That, I suppose, is the final mystery as well as the final power of words: that not even across great distances of time and space do they ever lose their capacity for becoming incarnate. And when these words tell of virtue and nobility, when they move us closer to that truth and gentleness of spirit by which we become fully human, the reading of them is sacramental; and a library is as holy a place as any temple is holy because through the words which are treasured in it the Word itself becomes flesh again and again and dwells among us and within us, full of grace and truth. ~Frederick Buechner, Listening to Your Life
May your Sabbath be a slow read, a period on the tattered pages of troubled times, a chapter in the sweetness of your salvation. When you are tempted to jump to the end of your story, remember the mystery unfolds one word at a time. Savor it.
Happy Sabbath Friends!
Words dwelling among the surfaces of my home and within the home of my heart:
Listening to Your Life: Daily Meditations by Frederick Buechner
The Sabbath World: Glimpses Of a Different Order of Time by Judith Shulevitz – Join me on Mondays in July at The High Calling for a book club on this one.
Bread & Wine by Shauna Niequist – I’m enjoying the content and the rich conversation at the (in)courage Bloom Book Club.
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
The Orchardist by Amanda Coplin (debut novel, already NY Times Bestseller)
What are you reading this summer?
Learn more about the Sabbath Society here and join over 100 people who say, “I’m all in,” when it comes to observing Sabbath.
What am I reading? The Journal Keeper by Phyllis Theroux, Christ and His Bride (Cora MacGillivray), a funny book by Gerald Durrell, ‘Everything’ by Mary deMuth, and pretending I can actually consume it–Lincoln–A Team of Rivals. Devotions is ‘Waiting on God’ and Wholly Sanctified–Andrew Murray, sabbath/quiet time ‘God in theYard’. I think that’s just the short list.
There’s a group for people with too many books in piles, right? 🙂
I promise to crack open Wonderstruck, soon, promise.
Wow, you are reading a lot Jody. I also have Thin Places by Mary DeMuth on my Kindle. And to be honest, a few more I haven’t mentioned too. Yes, we need a group don’t we?
I just finished Billy Coffey’s latest book, “When Mockingbirds Sing.” I enjoy your Sabbath photos.
I won that Susan. Look forward to getting a copy.
Beautiful, Shelly. I am currently finishing “The Book Of The Dun Cow”, “A Severe Mercy”, and I am about to grab Billy Coffey’s new book, “When Mockingbirds Sing” from the library. I am also reading an advance copy of Dan Kings, Activist Faith and leafing through Luci Shaw’s “Breath For The Bones” for the second time. Oh, and also the book, “Washed and Waiting”. I wish I could read one book at a time, but it seems I cannot. 🙂 Love to you, my friend.
Oh…”A Severe Mercy” was one of the first books I read {and cried through} a very long time ago when Jesus wooed me home from my wandering. I wrote the author – years before e-mail – a gesture he graciously returned. I believe he’s now with the Lord.
I cried all the way through that one too. I remember it vividly. I was a missionary, in the tub, before children.
and you know that there are two of these on the above list that are near and dear to my heart. SOOOO glad you’re enjoying Buechner. there’s simply no one like him that i’ve ever read.
also, your photos are exceptional. just the perfect exhale for the weekend. thanks, friend.
I took those photos after I wrote the post. Dragged them out on my front porch. Hope that doesn’t take the allure away. But I love those books. They were in a pile of giveaways from H’s uncle. Now they sit prominent in my office/spare bedroom. Yes, I’m enjoying Buechner, thanks to you.
lovely … i’m drawn in this evening by your words, my friend, and the compelling invitation to sabbath rest.
Join us Linda. Would love to have you. It’s been a wonderful transforming community.
Hm, I think I need to re-listen to my life…
This was beautiful.
Hope you are doing well Sylvia. Think of you on most Sabbaths.
The mystery unfolds one word at a time. Needed to be reminded of that again today. Thanks!
Thanking God with you for timely reminders Holly. So glad you stopped by.
Dear Shelly
What is even more incredible is the fact that the resurrected Word, our Lord Jesus, came again through His Spirit!
Blessings
Mia
Amen Mia. I’m constantly astounded by his presence.
Visiting from The Sunday Community linkup – thanks for these words (and beautiful photos) sharing about the power of The Word. And I also appreciated seeing the list of books that you are reading – thank you.
Lovely to have you visit Cherry. I love the Sunday Community and Deidra is a wonderful friend.
I do believe there needs to a period on the pages of our Sabbath as we reflect back. (period) Then we begin the next sentence with a statement of faith grounded in the faithfulness of God who made all and said it was good who has promised things which eye has not seen, ears have not heard and hearts have not perceived.
I just finished Half a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Shauna’s book didn’t make it to the beach house. It’s floating around somewhere in Snailmailville. 🙂 Bummer.
I think you will enjoy Bread and Wine. Still savoring Daring Greatly. And your email that I opened today . . . .tears of confirmation. You’ll understand when you read my post tomorrow. I’m writing you back soon.
Shabbat Shalom…
Dina N. (causerie.typepad.com)
Right back atcha Dina. Thanks for visiting.
I learned the no-snakes-in-Ireland thing in Northern Ireland. The story about St. Patrick driving out the snakes is an allegory for driving out sin. There never were any actual snakes.
What am I learning? I am learning to stand. It will take some snazzy pink running shoes and a gallery of screaming people to support me when others threaten, but I will stand. And I do not need to raise my hand or my voice.
We looked that up for my 15 Things I Learned in June post Megan, the bit about Ireland. Of course the hubs already knew that.
We need those galleries of people. I’m so thankful you are in mine.
Lovely, Shelly. What am I reading? An advance reader’s copy of Caleb Breakey’s “Stay” {to be released in Oct.}. Good, good stuff. Happy Sabbath to you, too, Shelly.
I haven’t heard of that one Patricia, lucky you getting an advanced copy. I had a wonderful Sabbath, hope you did too.
Beautiful photo and words here.
Thanks Elizabeth, I’m always blessed knowing you were here.
When I was at University I attended a Reformed Prebyterian church for a year and we sang from the Psalter acapella, it was so refreshing to hear the Word in a different way.
I looked up The Orchardist and she is compared to some pretty prolific writers…so I hope it measures up. I always love these posts, see what your heart is drawing from for your Sabbath. So glad that GOd placed the Sabbath community on your heart this past year.