Given the events of the day, I found this to be quite appropriate.

http://despair.com/changewinds.html

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Here are some photos (unedited) that I took with my "new" camera. I really like the ones with the twinkly lights. My friend let me use a special lens to get that effect...I'll have to get one myself.

I have an addiction. It is called "buying books". I have nothing against libraries, but I much prefer to have my own copy of the book(s) I'm reading. I just bought Barnes and Noble editions of "Nicholas Nickelby" and "Tess of the D'urbervilles" from Amazon.com (the latter is a recent addition to my reading list which may have to take the place of "Nicholas..." temporarily as he is currently out of stock at Amazon). I am now fluctuating between having serious "buyer's guilt" and then justifying my purchases with the rationale that I need these books in order to successfully complete my reading list. I think Erasmus said it best:

"When I have a little money, I buy books; and if I have any left, I buy food and clothes."

This year I'm going to do what everyone else I know seems to be doing and compile a reading list for the year. I think I have a pretty good start on it but if anyone has any recommendations for me I'm open to suggestions! Hopefully having a visible list will help keep me on track...hopefully...

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Here is my reading list (rough draft) for 2009 (I'm a slow reader, hence the modest list):

• The Six Wives of Henry VIII - Alison Weir
• The Children of Henry VIII - Alison Weir
• Knowing God - J.I. Packer
• A Case for Amillenialism - Kim Riddlebarger
• Rose From Brier - Amy Carmichael
• The Great Divorce - C.S. Lewis
• Islam Unveiled: Disturbing Questions About the World's Fastest-Growing Faith - Robert Spenser
• Nicholas Nickelby - Charles Dickens
  

Over the past several months I have been reading The Valley of Vision during my devotional time. I'm moved to tears and greatly humbled by the eloquence with which the writers of those "Puritan Prayers" express themselves. I have been greatly encouraged by reading this, albeit ashamed that my faithfulness in reading it and my Bible has been so poor. I tend to think that if I can't fix whatever problems I'm dealing with myself that no one else can, and I don't like asking for help. I found this line from TVOV convicting because I too often try to rely on myself rather than God.

Grant that I may distrust myself, to see my all in Thee.

Everyone should check this out! It's amazing!

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/index.html

I love Estes Park...a lot! I'm sure it's lovely this time of year, too. *sigh*

Alright, this is my third attempt at blogging. And since no one will read this anyway I feel as though I can say anything I please. Unfortunately, nothing remotely interesting or profound is coming to mind. I fail. :(