What I'm Reading: February Recap

Welcome to my February reading recap! I did manage to get in more physical books this time, but I’m also sort of panicking because I’m not getting as far in my list of titles as I’d like. Maybe I can blame it on the fact that February is a short month.

I also became disturbingly aware that part of the reason I listen to so many audiobooks is because that’s where I look first for books that are recommended to me rather than just getting a physical copy. I do have a valid reason, though, I think. Audible books don’t take up space, and I’ve been trying to downsize my book collection some in the last several years and get rid of the ones I don’t love. Not sure how that project is actually going. Still, I also know science shows you don’t comprehend books as well when you just listen to them, so I’m a bit uncertain how to balance all these little bits and pieces into something that’s realistic for me.

Definitely two overwhelming favorites this month—you should be able to tell pretty easily which ones!

 

	$	$$	$$$	$$$$	$$$$$
Recommend-ability	I highly recommend not reading this book.	Don't bother.	You might enjoy it.	Would definitely recommend	Absolutely loved it. I will likely recommend to every person I talk to for the next month.
Writing Style	Extremely poor	Well, they know how to spell and what a period is.	Average. Just… Average.	Good job. I might be a little envious of their way with words.	I stand amazed.
Likelihood of Reading Again	Are you kidding? I lost enough brain cells the first time.	Nope.	Maybe, but doubtful.	Probably will read again.	I will definitely re-read. Way too many things I found fascinating.
Thought-Provoking	What thoughts?	I think there was a thought somewhere.	Sort of basic thoughts, but accurate.	Some lingering thoughts. That's a good sign.	So much to think about. My brain is on fire!
Subject Matter of General Interest	There should not have been ink and paper wasted on this book. I now understand tree-huggers.	Not my style, personally, but might be interesting to someone of a different temperament.	Interesting, but may be specific to my personal tastes.	Fun things to think about. May be quotable. Likely to appeal to a variety of personalities.	Positively fascinating. I will be quoting this for years. Absolutely everyone should read this book.

 

A Secret History of Brands
By Matt McNabb
History, Trivia, Marketing; 160 pages, 6 hrs. 22 minutes
Audible
 
Have I read it before?
No.
 
How did I find it?
Audible recommendation; I have about a 50% success rate on those, but I continue to try the ones that are free, and occasionally spend credits on ones that look exceptional.
 
What is it about?
A Secret History of Brands is full of random information about things from the brands’ pasts that most would not like to talk about today. Some of the brands included are Coca-Cola, Ford, Adidas and Puma, Bayer, and Winchester. Almost all of the dark secrets refer to things that happened during World War II. Some of them I was slightly aware of, but didn’t realize how deep the involvement went. Ford was a particular disappointment in this respect. I mean, there was an actual thug going around beating up employees. I did appreciate the author’s clear message that the terrible things these brands had been involved in had no bearing on the current values of the brand.
 
Any warnings?
Yes. I skipped one chapter and maybe part of another.
 
What’s a quote?
Oops. I didn’t grab one. Maybe there wasn’t one.
 
Recommendability: $$$
Writing Style: $$$
Likelihood of Reading Again: $$$
Thought Provoking: $$$
Subject Matter of General Interest: $$$
 
 
Atomic Habits
By James Clear
Personal Development; 254 pages, 5 hrs. 35 minutes (on Audible)
Physical Copy
 
Have I read it before?
It’s been on my bookshelf for several years, but no.
 
How did I find it?
Maybe 6 or 7 years ago I started hearing this book mentioned occasionally and it was given glowing reviews. Shopping at a small-town bookstore with some friends, I saw it on the shelf and decided to buy it. I figured it looked like something I probably needed in my life, but I didn’t necessarily want any more hard work at the moment, so it just sat.
 
What is it about?
This book breaks down habits in about every way you can think of. Why and how we form them and step by step instructions on how to change them. I love that it makes breaking old habits and creating new habits feel possible. I also love that pretty much every chapter started out with an illustration story. I feel that the habits we build have an impact on our Christian lives. This book provides good reminders on why being aware of our choices is an important component to succeeding.
 
Any warnings?
Yes, actually. Be aware that once you read this book, you will no longer feel helpless to change some of your habits. Instead, you will bear a responsibility you may wish you didn’t.
 
What’s a quote?
So many quotes for this one.
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
“When a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good measure.”
“Keep your identity small.”
 
Recommendability: $$$$$
Writing Style: $$$$
Likelihood of Reading Again: $$$$$
Thought Provoking: $$$$$
Subject Matter of General Interest: $$$$$
 
 
Andrew Jackson and the Miracle of New Orleans
By Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger
Nonfiction, Historical; 270 pages, 5 hrs. 45 min. (on Audible)
Physical Copy
 
Have I read it before?
No. Several years ago I was with my family in Galveston. We watched a little historical film that mentioned the Lafitte brothers, commonly thought of as pirates or privateers, depending on your viewpoint. Somewhere in there, it mentioned their involvement in the Battle of New Orleans. I found this intriguing, and as I read bits and pieces about the Lafittes, I’ve also become more aware of how fascinating the entire battle was.
 
How did I find it?
A happy chance discovery! I was at the local library book sale and this beautiful, hardback copy caught my eye. It looked brand new. When I saw the subject matter, I knew I’d capitulate to the purchase.
 
What is it about?
The title is a good description. I enjoyed the amount of quotations taken from both British and American sources. There are also a number of small maps throughout the book, which are very helpful in understanding positions. The book briefly mentions Jackson’s childhood and entrance into politics. Also mentioned are battles in Pensacola and Mobile. I never realized how ill Jackson was throughout the New Orleans campaign. I’ve been mostly familiar with the side of Jackson seen during and after his presidency, in which he sometimes seemed a bit unstable or unhinged. This book gave a completely different perspective of him as a trusted leader, an instinctual warrior, and almost fatherly to the soldiers under his command.
 
Any warnings?
Not really. I mean, yes, it’s a battle, but I don’t like things that are too gruesome, and this didn’t even make me cringe except maybe once or twice.
 
What’s a quote?
Here are a couple:
“Say to the ladies,” Jackson instructed an aide, “not to be uneasy. No British soldier shall enter the city as an enemy, unless over my dead body.”
“The British, confident that the people of New Orleans were too newly American to have any sense of patriotism, were sure they would divide and conquer.”
 
Recommendability: $$$$
Writing Style: $$$$
Likelihood of Reading Again: $$$$
Thought Provoking: $$$$
Subject Matter of General Interest: $$$
 
 
The Reluctant Dragon
By Kenneth Grahame
Children’s Fantasy; 59 pages, 53 minutes (on Audible)
Physical Copy
 
Have I read it before?
No, brand new to me, though it’s been around for about 90 years, apparently. It took maybe 20 minutes to read to myself.
 
How did I find it?
Discovered at a thrift store.
 
What is it about?
The Reluctant Dragon is a very cute story about a boy who befriends a dragon. The townspeople assume that because the dragon is a dragon, he is a bad dragon and call St. George out to slay him. In a twist of events, the boy convinces St. George to come up to the mountains and meet the dragon in person. When St. George discovers the dragon has an artistic soul and loves sonnets, he realizes how silly the townspeople have been. My childish side thought it was a funny little story, while my grown-up side thought the townspeople accurately portrayed human nature.
 
Any warnings?
No. Unless you don’t like stories about dragons and such, in which case you have already received a warning by reading the title.
 
Fun fact, though: This book is available on Audible in Catalan, Chinese, French, Italian, and Spanish besides English. If you’re studying any of those languages, it might be a random way to practice. Plus, it is currently free on Audible as well.
 
What’s a quote?
“Haven’t got an enemy in the world,” said the dragon, cheerfully, “Too lazy to make ‘em, to begin with. And if I ever do read other fellows my poetry, I’m always ready to listen to theirs!”
 
Recommendability: $$$
Writing Style: $$$$
Likelihood of Reading Again: $$$$
Thought Provoking: $$$
Subject Matter of General Interest: $$$
 
 
Dinner With King Tut
By Sam Kean
Archeology; 464 pages, 15 hrs. 53 min.
Audible
 
Have I read it before?
Nope.
 
How did I find it?
Another Audible recommendation; how could I say no to archeology? For sure to a book with Tut in the title?
 
What is it about?
Dinner With King Tut is a series of experiments in archeology interspersed with fictionalized accounts of life in ancient times. The stories happen in places such as Turkey, Egypt, Polynesia, Viking Europe, Northern Alaska, and Mexico. The author takes you along on his adventures learning old methods of mummification, tattooing, cooking, medicines and surgeries, poisoned arrows, trebuchets, cannons, and games. I found the activities absolutely fascinating. Would I want to do them myself? No. But I’m sure glad someone else did.
 
Any warnings?
Sadly, yes. Read with caution. There were a few things I skipped, mostly in the fictionalized sections. Also, there was far too much death and dying in my opinion in those same fictional parts. I mean, sure, the author wanted to add drama, but must we continually kill people off in order to do so? And of course there is reference to the earth being tens of thousands of years old.
 
What’s a quote?
“There’s indirect evidence that humans have been using poison arrows for tens of thousands of years: archeologists have found arrows in Africa so slender that, unless they were used to hunt butterflies or something, they simply would not have been effective without poison.”
 
Recommendability: $$$
Writing Style: $$$$
Likelihood of Reading Again: $$$$
Thought Provoking: $$$$
Subject Matter of General Interest: $$$
 
 
The History of Chocolate
By Sam Bilton
History; 3 hrs. 31 min., Not available as physical copy
Audible
 
Have I read it before?
No.
 
How did I find it?
Audible recommendation. This is from Audible’s Great Courses, and I’ve enjoyed quite a few others from that series. Plus, I love chocolate.
 
What is it about?
This book takes you back to the origins of chocolate in the Mayan culture. It follows the winding path of both taste and cultural importance to the present. You will learn many interesting facts. For example, cacao beans were once used as a form of currency. Chocolate was mostly served as a drink and was often part of ceremony. And there was once a woman who made special chocolate products with poison added for unhappy wives to feed their husbands. You will also learn how the chocolate candies we know today were developed, why chocolate is the romantic candy of choice at Valentines, and become familiar with what innovations have helped some of the world’s top chocolate brands become the businesses they are today.
 
Any warnings?
Honestly there were a couple of little things that I thought, “Oh, do I need to warn about that?” but I can’t remember what they were any more. So there might be a few things, but nothing too major.
 
What’s a quote?
I do believe there was probably a quote somewhere, but I wasn’t able to stop listening and take one down, so you’ll have to do without.
 
Recommendability: $$$
Writing Style: $$$$
Likelihood of Reading Again: $$$$
Thought Provoking: $$$$
Subject Matter of General Interest: $$$
 
 
And that’s the end of my list for the month. I hope you are inspired to read at least one of these titles after which we can get together and discuss all our thoughts about it.
 
As always, leave recommendations in the comments or send them to me personally. I can’t promise when or if I’ll get around to them, but they’ll definitely go on The List. And I’ve already been recommended Martyr’s Mirror, which is the only book of that length currently waiting, so if you are considering sending me something of similar length, maybe hold off on that idea.

What I'm Reading: January Recap

I’m always enthused about books. I read a couple of lists other people wrote of books they read throughout 2025, and I started wondering what my actual reading history would look like. The obvious answer was to keep track, so here is the first step in that effort. I plan to post a monthly update on what I’m reading. I will count the book in whatever month I read (or listened) to most of it. Some books I may have read before.
 
I notice this month leans heavily toward Audible books. This is partly due to the fact I was working on a project that was fairly brainless for a while, so I had lots of time to listen. I also noticed this month's reading was mostly nonfiction. Although not included, I have been working through a bunch of proofreading for the school library and have a couple other physical books beside my chair as well. That doesn’t count The Messenger, the German books I’m slowly struggling with, paragraph by paragraph, or the other random things I read.
 
I do not plan to apologize for my eccentric taste in books. I never know what to say when people ask me for book recommendations, because I feel like my interests are a little different than many of my friends. That being said, I enjoy a wide variety of book types—Everything from The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion to Lord of the Rings to Sherlock Holmes to the Killing series by Bill O’Reilly to books of poetry. I am well acquainted with Elizabeth Bennet, Anne of Green Gables,  Jeeves and Bertie Wooster, Mrs. Pollifax, and Hercule Poirot. This is basically just to warn you of the possible unpredictability of what I might read.
 
What is a list of books without some type of recommendation attached? I’ve decided on system using dollar signs instead of stars, because one needs to know if books are worth the time and money, and time is money, right? At least, that’s what they say. Hopefully the following chart will help you sort out my opinions on what I’m consuming. And so, without further ado, may I present the January list of What I’m Reading.
 
 

	$	$$	$$$	$$$$	$$$$$
Recommend-ability	I highly recommend not reading this book.	Don't bother.	You might enjoy it.	Would definitely recommend	Absolutely loved it. I will likely recommend to every person I talk to for the next month.
Writing Style	Extremely poor	Well, they know how to spell and what a period is.	Average. Just… Average.	Good job. I might be a little envious of their way with words.	I stand amazed.
Likelihood of Reading Again	Are you kidding? I lost enough brain cells the first time.	Nope.	Maybe, but doubtful.	Probably will read again.	I will definitely re-read. Way too many things I found fascinating.
Thought-Provoking	What thoughts?	I think there was a thought somewhere.	Sort of basic thoughts, but accurate.	Some lingering thoughts. That's a good sign.	So much to think about. My brain is on fire!
Subject Matter of General Interest	There should not have been ink and paper wasted on this book. I now understand tree-huggers.	Not my style, personally, but might be interesting to someone of a different temperament.	Interesting, but may be specific to my personal tastes.	Fun things to think about. May be quotable. Likely to appeal to a variety of personalities.	Positively fascinating. I will be quoting this for years. Absolutely everyone should read this book.

 
 
The Knight in the Rusty Armor
By Robert Fisher
Allegory; 74 pages
Physical copy
 
Have I read it before?
Yes. Many times.
 
How did I find it?
OK, this is actually a random story. Years ago, I purchased a couple boxes of what were supposed to be children’s books, sight unseen, from the Oklahoma City Booksale. They were cheap, and I love surprises. One box was most definitely not children’s books. Apparently, it had been accidentally mis-labeled. I think I threw away everything in the box except this one book.
 
What is it about?
This is one of my favorite allegories. It tells the story of a knight who becomes stuck inside his armor of pretense and fails to even know the truth of who he really is. There is a lot of food for thought about being vulnerable, learning to be comfortable in silence, and real honesty with yourself. It is more lighthearted than many allegories. You might find yourself smiling at places.
 
Any warnings?
One thing I noticed reading it this time, was how humanistic the story really is. I think many times when I’ve read it, I sort of just inserted my own thoughts, like, “Of course that’s true, when God is involved.” But the book doesn’t actually say that. I think there is still a lot of food for thought, however.
 
What’s a quote?
“Look,” Sam replied, “if you face the dragon, there’s a chance it will destroy you. But if you don’t face it, it will surely destroy you.”
 
Recommendability: $$$$
Writing Style: $$$
Likelihood of Reading Again: $$$$$
Thought Provoking: $$$$
Subject Matter of General Interest: $$$$
 
 
Unreasonable Hospitality
By Will Guidara
Memoir, Leadership; 288 pages, 8hrs. 37 minutes
Audible
 
Have I read it before?
No.
 
How did I find it?
This book was discussed over Thanksgiving dinner! I added it to my Audible Wishlist so I could remember the title.
 
What is it about?
Will Guidara tells about commitment to serving others, particularly in the restaurant industry and specifically in the capacity of fine dining. The books contains some insightful tidbits, and I enjoyed the peek into what affluence really means in eating out, though I have no desire to experience it for myself. One outstanding moment is when a server hears a family visiting the U.S. talk about their desire to go sledding. They round up sleds and help the family’s wish come true. Generally included with your service when dining out? Absolutely not!
 
Any warnings?
None.
 
What’s a quote?
“If you let your ego get in the way of asking for what you need, you’re going to let the whole team down.”
 
Recommendability: $$$$
Writing Style: $$$
Likelihood of Reading Again: $$$$
Thought Provoking: $$$$
Subject Matter of General Interest: $$$$
 
 
Edison’s Ghosts
By Katie Spalding
Historical, Trivia; 352 pages, 10hrs. 53 minutes
Audible
 
Have I read it before?
Honestly not sure. I thought it was new to me, but then some parts sounded familiar and I wasn’t sure if I’d heard those stories other places or actually listened to the book previously. I might have listened to part of it at an earlier date and then abandoned it.
 
How did I find it?
This book was an Audible recommendation. I thought it looked interesting.
 
What is it about?
This book tells about the strange and quirky sides of famous people from history, including Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Isaac Newton, Nicola Tesla, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, NASA, and more. These stories are a good illustration, in many cases, of how genius is often accompanied by a lot of eccentricity. Nicola Tesla not paying for his lodging, Isaac Newton gazing at the sun, Albert Einstein getting rescued from drowning multiple times, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle completely believing the fake fairy photo was a genuine image of tiny beings are some of the things included.
 
Any warnings?
Several warnings accompany this book. There were a few chapters that I ended up skipping because they didn’t meet my moral markers. The book would have been better with less profanity. And the story telling is done with a great deal of snark and sarcasm which I actually started becoming weary of by the end.
 
What’s a quote?
I didn’t find anything really worth quoting.
 
Recommendability: $$
Writing Style: $$$
Likelihood of Reading Again: $$$
Thought Provoking: $$$
Subject Matter of General Interest: $$$
 
 
The Puzzler
By A. J. Jacobs
Journalism, Memoir; 368 pages, 9hrs. 18 minutes
Audible
 
Have I read it before?
Yes. I can’t be sure, but I might even have a copy on a bookshelf somewhere.
 
How did I find it?
One of my cousins talked about a different book by this author years ago. I found it interesting, and looked for other books by Jacobs.
 
What is it about?
This author is known for choosing a topic and then living it out in every way he can. For this book, Jacobs was sure that puzzles have made him a better person. He determines to try out every type of puzzle he can, and devotes a chapter to each. He often ropes his family into trying out some of the world’s hardest challenges along with him. This book mentions Rubik’s Cube, mazes, crosswords, escape rooms, ciphers and codes, scavenger puzzles, and Japanese puzzle boxes. The Japanese puzzle boxes completely intrigue me. I’d love a chance to explore some of them.
 
Any warnings?
Jacobs is agnostic, which is apparent by his view of the world. There may be some inappropriate language. The content of this particular book is fairly clean, but before you seek out any of his other books, I personally have found chapters in some of them that I skip.
 
What’s a quote?
“During our meeting, Peter told me one of the keys to solving crosswords is to keep your mind flexible. Keep it open to new perspectives. Don’t fall in love with your hypothesis. Good advice for both life and puzzles.”
 
Recommendability: $$$
Writing Style: $$$$
Likelihood of Reading Again: $$$$
Thought Provoking: $$$$
Subject Matter of General Interest: $$$
 
 
House of Rain
By Craig Childs
History, Archeology; 512 pages, 15hrs. 21 minutes
Audible
 
Have I read it before?
No. The book and author both were new to me.
 
How did I find it?
It came up in conversation, so I added it to my list of things I wanted to read sometime.
 
What is it about?
This book is an interesting account of the author’s search for information and insights into the ancient Anasazi culture and the mystery of their disappearance. I loved that Childs went out and spent time walking in the desert to better understand the people he was searching for. There were definitely new facts introduced about the advancement of this native people’s civilization. Their art, trade, farming, and engineering may have actually been as up-and-coming as that of other cultures, such as the Mayans. One thing that caught my attention was a reference to how parrots were raised commercially.
 
Any warnings?
My reaction to a particular book generally tells me as much about myself as it does about the book. What I discovered with House of Rain was that when I’m reading a factual book, what I want is facts. OK, maybe any book that isn’t poetry. Childs’s writing style is beautiful, but I got impatient sometimes because I wanted to get to the root of the idea. It reminded me of how I often skip the descriptions in Anne of Green Gables. Please don’t disown me if you are one of my friends who loves those flights of fancy.
 
What’s a quote?
“The words unfolded from my mouth like origami.”
 
Recommendability: $$$
Writing Style: $$$$$
Likelihood of Reading Again: $$$$
Thought Provoking: $$$$
Subject Matter of General Interest: $$$
 
 
If you’ve read any of these books, please feel free to share your opinions in the comments. Also drop in titles you think are must-reads, and I might add them to my list as well! We will ignore the fact that The List is already ridiculously long.

It's My Job

This was written a number of years ago, and I thought about it again as I'm privileged to re-enter a classroom.

I’ve been in this business for years now.  There have been changes since I first started: different employers, different co-workers, different places of business. There are days that leave me flushed and exhilarated with a rare kind of energy, and there are days I feel like quitting.  Sometimes it seems as though the latter outnumber the former.  The hours are long, for my contract does not give a certain time allotment—rather it gives a job and I am to do it regardless of the amount of time it takes.  And the paycheck?  Well, to be honest I probably can’t even tell you the exact amount, but I certainly can list benefits.

Oh, some people have mistaken ideas about the benefits.  They seem to think that being a “Teacher” gives one a higher social standing and independence. These are generally the same people who forget the sacrifices a teacher makes: being away from home and family, arriving late to youth because there is school work to be done (sometimes skipping youth altogether), living in a fishbowl where private details of her life become part of lively gossip, and the fact that few teachers are warned before taking on the job that indeed they will need to be expert in several areas besides only that of teaching.

One part of my job as a teacher is to be a nurse.  I can feel a child’s forehead and predict whether the thermometer will show a temperature or not.  I’m an expert on sore stomachs, growing pains, and hang nails.  I know what to do for twisted ankles, headaches, and splinters.  And you should see me applying bandages like a pro. I am also fairly knowledgeable about dentistry and tooth fairies.

I could probably obtain my psychology degree with little or no trouble.  I know how to give a well-timed hug, explain that life isn’t fair, talk fast enough to keep a child from having time to think of crying, and discern what is going on in a child’s mind without even turning to look at him.  I know how to comfort in the face of loss, encourage in the midst of hopelessness, and meet a strong will head on.  I know the difference between a child who knows he deserves punishment and a child who was innocent of the seriousness of his crime.

I am definitely a formidable one person police force.  I watch out for lies, cheating, treachery, stealing, fighting, and hate crimes.  I know how to stack up clues and see where they point (as in: “Hmmm… someone broke a red pen, and I see red ink on your hands.”) I can direct traffic, manage lines, and command silence with a single blast on my whistle.  And I am certainly good at saying “Raise your hands, and raise them up high!”

My sanitation expertise may be questioned by some, but may I remind you that I say “clean out your desk”, “empty the trash”, and “go wash your hands” several times every day.  Occasionally I inspire desk cleaning by making it a game to see how full we can get the trash can and letting someone climb inside to pack it down.  Other times (like PTM) I hope the desks aren’t clean so mom and dad can get a true picture when I ask them to do desk check on their child.

I am sometimes called upon to be a hairdresser when one of my girls’ braid comes undone or someone in the throes of an art project gets paint in his hair. 

I am a shopper.  I shop for birthday cards, Christmas gifts, art project supplies, gift wrapping, story hour and devotion books, bulletin board supplies, and trash cans for beside my students’ desks.

My job also requires me to be a financial analyst.  Will the school board think the expense of these supplies necessary, or shall I take them out of my own wages? 

I’m a fairly good referee, though I’m afraid the NBA wouldn’t hire me.    I am also considered to be about the same thing as Google by many of my students.  I've even been known to give advice on romance.  Oh, and I am also a top-notch artist, author, and calligrapher, though I think these last are because I am always telling my class to “draw the best you can”, “write what you think happened”, and “use your best handwriting”.

I am also a public relations specialist.  I have to learn to communicate with the children, their parents, and the school board.  Admittedly, I sometimes think this is the hardest part of the job.  But I have chosen this job, so I choose not to complain, but to accept this responsibility and do my best to grow in my communication skills.

There are so many parts of my job, I can’t list them all.  I have been called Mom, Daddy, Aunt, Grandpa, and Nana.  I’ve even been called Teacher.  It’s this last one, “teacher”, that touches every other part of my job.  

Only a teacher knows what it means to see light finally dawn in a child’s eyes as he figures out how to work a long division problem.  Only a teacher knows the joy of watching a child learn to read.  Only a teacher knows what it is like to hear a lunch-time prayer: “And help us to be good on the playground and not fight” when it has been a problem lately.  Only a teacher knows the thrill of watching a child look up ants in the world book and get side tracked reading about aircraft.  

Teachers have to clean up messes when children get sick.  Teachers have to give consequences again and again.  Teachers have to make sure the children obey, because they know boundaries will make the child feel secure, even though the student may get angry in the moment.  Teachers go to work when they are sick (because it’s more work to get a sub—plus they caught the bug from the children; everyone else has been exposed anyhow), when they are tired, when they have headaches, when they are in emotional upheaval and want to go hide under the covers, and when they would rather be going to a friend’s wedding.  But then I have to remember:  This is my job—my chosen job—my God-given job—and I wouldn’t trade it.

While other career women go home at 5:00 and relax, throwing off their professional demeanor, I must remember that everywhere I go I may be observed—if a teacher can do it, then so can anyone else.  While other occupations have off for lunch, I spend my lunch period settling disputes, warming up forgotten lunches in the microwave, teaching students to eat food even if they don’t like it, listening to their stories and asking them questions about the world around them—do you know what kind of bird that is?  Do you see that plane?  What do you think is going to happen today in our story hour book?

Next time when someone asks me my job, I’m not going to say “I’m just a teacher” and give a little sigh.  I’m going to smile and say “I’m a teacher, and it’s amazing!”  Because it’s true.  God knew I would need a job to help teach me consistency.  He knew I needed a job that would be an outlet for my creativity.  He knew I would need to be surrounded by the innocence of children and work on gaining the patience of a saint.  He knew I needed a job that would continually challenge me and force me to learn.  He knew I would need to be pushed out of my comfort zone.  

Not everyone I interact with thinks I am the most wonderful teacher, but I am part of a community that is so full of love and support that I cannot be thankful enough for all they do for me.  Touching a life in any little way I can is a blessing that is hard to put into words and one of the best gifts I've ever been given, my life as a teacher.

Ode to a Trash Can

 I have very good memories of after-school talks with my fellow teachers. There have been moments of hilarity, true heart-sharing (maybe tears), and, on occasion, just silent togetherness.

We have gathered camellia blossoms from the house across the road, roamed around outside watching a tornado in the distance, removed and hid desk drawers from an unsuspecting teacher’s desk, given (perhaps unwanted?) advice on how to make iced coffee, and decorated an entire classroom with string and old fabric pieces. That last one ended rather badly. Mr. Hiebert, Mrs. Faircloth, or used-to-be Miss Koehn can give you the details if you really want to know.

But there was one afternoon we did something a little different.

It was program time and the microphones had been set up for the impending performance. That day, the after-school meeting turned into an impromptu talent show. There were recitations and solos. Some were more adept than others at standing in front of a mic and performing to a nearly-empty auditorium. I can’t tell you everything that happened that day, but I do remember one item in particular.

It was an ode to the school trash can. There were grand gestures and eloquent words in regards to the faithful steadfastness of said object. The years of service were lauded in passionate phrases, the patient suffering at the hands of messy children was commented upon, and the red roundness of the sturdy lid was praised. It was a creative display of improvisation at its finest. I wish someone had taken down the ode as it was first uttered. But magical moments are rarely captured in their entirety for posterity.

I was thinking about the trashcan again today. There have been many times, upon depositing garbage in a receptacle, that I have remembered the day of the ode and smiled to myself. But the true value of the ode only just dawned on me.

Taking time to notice and value something commonplace still affects my thoughts years later. It’s not a big deal, right? Just a humble trash can. But because someone once pointed out all the good a trashcan does, I now am less likely to take one for granted.

This is why it is so important to pause and take notice of other things around us, too.

Sometimes these things may seem tiny. Perhaps it’s the way the dew hangs on a spiderweb and makes you catch your breath at the delicate drops suspended there. Maybe it’s a certain cloud in the sky that’s colored in a way you’ve never seen before. Or it might be noticing the particular notes of a birdsong that make you smile as you walk to your car. It could be something as unglamorous as your favorite dishcloth, the one that is so satisfying to use.

What happens when you take time to actually appreciate these things? You remember them longer. You hold a moment of happiness in your heart for the day. Your thoughts are turned toward the Creator.

If you’re like me, you can get lost in your own head sometimes. You might forget to take note of the world around you because there’s a chore list of unreasonable length you’re trying to work your way through. Sometimes your fears, doubts, and negative self-talk are so rampant you completely forget to look outside yourself, and those little moments of sunshine slip past, entirely disregarded.

It takes conscious effort to live grounded in the moment. You may have to practice to learn to notice the creation around you, and that’s OK. The important part is that you put in the effort.

And what if we extend this to bigger things?

What happens when you take time to appreciate people around you? When you stoop down and look into a child’s eyes and relish the sparkle as they tell you a story? What about the moment you notice someone that always has good things to say about others, or the person who is quick to volunteer when there is a need?

Taking notice of these things will stick with you, too. It will help you to see others in a more positive light. You will find that you don’t ever quite view them the same as you have in the past. When you are tempted with a negative thought towards them, you can remind yourself of the good you have noticed.

But finding the positives in those around us might be the most challenging exercise of noticing yet.

I have special memories of a night spent laying on a blanket looking at the stars with friends while we went through the whole youth group and each said something we appreciated about every member of it. I have notebooks stashed away with lists of my students and the things I liked about them. There are even a few lists of schoolboard members and the gifts I noticed as they did their best to fill their place.

Taking time to notice and internalize the many wonders around us and the blessings we notice in others are important components to learning to balance the internal and external. Maybe you find it easy to get stuck in your feelings. Finally, everything inside is one big tangled ball of confusion. Taking a moment to say facts you can be sure of can be stabilizing. Verbalizing the things you observe helps you to take up space in the present.

I believe appreciating the mundane and recognizing value in the miracle of God’s creation is another way to honor and praise our Creator.

So I challenge you to slow down and look for those things around you that you can thank Him for, even if it’s an ode to a trash can.

WOTY

 It’s that time of year again.

The time of year where people sit down with a notebook and a pencil nub or a pen nearly out of ink and write down their list of New Year’s Resolutions. It has been many years since I made a list of resolutions. I quit when I realized how unlikely I was to keep them. Statistically, only 8-10% of people keep their New Years Resolutions, and I am not in that number.

However, one of my friends introduced me to Word of the Year, and I’ve found that to be a blessing. I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned it here before, but if you’re not familiar with Word of the Year (commonly referred to by the acronym WOTY), you should definitely give it a try. I’m not sure where the true origin of the idea is, but it’s a small, basic act that may have a big impact. You simply choose a word to be your guiding light for the year. Maybe something you want to pursue, maybe something you desire to have more of, maybe a word that reminds you to take action.

Some people choose amazing and colorful words. One of my sisters always chooses nouns—like dove (for peace), fire (for passionate living) and sunshine (for finding joy), then keeps an eye out for things that fit with her theme for the year. I’m a little jealous of her, because it’s so neat when she finds something physical that reminds her of what she wants to work on.

I have historically chosen boring words, simple and straight to the point, but I’d like to tell you a little bit about them.

The first word I ever chose was Compose in 2021. It was also the most beautiful word I’ve ever selected. The idea was that I wanted to arrange (compose) my life into something beautiful. I hoped to look at the pure act of living each moment as a work of art. 2021 turned out to be the year God reminded me to hand everything over to Him, let Him make decisions in my life, and let any composition be by Him and for Him.

In 2022, I chose Faith. Maybe I had an inkling at the beginning of the year what part faith would play in my life, but I didn’t know exactly how much my mustard-seed of faith would be tested. 2022 was a year of a lot of changes and what looked like dead-end streets and unknowns. But how does faith grow and expand if it’s not exercised?

My WOTY was Lighthearted for 2023. It felt like 2022 had drained me completely and I’d spent so much time among heavy decisions and occupations, I needed to learn how to laugh again. I’m not sure that I utilized my word as much as I should have in that year, but I definitely thought of it whenever I found myself laughing with pure delight. God also talked to me about using my word to mean “lightening my heart” which could be done by learning to share my burdens with others.

The theme felt like it stayed a bit connected to lighthearted as I entered 2024. I chose the word Hope. It seemed there were a lot of dim and dark things in my life, and I wanted to remember to keep looking up. 2024 was not an easy year. My ambition to find hope was sorely tested. My thoughts went back to 2022 and how faith only grew in trial. Hope seemed a little the same way.

2025 was a new year, and I was ready for a change. I chose the word Fearless. I am a tremendously fearful person, and I longed to find new courage to face my fears. This has been by far the most fierce word I’ve chosen, one where I’ve tried to learn to be a warrior rather than a victim. Of course, the year has been packed full of just about everything that I could ever dream up to be scared of—meeting new people, visiting new places, learning new skills, becoming vulnerable in new ways. Ultimately, Fearless has led me deeper into learning to trust God.

One thing I’ve loved is that my WOTY selections generally don’t fade into oblivion once the year is over. They stay in my heart and still make a difference in my life because the value of what I faced and the things I’ve learned doesn’t change except to grow richer.

And now 2026 is just around the corner. What is my Word of the Year going to be? I’ve talked about this with a few people in my life, illustrating to them that whenever I choose a word I can expect to be tested in that area. It’s been suggested I should choose a word like “chaos” or “trial and tribulation” so that my year is sure to be pleasant and peaceful.

But of course, I haven’t taken their advice. I’ve been using the last few days of living a Fearless life to gather all my courage together and choose what is perhaps my hardest word yet—Grow.

I have no idea exactly what this word will mean for me. It is utterly terrifying to imagine. I only know that I see a lot of areas in my life where I would like to become. There is no possibility I will be able to grow on my own, so I suspect there will be a lot of leaning on God in the coming year.  

And so I am inviting you to join me. Choose the first word that comes to your mind or spend days pondering over the dictionary—I don’t care—but you’re sure to find selecting a Word of the Year a positive experience. This doesn’t mean you have to abandon your resolution writing if you really love it. You can just tack this on at the end. And if you, like me, dislike writing resolutions because you end up feeling like a failure, maybe a word to light the way would be the perfect thing for you, too.

To all my friends out there who I know faithfully choose a WOTY, I’d love to hear what it will be this time. Drop me a message or leave a comment. I love to find out what has been inspiring you lately, too, and what you will be looking forward to in 2026.

Happy New Year to all!

I Will Thank You

 I will thank You, Lord.
 
Even when You take me out of my comfort zone and send me to new places where I meet new people and am forced to try my awkward best to build friendships, sometimes over a day or two, sometimes over years, I will thank You. I will thank You that I’ve been given the privilege to meet amazing people that shift my perspectives on life.
 
Even though I don’t understand how finances work as well as I wish, and there’s always things I could be saving for and more to be spending on, I will thank you. Because You’ve always provided a way for me to be supported and You’ve never once left me to go hungry or to sleep on the street or in my car.
 
Even though being vulnerable is a terrifying thing, I will thank You, Lord. I will thank You that You love me so much You are teaching me to hold happiness in one hand and pain in the other and understand that is what a balanced life looks like and that You will make sure I am strong enough to keep the weights in equal measure.
 
Even though I sometimes have no idea where life is taking me, and I get overwhelmed with decisions, I will thank You. Because You have never left me alone in the dark, and there are incredible people You’ve put in my life that step in when I start to falter.
 
I will thank You, Lord.
 
I don’t know what the next five years hold in store.
I don’t even know tomorrow, to be honest.
I don’t know if my car will still run
Or if I’ll have groceries
Or break a leg
Or need a surgery
Or lose a loved one
Or if some hacker
Will empty my already feeble account,
I will thank You.
 
Because You have always been there for me. You alone are the constant in my life, the Guiding Light when there is absolutely nothing that makes sense in the darkness. Even though I’m terrible at reading maps, that becomes irrelevant when I’m traveling with You.
 
When I look up at night into the heavens spangled with stars moving in perfect patterns and stretching into distances no human has ever traveled, I will thank You because I see the order You created and the way Your plans are not made clear to the naked eye.
 
And when I see a rainbow stretching from horizon to horizon, each color a reminder of promises to be reflected on, I will thank You. Because You will not allow my soul to be destroyed as long as my trust is in You.
 
It’s not about what You’ve given, really.
It’s not about my answered prayers
Or the ones that feel like they’ve not been heard.
It’s not about ignoring realities that are hard
Or having the perfect attitude,
It’s about choosing.
And this is just to say,
That although I don’t begin to understand
And I’m way too dramatic
And fearful
And a lot of times I completely forget to trust,
I’ve made a choice.
 
I will thank You, Lord.
 

Q&A Part VI

I never dreamed I’d be writing about this on my blog. It’s a topic that feels far too vulnerable for me to cover here. But there was so much interest in single life I started feeling a little obligated to at least try to write answers, which I shall attempt with the following question as an introduction. And the input! Everyone, single or not, seems to have a lot of opinions about being single and what one should or should not do or how one should feel. That being said, I tried my best to represent the majority of single girls, which is actually really hard because there’s a huge variety in personality and situation. I reached out to single girls across the conference to get input for this question because I did not think my experience alone was a suitable representation.

How can our congregations support our singles and help them have a good experience? Some of us are single in social situations because of different circumstances, like widowhood or our husbands just not coming around, but it seems that’s still a little different from what the singles face.
—Socially Single
 
It’s possible I need a couple paragraphs here to give some disclaimers. I feel like I need a lot of disclaimers, actually. One thing I’d like to say is that everything I’ll be talking about is from the viewpoint of single girls. I’m quite sure the male and female experience of single life has some similarities, but I think there are a lot of differences, too, so if you want the male version of this, you’ll have to go find someone to ask yourself. Another thing I'd like you to know (I hope this is OK to say) is that the person who sent this question in is not single. They are someone just genuinely wanting to know what singles face.
 
An important consideration is that we single girls know we have a part to play in making a place for ourselves in a congregation. We are aware that being comfortable in our own skin will help us to be comfortable in whatever situations we find ourselves in. We know it takes putting ourselves out and thinking beyond the selfish lifestyle it’s so easy for us to live. So please don’t think we’re sitting here begging for sympathy, because I don’t know any single girl anywhere that appreciates that. Empathy, maybe, but not pity. Pity is a degrading sentiment in this case that tends to make us feel we don’t measure up and have failed at life somehow. As one person said, “Please don’t make us feel like it’s our fault if we’re not married!” What we all need is reassurance from our community that we are accepted and loved just like we are. I do not want this in any way to sound like whining. I don’t know that I can tell you how to support us, but I can tell you a few of the things that are difficult for us, and maybe that will give you some ideas.
 
“Do single girls even want to get married? They have so much freedom to go and do exciting things, after all!” It’s crazy how much I’ve heard this sentiment. I can’t answer that question for every person specifically, but marriage is a God-given desire that most of us will admit to when we’re being honest. There are times in our lives we might not feel open to it, and many of us probably have a lot of fears built up, but there is a place of vulnerability where we strive to live in the space between that desire and the acceptance of the reality where God is helping us to walk without becoming jaded. That being said, don’t assume you know where the single girls in your lives are on this question.
 
There were two things that nearly every girl I talked to mentioned. The first one probably won’t be a shock, but the second one? Even though I knew it for myself, I was still surprised that all the other girls felt the same way.
 
Every woman I talked to mentioned seating at social functions—In particular meals, such as potlucks or wedding receptions. One friend talked about our Mennonite tradition of seating couples so the men are together and the women are together. Well, when a single girl comes along, she messes up the neat little system, and the ushers don’t seem to know what to do with her. I’ve heard all sorts of experiences, and I’ve had some myself. What we wish for is just to be seated along with everyone else without feeling like our existence has completely derailed the grand seating scheme.
 
One option seems to be for the usher to send the single girl to the youth table, the children’s table, or just some out of the way place. I’ve actually seen this happen even when a couple has specifically asked a single girl to come eat with them—the usher will still send the single girl away somewhere else. Some girls ignore the usher (which feels disrespectful) and some meekly follow his directions (which is a disappointment). While we girls all understand the reasoning, it’s very frustrating that following the system makes us feel like we don’t have a place. It’s so neat when the couple speaks up and says, “Oh, just come sit here with us!” If memory serves, I believe I once saw a couple follow the girl over to where she was directed to sit.
 
I’m not sure who needs to hear this, but single girls are not actually scary people! I’ve heard “social singles,” widows, and single girls all complain about how they are avoided at social functions. I don’t know how many times we sit down at a table with several empty chairs at the end and see couples glance at the empty spaces then choose to go start sitting at a new table. One time I was with a couple other single girls and we somehow managed to all sit on the same side of a long row of Lifetime tables, about in the middle. The other side of the table filled up, but the three seats across from us stayed conspicuously empty. This is not an example of support. We do not have a disease. You will not catch singlehood from us.
 
That being said, one congregation where I lived for a while did a wonderful job of completely accepting the single girls into their midst and mixing with them just like they would with anyone else. That is a gift we girls appreciate a lot. We also really love it when someone asks us to step into line with them. I heard that from my single friends consistently. Yes, we know we should be brave enough to just barge in, and sometimes we do, but in a culture where couples are the normal thing, it does just make it a little easier somehow to be asked along.
 
One major part we girls can play in the seating is to not feel bound to what seems to be our social group. Just because it’s easy doesn’t mean I should just sit with other singles at every social event. Maybe that goes for everyone, though. Perhaps we’d all be better off to mix with different social groups and not feel like we need to sit with a certain group of peers.
 
I also got a question specifically about seating in the sanctuary when couples are seated together. After talking to all my single friends, I think the answer to that is probably similar to seating at potlucks. We want to just be included with everyone else and not made to feel awkward. I know, I know. No one else can make us feel a certain way without our consent, but it can be tough to constantly be fighting those feelings. And it definitely is worse when we can tell someone is hesitant to seat us.
 
I’m sure there’s a lot that could be said about seating, but I feel like you probably are getting the drift. The second thing that I heard again and again from my single friends has a bit to do with seating, but it’s down a little different line.
 
Please don’t segregate us.
 
It’s really easy for us to live our lives completely surrounded by our female friends. And don’t misunderstand—we absolutely love them—but when we are only with other women, our worlds tend to get quite small and narrow-minded.
We appreciate the viewpoints and input from the men around us. We know that on our own our thought processes are not well-rounded. And as some of the girls pointed out, we don’t even have to be involved in the conversation—we are happy just to listen in.
 
Maybe you aren’t sure what I mean about being segregated. Well, we all know the drill. Maybe we are together for Sunday dinner. At the table, the conversation moves nicely and everyone can be involved. (This is assuming the single girl didn’t get stuck in the other room with the children. Yes, I really do know of situations where that has happened.) But then the host pushes back his chair and says, “Well, I think it’s about time to go find a more comfortable chair.” The men disperse to the living room, and the women clean up the kitchen then return to chairs around the table to continue visiting. I understand there often isn’t room for everyone in the living room, but this is just an example of how easily we  can tend to orbit in a female-only sphere.
 
Also, the aforementioned sequencing of couples at the potluck table can also lend to a type of segregation. Someone mentioned this is probably a cultural thing to a degree, and I’m sure it’s so. I’m not here with answers on how to change it. I don’t know that we need to change it, but I’m just trying to answer the question at the top of the page, and this is something that definitely did get brought up in all my questioning.
 
This is going to sound contrary to what I just wrote, but a lot of single girls find Bible Study difficult. Again, it is so considerate when someone says, “Hey, come with me.” Otherwise, the men number off, the wives go with their husbands, and the single girls stand around trying to figure out if they have a place. When they’ve finally decided on a class, there is once again the dreaded seating issue to resolve. Finally, the discussion starts. Now, I’ve actually talked in Bible Study a couple times, but mostly I just chicken out. I’ve talked about this with my single friends, and I’m not sure I can explain why it’s difficult for us to talk in a mixed group like that, but I can tell you assuredly that many other single girls feel the same way. And as you get out of Bible Study what you put into it? Well, it takes a bit for us to learn how to navigate. Again, I don’t know that anything needs to change—but maybe just be aware that the single girls in your congregation possibly find Bible Study a little awkward.
 
Oh! Don’t let me forget to mention The Brethren’s Chat. Many congregations have the congregational chat, the women’s chat, and the men’s chat. This is all as it should be and very logical. Usually, there are no issues at all with the arrangement. But every once in a while, something gets put on the men’s chat that would be nice for us girls to know about as well. For example, as a teacher I’ve sometimes planned on working at school on Saturday. As I’m trying to study out lessons for the next week, suddenly fifteen men show up for a workday I knew nothing about. I would have rearranged my day if I’d known, but of course, I had no way of finding out. There have been occasions where some kind schoolboard member has messaged to let us know, and we appreciate that. But what about the “social singles,” the widows, and the single girls who aren’t teachers? How do they find out about the special offerings, for example?
 
Similarly, I know of one congregation where the offering basket is never passed on the women’s side of the church. Many congregations have located mailboxes, libraries, and tithe slots on the men’s side of the building. This is obviously not a big deal and I know that it makes sense with how the building is designed. It’s just that on Sunday it can be a little difficult to reach these things unless one works up the courage to wade through a large, intimidating group of men.
 
I’ve heard single girls talk about the fact that someone is fifteen years younger than they are, but because the younger woman is married, her ideas automatically hold more weight. It’s not that single girls feel like their ideas are the way to go, it’s more about feeling like people value them.
 
Different facets of life are difficult for different girls. I’ve heard from those who say weddings are hard. (Dear Minister, please don’t feel obligated to say some platitude to the singles in attendance. Often it just makes us feel worse.) For others, bridal showers and baby showers feel awkward. For some, none of those things are difficult at all. Please get to know the single girls in your congregation. Have us over in the evening. We are happy just to hang out with your family. We’ll be glad to fold towels or do your dishes and play with your children. For those of us who live alone, evenings can get long and lonely. The best way you can support us is by getting to know who we really are. But there! That’s what everyone longs for, isn’t it? We are all just humans together.
 
A big Thank You to the women who share their husbands with us! Those of you who are OK with it if we come over to your place and sit in the living room asking your husband for advice. Those of you who are all right with us asking your husband to help us fix something around the house that we have no idea how to deal with.
 
And a big Thank You to the men who do these things, as well. Most of us girls are trying really hard to be independent because we don’t have a choice. It’s so hard for us to ask for help, but when we finally work up the nerve and you so graciously step in and help without seeming to begrudge the time and effort? It means the world to us.
 
And I cannot express enough the thankfulness we all feel for the couples who see our needs and offer assistance without us even having to ask.
 
Please don’t feel bad if you read something here and said, “Oops! I’ve done that!” Not one of the single girls I know is holding anything against anyone. Life has complicated situations sometimes that are hard to figure out, and we’re all aware of that. And if you happen to know me personally, please don’t think you need to start making a bunch of changes. I certainly don’t expect that of anyone.
 
I’ve said it here before and I’ll say it again: At the end of the day, being single has its set of problems, but so does being married. I think that we all would do well, whether married or single, to check in with each other a little more frequently and get to know each other’s heartbeat. It’s that true heart connection that will lead to a vibrant congregation, after all.
 
Bonus Question:
Is it ever appropriate for a young lady to ask a young man how much money he makes?
—From the Lone Star State
 
No! What a horrifying idea. Completely outside the realm of good manners.
 
To those of you who know: I will stand my ground on this ‘til my dying day: It never happened. (Look up the Mandela Effect.) There are rumors and misconstrued truths, but I remember that evening with perfect clarity. For example, I know the person sitting beside me ordered a spinach quesadilla, and I rarely pay much attention to food. It’s possible money was alluded to, but I’ve never been mercenary. I can barely figure out how much I make, much less ask someone else about their earnings. It’s been almost twelve years. Isn’t it time to move on to something else? This is surely about as worn out as the brownie joke.
 
But I did just read an article the other day that stated talking about how much we earn is no longer considered a taboo subject among younger age groups, so maybe, on the off chance such a conversation actually occurred, I was just ahead of my time.
 
I’m sure you all have a lot of thoughts about being single. Feel free to leave them below. If you have more questions about single life, just ask your resident singles. They might not agree with what I've written here, and that's OK. They probably are wiser than I am in these matters, anyhow.

In the meantime, this is the end. The very last question of this series. Maybe someday Q&A will come back, but for now it has retired. Although that doesn’t mean you can’t just message me any time with random questions. I love having new and interesting things to think about, even if I don’t have answers.