1 year 100 books!

2017, was the first year I challenged myself to read 100 books.  I honestly do not think that I have ever read that much in one year but I don’t have the records to prove it!  Thanks to Goodreads it was easy to keep up with all the books I had read.  It was fun too!  With several different book lists that come to my email I found many free and reduced books.  I also had several opportunities to visit several book sales that year.  One of the book sales was in the very hotel I was staying at on vacation.  We also went to a city known for one of the biggest bookstores-Powell’s Books in Portland, Oregon. 

The list of books makes me very happy.  I went outside of my comfort zone with more than a few of the choices such as “The Quiet American” by Graham Greene.   I can honestly say it was fun and rewarding.  I learned so much of the struggles of many during WWII.  I learned the opinions and values that are given to Americans when reading foreign authors.  I had an epiphany that I am not the only person who has a vast love for reading and where you can go just by reading a book. 

A few of my absolute favorites I read last year:

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
The Baker’s Secret by Stephen Kiernan
The Beach Trees by Karen White
Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan
Dead Hill by John Dean
The End of the Affair by Graham Greene
Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave
Great Cathedrals by Bernard Schultz
How to be Parisian (multiple authors)
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
In Farleigh Field by Rhys Bowen
In the Middle of the Mess by Sheila Walsh
Several of Patrick Taylor’s series about Doctor Finegal O’Reilly
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katrarina Bivold
We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter

I can not name all the books here, but these had an impact on me and my perspectives on life. 

“The Little Paris Bookshop,” “The Bookshop on the Corner,” and “The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend,” are the best when it comes to a good story with literature references and a general love of reading professed throughout. 

“All the Light We Cannot See,” “The Baker’s Secret,” “Beneath a Scarlet Sky,” “Everyone Brave is Forgiven,” “In Farleigh Field,” and “We Were the Lucky Ones,” were all centered around different parts of the world during World War II.  Some of these books were based on true characters and events.  It was a fascinating look at this era I have never seen or heard before.  I highly recommend each and every book mentioned. I can also thank Goodreads for recommending some of these titles, I would have never saw some of these and they were fantastic. 

All in all, I just want to pass my love of reading.  I read many faith based books as well that were encouraging and very uplifting.  I did read a few non-fiction books such as “Great Cathedrals”, I am have a love for these magnificent buildings that were made by a labor of love for God for many years and sometimes generations.  These buildings were to show God’s story and lift people out of their mundane lives. 

Enjoy Life!!!

One thing I am always saying to my kids!  Enjoy life.  Life is too short to be miserable, be thankful for everything even the little things. Find things in your day to enjoy.  I might enjoy watching dragonflies, a sunset or leaves changing color and for each I am very thankful to God for giving me things to enjoy. 

I recently was challenged to look at things from a different perspective.   My son asked me to buy him tickets to a concert.  A concert that I had no interest in going to, but I could hear my own words saying to him “enjoys life.”

I prayed about the situation, I prayed that if it was not supposed to happen-tickets would simply not be available, that the concert would be cancelled or that something would prevent the trip.  I am so glad everything worked out.  I learned so much!

The concert was attended by every race, gender and age.  (This was mentioned by the artist at the concert). I was surprised at the turn out and at the kindness everyone showed during the pre-concert.  I was amazed that there was no fighting, arguing or altercations. The concert was delayed not because they were running behind but the artist wanted everyone through security before they began.  When the music started it was like one big party, 18,000 people partying with myself as observer.  I was in an arena full of people enjoying life.   People were happy; people were dancing, singing, and having a great time.

I felt like God spoke to my heart, who am I as a mom to dictate how my children enjoy life.  Surely the things I enjoy are good but if I truly want my kids to enjoy life they have to branch out and find things that they like.  Yes, we set up guard rails but seeing something with new perspective made me thankful to God that everything worked out.

Everything yes, you see I drove my son 9 hours one-way to attend this concert.  I found a hotel under $300/night in a city I had never been to before.  There was some fear involved with planning such a trip but it was lovely.  I had one on one time with my son who will be heading to college in just a few short years.  Trust me when you want to talk to your teenager such time is priceless-I had his attention for most of the 9 hours to the city(coming home he slept most of it).

I did not drive my Jeep on this trip however I am very observant of Jeeps!  On the way there a beautiful white Jeep, with a very nice wax job I might add passed us. (I am a little jealous of that wax job-I need to get busy on that).  On the tire cover was the following phrase-ONE LIFE LIVE IT!

The phrase was written in a Celtic font, anything Celtic, Scottish, or Irish immediately grabs my attention.  The picture below is from EBay it is the closest I could find to the actual tire cover.

Yes, I might be a little crazy for doing such a trip alone with a teenager, driving hundreds of miles.  But that phrase on the tire cover is true to enjoy life we have to live it.  To truly live life we have to be fearless, trust God and live.  Live today as tomorrow is not promised.

Ecclesiastes 3: 13

And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor for these are gifts from God.

John 10:10

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.  My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

We are to live for Christ, our eyes on Christ sharing Him to all.  Sometimes sharing Him comes by spending time with your loved ones in situations and places you never expected.

Aaron 10/15/16

Her thoughts,,,

“Her thoughts and reflections were habitually her best companions.” Jane Austen Mansfield Park

I think most women can relate to this quote.  Some people call it baggage, some call it thought life, some call it overwhelming, and some just say it is the way it is.  But we are continually thinking and planning and sometimes if you are like me I have more plans than I have time to accomplish said plans.  But as I was thinking about this quote some scriptures came to my mind. 

“My thoughts are nothing like your thought,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” “For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55: 8-9 NLT

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: test me and know my anxious thoughts.”  Psalms 139:23 NLT

“No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. “ I Corinthians 2: 11 NLT

So this got me thinking more, and by the way thank you Lord that no one can know my thoughts!  That is a gift! 

We have access to God’s Spirit, if we accept Jesus as Lord and redeemer we have access to the very Spirit of God living within us.  We must walk with the Spirit of God to know the thoughts of God.  My thoughts, epiphanies, and plans are NOTHING compared to God’s plan.  God’s plan is so much bigger, brighter and encompassing of all mankind.  Not just little o me. 

Then there is this verse:

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.  They cannot be numbered! Psalm 139:17

I don’t know about you but I don’t always feel like God’s thoughts about me are positive and precious.  I often think they are more like HE is shaking His head going…”What is she thinking?”  hahaha

So I end today’s post with this prayer of scripture:

May all my thoughts be pleasing to Him, for I rejoice in the Lord. Psalm 104:34

It is not easy, but submitting our thought life to God is a daily and sometimes minute by minute process.  Let God release you from your anxious thoughts and grab a hold to God’s.  

Her thoughts,,,

“Her thoughts and reflections were habitually her best companions.” Jane Austen Mansfield Park

I think most women can relate to this quote.  Some people call it baggage, some call it thought life, some call it overwhelming, and some just say it is the way it is.  But we are continually thinking and planning and sometimes if you are like me I have more plans than I have time to accomplish said plans.  But as I was thinking about this quote some scriptures came to my mind. 

“My thoughts are nothing like your thought,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” “For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55: 8-9 NLT

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: test me and know my anxious thoughts.”  Psalms 139:23 NLT

“No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. “ I Corinthians 2: 11 NLT

So this got me thinking more, and by the way thank you Lord that no one can know my thoughts!  That is a gift! 

We have access to God’s Spirit, if we accept Jesus as Lord and redeemer we have access to the very Spirit of God living within us.  We must walk with the Spirit of God to know the thoughts of God.  My thoughts, epiphanies, and plans are NOTHING compared to God’s plan.  God’s plan is so much bigger, brighter and encompassing of all mankind.  Not just little o me. 

Then there is this verse:

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.  They cannot be numbered! Psalm 139:17

I don’t know about you but I don’t always feel like God’s thoughts about me are positive and precious.  I often think they are more like HE is shaking His head going…”What is she thinking?”  hahaha

So I end today’s post with this prayer of scripture:

May all my thoughts be pleasing to Him, for I rejoice in the Lord. Psalm 104:34

It is not easy, but submitting our thought life to God is a daily and sometimes minute by minute process.  Let God release you from your anxious thoughts and grab a hold to God’s.  

Ten years: Trials, tears and triumphs!

In 2006 as a wife and mother to a 12 year old girl, and boys 2 and 4 years of age, we found out that my husband had another daughter.  It was a little surprising.  But at that time I thought we stepped right into the proper course, two weeks later we packed up our little family and trekked from San Antonio up to Amarillo, Texas to attend his daughter’s high school graduation.  George Strait singing, “Amarillo by morning up from San Anton” chorusing through my mind during the drive.

I was somewhat nervous, meeting not only an 18 year old girl, her son and her whole family.  It was a good visit.  Plans were soon made for us to go on a vacation the next month.

To say I was ill equip to deal with the feelings, emotions and behavior of an older teenager was actually quite accurate.  There is not a one of us that would like to re-live that vacation for many reasons.  It was a time that ended poorly and to this day it is one of my regrets.

After many PRAYERS, when I say many I don’t mean once a month prayer.  I mean focused prayers regarding this situation.  My husband you see did not meet his father until he was 21-and there was no relationship after his meeting.  So you see there was an urgency to not repeat the mistakes of his father.  There was a need, desire and passion to do the right thing.

Little by little, one phone call, one visit, one message a relationship started to grow.  Many things have changed we are still no closer geographically then we were before.  But relationally we are family.  There is no doubt in my mind that the next 10 years will be greater than the last 10 years.

A few weekends ago we went to Amarillo from our current location in Kansas-no romantic song chorusing through my brain.  But the realization that after our vacation together 10 years ago-this is a miracle.  We have taken several mini trips but most of the communication is via text, Facebook, telephone and good old stamp on a card!  We have made a difference in each other’s lives.

Our desire to see her have faith in God is now very evident in her life.  Her commitment to her son and family is very true.  I hope she sees the commitment in my heart to her.  Because today I am proud to say she is MY daughter.  I love you Izzy!

“Is this good for my heart?”

Oh dark chocolate you say, ok give it to me!  Yes, I read dark chocolate is good for my heart.  You have to have a good heart to live productively!  Dark Chocolate for everyone!!!!!!!

So for the last 2 years as a nurse I have taken care of approximately 50 patients close to my age that have had a heart attack-blood flow is blocked to heart and chest pain is a common symptom.  Thankfully, most of these patients responded to pain timely, reported to hospital, underwent intervention and are doing very well at this time.  But this made me look at things that were bad for my heart:  my physical beating heart. There are many studies out there and many claims to what is good or beneficial for our hearts. 

I started with exercise, yoga, walking, jogging or going to the gym and getting my heart rate up on a treadmill or elliptical machine.  I started watching mostly what I ate and I lost some weight.  After 40 the weight does not come off easily!  But it made me ponder our hearts.  In the Bible, the word heart is used over 1000 times.

“Trust the Lord with all your heart, do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

“So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart.” Genesis 6:6

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:23

The word heart in these references is talking about the inner man, the mind and the understanding according to The Strong’s concordance of the bible. 

“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” Jeremiah 17:9

God wants our hearts, wants us to put his words into our hearts, he wants to consume our hearts.  It is all we have our heart our inner most self.  God wants to be in the “midst” of our being. 

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ Matthew 22:37

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

While I want my physical beating heart arteries to be clean free from plague and other things that clog the arteries.  How much more important is it to have a clean biblical heart.  A clean inner most self-only God in HIS absolute power can do that.  So we must love God, rely on HIM with everything we have!  Do not trust our hearts-let God lead us.  Think on things that God wants us to ponder, pray, read his word, follow HIS commands, confess our sins, lead others to HIM and trust him.  

Dear God, Help me to love you with all my heart, soul and mind.  Help me to trust you with my inner most self.  Help me to keep my heart clean-renew me as needed. (And help those coronary arteries stay clean).  Thank you for all you do and are doing for us daily and moment by moment. Help me to ask myself, “is this good for my heart?”

Miss Mary Mack


 

Over the weekend, I was in a converted old school house from the 1920’s.  This unique brick building was restored in great condition.  The floors in the banquet room and a couple other rooms were original to the building.  While we were waiting for dinner and music to start I was in the banquet room sitting on the stage with the original wood floors.  As I was there looking at the beautiful old floors, it took me back to  many years when this same girl many years younger was sitting on a very similar floor.

I instantly remember playing clapping games, “Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack.”  Hundreds of memories came pouring in.  I remember saying other rhymes as well but I do not recall them until I did a little research. “Miss Susie had a steamboat, the steamboat had a bell, and Miss Susie went to heaven…”  Memory triggers can be anything, a smell, a picture, a sight or music. 

It made me ponder.  Something as simple as an old wood floor can make the memories of elementary years long ago come back.  What a gift.  You know they say we remember moments not days.  I do not remember what days I sat on the old wood floor in the gym at Theresa A. Mulvey Elementary School, Westbrook, Connecticut, but I remember some of those moments. 

What things has God brought into our lives to help us recall simpler times?  What moments are the most precious when you look back and see God’s hand on your life? What moments are we making for our children?  What moments will we remember as our time draws short?