The Pursuit of Holiness

I recently finished reading The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges.
Here are some quotes that stood out to me.

"To live a holy life, then, is to live a life in conformity to the moral precepts of the Bible and in contrast to the sinful ways of the world."
(loc 144, Kindle Edition)

"God wants us to walk in obedience  — not victory. Obedience is oriented toward God; victory is oriented toward self."
(loc 156, Kindle Edition)

"It is our habit to live for ourselves and not for God. When we become Christians, we do not drop all this overnight. In fact, we will spend the rest of our lives putting off these habits and putting on habits of holiness."
(loc 554, Kindle Edition)

"The idea that holiness is associated with a dour disposition is a caricature of the worst sort. In fact, just the opposite is true. Only those who walk in holiness experience true joy."
(loc 1533, Kindle Edition)

"One of the 'talents' God has given to every Christian is the possibility of walking in holiness, being free from the dominion of sin."
(loc 1557, Kindle Edition)


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All I Have is Christ

I once was lost in darkest night
Yet thought I knew the way
The sin that promised joy and life
Had led me to the grave
I had no hope that You would own
A rebel to Your will
And if You had not loved me first
I would refuse You still

But as I ran my hell-bound race
Indifferent to the cost
You looked upon my helpless state
And led me to the cross
And I beheld God’s love displayed
You suffered in my place
You bore the wrath reserved for me
Now all I know is grace

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone
And live so all might see
The strength to follow Your commands
Could never come from me
Oh Father, use my ransomed life
In any way You choose
And let my song forever be
My only boast is You

All I Have is Christ by Jordan Kauflin


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Spine Labels - Set 11

spine labels
noun (plural) - a collection of odds and ends that are as random as reading spine labels in a bookstore

World Map Purse Airplane Clutch

Beef, Tomato and Acini di Pepe Soup

Earl Grey Tea Lip Balm

World Map toiletry bag

Coffee Cups earrings

Tea and Honey gift set

Anne of Green Gables stair riser

Wool Felt Mini Pom clips

Earl Grey scented candle

Box Fox - curated boxed gifts


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Reading and Writing Goals 2017

This past year I had two reading and writing goals.
- Writing: the 500 Words a Day Challenge
2016 was my fifth year participating in this challenge. I've enjoyed it for the past couple of years, and I find it helpful to keep me writing consistently, even if not in large chunks all at once.
- Reading: read a total of 80 books

How did I do?
- Writing: I just met my goal for the 500 Words a Day Challenge. Most of this writing was for the classes I teach and for translation freelance projects. I'm really happy with how much I wrote.
- Reading: As I have mentioned previously, I did a lot of reading this year. I read a total of 144 books.

What's up for this year?
- Writing: I'm planning on continuing the 500 Words a Day Challenge. It's been working well for me, and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with this goal this year.
- Reading: My plan is to read a total of 100 books this year. This number is higher than what I set for last year. However, since it is less than what I actually read last year, I'm hopeful that I'll be able to reach this number in 2017.

How about you? Any reading or writing goals for 2017?

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Favorite Reads from 2016

This year year I read 144 books. I can't believe I got through that many!

Some of the books I read were rereads. Some were books that were new to me. Here are my favorites from this year.

The Fog Diver by Joel Ross
This is a fun young adult fantasy read. Join this group of teens trying to survive in their world.

Browsings by Michael Dirda
Booklovers will enjoy this selection of musings about books.

Hanns and Rudolf by Thomas Harding
The subtitle tells it all: the true story of the German Jew who tracked down and caught the Kommandant of Auschwitz.

Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
We are all mortal. This book navigates end-of-life, medical care, and the fact that mortality stares all of us in the face.

I Don't Wait Anymore by Grace Thornton
I've already listed some of my favorite quotes from this book. This book has really stayed with me. I'm planning on reading it again in 2017.

Any books you read in 2016 that you recommend? I'd love to hear your recommendations.

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