seems to be growing larger. I am a 'several books at a time' reader, I think. I think my middle child, who is an avid reader, does the same. Well, maybe not books stacked everywhere because he reads from his kindle. But I love the physical book in hand. And I love the convenience of the books on my kindle as well. Some day I will read as much as I want to.
In the meantime, I read when I can, which is usually in the mornings as I spend time with God, or in the evenings when I can get hubby to leave the TV off and we have a 'read night'. The problem with that is he can take all the time he wants during the day to read - and then at night he wants the TV on to watch movies. Every single night he wants to watch movies. Usually we do, and I sit and crochet. But sometimes I just like to be quiet and read.
So this stack of books that is gathering at the left of my chair here, are books that I either want to read, re-read, or am reading. There's probably about 10 of them here, I'm guessing, besides my Bible. Which I should be reading intently. I did tell hubby that after the holidays, starting with New Years, that what I'd like to do is - besides reading my Bible in the morning (perhaps start over in the Old or New Testament), for us to turn the TV off at 8PM and get another version of the Bible and start in the Old or New Testament (what we were not reading in the mornings). That way we could easily get through the entire Bible in less than a year. He seemed to think it was a good idea. And it doesn't have to be 8PM, just a good half hour or so before we go to bed, wind down by reading the Bible and meditating upon it. I'm sure we both will sleep well. He did agree, so I am hoping to follow through on this.
So now I am thinking about which version I would like to read morning and evening. I've read through the NKJV a few times, I've read through the NLT, NIV, several tiimes. I have a new NKJV that has comments by a specific pastor. I don't listen to him, and have very few of his books, but thought his explanation of a verse could be insightful. I think I want to use this book for my evening read.... and an ESV study by another pastor for the mornings. Not sure yet what I'll read when, but it helps to understand a verse better when you can read a different translation of it. A good goal to have in the new year, yes?
Christmas is one week away from today. I actually felt some 'excitement' about it yesterday as it was getting near the end of the workday. I'm only working 3 days next week, taking an extra day off to finish up on some baking, making sure I have enough groceries to make everything. I asked my children what they wanted for their meal - and I laughed. Always subject to change, of course, but the oldest and the youngest want "garbage", and the middle child wants ham. The ham is in the freezer and I will take it out the first of next week to thaw. I need to figure out how much hamburger I need and all to make the garbage for the others. I love to cook, and when I get an opportunity to cook for my children and their families, it brings me great joy.
We went out to dinner last night with a couple from one of the RV parks we go to. We met up last year too, and there was another couple there that asked if we would want to have dinner one night too, but we haven't met up with them yet. I speak at that RV park tomorrow. We plan to go back tomorrow night for their choir contata - the choir director usually insists I sing in their choir if I'm not speaking and we are there (in fact, they asked us last time to start attending weekly there! Not to speak but just to be with them. Wouldn't that be a hoot - but we are considering it.) But, I told the choir director no for the contata - but will see if he will drag me into it. Even without practice! We love these people and it is such fun to see them during the months they are in our state.
Christmas. It isn't just about the gifts and the gift giving... (which, by the way, giving gifts is my love gift, I have discovered).... it's about being blessed by the Savior of the world. Do you realize how much God loves you, loves each of us in this world? He loves us so much, and loved us so much back when the world was created, that He sent His one and only son to earth. And the very people He wanted to redeem, they rejected Him, and crucified Him. Jesus gave His life, to save us, to bless us, to redeem us.
Jesus came to earth because of Love... and great is that Love for you that God has. Jesus gave His life for you because of Love. Greater love even yet.
What will you give to Jesus this year? You know what I think? He wants only you. He doesn't want you to bring Him gifts.... all He wants is your heart. Will you give that gift to Jesus this year? Give Jesus your heart, and feel His love and blessings all the days of your life. Think about it. What will you give Jesus this year. This doesn't cost you any money. It's the best gift you can give Him.
Blessings!
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