Sunday, July 13, 2014

Of Non-Paper Books and Broken Windows


"For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay."   ... Habukkuk 2:3

*****

Aw... Rosemary totally blessed my heart when she commented:


"Book or no book -- just please keep writing :)"


Her comment felt like that verse which says "a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pitchers of silver." How lovely to be shown acceptance while I do what God has called me to do, even if that task varies from the norm. Even if I forever remain a writer who never published a book. How wonderful to be understood, to not be forced into something nor uncomfortably convinced (note to my sometimes-pushy self: do not push people into doing things. Trust that they'll hear from God.). 

If God never releases me to write a hold-in-your-hand book, I'll lie upon my deathbed feeling perfectly content. I'm complete in Him, because of who He is within me, lacking nothing. I feel no need to prove anything by writing a book He never asked me to author. And if you'd known me 20 years ago, you'd know that's huge. I used to be the exact opposite, always wanting to prove everything to everyone, often considering publishing a book just to show certain people I could.

But, at 'the appointed time', God asked me to begin this blog and I did, then wrote what would be at least 6,000 pages if printed on paper. And--mostly--it's been a joy. Oh, dozens of times in the heat of tired, annoyed, 'I just want to be left alone!' moments I've considered quitting, but quietly God would rub my shoulders and whisper reasons why He wanted me to keep going.

And today, just the way things are both in my blog and in my home, it is well with my soul. Very well. I've written a 'book,' my story is out there for anyone to read, and this is a different, changed world, after all, one experienced by so many mostly online where my blog happens to also reside. I've tried to listen to God in the writing here and will continue to take this avenue until He veers me off to another one--or until I arrive at the aforementioned deathbed.

Whichever comes first is fine because He is first in my heart.


*****



In other news...


Maybe I loved our new picture window too much. Or something. It totally stopped me from desiring a different home and--if you know me at all--you know that's wild. And one day I saw a gorgeous white sailboat glide by and won't ever be the same.

But oh dear oh dear oh dear. Last night I went to close the curtains and near the bottom I saw a three-inch crack in the glass coming from the window frame.




I felt sick. Just sick.

Of course, the words, "This is only a test! This is only a test!" flashed across my brain and they helped as they always do. But still.

So I emailed the Window Guy and probably won't hear from him until Monday. I'm hoping for the best--that he'll just replace the window without questions. That's what happened with our other picture window out at the farm when, within a couple weeks, the argon gas got all messed up and made the window look like someone had splattered it with car oil.

Stay tuned. Gah.


*****




Before Friday, I'd probably found 5 special books at Dollar Tree in a couple years of searching. But now there are 6! That book I mentioned to you,  South of Superior, is delighting me as I read it out on our front porch. What a find ... and for only, yes, $1.




*****

"  ... and yet only one thing is really necessary. Mary has chosen the 
good portion and she shall not be deprived of it."   ... Luke 10:42

5 comments:

Terra said...

I think you are in a good place with your writing. Following God's lead is the best way. I hope your window is fixed quickly, and oh, I do love bargain books. On my blog today I posted what I am reading. Take a peek if you care to.

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear about the new window...but was thinking, well, at least someone did not purposely break it and it was just put in, so there should yet be some warranty so it should get fixed!! Ha...patience required so often eh? Glad you are enjoying the wonderful view. Water views are always so nice we feel!! We are still loving our little apt near the sea!! And hearing the toot of the ferry every so often (fortunately they close down at night).
Elizabeth in WA

Debbie V. said...

My first thought was maybe the crack will be like those things on car windshields where they can put some chemical on it and it glues back together (we had that done once - it's strange).
You ARE blessed to have a view and of water at that. Have you taken any pictures of that view?

Debra said...

You all are too kind! And I do thank each of you for taking the time to let me know you care and for being patient as I feel my way through this. Seriously.

Debbie--it's so great to see you back here!(I've been meaning to answer your previous comment.) We've known each other a very long time online, haven't we? I was sorry to hear about your folks--my condolences to you and your family. I'm glad things are otherwise going well for you--glad we're connected at Twitter, too!

Here's a link to where you can see a photo of my view from our new window:

http://debrasotherthoughts.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-other-window.html

Fortunately the window will be replaced under warranty--yay!

Thanks again, Everyone, for reading and commenting! Blessings, Debra

Debbie V. said...

I love windows and this one is beautiful. How great to be able to stand at the stove and look out.