Title: From Devastation to Restoration Author: Jerry Savelle Genre: Faith / Christian Living
〰First Line〰
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When I was growing up, I was always the smallest boy in the class at my school. Most of the girls were bigger than me. From the first grade all the way through high school I was known as "Little Jerry."
Evangelist Jerry Savelle discusses the path of turning life's devastating situations into restorations. (Sorry, but the synopsis on Goodreads wasn't any better.)
〰First Thoughts〰
I've listened to sermons by Dr. Savelle for several years, but up until recently had not had the opportunity to read many of his written works. Through his messages, I'd heard snippets of his life story. Though this book is a brief snapshot of his life, I believe his story will still be compelling. I'm interested in reading from someone who's been where I've been and has gone where I wish to go. I only know a small taste of the restoring power of God and wish to know and experience much more.
So, what's the first line of the book you're currently reading?
Hey, it's October...what's one fun thing on your October calendar?
I'm beginning a book study group in my home. Our first meeting is this Saturday. We're studying The Good and Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith.
Thursday is National Poetry Day (first Thursday in October)...do you
like to read poetry? If so, what's a favorite poem, or whose poetry do
you especially enjoy?
I enjoy it, but I struggle with understanding how to read it. I understand that it doesn't always rhyme and the meter of the phrases isn't always uniform, but understanding the message and purpose of the poem is my downfall. I have a friend who taught middle school English and Literature and has offered to show me how to read poetry. I need to take her up on it. I know her instruction would help me enjoy it more.
One of my favorite modern poems is "O Clavis" by Malcolm Guite from his book of Advent poems Waiting for the Word:
Even in the darkness
where I sit
And huddle in the midst of misery
I can remember freedom,
but forget
That every lock must answer to a key,
That each dark clasp,
sharp and intricate,
Must find a counter-clasp to meet its guard,
Particular, exact and intimate,
The clutch and catch that meshes with
its ward.
I cry out for the key I threw away
That turned and over
turned with certain touch
And with the lovely lifting of a latch
Opened my darkness to the light of day.
O come again, come quickly,
set me free
Cut to the quick to fit, the master key.
Tell us about something you've seen recently that could be described as 'poetry in motion.'
Although this performance is several years old, I recently watched this after I heard of Michaela DePrince's death.
What's one song on your autumn playlist? Do you have an autumn
playlist? If not, pretend you do. If yes, then feel free to share more
than one.
The only seasonal playlist I have is for Christmas and I have a strict rule that I do NOT listen to Christmas music until the day after Thanksgiving (the only exception being Christmas Booty by Rhett and Link--it's on my spinning playlist for motivation). The playlist I listen to and edit the most is my Happy 911 list on Spotify. These songs bring me joy for various reasons: the song itself, the instrumentation, the memories connected with it, etc.
Share a quote that inspires you this time of year especially.
"Remember, motions are the precursors of emotions." - Dr. George W. Crane, quoted by David Schwartz, PhD in his book The Magic of Thinking Big
Insert your own random thought here.
In case you missed it:
* My previous Hodgepodge post: "One Word: Finish" is here. * My latest First Line Friday post: "#22 - Miracles by C. S. Lewis" is here. * My latest book review of Master of Change is here. * My "24 in 2024" post is here. * My 2024 reading challenge: "Full Shelf Challenge V.2" is here. * My final Simple Woman's Daybook "Day 40: The End is Just the Beginning?" is here. * My latest series on my Auntie's Workshop blog "30 Day Art Challenge 2024" starts here.
