Prayers, Progress, and Papers

The fall semester is in full swing!

I'm still not sure how taking three grad classes will go as far as workload is concerned, but we'll see as the weeks advance. I've been doing quite a bit of reading (and even getting ahead), but I haven't done much writing yet. That will soon change. The good news is that I'm really looking forward to getting knee-deep into some papers and presentations. I know that last spring I struggled to find enthusiasm to write papers and to generally enjoy myself during this part of my academic journey. I have been doing a lot of praying, and I feel things are better. I can feel God guiding and directing me as I continually pray for my heart and mind to be open to His Word and to His Love. While I have had a few doubts about spending the time and money on my MA in English, I do believe I'm doing the right thing.

I rejoice in God's loving hand on my heart as I seek His Way.

As I slowly, but surely, make my way towards employment, I want to continue to seek His guidance so that I stay on the right path. Straying off the path is so easy, and getting back on the path is so incredibly hard . . . I know! I also know I can't do it alone. Having friends and family who pray for and with me and who Worship the Lord with me is a blessing!

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. ~ Philippians 4:4-5

A Little Ray of Hope

I took this picture last night when we were on a short break from our Renaissance class. This unassuming rainbow is something we haven't seen in quite some time. I see it as a sign of hope! We have been in severe drought conditions for the past two years. This is not a matter to be taken lightly because the situation is serious. Seeing this bit of rainbow last night made me smile as I lifted my eyes towards heaven to offer God a prayer of Thanksgiving.

Today, 09-09-09, we are experiencing thunder and a lasting and drenching rain...with more of the same in the forecast. I am happy that God is looking with favor on the people, animals, and land of south central Texas. Our hot and thirsty community has been granted cooler temperatures and life-giving rain.

Thank You!

The Reader's Habitat

I have decided to start a book club! Yeah, you read correctly! I'm starting another project that I really don't have time for. I was part of a book club when I was working, but this one will be totally online. I like that idea because I know how hard it is to get people together to discuss books. Who has time to actually meet? No one I know, that's who! And I want this book club to be global. I also want this to be more than just picking one book, reading that book, and then meeting to talk about everything BUT that book. That's what usually happens in those meetings . . . I know. This book club will be different.

This book club will be more about getting to know other readers and what they have read, what they are reading, and what they want to read. I'm not sure if the members, once the site actually has members besides myself, will want to read a particular book together, but we can work that out if it comes up. I like the idea of listing books on a profile and having people comment on them. I also like the idea of people introducing and responding to various topics/discussions. Unlike several book clubs out there, this one is not specific to any type of book or author. This club is open to all kinds of reading! I know some people who only read romance or sci-fi or mystery, etc., and I wouldn't want to exclude anyone. I want everyone to feel comfortable sharing their favorites as well as discovering what others like to read!

Even though I don't have time to actually moderate a book club . . . or even participate in one, I have decided it's a good idea. I like knowing what other people are reading, and I don't want to limit myself to the types of books I tend to gravitate towards such as Victorian and earlier.

One nice thing about this book club is that it will allow members to participate as little or as much and as often as they like or can. Schedules are tight, but books are fun! Need I say more?

Okay, I'll say more.

I'm not sure where this idea came from because I haven't heard anyone mention book clubs in a long time, but the idea hit me out of the blue yesterday while I was reading (of course I was reading). I jumped out of my chair and ran to the computer (okay, maybe I didn't run, but I walked fast and didn't detour through the kitchen) to investigate possible book club sites.

I decided on Goodreads.com (I was already a member, but I haven't participated in anything since I signed up). I think this site will work well for what I have in mind.

A few people have expressed an interest to participate, so that's encouraging! I have called this new book club The Reader's Habitat because I think that name encompasses all kinds of readers and everything that can be read and shared, and the name appeals to the anthropological side of me for whatever reason you care to imagine. The name sounds earthy and full of the human condition! The name also sounds like the little houses hobbits have in the side of a hill, which I would totally love to inhabit because they sound so darn cute and cozy.

It's time for me to hole up in my reader's habitat and get some reading done.

Just in case you want to join me . . .
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/23893.The_Reader_s_Habitat