Book Bug

Once upon a time Mom taught me how to read... and I've been reading ever since!

Ok, I know it's been beautiful outside and I'm writing about a great indoor activity, but one of my favorite things to do in the spring is sit out in the sun with a good book and an ice-cold tea.

I always have multiple books going. It seems the more I read the more books I find I want to read! Take "The Hiding Place" for instance. I read it, then wondered "what was Corrie's life like the 45 years before WWII"? So I started reading "In My Father's House" -a book about her childhood- which made me in awe of her father's wisdom, making me want to read her book "Father ten Boom"!

Just recently, I finished "Joyfully at Home" which perfectly describes me (most days! :) and was a great encouragement to keep on keeping on! (I've also decided I need to meet Jasmine someday!)

"Dug Down Deep" is a book I've just started and I've already recommended it to several people! It explains the purpose of doctrine and what it has to do with "real" life.

My church has been doing an "Experiencing God" Bible study for Sunday School these past few weeks. If you've ever wondered how to hear God's voice and know His will- this study is an excellent help.

A book that blesses me ever time I pick it up is a little devotional written by my dear Pastor's daughter, Deana Myers, "I Will Give You the Rain". I can't count the times I've been grateful to have her as a mentor and example in godliness! What a treasure it is to have her gleanings from the Word in my hands when I need it!

Last, (but by far the greatest!) is my tiny ESV Bible. I have my big, trusty Geneva Bible I read for morning devotions, but this little treasure is so portable- it's right there when I need it! Somehow the small print makes it easy to read through whole books of the Bible at once, giving me the "big picture".

One more thing I love as much as reading, is scribbling the thoughts that come to mind as I read. That's why I have my notebooks close at hand. You can never have too many cute notebooks, that's for sure! :)

Happy reading!

Jesus, What a Friend for Sinners!

Have you ever had a moment when nothing could keep you from going into hysteria except a song? Music speaks to the soul and when combined with truth, it does wonders for me personally. I've even made play lists of "Truth" songs when I just need to think about something that is "True, lovely, good...". Although I don't have many hymns on my iPod, they can be so rich with basic truth that my soul needs when I'm hurt, lonely, or simply discontented. When I really stop to think about what these words mean- they are life giving! Here is one that has been on my heart lately:

Jesus! what a Friend for sinners!
Jesus! Lover of my soul;
Friends may fail me, foes assail me,
He, my Savior, makes me whole.

Jesus! what a Strength in weakness!
Let me hide myself in Him.
Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing,
He, my Strength, my victory wins.

Jesus! what a Help in sorrow!
While the billows over me roll,
Even when my heart is breaking,
He, my Comfort, helps my soul.

Jesus! what a Guide and Keeper!
While the tempest still is high,
Storms about me, night overtakes me,
He, my Pilot, hears my cry.

Jesus! I do now receive Him,
More than all in Him I find.
He hath granted me forgiveness,
I am His, and He is mine.

(Refrain)

Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.

Famly Filmmakers

I just have to say- I love my family!

Last weekend we took a family venture to Muskogee Oklahoma to attend the Bare Bones International Film Festival. Caleb's film "Pawn's Move" (www.pawnsmovethemovie.com) won "Best Feature Family Film" and "Feature Audience Choice" awards. Not surprising, since he's the best filmmaker I know! (Ok, so I don't know that many filmmakers, but in my book- he's the best!) So, basically, I'm just bragging about my brother in this post. I can do that- that's what sisters are for! :)