Reading Challenges 2022

 Last year I took on several reading challenges, but half way through the year lost momentum when our 11th blessing was given to us. One blessing of having a little one is that I am able to read a lot while nursing and so by God's grace I will read at least 52 books this year! Whether reading to our children, fun books for myself, learning with Jim or delving into God's Word, I so desire to read and learn and enjoy the written word as I grow in writing myself and teaching our children to write and we work towards building our family ministry business. Usually I do separate posts for many of these but I am doing several challenges once again, and decided to list them all here. 

This year I'm using these challenges to help in deciding my reading choices for the year as I tackle the books I haven't read yet on our shelf. Even though I have yet to post about this, I have already read many books this year! Thankful to have a head start. (Note except for the Classics challenge, some books were started in 2021)

2022 Christian Reading Challenge with Tim Challies

Back to the Classics 2022 with Karen's Books and Chocolate

2022 Christian Reading Challenge with Jason and Jami Balmet (formally the Christian Women's Reading Challenge but they combined this year with their rebranding)

2022 Intentional by Grace Reading Challenge

Modern Mrs. Darcy Reading Challenge (though I have not chosen my categories for this year, I am likely reusing the ones I set last year as I didn't meet those goals)

2022 Anchored Women Book Club (this has a book for each month and since I don't own most of them, I may not read all of these this year because I'm wanting to read a lot of what I already have along with books that we read as a family)

There will be overlap in these challenges as books will fit into a category in most of these challenges. I'm excited to read more this year. We all love a good book!

Our 3-Year-Old Timothy

Our first child born in our current home is now three years old!

Timothy is so full of life and had such a big contagious smile. He runs, plays, explores, discovers and takes in everything that he can. He loves life!

Right now Timothy wants to learn everything he can and he always verifies that he has gotten what he's sharing correct. He will say something and end it with, "Right?" just to be sure he has it down. It's so precious. He's learning letters, numbers, body parts, names of vehicles, animals, foods, and more. He takes it all in. He likes to sit down with a book and go through it asking and verifying what everything is, though he doesn't care much for the words or stories therein yet. 

Because of his love of learning, Timothy doesn't talk much when out and about as he prefers to observe, but with the family he talks a lot and it's so fun to hear him talking to his siblings about life and what he's learning. He knows who to ask to find out what he needs to know. He also enjoys playing with his siblings and does not let his age or small stature keep him from following along on the adventures of the older children. 

Timothy loves being outside in nature. Hot or cold, rain or shine, he is out exploring the yard, riding in a toy car, finding bugs, attempting to climb trees, or watching the neighbors chickens and dogs. He really likes cars and enjoys watching the cars go by as well as play with toy cars in the driveway. He will also take a book and sit out in the sun and look at the pictures. 

He also loves to eat and will eat almost anything. It's hilarious hearing a three year old ask for more broccoli, carrots or cabbage, but Timothy will! He is already starting to understand the importance of healthy food, which is a huge blessing. He will polish off as much food as our older ones too. For his birthday dinner he asked for rice and beans and ate 2 full bowls! It's so amazing so tee him grow!

Timothy is a snuggler and gives the best hugs. He is a tender heart but also rough and tumble. He seeks that immediate comfort when hurt, but will quickly go back to his play as soon as he gets a kiss. Such a precious combination.

We are so thankful for the life that Timothy brings to our home. He is truly a gift from God and our home and family are so much richer with him in it.

Father, we thank You so much for our sweet Timothy. Thank You for the gift of his life and how much life he brings to our home. We pray that You will give him true life in You, through the death and resurrection of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit regenerating his heart. Thank You for the sweet spirit You have given to him. Give Timothy the desire to want to follow You in everything and to trust You completely. We pray all of this in the Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.