Lists to live by...

I love quotes, witty sayings, inspirational thoughts--collect them wherever I can. I have them jotted down in journals, in files on my computer, on scrap pieces of paper...I've been known to jot down--on the back of a bank deposit slip--a thought-provoking comment I've heard on a radio show...while driving! What can I say?...I am addicted to quotes! (My future d-i-l even realizes it--she bought me a book for Christmas, 1001 Smartest Things Ever Said--I couldn't wait to work my way through it! Almost didn't want to open the rest of my gifts!)

I guess I may have inherited this particular collecting trait from my mother--she loved poetry and collected poems and other readings. She was always sharing a poem in church, when she wasn't sharing a special song, that is. I have the three-ring binder with her collection she gathered over the years. None of my siblings was interested in it when she passed away, but how could I let that be thrown out? There are newspaper-clipped poems taped to pages (remember Grit--she loved it) and others she had re-written on notebook paper. I guess I view her collection as a look inside her heart and soul. Each poem had some meaning to her--spoke to her in some way. And when I read one of them, our hearts still connect, even though she's been gone almost 18 years (wow, doesn't seem like I've been without her that long!).

So I said all that to share this with you. I have a collection of books entitled Lists to Live By. I pulled one of the volumes out today while working at the church--I needed some filler for our bulletin. (I also do our church sign, so my quote collection comes in handy!) The following is the list I chose to use and thought I would share it with you all. Hope it gets you thinking!

Actions That Take Courage

• Admitting you are wrong.
• Doing what is right when everyone else isn't.
• Speaking to someone you don't know.
• Saying "no" when people are trying to get you to do something you know you shouldn't.
• Telling the truth and accepting the consequences.
• Standing up for something you believe in even though it might mean rejection or ridicule or even physical harm.
• Defending someone who is considered unpopular or unacceptable.
• Facing a limitation and giving it your very best regardless of pain or discomforts.
• Confronting a fear without running away.
• Giving sacrificially to protect or promote either someone you love, someone who has been wronged, or someone who is in need.
• Being the only one.
• Taking a risk.
• Sharing your heart honestly (including your feelings and fears and failures).
• Living your faith with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength regardless of the cost.

Dr. Steve Stephens, Psychologist and Seminar Speaker
Lists to Live By, The First Collection

Books for Sale...

Here are a few odd books I've had lying around--if you're interested in any, email me and I'll get back to you. If you want more than one, I will combine to save you shipping. They will be sent via media mail. Prices quoted include shipping to US addresses, will consider shipment to Canada but may require additional shipping $. First come, first served!

Cut the Clutter and Stow the Stuff--$8.00 shipping included

Make It Last--$8.00 shipping included

American Country Living, The Ultimate Lifestyle Compendium
$12.00 shipping included

Complete Guide to Gardening--$8.00 shipping included

Random thoughts...from one book lover to another...

Just wanted to share something that streamed by on the ticker tape behind my eyes (that's something my husband swears exists because of the random things I say at times--what can I say, I think a lot!)

Anyway, here's the thought...on New Year's Day (evening) my son, his fiancee, hubby and I were strolling through a local mall passing the time until it was showtime for our movie--Valkyrie. Most of the stores were closed. When we came to Borders, the gate was down at the mall entrance. However, I mentioned that there were shoppers inside the store. My son's fiancee said the outside entrance was still open. Well, my dear hubby could not resist and he told me they were all locked inside until the store opened up the next morning. My reaction was not what everyone expected--"That would be wonderful! All of those books and coffee too! I'd love to be stuck in there!"

What can I say--I loooove books--and coffee! Any books--just-for-fun books and books for "learnin'". I am usually reading 4-5 different books at any one time. Another quirk about me is that I love the smell of books and the feel of books. This may sound weird to some--another of my hubby's viewpoints--but what do you think? Maybe I should have been a librarian or owned a bookstore?? How 'bout you? Does anyone else relate to books in a similar fashion? I can't be the only one...come on, back me up, please....