Thinking about this:

“[Karl] Barth became a Christian reader, reading words in order to be formed by the Word. Only then did he become a Christian writer.”

“If the book we are reading does not wake us, as with a fist hammering on our skull, why then do we read it?…A book must be like an ice-axe to break the frozen sea within us.” -Kafka

“Reading is an immense gift, but only if the words are assimilated, taken into the soul – eaten, chewed, gnawed, received in unhurried delight.” -Eugene H. Peterson

“By keeping company with the writers of Holy Scripture we are schooled in a practice of reading and writing that is infused with an enormous respect – more than respect, awed reverence – for the rerevelatory and transformative power of words. – Eugene H Peterson

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All quotes were found in the book, Eat This Book, by Eugene H. Peterson

Photo Credit: Woman reading on a ladder

What is it that makes your spirit come alive when you talk about it?

What could you talk about for hours?

What wells up in you when you think about it?

What makes your heart beat fast?

What message do you have to share?

That’s the thing.

That’s what you write about.

___

Photo Credit: a girl writing letter

I’m just going to jump in…

I have a list of items to review/giveaway and I’m going to post them all next week. Be forewarned.

I’m no longer going to have the “12 New Things” link-up.  I love the idea and the fun, but I don’t want to be tied to anything on this blog. I am way too sucked in, so I’m just stopping cold turkey with anything that forces me to write here. If you would like to continue in 12 New Things, my friend Jessica will be heading it up from now on.

I’m even stopping (for now) paid ad spots.  Why? I only want to write if/when I feel like I have something worthwhile to say; if I have something that will encourage women. When God leads me to speak, I will. Otherwise, I’m shutting my mouth.

(Side note – the beautiful and generous folks at Tommy Nelson graciously let me out of our contract.  I love them so much and will always recommend them. Always.)

If you see an advertisement, it is probably be an affiliate link.  I have no obligation with affiliate links, and I do still want to make some money if I can. I will also, from time to time, still have a giveaway.

(This is a pretty boring post, sorry about that.)

Oh, another thing, yes I deleted my Halloween posts. I’m going in another direction with my blog. :)

Love you all.

P.S. Yes, that is a random picture in my post. Glorious, isn’t it?

I’ve got something to say

But as the words want to shout, they won’t come out

So inside bottled up they’ll stay.

For now.

Until they trickle

And spill

And you’ll have to swallow them like a “jagged little pill.”

You’ll notice my spirit bursting into free

And it will snuggle up close to the one who made me

Because even during the dark and through the weak

He doesn’t let go or turn his cheek

He waits

And invites

Will you accept?

I’m just waiting for Him to make the next move.

…

Currently reading to my babes: The Boy Who Changed the World