I've read this a thousand times

I've noticed lately that I am interested in books that I have tried to read before and was bored out of my mind.
Conclusion: You have to reach a certain level of maturity to read certain books

I first noticed this when I started reading Little Women. A book whose first chapter I skipped because I had read it a thousand times all of a sudden captured my heart. I couldn't put it down. A novel that just depicts the lives of four sisters. So simple and so lovely. And I have loved the movie since I was a girl. I mean who wouldn't....it's Christian Bale....as Laurie (one of my first loves)

But I digress....

And now I'm reading Wuthering Heights. I've read the first couple of pages more times than I can count. I vivdly remember when he made the dogs mad and they were ready to attack.

What I don't remember is how awesome this book is. It's not like anything I've ever read. The only way I can think of to describe it as of now (i'm not finished) is raw and ruggedly wonderful. Not flowerly or superflous. Just a haunting story.

And I can't WAIT to watch the movie! I love movie adaptations of classic novels, which is nice because they are very easy to come by.

And now I shall continue to read this classic piece of literature...and knit....i love multitasking!

To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark

I've decided to write about why I love to read so much. I remember learning to read very clearly. But I loved books before I could even read. I had this book that my mother read to me so many times I memorized it and though I couldn't read (I think I was about 4) I "read" that book constantly, turning the pages and spouting off the words. As the daughter of a bookworm I naturally fell into the world of books. I remember reading the Little House books, The Giver, and numerous other books. In elementary school during recess I was usually found in the library...just to be with the books. So here are just some of the reasons why books are amazing...

1. I love knowing that somewhere, sometime, someone else enjoyed this book as much as I am. I think that especially with classic literature. It's a very "whoa" moment when you think that a girl my age probably sat in her garden or in a window with her petticoats about her reading this book and enjoying it just as much. That men and women's hearts and lives were touched by these books.....wow

2. One of my favorites parts of reading is turning the page. When I have a good book my fingers rest under the page just waiting to turn it. Turning the pages, revealing more the story, more of the lives, more of the thoughts...it's just wonderful

3. I love the way a book transports me. It's like a Scotty with a binding. I can get lost for what seems like hours in a book, yet in reality it's only been 15 or 20 minutes. To feel like you're not only in the story but a part of it..that, my friends, is the mark of a good book.

4. I love how some characters stay with me. When I read the book again it's like visiting an old friend. To once again read the book with Clayton, a character I was in love with. To live life again with Delancey and  Mackenzie. To be right there with Angel as she struggles. To be with Jonas as he discovers color, war and snow. I could go on and on...but you get what I'm talking about =)

So those are just some of the reasons I love to read. It's a part of me and I hope to never stop.

Idolatry

 I started the first day of reading my list of books by reading Counterfeit Gods by Tim Keller. This book has already put me in my place. I have a bad habit of putting other people and things before God and I had a small battle of it today. And just like God is known to do, He made me realize it. The realization came when I read "An idol has such a controlling position in your heart that you can spend most of your passion and energy, your emotional and financial resources, on it without a second thought" How many times had I spent most of my passion and energy or emotions on people and things without giving it a second thought? I don't even think I could count all the times. But I pray that, like today, when I'm battling with idolatry that God will let me know, that He will show me one way or another.

The book recanted the tale of Abraham and Isaac and put the story into a light that I had never thought of. What would have happened if God never asked Abraham to sacrifice his son? Would he have spoiled him rotten or become over protective? Either would have been detrimental to life as we know it. Abraham is claimed as the founder of three major religions: Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. But they wouldn't be what they are today without Abraham's obedience to God and his willingness to give up his "idol".

I pray God shows me what I consider idols, that He opens my eyes and that He opens yours as well. We all deal with idolatry and we can't escape it. But God is there to help us through. If we offer our idols up to Him, He will be faithful in His promises to us.
Just as He told Abraham, we should tell Him "Now we know that you love us. For you did not withhold your son, your only son whom you love, from us" (Genesis 22:16)