Three Books, One Topic

Hey!

Today, I'm sharing some wonderful reads: one is historical fiction and the other two are non-fiction.  Each of these books deals with the same subject but from different perspectives.  The subject: Leprosy/Hansen's Disease.

Of these books, I picked up The Colony first.  I was looking for more information about leprosy to add to a Sunday school lesson that I was preparing and while reading,  my heart broke for those suffering from this terrible disease.

Moloka'i and In the Sanctuary of Outcasts were book club reads that I thought were well written but give a different view.  Reading all three of these together would give such a depth of insight and knowledge about this terrible disease and how those who suffered from it have been treated.

Moloka'i

Alan Brennert

This story of hope and courage follows the life and struggles of a young girl sent to the Kalaupapa colony on Moloka'i after she contracts the disease.  For maximum appreciation, I think that I would start with this book before you read a non-fiction account.  I found that when I read it that I kept comparing it to The Colony and wanting to correct some of the author's liberties.

The Colony

John Tayman

For 103 years from 1866-1969, eight thousand people were forcibly removed from their homes to a peninsula on Moloka'i.  This disease does not distinguish between old and young and neither did the government.  They removed the young and the old from their homes, boarded them on a boat and forced them, in their weakened state, to swim for shore.  As they boarded the boats in Honolulu, the scene is described as

"a funeral in which the dead themselves walked." 

The disease was 

" the sickness that is a crime..."

The book follows the lives of the people exiled to Moloka'i and how they suffered, survived and formed a community.  Help comes in the form of a Roman Catholic priest, Father Damien.   He, along with others, served these people and tried to bring them a semblance of normalcy, hope and purpose. Through following the progression of the residents' illnesses and their lives, the book includes detailed facts about Hansens's Disease and the many treatments that were used.  Paul, a patient and resident, says,

"The more we suffer, the more strength we have.  The more suffering, the closer we are to one another.  Life is that way.  If you haven't suffered then you don't know what joy is.  The others may know something about joy, but those who have gone through hell and high water, I think they feel the joy deeper." 

In the Sanctuary of Outcasts
Neil White

Set in the leprosarium at Carville, LA, this true story tells of the author's incarceration served among the patients there.  Mr. White discovered himself while serving out his sentence among these patients.

"Finally in a sanctuary for outcasts, I understood the truth.  Surrounded by men and women who could not hide their disfigurement, I could see my own."

One of the patients that impacted the author in profound ways was Ella.  He says of her,

"But Ella carried her leprosy like a divine blessing.  She had faith that she would be healed in heaven.  She embraced the life she believed God had chosen for her on earth.  She has transcended the stigma that crippled so many."

I highly recommend all three books.  All three had a profound impact on my view of scripture, suffering and courageous hope.

Happy Reading!

Mimi

"The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured,

 the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor."  

Matthew 11:5  NIV Bible

31 Days of October Challenge 2013 Coming Soon!

Hey!

The October writing challenge is looming and I've been brainstorming about what to write.  For the past two years, I've participated in the Nester's challenge to write about a topic each day for the 31 days of October.

I, first, participated two years ago with 31 Drawers of Change.  I spent the month organizing various drawers throughout my home and most some are still clean.

Last year,  I wrote about 31 Books on my Shelf.  I had such a great time writing on that topic that I considered writing about books again.  Click on the picture or go to the books tab under my header to see the books I reviewed in last year's challenge.

This year, I've been slow to come up with a topic.  I've enlisted the help of my family and I'm narrowing down my choices.   I don't want to spill the beans so you'll have to wait until the big announcement later this month.  If my top choice comes together, I think it'll be a whole lot of fun!

The challenge has been not only a writing exercise but also a place to meet other bloggers and read some awesome posts.   From last year's participants, I was introduced to new authors and books, art journaling, building a better blog, lovely lines, better ways to express hospitality in my home, and music playlists.   And that's only the tip of the blogging iceberg.   I can't wait to see what everyone will be writing about this year and how many participate.  1,200 joined in last year.  What about you?  Are you in?


Blessings,

Mimi

"My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer." 

 Psalm 45:1  NIV Bible

They've Got the Beat!

Hey!

I think I'm longing for some cooler weather: hot and sticky today, in the mid-90's.  The leaves are falling off the trees, not because of fall weather, but because they've been burnt to a crisp!

Katie @ Cardigan Way posted one of her Lovely Lines prints today in honor of fall, you can see it here.   They're also available for purchase in addition to other things as part of her [Re]gifted program.  I really admire Katie for her commitment and passion to buy products that help others.  So, do good and check it out!

With school back in session and football season in full swing, the stands are filled with spectators cheering on their teams.  I like watching the game but I can't wait to see the halftime show and the marching band. 

Fall brings out the love for marching band in me.  A little crispness to the weather and the nostalgia for marching band comes rushing back.  I do not miss the sweat and the battle with sweat bees and horseflies during practice nor do I miss getting splinters in my bum from old wooden bleachers but I do miss being on the field and playing.  I have very fond memories ----- some good like winning at competitions and some not so good like playing "Killing Me Softly With His Song" by Roberta Flack about one hundred times, during Homecoming, as the lovely young chosens were introduced.

One part of a marching band's show that I like most is the drumline.   Since the weather is not cooperating,  check out this incredible group of drummers to get into the fall marching band spirit.

Blessings,

Mimi

"...I will make music to the LORD, the God of Israel.  O LORD, when you went out from Seir, when you marched from the land of Edom, the earth shook, the heavens poured, the clouds poured down water." 

Judges 5:3b,4  NIV Bible

Beams: To Paint or Not To Paint

Hey!

Beams: to paint or not to paint.  Not to steal Shakespeare's thunder, but, that has seriously been my question in regard to the ceiling beams in my living room. 

I've been contemplating painting them for a long time.  The picture actually makes them look better than they do in person.  The beams aren't even solid.  They're made to look like solid beams but are really made out of rough hewn boards nailed into place over 2x4s.  If I had real beams, I don't think I'd paint them.  This weekend, Honey Do will be installing a long beam to connect the ones coming down from the peaked ceiling. The time is now; I need to make a decision. 

I may not have a choice depending on what happens when he starts installing the long beam.  Old stain is really hard to match but not impossible.

Here's two pictures that I found online from Better Homes and Gardens showing both looks.  You can click on the pictures to go to the original site. 

 (Better Homes and Gardens)

 (Better Homes and Gardens)

What do you think? Paint? Don't paint?

Blessings,

Mimi

"The beams of our house are cedars; our rafters are firs."  

Song of Songs 1:17 NIV Bible

Alligator Hunting and an August Recap

Hey!

Down here in the Deep South, August is typically a steamy month and this year hasn't disappointed.  Over the Labor Day weekend, some decided to beat the heat by going alligator hunting.   Apparently, the season has opened.  This alligator weighed in at a whopping 723.5 pounds only to be ousted out of the state record, an hour later, by a gator weighing in at 727 pounds and 13 feet 4-1/2 inches long.  Incredible!  To read more, click on the picture.

I hate to disappoint you... My weekend was not filled with gator hunting.  I did, however, finish Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear which has Maisie remembering the words of her mother about slaying your dragons.   I don't think an alligator is what she had in mind.

 What I've read for August:

• The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston and Mario Spezi

• The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones by Cassandra Clarke

• The Bone Bed by Patricia Cornwell

• Metamorposes by Ovid

• Twelve Ordinary Men by John MacArthur

• Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear

A strange mix of books, isn't it?!   In my defense, some were for book club.   Pardonable Lies was my favorite for the month.

 

What I've watched:

The month of August, Honey Do and I caught the Downton Abbey fever and devoured seasons 1-3.  We have also been glued on Tuesday nights watching  So You Think You Can Dance.  I never cease to be amazed by the talent people possess.  The last couple of weeks have had particularly good routines.
We saw Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters and The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones.  In our estimation, neither will win major awards but they were entertaining.

By far the biggest projects this month:

• Reupholstering my loveseat

• Launch of my new online bible study ministry, Sweeter Than Honey Ministry

I wonder, what September will have in store??

Blessings,

Mimi

"Since no man knows the future, who can tell him what is to come?"  

Ecclesiastes 8:7  NIV Bible