September 2016 Favorites
I thought it would be fun if I took a moment each month to let you know what things are currently striking my fancy, so here goes the September installment!
Current favorites:
Book: On Which Side of the Road Do the Flowers Grow? by Wendell E. Mettey. I've had the ebook version of this book on my Kindle for a long time, but found myself in need of another book to read the other day, and finally cracked it open. I like the sweet stories about the people Reverend Mettey encountered throughout his life and the encouragement each vignette provides. It's not always incredibly happy, as most of the stories end with the individuals dying, but their stories and joy live on in those whose lives they touched.
Verse: "Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." - Isaiah 41:10. I have liked this verse for a long time, going back to it often. I need the frequent reminder that I am not alone. The God of the universe is with me, so I have every reason to hope, trust, and have faith that everything will work out-- maybe not the 
way I always want, but in a way that is beautiful in the end.
Song: Brave by Moriah Peters is my current favorite, one that makes me turn it up every time I hear it. My sister and I were jamming to this song on the way to work this week, and I was once again reminded of the powerful truth the lyrics hold. Not to mention the upbeat tempo that makes for a great sing-along at the top of your lungs!
No one ever told me This would be easy But I never knew That it could be this hard Oh the worry the worry the worry Is weighing on me Could you help me break down All these question marks And make me
Brave I'll fight like a soldier Brave Rise like a warrior Brave Won't stop till the final day Brave I want to be stronger Brave Gonna be bolder Brave Look up and I see the way You make me brave
I know, I know, I'm no superwoman But impossible is possible with You So no, no, no more running, no more hiding Strike the fire so I'll be fearless too And make me brave
...None go with me Still I'll follow Through the joy And through the sorrow Cross before me World behind me There's no turning back
Brave I'll fight like a soldier Brave Rise like a warrior Brave Won't stop till the final day Brave I want to be stronger Brave Gonna be bolder Brave Look up and I see the way You make me brave
Food: The best thing I made in the last month was Pinch of Yum's BBQ Chicken Sweet 
Potato Pizza. It was delicious! I've tried making a sweet potato crust for pizza before, but it didn't come off the pan too well. This one held together much better, and the toppings were spot-on. I was really sad when it was all gone. I guess that just means I'll have to make another one!
Blog: Food Faith Fitness by Taylor Kiser. I like the recipes Taylor shares-- they're both healthy and tasty, made with real ingredients. Sometimes they're indulgent, sometimes they're not; she strikes a good balance of both. I also like that she posts Sunday Reflections, where she writes about a specific passage of Scripture and what it's been teaching her, along with prayer requests. She's really honest about where she's at in life, and writes like she's talking to a good friend. Check it out!
Memory from this month: Our family trip to Nebraska 
and Colorado was the highlight of the last month for me. I loved getting to see members of both sides of my extended family that I hadn't seen for a long time. And I got to fly a plane with my cousin for a little bit!
Looking forward to this month: My church is having our fall launch this Sunday, so I'm really excited to see our hard work pay off. We've done a lot with new signage, a different location, and new equipment, so come check it out if you're in the area! We also have our third birthday celebration in a couple weeks-- I can't believe we've been around for three years! I'm looking forward to celebrating everything God has done with my church family.
Now it's your turn. What are some of your favorite things? I'd love to hear them!
Book image source: http://moneysavingmom.com/2015/08/free-ebooks-how-to-reduce-food-waste-jump-start-your-day-plus-more.html
Album image source: thesoundopinion.com