Sunday, May 06, 2007

• Currently Watching The Prestige By Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Piper Perabo, Rebecca Hall see related

  "Emma has been meaning to read more ever since she was twelve years old. I have seen a great many lists of her drawing-up at various times of books that she meant to read regularly through--and very good lists they were--very well chosen, and very neatly arranged--sometimes alphabetically, and sometimes by some other rule. The list she drew up when only fourteen--I remember thinking it did her judgment so much credit, that I preserved it some time; and I dare say she may have made out a very good list now. But I have done with expecting any course of steady reading from Emma. She will never submit to any thing requiring industry and patience, and a subjection of the fancy to the understanding."   -From Emma, by Jane Austen 

  Sometimes I think that describes me.  Especially now, as I have a list of literally 100+ books I should- and want to- read, but I can't decide on any of them.  I might go for C.S. Lewis' That Hideous Strength, as I never finished the Space Trilogy.  But I keep thinking that maybe I should dip my toe into the enourmous Vanity Fair by Thackeray... But I'm not sure if I'd like it...  All the Elizabeth Gaskell novels are checked out of the library because I keep recominding them to people.

  "The real evils, indeed, of Emma's situation were the power of having rather too much her own way, and a disposition to think a little too well of herself; these were the disadvantages which threatened alloy to her many enjoyments. The danger, however, was at present so unperceived, that they did not by any means rank as misfortunes with her."  From the first chapter of Emma

  How much does this describe me?  But Emma had Mr. Knightley to be a friend to her; he was not afraid to correct and reprove her, for her own sake.  I thank God for all the friends I have who are willing to do this for me.  I realized this weekend how much God has blessed me with a multitude of friends who love me and are willing to hold my hand and guide me back to the Way when I stray.  

  "Let a man be faithful: let him be powerful in the utterance of knowledge; let him be wise in judging of words; let him be pure in all his deeds; yet the more he seems to be superior to others [in these respects], the more humble-minded ought he to be, and to seek the common good of all, and not merely his own advantage." --Clement of Alexandria

  Yeah.  What he said.

  "Yea more with His own hand He seemed
  intent to aggravate my woe.
  Crossed all the fair designs I schemed;
  cast out my feelings, laid me low.
  
  'Lord why is this?' I trembling cried.
  'Wilt Thou pursue thy worm to death?'
  'Tis in this way,' the Lord replied,
  'I answer prayer for grace and faith.
  

  These inward trials I employ
  from self and pride to set thee free,
  and break thy schemes of earthly joy,
  that thou mayest seek thy all in Me.'"
  - John Newton, 1779.
  

  I have pictures of my puppy and some other amusingness from my life, but I don't feel like posting them at the moment.  Maybe next time. 

  “A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.”
  

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