Book #8

The Pilgrim’s Progress

Paul Bunyon was arrested for preaching the gospel without permission and spent 12 ½ years in prison. During those years (beginning in 1660), he wrote a number of works, the best of which was the allegory, Pilgrim’s Progress, which became a classic and touched the lives of billions of people.

An allegory is a story, poem or pictures that can be interpreted to reveal hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one. Pilgrim’s Progress is an allegory of a spiritual journey. [Synonyms include parable, analogy, metaphor, and symbol.]

I am reading the 1834 abridged edition of The Pilgrim’s Progress along with Steven James’ Quest for Celestia: A Reimaging of The Pilgrim’s Progress (2006).

Both are intended to reach a new generation.

I will be writing the book reviews later, but first I want to share a story of an unusual consequence related to reading the unabridged book.

Remember the book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bed Day? Well, I think I’ll call my story…

Alex, the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Boy

Everyone that knew Alex would agree whose qualities and dreaded it when he showed up.

Unlike the Herdmans*, the worst kids in the history of the world who lie, steal, smoke cigars, swear, and hit little kids; Alex caused havoc by being uncooperative, loud and rude. He had no respect for grown-ups, no friends and didn’t care. At least that’s what he said.

Selah ~

Connie

* Character's from the book The Very Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson.

Heart Rehab

This is a NuStep exerciser that I use in Cardiac Rehab. It's like walking while you are sitting. It tracks several things including the number of steps, the minutes you're exercising, calories used and how far you walk. I have gone 1-1 1/2 miles per session- more than I thought I could.

Because I have a heart monitor on, I feel safe; and therefore, willing to push past my limits. The Cardiac Rehab team are great encouragers, as they monitor my progress.

I go two times per week to exercise plus a class weekly to help me change my life style.The others are at different stages. Two have "graduated..." meaning they have completed all 38 sessions and are committing to continuing their new life style. Some have had open heart surgery, heart attacks or, like me, have new stents.
They, too, encourage me to keep trying because I will feel better and I will increase my energy level and stamina.

This week will be sessions four and five with 33 to go!

My goal is to walk Ponderosa Loop, which is a mile around, with my wonderful gran'kids.[I haven't been able to walk it since the oldest was in pre-school.]

Stay tuned as I progress on the NuStep and take new steps towards being healthier.
Connie

From Blogs to Webs!

"I am not sure that I am ready for this!" As soon as that thought entered my mind, I just had to laugh. It hasn't been that long ago that I asked, "What's a blog?" Then I set out to create one.
Well, my first one is out in cyberspace somewhere. This one has been here a while & then I added another one in July. Although, I've still more to learn here, I have been "sent" to build a website.

Now, I'm not technically inclined, but I am determined... or maybe, stubborn? Or maybe, it's because my Boss does His best work in my areas of weakness. Well, you better believe I am outside of my comfort zone! Yet, it is exciting to be birthing a new online magazine. Who says you can't be expecting when your 63 years old? Sarai laughed when she was in her 90's- God changed her name to Sarah & she gave birth to Isaac. Then there was Moses. He was nearly 80 when he had a "career" change- from shepherd to God's spokesman to the pharaoh.
So here I am- in good company- going from writer to publisher/editor/writer of 4Him2U!

Forgive me, if I'm not blogging like I should. I'll keep in touch! Right now I have to learn about RSS feeds and buttons and bows... and thingamajigs.

Shalom, Connie