About how many books would you say that you have in your current collection ? Writers are avid readers. We know the beauty and power of words.
When we left Ontario, we sold our house and gave away our possessions, including my collection of books. My husband was seriously ill with a heart condition at that time. Possessions had lost their appeal for us. We basically got in our vehicle, with a few personal items, and started driving East, looking for a home on the ocean.
We found our home, my husband got stronger in the fresh salt air, and had successful heart surgery two years ago.
I never did buy any more books. The two that I own, however, are my treasures. One is my Bible, and the other is a manual for Christian Mindfulness. It is called ‘ Jesus Calling’ by Sarah Young. It is a gift from my spiritual mentor, Anne.
On the inside cover , Anne wrote a Bible verse which is important for us if we wish to achieve the inner peace that Christ promises us. In Philippians 4:8, we are reminded to think about things that are true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, gracious and excellent. We remember also that we are always in the Lord’s presence.
We need the Lord’s help in focusing on these things, since our fallen human nature seems to want to automatically focus on negative things. Self-control is the ninth gift of the Holy Spirit mentioned in Galations 5. We need the Holy Spirit’s help to keep focusing on good things. For me, it helps to avoid watching television and movies. And, I stay away from people who constantly wish to discuss negative things. Negativity is contagious !
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Although I only own two books, I read, and I am inspired by the authors whose writings I read on WordPress.com.
May the Lord continue to inspire us, and the words that we read and write.
Would you like more books? I would be happy (and honored) to send you a copy of each of mine. 🙂
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(You can email me at bascha3870@yahoo.com.)
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What a wonderful offer ! Thank-you so much ! 🤗
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“Negativity is contagious !”
Amen!! So true. So very true!
Thank you for this post. It is beautiful.
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Thank-you. God bless you.,🤗
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Only two books? Unheard of! But I’m happy you’re content and that your hubby had a successful heart surgery and that you’re loving the sea breeze. Your post is a reminder that when all is said and done, people are what really matters.
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Yes, you are so right. I enjoy reading your posts. 🤗
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Awww, thank you 🤗❤️
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Amen. TY
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I read Jesus Calling every morning!
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Excellent ! It is a beautiful book. 🤗
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Agreed. That’s my go to verse as well. I framed it for Andrew because he is most likely, out of the two of us, to get stuck on the negative. It’s my nudge for him to keep focused on the right things.
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Powerful
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I still have a ton of books, some of which I haven’t looked at in 20 years. I should start giving some of them away!
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I have read that book twice. I loved it! I’m inspired by you too Sally!
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Thanks, Dawn.🤗
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Jesus Calling is hands down my wife’s favorite book and she reads the devotional every, single, day. 🙂
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Excellent ! Thanks for sharing this, Jeff. 🤗
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My blog can never match God’s Words in the Bible but I am humbled that you do visit as often as you could. Anyway, there are so many ebooks available online. You have Scribd and a couple of other sites. Most of them are free and interesting reads.
Thank you so much for inspiring us once again with your life reflections. God bless you, Sally!
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Thank you, Tina ! May the Lord continue to bless you as well. 🤗
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Building my positive circle!
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I lost over 250 books in a hurricane a couple of years ago, but I still have Jesus Calling. God speaks to me every time I open it, and I’ve come to terms with the loss of the others.
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When sickness and tragedy attack us, material possessions are unimportant. That is exactly what happen to me also. God delivered me from material possessions through all the trials that I had. I am happy to know that your husband are doing much better. Your present location is a therapy for you both. I will keep you both in my prayers. Have a great weekend and I am looking forward to your next post. Your positiveness, your calm and organized personality shines through your writing. It is a therapy for me.
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Wonderful post! I often refer back to Philippians 4:8. It’s such a lovely verse 🤗
I love your minimalist approach to books. When I began following Christ, I got rid of many that I felt I didn’t need. Like you, I stuck close to the Bible, which has everything I ever wanted and needed ❤️
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So true, Yari ! It is “the” book. Everything is contained in this book. I enjoy your writing on the Proverbs 31 woman. She is my ideal. 🤗
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Definitely 🙂 And I am very happy to hear that! Proverbs 31 is a great example of the immense wisdom found in the Bible. Relatively short, but packed with healthy advice. That’s pretty much why the Bible is “the” book. So much great wisdom! 🙂 ❤️
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I am one of those people who have more books than I care to count. Many I have read more than once, some I come back to over and over. I do not have Jesus Calling though I have seen it advertised. Years ago I bought a book called God Calling and its sequel which I cannot remember the name. I keep thinking I need to revisit those books as they were filled with much wisdom too. My Bible, of course, is my number one book which I read every day and glean much from. But I still love to read new books though my budget these days doesn’t allow me many of those. I agree that negativity is contagious and I try to keep clear of it also. It is rampant in today’s society and even in the church. People need to wake up to see all the positive things around us. If we would dwell on thankfulness, we would bypass the negative without much difficulty.
I am so glad to hear your husband is better. And happy that you are enjoying your new location. I have never been to Newfoundland though I came close one year as I had a trip all picked out, but unfortunately I got sick and lost my job, so no job, no money, no trip. 🙂 What part of Ontario are you from? I’m in London.
By the way, thank you for the follow on my blog. I have just started a new site which I will probably reroute people to from this one, but will make an announcement about that later.
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Very nice to hear from you. We lived in Bracebridge, Muskoka. We have visited London. It is beautiful there. I look forward to following you on your new blog. 🤗
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Sally, hindsight really lets us see the sacredness of focus on the Lord. I’m grateful you guys were able to sell and find a place of restoration, and that your husband is being restored to health. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. ♥
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Love this book daily.
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A thoughtful friend gave me her copy of this book, and I have found it very meaningful, some days. I’m glad to hear that you’re husband is doing better.
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