimes means you actually do more.
I have been trying to focus on what truly matters which turns into not taking life too seriously.
I have been seeking out the quiet but also allowing myself to be okay with the noise.
I have been thinking maybe God is just being silent right now but then hearing & seeing him everywhere.
I guess what I have been doing is reflecting and examining. Fall seems like the perfect time.
Quote
“Who am I to deny what the Lord can do?”
This is a lyric from More Than Able. This line has been resurfacing constantly in my head, and I could write a whole newsletter on what this means to me and how it describes my faith. But for now, I will keep it short and sweet.
I am not God. My human brain cannot understand God. Therefore, I should not place limits on God’s ability in my own life or in the lives of others.
Thank you so much for reading! I hope you have had a lovely September and are looking forward to the fall months ahead. Talk to you next Monday.
Take care,
Caroline