Monday, July 30, 2007

For the love of....

Today as I was sitting at my desk something came to me. A love that I inherited. Actually, you could say it is several loves and on different levels. I am blessed and have reaped the benefits of this love. It has also brought much pleasure into my life.

So, what is this love???
BOOKS!

I have LOTS of books. Better said, WE have lots of books. The love of collecting and keeping and holding on to books came from my Daddy. He has lots of books and has even written books. My Mama gave me the love of reading books. She loves novels and mysteries.

I enjoyed reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Beldon books when I was a little girl. Now, I enjoy reading my Bible and devotion books. I read books on Natural Cures, "how-to" books, books about people, books on how to be a better person, friend, wife, smarter, wiser. I love to read good Christian novels and magazines (we won't even go in THAT direction about moving magazines...)


Well, now, I have book shelves FULL and overflowing with books. We have boxes of books in the garage, in storage, in corners of the house! My husband has shelves of books in his office! Everywhere I turn, there is another stack of books!



My daughter asked me why I had so many books. I said, because I love them and they are all special. Some I paid dearly for, some are precious gifts, some I got at thrift stores or at my friend Judy's bookstore. Some have been passed down, some have been written by family members!



My sister sent me a little "Golden Book of Prayers" that I had when I was a little girl. Today, I received yet ANOTHER book in the mail.



So, from the title of this book, I wonder, is someone trying to tell me something?


I DO need to go through and share my books with others. My daughter was right, I probably will never re-read those boxes of novels again. I should give them to the library and then if I ever want to read them, I can check them out!

My love and passion for knowledge and acquiring more, has at times been a hindrance to moving forward. (definitely a hindrance as we move!) We are instructed to "put off the weight that does so easily beset us"... meaning, THINGS that are preventing us from being free to receive more. How can God open the windows of heaven on us and bless us if we are so full and stagnant that we can't receive anything else?

I think it is time for me to "unload" some things. Bless others with my blessings. I will keep those priceless treasures that cannot be replaced like my little Golden Book. But all those self-help books that didn't help - I plan to see if they will help someone else!

3 comments:

LIFESPEAKER said...

BOOKS! YES!! We gave away one entire book case full to Covenant Bible Institute's library. That shelf is full again and we are overflowing with books.

We have Kittles, 3 different concordanes, I have no idea how many Bible translations, books from the classes we took getting our Bachelor's in Ministry degrees. We have books from our few classes for our Master's degrees. I have a ton of novels. At least 6 Frank Peretti books. There are about 3 Grace Livingston-Hill books that I reread because God shows me something about His heart or mine and encourages me through them to love.

I know people will be blessed by your giving and it is more than OK to keep the very special ones. Just think of the new treasures that will fill those shelves and boxes.

Anonymous said...

I share your love of books! My husband tells me all the time that we have too many books and I need to get rid of them. A dear lady that has now passed on, used to keep me supplied with the little inspirational romance books. I used to have those all over the house! I have gotten better about passing on a book when I have read it. Ebay is another good option when you need to unload some stuff. I love buying and selling on ebay.

My favorite books are christian fiction, but I also love self-help books and natural remedy as well. My favorite author is Karen Kingsbury.

The LaBouffs said...

Yeah! I'm glad you're listening to me! Books...books..everywhere...not a drop to drink....oh wait...that doesn't go..oh well! GIVE THEM AWAY!!!!!