Bursting

Y'all. It is 11:30pm, and I only know that because I just looked at the clock. I am in MESMERIZED mode.

It's paper writing time at school, which can be overwhelming just to jump into. After weeks and many, many pitchings of paper topics, I finally landed on writing about 2 women who received many visions of God back in 14th century England. I came to this because a mentor told me that considering some things I am working out with God, a next step for growth might come from reading the mystics.

A few days ago, I finished reading the book dictated by Margery Kempe. I have to say, I'm not exactly sure if she was the best fit for me. She does have plenty of valid experiences, and I did glean several things from her-- mostly for the paper. But in terms of personal application, I found myself laughing (sorry, Marge) at her, and for good reason! [Warning: this is an unfair splice from the readings. Most of it is serious, but I couldn't help sharing this with you.] So Margery convinces her husband to live a chaste life after giving him 14 children. (Whew!) Six months into the deal, he poses this hypothetical situation. The following is fairly verbatim... "Husband: Margery, say there were to be a guy with a sword to my neck, threatening to decapitate me unless you sleep with me. Would you do it? Margery: Regretfully, I could not! I could not bear the uncleanness." Living with a man who loves "would you rather" scenarios, this one had us cracking up!

But today I began Julian of Norwich. I love her already, and I am only a few pages in. She is very thoughtful. It was 20 years between the time she received her visions and this recording of them with her theological insight. I've shared some tidbits on Facebook with you, but I have to share this prayer of hers with you.

"God of goodness, give me yourself, for you are enough for me. I can ask for nothing less that is completely to your honor, and if I do ask anything less, I shall always be in want. Only in you I have all."

This is perhaps my favorite so far, which I shared on FB:

"God wills to be known, and it pleases him that we rest in him, because nothing less than he can satisfy us."

I can't say I am excited to write the paper, but I am certainly enjoying the research. I hope this blesses you today!

Amazon Deals!

I have a very thoughtful piece about Christmas in mind to write. In the meantime...

My favorite magazine is on sale-- 1 year, only $5!!!!! If you need a present for your momma, this is it! Real Simple. 1 Year. Only $5.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000450181&pfRdReplace=1&ref_=pe_36900_13701250