The Benefits of Crying

You know, I used to have "rainy day" playlists.  I think we've all had them - the playlists you play on rainy days (either real or in your head) - they are slow and a little sad and encourage self-reflection or they nurse a droopy mood. 

Well, yesterday I put a new rainy day list together.  And while to the idle listener it might sound similiar to others I've made this was vastly different.  These songs, while beautiful, are meant to remind me where my focus should remain - in spite of sorrow. 

I thought I'd share that playlist:

Held - Natalie Grant
Our Hope Endures - Natalie Grant
With Hope - Steven Curtis Chapman (recorded after the death of his daughter)
If You Could See Me Now - Mandisa (a song about heaven)
The Giving - Michael W. Smith
The Journey - Steven Curtis Chapman
Be Still and Know - Steven Curtis Chapman

I know this time will pass and we'll move on.  Yes, I am terribly disappointed but I stand firm on God's promises for us. 

Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now Faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see."  To this we cling.

A friend shared a picture of heaven where all the children who have been lost will be waiting for their parents.  I like that picture. 

*sigh*

I always know

...when 2 o'clock has rolled past because I want to sleep.  Like lay down under my desk and sleep. 

that is all.

Thursday Book Post

Whether you usually read off of your own book pile or from the library shelves NOW, chances are you started off with trips to the library. (There’s no way my parents could otherwise have kept up with my book habit when I was 10.) So … What is your earliest memory of a library? Who took you? Do you have you any funny/odd memories of the library?

My earliest memory of the library would have to be the little Belton public library or the Central Elementary Library.  I still attend the same church as the librarian.  She may not even remember me after all these years but I wonder sometimes if she realizes she remains one of my favorite people in the world because she helped me discover so many wonderful books. 

Then there is the library at Belton Junior High, where I discovered books like Valentine (I think that was the name) or Beauty: a retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Robin McKinley. 

The high school library was a source of research when I went on a kick about the 1960s. 

I remember crying the first time I ever stepped into the library at UMHB - I'd never seen so many books.  Imagine feeling that way all over again as a freshman at Baylor University.  The library at Baylor held a singular fascination for me - their enormous collection of opera on video and videodiscs (remember those things - like giant DVDs).

I have always had a love affair with books.  My entire life, they offer a free (or nearly) escape from whatever else was happening in my life.  And libraries were the gateway to getting my hands on those little vacations until I could afford to haunt wonderful places like Barnes & Nobles, Books-a-Million or Book People.

*yawn*

I could use a nap.  It IS 4pm, after all... 

 

that's all.

things I've learned

Added a new page.  I'm sure this list will grow.  :)