The best of 2017. Sounds weird when it was a year most would consider not the best. But, borne out of this year was good books I may never have read without the tough days, more lipstick than a girl could ever need because I tend to shop my feelings, and still a joy that has come from these hard days.
I’ve read some of my favorite books this past year. No, I have not been more impressionable in my emotional state. They were darn good books. Right now I’m reading Struck by Russ Ramsey. So good. His own medical trial is different from ours, but yet, it’s the same. Michele Cushatt is one of my favorite writers. I’ve read two of her books this year and loved them both, I Am and Undone. I Am was an easy to read daily bible study. Perfect for my life filled with “Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom” and the constant interruptions of hospital life. Undone has a medical theme; living an unexpected life. (I’m sensing a theme in my book choices.) Ann Voskamp wrote the bestseller, The Broken Way, and I really enjoyed its easier reading. It was a little less poetic than some of her others and more real life. I like real life. And finally, Matthew West took some of his songs and put them to book in Hello My Name Is. Or maybe it’s the other way around? Either way, he is funny and I loved hearing some of the background to a few of his most popular songs. And he always points me back to Christ in book or in song. What were your favorite books of 2017?
Lipsticks! So many to choose from. I wrote about my favorites this year that came from a weak moment shopping spree. But truth be told, my favorite lipstick of the year is from Stila. I love it in Brûlée. Get it online or at my go-to retail therapy location, Ulta.
The favorite blog posts of 2017 might not make any happiest moments of the year lists. But what I’ve found is joy isn’t always found in just happy times. Just because we are faced with trials doesn’t mean this equates to only misery. Joy comes from something, somewhere, someONE, other than a circumstance. I have learned to trust Jesus more this year than ever before. Because of this, 2017 has been a good year.
Top 5 Posts of 2017:
- 5. It’s Okay to be Broken by Special Needs
- 4. Give it Away: Even in Special Needs and Sickness
- 3. Is God Still Good When The News Isn’t?
- 2. All I Need is Grace
- 1. Still Blessed with an Unhealthy Kid
- Honorable Mention? I Can’t Do This — To be honest, I thought this one would be up there, so I’m putting it in.
I hope you found Jesus here in 2017. I hope you know you aren’t alone in the special needs walk, be sarcastic to get though the nonsense, and you can’t go wrong with new lipstick.
Much love, S.