I didn’t realize that my assigned blog tour date was on a Tuesday, so I’m committed to 2 posts on the same day. I thought I’d post my Gratituesday topic a little early. 🙂
I LOVE books. Mysteries, chick-lit, mom-lit, suspense, epic tales, allegories, fantasies (think LOTR and Narnia), non-fiction, literary classics and spiritual growth. You name it, I’d probably read it…and blog about it. lol I have been in love with the written word since I learned to read at three years old. I love libraries both public and private. I love the feel of old leather covers and the slickness of shiny new book jackets. I love the smell of books, both the paper and the ink. I love my library card. I love bookstores. I love thrift stores that allow me to support my habit on my limited budget. I love the research, the hard work, and the creativity that goes into each story I read. I love the emotions books evoke in me and the growth and change that takes place as I reflect on truths I encounter in the pages I turn.
When I was little, my Mom told me that books could take me anywhere. It’s one of the things I’m most grateful for – her teaching me how to read. Books have taken me to far off adventures and unexpected places of brokenness within myself. They have lifted me to new heights of imagination and possibility and plunged me to the depths of human suffering and the places God comes to meet us. Books have challenged me to change who I am to become more like Christ and they’ve affirmed that I am who I am, a deeply loved creation willing to learn and then take the new knowledge gained and pass it along to others through my own gifts and story. Books can merely be an entertaining way to pass time and have a good laugh or cry.
The first book printed on the newly invented Gutenberg printing press in the 1400’s was the Bible. I love the many ways in which story has emerged, from the oral traditions to print, to music, and now movies. With all of the above, I look for Christ and His messages. I’m grateful for what books have been and continue to be in my life. A vessel for truth, entertainment, and the endless tales of what life boils down to…relationships.
I know that I am who I am partly due to the books I have read.
Want to join us for Gratituesday?
Head on over to Laura’s blog – Heavenly Homemakers and link up.
I love books too. When I was little I didn’t like to read, because I was a slow reader. The school enforced speed reading. As I got older, I liked reading without the pressure. I decided to help my children read fun books so they would enjoy reading. They are all good readers, and much faster than I am. That’s ok, because they like to read.
I like adventures, and history mysteries. I love the written word. I like children’s stories, because they aren’t graphic.
LikeLike
Yes Vickie, the pressure to read fast is just dumb and one of the quickest ways to discourage reading in children. Children’s books are great. They whet the appetite for deeper stuff to come. I knew I wasn’t alone in my book loving. 🙂
LikeLike
Hey look, Paul liked his books too: 2 Tim 4:13 The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
Hee hee hee!
I love what you said here in these words and I hope no one passes over them, they’re a blessing:
“Books have challenged me to change who I am to become more like Christ and they’ve affirmed that I am who I am, a deeply loved creation willing to learn and then take the new knowledge gained and pass it along to others through my own gifts and story”
LikeLike
I love books also. Both my husband and I say that one of the best things our parents taught us was a love for reading. If you love to read you will always be learning. We are always on the look out for old books. The old ones are the best. 🙂 We are trying to teach our children the importance of books by surrounding them with good books. Thanks for the post.
LikeLike
As each of my kids learn to read…it is so exciting to watch their light-bulbs go on and to see them develop a joy of books too. So far, three out of four are readers…and three out of four love books. Woohoo! (It probably helps that their parents love books too!)
LikeLike
hear, hear! books saved my life. that may sound dramatic to some… but you know my story so you get it. I agree with everything you said! Great post.
LikeLike
Oh yeah, my hubby won’t allow me to go into a bookstore unattended. I hear ya!
LikeLike