devouring books

deliverance

my body feels like a trap
this shell that I wear
that can't seem to keep up
with my mind and heart
that reside deep inside
they hide

I dream of an escape
like the worm from it's cocoon
and the snake shedding skin
newborn chicks breaking shells
and the butterfly is free
that's me

by darlene simmonds
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I have been very sick and doing everything in my power not to worry. That alone feels like a job to me. Avoidance isn't healthy, so I'm aware of the fine line between pretending everything is okay when it's not and remaining positive.

I have been going through some tests and have a few more to go. One test will require that I am under anesthesia, so that doesn't float my boat, but the cause is a good one. I have no news yet, just been living with the "sick" feeling, recording pain numbers and trying to keep a real smile on my face.

Today is my wedding anniversary and I'm in love with this husband of mine...so I have a lot to smile about. I love you J :) No one takes care of me like you :)

I have been devouring some books...and I do mean devouring. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, gleaning wisdom and hope from people much wiser than myself. People that have been in horrendous circumstances, yet have been able to find that peace in the center of the storm. I admire that quality and appreciate that they have put their experiences in small packages, so I can purchase and own them.

I have read this book for my sister. I've done a lot of crying and feel like I understand her journey a little better. We have compared some notes and both "highlighted" the same passages. I just know this was her guiding me while I was reading, so that she could show me what was important to her. She is one of my hero's.





This book shares insights on how to focus on what you do have, instead of what you do not. As soon as I saw the title, I could envision my own storm and how I lean into the wind to get a foothold and keep my balance. If you give into it's weight, you get blown away. Leaning forward is the only way to stay on your feet.




If you like one sentence quotes that are pack full of wisdom, this book is for you. It has a very 'why wait' attitude that I find brave and charming. If you actually saw my books, your mouths would probably drop open. I mark them up like crazy because I visualize them being passed on to people I love and I want them to know what these statements mean to me. When I'm done with a book, it resembles a Rainbow because anyone who knows me also knows...I LOVE pens!

This book is my lite reading, comic relief...it's just simply adorable and the proceeds go to a good cause.





Imagine a Woman is yummy...a book I would buy for a loved one and know that it would be a blessing to her. Men, buy this for your ladies and girls, buy this for your bff's, it's a winner. Short reading subjects that are deep and thought provoking.

This book is so chock full of truths, I will read it more than once. My husband and I read the short chapters out loud and then discuss them. The author is credible and has been given amazing wisdom from actual experiences. My hubby is easily bored and for him to want to read this and then discuss it??? What a great find. If you do end up reading this...please email me...we would become fast friends! :)



And last, but not least, the current bible study I am working on. I want to be Beth Moore and Beth wants to be like Jesus, so...... This will be the 5th study I have done of hers and she makes the bible come alive with sense. Her brain just gets it and then I finally get it. When all the other bible studies start to feel ordinary, get one of hers. I am a fan for life.

So, this is what has been keeping me sane through it all. Nuggets that I can't keep to myself and I hope you are able to see something here that peeks your interest. I'm still in the valley, still in quite a bit of pain and very weak, but my mind is being kept busy and I am smiling. Thank you for your love and care ~*~ Darlene