I have this weird quirky thing about my calendar. I don't peek at the next month until it actually starts. I like the little surprise of how cute the picture is and what recipe is showcased for the month - not that I'll necessarily make it. But it's one of my little thrills in life so just let me have it, OK;)
So now it is February and I've been working hard on keeping my resolutions and reading my tail off! I was definitely feeling as though I needed to look at a screen less and concentrate on written words I could feel in my hands, appreciate in my soul and consider in my head.
I had listened to a podcast that discussed the author and her life, writings and influences. Ironically, I had already ordered the book from the library after having seen it on another book list so this made my anticipation for it even greater! In the course of the podcast, the men discussing her work said something to the effect - you won't find her books at your local Christian book store. You won't see it filed under Christianity or even Spirituality in the local book store, but every Christian must read her. The themes that subtlety lie there amongst the words - some words that are very distracting to the reader in their connotations and bigoted characters - had the power to effect my emotions. I got to know these characters and instead of the writer winning me over with tales of "can't help but love them" personas, I was in fact disgusted by them. Until I realized ... I am no better.
So I have this problem. I think everything is important. How can I say no? I see the value in almost every opportunity I have. I've no doubt they all have worth - whether it's filed under my role as wife, mother, homeschooler, pastor's wife, church member, homemaker, hairstylist/business owner, friend, neighbour, daughter, god-mother, blogger .... starting to get my drift? My life becomes chaotic and at the end of the day I've covered a mile wide but an inch deep. Not a good feeling. It's my desire to have the wisdom to know what's essential to spend my time and energy on and likewise, not to feel guilty about what I feel is nonessential and no longer zaps my time and energy. This book was picked in an effort to help me figure that out. I should probably read it again ...
Emma - by Jane Austen
A classic. And yes, I own this edition with the hardback, fabric cover. It's all about the experience for me! I may read this one in my head with a British accent for effect. The trouble is, I've been working on this book for awhile. If I put it down and wait too long to pick it back up, I run the risk of forgetting the characters and who's who. I want to finish this book! Does Emma doom herself to a life of spinsterhood? What's up with Jane Fairfax? What are Frank's true intentions? These are all questions I am determined to find the answers to ... if I can just finish the book.
February is all about the love! I haven't read a book on marriage for a long time because mine is so perfect. crickets chirping. OK, so it may not be because of that. I have a really good one though, and I still got a lot out of this book. It helped me recognize that we're doing a lot of things right - but that there's always room for improvement and weak spots to be aware of. It also helped me better see my own misunderstandings of marriage expectations and how I've been influenced by my culture. Of course, I would have preferred to "Lutheran" it up a bit with a whole section on the value of confession and absolution within the intimacy of marriage and what that looks like but I'm just going to have to add that in myself.
This is another book I've been reading forever. But it's not my fault. There's, like, a million pages. Ok, maybe not a million but there's a lot. And it's not brainless reading. I have to use my brain and it's hard! In order to get the most out of my reading, I usually have to take it in small chunks to stew on for awhile. But if you've ever had the pleasure of sitting at the feet of Professor Deutschlander, you know that it's totally worth it! This book is written for the common layperson who's ready to dig their heals into a greater understanding of truth as revealed in God's Word.
Food for the soul.
As for the other part of my New Year's resolution, I am not doing as grand - that would be the cinnamon roll part. I have, however baked other things in my defence. I just haven't gotten to the cinnamon roll part.
Food for the love handles.
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