Alive in Spring and Anticipating Summer

A blogger I follow asks her followers, periodically, what's keeping you alive right now?

Of course, as a believer, the answer is Jesus, right?  And that is definitely the truth for me. How bereft I would be without the constant companionship of the Holy Spirit and the knowledge that He is making all things work together for my good.

So within that wonderful, holy habitat, what has given me enjoyment, focus, and new discoveries lately?

-those quirky librarians I work with
Whether it's playing board games over lunch or planning the next lobby display, I am surrounded by creative minds, all younger than I am. The campus newspaper is currently running ads for the library asking readers to vote for their favorite out of context quotes from library staff. These quotes have been collected over the academic year and literally make no sense without knowing the background setting. They've become quite popular on campus.  We're also displaying "rare" library artifacts in the front lobby. Things like an electric eraser, floppy disks, an old microfilm reader, a puppet from the juvenile section, and other odds and ends. They are given made up names and displayed like museum pieces with placards to describe their imaginary functions.  Funny and original!

-Nancy Pearcy's book, Love Thy Body
Nancy shares an understanding of how our culture has drifted from a Biblical world view to a post-modern, agnostic belief that the mind and emotions have control over physical matters, specifically how the human body is viewed. When people operate in this belief system, there are no binaries for gender,  life is determined by when personhood is recognized, not by the presence of gestation and fetus and why homosexuality is now acceptable.  Nancy also discusses euthanasia and family arrangements.  What does it mean to be human?  What makes us valuable? Nancy makes a convincing case for how Christianity teaches a holistic view of body, biology and sexuality. This is on my list to read over and to internalize more carefully the truths in Nancy's well written book.

-busyness of planning for a family visit
July 4th will be a day to celebrate family as all our kids and families will be here together-in one place for the first time in several years!  Meal planning and preparing ahead keeps the weekends busy with baking, arranging bedrooms and cleaning.  We've hired our wonderful neighbors to cater the meal that day- BBQ chicken, potato salad, and homemade ice cream.  Another neighbor rents bouncy houses and we're using his services to provide a play option for the kids.  This is keeping me beyond alive! #keepingmeupatnights   #keepingmebeggingforgrace

-summer time off from work
I love that my job affords me about 6 weeks off during the summer months.  It won't be a summer to lounge and catch up on projects, as there will be kids and grandkids here the whole time I'm off, but it will be time away from the library and time to make memories with grands.

-DAB Daily Audio Bible
A friend shared this wonderful app with me. Brian has developed a large community of followers who enjoy listening to his daily reading of scripture.  He follows a read-through-the-Bible-plan, and I'm able to keep up with the plan whether reading or listening to the daily recordings. This has been a lifesaver as I can listen early morning when I first wake up in bed, or as I'm getting dressed and doing makeup and hair.  Or as I do my exercise walk. With the craziness of my busy household and schedule, I have been blessed to hear the Word and be inspired by it. Thank you, Brian.  You can discover this resource, too!

-Jen Hatmaker's podcasts
Jen interviews friends, authors, comedians and many more in her weekly podcasts.  I can't listen as often as I'd like to, but I've been slowly making my way through her archives.  Very enjoyable, inspiring and fun.  You may want to check them out!

Whatever your summer holds, enjoy each day and savor the good times.