bookstores

It is Friday the 12th of October. Almost a month from the wedding. I have noticed my excitement building the closer the ceremony day becomes with each passing month.

Yesterday I shopped @ Mckay's (a huge local used bookstore) & discovered several books I had to rescue for my care. Most were classics including a 1st ed. of "The Winter of our Discontent" by John Steinbeck...though it may a 2nd ed. Collecting books particularly classic hardbacks is a passion of mine. Having just yesterday concluded reading 'Jane Eyre', I was hungry for my next book.
I feel like I have very little to write today. Truly, I am waiting for the clock hour hand to touch 4pm so I may leave this job of boredom & relish my weekend.

'The Marriage Builder'

As my wedding is less than 2 months away, our pastoral counselor, Gary Purdy, is having us read 'The Marriage Builder' by Dr. Larry Crabb. As I avoid self help books in general for I am drawn to fiction or nonfiction, I found it difficult to concentrate on the words & absorb their meaning. Yet, I made progress & picked up some excellent jewels...simple but oh so helpful.

1. Whenever the goal of our behavior is essentially to change the other person--whether the change is good or bad--we are wrong. Unless there is the purpose of communicating love based on an awareness ofour spouses' needs, we qualify as manipulators, not ministers.

2. I cannot add to the fact of my husband's security, but I can add to his feelings of security.

3. Until I am aware of that my needs are ALREADY met in Christ, I will be motivated by emptiness to meet my needs. When I truly know this I can give out of my fullness in Christ.

4. The stain of selfcenteredness requires many washings before it no longer controls our motivation.

5. When an emotion arises within us, acknowledge to ourselves & God how we feel allowing ourselves to inwardly feel the emotion. Then emotional expression is legitimate only when it does not conflict w/our fulfilling God's purposes.

Ok that is all I feel like typing now.

We interrupt this program or rather blog
...to bring you some random facts. I was "tagged" by Marianna in a blogging game, so here goes.
The Rules:
1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog (about their 8 things) and post these rules.
4. At the end of their blog, they need to choose people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Here are my 8 weird facts/habits--

1. I shake my bath towel out before I use it as to avoid any yesterday hairs clinging to me as I wipe off my showered body. Hair (even mine) creeps me out! That is why I plan to chop my locks after the wedding.

2. To quell my anxiety about leaving a house with a possible running toilet, I stare into the bowl convincing myself that the water is tranquil & no sound emits. It always is tranquil & soundless, but I must convince myself.

3. I used to receive a box of Grape Nuts cereal for every birthday. My roommate in college even continued this tradition 1 year. It has been awhile now.

4. I must pee right before I slip into bed as guided by my childhood fear of wetting the bed.

5. Another hair oddity--I collect my fallen out long hair by sticking it to the shower wall as I wash it as to avoid a clog!

6. I absolutely love old films and Columbo.

7. I lived in Santa Cruz, Bolivia for 4 years as a child. My parents were missionaries--my father created a Christian bookstore (still thriving today) & my mom taught kindergarten.

8. I was a cheerleader for 2 years then began my volleyball & basketball 'career'. Anyone who knows me now would never ever believe that I was possessed by the cheering bug.

So you can conclude that most of my 8 are related to OCD. ;~)