...a body without a soul...

Random Quote: "A room without books is like a body without a soul."  ~Cicero

Do you carry a book with you wherever you go?
Do you take an extra in case you finish the first?
Are you book obsessed? 

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you obviously know me. I am the exact same way. I am always carrying a book and sometimes a spare-- in case it is needed. I love books. I love the smell of them and the aroma of a freshly turned page. I love the smoothness of each and every page. I love the black print across the page. I love looking at all of those letters and knowing that they are going to take me to a whole new world. A world where I can be any character that I want to be.

In a previous post, Stop, and Smell the Books, I told you twenty of my absolute "must-haves" for your book shelf. I shared with the understanding that it's just my personal opinion of favorite picks. You may or may not have agreed, but hopefully, you see that serious reading is a part of my life.

I am recently rereading one of my Top 20 favorites. I was thinking about why I listed it as a favorite, and as I read through the beginning, I find myself in that time and place once again. I am there. I am a character or a bystander or something, but I am there.

Always, if there is a book that can make me smile, laugh, or cry, then I know it is a good read. It touched my heart and mind and made me think. It not only sparked my imagination, but it literally took my hand and walked me through the experience that the author intended. THAT is a good book. Whether it is on the Top 20 of my list, New York Times Bestseller List or someone else's list, all of those things don't really matter. I mean, publishers have been known to turn great books down. Some critics LOVE one book and HATE another, but when it comes down to it, that's THEIR opinion too. What really matters is when the reader picks up a book and loses themselves within the pages.

When a book strikes a nerve within and hooks you with the first few words, then you know you have a keeper. You have a book that speaks to you on a level none other can. Those readers aren't worried about the critics. They may have heard about the book from a friend or got it from the nearest book store or library, but they got the book for a reason, besides all of the people who said it was a "great" read or even a "terrible" one.

A reader picks up a book because it speaks to their soul. It has something to offer them that they need or want to hear. The book in question is a lifeline. THIS is why people read. They sometimes want more out of life than what they have. They want to be the hero. They want to be the one who falls in love with the "right" person. They want to be the one who finds the buried treasure. They want to be the musician who lights up the world with their music. They want to be the person who cures cancer, finds an unknown species, who wants to be the celebrity of their own world or who realizes that they are just the person they were meant to be.

Readers want adventure.

We are the ones who know that even when real life hands us lemons, we can make lemonade through using our imaginations.

So, Cicero must be right. Because if I was faced without a bookshelf full of books, I'd know the world was at an end.

I'd be a body without a soul.

I know there are some things I will never be able to do or see in this life. I like that I can read and imagine it when all other hopes have failed. Some may disagree with that, but I know that if I can see it in my mind and feel it in my soul, then I have been there. Books will take me there.

The book I am currently rereading is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Probably not a story that everyone is clamoring to be a character within. I have to admit that when a dear book fanatic friend told me about this series and insisted I give it a try, I looked at her as if she had lost her ever-lovin' mind. Well, maybe I didn't look at her like that when she first suggested it. I probably said something like, "Oh, cool. What's it about?"

Yeah. That's when I looked at her as though she had lost her ever-lovin' mind.

She told me the synopsis of the book and trying to be polite, I probably said, "Okay, yeah, I'll have to try that sometime."

I'm sure she knew that I was humoring her because she went on to tell me more about the series and what she liked about it and the characters. Knowing that I value her opinion, she entrusted me with this series because she knew it would change my life.

It did.

Everything I read makes an impact on how I think and who I am. This book has been no different.

I open to the first page and read about a girl with a mother, a sister, and an evil cat. I kinda like her already because I am not a cat lover. (That's right people. You can banish the book-lovin', cat lady image from your mind now because it isn't going to happen.) So I begin to connect to this character. (Okay, maybe she isn't a cat hater and maybe she didn't say the cat was "evil", but I can read between the lines!)

I read further. I think the cat reference is where the resemblance between me and the main character begins to end. Yet, Katniss intrigues me. I'm twelve pages in and I have to know her story now. I mean, we bonded over the cat. Some people have bonded over less. There has to be more to this character and what she will face. Of course there is, and I am right. This is a character to stick with, and I am bound and determined to do so.

She is not only a character with a story, but she's a character with a voice. I find I like her more and more as I read. By the end of chapter one, I am hooked. If you've read the book yourself or seen the movie, then you know why I'm hooked. I cannot put this book down if my life depends upon it. I will stick with this character until the end. Because I finally have bonded with the character over more than possible dislike over a cat. Katniss and I share the undeniable desire to protect those we love.

NOW I have a reason to love this book and keep reading because I have to see what she does. I have to see how she evolves. Every good character evolves. They make choices and decisions that builds them into who they really are, and through that build, you begin to see a reflection of who you are or who you hope to become with them.

Katniss Everdeen may have started off as a girl in a book that I probably never would have read. Ever. But now, she's become a kindred spirit. She's become a friend. She's become a person to cheer on until the very end. When that happens, your soul is making connections and hoping for a better outcome. You pray for that happy ending because your happiness is now as much at stake as the character's happiness is. And maybe, just maybe, they are no longer a character in a book but your best friend or who you really are and hope to be. As a reader, this is when you know you have found the best book ever. It is a keeper because you are now a part of the story, for better or for worse. I love when that happens.

It happened in this story. In a book I never would have picked up except for the urging of a friend, I ended up finding a kindred spirit. Our circumstances may not be the same, but the fact that we have this one overwhelming trait in common makes us the same. This is why people read. This is why I read. To know there are those connections out there. That we are bigger than our circumstances. That bravery exists within us when given the opportunity to come out.

And then, I had another reason to like this character. She became a beacon of hope for all those under a grave injustice. She not only became a face for the faceless. This was a character who now had to stand up for her beliefs, truth and goodness whether she wanted to or not. Katniss wasn't a hero because she wanted to be or even because she was the bravest person in the world. Her character became a hero because she had to do what needed to be done and what she felt was right, even when she may have been past feeling at all. A certain sort of toughness enters here. A certain knowledge that you are becoming more than you want to be at times, and this is why we relate to her. Characters who fall into things due to their circumstances usually become stronger, and so do we by reading about them. We may not know what we are capable of doing or how we would react to something until we are there, face to face with our fears. Which leads us to make decisions and those decisions define our character.

After I read book one, I had to read the other two books. I didn't let the movie casting make my decisions for me. I knew who I wanted Katniss to be with because of the books I read. I knew why she picked the person she did. I was happy with her decision. I'm not on any teams. I don't care which actor is the cutest or whatever. I already pictured them before I saw the movie. I already knew their characters by reading about them. So I knew who she was meant to be with and why, and all the excess doesn't bother me. (Although, you know I'm watching the movies and cheering for the characters just the same. Okay. Maybe I am a little prejudice. *cough* Team Peeta *cough*)

Simply put, characters are meant to grow and change. They often reflect us, the good and the bad. When we read about them, we do grow and change with them. Hopefully it's for the best.

Despite it all, the characters of these books kept me reading. I am really glad that they did. I learned to love them all and plot with them. They all became my friends, and I learned something from them each. I, too, learned a lot about myself and about being happy. Especially when things could be much, much worse.

So, the next time you pick up a book, think about how you might be changed because of it. Pick a good one to grow with and see where it leads you.

And, always, feel free to share your favorite books and why you love them! 

~Love and Hugs!! :)

I'm Not!

Random Quote: "I'm not where I need to be yet, but thank God I'm not where I used to be." ~Joyce Meyer

I originally heard this a few years ago from Joyce Meyer. This saying struck me and then stuck with me for a long time. Well, until this day really. I have never forgotten it. Then I heard it again in a recent sermon I listened to by Pastor Carter Conlon from New York Times Square Church. He said it a wee bit differently, but it sounded exactly the same to my ears. And when I heard it this week, it reminded me of how I had heard it so long ago. 

It was in the midst of hearing this "random quote" again that I thought: 

"This must be meant for me. 

Here. 

Now. 

In THIS moment." 

Because, let's face it, I have had one of those weeks where the word FAILURE comes to mind. Repeatedly.

Ever have one of those weeks? 

Yeah. Me too. This was one of them. 

I went from working an 80 hour week and redoing work because of a new system, to losing things, having comments that were supposed to print- not print, and then I had some really blatant rudeness flung in my direction. This does not even begin to describe my week though. Use your imagination though. It probably went something like that. 

Every time I think I am on the right track, I find out that I am not. It is one vicious cycle, let me tell you. Then again, you probably are already well acquainted with this "I'mafailureandIcan'tfigureoutwhatIamdoingandhowtofixeverythingandbeperfectbecausethat'swhateveryoneexpectsofme" cycle. 

Yeah. I read about it from posts and other people's blogs. I see the utter (funny word, I know) sadness and even depression of friends who cannot keep up this lifestyle. I see it and wonder: "How can I be what God created me to be when I don't feel like I'm making a difference at all? When I feel like a failure?" 

Anyone thinking that? Or something like it???

That's when I heard this quote, and it reminded me: "I am NOT a failure!"

Ya wanna know why? 

It's because I am not the same person I was yesterday. I keep changing and evolving and making a difference everyday. Even when the only difference I am making is in who I am as a person. That may sound corny, but by golly, it's the truth. When I heard this saying I just knew it was for me (conceited yes, but also appropriate). 

Flash of realization coming my way: I am not who I was yesterday. 

That's a good thing. Today I am a little closer to the Lord. A little closer to who I need and want to be. A little closer to fulfilling my dreams. A little closer to being okay with the ending I have in this life whether I go out with a bang or with a whisper. I'm not one-dimensional or even two-dimensional person. I am a three-dimensional person, and if I sometimes look a little 3-D too, so be it. Lol. The main point is: As long as I don't give up and keep moving forward, the further I will go. 

If anyone learns anything from me or this blog, I sincerely pray that it is this: NEVER be disappointed in who Yah (God) created you to be. ALWAYS move forward. STOP looking back. REALIZE that the only one holding you behind is you. LET GO!

You may not be where you want to be in this life, but that IS okay. You are a work in progress. As Pastor Carter Conlon said in his sermon: "Don't Despise the Day of Small Endings", it IS okay to finish "small". You do NOT need to be a household name to make a difference or to be important or to be known and appreciated. You do NOT need to be a celebrity and know all the "right" people and hang with the "cool" kids to be really awesome. To be loved. 

You are a puzzle piece.

Without you, the whole world picture is incomplete. Without you, your family is at a loss. Without you, your friends are a little more lonely. Without you, someone didn't get fed or clothed or helped or smiled at or hugged today. Without you, this world is missing something priceless. You make a difference by being here and being you. 

So when the "world" tells you that you aren't what you should be, look to Yah (God) and ask what He thinks. Because if you "did" today (which means you didn't just "try" because like my friend Suzy says, "trying means you give yourself the chance to fail" but just do it), then you have gone another step forward. You didn't stay in the same place or even take two steps back. You moved one step forward because you actually did something to make yourself and the world better.

Every day you get out of bed counts.

Every smile counts.

Every thank you,

Every please counts.

Every hug counts.

Every "I love you" counts.

Every breakfast or lunch or dinner made counts.

Every phone call counts.

Every card counts.

Every pat on the back counts.

Every day counts.

Keep counting forward. Keep looking forward. Keep smiling. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Baby steps. Just like Bill Murray in "What About Bob". I love that movie because it reminds me that no matter how neurotic I get or feel there is someone else worse than me, lol. (Please do not dispell the image I'm working with here by reminding me that it is only a movie. I realize that.)

So, this week, I learned that I am a puzzle piece. A slightly bent puzzle piece-- that is perhaps a little worse for wear, but still a puzzle piece. An important part of the beginning and the end of my own story. Every ending needs a beginning and every puzzle needs all the pieces to have the complete picture. 

Writing this evening keeps me going and helps me to recenter and remember that although I am not where I want to be yet, THANK YAH (GOD) I AM NOT WHERE I USED TO BE. 

'Cause, I could tell you stories. I may just do that one day. For now I leave you with this: "Stop trying to 'matter' and just be. You are a puzzle piece. Get over it and tell your story. One day at a time. Because you may not be who you want to be or think you should be, but you can still be thankful and praise Yah (God) that you aren't where you used to be." 

Yeah. I think all the perfectionists need a break. Goodnight Puzzle Piece, lol. 

I'm glad you're a part of my puzzle. 

~Love and Hugs!! :)

   

Part Two

Random Quote: "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[b]” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[c]” 7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[d]” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’[e]” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him." 

~Matthew 4:1-11 (IV)

Part Two:

   First, I loved everyone's responses to Part One. Thank you for reading and responding!! I may be touching base on some of the comments my readers shared throughout this new blog post as well as continuing with my own train of thought. Always feel free to share! You may post via FB where I have added these posts or you may post below in the comment section by hitting the button that says: "no comments" or "two comments" or whatever the case may be. Then it will open to a new page, scroll you down to an open comment box, and you can comment there or you can reply to others via this same format. It's awesome. 

   Suzy responded and told me her church looked at particular verses and found out what jumped out at them. They each shared their perspective of what the scriptures meant to them and what grabbed their own attention first and foremost. I like that we all can take the same quote, saying, song, scripture, or anything really and apply it to our own life. That's mainly what this blog is about. When we hear and look at something new or old, we take on a whole new perspective about what it could mean. Occasionally it means something different to every person who reads or hears it. At other times, minds connect and think along the same paths. 

   I've read this scripture several times, but because of where I am in life right now (and I know quite a few friends and family members who are at the same place), I focused on the 40 days and 40 nights. Perhaps because my spirit needs rest. Maybe because I am wondering how to get back on the same page with the Lord. Then again, it could be that I really want to find out how to bring peace and ministry to my soul and learn more about Christ and His walk on Earth. Really find my connection to Him. Or it could be that I just need a break from life. Doesn't everyone feel that way at least one time in their life? If you never have, then please post me what your secret is. 

   Ralph responded and said that he equated the 40 days and 40 nights to our 40 years of hard work. That we wouldn't get any of that rest and time away from this daily world until we reach retirement. That then you'd reach the "Promise Land", hopefully. Then rest and peace would be ours for the taking. I liked this perspective and could see where it matched up in various ways. Life is a constant temptation, work, and unexpected craziness. There are the happy times and the sad times. I can see where 40 days and 40 nights could be lengthened into the 40 years of our work life and how it is a continual battle of good and evil. Or whatever we consider good and evil. I suspect those definitions would change from person to person as well.

   If I relook at the 40 days and nights in the context of working my way through the wilderness until my Promise Land is in sight, then I can see how it may take until retirement to have a few days off and to myself to replenish my soul. However, I keep thinking that there must be a way to step outside the mainstream and have 40 days and nights away from the chaos of our daily life and world.

   So, I've been thinking. I know. You're all astonished. I'll wait for the gasps to end. Those who know me best know that my mind never stops. Well, maybe we can have 40 days and 40 nights to recharge. We just might not be able to take it all at once. Yeah, it'd be nice if that could happen, but until we're either all rich or dead or retired (as Ralph pointed out), I don't believe we will get there anytime soon. Sorry about that.

   The alternative is to carve out time that helps you keep that 40 days and 40 nights in perspective as a time to draw closer to God (Yah), give peace to your soul, or just take some time to rest your mind from the overwhelming tasks at hand. Some of you may be doing that already but may not see it as such.

   Take a moment to really focus on what you do for you. Are you taking time to keep your life refreshed? What do you do to renew your spirit?

   I have friends that exercise not only to stay healthy but to work out their frustrations. Others dance, some write, many read, a few sing, some watch television or movies, many visit family or friends and just talk things out; I know of a few that take bubble baths or draw, paint, keep to themselves on their days off. All of these are great ways to take time for yourself. There are several that pray, meditate of God's Word, or go to church to visit with other saints. I personally do several of these activities but at different times. Sometimes it just feels like I'm feeding my spirit whatever it needs at the time it needs it. Ya know?

   What do you like to do most when you are in desperate need of 40 days and 40 nights to yourself? Feel free to let me know below! I'd like to hear if you have anything new to add that others could try.

   Have a HAPPY week!! Remember to re-energize each day!!

~Love and Hugs!! :)  

   

Part One

Random Quote: "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[b]” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[c]” 7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[d]” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’[e]” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him." 

~Matthew 4:1-11 (IV)

Part One:

   I read this, and I think of only one thing: "...forty days and forty nights..." 

   

   This part sticks out to me like manna from Heaven. Do you perhaps wish for a long vacation? A REAL vacation? Do you wish for peace and quiet and a moment to yourself? Maybe you want to get away from people for a while? Granted, Jesus went out there to fast and was led by the Spirit to do so. Yes, He was tempted by Satan while there. I am not overlooking these parts at all or minimizing their importance, but I'm just focusing on the "forty days and forty nights" right now because I need to, lol. And yeah, I realize that there is symbolism going on here, and I might be taking the 40 days and nights out of context, but this is what I'm thinking right now when I hear that: I NEED 40 days and 40 nights of vacation! Sometimes I think it would be really, really nice to just leave everything behind for a while and go recenter myself. Get back in touch with nature, God, and my inner peace. THAT IS what I would like. 

   Forty days and forty nights of PEACE AND QUIET!!!!! This way I won't have to worry about bills, deadlines, plans, organization, notes, phone calls, happy people, angry people, pissed off people (Oh wait! One of those might be me!), craziness of all kinds, stress at its best... blah, blah, blah. The list could go on. I mean, it would be great, wouldn't it???

   So I would like to ask: How do we get a break from life? I'm not talking about dying, lol. Or quitting/being fired from my career choice(s). I want to know how to take a mini vacation from the cares and stupidity of this world, so that I can refocus, replenish, and rejuvenate what's left of my brain. 

   I know you all probably feel the same way. Maybe on some days more than on others. We need to figure out how to make this happen. I just think it would be nice to take a break from reality.

   Who's with me???

   Please feel free to share your suggestions, thoughts and personal vacation plans. I want to know what you do to de-stress and make it through a new day/week. 

   I'm excited to hear from you! 

~Love and Hugs!! :)