~*~*~*~*~What I’m Reading Now~*~*~*~*~
Current Fiction:
For a long time, I was hearing “You’ve got to read Charles Martin!” So, last year I did. This is the third in his Murphy Shepherd series. Just as I finished the second, The Letter Keeper, this one hit my mail box. Instead of the break from all the intensity I knew I needed, I dove in. This man definitely knows how to run your heart through the ringer.
Fortunately, he also knows how to offer hope.
As I immerse myself into a dark world of human trafficking and unspeakable, perverse activities–none of which are explicit in the book, but you definitely get the gist–I’m ready to reach that hope part.
Current Nonfiction:
Last year I tried including more nonfiction in my TBR list, and I picked up this one in late December. I was drawn to the subtitle: “How to Stand Strong in a World Turned Upside Down.” Considering the fact that I sincerely believe the world has turned upside down, I thought that’s what the book would be about. Living in this crazy world and leading with my faith.
Well, that’s not quite what it’s about, and I’m a little disappointed. But it’s not bad–it’s about when your personal world goes all topsy-turvy. So, basically, I’m reading this about three years too late. My own years of personal insanity ended in 2023. Still, the information is wonderful for those I know who are going through rough times right now, and the book supplies me with advice (if needed) and words of encouragement. Though this isn’t what I expected, it’s definitely a worthwhile read.
This Year’s Study Bible:
I love this primarily because a Messianic Jew wrote it, but it’s difficult to read primarily because a Messianic Jew wrote it.
David H. Stern’s intent is to remind Christians of the Jewish roots of their faith. The notes he provides about Jewish law and traditions are always wonderful, often touching, and usually eye-opening. There are so many Aha! moments in which I reach new understanding of Jesus and His heritage. It’s an enrichening experience.
On the flip-side, his intent to keep all things Jewish means that the names of both the books of the Bible and many of the people in it are their transliterated Hebrew names. When reading the Old Testament, that can be a bit cumbersome. He uses many Hebrew words and phrases also, some I love and can remember, and some I love but still have to look up their meaning.
All that being said, this is my second year trying to finish this. I love it, and I’m not sorry, but it’s wreaked havoc on my “finish the Bible in a year” challenge!
Books read in 2025
A total of 21 books–not bad!