Fresh Agony

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

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

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

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.

1. They are fun to read.


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


3. My favorites might be out-of-print someday.


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


5. 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

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

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

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!