Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Let's Be Real

Hello there.
How have you been?
 
It has been a long time since I last blogged, and I might say in my defence, for good reasons.
But they are my own, so you'll just to trust me on this one.
 
One reason, I will share with you, truthfully.
Sometimes I just feel it doesn't matter.
My words, my feelings, my blogging.
What does it amount to?
 
Hours of my life spent in front of a computer screen wearing my eyes out....
and for what reason?
 
We all of us, sooner or later, have to examine the reasons behind our actions.
And sometimes those reasons lead to further questions, which may lead
to some unsettling answers and ultimately, point out something buried deep
that we may not have know lurked in our heart.
 
I'm gonna peal back the mask for a moment, not because I want you to feel sorry for me,
or even understand me,
but because we need more real people in this world.
I know I do.
 
So here goes.
 
I stopped blogging (in part) because I was discouraged.
 
Why?
Because is seemed none of it mattered, it wasn't making a difference.
 
What made you think that?
I have two followers and only a handful of readers.
 
Which means...?
 I'm wasting my time, I'm must not be a very good writer if people won't read it.
 
Why does it matter if people read it?
Because I want them to.
 
And why is that?
So I feel like I'm a good writer, like I'm appreciated.
 
In other words, you write for attention?
NO. No, I'm not like that! You know me, I grew up the shy wallflower, I don't clamor for attention!
 
But...?
I want others to accept me. To like me.
 
You have real, present people in your life that accept you, love you.
That's not enough.
 
Why?
Because- because what if they are wrong? What if they are just being nice?
 
What makes you think that, why do you doubt others love and acceptance of you?
.....
 
And this is where the truth hit me, it came flying at me like a rock hurled to the head.
But instead of knocking me blind, it cleared my sight so I could see the real issue.
 
Because...because I don't like myself. I have never accepted myself, I don't like who I am.
 
And there you have it.
The whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.
 
Yes. Please. Help me God.
 
We may know the truth of who God says we are, and we may know that others love and accept us.
But we can never accept others until we accept ourselves.
We can't truly love others until we love ourselves.
Flaws and all.
We can't give what we don't have.
 
So.
That is kind of where I'm at.
I'm a bit of perfectionist, I'm always trying to improve myself, and yes, others.
I'm extremely critical of myself, and secretly of others, though to a far lesser degree.
And it irks me.
 
God used the book The Bluebird and the Sparrow by Janette Oke to bring this self realization crashing into my heart.
 
All the way through the book the main character, Berta, drove me crazy.
I got upset with her, and thought she was being stupid and irrational about many things,
making bad decisions out of pain that ultimately resulted in more pain.
 
In spite of this, I could really identify with some of her feelings and coping mechanisms...
her hurts and how she molded her life and herself based on those wounds.
 
It was just what I needed to hear.
Amazing how He knows that, isn't it?
 
Truly, I love writing.
Writing is a release and a way of expressing what I can't say with my tongue.
So I'll keep blogging because I want to write. 
Even if no one ever reads it.
I'm restraining myself from re-reading over this post, rewriting it, nitpicking here,
deleting there, because frankly, perfectionism is exhausting.
And besides, this is more of a raw post.
It isn't perfect, I didn't labor hours over the wording and grammar.
As I work, with God's help, to accept myself, just as I am, I think I will learn to accept that too.
 
~Me~
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Summer Reading List!

Ahhh.

Even though I've been out of school for years, and my day to day is the same summer or fall, there is still something about the allure and adventure of summer.


It breathes a slower pace, a brighter day, a virbrant life. Summer.

In that spirit I have been inspired to compile a Summer Reading List (which, according to the number of books I have on it, might more aptly be called my 2012 reading list). This list consists of books aimed at getting me closer to who I want to be, what I want to know and maybe a couple far away places I can "travel" to this summer.

My goals to accomplish through my reading list were these:

1) I wanted to find a role model, a 'hero' so to speak. So many people have historical or famous people they look up to, modeling their lives and actions after those of their idol. I realized that I don't have a person like that! I know, right?! But really, I don't have a certain person that has really inspired me. So- I'm going to find one this summer.

2) Gain knowledge of other countries, cultures, religions etc.  I already shared with y'all my love of India, but sadly, I don't know much about the culture, people or country. Since I can't really afford to make a trip there this summer, I can maybe travel there through some Indian literature and geography books. A different kind of Indian Summer. :)

3) Recover my heart: stronger sense of strength and purpose in the Lord  I want to always grow forward and be moving in the direction God has for me and I recently realized I had gotten a bit burnt out and lost a lot of my 'heart'. I want to recover it and grow closer to His.


In moving closer to these goals I have been in search of good books!

Last week I went thrift shopping (I hope to soon be sharing some of my fun finds!) and among my purchases was an exileratingly exciting stack of books! Some of them are for future reading and aren't priority for this summer, but several of them are.

Here is my list (so far).

Summer Reading List 2012

* In the Grip of Grace by Max Lucado (just barely started this)

* The Great Eight by Scott Hamilton (AHH!! I grew up obsessed with ice skating and this man was the greatest! This book is about his faith, battle through cancer and living in the spot light and staying happy and positive through it all. I am really looking forward to reading this one!)



*The Great Divorce and Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis ( one of my favorite authors)




* Revolution In World Missions by K.P. Yohannan (a look into missions and life in India)



* Katha: Short Stories By Indian Women (a look into the life of Indian women, their culture, their literature style and some of their legends.)


*Love and Respect: The Love She Most Desires, The Respect He Desperately Needs (about the needs of men and women in a healthy marriage relationship. It is always good to learn as much as one can in preparation.)



as well as....

* Appointment in Jerusalem by Lydie and Derek Prince
*Adam and His Kin by Ruth Beechick
*Praying Hyde by Basil Miller (a story of a Indian MIssionary)
* Dare to Desire and/or Journey to Desire by John Eldredge
*Crazy Love by Francis Chan
*The Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman
*How to Argue Like Jesus by Joe Carter and John Coleman

Some of these titles I have yet to purchase (we have a tiny library!).

So, there is my list! Goodness! I had better get cracking!

Do you have any suggestions?

What are some books that have really impacted your life?

I'd love to hear from you!

~Me~

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...