Fresh Air for Your Friday

As you wave farewell to another week and usher in another weekend, may you receive special encouragement that speaks to your particular circumstances and your unique life. May you be gifted with the presence of others who build you up in such powerful ways you can’t help but nod in belief. And may you know that Christ offers you the sincerest of invitations to dwell in him because he loves you and loves to be with you.

What I’m Reading (And My Family Is Reading):

Jack Staples and the Ring of Time by Mark Batterson and Joel N. Clark. I was gifted with a copy of Jack Staples and the Ring of Time, a book geared toward tweens, earlier this year. Over spring break, my teen son saw it on my bookshelf, thought it looked interesting and picked it up. He read the whole thing in just a couple days and was kind enough to give me an official review of the book:

“Jack Staples and the Ring of Time is an entertaining book with entertaining characters and a compelling storyline. While some such characters were kind and lovable, others were quite the opposite – but were still interesting. Also, the storyline is a masterful work, and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The story stayed entertaining throughout, and is definitely worth a read!”  ~ Ethan, age 15

So if you have tweens or younger-ish teens, the Jack Staples series (Yes! There’s more than one!) would be an age appropriate and exciting series to consider. Read more about it here and find it wherever books are sold.

For Girls Like You: A Devotional for Tweens by Wynter Pitts. My daughter and I began reading this together at bedtime just a few days ago. It’s the perfect bedtime devo because it’s short but substantial and talks about issues relevant to tween girls today. Wynter kindly sent me this book, and I am thrilled to let it be a part of our evening routine. You can read more about For Girls Like You here (including Priscilla Shirer’s endorsement!) and find it wherever books are sold.

(photo credit)

What I’m Buying:

A few weeks ago I came across this post by Kristen Welch of We Are THAT Family in which she told the story of these handmade clutches. I am not a big impulse buyer, but when I read the story–that the clutches were made by former Muslim women and smuggled out of a Middle Eastern country–I bought one on the spot. Mine looks exactly like the middle one pictured above, and I love it. Not only is it beautiful, but it helps support a Christian woman who lives where it could be dangerous to follow Christ.  While these snazzy clutches are sold out, you can still find other wares just as beautiful and also support women living in desperate situations.

This clutch was a part of Fair Trade Friday, a monthly membership club that delivers a box of beautiful handmade items to your door. Also available are one-time boxes that you can purchase so you can check it out or give to someone as a gift. Fair Trade Friday is associated with Mercy House Kenya, and all their products are fairly traded and purchased directly from the artisans, who are paid fairly. Click here to view fair trade items from jewelry to handbags to scarves.

What I’m Doing:

I just turned in the last last of the last book edits. Insert flitty butterflies and happy dancing all at once!

Also, my blog just got a little sprucing up! Not a total makeover, mind you, just a new haircut. I hope you like the changes, because I sure do. And many thanks to my favorite web design gal Erin for making them happen.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, friends. Much love to you!

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