Need More Bookshelves

Poem for Today

2011-05-10T00:24:00.001-05:00

I found this poem on the internet and thought it is perfect for spring!

Lord, the air smells good today,
straight from the mysteries
within the inner courts of God.
A grace like new clothes thrown
across the garden, free medicine for everybody.
The trees in their prayer, the birds in praise
the first blue violets kneeling.
Whatever came from Being is caught up in being, drunkenly
forgetting the way back."
- Jelaluddin Rumi, from "Lord, the Air Smells Good Today"

(from April 12th, 2011 Verse and Voice, a daily email from Sojourners)

Sunshine

2011-05-08T00:23:00.000-05:00

Today felt like summer might actually come. We've had such a cold wet month that summer seemed like a dream that would never come true. But today was glorious. Warm enough to open up windows, hang clothes on the line, and work in the dirt.

Unfortunately, I didn't think about sunblock. Tonight my nose is red, my arms where I pushed up my shirt-sleeves are red, and I haven't checked but the back of my neck hurts too...sometimes I wish that my genetic make-up had included more melanin in my skin. Freckles are fine and cute on kids but oh how I wish I didn't burn so easily!

I haven't had time for much reading lately but there is a chance I might get some in tonight if sleep is chased away by sunburn pain. Not the best way to find time!!

Happy Spring!

What I've Been Reading

2011-02-23T07:49:00.002-06:00

It seems I go through seasons where I read a lot of books all at once and then a long stretch of not reading anything of substance.

So here is the list from my latest reading phase:

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah
Prisoners of Hope by Dayna Curry & Heather Mercer
Return with Honor by Captain Scott O'Grady
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

Sometimes I end up with themes to my reading...looks like this one was suffering during war... with an English novel thrown in for lighter reading. :)

Have you read any of the above? What were your thoughts after-wards?

The Darkness before the Morning

2011-02-19T09:49:00.001-06:00

For a myriad of reasons it's been kind of a difficult week so I'm glad today is a "down" day with not a lot of plans. Things popped up that weren't serious but just threw bumps in my life's path.

a flat tire discovered the night before a trip.
no phone service for three days (normally that wouldn't be a problem but it's the one I use for work).
a 2 1/2 hour trip in dense fog.
a mind that kept wandering instead of focusing on the tasks at hand.

But there were also glimpses of God's glory and redemption too. Hope remains in the brokenness of this world.

a robin singing in a tree.
warmer temps that melted away the snow.
a dog that's excited to go on a walk with me.
roses in a vase on my desk.
big band music.
family that installed a light fixture in my bathroom.
a full moon shining through the dark clouds of night.
a fuchsia sunset set against a pale lavender/blue/gray landscape

These are the sights, sounds and memories I want to store up, to take out in my old age and relive through the telling. Not the bumps in the road, the worries, the stresses...though those have a place and a purpose too. They show me how dependent I am on my Heavenly Father. They also remind me to look forward to the day when all things will be made new.

Am I Dreaming?!?

2011-02-16T10:20:00.001-06:00

On my walk to the mailbox this morning I heard a strange sound. Well, it wouldn't be such a strange sound in May but for the 16th of February it is.

You may think I was hallucinating. That the cold and snow and wind have made me delusional...but I saw it with my eyes.

mayo.personcounty.net

A ROBIN!

He was sitting in the top of the tree scolding me as I walked by. At first I thought I was hearing things but then I saw his red breast in the rays of the morning sun.

Amazing what one bird can do for my spirits. Spring will come again, flowers bloom, warm winds blow, and green grass grows. God's promises are just as faithful. He does not leave us in the winter of our sins. He brings redemption like spring to our souls. This is hope on a February morn.

Black Friday Madness

2010-11-26T06:16:00.001-06:00

I am awake.........not by choice but because a houseful of girlfriends are staying with my sister. They have decided to experience Black Friday for the first time.

They try to be quiet but in a house this size you hear the doors open, the shower running, and the sound of the hair-dryer; you might as well get up. Which I did.

Thankfully they decided 5 am was a more reasonable hour than say 3 o'clock to go catch the deals of the day. After a good breakfast of eggs, toast, muffins, tea, and milk they have just left - off on a new adventure. Part of me would have liked to go with them and part of me says "crazy" but the decision has been made for me - I have to go to work today.

Six friends making memories together are what holidays are for. That's what I am thankful for today - friendships that are strong enough to withstanding getting up in the cold, dark wee hours of morning to road trip to the mall.

Lovely Fall Day!

2010-11-06T10:11:00.001-05:00

Each nice day in November is a gift from the Lord. Since today the weather is promising to cooperate I am planning to be outside in it.

Clothes are going to go on the line to be sun-dried and cool air fresh. Sheets flapping in the wind...and I might even hang out the quilts since the bugs should all be dead by now.

Last night I went crunching through the leaves. It was wonderful. There was very little wind and the grove was silent and still, taking a nap before the wind comes again. The only sounds were our feet moving through the grass as my sister and I hunted for pinecones.

I'm not sure what kind of evergreen trees are in our grove but they produce the cutest little cones -only 2-3 inches long and many are smaller than that. Once they dry out some I think I will make them into a garland for Christmas.

Healing Noelle

2010-10-30T10:34:00.001-05:00

What do nanotechnology, cancer, angels, spiritual gifts of healing, and Nebraska have in common? Nothing unless you've just read Healing Noelle by Michael J. Huckabee. It isn't the most well-written book out there but I think there are some good questions raised about faith vs. science that bear thinking about.

A young man discovers he has the "gift" of healing, a doctor is giving some strange treatments to patients, a man in an olive trench coat keeps disappearing, and a church is praying for God to pour out His spiritual gifts in their midst.
This thriller is a short book and reminds me of This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti. It's tone is similar...maybe not quite as scary but still edgy.

I suppose you could find fault with the "science fiction" sounding medical advances...however, I humbly suggest that you do some research on nanotechnology. Scientists are researching and testing this right now...see http://nano.cancer.gov for just one example.

How do we as Christians approach new technology such as cloning, nanotechnology and genetic modification?
How do we possibly regulate it? Should we?
Is "just because we can do it doesn't mean we should" a better answer?

Just some questions to ponder...and pray about...and maybe start discussing in our churches, with our friends & family, and our government leaders.

New Author

2010-09-18T10:19:00.001-05:00

Have you read anything by the author Rumer Godden?

I just picked up a book "This House of Brede" by Ms. Godden..
Did she write a child's book called "The Doll's House"? Her name sounds vaguely familiar to me and I can't recall why.

Bargain Books

2010-09-08T22:00:00.001-05:00

I am kind of picky about which books come home to my personal library.
Reading new books or authors for free from the local library helps me save my cash for the ones that I really want.
The only exception is if I'm at a fundraiser where the books are really cheap - there is one held once a month in Pipestone, MN where most of the books $0.50 up to a dollar or two. For that price whatever looks interesting comes home. If I like it it stays - if not I donate it back the next month. There is another great one at the Minnesota Arboretum. Two years ago my sister and I attended that one and I came home with a whole stack for the cost of one hardcover. It was great!!!

Do you have some favorite book sales?

Library vs. Bookstore

2010-09-03T22:00:00.002-05:00

I am taking an informal non-scientific poll. No study will be published. It is just for my own curiosity.

Do you get the majority of your books::
A. at the library
B. at a bookstore
C. order on-line ie, Amazon or Borders
D. download them

Please leave me a comment with your answer. Thanks!

I have several reasons for using the library for most of my books.
1. It is free!
2. It gives me a deadline to meet.
3. I have limited space.

A Wonderful Thing!

2010-08-14T10:30:00.000-05:00

My favorite blogger is opening a bookstore. How cool! Check out Lanier's Books for some great reading and Christmas presents. (Christmas is only four months away!)

2010 - Year of Bridal Showers & Weddings

2010-08-03T22:30:00.003-05:00

Source:

It has been the year of all things wedding-related at my church.
Here is the current count-down:

7 bridal showers
5 weddings at the church (I attended one over the weekend.)
3 weddings in other churches
3 more bridal showers in August

Plus:

2 distant relatives are married and 1 is engaged to be married.
1 neighbor (my brother's best friend) is getting married.

That makes for 15 weddings and the year isn't over yet. Must be something in the water. LOL!

I wonder what the total amount of money spent on these 15 weddings would add up to...
How much debt did they incur?
How many starving children could have been fed?

I'm not trying to be cynical or anti-wedding. I am very much for marriage but do you ever think about how much is spent on just one day in the grand scheme of things? I'm trying to put it in perspective for my own sake. I can get caught up in the whirlwind of wedding excitement like most girls.

This is what is on my mind today.

I Am a First-Born...

2010-07-31T22:00:00.003-05:00

There is nothing I can do about this fact.

I am a first-born and all that comes with it...Type A, perfectionist, list-maker, planner to the smallest detail, everything lined up, "t"'s crossed and "i"'s dotted..

I live with a creative, "good enough", free-spirit fourth-born sister who I love and can't stand all in the course of two minutes. (is it supposed to be who or whom? I can't remember.) That is beside the point.

She is gone this week and I was opening up our house for some guests. So being the first-born person I am - I cleaned from top to bottom. Washed the sheets, scrubbed floors, dusted all the crown-molding and mop boards, making a to-do list, etc.

You get the picture.

As I was spending an inordinate amount of time making sure the sheets and blankets were even on both sides of the beds- it hit me.

"Look at yourself. You're fussing over how long the sheets are on each side. Your sister would have just thrown them on, made sure it was kind of even and called it good. Here you are going crazy because it is 1/2 inch off. No one will notice." And I chuckled.

I think that is the first time I have actually laughed at my idiosyncrasies. Usually it is other people who come along side and tell me to "stop stressing out!"

Maybe my sis is rubbing off.
To show myself that I could be just as easy-going ---I threw the sheets on my own bed and tucked them in.

(I only checked to make sure they were mostly even ... twice.) LOL!
Thank you, Lord, that you love me in spite of myself

Have You Seen the Rest of My Book? It's Missing.

2010-07-31T09:24:00.001-05:00

There is a pet peeve...well one of several...that really bugs me. Like a stone in my shoe - it doesn't bother anyone else usually. Just me.

I recently purchased "The Count of Monte Cristo" from a well-known bookstore. Blissfully, I brought it home and started reading it.

During the read...it nagged at me. Some bit of story is missing since the first time I read my brother's copy. The characters have lost some depth; some descriptions are less colorful; a sub-plot seems flat.

That's when I flipped to the title page and saw the dreaded word!

ABRIDGED

These should be banned from all self-respecting bookstores. If stores must sell them - then clearly mark them as such with big red letters across the cover of the book so buyers know ahead of time. Not sneakily and quietly placed inside on the title page where nobody looks!

Why would I want to pay good money for a book and only get part? That is like getting a piece of cake without the frosting...it still tastes good but it would be even better with the frosting.

Now I have a watered down book. It's a good story and if you've never read the complete novel you won't miss the cut-out parts. But I miss them...the count becomes too tame. He loses some of the single-minded revenge that builds up through the book. Some of the irony is gone.

As my friend Pooh says, "Oh bother".

What is your opinion? Abridged or not abridged?

2010-07-22T19:33:00.001-05:00

It's been a very warm and humid few weeks here. I've been camped in front of the fan reading. What have I been reading you ask?

And the Shofar Blew by Francine Rivers
I am the Clay by Chaim Potok
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas (more about this in a later post)
The Little Princess by Frances H. Burnett
Waking the Dead by John Eldredge
The Dead Don't Dance by Charles Martin

I admit it...I like the old classics. But I try to throw into the mix a few books that make me think - both non-fiction and fiction.

I am the Clay is not at all what I was expecting. My past experience with Mr. Potok has been The Chosen and The Promise - both are set in NYC, both are kind of "coming of age' books.

This one is nothing like that. It is set in Korea during the war. The style of writing feels Asian...almost like reading a haiku. It is more descriptive and you are inside the character's heads as they think and plan and survive. There is a sense of loss that flows through it all. The sadness of war.

A little boy has lost his whole family and village. An older couple rescues him from death as they weave their way through the country-side just ahead of the battle.
The couple lost their only child as a toddler and the old lady feels this is her second chance at motherhood. The old man resents the boy, the food he eats, the burden of his care -eventually the man changes his mind.

Together they try to rebuild a shattered world.

Topic of Discussion

2010-07-06T18:11:00.001-05:00

Living in the Midwest there is one topic that is probably discussed more than any other.

The weather.

I ran across a diary account from 1886 that talks about a spring storm.

Wednesday, April 14, 1886- we witnessed what was know as Cass county and Audubon County cyclone. It was preceded by a terrific hail storm which stopped suddenly and it was followed by a ground fog which we noticed was traveling rapidly to the south. Going out on our front porch we first saw it coming towards us form the south in the form of a black, funnel-shaped cloud several miles distant. It gradually swung to the east and went directly through Grove City where we first saw the buildings, trees and wreckage flying through the air. The whole storm was in plain view of where we stood about two miles southeast of us on the opposite hill across the valley. It passed through the Troublesome Creek valley directly east of us tearing its way through the trees and demolishing houses, and disappeared to the northeast leaving a swath of destruction in its pathway that was marked for many years after.
by Abbie Mott Benedict
~ excerpt taken from Prairie Voices: Iowa's Pioneering Women edited by Glenda Riley

We still have tornadoes, hail, wind, rain, snow and everything in between. Weather hasn't changed much in 120+ years.

Brownish Pinkish Yellowish White

2010-05-04T22:43:00.002-05:00

Have you ever read Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein?

Some of his poems are delightful, some are silly, some are strange and some speak truth. My current favorite is "Colors" because this describes my thoughts.

COLORS

My skin is kind of sort of brownish

Pinkish yellowish white.

My eyes are greyish blueish green,

But I'm told they look orange in the night.

My hair is reddish blondish brown,

But it's silver when it's wet.

And all the colors I am inside

Have not been invented yet.

by Shel Silverstein

I suppose some would read this and say "it's about tolerance and being nonracist". And that would be one way of interpreting it- I don't know exactly what the author had in mind.

But when I read this I see someone who doesn't have life all figured out yet. A person who sees possibilities and potential and maybe is a bit confused. Which color should I be today? Am I a blue? Or am I supposed to be teal?

As adults we're supposed to have life all figured out, right?

We're not supposed to waver about what we think, feel, or value.

We have opinions! We have convictions! We have rights!

We are adults.

But lately I've been looking at my ideals, my plans, my 'this is how life should be' and wondering if I'm missing out on the "reddish blondish brown, silver when it's wet" adventure.

Am I living out all that the Lord has planned for me?

Am I living too safe?

Am I too comfortable?

Buffering vs. Streaming

2010-05-03T23:27:00.001-05:00

Blogging for some people fulfills a need for expression - an outlet for frustrations, joys and sorrows. I tend to use a personal journal for my private musings and save this venue for more general observations.
Some things are just not meant for public viewing!

However, that might explain why I am not a very consistent blogger...instead of 'streaming' my thoughts as they come I am stuck in the "buffering" mode. Evaluating each sentence, rewriting, reviewing, critiquing each word and phrase- my type "A" first-born perfectionist self gets in the way of sharing what's in my heart.

From this point forward, this blog may be about what I'm reading
or it may have some totally random ramblings - Time will tell.
So fasten your seat belt, strap on a helmet or go get some chocolate...
It might be a crazy ride. :)

Write a Book!

2010-03-27T18:18:00.001-05:00

The best way to become acquainted with a subject is to write a book about it.

Benjamin Disraeli

Detours and Standing Stones

2010-03-20T11:15:00.001-05:00

Some friends and I were conversing about how our lives had not followed our original "plan" but had been full of detours as God changed our plans to fit His Plan. Afterward I started thinking about some of the authors and books that helped me see and accept these detours as a good thing. I decided to write them down as 'standing stones' - a record of God's faithfulness to future generations. (Joshua 4:1-7, 20-24)

Here are a few of titles that I came up with:

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Hinds' Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard
When God Writes Your Love Story by Eric & Leslie Ludy
When God Writes Your Life Story by Eric & Leslie Ludy
Moulder of Dreams by Guy Rice Doud
Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold by C.S. Lewis
Authentic Beauty by Leslie Ludy
A Man Called Peter by Catherine Marshall
A Rose In Bloom by Louisa Mae Alcott

There are others but these are a few that have challenged my faith, gave me a new point of view and/or gave me an example to follow.

What books have impacted your life?

Who Needs Thriller Movies?

2010-03-14T09:02:00.002-05:00

Have you read any of Joel C. Rosenberg's books? He has been on the New York best-seller list quite a few times but I hadn't read anything by him until now. Wow.

I have just finished The Copper Scroll and it was way better than the last movie I attended for suspense and thrills. The clock was into the early morning hours when I turned out the light...just had to read one more chapter and then one more...

His storyline is so well crafted and so realistic that I almost forgot it was fiction. It is kind of alarming in some ways because of his depiction of future events and discoveries in the Middle East - especially Israel and Jerusalem. The plot is so well thought out that all you would need to do is change the characters' names and it could be tomorrow's headlines.

If you haven't read them start them in order:
The Last Jihad
The Last Days
The Ezekiel Option
The Copper Scroll
Dead Heat

I didn't realize they were a series and started with the last one first! I could follow the plot but some of the back-story of the main characters and history of events wasn't as clear as if I had started at the beginning.

In my humble opinion these are better than the Left Behind series and I highly recommend them.

Quote for the Day

2010-03-10T12:26:00.001-06:00

When I get a little money, I buy books; And, if any is left, I buy food and clothes.

Erasmus

Snow, Snow, Snow

2010-03-01T12:44:00.001-06:00

This winter feels like we're living in Narnia under the rule of the White Witch -it is always winter and never Christmas! The drifts on the road are now taller than a pick-up truck in places. If the joy of new snow has lost it's luster read The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. It captures the wandering adventures of a little boy named Peter as he explores his snow-covered world.

If you would rather count your blessings of food, shelter and warmth read The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder. When you read it in the middle of a winter storm the determination and strength of that little house takes on a whole new meaning. Make sure you have plenty of hot chocolate on hand to keep you warm while you read!

More tools from Google

2010-02-27T10:28:00.000-06:00

I have recently discovered this website books.google.com

It is a great place to search for all kinds of books. If the book is an older one you can actually read it right there on the site.
I've started reading one of George McDonald's books there. It is a scanned copy of Malcolm from 1896. The Scots dialect is a bit difficult but I like the challenge of it.

His books are hard to find so I snatch them up when I come across them.

What out-of-print books do you wish they would republish?

If You Cannot Read All Your Books

2010-02-22T23:04:00.001-06:00

If you cannot read all your books, at any rate handle, or as it were, fondle them, peer into them, let them fall open where they will, read from the first sentence that arrests the eye, set them back on the shelves with your own hands, arrange them on your own plan so you at least know where they are. Let them be your friends; let them be your acquaintances.

Sir Winston Churchill

.

Book Club Titles

2010-02-20T08:32:00.002-06:00

When I lived in Pipestone I belonged to two book clubs. Since moving I have not kept up - so here is a list of books that I need to read yet.

The Shepherd's Prayer by Richard M. Barry
The Uncommon Woman: Making an Ordinary Life Extraordinary by Susie Larson
Summer of Light by W. Dale Cramer
June Bug by Chris Fabry

What books do you suggest for next month's book club meeting? I'm always looking for "good discussion" ones.

Season of Change

2009-12-07T23:04:00.004-06:00

So,
Here it is December already and I haven't posted anything since October. Not good! However, I have a pretty good excuse (I think). I've been packing, moving and unpacking again. It is amazing what a two-bedroom apartment can hold.

My brothers gave me a hard time about my ten boxes of books but hey I think it's in our family's DNA so they had better watch out!

At the end of October I moved back to my hometown after a ten-year sojourn in Minnesota. My youngest sister and I are trying out living together. So far it has been a positive experience- I hope she would agree! She borrows my books and I borrow her clothes. :) But there has not been much time leftover for reading. I"ll try to do better in the coming weeks.

The one book I have had time to read is "Fannie Farmer's Cookbook" as I search for new recipes for Swiss chard and also winter squash. It seems my mother planted a lot of it and it grew really well so she is giving it away.

Next week I hope to read "A Christmas Carol" again. Then it's time to read Luke chapter 2 for the Nativity story with Isaiah chapter 53 added as a epilogue.

If you have any other suggestions for Swiss chard, squash or a good holiday read let me know!
Merry Christmas!

Mercy?

2009-10-24T13:30:00.002-05:00

What does mercy look like?
Is it forgiving when there hasn't been an apology?
Is it with-holding your first impression until you know more about a person?
Is it taking your own life to save another's?
Is it granting yourself mercy in spite of past mistakes?

The Shape of Mercy: A novel by Susan Meissner gives a reader a lot to think about. I was convicted many times about how I view/judge people too quickly while reading it.

But it also made me think about mercy and all the different ways that we give it/or withhold it.

The author grips you from the first chapter and doesn't let go until the end... And the end will surprise you.

Summer, Where didst Thou Go?

2009-09-18T20:19:00.005-05:00

Here it is mid-September and I haven't been very good about updating you on what I've been reading. I finally got another bookshelf so only a few books are left on my floor.

What "light" reading did you get done this summer?

I read Helen Keller's autobiography The Story of My Life in August. Her life is truly an amazing one and it inspired me to greater perseverance when faced with obstacles in life. She worked her whole life perfecting her writing, speech, and reaching out to those around her. How can I do any less?

Another inspiring novel is My Hands Came Away Red by Lisa McKay. Her first book is very well written, in fact I had to remind myself that it wasn't a true story! The research and background for it is based on stories from humanitarian relief workers and missionaries. I look forward to her future books.

Do you have any recommendations?

Summer Reading

2009-07-28T17:20:00.003-05:00

Where has this summer gone?

Here is a quick list of what I've been reading!

Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper
Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens
A Thousand Shall Fall by Brodie & Brock Thoene
Say To this Mountain by Brodie & Brock Thoene
The Shack by Wm. Paul Young

Pretty light reading other than the Piper book.

I'm trying to slowly read my way through all of Dickens' stuff. So far I've read A Christmas Carol, The Pickwick Papers, Nicholas Nickleby, A Tale of Two Cities and Oliver Twist. I think Oliver Twist is still my favorite so far.

Crickets and a Heart Transplant

2009-06-01T17:51:00.002-05:00

When Crickets Cry by Charles Marten is an amazing book. I stayed up until 4:00 one weekend reading it.

Annie needs a heart transplant but her Aunt CeCe doesn't have the money to pay for it. Charlie lives life to the fullest in spite of his circumstances and his neighbor Reece isn't living at all except through his flashbacks. All these characters become woven together at a lemonade stand in a small town down South.

If I tell you any more it will ruin the twists and turns in the plot. There is some technical medical paragraphs to wade through but it's worth it!

Disappointment

2009-05-30T10:28:00.003-05:00

I found two stores on-line that sell my mom's favorite bookcases. They are fairly sturdy, easily moved and come all in one piece. The shelves are on hinges and fold up flat when not in use.

After comparing prices & shipping I happily ordered two since they were on sale. Anticipation mounted as the day of their arrival neared. Wednesday -the boxes arrived in pretty rough shape. I moved them into the living room and carefully opened the box and slid the shelf out.

Ohhhhhhhh. A groan slipped out. The wood had split where the hinges were - making it totally useless. "Maybe I can fix it" crossed my mind but then I thought "why should I settle for a repair job when I paid for a new one."
Perhaps the second one is alright. But it was in worse shape. It looked like someone had taken a sledge hammer to the support bars.

Oh the disappointment!! I was upset with the delivery service and then with myself for ordering on-line instead of just driving to a store to pick them up.

Luckily, I did have a trip to a bigger town planned so I didn't have to deal with the hassle of shipping them back. To the store they went and the company refunded my money since the bookcases weren't in stock like I had hoped.

Now I'm back to stacking my books on the floor. Don't thing I'll try ordering furniture over the Internet again. But it was such a good deal...

Ghosts in This House

2009-05-16T18:24:00.005-05:00

Death of The Dream: Classic Minnesota Farmhouses by William Gabler is both interesting and sad. He chronicles the demise of farmhouses in black and white photographs. I found myself wondering what memories linger between their walls.

How many generations sat in the kitchen? Did they lose a son in World War II? What nationality were the original owners? Who were the last people to live in the house?

Abandoned barns standing all alone have the same effect on me. I'm watching history disappear before my eyes. I just don't understand why Americans are so quick to get rid of the old. In Europe barns, houses and historic places go back hundreds and hundreds of years and we are so quick to tear ours down.

Why is that?

(picture of my sister and cousin in front of our farmhouse)

A Challenge to My Understanding

2009-05-07T15:12:00.003-05:00

In my Bible study we're going over John Piper's book "Don't Waste Your Life". It has proven to be quite challenging. I know the book is written in English but sometimes I have to read a sentence over and over before I even grasp what he is saying.

Has anyone else read this book? What was your opinion? So far I'm on Chapter 3. Does it get clearer as you go along?

The Heavenly Man

2009-05-06T11:22:00.002-05:00

For book club we just finished reading "The Heavenly Man" by Brother Yun.

It has an amazing message of hope and joy in times of persecution. For some of those in attendance the persecution was the overall theme but I found myself excited at how God sustains a Christian during overwhelming circumstances.

There is hope in the midst of trials!

Redeeming Love

2009-04-02T18:27:00.002-05:00

I just finished Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. There is a lot of food for thought in this story of a farmer and his new bride (loosely based on the book of Hosea in the Bible).

Reading this book brought me to tears, laughter, and even some frustration at the main character's lack of trust in her husband. But after reading it I have realized that I am no different in my response to my Heavenly Father. He has given everything and I have nothing left to give.

What are your thoughts?

(This book is not for younger readers)

Coincidence?

2009-02-10T18:06:00.003-06:00

Have you ever read something and then a few days later something related to that topic pops up?

I finished " Up From Slavery" by Booker T. Washington only to end up watching the movie "Amazing Grace" a few days later. Both deal with slavery, both are about ordinary men attempting great things, and both men put their faith into action.

Their lives inspire me to make a difference in the world. Who inspires you?

Christmas isn't Christmas

2008-12-09T17:46:00.003-06:00

Christmas just isn't Christmas till I've seen, read, or listened to "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. This year I am a lucky owner of a paperback copy! No more waiting for the library's copy to become available.

I think my first memory of Scrooge, Bob Cratchett, and Tiny Tim was the Walt Disney version with Mickey Mouse and Co. Thankfully, I've moved on. :) Scrooge's transformation always brings tears to my eyes and I rejoice with Tiny Tim's "God bless us, everyone!"

Maybe it's been awhile since you've taken a stroll with the Spirits of Christmas - I encourage you to carve out some time to read this little book. You will be glad you did!

The Remains of The Day

2008-11-23T19:10:00.004-06:00

Some months ago I was blog-hopping and stumbled across the mention of this book. Having a vague recollection of the title (I thought it was a horror film) I was surprised to find it at the library in the teen aisle.

After reading it I wonder what kind of an impression it leaves on a high-school English class. For me it left a feeling of sadness and a sense of waste but on reflection there are many lessons to be learned from it.

Some topics that could be discussed:

How does being vulnerable affect communication?
Should duty and service be put above love?
How do ethics play into duty?
Can lost opportunities be reclaimed?
What are some areas of idealism that I hold onto?

I found myself willing the butler to just say "I love you" to the housekeeper, to take a risk and become a real person. He avoids pain and effectively locks away his heart until it is too late. He pulls back from living a full life and finds out how much he missed in the end.

If you are short on time Emma Thompson and Anthony Hopkins portray the main characters in a movie by the same title. I found I lost some of the butler's thought processes in the movie that you gain in the book but overall its pretty well done.

CSI, Charles Dickens and "Remains"

2008-07-29T18:56:00.003-05:00

Hi,
I am still around but with summer there just hasn't been much time for reading, nor bookstore browsing.

I am working on a post about the book "The Remains of the Day" which also has been made into a movie with Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson.

Dante's Inferno is just sitting there...oh well.

I did get some fun, light reading in...George MacDonald's "The Shepherd's Castle" storyline keeps you guessing until the end. The uncle is a twisted character and his story could almost be a plot from CSI...it surprised me coming from a contemporary of Charles Dickens!

Reading Update

2008-05-08T18:48:00.003-05:00

For those of you who were wondering... I am on chapter four of The Inferno and chapter five in A Godward Life. I finally made it past the first chapters!

The latest find at a book sale last Saturday and one that I haven't read yet is Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery. So that is on the list to read next.

Have any of you read Dare to Dream by John C. Maxwell? I picked that one up at a conference but haven't started it.

The sun shown for four days in a row this week but it started raining this morning. The forecast says it will last through the weekend. Hopefully I can snuggle down with a cup of tea and my books and watch the world go by. Sometimes I need to retreat from the harshness and busyness of life.

Happy Reading!

Passion & Purity

2008-04-19T16:09:00.002-05:00

Just finished reading Elisabeth Elliott's Passion & Purity for the third or fourth time. At each reading I discover some new insight or challenge. Self-sacrifice...yuck, a hard one.

Self-sacrifice is such a foreign concept in today's culture. Yet that is what God calls us to do...love as He loved us. "Greater love has no man than this, to lay down his life for his friend." What does that look like in my daily living? At my job? Among my friends? At church?

I am struggling with this.

Struggles

2008-04-12T14:08:00.004-05:00

Attended a women's church retreat last week and have been playing catch-up since. However, that has not stopped me from starting on several books.

Current reading list:
Dante's Inferno
Dare to Dream by John Maxwell
A Godward Life by John Piper
John 3:16 by Max Lucado

These are all in various stages of completion.

Do you ever struggle to get through a book?

I'm finding A Godward Life to be extremely difficult to get into. I feel bad about it because some dear friends gave it to me on my college graduation. I've read the first three chapters many times and can't seem to get beyond that.

Maybe if I put it down and come back to it for the tenth time it will be easier! :)

Bright April

2008-04-03T15:02:00.002-05:00

The calendar says it is suppose to be spring but the snowstorm over the weekend tells me otherwise.

One book that isn't on my bookshelf yet is Bright April by Marguerite De Angeli. I don't remember when I first read it but I do remember wanting to join the Girl Scouts afterwards. :)

I suppose we read the book out loud because my sister's name is April.

Anyway, it is a excellent read while waiting for spring. The story starts with the snow just melting and progresses through the seasons while we watch April grow and overcome the challenges of being African-American in the 1940's.

Fresh Agony

2008-03-22T00:36:00.005-05:00

Life has been too busy for times of reflection. In trying to slow down I've been reading the gospel accounts of Christ's crucifixion. What a horrible way to die.

Last night's Good Friday service brought home the anguish and agony of that day in a fresh way. It wasn't the words so much as the way the person read them. I felt the pain come down through the ages with the cry..."take this cup from me!"

Such love is incomprehensible.

Easy Things

2008-03-20T21:39:00.005-05:00

A month ago I went to a conference that deals with worldviews, theology, and engaging the culture. Having attended for several years now I am prepared for the after effects… that of feeling very un-educated.

Now some of my friends say I know a lot -- but I know the truth.

I know bits and pieces about a few things on a few subjects. But the speakers at these conferences are much more knowledgeable. Each year I realize again how woefully ignorant I truly am.

So this year I was challenged by one speaker to fight against apathy and the “easy things” and do the “hard things.” He said that we have to make it a priority in our lives or else we default to the world’s standard which is to do only easy things.

Hence, I now own a copy of Dante’s Inferno which I’m going to read. I just don’t know when. :)
When I get that done maybe I’ll try John Milton’s Paradise Lost.
I don’t think I’m up to reading War and Peace.

My Favorite Chair

2008-03-17T18:14:00.005-05:00

Do you have a favorite spot to read in?
My favorite chair belonged to my great-grandfather.

It sits next to my picture window where I can see the snow falling softly onto the evergreens.

Now that March is almost over I am reading The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder. It seems like a good time since spring is just around the corner though today it doesn't look like it. Two inches of fresh snow fell last night and more is forcasted for tonight.

At least I don't live in a claim shanty or a house with only tar paper for insulation. :) How the pioneers ever survived amazes me.

Reasons

2008-03-11T23:18:00.003-05:00

My friends haven’t stopped giving me funny looks when I bee-line over to the children’s section at B and N.
Why would a single gal in her right mind buy kids books?!?

They roll their eyes and move to the tables of the latest self-help books and novels.

Why do I look for children’s books? Because.

They are fun to read.

I’m buying for future generations. If not my own, then my future nieces and nephews!

My favorites might be out-of-print someday.

I have disposable income now that I won’t have once I have a family.

I enjoy the hunt.

I like adult books too but there is just something about finding “old friends” that is thrilling. What reasons do you give your friends/family for buying books? Any suggestions or additions to my list?

My Dad and Benjamin Franklin

2008-03-11T23:14:00.003-05:00

I haven’t checked recently but is Ben and Me still in print? My father introduced us to Benjamin Franklin through this book. Thankfully we’ve read more factual biographies since then. Lol!

Dad has always liked Mr. Franklin. I’ve never asked him why… I should do that some time.

What men or women have inspired you? Have you shared their story with your children?

Learning to Share

2008-03-11T23:09:00.003-05:00

My grandmother just moved to town. She went from a nice ranch-style home to a duplex. In the process of down-sizing she let us (the grandchildren) pick out our favorite books.

I let my brother take home Munro Leaf’s The Story of Ferdinand. I liked that story but I let him have it instead. Much to my surprise I have since found that Ferdinand has been reprinted. Yeah!

What makes this book so nice in my opinion are Robert Lawson’s humorous illustrations. The pictures of the matador are so funny. I think Mr. Lawson is the first illustrator that I learned by name and started to look for his books.

A Mouse, a Princess, and Spiritual Lessons

2008-03-11T23:00:00.003-05:00

After a recent sojourn to the nearest bookstore I came home with another book that has no space to call its own. I originally heard about it at a L’Abri conference and wrote it down in my notes.

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo is a really fun read. I can see where this would make a great read-out-loud book for evenings by the fireplace. The subtitle sums up the story – The Tale of Despereaux: being the story of a mouse, a princess, some soup, and a spool of thread.

What caught my eye was how easily parents could use this unlikely hero of a mouse to begin spiritual discussions with their children.

The book talks about light and darkness, moral issues, family fidelity, good and bad leaders, envy, resentment, forgiveness and love in a charming way.

My copy has the note “Soon to be a major motion picture from Universal Pictures.”

Suggestion: Read the book before Hollywood ruins a delightful tale!

Welcome!

2008-02-24T20:24:00.000-06:00

Hi there!
Welcome to my first blog and post.

Why do I need more bookshelves?
I grew-up in a book-collecting homeschool family and the most common complaint was " We need more bookshelves." Now that I am adding to my own home library it is still the same scenario!

Reading is my favorite thing to do. I enjoy browsing through friends' bookshelves to see what they like and recommend.

So, go ahead and look through my shelves. Grab a cup of coffee and let's discuss our favorite titles and which ones we have yet to read!