Tea and Books: December
Here I am again falling off of the edge of this month without posting my monthly book and tea post. Oh, well. This month has been one of those months in which I have picked up too many books, read halfway through them, and then sat it aside and began another. So I have decided to write about only two special books I am enjoying right now, in hopes that you too might grab them for a good read.
The first book isn’t really a “book”, but is really a Bible study.
Lord, Only You Can Change Me — by Kay Arthur
I am only on week two of the study, but so far this study is transforming my life. Going through the Sermon of the Mount is breaking apart all my spiritual “religious” baggage, bringing me back to true Christianity: which is coming to Jesus broken and humble, and finding the means to live a fulfilled, radical life following Jesus. If you are looking for something to get you in the Word and aid in your quiet times, I recommend this study to you. It would be perfect to begin this new year.
Jack’s Life: The Life Story of C.S. Lewis — by Douglas Gresham
I just started this book as well, but it has been fun to read about Lewis’ life from the eyes of his stepson. I have grown to love Lewis’ works this past year, and gaining the insight into his beginning and unique life is helpful considering his vast impact of his writings. I am liking it thus far.
Tea: Having just finished a nice, hot cup of Earl Grey, I am fully and tea-lightfully content. I just discovered Harney and Son’s Teas, and I am quickly becoming obsessed. 
I enjoy African Autumn, Earl Grey, and English Breakfast.
What are your favorite tea producers? Reading any good books?
I'm Kaysie, 22. Jesus follower. Lover of sunshine, trees, hot tea, books, music, family, the gospel, poetry and Barnes and Nobles. Has a weird obsession with paper. Over-analyzes almost everything. Adores simplicity. Lucky for you. 
Hi Kaysie,
My favorite tea is Peach Rooibos (pronounced roy-boe-ss)
And you can find it at http://www.coffeebeandirect.com. 
I highly recommend it!
Let’s see… right now I’m reading my bible… but for other books, I just read a historical fiction/mystery series by Jim Walker that was quite interesting. I really liked the two books about the Titanic. There was a lot about it I didn’t know… like for example, that they only had one pair of binoculars on board. (!!)
Anyway, Hope you’re having a wonderful day!
Julia
Hey Kaysie!
I have to mention “Transforming Grace” by Jerry Bridges. I finally gave up trying to copy down all the passages I want to remember and am going to buy the book so I can highlight to my heart’s content. Seriously, it’s that good.
Julia, yum, sounds yummy! I was just browsing around the website and I like it.
Thanks for letting me know about it.
Yeah, I would not want to be on the Titanic with only ONE pair of binoculars! (of course, actually I would not like to be on the Titanic at all!) Thank you, I hope you are having a great day too.
Stephanie, oh Jerry Bridges… I just LOVE his books. But actually, I don’t have Transforming Grace yet! You have certainly wet my appetite for it. I have put it on my wish list.
I am going to find that Lord, Only You Can Change Me book. In my daily reading plan, I came across the Beatitudes and was, once again, struck by their beauty and simplicity. I have wanted to study them further. And here you go and provide me with a book. How awesome!
I actually found a lovely chart in my new Bible regarding them. Along with each Beatitude, it gives the Old Testament anticipation, Clashing worldly values, God’s reward, and how to develop this attitude.
I can’t wait to get this book and do a study over it!
Kaysie, with a group of girls from a former church I attended, I did about 4 weeks on a Beth Moore study called “Daniel.” It was great but I couldn’t continue because it had a very expensive teaching package which included a set of DVDs, and we broke up the study group for various reasons.
But I liked the interactive nature of the study. I think I’ll look for Kay Arthur’s study, since it sounds very interesting.
I’ve been introduced to the Whole Foods, and begun to sample the large variety of “Republic of Teas” red teas. Now, I bought 2 canisters, so I’m going to use all the tea bags…but I don’t like them much! lol
My general favorite is Lady Grey because it’s a little lighter than Earl Grey.
Lori, that is awesome!
The Lord is amazing how He works. You will definitely enjoy this study. I have done Kay Arthur’s studies for about four years, and my knowledge of the Word has grown richly since then. Be sure to let me know how you are enjoying it.
Your Bible chart sounds wonderful. Nice breakup.
Jillian, I have seen Beth Moore’s Daniel study in Lifeway. It looks good. If you like Beth Moore you will like Kay Arthur too. She is very true to the Bible text and has a precious heart. I love her studies.
I like the Republic of Teas. Their circle tea bags are quite unique. I haven’t tried a lot of the flavors, since they are kinda expensive. Lady Grey is wonderful! Sometimes I prefer it over Earl Grey.
I love some of the loose teas that I am able to get from the tea room. Julia’s recommendation of peach rooiboos sounds wonderful; I just love rooiboos!
As to books, this month I didn’t read much depth–after Dickens, I needed to give myself a little siesta =) So, I read some Christmas things…..but my list will be up in January
(double comment today!)
Well, I couldn’t wait to get to a bookstore, so I followed your link to Amazon – and saw that Kay Arthur has a volume of studies and literature. I got all excited – like I do – and ordered 4 on subjects that i struggle to further understand. I expect them next week
:):)
Books are one thing I’m OK with having too many of. An idle mind for me is an invitation to old habits & dark thoughts.
I LOVE your beautiful blog!! Very encouraging!! Thank-you for all your work to follow the Lord and provide a site like this for girls who desire to, above all, follow HIM!!
Blessings, Chels
Ella, it must be nice to have a tea room so close.
Yes, you deserve a rest after Dickens! I will check for your list in January.
Jillian, oh yay! I am so excited for you! I am sure you will love what you read. Her books and studies are so encouraging.
Chelsy, thank you for your sweet words of encouragement! I am glad you like my blog. Hope you visit again soon.
Hi Kaysie!
I own the Kay Arthur Study, so by your recommendation maybe I’ll use it next year (tomorrow!). Also, I had the opportunity to hear Douglas Gresham speak in person at our local college. Not only is he a great speaker but he openly testified to Christ in his speech. Our town hosts a “CS Lewis” festival every November so that’s why he was here. I thought you might find that interesting!
I love your tea and books posts, they’re great! I like Twinings tea… Irish Breakfast is good, it has a rich, malty flavor to it.
Love ya girl!
In Him
Phylicia
Phylicia, well that is convenient that you already have the study. I hope you enjoy it. That is amazing that you were able to hear Gresham speak in person! That would be awesome to hear him speak someday.
Yum, Irish Breakfast. I think I have some of that in my tea drawer, so I may have to go make me some right now!
Kaysie, I have a question for you. Do you usually sweeten your tea, and if so, with what? I’m just curious because you seem to be such a veteran tea conosseiur.
Hey Anna, well I don’t know if I am quite a connoisseur, but I am continually studying and sipping!
To answer your question – I use just regular ole sugar in my tea. Many people use milk, but since I am lactose intolerant, sugar is my only friend. Soy milk just doesn’t quite cut it. 
I usually sweeten every tea I drink. I can sometimes tolerate herbal teas as is, but a little sugar just makes everything better!
I was wondering because I prefer honey.