RJ Treleaven

Happy Wednesday, My Lovelies! Well unfortunately, our kitchen is still a mess. Which means that our dining room is also a mess (and part of my art studio) because that's where we are storing everything from our kitchen.

Living through kitchen renovations isn't for sissies, Lovelies. It should have been finished over four weeks ago, and our drawer faces had to be repainted not once but twice. I will be so happy when it's done.

In the interim, I'm still enjoying our library although we're still waiting on a couple of projects before it's finished. I'm finishing up two paintings for the room, and my sister-in-law is making two window seat cushions. Once the room is finished, I will share it here on the blog.

In the meantime, I might post a few photos of our St. Patrick's Day decor before next week if I have time. I'm truly hoping that our kitchen will be finished by this weekend so I can clean everything and put it away.

Our spring has been beautiful so far. I've enjoyed the forsythia in our neighborhood and the snowdrops and jonquils at our church.

And now I'll share What I'm Reading Wednesday

When TLC Book Tours contacted me about Heaven Meets Earth: A 40-Day Journey of Transformation Through the Nicene Creed by Josh Nadeau, I jumped at the chance to read this book and study The Nicene Creed. After all, we recite it at just about every church service.

About Heaven Meets Earth: A 40-Day Journey of Transformation Through the Nicene Creed

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication date: February 17, 2026

Discover deeper faith as you explore the richness of Christian belief and tradition with a visually inspired journey through the Nicene Creed.

“We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth….”

And so the Nicene Creed begins with these powerful words of declaration and belief, words handed down through history for Christians across the centuries to affirm and to hold, to repeat and to remind. The Creed has bolstered the faith of many and still speaks to us today. When our footing fails or our faith needs a refresh, these ancient words can tether us to foundational truths.

In Heaven Meets Earth, philosopher-artist Josh Nadeau, creator of Sword and Pencil, invites you to explore the Nicene Creed in this 40-day devotional journey of transformation for everyday saints. With his iconographic-style art and his insightful words, Josh brings the traditional to the present day in this visually inspired exploration of the faith.

Each daily entry of this spiritual journey includes:

A short phrase from the Creed to meditate on
Thoughtful reflections on what the words still mean today
A beautiful piece of full-color art inspired by the Creed
A dedicated prayer to bring your thoughts to God

Whether during the Lent season or any time of the year, step into an ancient, living faith with Heaven Meets Earth, and embrace the beauty of belief with Josh’s stunning visual art alongside this historic Christian confession of faith. Prepare your heart and your mind for transformation as you follow in the footsteps of the faithful multitude who have gone before.

About the Author

Josh Nadeau is an artist and author from the West Coast of Canada. Beauty is his apologetic and his work seeks to translate ancient ideas of embodying the Transcendent for a modern time. His art and writing are invitations to reimagine the holy ordinary of every day life under the Beauty of Jesus.

He has appeared on numerous podcasts, written articles for magazines and websites, and has created art for Jordan Peterson’s History of Western Civilization, as well as churches, musicians, and other organizations, like The Chosen, Searock, Vuvivo, and the Daily Wire.

He has his Undergrad in Physics, a Master’s in Theological Studies, and a doctorate from the School of Hard Knocks. He is a husband to Aislinn and a father to Ransom. He spends his days reading, writing, bouldering, and trying to enjoy every good and perfect Gift. Josh is the founder of Sword and Pencil and Every Day Saints.

My Review:

Before I even mention the important bits, I must comment as an artist about how much I'm enjoying the artwork in this book. You can get a taste of it on the cover (above). I am also following Josh on Instagram @swordandpencil and his feed is inspiring! I hope you will consider following him.

So the important bits are the phrases of the Nicene Creed and the historical and spiritual commentary. With each day's reflection, Josh shares artwork, and on some days he explains the symbolism of that day's art. I think that the visuals in this book will help me better understand and remember the Nicene Creed. One thing I appreciate, too, are the biblical references. These are helpful in understanding Josh's symbolism as well as the lesson.

In our busy lives, the Reflect and Meditate section at the end of each lesson is a gentle invitation to "be still" and ponder about the day's lesson and talk and listen to God. These are so well written and thought-provoking!

I love this book so much, y'all! I am in the middle of a Lenten Bible study at church, and as soon as we are finished, I am going to start reading this little gem of a book again, but read only one lesson per day as it is intended. Hopefully by Pentecost I will have memorized the Nicene Creed and not have to "cheat" by referring to the bulletin or The Book of Common Prayer (goals!).

DISCLOSURE:

I received a hardcover copy of Heaven Meets Earth from TLC Book Tours via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thank-you!

TLC review tour schedule:

Monday, February 16th: @kristens.reading.nook

Tuesday, February 17th: @deannaturnsthepage

Thursday, February 19th: @dana.loves.books

Friday, February 20th: @suzylew_bookreview

Sunday, February 22nd: @webreakforbooks

Tuesday, February 24th: @readingpastdark.marcia

Friday, February 27th: View from the Birdhouse

Friday, February 27th: @therearenobadbooks

Monday, March 2nd: @beckys_bookshelves

Wednesday, March 4th: @teaandbookstoo and Reading, Writing, and Pondering

Friday, March 6th: @readingintheheartland

Monday, March 9th: @oilycaffeinatedmama

Wednesday, March 11th: The Bookish Dilettante

Friday, March 13th: @nissa_the.bookworm

Until next time...

Happy reading!
Ricki Jill

Another Update and What I'm Reading Wednesday

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

It's almost Valentine's Day, My Lovelies! Today I'm giving you a brief update about what's going on in my life, and also featuring a new devotional by Jessica Claire Bond.

Our house renovation is in full swing, and I was more than happy to make a quick trip to New Orleans last Thursday through Sunday. We went to a few parties, dinners, and a ball. We had a nice time visiting with family and friends. I truly needed that time with people who have been the sweetest of friends over the years.

You can see one project that's finished in our kitchen (above): our new backsplash. Forgive the poor quality of the photo because it was very overcast when I took it. Hopefully one day in the not too distant future I will be able to have use of our kitchen. I am missing cooking, y'all, and I have been tormenting myself reading cooking blogs and recipe books!

And now on to my bookish feature: A King Washes Feet: How to Love and Forgive Your Friends and Enemies- An Illustrated Bible Study by Jessica Claire Bond.

About A King Washes Feet

• Pubisher: Bethany House Publishers (February 10, 2026)

• Paperback: 224 pages

On the last night of Jesus’s life, He picked up a towel and washed His disciples’ feet–people who would soon betray, deny, and abandon Him–giving an example of what it really means to love and forgive like the King. He clothed Himself in humility, providing for us a picture of what it really means to follow Him.

This book is an invitation to sit on the footwashing stool and let Jesus heal you, then kneel with the King and learn how to wash the feet of your friends and enemies. We need this picture–and this posture–more than ever. All around us are disappointed, disillusioned, and wounded people, covered with the grime of ambition, jealousy, self-protection, church hurt, broken relationships, and world-weary hearts. Jesus calls us to kneel before them, whether they are friend or foe, to perform acts of love, mercy, and healing.

Through her compelling writing and viral artwork, Jessica Claire Bond unpacks what it means to “wash feet” in this generation. She reveals the profound meaning behind this timeless message of serving and loving others, challenging us to reconsider the overlooked, shunned, and marginalized in order to model the humility and love of our King. Ultimately, whoever is on the seat, He’s the one washing the feet.

About the author

Jessica Bond is founder of Salt & Gold Collection, creator of the viral Footwashing Series artwork and communicator of the radical gospel through speaking, social media, and ministry. Originally from Aotearoa, New Zealand, she moved to Australia in 2018. She has ministered in prisons, schools, nightclubs, underground churches, and crocodile-infested mangroves. Jessica is a graduate of the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry in California and calls the Catholic Church home. Find her online at SaltAndGoldStore.com and on Instagram at @SaltAndGoldCollection.

When I finish my current Bible Study, I am starting this one. It is so humbling, y'all! I have already read snippets of it, and one of the most profound chapters is entitled "Barabbas Is Me." Wow.

Forgiveness is hard, Lovelies. But it is so good for our spirit! I cannot WAIT to get into the meat of this study. I also like Jessica's illustrations, and she also annotates scripture which I find very helpful. Above is an example of her illustrations, and I chose it because of the hearts for Valentine's Day. This lesson is about keeping your heart soft based on Christ's compassion in Matthew 14:14.

I'd like to thank TLC Book Tours for this lovely devotional via the publisher in exchange for featuring it here on my blog.

TLC tour schedule:

Tuesday, February 3rd: @bookloveramanda

Wednesday, February 4th: @teaandbookstoo and Reading, Writing, and Pondering

Wednesday, February 4th: @dana.loves.books

Thursday, February 5th: @gigithebibliophile

Friday, February 6th: @readingpastdark.marcia

Friday, February 6th: @oilycaffeinatedmama

Monday, February 9th: @kristens.reading.nook

Wednesday, February 11th: @danamarielovestoread

Thursday, February 12th: @readingintheheartland

Thursday, February 12th: The Bookish Dilettante

Friday, February 13th: @deannaturnsthepage

Saturday, February 14th: @nissa_the.bookworm

Sunday, February 15th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Tuesday, February 17th: @beckys_bookshelves

Thursday, February 19th: @lovemybooks2020

Until next time...

Blessings!
Ricki Jill

Updates and a Bookish Feature

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Happy Tuesday, My Lovelies! What's going on in your neighborhood? It's a beautiful sunny day here in Central Alabama, but it's a bit chilly. What are you currently reading, watching, streaming, or listening to this week? I started Uncomplicate It: Permission to Enjoy God in Your Unique Way by Hosanna Wong last week, and I can hardly put it down. Plus I'm finding myself going back and re-reading certain parts of the book.

About Uncomplicate It: Permission to Enjoy God in Your Unique Way

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (February 3, 2026) Happy Pub Day!

• Paperback: 224 pages

What if enjoying life with God is simpler than you’ve heard? What if your personality, the way you learn, the things you enjoy, your season of life, and your many roles aren’t roadblocks to overcome but instead shortcuts to real connection with your Creator? International speaker Hosanna Wong offers you a permission slip to uncomplicate your relationship with God and enjoy Him in your own unique way.

She will help you:

break free from unrealistic expectations that do not come from God;
overcome 6 roadblocks that keep you from enjoying your life and relationship with God;
unlock 6 shortcuts to enjoying God in your current season;
learn from interviews with over one thousand believers about their unique ways of encountering God; and
drop the guilt, shame, and comparison that comes from the lie that your relationship with Jesus must look one certain way, or else.

A real relationship with God is not one-size-fits all. Your relationship with God does not have to look like anyone else’s. And it doesn’t have to look the same way it did years ago. You can uncomplicate it. This is your permission slip to embrace the unique way God has made you, in this specific stage of life you’re in, so that you can fully receive all the good that God has for you right now.

My Thoughts So Far

As y'all know, we recently converted our classroom upstairs into a library. Not only did it afford me the opportunity to make better use of a pretty much unused room, but it also gave me the opportunity to curate my many books and make donations to our local library and a couple of other charities and Christian ministries. I donated several Christian nonfiction books that I kept for years that I know I will never read again. They deserve to be shared with others. Uncomplicate It is definitely a keeper. Yes, I will loan it out to friends, but I think it deserves a spot on my Christian Nonfiction keeper shelf. Here's why....

Hosanna Wong interviewed over 1,000 people asking them about their faith and specifically on "how they enjoy God." She truly put in the work, research, and organization into this book! The first two parts of the book are fairly standard because we see it all the time (especially while scrolling Instagram). Part 1 is entitled "Your Permission Slip," and it encompasses all the lies the enemy uses to discourage us in our walk with God and how Christians should stop with all the comparisons. Part 2 is entitled "Roadblocks." I see these excuses constantly on my Instagram feed, particularly "Busyness," "Distractions," "Shame," and "Expectations" (these happen to be four of the six subheadings in this chapter). So you might be asking: What makes this book unique? As I said at the beginning of this paragraph, it's the fact that she talked to so many people about not only their walk with God, but what they enjoy most about it.

Part 3 is entitled "Shortcuts." This is where her research really shines and highlights ways to enjoy God based on your likes and personality. This is the brilliant part because we shouldn't be expected to enjoy God in ways that conflict with how God created us. Hosanna coined the phrase "Praise-o-nality" to express how we feel close to God based on temperament. So far, this has been the best and most instructive chapter in the book. My favorite archetype (or temperament) is "The Artist of People." This is the person who connects best with God through other people via their conversations and relationships with them. "[ Although] we are all created for community, some of us have a natural bent toward it (page 151)." This has made me realize why I get so much out of our small group Bible studies and book clubs at church, and why the COVID madness was particularly difficult for me. I also am learning a lot about how to get in a rhythm of closeness to God in practical ways, and how to not only refresh my faith, but to flourish.

I think this lovely book can shed some light on how you can better enjoy God through practical applications and self-reflection. But the stories in it about others truly make this book stand out. I'm enjoying it so much, and I will definitely suggest it for our book club at church.

Have you read any wonderfully inspiring Christian nonfiction lately? Please share in the comments if you have!

Disclosure: I'd like to thank TLC Book Tours for asking me to be a part of this blog and Instagram tour for Uncomplicate it: Permission to Enjoy God In Your Unique Way. I received a book from the publisher via TLC Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review.

TLC Review Tour Schedule:

Tuesday, February 3rd: The Bookish Dilettante

Friday, February 6th: @bookloveramanda

Tuesday, February 10th: @gigithebibliophile

Wednesday, February 11th: @dana.loves.books

Friday, February 13th: @readingpastdark.marcia

Monday, February 16th: @teaandbookstoo and Reading, Writing, and Pondering

Wednesday, February 18th: @lovemybooks2020

Friday, February 20th: @danamarielovestoread

Friday, February 20th: View from the Birdhouse

Friday, February 27th: @deannaturnsthepage

Monday, March 2nd: @beautyinthebinding

Wednesday, March 4th: @oilycaffeinatedmama

Until next time...

Happy reading!

Ricki Jill

Currently Reading: Uncomplicate It by Hosanna Wong

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Happy Friday, My Lovelies! I hope you are having a blessed week, and that you have been able to drink something hot and spend a few moments reading God's word.

In today's Literary Friday post, I'm sharing Beth Moore's Walking With God: A Five-Week Journey In Step With the Savior.

Y'all, I must disclose that I am a huge fan of Beth Moore's Bible studies. In fact, my very favorite Bible study of all time is her "A Heart Like His: Intimate Reflections on the Life of David." It has been many years since I participated in the study with a small group at my church, but I still remember it vividly. I love Beth's writing and teaching style: She truly has a gift for sharing God's word thematically.

I was thrilled when TLC Book Tours asked me to be apart of the team introducing and sharing Beth's new study.

About Walking With God: A Five-Week Journey in Step with the Savior

Publisher: Tyndale Momentum

Publication date: January 13, 2026

Print length: 256 pages

What does it really mean to walk with God–not just for a season, but for a lifetime? No two people in Scripture walked with God identically, and the same is true for all of us. Sometimes, a stretch of miles when God seems gloriously obvious can be followed by months of wondering where he’s gone. God has his own objectives for each season of our walks, and some of them will remain a mystery until we see his face.

Join New York Times bestselling author of All My Knotted-Up Life, Beth Moore, as she leads you on a five-week journey through Scripture to explore what walking with God looked like throughout the Biblical storyline:

the Beginning of Walking (Genesis)
the Law of Walking (Books of the Law)
the Heart of Walking (Psalms and Books of Poetry)
the Discipleship of Walking (Gospels)
the Spirit of Walking (Epistles)

Filled with Scripture-rich teaching, thought-provoking questions, practical application, and insightful personal reflections from Beth gleaned from a lifetime of walking with God, every page of this Bible study was designed to spark an awareness of God’s presence in your daily life.

Whether you’re just beginning your faith journey or have been walking with God for decades, this study will teach you to walk nearer and more attentively with God every day.

My Impressions:

I read several of the lessons in this book, and I love how it's organized. You can see from the bullet points (above) the themes for all five weeks. Each week has five lessons, and Beth draws scripture from other sections of the Bible to support each day's theme. Her questions are not only thought-provoking, they are encouraging. Beth Moore is an encourager, and if you don't feel encouraged after a Beth Moore study, then you just didn't pay attention. I love how at the end of each week's study are pretty graphics that serve as a "Recordkeeper for Your Walk." Another helpful feature is that all the questions and written activities in the book have plenty of room for your thoughts and answers. It annoys me when studies don't have the appropriate amount of space to write. There are even interviews scattered throughout the study the reader can access via QR codes. One is with Cece Winans, one of my favorite Christian singers.

If your Secret Sister, small group, Sunday School class, or other group is looking for a Bible study to start this winter or spring, why not check this one out? I do tend to get more out of Beth Moore's Bible Studies with a group because the discussion is always top-tier. NOTE: Her streaming video sessions for this study are sold separately.

I hope I can talk my book club group at church into doing this study. Ours are usually six weeks, so this one is the right length. If not, I will do it on my own this spring.

DISCLOSURE: I received a copy of Walking With God from the publisher via TLC Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Until next time...

Happy reading!

Ricki Jill

Literary Friday: Beth Moore's Walking With God

Friday, January 30, 2026

Happy Tuesday, My Lovelies! I hope you are staying warm wherever you are. We were fortunate here in Central Alabama to escape the ice and snow, however it is bitterly cold: we aren't accustomed to low temperatures in the teens!

I want to first of all thank y'all for your kind cards, emails, text messages, and phone calls. My mother truly suffered this past year, and I am thankful that her struggles are over, and that she's home with God. The flowers above were from my cousin Lori. I was able to separate them into about four arrangements, and this one is the largest of them.

Before my mother became ill last March, we had begun the process of renovating our home. We have had several starts and stops, primarily because of my mother's declining health. Currently, the only room in our home that isn't one hot mess is our library. At one time it was a guest bedroom, and then it was Shelley's high school classroom. Please join me in our library for a simple afternoon tea party. But before we begin, I'd like to thank my friend Rita for hosting these blog hop parties.

Thank-you, Rita, for hosting! You do such a lovely job keeping us organized and on task!

Welcome to our library! I will share more about this project in a later post (there are three more projects that need to be completed first). But for now, I'm enjoying this refuge in the midst of our chaos. I want to disclose that I can't access much right now because almost everything from our kitchen is stored in giant bins. I was actually lucky that I had the tea set sitting on our dining room table.

This is the only teapot I can currently find. It's part of the High Tea Set from MacKenzie-Childs.

I put up the little lighted before Christmas. I decided to keep it up through Valentine's Day because the ornaments are heart-shaped.

On the menu are strawberry petit fours and cheese straws from Edgar's Bakery and hot tea (Paris blend by Harney & Sons).

I can do very limited things in the kitchen now with a kettle, microwave, and toaster. That's about it!

Resources:

Buttoned Heart-shaped placemats: Kohl's

Napkins and heart-shaped ornaments: Anthropologie

All pottery: MacKenzie-Childs

Lighted Christmas tree: Terrain

Beeswax taper candles: S. Flynn Home

Please visit all the blogs participating in today's hop. If you're linking in order, Patti's blog, Pandora's Box, is next.

Panoply - Valentine's Day 2026: Forget Me Not Tablescape

Life and Linda - Hearts, Kisses, and Valentine Wishes

Home Is Where the Boat Is - Heartfelt Table with Snowmen & Cardinals

Hyacinths for the Soul - Whispering Love - Valentine Tablescape Hop

Everyday Living - Forever Is Long Enough

The Cat's Whiskerz - A Valentine's Day Table for the Guys

Red Cottage Chronicles - Setting a Valentine's Table That Feels Like Home

Celebrating Everyday Life - An Italian-Inspired Valentine for Two

My Thrift Store Addiction - Ivy and Roses Valentine Table for Two

Me and My Captain - Love Is Everything, Valentine's Day 2026

Little Yellow Corner Store - A Winter's Valentine's Day Tablescape - The Heart of the Matter

Thrifting Wonderland - Valentine's Day: From the Heart

Corner of Plaid and Paisley - Cottage Rose Valentine's Table

Dinner at Eight - Celebrate with Friends and Flowers on Valentine's Day

Olla-Podrida - Cozy Valentine's Day Tablescape

The Bookish Dilettante - Valentine's Tea in the Library

Pandora's Box - Lunch With My Valentine

Mantel and Table - How to Design a Valentine Table That Feels Luxurious

Until next time...

Blessings!
Ricki Jill

Valentine's Tea in the Library

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Happy Tuesday AND December, My Lovelies! Today I'm joining Sweet Rita from the Panoply Blog and a few other stylist to share Christmas tablescapes.

Thank-you, Rita, for hosting our tablescape blog hop parties.

Mine is very simple. It's a miracle I was able to pull anything off, y'all. I am grieving for my friend Jenna's passing. My best friend is fighting cancer, and after a stint in the hospital last week, they moved her to the same facility, the same hallway, only two doors down from where Jenna was living. I'm not sure how I feel about that. Plus our dog Finlay had to have eye surgery a few weeks ago, and he can't be left alone. It has been a struggle to schedule someone at home with him at all times since the beginning of October. Plus my mom is declining rapidly, and to top it all off: we are going through a major renovation of four rooms in our home.

This is not an excuse for why my table is so simple this year....it's an explanation. I'm just trying to keep it real. But I am pleased with the table because even though it's simple, I think it's pretty. Also, I think it's important to find your joy in the midst of sadness and upheaval.

Because I've had very little free time, I am using mostly things I've had. The tablecloth, however, is brand new. I bought it to go with the napkins I purchased last year. Each corner has evergreen trees on it: