World Book Day

Today is World Book Day (23 April), which I didn't really know existed, but it sounds like a good day to celebrate the advent of books, writing and literature. The first World Book Day was celebrated on April 23, 1995, coinciding with the anniversary of the deaths of notable authors such as William Shakespeare. 

I am very grateful for the gifts of books, but obviously I am most grateful for the fact that Bible was translated into my mother-tongue, and that it was compiled into a book form. Although many of us may take this for granted, it was not always the case. For many generations, believers had to rely on a Priest to read from the scrolls of the Scriptures for us, and even when the Bible was first produced in book format, it was so heavy that it couldn't be carried around so easily.

John 21:25 - " But there are also many other things that Jesus did; if every one of them were written down, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written."

Revelation 22:7 - ‘See, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.’

Thought: What about the Bible (the Good Book) do you appreciate the most?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

A season of reflecting

As we begin a season of reflection, fasting, listening and praying, it is good to remind ourselves why observing Lent is a helpful practice. Of course, it is not something that we have to do, but I always find deep value in marking this period with intentionality. 

For those who argue we don't need to observe Lent, I simply respond by suggesting that focused prayer, fasting, scripture reading and meditation, are all biblical practices that help us to commune with our Lord. Whether we do it in this season of the year or later on, it doesn't really matter. However, in my experience, Lent is a precious time that prepares my heart for the life-changing message of the Cross and Resurrection. 

"Lent is a call to renew a commitment grown dull, perhaps, by a life more marked by routine than by reflection." – Joan Chittister

"The real question of the Lenten season is how will I clear out the junk and garbage in my life so that I can be restored to God in some fresh way? What are the disciplines that will open up space for God to create a clean heart and new spirit in me?" - Ruth Haley Barton.

"Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him." - 1 Chronicles 16:11

May this Lenten season be a period of renewal, grace and a deepening of your faith.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Running from God

“He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find Him the rest of the day.” ― John Bunyan 

I have found this sentiment to be so true in my personal experience. Bunyan advocates for spending time with the Lord in the mornings, before the day gets too hectic and the demands of life weigh us down. 

I know that it is not always practical for some people, especially when there are children in the household. However, the overriding principle of spending 'some' time with the Lord during the day is crucial and as long as we do it, then we will feel connected with our Lord. 

Psalm 5:3 - In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

What time of the day do you find best to sit quietly with the Lord? 

Closing thought: It is a worthwhile practise to offer God the day before it unfolds.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Pray and read - read and Pray!

 

John Bunyan is famously known as the author of The Pilgrim's Progress, a book that allegorically tells the story of a person's journey of faith. According to some sources, Bunyan's work (printed in 1678) has never been out of print and has influenced writers, scholars and believers for 350 years. 

Bunyan has numerous quotes that speak into my life, but this one caught my attention as it speaks of the unique combination of prayer and reading. I have been fortunate to have had a chance to read a few books whilst on leave and many of them have been catalysts to prayer. It is remarkable how a good book, and especially the Scriptures, can prompt us to speak to God.

What books inspire you to prayer a little more?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Final list of books for 2021

I should have realised that I was not going to be able to narrow down my reading list to just 21 books for this year :) Thank you all so much for the delightful suggestions and comments. I truly appreciate the wide range of authors, genres and topics which are covered by your input. 

I have now compiled a list of over 50 books (see below), which have been suggest by you all - if I have missed out one or two, I am sorry for my error. I have already read a few of the books that have been mentioned, but I am still listing them because I believe they are great reads in any case.

If you are looking for something to tackle during this year feel free to see what other people are reading. Go for it. 

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The man who never reads lives only one.” – George R.R. Martin

“Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.” – Jim Rohn

Living in Grace

D3LM3

LIST OF BOOKS:

1.      The War of the Roses (Stormbird) – Conn Iggluden

2.      The Choice - Edith Eger

3.      Missing Pieces – Tim Weaver

4.      Hope in The Dark - Craig Groeschel

5.      My African Conquest: Cape to Cairo at 80 - Julia Albu

6.      The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse - Charlie Mackesy.

7.      Dominion - Tom Holland

8.      Ragamuffin gospel - Brennan Manning

9.      A Time of Gifts and Between the Woods and the Water - Patrick Leigh Fermor.

10.  I'll Push You – Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck

11.  Radical Optimism - Beatrice Bruteau

12.  Captivate - Vanessa van Edwards

13.  Knowing God - J Packer

14.  Shantaram - Gregory David Roberts

15.  Finney lives on – V. Raymond Edman

16.  Man - The dwelling place of God - AW Tozer

17.  Wholly for God - Andrew Murray

18.  The Universal Christ - Richard Rohr

19.  God on mute - Pete Greig

20.  The Infinite Game - Simon Sinek

21.  The 11th commandment - Jeffrey Archer

22.  The smell of apples - Mark Behr

23.  The girl with seven names - Lee Hyeon-seo

24.  The Jesus I never knew - Max Lucado,

25.  Mr Men books J

26.  Overcomer- David Jeremiah

27.  American Dirt - Jeanine Cummins

28.  The heart's Invisible Furies - John Boyne

29.  Shrink: Faithful ministry in a Church-growth culture - Tim Suttle

30.  Gary Kirsten Autobiogrpahy

31.  The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry - John Mark Comer

32.  The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz - Erik Larson

33.  From the Holy Mountain - William Dalrymple

34.  The 4 Agreements – Don Miguel Ruiz

35.  Who Moved the Stone - Frank Morrison

36.  Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine - Gail Honeyman

37.  The Evening and the Morning - Ken Follett.

38.  Talking to Strangers - Malcolm Gladwell;

39.  The Power of Habit - Charles Duhigg;

40.  Who do we choose to become - Margaret Wheatley.

41.  The Boys in the Boat - Daniel Brown and Edward Wilson

42.  Of the Antarctic by George Seaver ( if you can find it !)

43.  Dining at the Masters Table by Paul D Norcross

44.  Ask for more by Alexandra Carter

45.  The book of longings – Sue Kidd Monk

46.  All the Light We Cannot see - Anthony Doerr.

47.  The Book Thief – Markus Zusak

48.  The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime – Mark Haddon

49.  The Meaning of Night: A Confession - Michael Cox

50.  Edward Rutherford - London 

51.Washing of the Spears - Donald Morris

 

Books for 2021

I suppose it is not a surprise to you, but I love reading. I managed to get through a large number of books in 2020 and am setting my sights on a lot more this year. As a way of discovering what you are reading and perhaps what you can recommend, I am creating a list of 21 books I would like to read this year. If you have some suggestions, please send them my way. I have had some great ideas already via Facebook, but I realise not everyone is on FB.

This is the book I am reading at the moment (see the picture) - it is a great holiday read and I love historical novels.

Remember that reading is not only good for our brains, but also wonderful for our souls (or so I believe). It can also help you fall asleep at night, if the book is very boring :)

Acts 8:30 - Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.

"She read books as one would breathe air. To fill up and live." - Annie Dillard

Looking forward to you suggestions. God bless. 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Honesty Box - book giveaway

Lockdown has changed the way many of us view life and it is teaching us to embrace a slower pace of being human. One of the dangers of being in Lockdown is that we feel disconnected from community and people who would help us along the journey of life and faith. So, in a small way, I want to offer you something that may help along the way.

I have been privileged to write a few books over the years and I would like to offer you the chance to read any of them via PDF. All you need to do is send me an email requesting a book and I will send it you via PDF, which will allow you to read it on your computer, tablet or phone.

No doubt, you will be asking the question: “How much will this cost me?”

My answer is this: “Let’s work on the Honest Box principle. If you decide you want to give something, then you are welcome too. If things are little tight at the moment and you don’t have spare resources, then that’s also okay - You are still welcome to read the books for free.”

How does that sound?

It is my prayer that the books may encourage you to get through this time of ‘Lockdown’ and also offer you some spiritual guidance for the future. Remember that Jesus Christ is with us during these unprecedented times and He longs to draw near to us.

Living in Grace,

Delme

Website: www.livingingrace.co.za

Email: delmelinscott@gmail.com

What are you reading?

What are you reading at the moment? I know that there are a few people who will say "nothing", but I sure hope that you set yourself the goal of reading a few books this year. I have just finished reading Randy Pausch's book "The Last Lecture", which I have referred to in previous blog posts. He has many delightful things to say, but one of his quotes sunk into my spirit last week.

“The key question to keep asking is, Are you spending your time on the right things? Because time is all you have. ” 

So, what are the RIGHT things?
And when you have figured that out, then we need to be asking if we are spending enough time on those things?

Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Which books to read?

Have you ever had a conversation with a friend and they ask you:
"Have you read _____________ book?"
Either their comments can make you decide to get a copy of that book or they may influence you to give it a miss.

I keep getting emails from book clubs and shops promoting free/cheap books. I am the first to admit that I really LOVE reading and I am a sucker f
or a good bargain, but I could never read every book that comes my way. In fact, there are so many books in print (hard copy and digital) that we could never ever get through them all in our life time.

Google estimates that there are over 130 million books available for us to read at the moment. So, if you started reading one book a month/week from today, you would only explore 12/52 books a year, for the rest of your life. Depending on how long you have to live, that only leaves a few books to read. At best we could only get through a few hundred of the 130 million, so here is the million dollar question: Which books would those be? Amongst the millions there are certainly a lot of 'trash', but there are guaranteed to be many hidden gems.

So, what I would love from you all, is to know which books you would choose to put on your list?
Please reply to this email and let me know which books you would recommend - even if it is just one. I will compile a simple list from your replies and post it in a few days time. In that way, we may get to discover some awesome new books.

 “A room without books is like a body without a soul.” - Marcus Cicero

 “There is no friend as loyal as a book.” - Ernest Hemingway


Living in Grace
D3LM3

Worn out from over use

I saw a funny thing today. As I was paying an account at one of the local shops, I noticed that the keyboard had hand-written numbers stuck onto the top of the original keys. It looked a little weird, but I guess it does the job. I asked the attendant why they had done this and he just laughed, "because we use it so much!"

There were a number of things that struck me about this keyboard and the comment from the clerk.

1.  In a 'throw away' age, it was nice to see someone recycling an old keyboard.
2. It is good to see that something lasts longer than a few months - a lot of modern gadgets aren't built to last very long.
3. It made me think about how much we use our bibles. Wouldn't it be nice to 'patch' up our bibles, because they showed 'wear and tear' from over use?
4. How much time do I spend reading God' word compared to using my computer/Ipad/phone etc?

Mmmmmh, makes me think we need to spend a little more time 'wearing' out the Word. You?


Living in Grace
D3LM3

Sabbath Reading

What books do you read when you are chilling out or when you go on holiday?

I should be telling you that I only read the Bible or books by John Wesley, but I have to admit that on this Monday I read the newspaper and I started reading 'Spud - learning to fly!' Yes, I know that these don't sound too 'classic', but it has been good to laugh (reading Spud) and cry (reading the paper)!

My 'days off' also include reading a portion of Scripture and my devotion for this morning (Proverbs 1) was deeply profound. Read it if you get a chance...

..."The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." - Proverbs 1:7

If you have a moment, please answer the question I started off with - I would love to hear from you.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3