August is the swan song of summer and it just so happens to me by birthday month. Hannah traveled across the country. Sam and I got some great bonding time. I had a great birthday shindig. It was a blessing.
Books
August was a month of Christian Biographies. A.W. Tozer once said, “Next to the Holy Scriptures, the greatest aid to the life of faith may be Christian biographies.” This little book is bird’s-eye view of Tyndale’s impact on giving us the Bible in our own tongue. I would have liked more focus on the man himself rather than just the facts surrounding him. However, considering the book’s brevity, that’s understandable. Overall, it’s a great little read.
Amy Carmichael: Beauty For Ashes – Iain H. Murray
This introduction to the life and ministry of Amy Carmichael is one I highly recommend. She was devoted to Christ and served faithfully in the mundane and often forgotten places. I deeply admired the way she cared for children. Her insights on the purpose of education and the call to live a loving life are thoughts I will be reflecting on for some time.
Spurgeon: A New Biography – Arnold A. Dallimore
This really just whet my appetite for Spurgeon. Perhaps my favorite read of the month. Such a great picture of the prince of preachers. Makes me appreciate his work so much more. But most of all it makes me love Jesus all the more.
The Christian Family – Herman Bavinck
Herman Bavinck’s The Christian Family may feel dated in certain respects, yet it resonates with a prophetic voice, speaking to the contemporary deterioration of the family structure. Bavinck’s call to honor marriage and the responsibility of raising children stirred my soul, providing deep, soul-searching moments. While some cultural references may not align with today’s context, the book is filled with nuggets of wisdom that are as relevant today as they were in Bavinck’s time, offering plenty to reflect on and apply in the current age.
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader – C.S. Lewis
Continuing on through my reading of Narnia. Life was full this month and this got put to the back burner so it took my longer to read than the others. Still this one was great. Maybe my favorite ending thus far.
The Fellowship of the Ring – J.R.R. Tolkien
I’ve never read all of The Chronicles of Narnia, and while that’s fine, I can’t believe I hadn’t read The Lord of the Rings before now, especially as a huge fan of fantasy. To be fair, I’ve tried starting it before, but it’s no easy read—especially when your day job involves a lot of reading. Shifting from exegetical commentaries to Tolkien’s detailed world-building can be daunting.
But this month, I made up my mind to dive in. And wow… it’s incredible. My only minor gripe? There are a lot of songs. Other than that, it’s every bit as amazing as everyone says. One highlight for me is how much more engaging and enjoyable Frodo is in the books. As much as I love Viggo Mortensen’s portrayal of Aragorn in the films, his character in the book is even more heroic and compelling. I’m already flying through The Two Towers and glad I finally decided to check this off my list.
Music
Starflyer 59 – Lust For Gold Apple/Spotify
August wasn’t a big month for discovering new music, but one album that really stood out was Starflyer 59’s Lust for Gold. It’s a clear nod to their original album Gold, and even after decades, they continue to deliver timeless music. This album is a perfect showcase of the band’s ability to evolve while holding on to the dreamy, atmospheric sound that fans have loved for years. Jason Martin’s hauntingly rich vocals pair seamlessly with shimmering guitar work, creating an ethereal blend that captivates from the very first note.
Board Games
Furnace is a game I really enjoy. It strikes a great balance between being easy to teach and offering engaging gameplay. The mechanics are straightforward, yet there’s enough strategy to keep everyone thinking on their feet. Watching your engine build over the course of the game is incredibly satisfying, as you turn small resources into big gains. It’s fast-paced, highly replayable, and simply a blast to play. If you’re into engine-building games with a clean, rewarding flow, Furnace is definitely worth checking out.
I snagged Sunset Over Water on Prime Day, and it’s quickly become my go-to welcoming game for new players. It’s quick, simple, and wonderfully portable—perfect for those times when you need a lighter, yet still engaging, experience. The puzzle-like mechanics are easy to grasp, but they still provide enough depth to keep things interesting. I even took it on a date night, and Hannah loved it too! If you’re looking for a charming and accessible game that’s great for any occasion, Sunset Over Water is a fantastic choice.
Play Nine is a game that just isn’t for me. It popped up at a recent game night, but between the heavy reliance on luck and the overly simple mechanics, it didn’t click with me. While I can see how it might be enjoyable for those who prefer quick, casual games, it lacks the strategic depth I usually look for. If you’re into light, luck-driven games, you might enjoy it, but it’s not one I’d reach for again.
Acquire is a classic, and for good reason. It was brought to game night recently, and even though it was only my second time playing, I’m already sold. I’ll definitely be adding this one to my collection. The blend of strategy, economics, and mergers makes for an experience that’s both intense and incredibly satisfying. If someone suggests playing Monopoly, do them a favor—give them Acquire instead. It’s simply fantastic, delivering a much more engaging and strategic experience with none of the drag. Highly recommend it!
For my birthday party, I pulled out the Crokinole board, and it just reaffirmed what I already knew—this is the best dexterity game out there. It’s like a perfect mix of shuffleboard and darts, combining precision, strategy, and a bit of luck. There’s something so satisfying about the flicking mechanics and the competitive edge it brings to the table. Whether you’re playing with seasoned gamers or casual friends, Crokinole always hits the mark. It’s such a fantastic game that never fails to bring the fun!
Moonrakers had been sitting on my shelf of shame for way too long, but I finally got it to the table, and it was worth the wait. It took us a round or two to fully wrap our heads around the mechanics, but once everything clicked, this game really started to hum. I was genuinely impressed by how well it blended deck-building with negotiation. If you’re into deck-building, you’ll love it. If negotiation games are more your speed, this game has that too. And if you enjoy both, do yourself a favor and buy it! Moonrakers is a great game that offers a unique and engaging experience.
SOLI DEO GLORIA - Billy Glosson 
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