1. You read 16 books this summer. 2. You bought a total of 75 books from used bookstores, thrift stores, and used book websites this summer. 3. You loved each and every one you read so dearly you dedicated several blog posts to them. 4. The first thing you search for when entering someone's house is a bookcase, and you steal looks at the books it contains every chance you get without the owner's noticing you're not listening to his conversation with you. 5. If you forget to take a book with you on a car trip (even just to the grocery store), you live in constant terror you will find yourself stuck in a traffic jam or waiting in an office or waiting room WITHOUT A BOOK (Gulp). 6. Upon introducing yourself to a new acquaintance, you promptly ask if he or she likes to read. First things first, you know. 7. Your heart leaps with joy when you spot (oh, bliss!) someone else carrying or reading a book in public--but not just any book, mind you. None of this modern-day vampire, romance, clique-ish mess. A classic! Or really, any old book written pre-1960s. Those were the days. 8. You own a book light. Yes, a tiny, bright light that clips to book pages and is designed specifically for the purpose of reading in the dark. You won't be caught in a dark car or in bed without proper preparation! 9. Your prized possession is your library card, and your pride and joy is your collection of books. 10. You must purchase another bookcase every few months, and STILL you manage to trip over stacks of books every time you enter or exit your room.
Yep, just call me Story Girl. (No really, please do. I prefer it to Wormy.) ;)
Here is a continuation of the books I completed this summer, 9 through 16!
9. A Walk With Jane Austen (Lori Smith) Lori Smith's journey across England and into the deeper questions of her Christian life is recorded in A Walk With Jane Austen. Though I do not agree with parts of the philosophy contained in the book, it is an enjoyable read filled with beauty and meaning and wit.
10. The Five Love Languages (Gary Chapman) The Five Love Languages explains the five basic human love expressions and how to understand and cultivate them, particularly in the context of Christian marriage. With simplicity and discretion, Gary Chapman teaches men and women several vital truths that can strengthen their marriages, whether they have been married for years or have not yet entered the bonds of matrimony.
11. Roses for Mama (Janette Oke) A fictional tale of sorrow, strength, family, and God's faithfulness, Roses for Mama is sweet, simple, and beautiful. A brother and sister struggling to raise their younger siblings learn the true meaning of life, discover something they did not even know they longed for, and become godly witnesses for their neighbors.
12. They Called Her Mrs. Doc (Janette Oke) Another stand-alone Janette Oke novel, this story is of Cassandra, the girl from the city who falls in love and is taken to the country. Her feeble faith in God is tested in numerous ways, but she learns from a lady who has an unbelievable past the secret of God's goodness. Because of God's grace, her heart begins to change--toward her husband, her situation, her town, and her very life's purpose. . .
13. A Man Called Peter (Catherine Marshall) (read for the second time) I can scarcely put into words how deeply this true story has impacted me for the past several years. I reread it this summer and plan to reread it again and again in years to come. For a more in-depth synopsis, click on this link from a past post: Peter Marshall: A True Hero
14. Real Spirit: Fun Ideas for Refreshing, Relaxing, and Staying Strong (American Girl book) From proper eating, to relaxing techniques, to healthful habits and exercises, this American Girl book is beneficial to girls of any age. A brief, educational read, Real Spirit is a book to refer to again and again.
15. Sense and Sensibility (Jane Austen) The third of the Austen novels I have yet completed, Sense and Sensibility proved to be filled with fascinating characters, deals with the thoughts and intents of the heart, and illustrates the truth of the Scriptural principle "You reap what you sow." However, had I not seen a movie version of the story, I would likely have become confused as to what was occurring in some parts of the novel; Austen novels, in my experience, are best enjoyed when read after familiarizing oneself with the story beforehand.
16. Beezus and Ramona (Beverly Cleary) For lighthearted, laugh-out-loud children's novels, look no further than Beverly Cleary. Each of her books delivers charming and character-building stories, and Beezus and Ramona is no exception. I must admit, it was quite a transition to go directly from Sense and Sensibility to Beezus and Ramona, but I love the novels both dearly.
I have uncovered a rarely-known and wonderful secret. It is a trick that will revolutionize any book-lover's life. By it, I have been enabled to read a total of 16 books this summer. Are you ready? This is serious stuff. Read ONE book at a time, all the way through, before beginning another one.
. . . Wait. You mean most people do that already? How embarrassing ;)
For those interested, this post is to reveal the first 8 of the 16 books I completed this summer and to share a brief synopsis of each. Truly, I am the happier, the wiser, the better for having read these books. They are no mere stories: each is truly dynamic!
1. A Novel Idea: Best Advice on Writing Inspirational Fiction (includes authors such as Jerry B. Jenkins, Francine Rivers, Karen Kingsbury, Randy Alcorn, Terri Blackstock, Robin Jones Gunn, Angela Hunt, etc.) A Novel Idea is a compilation of challenges, advice, and information for aspiring young writers from seasoned, experienced authors. Carefully highlighted sections litter almost every page in my copy. I plan to reread it multiple times and glean all the knowledge and wisdom I can on the planning, writing, editing, publishing, and marketing processes from these Christian-fiction authors.
2. Joni and Ken: An Untold Love Story (Ken and Joni Eareckson Tada) Written by the widely-loved Joni and her husband Ken, this autobiographical book shares the love story of these dedicated Christians and many of the struggles experienced and lessons learned in their lives together, including Joni's paraplegia, her fight with breast cancer, Ken's exhaustion, and their seasons of spiritual discouragement. As is each of Joni's books, the story is an inspiring and powerful testament to God's grace.
3. Twelve Extraordinary Women (John MacArthur) An insightful study in the lives of twelve women from the Bible, Twelve Extraordinary Women thoroughly explores the lives of Eve, Sarah, Rahab, Ruth, Hannah, Mary the mother of Christ, Anna, the Samaritan woman, Martha and Mary, Mary Magdalene, and Lydia. MacArthur explains the background and setting of each of the women's stories, teaching the reader far more than many women's devotional books cover.
4. Not My Will (Francena H. Arnold) A heartrending tale, this novel relates the story of Eleanor Stewart, a headstrong young woman who encounters the saving power of Christ. Much grief follows, causing Eleanor to learn a powerful lesson about God and the Christian life. Francena Arnold's characters welcome the reader into their lives, stirring emotion and portraying the mighty sovereignty of God.
5. Dorie: The Girl Nobody Loved (Doris Van Stone, Erwin W. Lutzer) Dorie is the true story of Doris Van Stone, from her dark, cheerless childhood, to the rejection she faced in her adolescent years, to the loving man who married her, and the foreign mission field to which the couple journeyed. Every lady, young or old, would benefit from reading this autobiography.
6. The Last Valentine (James Michael Pratt) This fictional novel takes place in 1944. World War II calls many a young man from his beloved sweetheart and tosses him into the heart of dangerous conflict. This is the story of one brave soldier, his young wife, and the very special last valentine. Michael Pratt plunges the reader into the war-torn world of the 1940s, giving the views of both the husband and wife as they pass through a frightening, sorrowful time and learn the power of true, committed love.
7. Freckles (Gene Stratton-Porter) Pleasurable. That is the best word to describe my experience reading this 1904 novel by Gene Stratton-Porter. The Irish accent, boyish enthusiasm, and courage of Freckles, the young man of the Limberlost, captured my heart, and his handicap--having only one hand, did not keep him from carrying out his duties with courage and determination. Then, there is the beautiful "Swamp-angel" who wanders into his forest one day and changes his life . . .
8. A Severe Mercy (Sheldon Vanauken) Along with A Man Called Peter, this true story is one of the two most life-altering books I've yet read (besides the Bible, of course). Sheldon Vanauken relates his story--he and his wife's journey to Christianity, their overpowering love for each other, the tragedy that befalls them, and the all-engulfing power, love, and grace of God. Vanauken became one of C. S. Lewis's closest friends, and correspondence from their friendship is included in A Severe Mercy. This book digs deeply, unflinchingly, into the fears, desires, and questions in the heart of every human being. It stirs the soul, spiritually and emotionally. If you read no other of the books reviewed here, read A Severe Mercy. My next post on The Tansy Patch will provide a summary of the remaining eight books that comprised my beautiful, blessed summer. God bless you, and be sure to return for my follow-up post :)
Sometimes I don't feel well. At all. Sometimes I am misunderstood or feel left out. Sometimes I let stress creep into my life like a plague. But this is the life we live, in all its imperfection, in all its wonder. And yes, it is beautiful. Especially in summertime.
There are fireflies and pink skies at dusk. Flea markets in all their dusty, rusty glory. Used books with bent covers and marked-up pages, treasures waiting to be claimed at yard sales and thrift stores. There are colors, a kaleidoscope of living green, burning gold, and sea blue. Family and love and prayers around the table. Whippoorwill's call and cicada's hum.
This is the summer of crafty projects and checked-off booklists. But not just any books complete my list--life-changing, convicting, beautiful stories do. A few of them true stories, and so beautiful it almost hurts. Such as A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken. Project-wise, I have decoupaged three tins with lids, made a t-shirt quilt, sewed an embroidered Loch Ness Monster pillow and two pillowcases, painted numerous picture frames and a small bookcase, completed a scrapbook of last year's senior trip, transformed an old drawer into a keepsake shadowbox, made one necklace, and completed several small embroidery projects.
But most of all, there are true encounters with God. In the stillness of my room at night, with the three fans rustling the sheer white curtains and the soft porch light gently glowing in my window. Moments of prayer after my nightly reading of a spiritually convicting book when God makes His presence known to me and the tears flow at the realization of His grace. The same grace that reached mighty Christians of the past extended to someone so unworthy and unclean. Circumstances may be daunting, but God's presence makes them bearable. I am richly blessed. Even those who suffer unthinkable hurt can say the same. Those who seek the truth with all of their hearts and truly experience God's saving grace in all of its wonder--they know. I have thought deeply recently about how each person must have that real salvation experience. No one can experience it for anyone else. And the following after God daily in every area of life must follow. That is the outward evidence of true salvation. With God, life is beautiful, even in its messiness and sorrow. Especially in summertime.
Young people would do well to rock more. At the lazy creak-whoosh rhythm of a rocking chair, calming peace settles upon the soul. Technology may be a convenient time-saver, but I cannot help but wonder: Does it complicate our lives rather than simplify? Has it wounded the human race in lieu of aiding it?
There are those who view a good rock and a solemn "think" as a waste of time, but I tend to disagree. If posting and scrolling on facebook is not viewed as a time-waster, then surely moments of reflection, meditation, and dare I mention it . . . prayer are moments exceedingly well-spent.
If your home does not contain a comfortable rocking chair, I urge you to visit a local flea-market or country store and invest in this beautiful, practically timeless necessity. And when you sit and rock, consider those moments a time of counting blessings. Think of all that God has given you, beginning with number one, His grace. Close your eyes and concentrate on living in this moment, this place, this pain-wracked but beautiful world that is only temporary, this life that sails with a brevity we cannot even comprehend. Set down the technological device you cradle so carefully in your hands--the ipad, ipod, iphone, the kindle, the laptop. . . Arouse your mind to the reality around you--the cadence and flow of familiar voices, the ticking of the relentless clock, the soft summer breeze rattling through the screen door, the snap of green beans, the myriad colors that surround you. Whisper a thank you to God for all this, for the ability to enjoy it, for your salvation. Don't the colors seem brighter, the noises a little more noticeable, the beauty in this moment a little easier to recognize? That is God's gift, His adjusting our senses to deeply feel His blessing in the little things.
Determine to live this summer to the fullest in not-so-common ways. Talk person-to-person with your flesh-and-blood family and loved ones. Lay aside the jam-packed schedule and forget about it. Work hard, yes, and be always mid-project. Read good books. Lots of them. Walk outside. Listen to the stories and advice of people older than you are. Record your feelings and thoughts and memories. Rock and think. Pray. Count blessings.
