I'm still in resting mode for awhile, probably because I went directly from having the flu to having fun with my sisters and inviting people over to join that fun. So... it is time to "pay the piper" so to speak and do that which is just above maintenance level housework. Which includes a couple loads of laundry, dishes, and a simple dinner (meatloaf and baked potatoes). Although I did make a Texas Sheet Cake (aka Tulip Time Brownies) as promised for my son.I've been fascinated to listen to Fox Business News lately. Christopher has it on today while he's working on his math and his statics homework. Over and over we hear experts talking about what a new playing field they are experiencing and how no one has any real answers. This generation may be able to look back and see how greedy people got us all into this mess but they are clueless how to get out.
Aren't you glad God is still in control? None of this surprised Him. I love that verse that tells me God has not given me a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind. I think of it often when I'm very fearful because if it is not God causing this sense of fear... who is it? Only the enemy of our souls... or at least one of his crew whispering not so sweet nothings causing us to worry and fear. Or my own inner voice nagging me to uncertainty.
I wish I could say I've overcome fear in all areas for it does pop its' ugly head up from time to time, especially in the wee hours of the morning when the world is dark and my mind wonders to that which brings uncertainty, doubt, and anxiety.
That is when I need to spend more time in the Word, perhaps immerse myself in Psalms for awhile... talk to Him Who Knows All Things... and wait for peace to flood my soul. If anxiety continues then I often will listen to music or pull favorite books off my shelf... those which have fed my soul with peace and comfort for many years.
There are those seasons in life which I find myself needing good "get away from it all" fiction where I may be solving a mystery, finding myself reliving long ago history, stand side by side with the author as they live in 18th century English families... are to experience time travel and enter a forest where trees talk and a Lion saves.
Just as I set aside food for the pantry, I also "put back" books I know will help in times of trouble. Many on my shelves are old tried and true friends just waiting to visit with me again. Those whose words have often brought wisdom or an escape from fearful circumstances. They once again meet with me as I curl up in a cozy chair or at the end of the sofa with the scent of a candle, a warm throw, and a fluffy cat... bringing the wisdom I've read over and over but how it seems to be fresh and new with each read.
Still others are placed on shelves "for such a time as this"... books recommended by those I trust that I have never read. They wait for the day when I need to "get away from it all" by meeting a new author and hero or heroine. Most purchased for a dollar or less... here and there... diamonds in the rough so to speak.
Books that are never to take the place of the most important Book, for only those Words can bring true Peace. But nevertheless... time well spent when we find old friends and have new adventures to take us away just for awhile as we gain rest and encouragement to meet a new day.
Picture: Time For Reading, Judy Gibson; allposters.com
9 comments:
I LOVE to read. In my house you can find little corners throughout with one or two books that I have going. I even have a book on my front porch to read when I'm outside having my ugly habit of a cigarette (don't smoke in the house). Right now the book I'm reading outside is called The Bondage Breaker by Neil Anderson. By my bed I have another book that is a good Christian romance book.
Your right about getting into God's Word, I too find so much comfort in the Psalms. You will find me quoting Psalm 23 outloud, or Psalm 3 while I'm walking the daycare children outside. Today, one of my daycare children said to me, "I need to pray now", and I found her kneeling by my Circle Time chair praying (as she sees me each day when I lay them down for their naps).Peace and faith are found in books,also encouragement, hope....Coffee Tea Books and Me has also been a great source of peace for me..Thank you precious one for your faithfulness in helping those of us who are walking on this journey called life...
Angela
I am reminded that Paul said "bring the books"....(loosely quoted!) Many have traveled the path I am now on.....how comforting and encouraging to know that other's have obtained what I am striving for! Those saint's words cheer me and implore me not to give up when I am weak and trembling. Nothing takes the place of God's word, but oh the blessing of seasoned sojourners. Blessings, Cathy
I really appreciate your reflective posts. I love books. And like you find great solace in my favorites. I'd love to hear what some of your favorites are sometime if you ever feel so inclined. I did gather one of them to be the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.
Blessings.
My books are my greatest friends. I have many wonderful old friends, then, to turn to, but none better than the Bible - as you have already said.
What I appreciate the most is the fresh, living, you're-going-through-this-too perspective you give in your blog posts. You are a NECESSARY daily read (or as often as you can post, which is very nearly every day). Bless you and may God provide for your every need, and more besides, for your comfort and for your loved ones, too.
Brenda...
WOW are we on the same page..as someone who has been watch...way to much FBN and Fox news...my thoughts I posted now in the middle of the night are like yours in so many ways...
I have to remind myself
**GOD IS ON THE THRONE**
there are NO surprises with HIM...
WE must just soak in the WORD of GOD, we need those scriptures to pop in our head and do their work...it works...
Blessings..I think many of us are feeling this urgency to pray and study God's WORD more than ever.
Deby
I stumbled upon your blog today and it really caught my attention. I love reading, but as I skimmed through some of your other blogs, I found your comments about homeschooling quite interesting. I have a 13 yr old boy still at home and have been considering homeschooling for quite some time. He has learning difficulties in reading and writing and he is really struggling this year with 8th grade. Throw in the public school environment and Jacob just seems to get swallowed up. My husband is now driving a truck and is gone for 10 days at a time and then home 10 to 12 days. Homeschooling would allow us to travel with him every couple of runs. I'm just not sure that I have the knowledge to pull it off and I worry about pulling him away from friends. Of course, he's very active in his youth group and they meet a couple of times a week. Right now we're praying, weighing the options and waiting upon the Lord.
Brenda - Thanks for writing words of comfort and confirmation. Comfort that we know God is in control. Confirmation that we need to seek His word - the peace the Psalms bring. I read them daily. I am looking forward to your pantry posts as I think this is necessary for our time. In Jesus, Nancy
I also love to read ~ as you mentioned, God's Word is always best, but I too enjoy reading as "therapy" ... especially old favorites from childhood. I find that I remember a time when life was simpler, including my life!
I was just telling my husband today that I thought we should 'stock' the bookshelves just like we 'stock' the pantry. I plan to have fun doing this at the half-price book store. (Classics, classics and more classics!) Be sure to visit my new book blog. I'll be reviewing some children's books soon.
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