Finding joy in the everyday

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8) How many books published each year are worth reading?  How many are noble and pure?  Most are utterly empty, they give us short term pleasure but do not make us wiser or better.  They leave no trace of beauty, no inspiration, no vision of loveliness, no impulses towards higher things and no enrichment.  Some are harmless and leave no debris in our minds, in fact they are quickly forgotten as we move onto another mindless book. However some do leave lots of debris and they linger and draw us into other books that are also full of moral decay.  Many people make no choice in what they read - they read what they enjoy whether it is bad or good. However, as C...

"So many books, so little time" Like always, I have been plowing through my pile of books (which never gets any smaller as I keep on adding to it!) and I have selected three to share with you that I have really enjoyed.  What have you been reading - which book was the highlight in recent months? Any that you would recommend? Joni and Ken: an untold love story :  Ken and Joni Earckson Tada I read this book whilst on holidays a few weeks ago and loved it - it was one of those books I could hardly put down. My elderly mother recommended it to me and I can see why. Joni and Ken talk truthful and honestly about their marriage (which at times almost fell apart), the battles they have fought, the harsh words to each other, the difficulties they have faced when coping with Joni's disability, her increasing pain and her recent battle with breast cancer. Their marriage hasn't been perfect, they have hit many pot holes and struggled like the rest of us,...

I am currently reading Joanna Weaver's book " Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World " . In the book she tells the story of the "Overloaded Wagon" by Rosemarie Kowalski.  Every woman will relate this story as we all do it from time to time, or perhaps all the time. It is a long story, so do set aside a little time to read it - it is SO worth it.  Its all about learning to say  "no" for the right reasons.  And many thanks to blogger " Faithful Provisions " for having it all typed out so I didn't need to.  Tomorrow I will list the suggestions from Joanna Weavers book on how to dump the rocks in our lives. Saying no can be difficult which is why we don't generally do it.  **** The story is told of a man who met God in a lovely valley one day.  ”How are you this morning?” God asked the fellow. “I’m fine, thank you,” the man replied. “Is there anything I can do for you today?” “Yes, there is,” God said. “I have a ...

When I was 18 I worked at a special school where almost all the children had cerebral palsy. Most had severe physical and intellectual disability, unable to walk, talk, feed themselves or use the toilet.  To communication, some used basic sign language (which I learnt) or a method called Bliss-symbolics based on pictures.  I was often asked  . . . "how do you cope" . . .  "don't you find it depressing". Whilst it was a very physical job with lots of lifting, emotionally I didn't find it difficult at all. In fact I loved the job and never once looked at the children and young adults as "retarded", "disabled" or "hopeless" -  I saw their smiles, their interactions and found it one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever had.  Occasionally we would take the young adults into the city, the female staff would take the girls to look at clothes and do girly things, whilst the male staff did "men's things"...

I don't think I need to remind any of you that "50 Shades of Grey" (book and movie) should be avoided . . . completely.  It is pornography and as Christian women, we must stay away from this sort of literature. But what disturbs me even more is the fact that millions of women around the world love this book (over 100 million copies have been sold in 50 languages) and they find it erotic and exciting (many say it has improved their sex life no end), when the truth is . . .  it glamorises sexual violence and tells men it is ok to dominate women in an abusive manner.   “While millions of women are fantasizing about the controlling and abusive Christian Grey of fiction, there are many other women dealing with the horrors of actually living with men like him.”  (source:  Bible Society ) Australia, like the USA and other countries around the world have a major problem with domestic violence. Some men think it is perfectly acceptable to emotionally,...

The year is fast coming to an end, so its a good time to ask: What have been your most favourite books this year? Please share with others what you would highly recommend. What has moved you to tears? Made you think? Wanted to tell someone else about it ASAP? ******

I am currently searching for a new devotional in preparation to when I finish the one I am currently reading. What would you recommend? What do you look for in a devotional - aimed only at women, one for mothers, one that works it's way through the bible, random topics? What is your current devotional? When do you read your devotional - morning/night/anytime during the day? My current devotional is The Excellent Wife: Day by Day by Karen Eiler. This is a 5-days-a-week devotional that aims at helping women become a godly wives, mothers and women. It presents hundred of common scenarios (some far too common and close to home!) and provides biblical responses - God's way of responding with love and grace. It is designed to reinforce the biblical truths taught in "The Excellent Wife" by Martha Peace. It is a very practical devotional which is one of the reasons why I am enjoying it so much. I use this with a journal and take notes each night which hel...

Source In a recent survey in Britain about reading and books it was found that the average British home contained 138 books but more than 50% of these books have never been read.  How many books do you own? What percent have been read by the family? Are you still adding to your book collection? If you had to recommend a book or books in your collection what would they be? I have far too many books and sadly running out of space. To save money and to make sure I am not over run with books, I now rely on my local library for almost all my books and rarely buy books these days (excluding my Christian literature).  This way I still can maintain my joy of reading (and I read a lot of books per year) but no longer breaking the bank and we can move freely around the house without bumping into books!! ****

Robert and his parents after major surgery - photo from the book "Ugly" Ugly: A memoir By Robert Hoge Robert Hoge was born with a giant tumour on his forehead, severely distorted facial features and legs that were twisted and useless. His mother refused to look at her son, let alone bring him home. But home he went, to a life that, against the odds, was filled with joy, optimism and boyhood naughtiness. I was moved by a story I watched on ABC Australian television some months ago about the life of Robert Hoge ( Australian Story  September 2013). Robert was born with a large tumour where his nose would have been and deformed legs which was later removed.  In time, and with the love of his parents, he came to terms with his facial features and lack of legs and learnt too overcome the issues that one faces in a society that places great emphasis on beauty when one is not beautiful. This is a fascinating book by an inspirational man.  It is honest, frank a...

Art Friday: Cats and Books A home must have two things - piles of books in every room and a cat or two.  And sometimes you can have them combined, especially in bed reading a book with a cosy cat curled up next to you.  So why am I doing books and cats today - because I am about to do my most favourite activity, second-hand book buying at the bi-annual lifeline book fair. My dear friend Jill and I will spend several hours looking through thousands (that cover every topic under the sun) of  books before we go off to lunch to chat about the books we have bought. Then, this weekend I will spend ages looking through my books with Ruby and Charlie keeping me company. What could be better!! I have no idea what people do if they don't like books or cats (they must be mad!!). You probably wondered about this art friday - would I find enough artwork that combined my two loves - cats and books. Of course I did. Did you ever doubt me...

“It is in vain to say human beings ought to be satisfied with tranquillity: they must have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it. Millions are condemned to a stiller doom than mine, and millions are in silent revolt against their lot. Nobody knows how many rebellions besides political rebellions ferment in the masses of life which people earth.  Women are supposed to be very calm generally: but women feel just as men feel; they need exercise for their faculties, and a field for their efforts, as much as their brothers do; they suffer from too rigid a restraint, to absolute a stagnation, precisely as men would suffer; and it is narrow-minded in their more privileged fellow-creatures to say that they ought to confine themselves to making puddings and knitting stockings, to playing on the piano and embroidering bags. It is thoughtless to condemn them, or laugh at them, if they seek to do more or learn more than custom has pronounced necessary for their sex”. ...