Showing posts with label Reading Writing Blogging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reading Writing Blogging. Show all posts
Thrifting today...
My girls and I spent the morning thrifting at Goodwill's in Louisville. I walked away with four new books - success!.
Eudora Welty is one of my favorite authors. She was an accomplished and published photographer. But it is for her fiction, usually set in the rural South, that she's known as the First Lady of Southern Literature. I've written about her here and here.
She was a 6-time winner of the O. Henry Award for Short Stories, and her many awards include the National Medal for Literature, the American Book Award, and, in 1969, a Pulitzer Prize.
One Writer's Beginnings
by Eudora Welty
She was a 6-time winner of the O. Henry Award for Short Stories, and her many awards include the National Medal for Literature, the American Book Award, and, in 1969, a Pulitzer Prize.
Too Deep For Words -
Rediscovering Lectio Divinia
w/ 500 Scripture Texts for Prayer
by Thelma Hall
We have been taught as Christians, and presumably have believed, that "we are created for union with God" - but in practice we seem not to dare to accept the full implications of this on a subjective level, to really embrace it as the central truth of our lives. I believe lectio divinia is a proven path to this deeper life of prayer.
Through prayer, lectio divinia becomes a consent to the love of God and a surrender of ourselves. It is not 'pie in the sky-by-and-by when you die,' but part of a lifetime process - often costly and painful - of self-emptying and reoreintation to selfess love, i.e. a serious following of Jesus.
Forty Days to a Closer Walk with God
by J. David Muyskens
This book teaches a method of prayer that goes deeper than verbal conversations with God. It teaches
- silent communion with God
- a method of being open to the gift of God's presence
- a way of receiving a deep and intimate relationship with God
The Uncommon Woman ~ Making an Ordinary Life Extraordinary
by Susie Larson
Out of all the books I purchased today - this one is definately 'out of the box' for me. It's published by Moody and Susie Larson is a freelance writer for Focus on the Family. On the back cover it said - 'Take a chance. Dare to be uncommon,' - so I have.
In her book, Larson explains the distinction between a common and uncommon woman is often tied to their reactions to circumstances. I'll keep you posted.
Amazon to Launch Library Lending for Kindle Books
Customers will be able to borrow Kindle books from over 11,000 local libraries to read on Kindle and free Kindle reading apps
SEATTLE, Apr 20, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
Amazon today announced Kindle Library Lending, a new feature launching later this year that will allow Kindle customers to borrow Kindle books from over 11,000 libraries in the United States. Kindle Library Lending will be available for all generations of Kindle devices and free Kindle reading apps.
"We're excited that millions of Kindle customers will be able to borrow Kindle books from their local libraries," said Jay Marine, Director, Amazon Kindle. "Customers tell us they love Kindle for its Pearl e-ink display that is easy to read even in bright sunlight, up to a month of battery life, and Whispersync technology that synchronizes notes, highlights and last page read between their Kindle and free Kindle apps."
Customers will be able to check out a Kindle book from their local library and start reading on any Kindle device or free Kindle app for Android, iPad, iPod touch, iPhone, PC, Mac, BlackBerry, or Windows Phone. If a Kindle book is checked out again or that book is purchased from Amazon, all of a customer's annotations and bookmarks will be preserved.
"We're doing a little something extra here," Marine continued. "Normally, making margin notes in library books is a big no-no. But we're extending our Whispersync technology so that you can highlight and add margin notes to Kindle books you check out from your local library. Your notes will not show up when the next patron checks out the book. But if you check out the book again, or subsequently buy it, your notes will be there just as you left them, perfectly Whispersynced."
Amazon is working with OverDrive, the leading provider of digital content solutions for over 11,000 public and educational libraries in the United States, to bring a seamless library borrowing experience to Kindle customers. "We are excited to be working with Amazon to offer Kindle Library Lending to the millions of customers who read on Kindle and Kindle apps," said Steve Potash, CEO, OverDrive. "We hear librarians and patrons rave about Kindle, so we are thrilled that we can be part of bringing library books to the unparalleled experience of reading on Kindle."
Kindle Library Lending will be available later this year for Kindle and free Kindle app users. To learn more about Kindle go to www.amazon.com/kindle.
Lenten Thoughts...
I started my Lenten journey over two weeks ago without any clear purpose other than the daily discipline of reading and a call to obedience I felt from God. In the past few days, I have experienced moments of clarity of God's call on my life that only come from submission, penitence, and a sacrifice of my stubborn and prideful will.
In my readings yesterday "... lightning strikes upon my days and nights. My adversary is not on vacation. Opposition is lurking all around. I must remember my mission and it will help me navigate through this storm."
I am in a storm. The dark clouds have been gathering for several months, maybe years. They have burst forth their angriest high winds. I have stayed here...
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. Taste and see that the Lord is good.Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
Psalm 34:4-8
And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!
And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!
Psalm 90:17
"Our godliness can often be measured by the line
between our pride and humility."
Great blog post this morning by Michael Hyatt...
SEVEN BETTER QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK IN THE MIDST OF ADVERSITY
I have several friends who are going through enormous uncertainty right now. Some are out of work. A few others are on the precipice of divorce. Still others have been diagnosed with cancer—one who is pregnant. In these situations, most of us ask, “Why is this happening to me?”
Years ago, two months after I became the publisher of one of our book divisions, we lost a major author to a competing company. This had a significant negative impact on our bottom line. At first, I was angry. Then I became discouraged. Finally, I realized I was asking the wrong question.
Instead of asking “Why did this happen?” I started asking, “How can this make us better?” Immediately, I sensed a shift in my spirit. It began energizing me. In retrospect, losing the author was one of the best things that could have happened to my division. We grew from the experience in ways that would have never happened otherwise.
I have several friends who are going through enormous uncertainty right now. Some are out of work. A few others are on the precipice of divorce. Still others have been diagnosed with cancer—one who is pregnant. In these situations, most of us ask, “Why is this happening to me?”
Years ago, two months after I became the publisher of one of our book divisions, we lost a major author to a competing company. This had a significant negative impact on our bottom line. At first, I was angry. Then I became discouraged. Finally, I realized I was asking the wrong question.
Instead of asking “Why did this happen?” I started asking, “How can this make us better?” Immediately, I sensed a shift in my spirit. It began energizing me. In retrospect, losing the author was one of the best things that could have happened to my division. We grew from the experience in ways that would have never happened otherwise.
Prayer exercise
Read a passage of scripture several times.
Listen for the verse God whispers directly to your heart.
Copy the scripture out on a sheet of paper or in a journal.
Write a prayer founded from your scripture passage. (Let it line itself up with scripture like a poem).
Read your psalm back to the Lord who is near and listening to every word.
Listen for the verse God whispers directly to your heart.
Copy the scripture out on a sheet of paper or in a journal.
Write a prayer founded from your scripture passage. (Let it line itself up with scripture like a poem).
Read your psalm back to the Lord who is near and listening to every word.
Journal writing works for me.
On a daily basis I am taking what happens in my head, running it down through my heart, then up through my shoulder, down my arm, and into my fingers that hold the pen. From there I let all the good, bad and the ugly emerge.
On a daily basis I am taking what happens in my head, running it down through my heart, then up through my shoulder, down my arm, and into my fingers that hold the pen. From there I let all the good, bad and the ugly emerge.
There is so much about the process of writing that is mysterious to me, but it keeps me healthy.
nottambulo
What would you do IF you couldn't sleep?
Because I am able to read, write, and ponder late into the morning hours, I have learned to appreciate this precious quiet time. For a long time, I tried to lie in bed and count sheep, but that proved impossible for me. Usually it is all I can do to just get dressed for bed at ten o'clock, let alone think about retiring for the night and sleeping at midnight.
So I have come to accept that I am an active person...at night. I like to be somewhat domestic during this time (folding laundry and unloading the dishwasher are common tasks I like to accomplish), but most of the time,
I'm simply reading, writing, and pondering ...life.
Inside ...
On My Nightstand:
Want To Read:
Movies I Seen:
In My Kitchen:
In My Ears:
What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month:
- (Reading on my Kindle) - John Piper's God's Passion for His Glory
- Jill and I are reading through Mel & Patricia Ziegler's The Republic of Tea: The Story of the Creation of a Business, as Told Through the Personal Letters of Its Founders for an oversea's book club concept. We are two friends who love to read but rarely are able to join forces and focus on one book. Wish us luck!
- Tonight I'll finish Dick Francis' latest, Crossfire. This is the fourth and final collaboration between Francis (1920–2010) and son Felix (Even Money). I've enjoyed every page - as always - Francis's suspense is excellent. "For all lovers of old-fashioned, character-driven, plot-perfect suspense, this is like getting a windfall from a distant, deceased relative." -Amazon.
Want To Read:
- My friend Jerri has recommended Francis Chan's Forgotten God. I'm intimidated by this book - it has been on my nightstand for several weeks now. I'm afraid to pick it up. Here's a peek -
'Calling Christians to more than just a better life, Chan says he wants to live a life unexplainable without the Holy Spirit, so dependent on the Spirit that, he says, if he doesn't come through, I'm screwed.'
Movies I Seen:
- SALT - Angelina Jolie -excellent action packed thriller! Great supporting role for Liev Schreiber.
- WALLSTREET: Money Never Sleeps - this is a sleeper except for Carey Mulligan my new favorite actress!
In My Kitchen:
- My Carmel Corn is becoming famous - I think I could make it with my eyes closed. Wow! It's addicting! My girls and I are gearing up for time off from school and work to cook-bake-create.
In My Ears:
- For my birthday, Jill sent Brooke Fraser's new CD, Flags. Brooke Fraser? She is an award-winning New Zealand folk-pop singer-songwriter. She has performed at Parachute, an annual New Zealand Christian music festival, and HillSong Church.
"She makes the kind of music that sounds like a pop marshmallow has dropped into a folk hot chocolate and become a warm, spicy chocolatey broth."
What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month:
- Time off with my family for a long and restful Christmas break!
Eudora Welty quotes on being a writer...
"...I just mean the way idea's come to me is through people from the living world, not from the abstract, but from the living world. I don't say "I'm going to sit down and write a story about Greed..."
Eudora Welty quotes on being a writer...
"I think that all the time things are inside you which gradually work to a point that you want to write them down."
A Worn Path
"A Worn Path" (1940) by Eudora Welty is a short story about an elderly African-American woman named Phoenix Jackson who is walking through the woods into town. On her way she encounters many deterrents, like a dog, heavy brush, and a hunter who threatens her with a gun, among many other things. Her reason for going to Natchez is to pick up a supply of medicine for her grandson, who accidentally swallowed lye a few years before. The damage to his throat never fully heals, and every so often his throat will begin to swell shut. It is Old Phoenix's love for her grandson that causes her to face the trial of the journey to town, every time it is necessary, with no questions asked. At its heart, "A Worn Path" is a tale of undying love and devotion.
by Eudora Welty
"It was December—a bright frozen day in the early morning. Far out in the country there was an old Negro woman with her head tied in a red rag, coming along a path through the pinewoods. Her name was Phoenix Jackson. She was very old and small and she walked slowly in the dark pine shadows, moving a little from side to side in her steps, with the balanced heaviness and lightness of a pendulum in a grandfather clock. She carried a thin, small cane made from an umbrella, and with this she kept tapping the frozen earth in front of her. This made a grave and persistent noise in the still air that seemed meditative, like the chirping of a solitary little bird.She wore a dark striped dress reaching down to her shoe tops, and an equally long apron of bleached sugar sacks, with a full pocket: all neat and tidy, but every time she took a step she might have fallen over her shoelaces, which dragged from her unlaced shoes. She looked straight ahead. Her eyes were blue with age. Her skin had a pattern all its own of numberless branching wrinkles and as though a whole little tree stood in the middle of her forehead, but a golden color ran underneath, and the two knobs of her cheeks were illumined by a yellow burning under the dark. Under the red rag her hair came down on her neck in the frailest of ringlets, still black, and with an odor like copper."
continue reading...
Why I Live at the Post Office
...is a dramatic monologue. Sister, the first-person narrator, tells her side of the family spat that has led her to leave the family home where she had lived into adulthood and move into the local post office. She appeals to the reader to take her side as she indignantly recounts her younger sister’s unjust maneuvers in turning the rest of the family against her, but her self-pity and exaggeration render her position unintentionally humorous.
"I WAS GETTING ALONG FINE with Mama, Papa-Daddy and Uncle Rondo until my sister Stella-Rondo just separated from her husband and came back home again. Mr. Whitaker! Of course I went with Mr. Whitaker first, when he first appeared here in China Grove, taking "Pose Yourself" photos, and Stella-Rondo broke us up. Told him I was one-sided. Bigger on one side than the other, which is a deliberate, calculated falsehood: I'm the same. Stella-Rondo is exactly twelve months to the day younger than I am and for that reason she's spoiled.She's always had anything in the world she wanted and then she'd throw it away. Papa-Daddy gave her this gorgeous Add-a-Pearl necklace when she was eight years old and she threw it away playing baseball when she was nine, with only two pearls."
continue to read...
Newsweek reports...
Why the iPad hasn’t killed the Kindle.
But guess what? Yes, it’s true that the iPad has been a smash hit, selling 3.3 million units in just a few months. But Amazon claims its plucky little Kindle is doing pretty well, too. Amazon won’t give out sales figures, but Forrester Research, a market-analysis firm, reckons Amazon will sell 3.5 million Kindles in the United States this year, bringing its total number in U.S. readers’ hands to 6 million by the end of 2010.
Read on...
Photo by Richard B. Levine
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)