February is the month of love, and books are something I love, so on February 14 I’m going to be reading. How about you?
Word of the Month
Clarify
Bible Verses of the Month
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
This month’s reading diary is at the bottom of this page, after the book list.
My Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/lindajm
★ – I’m reading it.
✓ – I finished reading it. Yay!
⇗ – Still reading at the end of the month.
⇓ – I did not like it or finish it.
∅ – Stalled – I started but didn’t finish.
Finished Reading This Month

✓ Christian Nonfiction: Cannabis and the Christian, by Todd Miles
Have you ever met a Christian who uses marijuana? Or maybe you are one? Then this book might provide an interesting and insightful reading experience. I read it in one day, via audiobook, and appreciated it. I wonder why a Christian would pursue an altered consciousness because we already have Jesus in our lives, and isn’t the clear undiluted consciousness He gave us enough? Five stars for this short book. Review

✓ Christian Art Nonfiction: How to Connect with God to Create & Sell Your Art: A 4 -Part Framework for Thriving as a Christian Artist, by Matt Tommey
Announcement: Matt Tommey is my art mentor! In other words, I joined his mentoring program and I find it to be awesome. It is kind of pricey, sorry to say, but in my opinion, well worth it. I came upon this opportunity at about the time my sister sent me a check for my share of the sale of my father’s stamp collection. I prayed and asked the Lord what level He wanted me to join the program at. I was thinking, one year, or month-to-month. But no, the Lord clearly told me to join for a lifetime membership, so my share of the stamp collection sales went directly into joining this mentorship program and I’ve never regretted it. At the time I told myself that I, an artist of little talent, would at least be donating toward a good Christian cause. Matt Tommey is a former pastor and now he preaches to and encourages Christian artists, all for the glorification of our Lord Jesus Christ. Hallelujah! (Praise the Lord.) Anyhow, as part of his mentoring program he offers copies of his books. He sells them on Amazon as well. I listened to an audio copy of this book this month. Very awesome. It contained his artist testimony and talked about a few other artists as well. Review

✓ Epistolary Memoir: Letters of a Woman Homesteader, by Elinore Pruitt Stewart
This amazing woman who homesteaded in Wyoming milked ten cows twice daily, canned and stored a ton of food for winter, raised children, and wrote letters to her former employer in Colorado. Color me “impressed.” The letters are full of details about her daily life, unusual events, and overnight travels to see neighbors. Really, a great reading experience. Recommended! Five stars. Review

✓ Nonfiction: The Quiet Zone: Unraveling the Mystery of a Town Suspended in Silence, by Stephen Kurczy
Green Bank, West Virginia – where people turn off their cell phones permanently. Etc. Finished audio-reading this on February 19. An interesting memoir-like exposé written by a liberal journalist about people and life in Pocahontas County, WV. Review

✓ Biography: The White Darkness, by David Grann
A biography of Henry Worsley, who challenged himself to hike to the South Pole in Antarctica. I finished audio-reading this on February 12 and gave it five stars at Goodreads. Very inspiring. Review

✓ Memoir: Desert Solitaire, by Edward Abbey
Beautiful nature writing at Arches National Park in Utah. Finished February 9. I gave the book three stars because though the writing was beautiful, the author proudly portrayed himself as an arrogant jerk. Review

✓ Romantic Suspense: The Devil on Horseback, by Victoria Holt
Normally I’d not read a book with the word “Devil” in the title but since this is by Victoria Holt I’m making an exception. Finished February 5 and gave the book only two stars. Too much sick obsession. I don’t see the point in writing for young women and teaching them that immorality and obsessive, controlling behavior are okay. They’re not. Review
What I’m Reading Now

★ Classic Fiction: Les Misérables, by Victor Hugo
This novel is huge – 1456 pages in the paperback edition. I figure if I read 121 to 122 pages monthly during 2024 I’ll have it finished by the end of the year. Wish me luck. My intention is to read the Kindle version along with the audiobook version. Immersion reading, they call it.

★ Christian Nonfiction: Developing a Vision for Ministry, by Aubrey Malphurs
I’m reading this to learn more about developing ministry ideas and opportunities for women in my local community.

★ Christian Nonfiction: Life Lessons From James, by Max Lucado
This is a consumable workbook I’m reading and writing in along with a local Bible study group.

★ Christian: Moms in Prayer, by Fern Nichols
One of the best books about prayer that I’ve read so far.

★ Christian: When to Walk Away, by Gary Thomas
This book is such a blessing!

★ Christian: Discovering the Joy of Jesus: A Guide to Philippians, by Stonecroft Ministries
This is another consumable Bible study book. I started it in 2021 with a local women’s Bible study group and I’m finishing it now.

∅ Christian Devotional: Earth Psalms: Reflections on How God Speaks Through Nature, by Francine Rivers
Beautiful book. I borrowed this audio version from the Cloud Library. I did not finish… my borrow-time for this book expired for the third time and I decided not to renew right now. Maybe later. It is like a devotional and pleasant to listen to. I’ve seen pictures of the hardcover version and it appears to be very beautiful.
Planning to Read

☆ Historical Fiction – Lord Hornblower, by C.S.Forester
There are 11 novels in this series and I’ve read 9 of them.
My February 2024 Reading Diary
February 1 – I have to admit that January and February are hard months for me. My father’s birthday is January 1 and my mother’s birthday is February 25. Both of them are departed now and I miss them!
February 12 – I’m still involved in new house issues. Right now I’m struggling with installing curtain rods. I’ve been using the Wheel of Names to choose my daily reading lists because I have so many books on my ‘currently reading’ list right now.
February 14 – I love art. I want to do the 100 Day Project this year. My project will be to paint on 8×10 canvas boards. I will give myself one or two days for each canvas, then go on to the next one. I will chronicle this adventure on my Klamath Design blog.
February 19 – I finished audio-reading the book about Green Bank, WV. Yesterday I started the 100 Day Challenge and I’m happy with my art result so far. See it here.
February 27 – Well, I made it through my mother’s birthday on February 25. It was a Sunday (yay!) and I went to church that day. It always feels good to be in a fellowship of believers, worshiping the Lord. I’m still doing the 100 day project (my little 8×10 paintings) and having fun with it. I think my artistry is developing and getting better. (yay again!) Speaking of creating… want to read about what God created? Psalm 104 in the Bible is an awesome place to read about that. I just read it this morning and was appropriately impressed.
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