Becca’s World

I used to laugh at the idea of paring down one’s possessions as a cleansing ritual; I assumed that there would be tearful goodbyes to old souvenirs and well-loved novels, or stress because I still had so much “stuff” hanging around. Now, however, I’m learning that it is good to periodically reassess things I’ve saved for a long time.

A good example, and the sorting I did on the weekend, involves books. I’m going to donate books I thought I’d read over and over but didn’t, as well as those that were favourites once upon a time yet no longer move me the same way. In other words, I’m only taking out books that I know I can live without – if I’m unsure or want to read something one more time, it can stay for now.

This organisation makes me feel good because I’m making room for new favourites. The thought that there are so many authors out there yet to explore reduces the risk of those sad goodbyes (which haven’t shown up yet). I’m looking to the future in a small way, and I enjoy it.

Song of the day: Adding to the Noise by Switchfoot.

Christians
by Maya Angelou

When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting “I’m clean livin’.”
I’m whispering “I was lost,
Now I’m found and forgiven.”

When I say… “I am a Christian”
I don’t speak of this with pride.
I’m confessing that I stumble
And need Christ to be my guide.

When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I’m weak
And need His strength to carry on!

When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not bragging of success.
I’m admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.

When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say… “I am a Christian”
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not holier than thou,
I’m just a simple sinner
Who received God’s good grace, somehow.

I read an interesting article about war this morning. Can’t say I agree with all of it – IMHO, religion need not be eliminated for humankind to stop waging war against each other – but it does make you think.

(In fact, the nerd in me thought of a particular Star Trek original series episode where a society no longer understood the consequences of war.)

I’ve had a spam-comment-catching WordPress plugin installed for a few days, and I think it works well enough that I don’t need to moderate every comment now. We’ll see for sure in the next little while. I’ll probably feel a little vulnerable as far as the commenting goes, but at least I check my blog enough that I should be able to delete anything untoward before it’s been posted for a long time.

Here goes…

This is my first Monday this month where I (currently) have no set plans with anyone else. I do promise the following, though:

1. I will take care of a few housecleaning tasks, like vacuuming and washing puppy noseprints from the living room window.
2. I will watch “The Holiday,” which Brad gave me yesterday. (Can you believe I didn’t spot it right away in our DVD collection? I almost missed it when I was picking something to watch in the afternoon. I loved the surprise; that’s a fun way to receive a present.)
3. I will finish writing a letter to my best friend so I can send it off with a DVD I promised her.

OK, that’s enough of a list that I have some direction; I’m not always that comfortable with no plan in place. Or maybe that’s just what happens when I’m by myself and don’t want to waste the day away watching TV and playing computer games. (I have the complete sets of the first two Star Trek series and could play Chuzzle and other games all day…)