Meanwhile, in Rivendell . . .

(I have SOOO much that I want to say about this topic, but I don't think I can say it all yet, so I wanted to say a little.) Over the past couple years, especially, God has really been showing me some profound insecurities, misconceptions, and struggles that have lodged themselves in my soul.  He's helping me root them out, but I've got a feeling it will be a years-long process.  They go very deep. In the midst of discovering my fears, God has showered me with confirmation that they are not unique to me .  I believe these are issues that many of us deal with.  The problem is that we don't talk about them, and that needs to change. I mean things like: - perfectionism - works-based approval (both from God and from others) - religiosity & legalism These problems can manifest themselves with symptoms such as: - inability to believe that you are truly "free in Christ" - tendency to overanalyze even insignificant thoughts,...

Because -- as you know if you saw my status update on Goodreads -- I watched it for the first time in a long time yesterday, and I HAVE SOME FEELINGS, FAM. <333 Wow.  You guys. I appreciated this so much yesterday.  I mean, I appreciated it as a wee child, but a few years later it's even better. True, it's not one of what I would call my "core favorite" movies: while it has a place in my heart, that place isn't nestled deep into the fibers of my soul, if you know what I mean.  And I'd probably get tired of it if I watched it over and over again (I think that's what happened before).  But it's still a favorite -- just not a top favorite -- and it's definitely still a very nostalgic, meaningful movie to me, just on the basis of #memories, quality time with siblings, etc. BUT IN IT'S OWN RIGHT, THOUGH, THIS MOVIE IS FLIPPING AMAZING. LIKE THIS PART.  Feels alert! // The Experience // First of all, I'd like to poin...

IT IS WEDNESDAY, MY DUDES. (What?  I like to prove that I'm not totally disconnected from the mainstream on occasion.) (I know, that's pathetic. What can I say.) Also, it'll probably not be Wednesday by the time you're actually reading this, but I'm starting it on a Wednesday, so whatever. ANYWAY. Have you guys ever stopped to consider little things that just make reading better?  (Yes, I'm sure you have.  I'm surrounded by fellow bibliophiles, after all.)  Well, today, as the title of the post may have informed you, I'm here to share some of the things that I've observed.  Call them tips or tricks to "a better reading experience," if you will.  - The sound of typing - Okay, have y'all noticed??  It is SO NICE to hear the "soft tapping" of someone's computer keys while you're reading.  It's like a soundtrack to the writing of whatever book it is you're reading.   (I'm assuming t...

                                                                                                                  Spring winds murmuring, Emerald grass marshaling, Glad birdsong twittering, All flowers glimmering. Rise to a rumor given: "Fear not, for He is risen." Creation awaiting with bated breath The Power that conquered cowardly death. A slab of granite rolls aside -- Dazzling light bursts from ...