Receptivity
travel, conferences, and a book release
Welcome to my newest readers, fellow bibliophiles, and educators!
What a magnificent June!
I interviewed for jobs, we traveled to be with friends and family in California, I spoke at conferences in Sacramento and Atlanta, and my newest book came out into the world. But perhaps the most important part is the people. I don’t think anything quite fills my soul as much as being with loved ones, being with those who love Jesus (and the world!) deeply, and being with those who are passionate about teaching. I’ve spent time with many amazing people.
One thing they all have in common is receptivity, being able to receive from God and from each other. Some may call this character trait tenderness, vulnerability, or trust, or perhaps a desire for wholeness. I think it’s all of those things, and it’s a quality I hope I’m cultivating reminiscent of Ephesians 4.
Receptivity is also a word I’ve used to describe certain teachers, speakers, and pastors. Someone who is receptive makes a space inviting through who they are. I’m still working at putting my thumb on a full definition, so what do you think?
around the web
🧐 Earlier this month, Popular Science featured the excavated site of a large Roman villa, circa 2nd century CE. Discovered under a high school in Rome, it is well-preserved with vaulted ceilings, floral wall frescos, and even a detailed mosaic. Read more about the Domus Liceo Cavour here.
📗 At University Bookman, I reviewed LuElla D’Amico’s Wondrous Reading: Encountering the Catholic Faith in Children’s Literature (2025). D’Amico writes that though reading with children begins as an interaction or transaction, it progresses into potential transformation when the Catholic faith is placed at the forefront of reading with children. Her argument easily extends to every family who practices a central faith. As a teacher, I truly enjoyed her sampling of books, the companion discussion questions, and the many related ways to embody both the reading and discussion. See my review for more detail.
🖌️ The permanent collection at the Van Gogh Museum is incredible. For €25.00 (roughly $30) you can take a tour any time of year in Amsterdam. If I ever make it to Museum Square, I may not leave! To see what is on display (or to use the museum website in your classroom), read more here.
on my nightstand
Book recommendations and summer reading stacks will return in July. Please share your favorite reads!
📚I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org where your purchases support local bookstores. I earn a commission if you click through the Norvell Notes Card Catalog and make a purchase for any book at their site, not just the ones I have recommended.📚
my thanks
Thank you for texting and emailing me as you read my book! It’s encouraging to hear, “I needed to read this!” So fun for me!
Many thanks to those who published reviews of The Sycomore Fig Tree in June. Michael De Sapio featured my book and one other in “Tending the Garden of the Soul: Lessons From Scripture & Nature” at The Imaginative Conservative while Glynn Young reviewed it for his blog Faith, Fiction, Friends. Substack writers Traci Rhoades and Haley Baumeister promoted it too. If I missed you, let me know! I’m grateful for any way you help spread the word!
Post a picture of the book (selfies are awesome!) on any social media.
Review the book on Amazon.
Ask your local public or university library to order the book.
Share with friends and family!
Order at Stone Tower Press HERE or at Amazon HERE.
As always, thanks for reading! Be sure and comment below. I would love to hear from you in your reading or classroom journey.
Christine
Congratulations, Christine! What a magnificent June, indeed!
I love the concept of "receptivity" you are defining here. It sounds similar to how I've thought of people who exude hospitality even when they are guests in the space. I will continue to ponder. -H