LLL: On Life Long Learning

One of my key words is Gratitude.

I want to live the Gratitude-filled life.

Today, I’m especially thankful for all of you who’ve prayed for DeDe and I during our transition back to the U.S.

Our hearts are still divided between Africa and Louisiana, but we have a deepening peace that we’re right where we should be and God’s work in Uganda/South Sudan/and Chad is in great hands.

We’re grateful for this three year season of serving in Africa.

My health is steadily improving.  I’m so thankful.

We are staying between Dry Creek (with my Mom)  Harrisonburg (DeDe’s family) and Alexandria (where seven of our grandchildren are).

We’ve bought a house in Alexandria and will move into it in early August.

Once again, we’re grateful for each of you who are on the journey with us.  Keep holding the rope.

I’m really meditating on the importance of being a LLL.

That’s Life Long Learner. 

I have a healthy fear of becoming complacent.

I’ve found that avid reading prevents one’s mind, body, and soul from fossilizing.

On Wednesdays, I plan to share what’s on my reading list as well as what I’m current listening to and viewing.

I’d love to hear what books or music you’re currently enjoying.   Most of the good books I find are recommended by others.

My current reading list:

Just finished The Martian.   Wow.  A page turner of an astronaut stranded on Mars.  It’s part of my relaxation reading at night.   Movie is coming soon.  Who will star in it?

The language is rough but The Martian is a great read.

Some of my reading always includes re-reads.

These are some books I return to year after year.  I’ve got a paper copy of Huey Long by T. Harry Williams.  (It’s never been released as an ebook).  It’s the definitive biography on Louisiana’s most memorable politician (that’s saying a lot).  It’s at The Old House in Dry Creek for my front porch reading time.

What books are on your re-read list?   Those books that are your lifelong friends that you pull out for a new visit from time to time?

I’d like to hear about your re-read list?  Novels?  Self-Improvement?  Inspirational?

You can see several Bible versions of the Bible on my Kindle list.  I’m in Galatians, Luke, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, and the last portion of Genesis.  What are you currently reading in your Quiet Time?

I always try to be in the midst of a spiritual book.  I’ll slowly working through Richard Swenson’s excellent book, Balance.  Good read for the busy person (all of us).

The Art of Work by Jeff Goins is a challenging book on finding one’s vocation.  Goins defines vocation as one’s calling.  This book has helped remind me that writing/sharing is my calling at this season of life.

My current tech book is on Hootsuite, a tool we use to send out tweets and Facebook messages.

Part of my LLL commitment is improving as a writer. Zissner’s On Writing Well is another re-read book on improving the written word.

Listening to podcasts and ebooks is another part of my LLL plan.

What podcasts are you following?

Music is a big part of maintaining balance in my life.

Later in the year, I plan to share a series of blogs on my Life Soundtrack.  These are the songs (that fit on an 80 minute CD) that most define and impact my life.

One of my ongoing Life Soundtrack tunes is Robin Mark’s “When It’s All Said and Done.”  It’s the Legacy song for my life.

My current Life Song is,  “How Firm a Foundation.”

A reminder of how eccentric my musical tastes are:   I currently browsing through the catalog of Jerry Lee Lewis.  I recently finished a new bio (Jerry Lee Lewis: My Own Story) on The Killer* by my favorite contemporary Southern writer, Rick Bragg.

It’s a bittersweet book on the ups and downs (way more downs) of a Louisiana musician withe rural roots I understand.  Best quote of the book:  *”They call me the Killer, but the only person I’ve ever killed is myself.”

I’ve discovered a new Americana/Bluegrass/Roots group called The Stray Birds.  Good music and harmonies.

What’s on your playlist right now?

We haven’t owned a TV in three years.  As we left Africa we were working through Ken Burn’s documentary on The Roosevelts.  Wow.  What a strange talented family.  It focuses on Teddy, his niece Eleanor and Franklin, the fifth cousin who marries her.

And I thought we Southerners owned the copyright on inbreeding.

Worth a look-see.

Thanks for allowing me to share about this quest for Life Long Learning.