April and Most of May

Better Late Than Never

Books

Kristin Lavransdatter

I think about this book every day. It has caused me to question the nature of bitterness and willful unrepentance. It has caused me to consider the nature of womanly sanctification. Most importantly, it has left me fearful (rightly so) of holding self-knowledge and unrepentance together.

There’s so much in this book about what it means to be a woman. And so much about what it means to be a redeemed sinner. The story arc calls to mind John Newton’s quote - “I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.”

Kristin Lavransdatter is a wonderful story, full of so much redemption. Please read it. My husband is reading it this summer because I simply cannot shut up about it. Everything feels tied to this book now.

East of Eden

My second read. It feels larger than life this reread. Almost mythic. The great American novel? The great American myth? This book is also close to my heart for Steinbeck’s descriptions of California - my first home.

‘I said that word carried a man’s greatness if he wanted to take advantage of it.’

‘I remember Sam Hamilton felt good about it.’

‘It set him free,’ said Lee. ‘It gave him the right to be a man, separate from every other man.’

‘That’s lonely.’

‘All great and precious things are lonely.’

‘What is the word again?’

‘Timshel - thou mayest.’

*sobs*

I Cheerfully Refuse

Enjoyable but not my favorite. Many characters were thrust upon the reader at the end of the book with very little development. While the ending was momentous, I found it difficult to care. This also just wasn’t my flavor of book. And I think that’s okay to say. Here is a good bit, though, on the importance of the written word:

“Words are one way we leave tracks in the world, Sol. Maybe one day you will write a book, like Olaus did, or Molly Thorn. And people will read it, like I’ve been reading to you. And they will know that you were here, and a little about what you were like.”

Sol’s face remained far away. Her cheeks were white and hollow, but her eyes shone a bit, I was fairly sure.

Pondering On

• Most of May and April were spent in a one-bedroom apartment full of boxes. Perhaps spaces influence me too much. But it was hard to sit with the pictures, utensils, and books that made up our first year of marriage all disorganized and put away. So much happened in that little space. We brought our first baby home there. Had our first arguments there. Went on many a walk, ate many a good meal, and drank many a good cappuccino there. I’ll miss it. Nothing speaks more starkly to the close of a season like leaving a home.

• I’ve been thinking about biblical womanhood more. (I know, I know, so is the rest of the internet.) Especially in relation to fertility. I’m firmly against most contraceptives but I’m trying to inform my own opinion more as I know it’s unpopular. I want to have a robust rebuttal. In light of that, I’m planning on reading Begotten or Made by Oliver O’Donovan and Hannah’s Children by Catharine Pakaluk.

• Moving has made me think about beauty and homemaking more. I’m in the thick of trying to finish my degree… but I’ve got so many projects in mind for our little apartment. Pinterest and I are pretty tight right now. But I also got a book from the library on hygge that I’m excited to get into.

• Grateful for and proud of my husband who finished his first year of teaching in the midst of seminary and the birth of our first daughter. He has grown so much.

  

Baby Stuff

I’m not pregnant again but after my daughter was born I wondered if anything could be as awe-inducing as the first pregnancy. The second surely couldn’t be as exciting. But as I watch her grow I’m of a different opinion. I’m sure it’s more amazing with each pregnancy. Watching your littles, knowing that the one inside will be like them one day too. Eating dirt, smiling, asking questions that lead to adulthood… I love being a mom.

Our girl is now mobile and she is everywhere. She has more joy and enthusiasm than anyone I have met before. She fast crawls around the house with the biggest gummy grin on her face. She pulls books and picture frames off the coffee table and is interested in everything except her toys. She finds me in the kitchen and climbs on my legs, scream-singing. She joins in with her own coos during worship at church. She loves bread and butter, beef, and berries. She has the brightest eyes. I pray every day that her joy will never leave her but only grow as she grows in Christ. We love our Addy girl.

We took her to the aquarium this week and in true Addy fashion, she was more interested in the rocks surrounding the exhibits than the fish. She did, however, enjoy the jellyfish.

Oh! She was also dedicated this month - which was a sweet and encouraging experience. We love our church.

Recipes

Had a brief run-in with Sam’s Club after moving and quickly decided that bulk was not better. Especially when the experience reminded me of driving on the 91 freeway in SoCal. I believe sweat was involved. No thanks. My Walmart/Fresh Market/Publix run is firmly established. (Trader Joe’s… Costco… if you’re listening please expand your presence in the South East. I miss you. - Sincerely a west coaster in the South.)

Speaking of routines my sourdough sandwich loaf routine is strong.

My dinner routine, however, has not been strong so we have had many a breakfast for dinner night. In light of that here is my favorite sourdough waffle recipe. And also a chocolate ice cream recipe that I added some cinnamon to (which was a stellar idea).

• Best Sourdough Waffles

• Old Fashioned Homemade Chocolate Icecream

That’s all folks. Tell me what you are reading/cooking/thinking on!