January 22, 2006
-
Prose and ConsPlease forgive my pun. I do so love them. Thanks to Cassandra for tickling my funny bone with her “Teasing.” Also, thanks to everyone who’s been commenting. I really appreciate your feedback on the site, via email, and in person. Plus, I’ve so enjoyed visiting the sites of others. KID6896, I hope you and yours are soon healthy again. Jess, I am glad you aren’t cooking for us. The good doctor is especially glad. Also, he keeps meaning to ask if there are any folks in Rob’s department who still remember him (TGD, not Rob).
I know you’ve all been all on tenterhooks waiting for more poetry from Sara Teasdale, so I won’t keep you waiting!
Faults
They came to tell your faults to me,
They named them one by one;
I laughed aloud when they were done,
I knew them all so well before,–
But they were blind, too blind to see
Your faults had made me love you more.Twilight
The stately tragedy of dusk
Drew to its perfect close,
The virginal white evening star
Sank, and the red moon rose.As you know, I’ve been convicted about my reading choices. I’ve struggled with not wanting to do what I know I should. (And to be honest, I still am struggling.) I’ve finally asked God what He would have me to do. “Put away all detestable things from you,” was a verse we discussed in Sunday school (Jeremiah 4:1), and that was the first thing that came to my mind. I need to get rid of the books that I would be embarrassed to have someone open at random and read, the books I wouldn’t hand to my children. Isn’t it ridiculous that I’d even have books like this in my house to begin with? Yikes! So, pray for me as I begin to purge.
As I thought about this “purge,” I thought, “I can’t get rid of X, Y, and Z. I’ve spent money on those! They weren’t used books. I bought them new!” Once again, the word of God convicted me as I was reminded of those Ephesians in Acts who burned all their magic books: “And many of those who practiced magic brought their books together and began burning them in the sight of everyone; and they counted up the price of them and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.” (Acts 19:19) Oh, boy, the Word of God truly is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword! Plus, I’ve only spent about $50 on books. But, even if I had spent $50,000, at what price should I value obedience? Why is obeying so hard!
But, on a happier note, I finished a great book last night, Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends. It is written by three siblings, the Mallys (who were ages 22, 16, and 12 at the time of writing). I’m planning to use it as a read aloud for Bible time for the children. We have been struggling with the friendliness toward one another. Plus, what I read in the book convicts me as well. “You should criticize one time for every ten times you praise.” Gulp!
Tonight is our church’s annual “gonna-take-two-hours-to-read-reports” business meeting. I’m planning to take the new scarf I’m crocheting. Yes, I know this seems a bit untoward, but is it really that horrible to do a handicraft while the Building and Grounds minutes are being read?
Comments (6)
i really like the “faults” poem!
i recieved the same conviction years ago on my reading choices. purging isn’t fun, but it sure is cleansing!! HA…that was a pun just for YOU!
i think i should get that book! my daughters are bestfriends who fight alot..ha, ha!
btw, my name’s mary & i found you through a homeschooling ring.
have a wonderful evening!
mary
Oh yes take your knitting! I would like to see that custom come back in style. Awhile back we had Big Long Meetings going on frequently about some events in the national Episcopal church, and I brought my mending! Not as cool as knitting or crochet, but I was desperate to make good use of the time! It’s perfectly possible to listen while doing handwork. In fact, my kids always did handwork (or handplay, as in play doh or something) while I read aloud.
I know exactly what you mean about the “sitting next to” stage that lasts for 2-3 years until mid-elementary or so (I have been homeschooling for 10 years). It was interesting to hear you put it into words — it’s such a different thing than what happens in regular school, and no understands how it really proceeds unless they’ve tried to do it.
Hey I can’t believe you actually went and found AND READ the story of Asa in Chronicles! I didn’t even give the reference. I’m impressed. Thank you for doing that!
I’ve heard of the “siblings into best friends” book you mentioned. I have a lot of fighting among my 4 and it caught my attention. My daughters are 17, 15, 12 and 7 now. Might be a tad late, maybe not.
When ever we go to Marantha Bible and Missionary Conference the women all take their knitting to the actually Bible meetings…I find this to be a little rude. However, a Bus. Meeting is differnet…one needs something to take the pain out of the boredom and knitting is an excellent choice.
God bless with your “purge.” There is something terribly heart-rending about pitching a book, especially one you just bought. After a long battle of conscience the other day, I threw away a novel that I had purchased only the previous afternoon. It was depressing, yet at the same time gave me a wonderful, “free” feeling. So kudos to you for obeying and meeting the rationalization head-on! If you need some help, I can always come over and make a “burn” pile for you.
From a flower lover, the color photo of flowers is definitely better. Part of their joy is their color. In my opinion, the only black and white photos that might be better would be ones of white flowers.
Black and white photos of people do reveal things that color pictures do not. I love black and white photos of weddings.
Oh Mary! I am hoping my letter finally will get to you–the one about the authors. I am also on the wholesome reading ride. I asked someone at church what they recommend and they said Jonathan Edwards’ writings. They also gave me an author who writes good biographies–sorry, don’t have it at my fingertips–I’ll drop it in another time. But the biography of Jonathan Edwards and someone with the last name of Pink. (I think G.W Pink [not Bush]) was the name.
THank you for your faithfulness in writing.
Gotta go be responsible.
Corrine