A Review of Fellowship of the Ring

I love this Booktuber's review of The Fellowship of the Ring by JRR Tolkien! Such enthusiasm!!

Bible verse of the day:

"Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony." - Colossians 3:14

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful for this new day and a nice yard to walk in.

2. I'm grateful for that bench out there waiting for assembly.

3. I'm grateful for having a Bible to read.

Plan for the day:

1. Prayer. ✓

2. Lawn mowing. ✓

3. Start reading Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler. ✓

4. Create a new monthly reading report page at http://lindajomartin.com. ✓

5. Create a new action plan for my online writing/publishing business. ✓

Quote of the day:

"The ones we love often don’t need our judgment—they need our prayers." — Dianne Fraser

Currently reading:
 
1. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

2. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

3. In The Pray For America Bible - Joshua 1/24, Psalm 79/150, Proverbs 12/31, Luke 21/24

4. Wild Women, Wild Voices, by Judy Reeves, page 41/223

5. American Dirt, by Jeanine Cummins - chapter 34/40

In the news:

Coronavirus second wave in Germany, France, Spain, China
Coronavirus symptoms timeline
Coronavirus in USA rural communities

What I've Read So Far This Year

This was me, yesterday!

Bible verse of the day:

"Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." - Colossians 3:13

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful for having learned to add a video to my posts at the VanDweller Forum.

2. I'm grateful my sore throat isn't worse than it is, though I wonder how I caught it.

3. I'm grateful for spring water from Mt. Shasta in my kitchen.

Plan for the day:

1. Prayer. ✓

2. Bible reading: Luke. ✓

3. Booktube. ✓

4. Mow the front yard. ✓

Quote of the day:

"You will find that it is necessary to let things go; simply for the reason that they are heavy. So let them go, let go of them. I tie no weights to my ankles." ― C. JoyBell C.

Currently reading:
 
1. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

2. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

3. In The Pray For America Bible - Joshua 1/24, Psalm 79/150, Proverbs 12/31, Luke 21/24

4. Wild Women, Wild Voices, by Judy Reeves, page 41/223

5. American Dirt, by Jeanine Cummins - chapter 31/40

In the news:

Australian Law Enforcement Using Helicopters to Apprehend Campers - okay, this is two weeks old, but still, pretty relevant considering where I live, in a forest. This is crazy government overreach. I hope this isn't happening here in the USA.

Asian Readathon TBR Plans for May 2020

This was me, yesterday!

Bible verse of the day:

"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." - Colossians 3:12

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful for another lovely spring day.

2. I'm grateful for more older people joining Booktube!

3. I'm grateful for the local health clinic.

Plan for the day:

1. Prayer. ✓

2. Bible reading: Luke.

3. Bible journaling.

4. Create a new page border video.

5. Read a few chapters of American Dirt.

6. Census.

7. Put new strings on guitar.

8. Make another Booktube video.

Quote of the day:

"To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you." ― C.S. Lewis

Currently reading:
 
1. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

2. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

3. In The Pray For America Bible - Joshua 1/24, Psalm 79/150, Proverbs 12/31, Luke 21/24

4. Wild Women, Wild Voices, by Judy Reeves, page 41/223

5. American Dirt, by Jeanine Cummins - chapter 26/40

In the news:

Scientific American: How the Coronavirus could end

Insight of the day:

TBR

Poem of the day:

TBR

Word of Life

Bible verse of the day:

"Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. . . . Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us." - Colossians 3:10-11

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful for Sunday online church services.

2. I'm grateful for all the people who make those online services possible.

3. I'm grateful for Facebook for hosting our streaming services.

Plan for the day:

1. Prayer. ✓

2. Bible reading: Luke.

3. Bible journaling.

4. Create a new page border video.

5. Read a few chapters of American Dirt.

6. Census.

7. Put new strings on guitar.

Quote of the day:

"Lightning makes no sound until it strikes." ― Martin Luther King Jr., Why We Can't Wait

Currently reading:
 
1. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

2. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

3. In The Pray For America Bible - Joshua 1/24, Psalm 79/150, Proverbs 12/31, Luke 21/24

4. Wild Women, Wild Voices, by Judy Reeves, page 41/223

5. American Dirt, by Jeanine Cummins - chapter 17/40

In the news:

Americans may have quarantine fatigue

Insight of the day:

You can't keep nature from intruding when you live in a forest.

Poem of the day:

TBR

Maybe Midrash TBR

This video, I made yesterday... about my May reading plans.

Bible verse of the day:

"Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world." - Colossians 3:5

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful to have so many good books to read.

2. I'm grateful for the presence of the Lord in my life.

3. I'm grateful to have a desire to serve the Lord by serving others.

Plan for the day:

1. Prayer. ✓

2. Bible reading: Luke. ✓

3. Bible journaling.

4. Create a new page border video.

5. Gardening: mow the front yard. ✓

6. Read a few chapters of American Dirt.

7. Census.

8. Put new strings on guitar.

Quote of the day:

"To be evenminded is the greatest virtue. Wisdom is to speak the truth and act in keeping with its nature." ― Heraclitus, Fragments

Currently reading:
 
1. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

2. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

3. In The Pray For America Bible - Joshua 1/24, Psalm 79/150, Proverbs 12/31, Luke 19/24

4. Wild Women, Wild Voices, by Judy Reeves, page 41/223

5. American Dirt, by Jeanine Cummins - chapter 17/40

In the news:

The recipe for "depression cake" - For those times when milk, sugar and eggs aren't available.

Favorite Psalms

From 2015 . . . one of the longest videos I've ever made.

Bible verse of the day:

"So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality. Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self-denial or the worship of angels, saying they have had visions about these things. Their sinful minds have made them proud, and they are not connected to Christ, the head of the body. For he holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it." - Colossians 2:16-19

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful to have my archive of over 200 YouTube videos. Great Fun.

2. I'm grateful for every Bible I own.

3. I'm grateful to have spring water to drink. Hallelujah! God's gifts are great.

Plan for the day:

1. Prayer. ✓

2. Make the Maybe Midrash TBR video. ✓

3. Gardening: mow the front yard. ✓

4. Read a few chapters of American Dirt. ✓

Quote of the day:

"To be evenminded is the greatest virtue. Wisdom is to speak the truth and act in keeping with its nature." ― Heraclitus, Fragments

Currently reading:
 
1. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

2. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

3. In The Pray For America Bible - Joshua 1/24, Psalm 79/150, Proverbs 12/31, Luke 19/24

4. Wild Women, Wild Voices, by Judy Reeves, page 41/223

5. American Dirt, by Jeanine Cummins - chapter 11/40

In the news:

Authoritarian Harvard professor wants to ban homeschooling because it’s ‘authoritarian’ - There are two sides to every story, and sometimes overgeneralizing doesn't work well if you want to be taken seriously.

Insight of the day:

Life's good. God is good. Always and forever.

Poem of the day:

Treasure Hunter

On a ship in the rain
A storm over sea
Thunder threatens
To silence me

Beyond the horizon
A treasure I seek
Sharks surround
For more than a week

My treasure awaits
Not silver or gold
Not jewels or money
Will my heart hold

Pirates won’t care
For what I need
Some can’t see
What starts as a seed

I sail on joyously
Rain pours over me
I lift my face to it
Drenched and free

Written by me in 2017

Travel Writing

In my dreams.

Bible verse of the day:

"You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross." - Colossians 2:13-15

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful for book lists and challenges.

2. I'm grateful to have a way to easily get downtown today.

3. I'm grateful to be a grateful child of God.

Plan for the day:

1. Prayer. ✓

2. Gardening: mow the front yard. ✓

3. Shopping trip. ✓

4. Read a few chapters of American Dirt. ✓

Quote of the day:

"Dr. Jekyll climbed his own tower of Babel and fell to the earth with a resounding thud as his medical miracle experiment produced the worst sort of result with himself as the unexpecting victim." ― From my review of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Currently reading:
 
1. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

2. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

3. In The Pray For America Bible - Joshua 1/24, Psalm 79/150, Proverbs 12/31, Luke 19/24

4. Wild Women, Wild Voices, by Judy Reeves, page 41/223

5. American Dirt, by Jeanine Cummins

In the news:

Threats to the USA food supply

Insight of the day:

TBA

Poem of the day:

The Holy Attitude

Patience won't happen overnight...
Not when I think I need it;
Not when I feel I can't wait.

Patience is elusive...
Thoughts of it haunt me
When I'm weak with haste.

Patience is not a method;
Reliance on God is the method.

Patience is not a goal;
God's Will is the goal.

Patience is an attitude, a holy attitude,
Developed from a lifetime of
Restless anticipation.

I wrote this on October 7, 1985

Children's Literature

I used to have a goal of reading all the Newbery Medal books. I read a lot of them, but not all, and at this point I've lost interest in reading anything written for children or teens. I still read some YA and I'm still working on some things I wrote long ago for young people. Right now I'm learning the art of illustration.

Bible verse of the day:

"For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead." - Colossians 2:12

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful for the van I sleep in.

2. I'm grateful for a rainy day.

3. I'm grateful God gives us everything we need.

Plan for the day:

1. Prayer. ✓

2. Finish watching Broadchurch. ✓

Quote of the day:

"A childhood without books – that would be no childhood. That would be like being shut out from the enchanted place where you can go and find the rarest kind of joy." ― Astrid Lindgren

Currently reading:
 
1. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

2. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

3. In The Pray For America Bible - Joshua 1/24, Psalm 79/150, Proverbs 12/31, Luke 19/24

4. Wild Women, Wild Voices, by Judy Reeves, page 41/223

5. American Dirt, by Jeanine Cummins

In the news:

Threats to the USA food supply

Insight of the day:

Don't think about it - just do it.

Poem of the day:

Traveling Gift

Wherever you may travel,
Wherever you may go,
There's something you take with you,
Something special that you know.

Across the bluest oceans,
While walking along the shore,
Or in the mountain ranges
That rose slowly from earth's core.

While visiting great cities,
While meeting people there,
Seeing how they work and live,
There's something we still share.

No matter how far you travel,
Wherever you may be,
Still my love stays with you,
That's a traveling gift from me.

[I wrote this on June 30, 1986]

Break Every Chain

I've had this on my mind lately - "There is power in the name of Jesus."

Bible verses of the day:

"Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority." - Colossians 2:8-10

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful for time spent this morning talking with my sister.

2. I'm grateful for flowers at my desk, that Aaron brought in for me.

3. I'm grateful to have a yard to garden in.

Plan for the day:

1. Prayer. ✓

2. Read the Bible. (Luke 19, 20) ✓

3. Finish reading The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. ✓

4. Create a new page border video.

5. Gardening: mow front yard and compost pile work. ✓

6. Thin Within webinar. ✓

Quote of the day:

"Love to faults is always blind, always is to joy inclined. Lawless, winged, and unconfined, and breaks all chains from every mind." ― William Blake

Currently reading:
 
1. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

2. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

3. In The Pray For America Bible - Joshua 1/24, Psalm 79/150, Proverbs 12/31, Luke 19/24

4. Wild Women, Wild Voices, by Judy Reeves, page 41/223

5. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson

In the news:

There may be an urban exodus of people seeking rural lifestyles

Insight of the day:

On yard work - just keep at it day after day and things will get done.

Poem of the day:

Two Women

One of my most heart-felt videos is this one about two women who impressed me deeply.

Bible verses of the day:

"And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness." - Colossians 2:6-7

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful for the hours I've spent studying the Holy Bible.

2. I'm grateful for modern technology that provides me with online Bibles and Bible apps. I use the YouVersion almost every day!

3. I'm grateful for the leadership in our country during this time of Covid-19.

Plan for the day:

1. Prayer. ✓

2. Van cleanup. ✓

3. Dig up front yard for flower garden. ✓

Quote of the day:

"You never have to change anything you got up in the middle of the night to write." ― Saul Bellow

Currently reading:
 
1. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

2. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

3. In The Pray For America Bible - Joshua 1/24, Psalm 79/150, Proverbs 12/31, Luke 19/24

4. Wild Women, Wild Voices, by Judy Reeves, page 41/223

In the news:

Can Music Boost Your Immune System? - According to a 2013 review in the journal Brain Behavior and Immunity, the emotional and psychological effects of listening to music have direct impact on biomarkers and hormone levels. Immunoglobulin A, which plays a crucial role in immune functions, was cited as being "particularly responsive to music."

Poem of the day:

Worship Music

I watched this, this morning. Great worship... in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Bible verses of the day:

"I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." - Colossians 2:2-3

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful that my son offered to come back today to do more mowing. 1/4 acre backyard!

2. I'm grateful church is online. Wonder of wonders!

3. I'm grateful for the presence of Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit in my life. Thank you God!

Plan for the day:

1. Prayer. ✓

2. Read the Bible. ✓

3. Lawn mowing the backyard with Aaron. ✓

4. Finish reading Lonesome Dove. ✓

5. Finish watching Broadchurch season two. ✓

Quote of the day:

"Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase." ― Martin Luther King Jr.

Currently reading:
 
1. Lonesome Dove, chapter 91.

2. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

3. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

4. In The Pray For America Bible - Joshua 1/24, Psalm 79/150, Proverbs 12/31, Luke 19/24

5. Wild Women, Wild Voices, by Judy Reeves, page 41/223

In the news:

World Book Day - free Kindle books at Amazon for 5 more days. I got them all, along with the $1.99 audio narrations.

Insight of the day:

Even though things happen that are against what you wanted, there will be compensations.

Poem of the day:

Observing in you
your kindness
your willingness
to work and achieve
has given me
a great insight
into life itself.

Revival

Revival... that is what we need.

Bible verses of the day:

"Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily." - Colossians 1:28-29

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful that my son helped me with lawn mowing yesterday.

2. I'm grateful to have a nice TV for bingewatching during the lockdown here in CA.

3. I'm grateful that I've been warned in advance of the cost of my van insurance.

Plan for the day:

1. Prayer. ✓

2. Read the Bible. (Luke 19) ✓

3. Lawn mowing in backyard ✓

4. Received homemade mask from Sylvia. ✓

5. Bingewatching Broadchurch. ✓

Quote of the day:

TBA

Currently reading:
 
1. Lonesome Dove, chapter 91.

2. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

3. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

4. In The Pray For America Bible - Joshua 1/24, Psalm 79/150, Proverbs 12/31, Luke 19/24

5. Wild Women, Wild Voices, by Judy Reeves, page 41/223

In the news:

Spain plans to spray disinfectants from airplanes on their citizens to "clean surfaces" ...wow

Insight of the day:

TBA

Poem of the day:

TBA

Blast From the Past: The Long Bicycle Ride in 2014

In 2014 I wanted to ride a bicycle from the Washington state line to the end of the trail on the far side of Lake Coeur d'Alene... and after months of training, I did it. I should do it again. Bikey is still here - in my living room. Needs air in the tires and I'll be ready to go again.

Bible verses of the day:

"And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven..." - Colossians 1:21-23

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful to have this blog to write in each day.

2. I'm grateful to have a beautiful and natural front yard.

3. I'm grateful for the two cats Mary and Steven left here for me.

Plan for the day:

1. Prayer. ✓

2. Read the Bible. ✓

3. Mow the lawn - with Aaron's help. ✓

Quote of the day:

"If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." ― Toni Morrison

Currently reading:
 
1. Lonesome Dove, chapter 91.

2. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

3. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

4. In The Pray For America Bible - Joshua 1/24, Psalm 79/150, Proverbs 12/31, Luke 19/24

5. Wild Women, Wild Voices, by Judy Reeves, page 41/223

In the news:

Amid the pandemic: The calming power of a simple walk

Insight of the day:

I need a challenge.. and for now it is the 4 mile walk video. I wrote this at a forum I write at a lot:

I discovered that I do better at getting things done when I set myself a specific challenge and get serious about doing things that will advance me toward whatever the goal is. For example - in 2014 I wanted to ride my bicycle from the Washington state line to the end of the North Idaho Centennial Trail. Picture this - one out of shape old woman with no bike riding skills, getting on a bike... and struggling. At first I could not go up hills.at.all. I couldn't ride far and I often had to get off and push the bicycle. But I continued to practice and by October 4 that year, I took the bike ride and fulfilled my goal. I rode 37 miles that day. Painful! But I did it. I have videos to prove it.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL...9MO5h-drK7

Another goal - I wanted 100 videos on my YouTube Booktube channel. Now I've got 200+. Lots of work involved and many hours of learning video skills, and I don't get paid for this - it is all a hobby. This month I finally got to 500 subscribers on that channel, which I started in 2014. Slow growth... but still a hobby I enjoy as it is great fun to find a community of people who like to talk about books.

So all this came to mind today because I need exercise, and since I'm in isolation I can't "climb the hill" which is a mile-long uphill trail called the Town Trail here. I did climb the hill in early March, so yes, I can do it... but I don't want to because of C19 right now. So I have an old workout video called "Walk Away the Pounds" with Leslie Sansome - it is a 4 mile walk video. And I thought it would be cool if I challenged myself to be able to do that 4 mile walk again. Now, recently I used the video and got to 1 mile, then quit. So I want to increase my miles until I get back to where 4 miles is easy for me - and that can all be done in my living room. Also, maybe now that we're all wearing masks around town, I'll feel more confident about going to hike the Town Trail again. That is such great exercise. Meanwhile, the 4 mile walk is my challenge.

Poem of the day:

a turtle winner
slightly quietly slowly
so confidently

Talking About Forgiveness

I made this video about forgiveness a few years ago. I'm thinking of cutting my hair short again!

Bible verses of the day:

"Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”" - Jesus, Luke 17:3-4

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to shop for different insurance for my van.

2. I'm grateful to know where I can get wood chips for my garden.

3. I'm grateful to be blessed with wonderful and caring friends!

Plan for the day:

1. Prayer. ✓

2. Read the Bible. (Luke 15-18) ✓

3. Shop for new van insurance. ✓

4. Move the 5 gallon buckets and other things I see from my kitchen window. ✓

5. Reread the first chapters of my memoir and possibly add to them.

Quote of the day:

"The best hygiene for beginning writers or intermediate writers is to write a hell of a lot of short stories. If you can write one short story a week—it doesn’t matter what the quality is to start, but at least you’re practicing, and at the end of the year you have 52 short stories, and I defy you to write 52 bad ones. Can’t be done. At the end of 30 weeks or 40 weeks or at the end of the year, all of a sudden a story will come that’s just wonderful." ― Ray Bradbury

Currently reading:
 
1. Lonesome Dove, chapter 89.

2. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

3. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

4. In The Pray For America Bible - Joshua 1/24, Psalm 79/150, Proverbs 12/31, Luke 15-18/24

5. Wild Women, Wild Voices, by Judy Reeves, page 41/223

In the news:

Alabama family denied entry to storm shelter during tornado outbreak due to no face coverings

Insight of the day:

Be patient for your Lord is patient.

Poem of the day:

forever peaceful
water falling beckons me
where gray wet rocks sing

Speaking of Writing

This is a playlist of some writing videos I've done.

Bible verses of the day:

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him." - Colossians 1:15-16

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful to be up early today.

2. I'm grateful for all the food I get.

3. I'm grateful to have a van to drive.

Plan for the day:

1. Prayer. ✓

2. Read the Bible... ✓

3. Grocery store, spent 180+ with gloves and a face mask on! ✓

Quote of the day:

"Abandon the idea that you are ever going to finish. Lose track of the 400 pages and write just one page for each day, it helps. Then when it gets finished, you are always surprised." ― John Steinbeck

Currently reading:
 
1. Lonesome Dove, chapter 89.

2. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

3. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

4. In The Pray For America Bible - Joshua 1/24, Psalm 79/150, Proverbs 12/31, Luke 12-14/24

5. Wild Women, Wild Voices, by Judy Reeves, page 41/223

In the news:

Coronavirus destroys lungs. But doctors are finding its damage in kidneys, hearts and elsewhere.

Junk Journal Journey

This is a playlist of all my junk journal related videos from the beginning. There are 12 videos as of right now.

Bible verses of the day:

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him." - Colossians 1:15-16

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful to know who made this world (Jesus).

2. I'm grateful to have a desire to make things better today.

3. I'm grateful I already did my dishes this morning.

Plan for the day:

1. Prayer. ✓

2. Read the Bible... gospel of Luke. ✓

3. Kitchen clean up. ✓

4. Laundry. ✓

5. Paint bottle caps! Just for fun. ✓

6. Read more of Lonesome Dove (almost done now!) ✓

7. Finished the bingewatch of LOST. So much better the second time around. ✓

Quote of the day:

"Abandon the idea that you are ever going to finish. Lose track of the 400 pages and write just one page for each day, it helps. Then when it gets finished, you are always surprised." ― John Steinbeck

Currently reading:
 
1. Lonesome Dove, chapter 86 out of 102 total chapters. The book is over 800 pages!

2. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

3. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

4. In The Pray For America Bible - Joshua 1/24, Psalm 79/150, Proverbs 12/31, Luke 10-12/24

5. Wild Women, Wild Voices, by Judy Reeves, page 41/223

In the news:

Protests against stay-at-home orders

Insight of the day:

God is here watching over us and He isn't going anywhere. He will always be here. Praise the Lord!!

Poem of the day:

... just wasn't feeling poetic I guess.

Craft and Sewing Thrift Store Haul

Shopping spree at Hospice Thrift Store in Post Falls, Idaho. They have a lot of craft and sewing supplies!

Bible verses of the day:

"He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." - Colossians 1:13-14

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful for my video making hobby.

2. I'm grateful for my good relationships with some of my children.

3. I'm grateful for the love of Jesus Christ. So precious, and so healing.

Plan for the day:

1. Prayer. ✓

2. Read the Bible... gospel of Luke. ✓

3. Read more of Lonesome Dove (almost done now!) ✓

4. Read more of the Wild Women, Wild Voices book. ✓

5. Deer drawing. ✓

Quote of the day:

"Vivid writing and wild voice come through the senses. Nobody else experiences the world exactly as you do." ― Judy Reeves, Wild Women, Wild Voices, page 55

Currently reading:
 
1. Lonesome Dove, chapter 80-82 out of 102 total chapters. The book is over 800 pages!

2. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

3. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

4. In The Pray For America Bible - Joshua 1/24, Psalm 79/150, Proverbs 12/31, Luke 7-9/24

5. Wild Women, Wild Voices, by Judy Reeves, page 41/223

In the news:

Charlotte woman hasn't left her house in three weeks but tested positive for COVID-19

Insight of the day:

Make do with what you already have. Survival!

Poem of the day:

...

Wisdom: A Fountain of Life :: Happy Resurrection Day

TBA = To be announced - in other words, I'll get to it sometime later today.

Bible verse of the day:

"Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 6:11

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful for the resurrection of Jesus Christ, my King.

2. I'm grateful for online streaming church services!

3. I'm grateful to still be alive, and especially to be alive in Christ.

Plan for the day:

1. Prayer. ✓

2. Online church services. ✓

3. Pencil drawings. ✓

4. Read something. ✓

Quote of the day:

"To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all." ― Oscar Wilde

Currently reading:
 
1. Lonesome Dove, chapter 76 out of 102 total chapters. The book is over 800 pages!

2. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

3. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

4. In The Pray For America Bible - Joshua 1/24, Psalm 79/150, Proverbs 12/31, Luke 7/24

5. Wild Women, Wild Voices, by Judy Reeves, page 28-41/223

In the news:

REVEALED: U.S. government gave $3.7million grant to Wuhan lab at center of coronavirus leak scrutiny that was performing experiments on bats from the caves where the disease is believed to have originated

Insight of the day:

It isn't over yet.

Poem of the day:

When heaven touched earth
My luck prevailed
Someone watching over me
Brought good fortune to me
In many forms, many ways
Bright joy, great love

Fire Page Border

This is the most popular bullet journal border video on my creativity channel.

There's a few new features today.... I'm adding a quote of the day, Bible verse of the day, poem of the day and insight of the day. Why not? I'm in lockdown for coronavirus and have plenty of time on my hands. I had two inspirations this morning - one is to buy a new sewing machine table, and the other is to use a jug for water to provide water to my plants and cats. For every problem there is a solution.

TBA = To be announced - in other words, I'll get to it sometime later today.

Bible verse of the day:

"Indeed He loves His people; all His holy ones are in His hands." - Deuteronomy 33:3

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful to have time to spend on my blogs.

2. I'm grateful to be blessed with this home.

3. I'm grateful for the land here that waits to be developed.

Plan for the day:

1. Prayer. ✓

2. Bible. ✓

3. Prepare a pencil drawing workspace. ✓

4. Read something. ✓

5. Home improvement. ✓

Quote of the day:

"When we lose touch with our wild nature, we lose our wild voice. When we become too domesticated, when we become too involved with the outside world, when we try to live a 'normal' life, to try to live up to the expectations of others or ourselves, when we don't give ourselves time or solitude or deeply satisfying pleasures, whatever they may be, we sacrifice our authentic voice." - Judy Reeves (Wild Women, Wild Voices, pages 27-28)

Currently reading:
 
1. Lonesome Dove, chapter 70 out of 102 total chapters. The book is over 800 pages!

2. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

3. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

4. In The Pray For America Bible - Deuteronomy 28-34/34, Psalm 79/150, Proverbs 12/31, Luke 7/24

5. Wild Women, Wild Voices, by Judy Reeves, page 28/223

In the news:

New federal projections show huge spike in coronavirus infections in the summer if current lockdown and social distancing measures are lifted after planned 30 days

Insight of the day:

The truth is out there but few of us know it, and even fewer can do anything about it.

Poem of the day:

Timeless treasure -
Your beauty eclipses
All difficulties.
I am glad I know you.

Klamath River

On my creativity channel, this little video of the Klamath River has the most views. I posted it back in 2013.

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful to be living near the Klamath River again, after 6 years in Idaho.

2. I'm grateful for the food people bring to me while I'm isolating myself at home.

3. I'm grateful for my progress on my 100 Day Project - story illustration.

Plan for the day:

1. Prayer. ✓

2. Bible. ✓

3. Study how to draw a deer. ✓

4. Read something. ✓

5. Windows. ✓


Currently reading:
 
1. Lonesome Dove, chapter 67 out of 102 total chapters. The book is over 800 pages!

2. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

3. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

4. In The Pray For America Bible - Deuteronomy 24-28/34, Psalm 79/150, Proverbs 12/31, Luke 7/24

In The News:

Groups used to serving desperately poor nations now help US

The 100 Day Project Started April 7

#100dayproject - I made this video yesterday to document days 1 and 2 of the 100 Day Project of 2020.

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful I finally found my cat, Morgan, this morning. She was hiding under a bush! Defensive action!

Morgan:



2. I'm grateful so many people are having fun with bear hunts during the coronavirus lockdown.

3. I'm thankful for the medication I got yesterday (not CV, don't worry) ...

Plan for the day:

1. Prayer. ✓

2. Bible. ✓

3. Gouache painting video. ✓

4. Read something. ✓

5. Booktube video. ✓

Currently reading:
 
1. Lonesome Dove, chapter 67 --> ?? out of 102 total chapters. The book is over 800 pages!

2. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

3. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

4. In The Pray For America Bible - Deuteronomy 20-23/34, Psalm 79/150, Proverbs 12/31, Luke 7/24

In The News:

People face increased poverty due to coronavirus epidemic

Lina :: A Story Needing an Illustration

This is one of the stories I want to create an illustration for.

Gratitudes:

1. Thankful for a good night's sleep.

2. Grateful for the 100 Day Project that began yesterday.

3. I'm so grateful that God loves me.

Plan for the day:

1. Prayer. ✓

2. Bible. ✓

3. Go to clinic. ✓

4. Gouache painting video. ✓

5. Read something. ✓

6. Pay for phone and electricity. ✓

7. Go get Rx. ✓


Currently reading:
 
1. Lonesome Dove, chapter 59 --> 64 out of 102 total chapters. The book is over 800 pages!

2. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

3. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

4. In The Pray For America Bible - Deuteronomy 16-19/34, Psalm 79/150, Proverbs 12/31, Luke 7/24

In The News:

Tourist towns say "please stay away" during coronavirus lockdown

Garden Messterpiece Page Border

I made this video yesterday.

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful for a warm cup of coffee every morning.

2. I'm grateful that I live in a small town.

3. I'm grateful for an artistic hobby that makes me happy.

Plan for the day:

1. Jesus lives! Let us pray. ✓

2. Watch last night's news broadcast. ✓

3. Bible reading. Deuteronomy 11-15 ✓

4. Read Lonesome Dove. ✓

4. Binge watching LOST. ✓

5. Make a video. Just do it. ✓


Currently reading:
 
1. Lonesome Dove, chapter 54 --> 59 out of 102 total chapters. The book is over 800 pages!

2. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

3. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

4. In The Pray For America Bible - Deuteronomy 11-15/34, Psalm 79/150, Proverbs 12/31, Luke 7/24

In The News:

A Pink Moon

Finding Joy in Life

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful to be alive and reasonably healthy.

2. I'm grateful to be awake early this morning.

3. I'm grateful to have good Mt. Shasta spring water to drink today.

Plan for the day:

1. Pray! ✓

2. Watch last night's news broadcast. ✓

3. Order dining room curtains. ✓

4. Order multivitamins. ✓

5. Bible reading. (Deuteronomy 5-11) ✓

6. Listen to Encounter Worship from my Idaho/Washington church. ✓

6. Binge watching: LOST. (Magical realism TV series.) ✓

7. Finish reading the Abandoned Parents book.

8. Choose books I'll be reading for Maybe Midrash (a May book readathon) ... definitely Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler for fiction, and I need to choose a nonfiction religion book as well. ✓

9. Bring bullet journal up to date. ✓


Currently reading:
 
1. Lonesome Dove, chapter 48 --> onward out of 102 total chapters. The book is over 800 pages!

2. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

3. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

4. In The Pray For America Bible - Deuteronomy 11/34, Psalm 79/150, Proverbs 12/31, Luke 7/24

In The News:

Coming soon: Universal Basic Income in Spain

Venezuela elderly feel they've been sentenced to euthanasia now: "Blanco and Rodriguez, like 3 million other Venezuelan retirees, struggle to live on state pensions of 250,000 bolivars a month - the equivalent of about $3 - which can at best buy a few pounds of chicken or several kilos of corn flour." (It is hard to find joy when you're starving.)

Happy to be a Christian

This is the video I recorded yesterday for my Christian YouTube channel, Redeemed in Love. Unfortunately, it was too dark in the room so I had to lighten it a lot so you could see me. Sorry for the video quality but the message is straight from the heart.

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful that our church is still meeting - albeit, via Facebook livestream.

2. I'm grateful for magical realism in literature and other media. Okay, it is a preference for me.

3. I'm grateful I had the courage to record my thoughts yesterday.

Plan for the day:

1. Church! John 13:18-38 ✓

2. Make a video.

3. Binge watching: LOST. (Magical realism TV series.) ✓

4. Read something.


Currently reading:
 
1. Lonesome Dove, chapter 48 --> onward out of 102 total chapters. The book is over 800 pages!

2. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

3. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

4. In The Pray For America Bible - Deuteronomy 5/27, Psalm 79, Proverbs 12, Luke 7/11 onward

In The News:

Surgeon general: 'This is going to be the hardest and the saddest week' of most Americans' lives

Bullet Journal Page Border Art - Pink & Yellow!

I made this video yesterday. I've made a lot of videos with bullet journal page border art. I guess you could say, it is a kind of hobby of mine. Art is a great meditative practice.

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful it is snowing in April again this year!

2. I'm grateful to have some books to read.

3. I'm grateful to have book loving friends.

Plan for the day:

1. Read the Bible. ✓

2. Make a video. ✓

3. Binge watching: LOST. ✓

4. Break out the diet food. ✓

5. Create a video production schedule. ✓

Currently reading:
 
1. Lonesome Dove, chapter 43 --> onward out of 102 total chapters. The book is over 800 pages!

2. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

3. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

4. In The Pray For America Bible - Deuteronomy 5/27, Psalm 79, Proverbs 12, Luke 6/11 onward

In The News:

Coronavirus Denial and Dysfunction: "On Jan. 6, Redfield (USA's CDC Director) sent a letter to the Chinese offering to send help, including a team of CDC scientists. China rebuffed the offer for weeks, turning away assistance and depriving U.S. authorities of an early chance to get a sample of the virus, critical for developing diagnostic tests and any potential vaccine."

Booktube: March Wrap-Up and April TBR

I made this video yesterday for my Booktube friends.

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful to have a home right now.

2. I'm grateful to have a habit of reading the Bible.

3. I'm grateful to have art supplies.

Plan for the day:

1. Read the Bible. (Psalms 65-69) ✓

2. Make a video. ✓

3. Binge watching: LOST. ✓

4. Call IRS. (Live telephone service is not available at this time.) ✓

Currently reading:
 
1. Lonesome Dove, chapter 43 --> onward out of 102 total chapters. The book is over 800 pages!

2. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

3. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

4. In The Pray For America Bible - Deuteronomy 5/22, Psalm 65/74, Luke 6/10 onward

In The News:

When it is over, will we be the same America?
The trail leading back to the Wuhan labs
Manhattan store owners boarding up to protect against civil unrest

Bargain Books Tag

This video was made last summer, 2019.

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful for the things delivered to my home... grateful for UPS, FedEx, USPS employees still working. Thank you!

2. I'm grateful for the joy that remains in my heart despite the hard times ... Holy Spirit presence!!

3. I'm grateful that I can write. What an incredible gift!!

Plan for the day:

1. Read the Bible. (Psalms 55-65) ✓

2. Make a video. ✓

3. Binge watching: LOST, seasons two and three. ✓

4. Help Aaron with tax refund issue. ✓

5. Finish cleaning art desk. ✓

6. Make more hand sanitizer. ✓

Currently reading:
 
1. Lonesome Dove, chapter 40 --> onward out of 102 total chapters. The book is over 800 pages!

2. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

3. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

4. In The Pray For America Bible - Deuteronomy 5/22, Psalm 55-65/74, Proverbs 12 (caught up) and Luke 6/10 onward

In The News:

(A new section as of today.)

COVID-19 is killing nearly 5K daily and over 50K have died so far.

One of My Page Border Videos

My favorite of my page-border videos.

Gratitudes:

1. I'm grateful to have an art studio again.

2. I'm grateful the county wants to provide food for me during the pandemic.

3. I'm grateful to have an apple tree in my yard.

Plan for the day:

1. Read the Bible... (Proverbs 11 and 12). ✓

2. Binge watching: Taken At Birth, season one ✓

3. Binge watching: LOST, season two ✓ [obviously real important stuff happening here]

Currently reading:
 
1. Lonesome Dove, chapter 37 --> onward out of 102 total chapters. The book is over 800 pages!

2. Abandoned Parents: The Devil's Dilemma, page 79 out of 96

3. Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, a classic, page 160 out of about 350... reading on my Kindle

4. In The Pray For America Bible - Deuteronomy 5/17, Psalm 55/72, Proverbs 12 (caught up) and Luke 6/10 onward