Hopes Treasures

Wrapped in rain life lessons from the storm

2016-08-11T10:46:00.001-04:00

There's something so beautiful in the sound of rain, the chorus of melody that seems to sing of washing things clean, making the world fresh and new. Electrifying the too humid air. It's like the sounds washing over my soul, how I wish it could wash away all the things that must be done and leave the things I want to do like sparkling fresh objects before me.

Its torrential in its shifting might, the clouds an ominous dark yet somehow like a covering a blanketing for the old that is passing away and soon will part to shine on fresh perspective.

What is it that draws me to the sight, pelting droplets that one by one are trivial but as a whole become a driving force. I'm awed and somehow feel as if I'm lifted up inside those clouds where the energie is raw and terrible. How dashed about we are here below in the world usually looking for that one drink of water thirsting for the cooling waters to help us like plants grow. Sometimes I think we forget that the rain comes only by storms and is aweful when it strikes us growing gusty and turbulent the wind rips at us like circumstances and threatens our very sanity. The thunder and lightening striking the world around we cower or we stand to brave it. The rain if it does not make us bow under the weight of its strength imparts some sort of power in that we learn to resist its force making us stronger, we long for the rain, for drought is sweltering to our lives and means stagnation yet when it comes scrubbing away all the caked sod and soil we are repelled for the pain is great. Then the clouds part, the whirling of things stop and the sun peeps on us revealing a new self a new stronger flower whose no longer ashamed to look in the face of the sun. We can only feel the warmth of life if we are cleansed and tested for that is how we grow, and testing comes like a rain storm sometimes in little showers other times like a monsoon. Yet who we are at the end is what matters, how we face the world in our new state. All this wrapps about me in the sound of the rain reminding me of the importance of the ups and downs of life in how we choose to face them and who we choose to be among them. I'm resolved to (cliché alert ) dance in the storms of life trusting all the while my loving savior, besides after the rain there are puddles and who doesn't love puddle jumping ?

Life as we know it

2016-06-17T23:50:00.001-04:00

It's funny how time comes and goes, usually were not really in the middle of it until we look back and realize how far we've come. Last year at this time my family and I were in search for a new home, a place to expand who we are and see what we can be. It seemed that that search would never come to an end, so its strange to be sitting in that place a house we couldn't conceive one we didn't believe existed. It's not perfect bought with the knowledge that it needed help and a lot of TLC, somehow were on a journey of recovering the former glory of a place that nine months ago was forlorn and alone.

In that time of cold northern winter we've made ourselves the beginning of a home, for however long its to last and after the fact its funny to see; you don't notice time passing nor are you aware of things really linking into a chain of completion. You move from one task to the next and looking back its a wonderious mural of hard work intense moments and pulling together, a lot of elbow grease piped into a community goal that becomes a monument of beauty.

I was going through the hallway just opposit my bedroom the other day when the thought struck me, how easily I have become accustom to seeing these walls, when another set was so fimaliliarly imprinted on my mind, it seemed impossible to forget. I wondered who walked those halls now that saw so many years of a family going through life quite unlike many others. Who watched the weak sun fight through newly sprouted trees for domination of a postage stamp yard. Was there any eyes who could watch and wonder at the sound of the rain muddying the path from the back door to the basement bulkhead doors ? Did any eyes witness the winter into spring which for so long was my only source of inspiration my only display of Gods handiwork on a daily basis. I would not rather be within those walls nor stuck in that teensy yard but the memory must possess a sense of romantic sentamentality or else I do myself a wrong.

How should I compare the new beauty that meets my eyes as each morning I rise to a yard teeming with winged life even now the chirping of birds sings me a tune that lasts from before sunrise to the setting. Park like is this little haven where my dreams of a true garden are already sprouting and unfolding with each day the sun brings her soft warmth to this patch.

And I never cease in my wonder at the beauty god has made us to enjoy. Yet here I am and I hardly know what brought all this about. In life you never know where your choices will lead you, all a body can do is make the best choice one can and trust in faith that the Father will do the rest. And still we push foward and next year may look completely different than this moment of time, time is such a marvel isn't it ? I hate how fast it goes, but still we all ride this river. Happily moved my family and I are settling for a time in a place that I believe is where we are supposed to be. Where dear reader has the ever flowing time placed you ? I'd love to know. I keep reminding myself as I watch the days fly away into the past to cherish every moment for its a rarity that shall not come the same way twice.

This gift of life

2016-01-25T13:12:00.001-05:00

It's like a first breath after being dead for so long. Washing over the soul in reviving waves. The WORD Gods words oh how sustaining they can be. I don't think we realize how starved our spirits become in this taxing and trying world, we rush and worry and do everything but the important things. I often wish we could glimps the state of our spirits that lay hidden within, I fear we'd find emaciated little creature, in place of where life and fullness should be.

Tiredness is a killer to the souls of humanity, the spirits suffer far worse though for this is something forgotten, laying inside believers like a untapped oil well.

Riches and beauty and goodness all have been placed inside us without measure, every gift given through the Holy Spirit we let waist away.

Putting my eyes before life for the first time in a long time, has been that reminder, oh joy that leaps from deep inside my heart as the words though familiar cause my strength to return. I hate to write it here but we've all let our daily walk fall away, lately moving stress, so many excuses can be made, yet I'm destroying my own success when I skip the one thing that will make my life limitless. This walk daily in the nourishing soil of the Word is all I need, yet becomes expendable. Why is the solution when time in thinly stretched from task to task to let go that most important ritual that's better for you than eating.

The spirit of a man will sustain him... Prov 18:14

Remember this and your chance of success becomes not just a chance but a hard and fast fact, as solid as the foundations of the mountains but stronger because of where the life comes. He created the mountains and this ground is unshakable our bedrock won't ever fail. This is a note to my self and to all who care to be rid of that sinking and defeating feeling that seems to wrap its arms around us in a dreamy languid sort of poison as if we had taken a sip of hemlock to quench our droughty thirst. And have been in an state of unconscious death ever since.

For our spirits can't die, do we truly want to subject our own wellspring of life to a weighty and endless torture. Its hell for our spirits on this earth. For absence from the father and life, his glory and his love is hell, something a very special person died to keep us from.

Don't let the pressure of life keep you from his gift of life, fix your eyes upon the word even if just tiny bits.

His words never go without effect.

This is my challenge and my resolution, to never let my spirit go a day without feeding on life.

Title and lyrics by hillsong united

Snow days and new places

2016-01-23T16:01:00.001-05:00

It started falling softly and sweetly, dusting the earth with white, and in increasing fury the white fluf became a mass of wind and and a flood of flakes fell one upon the other is successive order far too quickly to count.

A new back yard

It's a new landscape that meets my eyes, a new ground of possibilities, I stop and gaze in wonder at the beauty still so new. The first snowfall of any significance in a new home, surrounded by new walls and new roads. How odd when only 2short months ago I was surrounded by the familiar haunts, the yard of so many years where I had exhausted every subject to take pictures of. Strange when you can clearly see a place more accurately than where you find yourself now. I can imagine the yard, slopping to the right covered in snow, the paths blanketed equally the one large tree in the backyard covered with a dusting of powder from the direction of the wind, the spot where half the tree fell away from the massive trunk leaving an empty space wherein the sky stretches grey and dark. Not very pretty not very special except for feet that have tread the paths afforded by this place, the paths into the woods and following the railroad tracks only taken in my memory these days. Nostalgia has a way of hitting you when you leave a place you've occupied for so long.

These days I've found myself saying how odd or very strange to myself when I seem to feel an emotion I'm not accustomed to, an emotion that is directly corolated with a place I so longed to leave. The human heart has stores yet undiscovered.

It's nice to be cozy in a house, especially on days like today, when the wind whips wild and moans its low breath at anything that moves. What wild beauties yet not found by my eyes I can't wait to search out, the possibilities of a new place are endless, and exciting. Today I may be cooped up beside a heater forced to rove the wild tangles of my imagination, but soon, there won't be a place in this yard I'm not well aquatinted with. Goodbyes are long but introductions are tedious, one place gone forever a face looking toward to newness undiscovered, for now ill manage to content myself with imagining what those discoveries might be.

What might you be doing on a day of the snows dear reader ?

A second chance is heavens heart

2015-01-01T12:22:00.000-05:00

The road we set out on can be fresh and new,
the new paths we decide to take in this new set of days.
The days don't have to be dark or painful.

We'll all have resolutions, ways to start over plans made in hopes of keeping.
Were wonderfully good at keeping that one little ember of hope alive in our hearts, no matter how many times we've failed theirs still that something in us that keeps us on. We posses a funny measure of fortitude and we never show that as much as at the beginning of the year. But do any of us truly have a plan that will make the days ahead move smoothly, no matter what comes ? That would be impossible, still further do we have a deep promise that what we've planned will come about ? I doubt in that natural. I write a lot on this blog about God, about a loving father who has made ways for us where we see mountains and brier hedges, impassible places made for us to concur.
He through His son and through His word has given us a promise for a good life.

"I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly" john 10:10

I especially love the picture of the fathers love and care in Deuteronomy 32: 10-14
I have taken the liberty to change the them's to you's

Out in an empty, windswept wasteland you were found.
The father threw His arms around you lavishing attention on you
guarding you as the apple of His eye.
He is like an eagle hovering over its nest, overshadowing its young,
Then spreads its wings, lifting them into the air teaching you to fly.
God alone leads you, there is no one else in sight, He lifts you high...

The remaining verse tells of how he provides the best for you, the choicest of blessings he gives to you his own special possession. I encourage you at the start of this year remind yourself this is where your help comes from, if your life has been surrendered to Christ, therein lies your hope for fulfilment of every dream for this year, born and yet unborn.
He's a good father and all it takes is trust in Him in everything to live a peaceable life.
I'll be keeping this in mind for this year, I hope you do too.

I pray that God will lead you to peaceable habitations and quiet resting places, this year and that if trouble does arise he will be your tower of safety. I pray that He will train your hands to war against every thing that tries to get in the way of His good plan for your life, so that you will be a fierce follower of Him living free in Him.
Theres good things ahead dearest reader, so keep your chin up, and have a blessed new year.

Feathered friends, an autumn scene.

2014-09-27T12:32:00.003-04:00

I wish I had a picture to show you,
The oddest and most peculiar thing,
have you ever witnessed a bird migration convergence ?
Well, one just took place in my back yard.
What kind of bird is it that has descended upon my grassy hills and lofty boughs, there name I know not. How shall I convey the feeling I shall have to try and paint you a paragraph.

The chirping of hundreds of little voices is what made me notice, a sort of full and crowded call that was amplified on the frothy air that is still warm like summer but has a note of something nippy about it. The sound was of a sort lurid, and caught my attention almost immediately.
In wonder did I stand staring upon the scene of at least a hundred ebony birds dotting the earth.
Amongst patches of sheer luminescence filtering through the great pine boughs abutting the property,
splattering sun baked and dying grasses, there color changes from black of night to brilliance of hues purple and deep cyan, pigments that conjure images of exotic places and strange things, there tones of peacock perfection made me look and want to look again.
they fluttered about from ground to tree, almost as if my some slight of hand did there plumes glitter from brilliance to black, there chatter incessant, there interaction jittery and simply fluttery.
I longed to capture the scene, but alas all I have are words, and a strange memory.
among the autumn hues they flew in one great body to where I shall never know. But for one small moment they sat upon my earth pecking the greens resting there flighted wings.

Ah, I do so love autumn, if for the furry and feathered friends it bears on its colorful folds to my door. I wonder dear reader, have you met with any sort of fauna our co inhabiters of this earth, that has made you sigh in dreamy praise at all the Lord hads created. I'd love to look with wide eyes along with you, drop me a comment and let me know. Until then I'll most certainly be lost in art and words.
Rachel Hope

photo from pinterest

Autumns Glory

2014-09-22T10:38:00.004-04:00

Perhaps its in the coffee that I drink much too much,
perhaps I have an excuse because I'm supposed to be "creative"
Maybe I have a romantic sort of mindset.
Whatever it is, somehow I'm in my proper place when autumn rolls in.
Clearly I haven't yet discovered what it is about these days, why does my heart draw a peaceful breath at every newly fallen leaf, why do I feel still feel as though I were surrounded by a million flowers whose heady scent filled me with there intoxicant nectar. Somehow no matter how many autumns I see, I am humbled by the beauty.
Do we see the mirror in autumn of our own lives, aren't we all on some journey leading to the slowing down of things, wether we are in a season or whether we see the symbolism that all men walk toward eternity and some day will trade these human bodies for the realms of which we have only dreamt.
Autumn is a mystery in that its strength and beauty somehow combines with the other more darkened mood, in the same way oil and vinegar mix yet never blend together. We see the journey strong, majestic even, breathtakingly beautiful, signaling the beginning of an end.
A sad thought, yet somehow it doesn't seem out of place in the melancholy days of this season.
how many times will we question our own humanity in the rain fall, or see in the misty clouded lands the scope of life. autumn is a philosophic teacher, a stoic sort that makes me inspect all of life with a inquisitive eye.
A lighthearted nature mingling with a more pensive aspect embodied on the world around me; harmoniously. This too keeps me in wonder.
Today She's stepped across the threshold, in a bath of sunlight glow, and we the onlookers have drawn a breath at the mystery, at the beauty. We look to see her face, benevolent ? or wild with tempestuous moods ?
Only time will tell.
Oh, lets not forget to be drawn on in wonder at the loveliness our Father has blessed us with.
At the colors and the velvety wild winds, at the face of our nightly companion grown larger, and the sky so still and clear every star becomes seen. Lets be caught up in the rains and clouded atmosphere, lets look to see our faces in the puffs of our breath that find form in this special chilly air.
And lets be happy we live in a world where autumns exist.

pictures via

The only way to ensure a perfect day

2014-09-17T08:06:00.002-04:00

I'm watching early morning sunbeams flit through lace curtains,

this perfect morning glow and the delicate frill hit my gaze straight in front of me.

A reaffirmation of my thoughts, The Father is so good. Sometimes it takes little beauties or simple pleasures to remind us just how good.

This morning, my BIBLE open to precious passages of promise, Hillsong music playing softly in my ears, my spirit feels full.

Coffee in hand to quell morning chill that has been seeping its way into the house all night.

The best way to start a day, is full of the Father, feeding on His faithfulness, nothing will keep you all day like the bread of heaven. Have you tried it ? I highly recommend at least a chapter of His words of life, they rejuvenate you like no other.

> A lesson I have learned as of late, mornings spent in communion with my Father I never regret, and I can promise, you wont either. Sure it would be easier to stay abed, or get a massive jump start on the day, but I never feel quite right, when I skip this time like something is missing.

Jesus said it like this, all who are thirsty come to the water and be filled, its the filling I miss, and the day never seems to go well, I'm fighting for time at every turn, no decision goes well.

I wont lie, life's hard to grip at most times, it crashes over itself with a fury that takes captives, never once counting the casualties taken at its hand. is life mean ? uncaring? I'm not sure, I seem to feel its just life. The way to get through, not just trudging, through the darkness, and sadness, and questions, through the miscellaneous usualness of life, and the screaming desires for more. It all falls to naught in the light of His glory and grace. His countenance falls upon me in these times smiling, why should I shun that kind of love, the love that says no matter what or who I am, I am the apple of His eye.
We have a wonderful Father who knows just what your going to need that day, if you'll face something hard, or need wisdom, He's so faithful that he'll give us in advance if we listen to Him the Word that will encourage inspire or hold us up under pressure. This is how He works and moves in our life. We give Him the opportunity to speak to us in huge ways when we set our eyes on His Word. That times never waisted.

I'm grateful for early morning mistiness, for piercing sunlight and green still on the trees,

but even more I'm grateful for the training that comes between the pages of an ancient and living word. start with a verse, a chapter what ever He leads. But do I implore you follow, you'll be so happy you did.

photos via

Innocent Wonder

2014-07-04T19:55:00.002-04:00

How do you describe the loss of something that you have always had ?
Something that's not a person or even a thing.
Is it Grief ?
Is the loss of something that can't be held, something that isn't tangible truly a loss, or are there things in the world that can't be explained, things that have more beauty and more value than fine gold.

I have seen the loss of a certain heart condition, a loss of the innocent wonder of the world.
Cynical attitudes are hazardous to wonder, but when you begin on that road there are no poison roadsigns that warn of the destructive way you are on. Its something that only experience may teach.
We all begin clean, I'll use that word because its so pictures of what Innocent means. I don't mean clean of sins or even bad deeds, I mean in our psyche we are clean. There are no doubts to crowd the lovely, no ugly insecurities to chain our winged hearts down.
We are shinny vessels of pure hope, faith and wonder, our eyes see the world with as UN tainted a look as we can imagine.
Children easily believe, while its hard for the adult to be as free with there trust, due to hurts and other things that I haven't time to boggle myself writing now.
I have had my fair share of snarky cynicism, and snide outlooks of a variety of things. And I have noticed a great loss when I travel that path. The world seems less magical, there is less sparkle to the stars, and things become dull, boring and dry. In effect, my heart suffers it becomes as stone.
A grave danger it is indeed. For when my hearts hard, how may I run to my Father who has promised to guide and protect me ?
Our father created each of us with a certain amount of wonder, my dears, lets be wary of clogging our eyes with the dust of life, with the little hurts sent your way, and the judgements we all are guilty of proclaiming.
Let our hearts be innocent once more, less prone to be hard, but all mushy and soft as we can be,
Lets throw aside our adulthood, and be children in our hearts once more.

Blog Birthday celebration

2014-06-24T22:32:00.001-04:00

A dear writer sister from sunny australia, which as we speak is deep in the middle of winter, is celebrating her third year of blogging, and is throwing a literary bash to commemorate the occasion,

do hop over to her blog and take a look around.

When I first came across Miss Joys blog firstly and after getting overly excited about her native country, I recognized immediately a kindred spirit, her writings are beautiful, I've only read what she's shared, but boy is she good. And her likes are so closely related to my own and how my family was raised, that I cant help but, and I hope she doesn't mind me confessing, that I feel that we are friends with a connection deeper than just the face value things friends know about each other, ( I mean we know nearly nothing about the other except through posts)

but we have a connection, through our savior, and the morals and values that we were blessed to be taught.

And the literary love that I believe connects all book lovers with an infallible bond,

Her blog is always thoughtful and and exceptionally uplifting place. If you love books or tea come join in the fun,

Happy Birthday Fullness of joy !!!

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself, your tastes, and the little hobbies and things that your readers probably don't know about you!

My name is Rachel Hope Bishop, Hope truly is my middle name, and I prefer it to my last, though I'm not sure why, it isn't that I have some terrible family secret to make me ashamed of my name or something. I have 5 brothers and I'm the last of 5 girls. 10 all together. obviously I don't think you can count. I am a European mixture by ancestry, and hope to go to the isles across the sea and find the lands of there berth. I'm kind of obsessed with the past, and history not just my own. Its a major hobby reading books on that subject, I use the excuse that I am storing up knowledge for when I need it someday in a story. Not that I need excuses to learn, but I feel that if something has a purpose its more enjoyable.
I share a bedroom with my two closest siblings, my older sister and younger brother, we have a blast most of the time, every night is a party. Unless we collapse from exhaustion.
I love making fairies from faux flowers, and setting them up in different places, fairy tales are a part of my whole life, and someday I hope to write them for the enjoyment of thousands of children.
aside from a chicken who lives quite alone my other animal companions are 3 cats, of which only 1 is my own. and the birdies who seem to love my window sill. No complaints.

2. Books! We really do love them. . . but we all have preferences of what kind of books we love best. What is your favourite genre to read from (and to write in, if you happen to be a writer too)? Could you tell us why?
Genres to read really vary a lot.
I adore classics, and 90% of the time you'll find one in my hands.
heres how I see it, classics are like breath, there apart of who I am in a way that I need them to be me, I don't read classics to be entertained but to know and see the world in an older and more clear precise way that only the greats of the past could put down. I read everything else from Ya to action to romance for entertainment. Its the best purest form of entertainment.
writing genres really are more blurred, and I know that some day I shall have to choose one for my babies but for now I'm letting them fly without there wings clipped, because when that day comes Ill know, I would say historical romance, or fantasy, or historical fantasy. But i should like to master all the genres, action adventure, mystery and those life like stories that are just sweet to read and make you smile. there isn't really a genre for that is there ?

3. Are you fond of classic literature or do you generally find them too "dry" and hard-going for your tastes? Alternately, how much of your reading diet consists of books written by authors of the 21st century? Are you more fond of the old books or the new. . . or maybe a little bit of both?
I believe the above answer kind of already answered this.
I love classics, I haven't yet found a dry or dull book. though I'm not too naive to say there not out there. I just believe that there few. I try and not be closed minded about things, but books of today really don't seem to have the depth that classics do, and when I read a book from today or even the past decade I cant say that I don't come away wanting something more. Though what it is I really couldn't put a finger on. I have focused most of my attention of classics, and should get more involved in the 21st century books, how else am I to know what readers want ? But classics like an old friend are returned to so easily its hard not to. I have read a few now books and they have been very good, so I would have to say that I'm half and half.

4. What is your favourite historical time period and setting? How did you come to be especially interested in it? Would you be happy to live in that time-period or era?
How can I not love this question,
medieval times has always had a special place in my heart, ever since I was young, I have no idea when it began and yes I probably would live there, though I might not like it so much, the dresses and hair and turbulence of the times, history was made there in those days and it seemed to be so new, the world was not yet discovered. who wouldn't want to be apart of the forging of this world and the knowledge of it ?
In the same measure regency era is just perfect to my mind with its almost closed eyes and self inflicted naiveté to the troubles at its door, its balls and manners and secrets.
the victorian age at the enlightening of trouble when the world stood and said I cant keep my eyes blind forever. things were discovered, and things were learned.
and even the 40s were the times of men rising and taking a stand against evil. when nations rose and fought as one. I really should just be a time traveler and visit them all I have seemingly too many.
In every time I have someone I would like to shake hands with or give a hug to or a punch in the face.

5.. List three of your favourite classic authors (authors from the 1500s and up to the very early 1900s such as Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, the Bronte sisters, Robert Louis Stevenson, Mark Twain etc. . . )? What makes you love them so much?
Thomas Hardy, Louisa may Alcott, Frances Hodgson Burnett
Tom hardy has this way of writing that just captures a person, its real and so descriptive.
L M Alcott, has been a childhood author that I just grew with, and she's so perfect her wording and characters are the best, and these authors have a romanticism about them.
Burnett has an innocents to her writing that is refreshing, she's one of those go back to for a breath of fresh air when life gets too big.
6. What type of "Historical classic" is your favourite: Adventure and exploration, romance, mystery, social, memoir, or political?
Can I say all ? It doesn't really matter, I kind of like the social, political undercurrents but romances like Jane Austen would write, are the best too. Though those had a lot of social issues too. It doesnt really matter is what I'm saying.

7. Share some of your most well-loved heroines from historical novels in literature, and why you love them so much! What virtues/traits in them would you like to attain yourself?
Sara crewe, her strength of character and mental strength to remain innocent under such terrible persecution is something I think every strong charactered girl needs,

8. Who are your favourite heroes from historical literature? (You may share up to five). What makes them stand out among the rest as special?
ransom from C S Lewes planetary novels, 9. List your favourite "classic" novels. . . (as this is a painful question, you may list more than one!)
Great Expectations, Jane eyre, Northanger abby, anything by C S Lewes

10. Which period-drama movies, (adaptions from historical classic works of fiction), fall under your favourite pile? Do you prefer the more modern adaptions or the old ones? Faithful renditions, or the more exciting ones?
It really depends, I like anything that follows the story as closely as possible, mostly the new BBC adaptions and mini series have been good. The films, not so much, jane eyre disappointed me so much I still haven't gotten over it yet.

11. Which historical classic has inspired and influenced you the most?

The inheritance by Alcott, theres been so many that its hard to choose, but that one opened me up to the beauty of the correct string of words.

12. Give a list (preferably with pictures!) of your favourite period drama costumes (hats, hoops, gloves, parasols, etc) and from which movie/character they come from.

I love the late victorian style as shown below

From the BBC Paradise

13. How accurate do you think classic authors were about depicting history and accuracy of different cultures? Were they sometimes prejudiced or melodramatic in their descriptions, or do you think they often had a point to make?

Mostly they used melodrama to there advantage, always taking there point and expounding the results wether those were dramatic or under dramatic it worked. Jane Austen always over dramatized mothers in her books, look at the difference between Mrs Bennet VS Mrs Bertram.
14. Think of the funniest "scene" in either a book or movie from classic literature, and share the quote/picture below (Gifs and animations allowed!)

Oh gosh !

A lot of the awkward moments is Austen's works always have me laughing or cringing with a bit of an embarrassed grin,

The scene in Haggards king Solomon's mines was just the funniest, if you've read the book you'll know what I'm talking about.
15. Which villain of historical literature strikes the most dread and loathing in you?

Dorian Gray, that scoundrel
Fagan, in Dickens oliver twist

16. How many Charles Dickens novels have you read? Do you enthusiastically love his stories, or sob in misery over them, or worse get bored by them?

I love his works with a vengeance, and I have read quite a few, but not barely as many as he wrote. I have a ways to go. CRying always follows
17. Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, or Elizabeth Gaskall?

Elizabeth every day,
18. Favourite French Revolution novel?

the only one I've read to date is a tale of two cities, so that one.
19. North and South or Pride and Prejudice? Mr. Darcy or Mr. Thornton?

Thornton, but thats so hard because I love the novels equally, definitely Thornton
20. Which historical classic struck you with the most sense and depth of faith and the author's perception of morality, ethics and the Christian walk? Can you share a little bit about it?

Charles Sheldon's In His steps, the books subtitle is what would jesus do, it was a sweet novel about many people who gave there lives to christ and those who don't, I really liked it.

second to it is the Screwtape letters, that book is very spiritual.

21. Who is your favourite side-kick (secondary character) in literature of this genre?

Umbopa the native in king Solomon's mines, he's such a likable character.
22. List five "Historical Classics" you are especially looking forward and eager to read in the near future.

the moreland cottage, the mysteries of udolpho, war and peace, the golden bowl, the portrait of a lady
23. What was the first historical classic novel you ever read and how did it strike you

Rebecca of sunny brook farm, was my first, and the sweetest story. Kind of like Pollyanna.

24. What would inspire you to pick up a historical piece of literature - namely a "classic"? Do you believe it is important for our generation to get back to reading the classics? What do you believe are both the benefits, negatives and overall effects of treasuring historical stories written by authors of the past?

Info on the classics has to be made more prevalent, in our culture we've lost the charm of society thats innocent, and the novels written in those days had such a hushed quality about them, even when they were considered scandalous, that I feel a returning to that would be something we'd all grow from.

Its a proven fact that what your influenced by is how you act and the things you do, if were not taught another way then how can we know were about to fall off a cliff, morally and socially. classic books have moral undertones, and now in our day we have little to none in anything. We must be taught to treasure the gift of the voices of the past, and learn from them. I really can't see a downfall from extensive reading, as long as the written word edifies and uplifts or teaches the issues of a morally debase lifestyle. its far better than video games and anything else like little smart phones and suck, those are tools not actually anything that will grow your mind.

A beauty like no other

2014-05-09T10:40:00.000-04:00

Perhaps its a romantic kind of mindset, or perhaps I'm just strange.
How is it that something that I have seen occur 21 times in my life can still cause me to be filled to bursting with soul shaking wonderment.

The sights the sounds, the Vibrant
colors, the way the wind becomes less bitter, and turns to velvet in a second, richly perfumed with the delicate essences of the most lovely earthen delights that were brave enough to peep there heads through there soft beds in hopes that the world had come through the dark days.
Somehow it all again seems new, each time I watch a tree slowly Blossom, and every time there is a new sprout or new color, I'm filled with awe. As if for the first time my eyes are beholding, something new and strange, and delightful.
But how can this be, I find myself asking, that there is nothing new in its ways, that have become expected and as counted on as an old friend. And yet still, I see it with fresh eyes.
What ever it is my heart innocently grows fuller at the sight of Green just the brightest and freshest,
and trees in the distance that are spattered with this haze of almost perfect Pink
The rush of bird song fills my soul and I sigh at the perfection of Gods wondrous and simple world.

Even lately when the sun doesn't shine, and hasn't for few days past.
And the soil is moist and richly dark, and the tree bark is a deep black, the little bright Viridescent leaves glow in the foggy moodiness, creating this perfect and beautiful display of new and old, dark and light.
I fall asleep exhausted at all I have seen and heard, and captured to ponder within.
I know there will never be a day when I do not become a fire when I behold Verdant loveliness, and never more that at spring, but I'll forget to expect it therefore making the experience all the more pleasing.

Gods love doesn't wax old, and neither in the same sense do His creations.
And for this I'm truly grateful.
Now I'm off to enjoy more spring. You should to, take a moment to just capture the beauty please do.

Photo credit Pinterest:
I'm sorry I have no idea who took it.

TAGs for today

2014-04-29T12:47:00.001-04:00

1. What would you do on a rainy (but not stormy) day?
I would probably be out of doors in it, or beside a window listening to the patter of rain.
A rainy day is particularly one of my favorite things. Somehow it never gets less enthralling.
And if I'm not admiring the weather or thinking of how I could capture such beauty, I probably would also be seated with a book or old movie.

2. Is there any particular music/song that ever gives you chills from the beauty or inspiration of it?
Classical music does this to me, most recently it's a classical piece by Brian Crain, the songs called song for sienna, and the piece was piano cello.

3. Is there anything you feel God has taught you over the past year?
To trust him ever more, the more I yield to Him the easier life becomes.

4. What comes to mind when I say the color red? (this is really random because I forgot include a 4th question originally)
Luxurious velvet, in hues of red, like the petal of a red red rose, blood, blood that is taken, blood that is given, like a sacrifice. Anger, red to me is spicy or flavorful, it's vibrant it's impassioned and vibrant and not ever apathetic. Beautiful, as seen in a red sky pierced with the color of life, spilt across the heavens.
5. Favorite sidekick/best friend character from literature?
Oh dear, every book I've ever read draws a blank, I hate when that happens.

6. Favorite Biblical name?
This is such a weird question, off the top of my head, Elijah, because it's meaning,
my God is YAHWEH.
7. What would you do if you found you had a completely empty day ahead?
Write, or draw, or read a book, I've been known to devour a book in a day, with a cup of tea, what better conditions are there for a good read ? I'm always catching up on my creative scenes, making jewelry or sewing something. I love making fairies so all of that would be strewn out and about and I would successfully overwhelm myself on my off day. :))) I speak from experience, can you tell ?

8. What is your favorite book of the Bible?
That's a hard one, i like almost all of them, i love psalms for when I'm discouraged, but certain verses from Isaiah are amazing, then there's the whole new testament which is pretty much the most encouraging books for when you need it. i don't really have a favorite.

9. Do prefer dresses or skirts?
dresses, definitely dresses, there easy and quick and the right one can look classic and chic. also classy.
10. What book are you reading at the moment?
{Spiritually} a book called lioness arising by Lisa Bevere.
{fun} the little princess, by Frances Hodgson Burnett
{literary study} The sun also rises, by Hemingway

11. If you could own a book store what would the dominating book type be, and what would be its name? (Don't think to hard about it :))
This is like my dream, to own a book store, sigh, lovely thought.
Um fiction, literature you know classical and romantic and the sort. I love classics.
It would simply be called, PORTALS because books are like portals that take you to another place and time, almost by magic.

I'd love for you to answer the questions!! Please let me know if you do, I know I would enjoy reading them! (you could even answer them in the comments if you want!)

Thanks miss Evelyn for these fun inspired questions, I thoroughly enjoyed answering.
Visit missies blog tis quite lovely.

this road is treacherous

2014-04-03T10:17:00.003-04:00

Some days will teach you that life is a journey, some weeks or even months will remind you of this truth more and more. Rather than get the entire lump sum of our lives, there meanings and destiny, we must travel the road diligently , trustingly all the time. We question and ask why, but for the most part we are to be patient, as our life slowly creeps along onto what we are supposed to be. It baffles me how we forget the process of things, even though it's all around us in life, in nature. Our creator must have known how short sighted our minds could be, and set signs around us for tiny glimpses at the rewards of patience. We watch the metomorphisis of creatures, the sprouting of a seed and the long process of its life from seedling to plant to mature plant with fruit.
So what's my point in this seemingly ramble about a journey ? It's to remind myself really that we are a people who journey through seasons, seasons that when we trust through in a power higher than us we are made more strong than before. For me it's simple, right now things are just too busy to write, to draw and discover words and layers of plots. Sometimes I'm frustrated, sometimes I trust and am at peace, but perhaps your seasons isn't as simple as that. Perhaps your going through something really tough that trumps my own little complaint. Well I hope this encourages you.
How might one hold the mighty oak in ones hands ? As a seed, it all begins as something that doesn't really even look like a tree; but soon it's a sprout. Still doesn't look like a tree, but with water and sunlight and time it will grow into something that outlasts generations of humans. But it didn't just jump from a sprout to fully mature tree, it had to grow. Sometimes painfully slow, but it couldn't stop.
I want to encourage you dear reader, as well as myself, if we are walking in the destiny that God has set for you and for me, than we must continue through to the end, even when things seem slow, even when we see something that doesn't look like our destiny, something that looks more like an acorn rather than a tree. If we keep getting watered from the springs of living water, if we abide in the Son, than we are living out the spiritual destiny set for every child of God. And our natural lives will soon become what our Father set about for each of us in the natural.
It's all a matter of trust, trust in His Love.
I know he has a plan for me, and it's bigger than a season of busy work and mostly stress. It's even bigger than taking time to sit and write in my little corner of a bedroom. But I must look to Him and trust that if this is his destiny for me, that I can't stop it, I can only yield to his plan. And enjoy it all the while.
Friend yield to Him, it makes things so much more peaceful, trust that He will cause you to triumph, in all things. In talents and gifts, in work, in health, in sickness, in sadness, in joy, in hopelessness, in faith, in waiting, in victory. He always causes us to triumph, so how can we not trust.
The WORD says He that began a good work in you is faithful to accomplish it, until the day of Christ. Phillipians 1:6
If we judge Him as faithful, than we can trust Him fully. And even when we have to do things that aren't usually what we want we can be at peace, because He stands beside us helping us at all
times. It's cliche but true life is a journey! and we are made better as we go if we trust in Him.
A lit of times we cause trouble for ourselves and others simply because we don't believe how much Our Savior loves us. A father that gave us His only son, how with Him also not give us all good things. When I'm not focused on that love, when I'm not looking and trusting. I can tell you I'm a cranky and often times harsh person. We can all be admit it. I am short with those I love, many are even in the same boat with me, but I can't see past the things I want the goals I push to accomplish. Hey, he loves you. That little reminder changes the situation, then I'm looking for how I might bless someone, what kind word, what smile. When he wants to take me in anything. When He loves me, then I am free to love others.
He has a plan for you and me, trust him today, and be reminded that time is progressive, it's not all at once, you'll get there. It's good that it's not too, because things would get really overwhelming if first we aren't prepared and conditioned for this amazing destiny, you would feel unqualified if someone handed you a book about quantum physics and expected you to understand and even teach it, wouldn't you ? But if you had been prepared for that, if you had grown in that then you would be free to just go with it. These are the learning days, the preparations, they never stop, we just go higher and get stronger.
So let's get stronger every day.
Be at rest, after all were in His hands.

Witness springs return

2014-03-08T15:55:00.000-05:00

Against winter blankets and piles and piles of mountainous snow: How strange it is to witness Springs return. December was so mild, but the new year rode in on frigid temperatures.
In all that somewhere deep down we all longed for Spring, and today I saw a glimpse of her soft face.
With every drip drop of water the heavy glorious icicles melt, soon no more than a puddle.
And I saw and heard the soft twittering of a bird out upon my window sill.
Though its yet too soon to tell when, I know spring is around, and she and winter are in some delicate dance round and round.
No green grass I can see as yet, no tiny buds of life on the trees, but I saw in a flash all this and more in a tiny bird song.
Almost like a hopeful prayer for springs return.
I know my heart agrees too.

I wrote this a few weeks back, when it was warmer, but never got a chance to post. Somehow it seemed a perfect day for a spring post. the sky is a fine blue and the sun shined brightly, what better heralds of spring ? I hope you my dearest readers are having an equally wonderful day.
Are you keeping an eye out for spring ?

Photo credits here

The heart of an Olympian

2014-02-23T17:38:00.001-05:00

that special time that comes around every two years is come and gone. And we have been
glued to the telly for hours upon hours watching and rooting for people who we well never meet and people who will never know you existed or cheered for them when they gave there all for a prize. That two weeks I'm talking about of course in the Olympics,
I'm not quite sure if its so in to watch the above mentioned, anymore but its always been a family tradition, and something most enjoyable.
While I have a terrible case of russian fever, I am still able to wonder what it is about this event that keeps us engaged. So why do we love this two week span, when a group of countries get together and do sports battle in snow or in sun ?
Lessons, I believe we can all learn form everything, everything and anything. And we may not even notice we are watching lessons, but the message gets in.
Its inspiring to see determination, isn't it ? somewhere deep down we all feel that if one person could and usually from hard backgrounds make there dreams happen, why who would stop us ?
determination to keep going when the chips are down when the whole world is against you, we watch these moments as if our life depends on it, we laugh and cheer when that one person makes it happen that one who fought a little harder went a little farther, pushed beyond there limitations. It inspires us, the person on the couch, its more than just entertainment. We become connected to these people, in a primal instinctive way.
As humans we love the age old story of a hero, male or female doesn't matter. Who will rise from the burnt out ashes of the past, or get up again after defeat and reach the center stage of there dreams. Its the base for all stories really. Its that spirit we love that heart to win, its why we will tell the stories of these moments twenty years from now to the generations who were not witness to such greatness.
What I love most apart form the excitement and rush of cheering on the home team, is the stories. the inspiring tales of hardships, and overcoming. Its in us all, that strong arm, that will to succeed.
and to watch the culmination of that decision to not give up and to not be a quitter, in every person who didn't get a free ride, and fought to live there dream is awesome.
Sure some have it easier than others, but it all makes up in the end, the story of the day is overcome.
words like against all odds. And we see that play out before is, and we are boosted a little higher, we are reminded that with hard work and a little will power anything is possible, for the athletes its a sport that makes is wonder how and why, what it it for you ?
What is it that says no, that can be removed with a little pushing through.
We also can learn a lot about the heart condition, some give up, some fight till the end, some are sore losers. And we are either disgusted or disappointed, usually both. But we can apply this to ourselves
which one are we ? When we fight and things don't happen will we smile, be disappointed but still hold our head high ? A true man isn't revealed in ease, its through struggle and often times disappointment.
who are we when our character is tested. We have seen a lot of "failures" these two weeks, but the ones that though tears fell were hopeful, and not crushed to the point of giving up. inspired us more.
We have seen more dashed dreams than realized, only one can win. But those who thought it an accomplishment to just get there show true determination, for as the saying goes, your not a failure until you fail to try.
I could go on and on, the more I type the more I think of lessons, but I shall save those for the next two years.
So when is it your time to shine ? Every day is your battle, mine too, will you win will you lose. Sometimes both can teach us a lot, especially losses. learn to read them. see if you can take them gracefully, see if you have the heart of an olympian.

I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Phill 3: 14

What do you love about the olympic season most ?

Begin again

2014-01-27T15:22:00.000-05:00

Dearest reader,
I hope the first weeks of this shiny new year hasn't ill treated you.
I hope your resolutions have not been dashed upon the crags of doubt. and shattered into listless feelings of self doubt, and hopeless despondency.
My own first few weeks of this year have been crazy;
Its funny how little a word seems, and yet can be massive in its meanings with many deep levels and surface faces, to every eye and mind that sees and imagines.
In truth these first weeks has been fraught with trouble, persistent and buggarly. Layer upon layer of gross hardship, enough to cast a shadow of despondency over any living soul.
Enough to throw a hopeful fresh attitude into the far reaches of a cold desolate world, where hope and faith cannot tread. A place icy cold and crystal'd with dark shadows.
Have you ever been depressed ? Then you might have an idea of what I'm trying to describe. hopelessness is a huge part of that slippery slope into depression.
Perhaps your new year hasn't treated you all that well either. Perhaps your fighting hopelessness, right out of the gates.

If after the bells have signaled: the gun fired heralding the start of a new race, straight out of the gates you tripped and fell, or were facing so many bigger stronger adversaries that you just gave up. I want to encourage you anew. We don't need a new year, a january 1 to begin again, every day is a new day, cleche I know but its true none the less. The past is gone even if it was yesterday, or even recently, its gone forever. and the new beginning to focus on is now. We all stumble and we all need a hand.
Jesus said I make all things new, he has sealed forever new beginnings for us. In Him is newness of life.
Living in the past is another factor of that slope of defeat. if you live where you were, how can you see where you are going ? All around you will be ghostly shadows of sadness and grief. Because lets face it when your living in the past your constant companions are the bad choices or wrong doings either what you have done or has been done to you; not the happy smiles and blessings.
Somehow when we live in the dark past we begin to feel it in who we are, we almost become as shadowy and lustrous as those dead memories. And we draw into ourselves because we feel that the world has done us some injustice or soon will as "karma" for the wrongs we have committed to others.
Apart from the fact that I do not believe in karma, I want you to realize right now that no matter what it looks like. There are beautiful things around the corner because we are loved with an everlasting Love. And when we yield to that Love we find ourselves overwhelmed with gratefulness for blessings we couldn't have dreamt of. One of those blessings is the newness of life that we receive in christ, when we rely on his scarifies to make all things new in our mortal lives, then we are inviting the power of the ages to do a work in everything we are facing or struggling with. New beginnings are as easy as every day receiving His love for us, He has already forgiven our mistakes and short comings, we forgive ourselves and thank Him for his forgiveness and move on with the path we are on.
How do we know he loved us ?
He said in his word in this we know what love is, in that He laid down his life for us.
He also said no greater love has a man then to lay down his life for his friends.
Friends God gave his only son the son that He loved for you and I, so we could be blessed and live lives of unimaginable grander for him and in him.
Make every day a new day and free yourselves from the shackles of self doubt and frustration, by seeing yourself new in him.

Photo via pinterest

Christmas memories

2013-12-24T13:39:00.000-05:00

Christmas has always been a special time for my family and I.
Looking back on the memories I smile at the little things that made each one special, somehow through adversity and poverty, every Christmas we scraped up enough to be together and to be jolly.

The picture of bob Cratchit coming home to that crammed and impoverished home that was rich in joy and thankfulness has a ghostly similitude to our own little home's crammed and lowly enough to resemble any memorable Dickens character's.
Ours was a home not rich in material wealth, what we had was something more wonderful that that. You see we were able to experience Christmas the way it should be. Simple and full of love. presents didn't matter, even though there was always something special under our "tree"We knew it wasn't about those tiny hard earned trinkets. But the blessings of being healthy and together. We were able to wholly focus on the greatest gift given to mankind. A Savior which is Christ the Lord.
I look back on the earliest ones I can remember, and there is a hazy sort of charm over those earliest of Christmas memories for me. And it wasn't Because of lights on the tree, it wasn't the shiny wrapped boxes, it wasn't the feast that took ages to prepare. (which back then we were hardly able to afford)
It was a smiling mother who rallied her troop's of little hands to the call of cheer and delight. Who out of necessity used every imaginable part of her brain to create some grand decor, even if it meant pinning sheets up on the blanketed windows, (we didn't have heat) to look like curtains. and pulling every imaginable gift that the 60 acres we lived on provided, to create an atmosphere of Christmas.
And my sisters her two right hand sergeants, who were at the ready to charge and tackle any task. The eldest usually money, working jobs here and there and the younger with her; usually the younger would dream up some feast out of the simplest of ingredient's, and all three of them would be in the tiny kitchen cooking and singing carols. And my brothers who would always be cooking up some sort of mischief of happy playful hours to fill up the time we waited for the big day when everything would come together.
We never knew we had so little we were a band of jolly children with a mother who stood by and watched her chickens with joy and many a prayer for us all. Who kept us closely tied with her love and childlike faith.
Even though we are far better off now, the lessons are still the same.
Its the simplest of gifts that make a christmas great. Its not getting some grand present that you will remember, but the ones who you shared days and nights with in laughter and coziness.
Remember this in the next two days, cherish every moment spent with someone you love, for those are the ones worth storing up for someday.
Be thankful for the ones you hold dear, but be most grateful that they are near.

Wishing you all my lovely followers a happy and lovely amazingly blessed Christmas.
Amid all the busy wonderfulness and the seasonal shenanigans lets try and remember why we celebrate.

The heart of Thanksgiving

2013-12-10T12:02:00.000-05:00

It feels as thought winter has indeed stopped to make a home here in my part of the world.
December had come, goodness me how that has happened, but I say that about all months that arrive so quickly, and lately it seems they all do. Autumn is no more by the arrival of white, even if only a dusting serves as a reminder; every time I look out the window.
The colours of autumn have fallen long ago, another season nearly laid to rest.
At this time of year we celebrate thanksgiving, and indeed we have passed it by more than a week.

I had intended to write something, but....

With thanksgiving not so far behind. I wanted to write something that spoke of the holiday,
but more than that I wanted to write about the heart of thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is more than just a day to share with those we love, that is indeed wonderful, but thankfulness is a heart condition, not just a holiday.

Thanksgiving
is one of the most beautiful forms of praise, that I can think of, its not just I love you because you did this for me, or oh thanks for the favour. No gratefulness in much deeper than all that surface stuff, this gratefulness is a one way overcoming (I hardly know how to put it into words its so not a thing) That wells up inside your spirit and spills over into any words that suffice, and sometimes don't suffice, praising a Father who gives everything so fully for our redemption, and enjoyment.
Its that thing that brings tears to your eyes when your heart is so fill, so wondrously jammed with beautiful blessings, that you can hardly stand to keep it in. That's why tears flow when your family's gathered in one room together and the chatter is noisy and jolly and frivolous but that moment is so perfect so joyful that your heart sees a blessing and gratefulness like a tree grows larger and larger.

Its hard to practise Thankfulness when we are restricted in our hearts by the doubts, and crushed down by terrible circumstances. We can easily become hard when we focus of the don't haves rather than the magnificent beauties we do have in our lives.

Thankfulness
is a funny thing if practised consistently, it conditions your heart for growth, and removes the above mentioned states. When your heart is conditioned your in a position to walk in the path designed for you before the foundation of the world. Set by God for your enjoyment.
I believe that Thankfulness stem's more from having something you wanted, granted to you. That is just one tiny facet of gratefulness.
True Thankfulness is an acknowledgement of someone greater than you who has endued you with an ocean of love and mercies and unmitigated grace. To make your life so marvellous, so breathtaking. And Thankfulness is the way to get there to that place;
because your focus is on His HUGE Love that surrounds you and drops pleasures into your life without warning or being asked. (have you ever thought that God just likes to see you smile ?)

Its every moment of every day recognising how magnificent this life is, laden with blessings so colossal so glorious that we haven't even imagined it. Recognising that and expecting so fully to see them in faith, that we give an offering of thanks to our loving Father in the heavenly because he satisfies the longing heart.
For He satisfies the longing soul,
and fills the hungry soul with goodness.
( Psalm 107:9)
An attitude of Gratitude holds such power, and frees your mind. I feel that it puts you in a place that is cushioned with His love. Because you made yourself aware of his love every day that you live in a place that's unrealistically peaceful.
Gratefulness gets you so caught up in His Love that you fly over the bumps on the journey because you have let Him hide you in the cleft of the Rock, you have taken up your residence in His courts and found refuge under His pavilions.
The Word tells is to forget not all His benefits, I believe this is why.
In a way its a pare of rose coloured glasses from the Creator of the universe, see through a heart full of Gratitude for the undeserving displays of His love for you in your life.
Its a beautiful mindset.
With it you'll enjoy life in so many ways unrestricted.

Perhaps if I may, in the up coming year designate a book, with blank pages for the breathings of gratatude. Make a choice to look for them and recognise the blessings and where they come from. imagine a whole year spent like that. Its a three hundred and sixtyfive day treasure hunt. Indeed I do believe that I shall add this to my new year. How about you ?

Seasons For Literature.

2013-09-23T10:46:00.001-04:00

But being on the cusp of a new season, its very chilly today and when I begin to crave sweaters and hot cinnamon flavored coffees, I know that a change has taken place. I thought I would post something about seasons.

If your reading this post and have read this blog for any time you know how much I am Enthralled by the changing seasons. There beautiful in a variety of ways, different and inspire a person freshly.
Its september, Someone please I implore you to tell me how that happened.
At first when I think about summer being over, I get all watery eyed, and sad. But somehow or another time has moved and were on the brink of a new start, again. The weather is suddenly chilly, and I'm getting the strongest urges to ramble about wooded paths just to soak in all the beauty of what is going and what is to come. Were at the twilight of the seasons, not quite done with summer, but not quite crossed over into autumn. A beautiful time.

I was asked this question recently (in a set of tag questions) I just had to re post it along with my answers here. It seemed appropriate for heading into a new season, also I just love the general mix of seasons and literature all aspects of it from the absorbing of it to the creating of it. I really love this question.

Which of the seasons, spring, summer, autumn, or winter, appeals to you most in a literary sense and inspires you to write?

All of them, but in different ways. winter I want piles of delicious words from stories I didn't write, But also gives me a nostalgic air that I must write to get in order to get out. everything floods with cozy thoughts and memories. That creatively helps a lot, flooding the mind with all sorts of ideas stemmed from memories.

Spring is so inspiring nature especially. Misty mornings and budding trees, theres nothing like new life to get the creative juices flowing. I probably have more novel inspiration in spring than any other season. Everything aligns to be perfect in a fleeting way, and I feel an urgency to capture that. summer is one of those months of experience where I watch people, in silent observation. due in part to more stuff happens in summer than any other time. I look around me and notice society. Where I wonder about time and the speed at which everything seems to happen. Early mornings with the sunrise and silent reveries, and a graceful growth of nature that matures before my wondering eyes. Also, nature has a way of inspiring me with writing, when I'm pulling weeds or planting and tending the garden I usually have a head full of plots, knightly sword fights, daring damsels, and strange happenings. the best time to plot is when your knee deep in soil and fresh earth, with gentle summer flower scents excite the senses. Its all a very natural process. And autumn in its colored splendor gives me a mood that I haven't found a word for yet. A daring sort of mood that drives me to daring and majestic things with my characters and plots. Autumn is mysterious, shrouded in misty grey, wet mornings and chilly evenings. Its cider and jacketed walks which if you haven't figured it out yet, is one of my favorite ways to be inspired. I don't know, theres something about musky woods and smokey wind pared with the rush of geese calls that just ignite a warm glow of creativity within me.
Each season my mood changes and each time its different. cozy and sad and thinking about the past, new and fresh with resolve and romantic inclinations, mature and bright and natural, or deep and mysterious. I couldn't choose one season I love them all creatively speaking.

Now I put this question to you dearest reader, I would love to know your answers. even if your not a writer I would still love to know which season inspires you most, maybe all, like me ?

Feel free to answer in a comment, or do what I have done in a post, and leave me a not to hope over to your respected corners of the internet.

Enjoying the in-between season.

Photos via pinterest

A King and Priest ?

2013-09-06T13:35:00.001-04:00

Why is it that as humans when we face an impossibility: When trouble comes and we are hard pressed on all sides. By people and doubt and by very real looking circumstances.
We let slip the one thing that would ensure us complete and total victory ?
The one thing that is essential to life.
The one thing that is needful.
Humans are a most pitiable race,
we have this ability to forget things very easily when something bigger takes predominance in our senses.
For instance say you have some pain somewhere in your body, and thats grating on you its annoying, and you just cant get it off your mind. Now say you hurt yourself somewhere else really bad, if that new hurt is greater than your old pain, whats happened to it ? Its most likely all but forgotten.
I've had this happen to me countless times. Your worried about something, your struggling and striving to find some way or some answer, and everything else slips. Its as if your minds can only hold one important thing at a time.
We forget things easily when were sidetracked with something much grander. In a good or bad way.
We forget to enjoy each and every day, we forget to look people in the eye and get ourselves off our minds for more than a second. We forget to trust the creator of the universe because the mountain seems too high to climb even by the one who created mountains. And can pluck those mountain up like a pebble and toss them to where He wills. And with His help so can we.

I wont lie life's been tough lately, for a lot of people and around here too. It just is that way living on this planet.
But those of us who know better should not let trouble sway our spirit.
The Bible says we are not mere men, we are spirit born spirit led beings with dual citizenship.
One foot in the heavenly kingdom which was born within us when we were born again, and one foot in "reality"
A place that is less real than the unseen kingdom within us. We look at natural things and believe just because we see, we say we know because we can touch and feel that thing our physical senses say its real.
But what if I told you we are living in a dream, a dream where nightmares exist, where sadness and trouble don't just live under your bed. But dominate a lot of your life trying to back you into a corner by making you believe that they are tangible creatures and not just shadows of something weak and small.

When you have a nightmare, what do you do ? you wake up, heart beating wildly breath coming is gasps, every fiber of your sweat drenched boys feeling like you just fought a battle that only existed in your mind.
Its the same for us in what I will call the dream reality. What we see is real, there are real troubles and real decisions, we face foes and battles that we must take part in.
But don't get hung up on that battle. You have already been ensured a win, because you are being enabled by Him who already won. We must remember not to illuminate the trouble, making it the dominating thought of our mind. We must wake up from the dream we have been living in.
Instead illuminate the WORD Gods, Word and what it says about you the born again new creation, who has been crowned a King and Priest of this realms of dreams.
All is smoke and shadow, and the truth is we are already made crowned a winner in this life, it came as a gift from someone who sacrificed all He had to get you that crown.
So, begin to live like you are a king. Because you are. Begin to set aside time in the WORD.
The one thing that is needful. Learn your rights of heavenly citizenship, by immersing ourselves with the word and with positive things in order for the trouble that seems so huge to shrink.

the BIBLE says in
Proverbs 4:20-22
My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.

Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them
and health to one’s whole body.

Whats it saying ? Attend to the words of the father, listen to them give your attention to Him and nothing else concerning that situation. For therein is life, in God there is life.

Jesus removed the curse from your life, He has made all things new.

I want to encourage you today to keep your eyes and heart on something far more greater than any problem. keep your eyes on Jesus, on His words and precious promises to you. Let him show you just how tiny and insignificant those troubles are, waves don't seem very big in a bathtub. He's greater than and storm raging.

Don't compromise the only thing that your life needs to be successful, by forgetting to look at Him, and not around in distress. If you do that long enough, one day you will look and the shadows will be gone because they have been overtaken by the light of Gods Love and you'll not struggle with that problem any more. Something Far greater has become more important to you.

Photos via Pinterest

Hour of peaceful rest

2013-09-01T19:20:00.003-04:00

Photo via pinterest

Hour of Peaceful rest

William Tappan

THERE is an hour of peaceful rest
To mourning wanderers given;
There is a joy for souls distress,
A balm for every wounded breast,
'T is found alone in heaven.

There is a soft, a downy bed,
Far from these shades of even—
A couch for weary mortals spread,
Where they may rest the aching head,
And find repose, in heaven.

There is a home for weary souls
By sin and sorrow driven;
When tossed on life's tempestuous shoals,
Where storms arise, and ocean rolls,
And all is drear but heaven.

There faith lifts up her cheerful eye,
To brighter prospects given;
And views the tempest passing by,
The evening shadows quickly fly,
And all serene in heaven.

There fragrant flowers immortal bloom,
And joys supreme are given;
There rays divine disperse the gloom:
Beyond the confines of the tomb
Appears the dawn of heaven.

The Importance of daydreams

2013-07-29T13:45:00.004-04:00

I cant write when there's noise. Clutter of the airways, that barrage the senses and stifles deep thought.
Loud music, people talking, dishes clanging, there's all sorts of noise.
But when I press my hands to my ears, and block the noise with streams of Claude Debussy piping through my ear phones everything stills. I have stepped through the veil from the physical world and am now floating through the imaginary creative world.
This is my ideal place, the place where dreams are tangible and the world that I dream of can be reached.
The place that everything is possible. Nothing is withheld from me, a place where I can flit with fairies and fight alongside king Arthur atop Glastonbury tore our swords matching the blows of our adversaries.
A place that; every place, every bit of green every stirring of breeze holds magic that I can touch and experience.
But what about when I'm not alone, with just the wind and chirping bird to inspire and stimulate my creative side. What about when I'm barraged with the noises of a family, with the noises of human existence. I have learn'ed to block out the sounds of cars and clatter of people at will. I live each day telling myself to look at beauty, to find that one thing that can get the creativity and inspiration flowing.
The azure sky like a beautiful gem that hardly gets noticed at all by people unawares of the heavenly show placed right above our heads a picture pregnant with creativity and beauty just waiting to be seen and felt in our souls.
I close my eyes and a wave of longing washes over me, to play among the white fluff of clouds, and bounce upon beams of liquid light would be heavenly. But seeing with my eyes is touching it in a way, and that scene is captured within and treasured for some day when the sun does not shine and the clouds are a frightful grey.
When I'm hurtling about on paved roads and the foliage is whipping past me with no definite shape or form, its the idea, there colors there blurry shapes that impress me with a terrifying beauty. I close my eyes in the same afore mentioned state, and the experience changes, everything is solely the feeling sense; The wind kissing my cheeks the sun hot and bright upon my skin and eyelids. There is a faint aroma of wild flours on the wind that mingles with a yet softer aroma of fire somewhere burning bright. The wind encapsulates me, no longer am I just in a car on an obscure road, no longer can I hear radio noise or car horns. I'm flying among the realms of imagination. Past impossible dreams that only need be touched to spark to life. Every moment a training within to see, taste, touch, beauty and inspiration for any aspect of creativity, not just for writing inspiration alone.

I got caught in a thinking that I needed time alone, time spent quiet and hidden away by my self to cultivate any idea of novels and writing. Yes I do need time alone to write, but to be honest thats just not really realistic in my life. I share a room with two of my siblings and when were not living in eternal sleep over mode there is still just noise. Thats life, and for a long time I made excuses that I couldn't write, it didn't work because I wasn't inspired when I did get that precious rare quiet time alone, And when things were loud and hectic or when I was making dinner something would come to me that drove me nuts because I couldn't just drop everything and write.
But in time I learned.
Every moment must be utilized otherwise nothing would ever get done.
And I hate nothing more than waisted time. I find there is nothing more annoying for my personality than time with nothing to fill it, inactivity frustrates me with a stronger vengeance than I care to admit I posses. So I have learned to fill every moment. It keeps a person out of trouble and one can really come up with some very interesting stuff in that time.
I have discovered for me that every moment there must be a watering of my soul through music through books through beauty to ignite the creative flow.
I'm not sure about you dearest reader but if it weren't for these such things I would have nothing to feed off of. And a state of a starved creative spirit is so tragic. Trust me I know that tragedy well.
But this has gradually become such a usual thing that it can be an inconvenience, I find that I day dream at the most inopportune times. And often times cause problems such as absent minded messes. What my family doesn't know is that my aggrievances are often due to some new found way to torture or make blessed my most recent character. Its a distracting past time but a productive pastime.
I wish very ardently to express how much this has helped me creatively. No moment is lost to the out lands of waisted time or lost opportunities.
I don't feel empty when I find myself alone, but also I have cultivated a sense to block out inconvenient noise that cant be obliterated.
Perhaps if you have some spare time try and dream, it will do wonders for everything.

Your imagination is a garden CULTIVATE it !

Photos via pinterest

A general partaking of a happy birthday, and a Tag.

2013-07-10T19:50:00.003-04:00

Having meant to post this ages ago I finely dragged myself to it. The it being miss Joy's tag in celebration to her second year of blogging. I love the questions she asked, there just so unique that I couldn't help but partake. She's celebrating over at her beautiful blog, and I highly suggest you either find time or make it to pour over her lovely and thoughtful posts. I now feel the need to say that she is a very talented writer and if you love that sort of thing I.E. Adventure, and thoughtful and heartfelt sort of books. Than I think you would be blessed to follow her blog, Here
The tag is open to anyone who wants to answer any or all. If you do I would love to read your answers, just leave me a comment.

1. Pretending if need be that you never read any of those titles, (unless you actually haven’t), which book-title intrigues you the most that it would make you abandon all the others and read THAT one book...?Roverandom, The Keys of the Kingdom, That Hideous Strength, The Conflict of Religions in the Early Roman Empire, With Christ in the School of Prayer, Kidnapped, The Ballad of the White Horse, The Robe, The Man Who Was Thursday, or Surprised by Joy...?

ok well pretending I have never read any of these, which a few out of the group I have had the good fortune to beguile my time with. I would say Roverandom, The ballad of the white horse, and The man who was thursday.

2. How do you reconcile yourself with an offended cat? (Tell a clueless girl, here!)

well in my experience one must be genteel, use only soothing words in a voice thats an octave above reason. let the ofended one come to you, let it sniff your hand, animals do that, and stroke it from the back of the head, dont go at it from the front. Cats feel that you are coming on to there personal space. And there none the wiser when you with a slight of hand trick begin to rub there ears, there basically catatonic at that point. In the event that you have a fiendish devil that is faster than lightning and, catches you then at that point one mist come bearing gifts. Fish or chicken flavored gifts.

3. Can you describe to us in a seven-word sentence your current surroundings using the five senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch? Otherwise you can name in order the thirteen dwarf characters in The Hobbit without looking the info up online. ‘Tis your choice, you know!

Well the hobbit naming just isn't possible, wipe that look of horror off your face please, I'm not that good with names. um a seven word sentence,
Coffee in a blue cup, messy desk, bedroom serene. that really wasn't very good, my apologies.

4. Tea or Coffee? Or lemonade?

All the above mentioned, at different times and for different occasions. Coffee morning, tea afternoon or after dinner. And lemonade of a hot summers day. (with a sprig of fresh mint) or as dessert.

5. Do you think your writing voice and style on your blog (or novel) is so very different from your normal, day-to-day voice and personality? Or is almost identical?

This is so good, I try and keep it real here, on my blog, it took me some time to realize that the way I write is in many ways the way I talk, but sometimes a bit more eloquent. And with out so many ums and you knows. Im trying to cut those out of my vocabulary. But style wise its pretty much the same.
for my novels they differ due to the time period and how I feel the story should be written, though there are strains of my voice through out. So I took the long way around to say yes, I think its nearly identical.

6. Puddleglum or Mr. Tumnus?

Oh my goodness, someone finally asked me the question I have been waiting for my whole life !

Puddleglum, Theres just something I liked about him, with his pessimistic view on everything, he added a sort of charm to the silver chair and a bit or humor that wouldn't otherwise be there.
he was a damper on everything but had a strength that when it came to it aided the children in there mission, with hidden wisdom that comes from just looking at things the way they are. and we find that in spite of himself hes a secret dreamer. What I lokes was the evolution of him from gloomy marsh wiggle to out witting giants and defeating witches with strength he didn't know he had in the underlands. That speaks to me saying everyone no matter what they look like outside has gems under the surface just waiting to be discovered. But I cant leave Mr Tumnus out of this either because I loved his character just as much, and if were talking about hidden strength then I must mentioned him too.
Hes the dreamer that will submit, we see that if he wasn't he wouldn't have been a spy for the witch. But he also has this strength and courage that gives lucy a chance to flee placing himself at the wrath of the white witch in her stead. I love that kind of moral character and strength in someone. he saw her innocence and just was too good hearted to let her be hurt, knowing fill well that firstly lucy might hate him for tricking her and tells the truth anyway, and secondly the wrath of the witch would cost him his life. whats not to like about these two different characters. Who can teach us so much in there own ways.

7. Which of the seasons, spring, summer, autumn, or winter, appeals to you most in a literary sense and inspires you to write?

All of them, but in different ways. winter i want piles of delicious words from stories I didn't write, But also gives me a nostalgic air that I must write to get in order to get out. everything floods with cozy thoughts and memories. That creatively helps a lot, flooding the mind with all sorts of ideas stemmed from memories. Spring is so inspiring nature especially. Misty mornings and budding trees, theres nothing like new life to get the creative juices flowing. I probably have more novel inspiration in spring than any other season. Everything aligns to be perfect in a fleeting way, and I feel an urgency to capture that. summer is one of those months of experience where I watch people, in silent observation. due in part to more stuff happens in summer than any other time. I look around me and notice society. Where I wonder about time and the speed at wich everything seems to happen. Early mornings with the sunrise and silent reveries, and a graceful growth of nature that matures before my wondering eyes. Also, nature has a way of inspiring me with writing, when I'm pulling weeds or planting and tending the garden I usually have a head full of plots, knightly sword fights, daring damsels, and strange happenings. the best time to plot is when your knee deep in soil and fresh earth, with gentil summer flower scents excite the senses. Its all a very natural process. And autumn in its colored splendor gives me a mood that I havent found a word for yet. A daring sort of mood that drives me to daring and majestic things with my characters and plots. Autumn is mysterious, shrouded in misty grey, wet mornings and chilly evenings. Its cider and jacketed walks which if you havent figured it out yet, is one of my favorite ways to be inspired. I don't know, theres something about musky woods and smokey wind pared with the rush of gees calls that just ignite a warm glow of creativity within me.
Each season my mood changes and each time its different. cozy and sad and thinking about the past, new and fresh with resolve and romantic inclinations, mature and bright and natural, or deep and mysterious. I couldn't choose one season I love them all creatively speaking.

8. Cast your mind back to childhood, what was your favourite Old Testament Bible character as a child? What was your most dearly loved Bible Account? Why?

Hmm, this is a hard one for me, I had a illustrated children's bible that I read all the time. It looked like a real one and it made me feel like a grownup. but every story in there awed me. I loved the story of daniel and the three jewish boys, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, as characters they are quite strong and wont relent, I appreciate that in people. Lets see favorite account, um, the stories of Jesus really were my favorite. And I cant pick just one.

9. What are some of the films/books or songs that make you tear-up or cry the most (be it because it is so beautiful, or really sad or tragic, etc), tell us why they do that; do you actually like to cry in a movie/book?
Um I normally cry in the film area when theres something really touching. usually relating to families. Families are a subject close to my heart, like reunions after years or just touching moments. Its hard to define what makes the heart go all soft. but thats one of them, also tragic moments especially if I'm attached to the character, this goes for the reading department as well. Stories of sacrifice especially get me. I do think its ok to cry at something like a book or film. It shows that one, your heart is soft, and two, that the thing film or book has captured my attention and heart and I feel connected to that in some way. Example I totally cried when beth in little women died, book and film it doesn't matter which fim either. Its just too touching the conversation she has with jo. Ugh I'm sniffling already.

10. Do you have any special literary goals or dreams that you wish you could accomplish as a writer during your lifetime (besides publishing, that is!)?

wow this question, right now I would say that to inspire people to look at the world in a more romantic way would be it. I want to creatively inspire and encourage. I want to create the kinds of stories that are timeless, that long after my life people are getting something from them. I want someone to read my stories the way i read Dickens or Austen, I'm not saying I have reached there writerly merits or will ever. What I do dream of is some day, someone in a library finds a worn volume of some story I wrote long ago and glows with excitement at having found the book. I think that would be very fulling.

11. If you are a writer, which one of your characters’ internal makeup most echoes a likeness or similitude to you? If you have none of your own – what other fictional character (book/film) does? Explain your answer.

Well as a writer I could say all of them has some residue of the creator in them. But Especially My courant character sophia, I suppose she's more like me then I would like to admit.

My brains going explain ! explain ! (Sorry for that doctor who reference) I'm a dreamer and I put that into my character because well it had bearing on the plot. she's adventurous but in that home loving way. Like dreaming of seeing the world but dearly loves home. make sense ? um, she has a inner strength thats silent and the flip to that is a weakness for being painfully honest and a lot sarcastic. oftentimes causing problems for herself. She doesn't like to get involved and loves being alone, hating large crowds. feeling more herself in solitude. Thats a lot like me.

12. Excuse me for another Tolkien reference, but I couldn't help it, alas! Which of the five Middle-earth hobbits do you identify with the most: Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, Merry, or Pippen?

Hmm, I dont really know.

13. What special topic do you relish talking/writing about the most? Like – like a tap that can instantly be turned on... please, do tell!

Peoples daydreams and reveries, which usually are caused by emotions. I really sove to write emotions. Its weird but I get this deeper understanding of the character and i think that the reader does as well. I am a bit psychological by nature, so I'm always asking peoples motivs and there emotional state. Usually when I get warmed up for writing the first thing that comes out is a thought or idea of emotional musing, and everything that goes with that.

14. Make your choice, adventurous Stranger; Strike the bell and bide the danger, Or wonder, till it drives you mad, What would have followed if you had. – The Bell and the Hammer, C.S. Lewis ...thus said the inscription next to the bell in that mysterious place in which Polly and Digory came upon, in The Magician’s Nephew. If you had been in their place, would you have taken the adventure of ringing the golden bell as Digory did (not knowing that the White Witch would be awakened) or would you have acted sensibly like Polly but risked being driven mad by the thought of ‘what if’ when you were back home in England?

Unfortunately I would have rung the bell. I would have hesitated at first but I would have figured that I could get out of something if I had to. Who wouldn't have found something strange and mysterious and not poked it with a stick. Or what ever one dings bells with respectively.

15. What is that which makes you keep blogging and writing in general in the times when your blog/and or you yourself are at a low ebb? Do you like taking breaks from blogging or miss your followers too much?
I usually break, just because I dont really like to complain too much on here. In the hopes that I can maybe be an inspiration or something to someone else. Like so many have been for me. But i do like to keep it real and so if I feel that to be truthful and write what I'm feeling, (Theres no shame in that its human) will give me some clarity or maybe help someone who's going through what I am. Its a fine lined balance of too much or too little.
But that said, I do miss the reads of unknown friends so I read and do comment.

Sunday Psalms

2013-07-07T15:46:00.000-04:00

I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying,

for he speaks peace to his faithful people.

But let them not return to their foolish ways.

Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,

so our land will be filled with his glory.

Unfailing love and truth have met together.

Righteousness and peace have kissed!

Truth springs up from the earth,

and righteousness smiles down from heaven.

Yes, the Lord pours down his blessings.

Our land will yield its bountiful harvest.

Righteousness goes as a herald before him,

preparing the way for his steps.

Psalm 85 verse 8-13

photos via pinterest

Hello Old Friend

2013-06-27T15:46:00.001-04:00

I haven't had much time to write anything lately, with summer comes many duties. But I'm never far from writing in my mind. I thought I would post about what I do in the times I'm far from paper and pen. When I finely sit down to write, its like the meeting of old friends. I miss my characters more than I would have imagined.
Its as though I finely get to converse with someone, or someones who have a mutual mind. every second spent with these non existent beings our relationship grows stronger and stronger. deeper and deeper. I would have never imagined growing so attached with figments of my imagination.
I never thought that building characters was much like building relationships, with real people. The more you spent time with them, the more you know them at there essence. quarks, style, ticks everything that makes them them. and this is easier now because I can meet them in the doorway of my imagination at any time. morn or eventide. There are some you just click with and others who are a bit more elusive, I have learned this and its added a deeper growth to my writing than I could have imagined. I know lots of people stress the character thing, and I was one of those people who `nods head´ Yes yes I agree, I get it its important, but then never gave it much time or thought to deepen the idea.
I always thought that this meant writing, but I was wrong. Lately being far from anything that writes even a pen I have been dreaming all sorts of things in my mind. what would happen if, or what if that. I have been doing an extensive research of my characters far down to small details like there favourite colours. Its been wonderful.
Thankfully this is the first novel I have really stuck to. And I have spent so much time with, three years writing a novel is a long time, and there are more reasons why its not finished apart from the I'm terrible at just getting to it than can be written here.
That the characters are more and more like old friends than just narrators whispering in my ear.
now instead of a cold face to face factual interview, we chat at our leaser on sofas and have bergamot and french vanilla scented tea. And we stray to many things apart from there past. I do need to spend some more time with the rest of this cast, but hey the the two main protagonist is a good start. I'm just imagining a friendly interview with a sputtery cold old antagonist, and its very hilarious. Well see.
I just thought I would encourage you to spend a little more time with your cast, and give it a try. Close your eyes picture your characters give yourself time to dream all sorts of scenario's. Even ones that stray far from your plot. you'll be pleasantly surprised with what you discover. I know I have.

What about you, What do you do to understand your characters ?

Pictures from pinterest