Ryanne Molinari

It’s a beautiful sunny day in Iowa—if you don’t step outside, that is. To help you get through the winter blues, here are a few recommendations for reading, listening, and learning.

1. This podcast that sparked my theological imagination.

I regularly listen to Think Biblically, a podcast by my alma mater, Biola University. In a recent episode, the hosts interviewed Dr. Jeannine Hanger about her new book, Engaging Jesus with our Senses. She rightly points out that Jesus and Scripture often speak in terms of the senses—touching, tasting, hearing, seeing, smelling. However, in our cultural context, we often fixate on one or two senses at the exclusion of the others (hearing and seeing, for instance). Instead, Hanger suggests that our corporate worship and devotional lives will be enriched if we learn to faithfully engage our senses.

I could go on and on, but as the podcast is not overly long, I really encourage you to listen for yourself. It was remarkably insightful and set my mind awhirl with ideas. If the podcast intrigues you as much as it did me, I’d also encourage you to check out Dr. Hanger’s book.

2. This devotional to have at the ready for Lent and Eastertide.

I know it seems like we just wrapped up the Christmas season (pun intended, naturally). However, for those of us in ministry, we are already looking ahead toward Lent and Easter, which will be here before you know it. But it’s really never too early to prepare for Easter—or, at least, to prepare to prepare for Easter.

That said, I highly recommend this beautiful new devotional, The Risen King: 40 Devotions for Easter from C.H. Spurgeon, edited by J.A. Medders. This book is an excellent way to dip your toes into reading more Christian classics without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, while we are used to the idea of giving something up for Lent, it can also be helpful to add a particular discipline. I plan to use this 40-day devotional throughout the 40 days of Lent (which exclude Sundays). If this sounds interesting to you, you can order a copy from Amazon or the publisher.

NOTE: I received a copy of The Risen King from The Good Book Company in exchange for an honest review.

3. These playlists to motivate your fitness goals.

Because I can’t outside run as often due to the weather, I’ve been using the dreaded treadmill to refine my stride. Apparently, my goal running cadence is 180 bpm (beats per minute). My metronome has proven a useful tool for checking this, but Spotify also features numerous playlists compiled based on bpm. If you have not taken advantage of this feature, I highly recommend it. All you need to do is search your ideal bpm on Spotify.

The following playlist features classical pieces with tempos around 180 bpm—”presto” for any musicians reading this. It’s terribly exciting and has helped me endure many an indoor run. I’ll also include another workout playlist below that I created using my favorite film music.

4. This novel that is perfect for a cozy snow day.

I just finished reading Leif Enger’s Peace Like a River. From the first page, I was hooked by the sheer beauty of his writing. The way he brings characters to life and describes their world—which is just our world but somehow transfigured—is captivating. Taking place amid the blizzards of the badlands, this is a perfect novel for cozying up with a hot beverage and thick blanket. (Plus, it’s half off on Amazon!)

5. This EP you’ll want to pre-save.

I have been a fan of British singer-songwriter Roo Panes since I stumbled upon his work during the pandemic. I had to leave the UK due to Covid-19 closures, but his music provided comfort amid the chaos and glimmers of hope amid sorrow. It was exactly what I needed during a time of displacement and disorientation. His song, “Land of the Living” continues to be one of my favorites.

Panes’s new EP, “Of All the Lovely Things That Be” is set for release on February 7th and I recommend pre-saving it on Spotify or wherever you stream music. In the meantime, you’ll enjoy exploring his other albums, which are all delightful and resonate with goodness, truth, and beauty.

What’re You Enjoying?

Anyway, enough about my recommendations. What are you enjoying? What music, books, podcasts, or habits have been helping you endure the winter? Let me know by filling out the comment box below.