It has been a long time since I devoured a book in the way I have The Hunger Games (sorry for the pun...!) I have literally been walking around the house with the book in my hand and my husband has frequently had to remind me of the time or of something more important than I should be doing!
I had avoided this book for a while as I don't really like futuristic books. I have studied 1984 and The Handmaid's Tale in English at school and was really turned off by the unrealistic content. The details was too specific and, especially with 1984, I could see how far off reality it was. But I have to admit I was intrigued and when I have some spare Tesco vouchers to spend, I decided to go for it.
I have not been disappointed! Although this book is set in the future, it is not full of technological details or specific dates which will be proved wrong in a few years time. You may think me a prude, but I also enjoy the lack of swearing and sex!
I have just bought the next book on my Kindle app so am about to start Catching Fire. Will let you know what I think of it...
Thursday, 3 January 2013
Monday, 10 September 2012
Letters
I'm going to briefly review two books which I have read recently. The first is “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie
Society” by Mary Ann Schaefer and the second is “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen”
by Paul Torday. These are both books which were recommended to me and, if I’m
honest, I probably wouldn’t have read otherwise. I generally stick to authors I
know and styles I enjoy. But these books are written in a very different style.
“The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society” is written in the form of
letters between a London-based author, Juliet, and various members of the
Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society. It’s 1946 and letters fly back and
forth with stories of life in Guernsey under the German Occupation. The tone of
the book is light-hearted, but it doesn’t shy away from the more difficult
aspects of life in and just after the war. I love visiting Guernsey and have enjoyed seeing the island in a different light through this book.
My second book, “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen” is written in the form of
diary extracts, email correspondence, letters, press comments and interviews!
Initially I found it slightly bizarre as I am used to a straight-forward story,
but as I got into the story I really enjoyed the use of different means of
communication to convey the story. The basic plot of the story follows Dr
Alfred Jones, a fisheries scientist, who feels that something is missing in his
life. He is asked to help to create a salmon river in the highlands of Yemen –
so he has to figure out how to fly ten thousand salmon to a desert country and
persuade them to fish there! The story flows along in a predictive way, until
the end where there is an unexpected twist in the story!
Go and have a read and let me know what you think! (Comments always welcome...)
Tuesday, 19 June 2012
Music and lyrics
As I'm having less time to read than before Zoë was born, I'm finding myself listening to more music and specifically the actual words that are being sung. Here are some of my favourite lyrics that I have heard and sung recently:
Each strand of sorrow has a place
Within this tapestry of grace;
So through the trials I choose to say:
"Your perfect will in Your perfect way".
I love the phrase 'tapestry of grace'. Life is like a tapestry that God is creating; he sees the beautiful picture, we see the 'messy' underside. But all those messy bits are contributing to the beautiful clear picture on the other side which we will only get to see at the end of life.
(From The perfect wisdom of the Lord, Stuart Townend & Keith Getty)
The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes
[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
Each day is a new day given to us by God; whatever happened yesterday is in the past; whatever happens tomorrow is in the future and not worth worrying about yet. Lamentations 3:22-23 says: "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
(From 10,000 reasons, Matt Redman)
Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are
I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapour in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours.
I am God's because of what he has done for me, not because of anything I have done! Wow!!
(From Who am I, Casting Crowns)
I'm sorry if you've been near me whilst I've been singing along...!
Each strand of sorrow has a place
Within this tapestry of grace;
So through the trials I choose to say:
"Your perfect will in Your perfect way".
I love the phrase 'tapestry of grace'. Life is like a tapestry that God is creating; he sees the beautiful picture, we see the 'messy' underside. But all those messy bits are contributing to the beautiful clear picture on the other side which we will only get to see at the end of life.
(From The perfect wisdom of the Lord, Stuart Townend & Keith Getty)
The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes
[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
Each day is a new day given to us by God; whatever happened yesterday is in the past; whatever happens tomorrow is in the future and not worth worrying about yet. Lamentations 3:22-23 says: "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
(From 10,000 reasons, Matt Redman)
Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are
I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapour in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours.
I am God's because of what he has done for me, not because of anything I have done! Wow!!
(From Who am I, Casting Crowns)
I'm sorry if you've been near me whilst I've been singing along...!
Taking stock
How are you?
It's always good to look back and reflect on life. How has life changed for you in the past 6 months? I hope you've had some good times, but I expect you've also had some tough times; life is full of ups and downs.
My last six months have been the happiest yet toughest so far! With the arrival of Zoë Grace I have experienced the blessing and joy of the gift of a baby, yet have had so little sleep, my routines have been dispupted, there is another person in our family to consider etc. etc. etc.
My weekly devotional this week is encouraging me to take stock:
1. My relationship with God: Has it changed? Have I explored new ways of connecting with God? What's been my response to spiritually dry times?
2. My relationship with my husband: Are we enjoying parenting together and communicating honestly? Are we creating space for physical intimacy?
3. My relationship with baby: How am I adjusting to a constantly changing routine?
Something for me to ponder on this week...
(From Soul Food for Mums, by Lucinda van der Hart and Anna France-Williams)
It's always good to look back and reflect on life. How has life changed for you in the past 6 months? I hope you've had some good times, but I expect you've also had some tough times; life is full of ups and downs.
My last six months have been the happiest yet toughest so far! With the arrival of Zoë Grace I have experienced the blessing and joy of the gift of a baby, yet have had so little sleep, my routines have been dispupted, there is another person in our family to consider etc. etc. etc.
My weekly devotional this week is encouraging me to take stock:
1. My relationship with God: Has it changed? Have I explored new ways of connecting with God? What's been my response to spiritually dry times?
2. My relationship with my husband: Are we enjoying parenting together and communicating honestly? Are we creating space for physical intimacy?
3. My relationship with baby: How am I adjusting to a constantly changing routine?
Something for me to ponder on this week...
(From Soul Food for Mums, by Lucinda van der Hart and Anna France-Williams)
Speaking love
Which muscle is the most destructive in the whole body? But can also be the most encouraging?
The tongue! It weighs only 56g (2oz) but can build people up or crush them. The Bible refers to it over 1000 times (tongue and lips 100 times, mouth and lips 400 times, and words 500 times) often telling us to mind our tongue and be careful what we say. So, here are some 'Responsible tongue management' tips:
1. Take responsibility for your words and begin to exercise restraint
"I said, ‘I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked." Psalm 39:1
2. Listen more and speak less
"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19
3. Get rid of iffy language and inappropriate humour
"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving."" Ephesians 4:3-4
4. Refuse to gossip
"Do not go about spreading slander among your people." Leviticus 19:16
5. Avoid arguments
"Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels." 2 Timothy 2:23
Ephesians 4:29 probably sums it all up in one sentence:
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. "
Isn't the Bible a practical book?!
(From Having a Mary Spirit: Allowing God to change us from the inside out, by Joanna Weaver)
The tongue! It weighs only 56g (2oz) but can build people up or crush them. The Bible refers to it over 1000 times (tongue and lips 100 times, mouth and lips 400 times, and words 500 times) often telling us to mind our tongue and be careful what we say. So, here are some 'Responsible tongue management' tips:
1. Take responsibility for your words and begin to exercise restraint
"I said, ‘I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked." Psalm 39:1
2. Listen more and speak less
"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19
3. Get rid of iffy language and inappropriate humour
"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving."" Ephesians 4:3-4
4. Refuse to gossip
"Do not go about spreading slander among your people." Leviticus 19:16
5. Avoid arguments
"Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels." 2 Timothy 2:23
Ephesians 4:29 probably sums it all up in one sentence:
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. "
Isn't the Bible a practical book?!
(From Having a Mary Spirit: Allowing God to change us from the inside out, by Joanna Weaver)
Monday, 18 June 2012
Baby's First Skills: 6-7 months
"Now your baby will be sitting up unaided..." Well, she would be if she could sit still long enough to actually sit! Zoë is now starting to crawl so we have been moving stuff out of the way and putting up safety gates.
Here are some of the headlines of a 6-7 month old:
Talking: She is beginning to experiment with conversations with herself and other people, including babbling, initiatiting conversation, making recognisable sounds, imitating sounds and experimenting with new sounds.
Moving: Uh oh! This is the month of big strides... taking one hand off the floor and balancing (tick), sitting up (nearly tick), lift head when lying on back (tick), rolling over from back to tummy (tick tick), weight bearing (tick) and bounces (tick)!
Hands: Her grasp is becoming more refined and co-ordination is improving.
Mind: Zoë is really beginning to understand her surroundings and rituals. She knows her name and responds to it, and also knows the meaning of the word 'no'!
Friendliness: Company is good, but she's happy with her own company too now. She enjoys relating with other babies and uses ways to converse (laughter, coughs, squeals, bubbles etc)
So this month The Golden Hour of activities include (with a bit more information than usual):
Talking (7 mins)
Here are some of the headlines of a 6-7 month old:
Talking: She is beginning to experiment with conversations with herself and other people, including babbling, initiatiting conversation, making recognisable sounds, imitating sounds and experimenting with new sounds.
Moving: Uh oh! This is the month of big strides... taking one hand off the floor and balancing (tick), sitting up (nearly tick), lift head when lying on back (tick), rolling over from back to tummy (tick tick), weight bearing (tick) and bounces (tick)!
Hands: Her grasp is becoming more refined and co-ordination is improving.
Mind: Zoë is really beginning to understand her surroundings and rituals. She knows her name and responds to it, and also knows the meaning of the word 'no'!
Friendliness: Company is good, but she's happy with her own company too now. She enjoys relating with other babies and uses ways to converse (laughter, coughs, squeals, bubbles etc)
So this month The Golden Hour of activities include (with a bit more information than usual):
Talking (7 mins)
- Action Nursery Rhymes (#27) - what is says on the tin! (I'd better learn some more...)
- Puff and blow (#47) - Blow bubbles and then get baby to try as well. Hum a tune and put your baby's fingers against your lips so they can feel the vibration.
- Bathtime fun (#5) - Kicking, splashing, playing with ducks (pushing them under and quacking) and filling and pouring water from containers.
- Floor flying (#38) - Getting into take-off and sky-diving positions.
- Baby massage (#45) - Name the different body parts when doing the massage.
- Clapping Games (#11) - For example, Pat-a-cake. Must learn some more!
- Bricks and Blocks (#12) - Pick a brick: describe different shapes and colours; All fall down: knocking down a tower; Building blocks: build her own tower.
- Kitchen percussion (#23) - uh oh!! Use a selection of pans and pots to make a noise! Let her do it, but also see if she can copy a definite rhythm.
- Introducing Books (#3) - Read lots of books!
- Hide and come back (#13) - Hide something behind my back and get Zoë to look for it. Sing 'Two little dickie birds'.
- More about books (#14) - Point out pictures of animals (names, sounds etc). Demonstrate turning the page. Make up stories about family members.
- Feet and Toes (#29) - 'This little piggy', 'Wee wiggie' etc
- Family favourites (#44) - Make a family album and talk about people. Make a voice tape.
Monday, 28 May 2012
Catch up...
I can't believe that it has been nearly two weeks since I last blogged! But I have been reading lots during this time... Here is an overview:
Redemption and Remember - these are the two books at the beginning of the Baxter family saga, written by Karen Kingsbury. I do love a good bit of Christian fiction. They are inoffensive and easy to read, but deal with hard-hitting topics, such as adultery, murder, family issues etc. I was particularly upset to lose Redemption at some point last Wednesday as I was only halfway through. Oh well, I have read it several times before!
Baby-led weaning - As Zoë is now 6 months old we are entering new territory; milk is no longer the only thing she is interested in putting in her mouth! When she nicked some carrots off my plate and started eating them, we decided that it was time for her to go onto solid food. Baby-led weaning may sound new and radical, but when you think about it more carefully, I reckon most babies over the years across different countries follow this method. All that is involved is that Zoë eats the same as what we are eating (though we cut it into finger size strips to make it safer and easier for her to cope with) - simple! One side benefit for me is that I am having to think very carefully about what I want Zoë to eat and am having to adjust my own diet appropriately. Let's hope for radical results for me!!
Morrisons free magazine - I will often pick up the free magazines in supermarkets as they are interesting, but you don't feel that you have to do anything with what you've read as it didn't cost you anything in the first place. It was lovely flicking through this in the garden with my lunch. Maybe I'll even get round to trying some of the recipes from it!
The Bible - I know that I said in my first post that I try to read the Bible regularly, but, being honest, it frequently doesn't happen. Despite enjoying it, I often find other things to read or to do. But this week I have been challenged to try again. In the past I have been an 'all or nothing' type of girl when it comes to studying the Bible, but with a 6 month old daughter it is just not possible to spend hours studying and praying. So, I am dipping in and out when I have the time. I am reading through the book of Daniel at the moment and will tell you what I've read in a separate post!
Claire's Facebook page - This week a friend of ours lost her battle with Cystic Fibrosis. Although from a human perspective it is terribly sad for someone to die in their 30s (indeed at any age), for Claire it is better by far as she is now in heaven, pain-free, enjoying fellowship with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus. Claire's Facebook page is full of memories and comments which are inspiring to read. She touched so many people's lives for good; the main theme seems to be how she was always more interested and concerned in other people despite her own daily struggles.
What have you been reading?
Redemption and Remember - these are the two books at the beginning of the Baxter family saga, written by Karen Kingsbury. I do love a good bit of Christian fiction. They are inoffensive and easy to read, but deal with hard-hitting topics, such as adultery, murder, family issues etc. I was particularly upset to lose Redemption at some point last Wednesday as I was only halfway through. Oh well, I have read it several times before!
Baby-led weaning - As Zoë is now 6 months old we are entering new territory; milk is no longer the only thing she is interested in putting in her mouth! When she nicked some carrots off my plate and started eating them, we decided that it was time for her to go onto solid food. Baby-led weaning may sound new and radical, but when you think about it more carefully, I reckon most babies over the years across different countries follow this method. All that is involved is that Zoë eats the same as what we are eating (though we cut it into finger size strips to make it safer and easier for her to cope with) - simple! One side benefit for me is that I am having to think very carefully about what I want Zoë to eat and am having to adjust my own diet appropriately. Let's hope for radical results for me!!
Morrisons free magazine - I will often pick up the free magazines in supermarkets as they are interesting, but you don't feel that you have to do anything with what you've read as it didn't cost you anything in the first place. It was lovely flicking through this in the garden with my lunch. Maybe I'll even get round to trying some of the recipes from it!
The Bible - I know that I said in my first post that I try to read the Bible regularly, but, being honest, it frequently doesn't happen. Despite enjoying it, I often find other things to read or to do. But this week I have been challenged to try again. In the past I have been an 'all or nothing' type of girl when it comes to studying the Bible, but with a 6 month old daughter it is just not possible to spend hours studying and praying. So, I am dipping in and out when I have the time. I am reading through the book of Daniel at the moment and will tell you what I've read in a separate post!
Claire's Facebook page - This week a friend of ours lost her battle with Cystic Fibrosis. Although from a human perspective it is terribly sad for someone to die in their 30s (indeed at any age), for Claire it is better by far as she is now in heaven, pain-free, enjoying fellowship with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus. Claire's Facebook page is full of memories and comments which are inspiring to read. She touched so many people's lives for good; the main theme seems to be how she was always more interested and concerned in other people despite her own daily struggles.
What have you been reading?
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