Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Bookish Thoughts and Such


~Where is human nature so weak as in the bookstore.~
Henry Ward Beecher

This quote was on an Incredimail stat sent to me by a friend this morning.Oh my,she does know me well.The stat had a wonderful image in the background of a bookstore.I immediately saved it for I know I will use it and hopefully often!I have loved all things bookish since childhood.As I grew up poor I did not travel or have much adventure in my life.But in the pages of books I could visit distant lands if only in my imagination.And visit these far away places I did.I have often told my husband (as we passed by the local Borders Bookstore usually)that if money were not an issue in our life I could probably get in a fair amount of trouble in bookstores.:-) LOL So I shop for books at thrift shops(only rarely)and garage sales(quite often when possible!)and on occasion I have bought new(for the lowest price I could find)when it was a book I really wanted and knew my chances were oh-so-slim of finding said book at a garage sale or thrift shop.I have also availed myself of our local library on many occasions.I can look at their catalog online and then log in and request the books I want.They notify me via e-mail when they are ready for pick up!And speaking of books,I spoke with one of my older sisters over the weekend.She had a birthday so I called to wish her well on her day.As we chatted we somehow got on the subject of books and she proceeded to tell me she helps keep Barnes and Noble in business and will often buy books 4 at a time!Though we grew up somewhat together I just did not know there was another bookworm in my family(or writer of poetry like myself!).:-)That kind of thing often happens in families riddled with divorce like mine was.Add to the fact that she is 10 years older and had a different dad and well...you get the picture.I must call her again.Our chat ended before I could find out what books she bought recently.I am currently reading Vinita Hampton Wright's"The Soul Tells a Story."And I am re-reading a book by Ken Gire called"Windows of the Soul."And an e-book called"The Divine Artist"by Stephen Bennett."All great reads and wonderful writers.And speaking of writing...I had some thoughts while writing in my journal this morning.I was pondering my journal keeping history and how I had attempted a diary in childhood and a journal in my 20's.My 30's were my lean years as far as writing was concerned.I seldom did it.And when I attempted these past journal keeping endeavors my journals were filled with so much anger and hatred and other dreadful(to me) things that I did eventually throw away said journals.And with their removal much of the toxic emotions began to leave as well.Hallelujah!I am now nearing the end of my 40's(November 30 I will turn 48)and I have been regularly keeping a journal for a few years now.And it's been a joy.Life's trials have smoothed off many of the rough edges both without and within.Many journal pages now resound with praise to the only One who could make such a change within my soul.And I rejoice in Him and know that as life continues on within the pages of my journal that He will continue to give me cause to write down His praises for that is the kind of God we serve and love.
Blessings~Sharon

6 comments:

Unknown said...

As I'm sure you know I love both books and journaling. I guess I just love the written word. Journaling helped me thru difficult times. I think I wrote some of the most creative things when I was hurting the most. I love my books and always have a hard time parting with any of them. The library is my favorite place to go now that I can't afford to buy books. Linda

Denise said...

I was not raised to read at all and I was in my early 20's before I found the wonder of a book.. I do not get to read as I would like but I so enjoy Christian fiction and devotional writings.... I do love SiFi. also but do not read too much of that......... I guess I need to keep a journal but at the age of 62 it is a bit late, however I do plan on living to 100 so that is about 40 years worth...... I love how you shared that your anger and hatred began to heal when those years were discarded along with the sin that Jesus washed away........ I enjoyed reading your post this morning.........

Sharon Goemaere said...

Linda:Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting here.:-)I too have been helped by keeping a journal.It's an amazing thing to go back and read things written years ago.To see how He's changed me and what He's brought me through.AS to the books I do understand.I was unable to go to any garage sales this month to buy books as I needed to hit the local thrift shops for clothing we were in dire need of.We don't often find clothes at garage sales to fit us here.When I do buy books at sales I try to buy in the 25-50 cent range when possible.Free is an even better price.:-)Blessings~Sharon

Sharon Goemaere said...

Denise!
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts here.I did not get to read as much as I wanted as a child either.Growing up poor like we did did not allow for such things.I did avail myself of school libraries when possible though.As to keeping a journal I think you are never too old to start.And if you plan to live to 100 or more then 40 years is plenty of time to write!Love~Sharon

Debbie in CA : ) said...

I laugh as I read this . . . yet something else we have in common -- that insatiable need to read. I began a library when I was but a girl. Today it spills from all corners of my house. I love finding treasures for cheap, but who can place a value on dreams, ideas, adventures, travel getaways, food for the soul, and so much more. Someday we will sit over tea and chat about this and that and books, books, books. . . I hope . . .

Sharon Goemaere said...

He He He...insatiable indeed!I have several books started with bookmarks in each of them!I need to FOCUS! LOL I have had to scale down my passion due to small,small living quarters but my passion is still alive.It now resides in my granddaughter as well!We do not share the same DNA but do share a passion for books and that is good enough for me! :-) Love and Blessings~Sharon