I’m still here! + 5 Books of 2025

For those of you that have been around here for awhile, I know that you’ve heard less frequently from me over the past year. (It warmed my heart when a reader recently emailed me to tell me she’s looking forward to my next post!) It’s been an overwhelming, wild adventure with our move to a different state and stepping into an entirely unknown life. (If you missed that, read about it here!) God has been faithful and has confirmed in many ways that we followed His path. However, with all the never-ending responsibilities of a move and starting over in a new state, homeschooling four kids (the spectrum from teaching phonics to twin boys all the way to Chemistry in the Kitchen), and traveling along with Brett’s film projects, my writing here had taken a pause.

Sums up my motherhood. Everyone needs me at the same time!

However, my writing has not completely paused as I am excited to tell you that I’ve been working hard on my next book! Over two years ago I had an idea, put it to rest, but now picked it back up again as the Lord has given me more insight on the direction of the book. You can read the idea of this book here. 

(And if you have lost a baby through miscarriage, stillborn, and/or infant death, I’d love for you to contribute to the book by filling out this survey: (https://www.christinavarvel.com/griever-survey)

During this time in my life, I’ve been asking God for His purpose for me and doing some introspection on the future of my writing. Because of my responsibilities as a wife and mother, my writing is not the priority but rather fits in my “extra free time” box. Well, there isn’t much of that unless I set aside the time, and my husband, as my biggest supporter, pushes me out of the house to give me space and opportunity to write! As I’ve been seeking, the Spirit has confirmed in specific ways that I should “keep writing,” and has given me wisdom and courage to be obedient to His leading and write topics that I’m passionate and convicted about.

As I’ve been reflecting and praying, I came across the saying “Less Width, More Depth.” My goal isn’t to reach as many people as possible. (Hence why I’m not on social media or trying to twist people into signing up and staying). My desire is not for us to stay on the surface, doing what we’ve always done, what’s easy, or influenced by what society deems important, but rather keep digging deeper in our relationship with Jesus Christ, our sanctification and holiness, and how we love others—the road of sacrifice and suffering yet more joy and wholeness.

If you want to go deep with me and haven’t subscribed yet, you can do so and never miss my posts in your inbox.

Until next time, here are what 5 others have said that impacted me the most in the year 2025. (I reached my all-time record of reading 63 books last year! It was definitely hard to choose from!)

Wrestling Prayer: A Passionate Communion with God

Eric & Leslie Ludy

This book revolutionized how Brett and I pray now. I read through it first and didn’t give Brett much of a choice to read it too. (He knows Eric and loves him so it didn’t take much convincing!) Eric and Leslie walk through a biblical passion for prayer and give practical insight. In fact, this book is how we were taught to wrestle in prayer, that led to the Spirit showing up in amazing ways, guiding us down the path for us to move while answering an abundance of requests! 

The Wingfeather Saga

Andrew Peterson

The Wingfeather Saga is a four book series for kids. But really, it’s an adventure for adults too! Initially I had planned for it to be a family read-aloud, but Kherington started the first book and couldn’t put it down. Because she wouldn’t stop talking about it, Damon started the series, and I had to tell her to keep quiet before she gave the story away! I was then convinced to pick them up for myself, and let me tell you, I fell in love with the characters, the symbolism, the biblical truths, the adventure, the tragedy, all of it. I laughed, cried, and even journaled thoughts that convicted and challenged me. It definitely has some Narnia vibes if you are a fan of those books. I cannot wait to read this to the twins in a few years. Better yet, I’ll have Brett read the books to them so he can join in on the saga! 

*Shameless plug: You can watch the Wingfeather series on Angel Studios streaming platform in addition to our newest film, Disciples in the Moonlight. 

Rees Howells: Intercessor

Norman Grubb

I’m continuing to meditate on the life of Rees Howells, a man from Wales who became a powerful intercessor. His story challenged me to desire the Holy Spirit to fill me completely so that I become less and He becomes ALL. Rees lived in constant communion with the Lord, and his prayers changed numerous lives, even influencing the course of World War II! Add this to your list of learning from great men of the faith who gave it all to be obedient to the voice of God. This is a book I’ll be reading over and over again.

They Shall Expel Demons

Derek Prince

If you grew up in fundamental, conservative American Christianity, get ready—this book will blow your mind like it did mine, as well as my life. We talk about how there is “spiritual warfare” around us, but as to what that actually means, many don’t know how to explain except ambiguously, with proof that we live our lives as if the spiritual warfare of demonic activity isn’t real. Derek Prince teaches on demons using the Bible as his guide and personal experience on how to overcome the battle. Maybe stories for another day, but I can testify that demons are real and can have great influence in a Christian’s life when doors are open to them. It’s time we no longer fear them (“Greater is He who is in us!”) or be in denial, which are their desires to make it easier for them to gain a foothold. While it’s true that “there isn’t a demon under every rock,” we have forgotten that there ARE demons at work that we must be active against!

Rose From Brier

Amy Carmichael

This book is one of the last I read last year, and it still sits on my dresser. When I finish a book that had great impact, I don’t immediately put it away on my shelf. I’ll pick it up and skim through highlights, allowing the truths to sink in and change my thinking and beliefs. Amy Carmichael, missionary to India, wrote letters while sick and bedridden for years. Rose From Brier is a compilation of those letters, which became personal to me in my current season. While I cannot relate to the entirety of her intense sufferings, I have endured physical illness on and off for over 20 years, and have increasingly suffered over the past few years with still no healing or remission. As someone who was sick writing to the sick, her words were relatable, hopeful, thought-provoking, convicting yet encouraging, and God-focused as I battle my own fears, faith, hopelessness, doubts, and frustrations with my health. This may be a topic I’ll be writing about soon. If you are suffering from any physical illness, I highly recommend this book to help your perspective shift from your all-consuming sufferings onto the One who suffered for you. 

I hope and pray that you faithfully follow Jesus this next year, no matter the blessings and trials that you walk through.

Christina