I'm Still Here!

Wow! I didn't mean to let two years slip by without posting.  I've been reading and the thought has crossed my mind "I should blog about that"...but then time slipped away.  It isn't a very good excuse. Sorry.

So here is a quick update of what I've read recently.

• Joel Rosenberg's books. 

Do not start Joel Rosenberg's books at bedtime. You will end up reading all night just to see how it ends. His novels are not light reading but they do keep you on the edge of your seat.  They held my interest much better than "The Left Behind" series.  I read the first one of that series and dropped it.

• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

This is an annual read for me.  Jane just connects with my heart somehow.  I know some people read Anna Karenina every year but not me.  I love the part where she collapses on the doorstep in the moor. (I could say more but I don't want to give any spoilers!)

• The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson

These three books (the fourth one is being written) rank close to Narnia in humor and read-ability.  I can't wait to have someone to read them aloud to.  The author had me hooked with his creatures - Thwaps, Flabbits and fearsome Toothy cows.  Janner, Tink and Leeli Igiby have some amazing adventures.  The best part...we don't know how it ends!

#1 On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness

#2 North! Or Be Eaten

#3 The Monster in the Hollows

    

These are a few of the books I've read.  Let me know how you like the Wingfeather Series. Were you scared of the fearsome Toothy cows?

Poem for Today

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

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.

copyright Need More Bookshelves

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

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

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?!?

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

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.