Joni Eareckson Tada
Description from Goodreads: Joni shares sensitive reflections on the wonder of God's presence and encourages us, in practical ways, to commune with Him regularly and catch heaven's quiet fragrance in the midst of our crazy, bustling world.
My Review: I don't remember the last time I finished a devotional prior to this morning. I rarely have the patience for nonfiction, unless it is exceptionally entertaining or else speaks to me. Being a devotional, this book obviously achieved the latter.
C.L. McCourt
(Goodreads description can be read here)
In this second book, Rhea, Daen and Randell continue their search for answers. Now that they have found each other and a way into Luxatra, the plot moves along much more quickly and is more action-packed than the first book. Rhea learns about who and what she is, opening up more questions pertaining to what it all means.
you dance, but you don't know why
the breeze blows and your branches move
yet you don't comprehend
light plays through your boughs
leaves shimmer and clap their tiny hands
papery trunk stands tall while
roots anchor, continue to grow
and you don't understand
you just are, and be, and praise
photo by Paul Manickam
I do know my tree species, I promise! (despite the fact that I just posted a photo of maple branches with a poem about a birch tree)
I wonder about the trees.
Why do we wish to bear
Forever the noise of these
More than another noise
So close to our dwelling place?
We suffer them by the day
Till we lose all measure of pace,
And fixity in our joys,
And acquire a listening air.
They are that that talks of going
But never gets away;
And that talks no less for knowing,
As it grows wiser and older,
That now it means to stay.
My feet tug at the floor
And my head sways to my shoulder
Sometimes when I watch trees sway,
From the window or the door.
I shall set forth for somewhere,
I shall make the reckless choice
Some day when they are in voice
And tossing so as to scare
The white clouds over them on.
I shall have less to say,
But I shall be gone.
--Robert Frost
I visited New England last year, where I admired the trees and even toured one of Robert Frost's homes.
 |
| Frost's mailbox |
Draw near to me, oh God,
be ever beside me
that I may feel your Presence
that I may feel
Do not abandon me in my melancholy
though I am dust
mold me as clay to do your Will
strengthen my wavering knees
Draw near to me, oh God,
be ever beside me--never leave--
that I may feel your Presence
Draw near to me, oh God
C.L. McCourt
(Goodreads description can be found here)
I really enjoyed reading McCourt's first fantasy novel, and look forward to reading the rest of the series! It is surprisingly realistic (for a fantasy) and very detailed without being boring. This is a very smooth read. Though written in third person, the book alternates between perspectives of three main characters and weaves their lives together beautifully, gradually revealing connections.
wonder
not even a second glance--no--
