I just read this collection to my boys at bedtime. I can relate to each of these stories. I've had those horrible, terrible, no good, very bad days that made me want to move to Australia. We are studying the value of money right now, so my youngest is learning that he used to be rich. I've stomped my feet about a few moves myself. But, best of all Alexander with his mussed hair and grouchy expression about life always makes me laugh. And somehow that makes the horrible days, empty pockets, and moves in life seem not so bad.

Thanks to all who attended my reading at Bethel. Special thanks to Assistant Professor of English Angela Shannon for coordinating the event. It was a great time to get reaquainted with former professors, meet new ones, and talk with students. Hope to see you at future events!

I just finished reading The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. It is not my favorite Lewis book. That would be Till We Have Faces, which I first read in college and then within the last year, loving it both times for its mythological and allegorical themes. As for this book, I found myself reading rather absently. Perhaps that is the ploy of demons, which is the theme of the book. They never really want you to know what they are up to, and distraction is one of their greatest means of keeping humans off their scent. However, they did not succeed entirely. Certain passages caught my attention. Most likely because they were immediately applicable. Sounded too familiar. Sounded all too true. Yet Lewis warns, "Readers be advised to remember that the devil is a liar. Not everything that Screwtape says should be assumed to be true even from his own angle." (Lewis 1976, Preface) In other words, don't believe everything you read. But, do read it!

See more of my book recommendations on Good Reads! http://www.goodreads.com

Tate Publishing and Enterprises

The Lord gave the Word; great was the company of those that published it.”

-Psalms 68:11

Penny J Johnson Poetry Reading Event

Featuring Poems from The Last Time We Were Children

                                           Date:   April 28, 2008         Time: 4pm – 6pm

Bethel University

3900 Bethel Drive, St. Paul, MN

We hope to see you there!

Tate Publishing and Enterprises, LLC

Can’t make the event?  

Go to www.tatepublishing.com to visit our online bookstore to get a copy!

PLEASE NOTE

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Tate Publishing and Enterprises

The Lord gave the Word; great was the company of those that published it.”

-Psalms 68:11

Penny J Johnson Poetry Reading Event

Featuring Poems from The Last Time We Were Children

                                           Date:   May 1, 2008         Time: 4pm – 6pm

Bethel University

3900 Bethel Drive, St. Paul, MN

We hope to see you there!

Tate Publishing and Enterprises, LLC

Can’t make the event?  

Go to www.tatepublishing.com to visit our online bookstore to get a copy!

PLEASE NOTE

**************************************************************************************

This electronic mail message contains information that (a) is or may be CONFIDENTIAL, PROPRIETARY IN NATURE, OR OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY LAW FROM DISCLOSURE, and (b) is intended only for the use of the addressee(s) named herein, and (c) is protected by copyright and may not be displayed or shared with any other person other than the intended recipient.  If you are not an intended recipient, please send an email immediately to publish@tatepublishing.com and take the steps necessary to delete the message completely from your computer system.

The kids and I have been reading some Easter books over the last three weeks. It has been a wonderful time of reflecting on Christ's sacrifice, learning more about Easter traditions, and thinking about the season in new ways.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis: Of course, many are more familiar with this book after the Narnia movie and the upcoming Prince Caspian movie. But, I believe reading the book is always effective even if one has seen or is planning to see the movie version. If three boys can stay riveted during its reading, you know it's a good book! But, why during Easter? This story is an allegory about Christ's sacrifice. Younger children simply enjoy the fantasy side of this story, but there are greater truths for older children and adults to study that are spiritually fantastic!

Lilies, Rabbits, and Painted Eggs: The Story of the Easter Symbols by Edna Barth: I found this book to be incredibly helpful to me in understanding why we have certain Easter traditions. It was also a great opportunity to talk about how different cultures and religions celebrate spring. Some parental discretion may be needed if children are very young, but because of the balanced approach of the book it lends itself to providing wise interjections and valuable discussion.

At Jerusalem's Gate: Poems of Easter by Nikki Grimes: As a poet, I love incorporating poetry into my reading with the boys whenever I can. This book is very beautifully written and helps the reader see Christ's crucifixion from various perspectives. I highly recommend it.

Vinegar Boy by Alberta Hawse: We are still reading this book, but so far I recommend it. It is a fictional account of the Easter story told from the perspective of the Vinegar Boy who brought the bitter wine to the crucifixion. The book is very well-written and provides a new way of looking at this significant event in Christian history.

Happy reading and Happy Easter!

My laptop computer screen burned out two weeks ago. Consequently, I have had to remote access my computer from my husband's computer in the basement. It's left me limited time for writing, emailing, and blogging, but it has allowed me to gain a different perspective.

Our basement is a disaster! Many, many bags of toys have been dontated. There is still a lot of sorting to be done, but at least the process has begun.

I understand how it got this bad. I'm rarely down there. We call our basement "The Depths" or "The Man Cave" because my husband and boys spend the most time there. So I realized I need to have an active presence in this area of my home!

I gained insight about my husband, too. The lack of organization bothered me in just a few days. No wonder he doesn't feel like the rest of the house is in order! As I discarded way too many broken toys, I realized how disrespected his hard work is in providing for our family. Perhaps my children broke the toys, but I haven't been faithful in making sure they are picked up. I also discovered why his ear phones are so important to him. Hearing the stomping and jumping through the floor boards, I didn't know we were raising elephants!

What's my point? Sometimes a different perspective is needed to see what hasn't been done, to see what one can do about it, to see how someone else views the world. It has made me rethink a few things in my small world. Imagine what can happen in the bigger one!