True fellowship in the life of faith is a treasure chest filled with joys. When we find it in books or in persons, it’s worth celebrating with the best things we can bring to the table. That’s why I paired The Wilderness Journal: 365 Days with the Philokalia by Angela Doll Carlson with Tealyra’s Imperial Golden Monkey Yunnan black tea. This tea is smooth and a little malty, perfect on its own. If you want to experience a companionable tea, this is the one to splurge on. Drink it hot or warm with no additions. I steep it a bit strong sometimes, but this tea is perfect with a lower proportion of leaves in the pot.

As for the book, it makes the company and good advice of the saints accessible in perfectly paired reflections and quotes from the Philokalia. It’s arranged by date, so you can jump in at any point. These reflections bring immediacy of experience to the words from wise men of earlier centuries, inviting us to enter the unvarnished, impartial, but particular and close grace of God right where we are.

I highly recommend this book to tuck into your commuting bag, to sit on the seat beside you for moments waiting on your carpool members, to read in the morning or evening by your bed, or to take with you to the mountains or the sea.

Amazon Shopping List: Imperial Golden Monkey Yunnan tea, The Wilderness Journal: 365 Days with the Philokalia, Folklore Enamel Mug, Folklore Enamel Coffee Pot.
*This post contains affiliate links. Though I will receive a contributor’s copy of this book in future, this review is based on a copy I purchased on my own and shared out of true enjoyment.*