If you read my 2025 Vision Board blog, then you know that I had a picture with a stack of books on it. I am a reader. I love reading! My goal for this year was to continue to read more. (I’m talking about personal books that I can read for knowledge and/or for fun outside of my Bible reading time) Do I always make reading a priority, though? Most of the time, I’d say yes. However, I do get in ruts where I don’t pick up a personal reading book for a couple months. I want to make sure this year I’m staying consistent with reading more literature. Thus, a dream was born! On New Year’s Eve, I told my husband I wanted to start my very own book club. “I don’t care if it’s only three women who decide to join me, I’m going to do it!” I prayed about this idea and asked the Lord to bless me with this new endeavor.
After texting fifteen women, I had two who wanted to join me. I was ecstatic over this new hobby I committed to–even if it was only going to be the three of us gathered around the table having book club. I wanted my book club to be easy going with minimal meetings, since the majority of my friends are moms with kids (like the two women who joined me). Everyone will read the book on their own for the whole month, and then we will meet one time at the end to have our book club–and that’s exactly what we did!
For the month of January, we dived into Pilgrim’s Progress. I sent out the link to the readable modern-day version that was revised by Alan Vermilye (linked above). Given the time span to finish the book in just under a month, I thought reading it with the modern day language would help accomplish that. Although, something I emphasized to the ladies was that even if you don’t finish the book, you should still come to our meeting! The goal is completion, but if that doesn’t happen then no pressure at all. You are still able to talk about what you did read.
If you are serious about your walk with Christ, I would absolutely open up Pilgrim’s Progress. I had been hearing about this book from time to time at the end of 2024. My bible study leader mentioned it a while back and then my husband and I saw it in a movie we watched. I also heard about it on a podcast or YouTube video I’d seen. The Lord was directing my path to read this book before I knew it–so reading it alongside the book club women was that much better! It truly is a book that all Christians should read. Although it’s an allegory, it feels like reality with how he shares the burden Christian has on his way to make it to the Celestial City (heaven). I encourage you, dear friends, to get yourself a copy of this book today. Maybe even start your own book club with the people in your life!
February 1st arrived and the three of us women gathered around my kitchen table sipping iced lattes, munching on a charcuterie spread, muffins, and macaroons as we created an atmosphere of uplifting conversations about a book that impacted all three of us. The dialogue was fruitful and we all came away with spirits full of joy and appreciation. “So…are y’all going to join me again next month?” I posed the question as we were wrapping up our time. I had already chosen the book for February (and read some of it), so I gave them a pitch. Pilgrim’s Progress was amazing, but this next book was a little more lighthearted. For the month of February we are reading Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis Major. I have absolutely fallen in love with her story and find her to be such an inspiration to all who are walking out their Christian faith.
Mamas, sisters, and friends: First, I pray that you find salvation in our Savior Christ Jesus; and secondly, I implore you to walk differently than the world. Be sure to read Pilgrim’s Progress and to also check out Kisses from Katie! May God bless you in faith and trust in Him.
I’ll leave you with these quotes from Pilgrim’s Progress:
“‘But, Lord, what exactly is believing?’ Immediately, I understood the saying, ‘Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’ …The one who’s heart honestly desires the salvation of Christ is the one who truly believes in Christ” (page 197)
“If his mind and heart were truly changed, he would live differently” (page 213)
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