Just another perspective...

Sunday, May 29, 2005

Tag---I'm it!

So, I've been tagged by Gretchen with these fun questions. Enjoy!

1. Number of Books I Own
Wow, this isn't really a fair question because I am in England and have NO WAY to count. Uhhhh....45?

2. Last Book(s) I Bought
Ok, well I *technically* bought a couple at the same time.

Grace in the First Person: Growing into Life and Faith -- by Lee Pearson Knapp

Girl Time: A Celebration of Chick Flicks, Bad Hair Days & and Good Friends -- by Laura Jensen Walker

3. Last Book I Read

Do You Think I'm Beautiful? by Angela Thomas
My campus ministers got this for me when I "graduated" from CSF. I'm still finishing it, but it's a great book in that it reminds us of how HE sees us.

3.5 Books I am Currently Reading
Ok, so I am adding this category because I am reading a million books right now, and this questionnaire doesn't leave room for me to put them anywhere! :) I'll just list a few of the good ones...

Genocide in International Law : The Crimes of Crimes by William A. Schabas

Just War or Just Peace?: Humanitarian Intervention and International Law (Oxford Monographs in International Law) by Simon Chesterman

Human Rights : Universality in Practice by Peter R. Baehr

From Kosovo to Kabul: Human Rights and International Intervention by David Chandler

International Human Rights Law: A Practical Approach by Javaid Rehman

The Evolution of International Human Rights: Visions Seen (Pennsylvania Studies in Human Rights) by Paul Gordon Lauren

Law Against Genocide: Cosmopolitan Trials (Criminology S.)
by David Hirsh

International Law
by Malcolm N. Shaw

I am generally non-political on here, but what can I say? It had to come out sometime. I really enjoy reading about issues of International Human Rights. Maybe "enjoy" isn't the right word. It motivates me. I get infuriated. I was watching Hotel Rwanda [DVD ~ Don Cheadle (2005)] the other day, and after 30 minutes, I had to shut it off. The whole world turned a blind eye to the 100 day genocide and now that a movie is out--putting a face on all of the death-- people just NOW are caring? It makes me sick. *sigh* At least picked the right profession, eh? I was talking to my sister the other day about this dilemna. I know it isn't going to be an easy job to have. Honestly, I hope I have the emotional fortitude for it. But then she said, "Yeah, but you're going to be in a place to make a difference in a very real way. You will be doing something that really matters, and no matter how hard it is, you just need to remember that." *sigh* She's right. So, if I get a little fired up, please forgive me... [end personal info]

4. 5 Books That Mean Alot To Me
This is a question I am embarassed to answer. I can't really put my finger on 5 specific books that encapsulate what I've been learning. But I'll do my best.

First of all, by far--the Gospel of Matthew.

1 Corinthians

Fresh Brewed Life A Stirring Invitation To Wake Up Your Soul by Nicole Johnson
Audrey got this for me a couple years ago, but I love it! I keep reading and re-reading it. As a coffee-lover [note: not addict], I love her metaphors of how a life with God should be awakening our souls.

When God Writes Your Love Story : The Ultimate Approach to Guy/Girl Relationships by Eric Ludy, Leslie Ludy

When Dreams Come True : A Love Story Only God Could Write by Eric Ludy, Leslie Ludy

5. Books I Want To Read

Keeping a Princess Heart : In a Not So Fairy Tale World by Nicole Johnson

I Am Not But I Know I AM: Welcome to the Story of God by Louie Giglio

The Air I Breathe: Worship As a Way of Life by Louie Giglio

Authentic Beauty : the shaping of a set-apart young woman by Leslie Ludy

When God Writes Your Life Story : Experience the Ultimate Adventure by Eric Ludy

The Coffeehouse Gospel: Sharing Your Faith In Everyday Conversation -- by Matthew Paul Turner

Captivating : Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John Eldredge, Stasi Eldredge

Tag 5 People You Know To Share Their Book Lists On Their Blog
Let's see...not sure I know 5 people with blogs that read this, haven't already done it, and aren't away from computers for ages, but I know Leann and Lindsey are keeping up with their blogs. Anyone else that reads, feel free to jump in! :)

Have a great day!
Nanette

Sunday, May 22, 2005

Treasure

I was watching Treasure Planet--a cartoon/anime take on Treasure Island--last night. As I was sitting there I started thinking about what I wrote yesterday. Making time.

"The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being." Matthew 6:21 (Message)

Selah,
Nanette

Saturday, May 21, 2005

This clock never seemed so alive...

It's all about making time. Making time. The phrase in itself seems impossible. Who am I to "make" time? I can't even handle using my time correctly, let alone create time.

Have you ever found yourself talking about something, a certain subject, continuously? It's just one of those issues that no matter who you are hanging out with or their level of interest you cannot avoid. It's something that you can't help but think about. It's consuming. It's something that you don't have to make time for...you just do, because it's that important. And the time you make isn't enough.

I have a TAWG candle. I know that it's not the quantity of time that I spend hanging out with God, but the quality of that time, but I find the visual reminder very helpful. Some people say that they make actual appointments in their planners to spend time with God. But me, I use the candle. Whenever I'm hanging out with God, I burn it. I set it in front of me, so that when my mind starts to wander or I my eyes begin to stray around the room, I see the candle. It reminds me of my focus.

I have other candles, too. I have some "relaxation" candles that I use when I study. I also have "company" candles that I burn only when people come over.

Again, it's not the quantity of time I spend burning the candles. And I'm sure that they are not all the same quality or even have equivalent burning times, but the principle surfaced about a week ago.

I am a visual person. I need to SEE. I like visual reminders of things. That's why my walls are plastered with cards, notes, and pictures of friends and family...loved ones. Lately I've been intrigued by the status of each of my candles. At times they are almost equal, but other times, it's not even close. It's like a visual of what's currently most important to me. Sometimes when I see the TAWG candle, I'm slapped in the face. It reminds me of its purpose...and how often its been neglected.

It's all about making time. But, if my relationship with God is something that I'm truly and uncontrolably passionate about, then I should use every spare minute thinking about Him and focusing on what's important. I want to get lost in Him. I want to lose track of time and space. I want to focus on Him and forget about my concerns. I want to get caught up in Him and our relationship until nothing else matters.


what day is it?
and in what month?
this clock never seemed so alive
i cant keep up
and i cant back down
ive been losing so much time

cuz its you and me
and all of the people
with nothing to do
and nothing to lose
and its you and me
and all of the people
and i dont know why
i cant keep my eyes off of you

all of the things
that i want to say
just arent coming out right
im tripping inwards
youve got my head spinning
i dont know where to go from here

cuz its you and me
and all of the people
with nothing to do
and nothing to prove
its you and me
and all of the people
and i dont know why
i cant keep my eyes off of you

theres something about you now
i cant quite figure out
everything you do is beautiful
everything you do is so right

cuz its you and me
and all of the people
with nothing to do
nothing to lose
its you and me
and all of the people
and i dont know why
i can't keep my eyes off of
you and me...

what day is it?
and in what month?
this clock never seemed so alive...

(lyrics from 722.org "Unthinkable Invitation")

Selah,
Nanette

We apologize for the delays...

...but the crew says we should be ready for take off in just a few moments. We appreciate your patience.

Well, we did have a bit of a snafu with the blog. Everytime I logged in it would tell me that I didn't have an active blog. But, no worries, the kinks have been worked out (obviously) and I look forward to posting again...later.

For now, I'm off to the lie-berry...yeah, on a Saturday, I know. I'm a 'lose-ah'.

K, cya.
Nanette