Happy Friday! It’s time to recall the week’s blessings. Thanks to Susanne at Living to Tell the Story for hosting Friday’s Fave Five. Visit her to find out how to link up.
Here are my highlights from this week:
1. Gifts from abroad. My son returned from a trip to Europe and he brought me the greatest tee shirt. He bought it at the Neuschwanstein Castle – the one Disney’s Cinderella Castle is supposedly modeled after. I love it! Not only that, he brought back something for his grandmother. What a sweet boy!
2. Pictures from abroad. We had time this week to sit and enjoy my son’s trip photos. Below is one of my favorites.
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3. The concept of “other-parents.” I’m reading Raising Happiness by Christine Carter (and plan to blog on some things it has piqued in my mind next week), and I’ve encountered several interesting observations. One is Carter’s idea of “other-parents” – people who influence your children, mentor them, sometimes even parent them in your stead. Looking back, I can see a field packed with them – men and women who have loved and nurtured my boys. I work with a lot of them, and they were the boys’ teachers. I’m so thankful for them.
4. Reading. I just love to read, and I’m so thankful I do. I read for fun, for enrichment, for research, for spiritual depth, for entertainment. This week I came to the conclusion that I’m compelled to read. I’ve noticed that when I read more, I end up writing more. Reading stimulates my mind.
5. Deep thoughts. I’m also reading The Rabbi’s Heartbeat by Brennan Manning. He’s so contemplative, so gentle, and he cuts to the heart of our Father’s love for us. So much of his book has spoken to me, but he referenced a quote that has stuck in my mind. I’ll share it with you:
“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
We value so the material, the "real" of this world, when it is instead the invisible that is of infinite worth.
Thanks for visiting my Friday post.
Happy weekend!
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21 comments:
What a thoughtful son. I love that picture as well.
I read for many of the same reasons. I can't imagine not reading.
A gift from a castle - how lovely! That's quite an impressive photo. Is that a cathedral? I'm with you on reading and those are such good reads you have this week. Happy Friday!
What a sweet son you have there! And what a cool photo! So glad you decided to share it.
Reading, I agree, is a most awesome thing. ;)
Hope you have a great weekend!
I am totally with you on #4!
Your son is a sweet guy. And that picture he took is awesome. I'll bet he saw some great things on his trip!
I'm with you. I can't imagine NOT reading. In fact, I quite panic if I find myself somewhere without a book to read. That's why I love the Kindle and now, having my Kindle books on my iPhone.
What a sweet boy!
I enjoy Brennan Manning a lot too - I haven't read that book yet. I'll have to check my library. Love the quote!
Happy weekend!
Great photo! I like the unique perspective.
I also am compelled to read.
The quote you share is deep. We are, indeed, too focused on the material world. This is something the Lord has been telling me for some time now. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I've always been compelled to read, too. I like your observation that when your read more, you write more. I think the same thing happens when you exercise. It seems to clear the thought processes!
Kudos to your son for remembering to bring mom AND grandma a gift. That is awesome!
Carrie @ comfortedbyGod.blogspot.com
Hi, Laura!
Love your Friday post, especially your thoughts about reading. I tend to read mindless books that dont require lots of thought effort. I feel like I spend so much time studying, writing, preparing to write, that I just need a break from all the seriousness.
Have a great day!
How sweet of your son!
I love to read, too. LOVE it! I'm compelled to, too. I know exactly what you're talking about! :-) I have my regular blog, which is listed on the MckLinky, and a book blog - proudbooknerd.blogspot.com - thought you might be interested because you are a reader! :-)
Great picture, Laura. Can't wait to see more! Yes, reading....take me away....
Hi Laura..thanks for your visit to my blog and kindness. I love your blog, thats where my heart is too. Come say hi any time..I'll put a new post on in a day or so. :D
Love this Friday "thing" you do. always causes me to stop to reflect about my week. One of my Friday faves this week was lunch with Johnnie and Karen and another was the sweet pictures of my great-granddaughter. I find my reading is much like the person who said her reading was "mindless" But I do need to read. (the word "need" was chosen carefully) Thanks for your post.
Sweet and thoughtful son! He's a great photographer, too, if that one photo is any indication of his work. I'm so thankful that I love to read. I am never ever bored.
Great to hear about your son's journey. But I really loved what you said about other men influencing your sons..At my son's wedding we had 5 other men stand up and give a tribute to my son, as they were so instrumental in breathing life and meaning into his life.
Keep reading. I loved reading a mixture of what you said, but it's not my hobby...I do it because it sharpens my mind...and yes it does inspire me to write.
Enjoy
Thanks for finding my blog today. I love Brennan Manning!!
Blessings!
~H
Thanks for stopping by my blog, I enjoyed meeting you through your blog. I also love to read which then stimulates my mind. Have a lovely weekend.
Oh Laura. That shot your son took is wonderful. Just thinking about entering that space with the soaring ceiling... spectacular.
That picture is gorgeous! Glad you got to sit with your son and go through pictures together. A great mom thing to do.
I know just what you mean about reading! I am compelled also. It’s as if I have no choice but to read. The Brennan Manning book sounds good—I love his writing. I’ll have to find a copy of that one.
Have a great weekend.
Great fave list! In reponse to number 3, it's like the saying goes "It takes a village to raise a child." Thanks for visiting me over at my place!
Hi Laura - I'm so glad you're reading and enjoying Raising Happiness.
And I loved the reminder of Neuschwanstein. I visited it on a school trip back in the olden days when I was in high school! :)
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