Grateful for…
“The escape of a good book”
What’s on your shelf?
Daily Thanks #10
reading
Great Poetry Reading Day
Verses & stanzas, rhyme & reason, it’s a celebration of the poetic! Couldn’t let the day end without sharing a couple of my new faves. Who’s your favorite poet? Your favorite poem?
You Learn Something New Everyday: Quarantine Edition #1
Let’s face it, at this point, many of us are on a somewhat steep learning curve. So I’ve decided to start recording the new things I learn over the next few weeks…from the deeply spiritual to the ridiculously funny and everything in between. Feel free to share your learning moments!
In 3rd grade science, I learned about producers, consumers and decomposers. Reaching into the recesses of my elementary school memory, I know I must have learned this at some point but today it was all new to me.
During a random dance break, I learned my 9 year old daughter knows the words to The Gap Band’s “Outstanding”🤔
I learned choreography with Debbie Allen! It was on IG Live but, hey I still got to live out my “Fame” dreams.
What’s on Your List?
As an introvert, I must admit that the idea of being confined to my home is a little dreamy. It’s exciting to think of all the books I could read. Of course as a mom, who has to telework, the dream does a subtle face-plant into reality but a girl can still try! So with our local library closing for two weeks, my family and I hit the stacks one last time (at proper social distancing of course) and filled a huge tote to our hearts’ delight. Can’t wait to crack these open! What’s on your list?
P.S. For anyone feeling the anxiety of the times here are a couple of reminders that bolster my faith:
Jeremiah 17:7 But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
Philippians 4:6-7 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Just Finished…
I’ve always been intrigued by family sagas. And this novel delivered on so many levels. It’s a Palestinian family’s story spanning generations and the globe. From the Six-Day War to the invasion of Kuwait, the story is narrated through the lens of multiple family members. This novel was a reminder that no matter our differences we all share the human experiences of love, joy, loss, grief, and the search for a sense of belonging. A family and story that resonates long after the last page.
Read the Sign
“No Left Turn”
I’d seen this sign regularly on my drive into the office. I assumed it meant I couldn’t make a left turn onto a particular street. For months I made right turns and drove side streets until one morning I noticed two cars making the forbidden left turn. My internal traffic cop was appalled so I decided to take another look at that sign. Upon further inspection I realized, that while the placement was confusing, that sign was not meant for my lane of traffic. So what’s the point?
How are we reading the signs in our lives? Are we adhering to signs that were meant for someone else? As a follower of Jesus, I know God has a unique plan and purpose for my life. But if I’m not careful I can misinterpret or altogether miss the signs He provides. As a writer, I have to adhere to the signs that direct me to authentic creative expression. Where are my energies best utilized? How does my creativity best flow?
Here’s to paying attention and correctly reading our signs.
Hot, Hot, Hot!
Triple digit temps and a cranked up AC- Happy Summer!!! Trying to stay cool, keep the kiddos busy, and squeeze in a little “me” (ie. writing and reading) time along the way. Summer seems to be the season for writing retreats as I’ve come across a number of listings ( http://www.newpages.com/writing-conferences). So I’ve added a summer writing retreat to my ‘Someday’ list (also the title of a great book by Stacy Hawkins Adams). I’m also psyched to be making progress on my ‘To Read’ list, I’ll have to share some of my favorites reads thus far in a later post.
Okay so my son has a wild imagination and from his 6 year old mind comes- Playground Nightmare (his own title)- and to encourage his knack for storytelling, my husband illustrated a couple of the characters. I thought it was pretty cool, my menfolk have such brilliant minds and talent.
Barnabas Blessings 