​There's nothing quite like the feel of a hardback book in your hands—the weight of the pages, the sound of the spine creaking as you dive into a new story. While I adore my Kindle for on-the-go reading, especially when I'm out and about, a special kind of comfort comes from holding a physical book, particularly for the reading ease on my eyes at the end of a long day. But it is more than my eyes that are happy with a good hardback, my soul loves a "real" book in my hands! That's why one of my self-care rituals is reading fiction—often historical fiction—every night before bed. It's a soothing way to unwind and let my mind wander through different times and places. 

One of my favorite ways to indulge in my fiction "real book" reading habit is by picking up new releases from Book of the Month (BOTM) Club. They always have a fantastic selection of amazing authors to choose from, and receiving a fresh, beautifully bound book in the mail is exciting. But what's even better is after I enjoy it - I share that joy with others.

When I finish reading my BOTM selections, I don't just let them gather dust on a shelf. Instead, I pass them on to a friend or place them in a free little library in my community.

Buying (to read) and then sharing books is a really fun way to support an author and pass along the joy of reading! And yes, it's a feel-good way that supports my own book habit—I'm not just collecting books I will never read again but sharing stories with the world! After I read and before I share, I usually write a note in the front of the book that says I hope they enjoy the read and encourage them to "pass it on" after they read. Then, I surprise someone (friend or stranger) with that book!

Speaking of sharing, I'm thrilled that BOTM has allowed me to offer you a special perk—your first month's book for just $5. (Full disclosure: yes, this is an affiliate link, which means it's good for you and it supports my reading habit, too, so thank you!)

So nope, buying yourself a good book is not one and done. It's good for the soul to read and to share! Books are good for the soul because you can enjoy them AND you can share them. So yes, books make my soul happy and maybe they do yours too! I hope this inspires you to care for your soul by not only reading but by spreading your love of reading in your own creative way.

Happy soul care and happy reading!

Click here to check out this month's selections and get your first book for only $5. Then SHARE the book love! 

Also in our home, I have the Guardian blend diffusing constantly this season. We're washing hands, taking our supplements, and will be getting a vaccine when it's available. While there's no guarantee for avoiding COVID-19 (our son has had it already), we're doing our best to stay well and essential oils are part of that regimen. While there are tons of diffusers on the market, I've found I like a larger capacity diffuser with varied settings. I set mine up to diffuse intermittently and that means filling it less often (and yes, you do need to wipe out and clean your diffusers when not in use).

How did I learn about essential oils? Well, for one you I looked to trusted sources, like this information and education from companies I know, as well as aromatherapists and their books. I also use my oils regularly to discover what supports my body and my spirit. Aromatherapy is more than just "smelling good" it is an embodied experience that offers natural benefits such as infection fighting, something I'm leaning into to support my body and spirit in these challenging times.

What essential oils are your favorite for infection fighting? 

If you know me well, you know I love collecting Bibles. Insightful commentary as well as scripture in fresh translations are encouraging to my soul. So, when I discovered the Common English Bible had created a Women's Bible, I was excited to spend time with this one in my lap. It is indeed fresh and what really makes this one unique is that the commentary was written by women - for women. The CEB Women’s Bible is intended for all women. It was designed for women in church leadership, women in the pews, and especially for women who value spiritual practice in their lives. It is ideal for those who value equality and discussions related to issues of gender and justice and how those ideas are lived out through their faith (YES, please!).

Once I discovered this gem, I wanted to share it with you too. Good news! My wonderful friends at Abingdon Press gifted me a new hard cover edition to be given away here at my blog - TO YOU! So, if you're feeling like you may need a fresh new translation with insightful commentary, I would love to share this Bible with you! It will be mailed via Media Mail in October to one blog reader (US Residents Only). You have during the month of September to enter the giveaway (the winner's name will be drawn and announced in the October newsletter)! 

How?

Simply enter your name and email address below (you'll be subscribed to my monthly soul care newsletter). For an additional entry, comment on this post with an encouraging scripture passage you would like to share with the women in your life. AND...you gain another bonus entry in the giveaway if your passage is from the CEB translation (my favorite)!

Feel free to share this post with someone who may also love to discover the new CEB Women's Bible. Let's encourage and bolster one another on the spiritual journey and reconnect with God's word.