Clip From Our Mother's Day Concert

This is one of the pieces we played in our spring concert this year. This is a really pretty piece and I hope everyone enjoys it.

The Girl With The Flaxen Hair


Miriam Rebekah

Parental Rights Amendment

Although the main audience for Maidens of Worth is other young ladies, Miriam and I are thrilled that parents also read our blog. Because of the essential nature of this amendment, I thought I'd bring it to your attention.

The Parental Rights Amendment is headed by Michael Farris, founder of the Homeschool Legal Defense Association. For many years, he has done legal work on many cases involving parental rights. Because of the way the country and laws are going, he feels that we crucially need a Parental Rights Amendment to protect the vital role of parents. At Alabama's CHEF convention, our family heard him give a talk entitled "Parental Rights: It's now or never" about the things going on in today's world and the need to pass a constitutional amendment. ParentalRights.org has great information about the threat and the ways to get involved.

Some of the stories about what has already happened in our country are pretty scary. Here are two that Mike Farris shared in his talk, quoted from the Attack on Parental Rights page:

In the early 1980s, a landmark parental rights case reached the Washington State Supreme Court. The case involved 13-year-old Sheila Marie Sumey, whose parents were alarmed when they found evidence of their daughter's participation in illegal drug activity and escalating sexual involvement. Their response was to act immediately to cut off the negative influences in their daughter's life by grounding her.

But when Sheila went to her school counselors complaining about her parent's actions, she was advised that she could be liberated from her parents because there was "conflict between parent and child." Listening to the advice she had received, Sheila notified Child Protective Services (CPS) about her situation. She was subsequently removed from her home and placed in foster care.

Her parents, desperate to get their daughter back, challenged the actions of the social workers in court. They lost. Even though the judge found that Sheila's parents had enforced reasonable rules in a proper manner, the state law nevertheless gave CPS the authority to split apart the Sumey family and take Sheila away.

A thirteen-year-old boy in Washington State was removed from his parents after he complained to school counselors that his parents took him to church too often. His school counselors had encouraged him to call Child Protective Services with his complaint, which led to his subsequent removal and placement in foster care. It was only after the parents agreed to a judge's requirement of less-frequent church attendance that they were able to recover their son.

What was the amount of time at church that the boy complained about? Going on Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday evening. The judge then ordered the parents to only bring him once-a-week. Yes, this happened in America!

Please check out the website, sign the petition, and consider how you can help.

Life is Fleeting

It's not supposed to happen to me. I mean, other people are involved in accidents, but I'm a safe driver - it's not supposed to happen. Yet, last night on the way home, I was rear-ended by someone. Praise God, it wasn't serious!

The day was like any other. Miriam and Esther Hart had spent the night at our house, and we had fun playing games, walking, talking, and taking pictures. In the afternoon, I drove us to Walmart to pick up supplies for the dance party, then on to the church building, where we had a fun time with dancers and their families, eating, talking, and watching the recital DVD on the big screen. After cleaning up, I drove with the others on to the church where the Harts were a part of a choir concert. The singing was lovely, and the fellowship fun. Mom and Dad had met us there, and they took Jubilee home with them. A little later, Elijah and I left, with, once again, me driving. After all, I liked "my" little red car (it's my parents', but they usually have me drive it when I go places). Elijah was so kind to pump the gas when we stopped, then it was once again homeward.

I've driven the same route so many times, on so many different days. To turn into the neighborhood right before our dirt road, you have to go down a fairly steep hill and turn left at the bottom of it. I turned my turn signal on in plenty of time and gradually began slowing down. Right before I turned, I noticed for a brief second that the lights of the car behind me were fast approaching. Then there are the sounds that are seared into my brain - screeching brakes bearing down on me, a loud boom as they hit, and the eerie scream that didn't seem like it could be coming from me.

This intersection is a dangerous one. A few years ago, a family friend's daughter totaled her car, hit from behind as she was slowing down to turn. About a year ago, our neighbors went into the ditch when someone, not wanting to slow down, passed in a no passing zone and slammed into them as they turned. It just never seemed like we'd be hit.

Evidently, the person behind us wasn't paying much attention, and didn't realize until it was too late that they'd have to slow down a lot. I signaled in plenty of time and began slowing down, but they must not have noticed. (After looking at the long skid marks partially over the middle line, and my thinking that I saw the car behind me fall back once I signaled, it looks like someone may have been passing the car behind us, going really fast, then trying to brake when they saw me turning. We just don't know what happened, since they never stopped.) They hit us right as I began to turn, but praise God, we safely completed the turn, and after a some shaking back and forth, went smoothly straight down the road. It was scary, and almost surreal though. The jolt and noise were so loud, and after a moment of stunned silence, I involuntarily screamed. It felt like I wasn't in control of the car, like I wasn't driving anymore, though my hands automatically kept the car turned. It seems, though that God's angels were protecting us, and keeping us on a straight path. It would have been so easy for us to have gone into the ditch on the side, or off the road and straight into the forest of trees. For a moment, I thought we would, but God kept us smoothly going straight. We did get shaken up, but nothing major. I am suffering from whiplash today, with an aching neck and shoulders, and a sore spot on my head where I was slammed into the driver side door. The seatbelt definitely helped (another reason to always wear them!) as my head went to the left, then front, and back into the headrest.

It was a hit-and-run, as the person who slammed into us rather hard never stopped to see if we were okay. They just kept going. I'm so thankful that Elijah was with me, for I was rather shaken, and didn't really know what to do after guiding the car to the side of the road and parking. He turned on the emergency flashing lights, got out, looked at the smashed end, and walked down to see if anyone had stopped to help. No one had. So, he took pictures of the car and the road sign. He looked for skid marks, but as it was 9:45 p.m. and very dark, couldn't really see. Eventually, he got back in and we drove home.


The trunk was pretty much slammed in, and it took a while for Dad and Elijah to break into it this morning. It wouldn't open, so they had to take out the back seat and go in to unjam the lock. It's still surreal to see the damage, and know that I was in an accident. I tend to blame myself... maybe I turned my signal on too soon or didn't give enough indication that I was turning... but there really was nothing I could have done differently. I turned my signal on after the last possible place to turn, giving enough indication that I planned to turn, and slowing down gradually. God is so good to have kept us on the road and that we're not hurt that bad! I'm also glad that no others were in the car. I'm sometimes a "taxi driver", driving my sister and sometimes other younger girls to lessons, and I'm glad that this didn't happen with any of them in the car.

We can learn a lot from this. It's a sobering reminder that life is fleeting, and that no one is immune to accidents. It's a wonderful testimony of God's faithfulness and protection. It's a reaffirmation that you should always wear a seatbelt - something I've always done anyway. It's also a reminder to me that I always need to carry a cell phone when I drive. Mom and Dad gave me an old one to have in case anything ever happened that I could call, but as I sometimes forget to bring it. I didn't have it last night, but thankfully we were only a few minutes from home, and the car was in driving shape.

The aches seem to be getting worse, but I know that the pain will eventually ease. Thankfully Elijah isn't hurting. We got struck mostly on the left, since we were in the process of turning left, which was the side I was on, so I got the brunt of the shaking. But, it too will pass. I can only continue to thank God that He kept us safe and alive.

Happy Mother's Day!

This is dedicated to all of the mothers who read our blog:


Thank you for the example you set for all of us. From mothers such as you, we are learning to grow from maidens into true women of worth.

Thank you for the insight and encouragement you give. From comments helping us see another aspect of things to encouraging words telling us to continue on, we value your input!

Thank you for being Godly mothers in an age of ungodliness. You are molding the next generation to grow in the wisdom and knowledge of Christ. You are shaping the leaders of tomorrow; through your influence, today's children can change the world.

Thank you for all of the little things you do. Even though they may seem inconsequential and never result in much praise, these things are desperately needed. They are what make a household run smoothly.


Thank you for the meals you make, houses you clean, and clothes you make and mend. Thank you for teaching these skills to your children and for training them to enjoy the homemaking arts.

Thank you for modeling modesty and living out lives of true beauty. Young women are watching you to see what's appropriate to wear and how to behave. Thank you for unashamedly leading by example that true beauty is of a gentle and quiet spirit.

Thank you for teaching us to know and cherish God's Word. With Scripture as our guide, we will not easily go astray.


Thank you for spending hour upon hour helping with academic studies. Without a mom to patiently guide a child through confusing subjects, many would give up and feel like a failure.


Thank you for teaching us to enjoy the home and delight in caring for one's family. A joyful mother makes the atmosphere of a home infinitely better!

Thank you for guiding young women through our tumultuous emotions. Without your steadying influence and helpful explanations, many would be confused and depressed.

Thank you for your prayers. A praying mother can change lives and bring peace in troubled times.


Thank you for being real and honest. Showing that you're not perfect and exhibiting humility makes your message ring truer and your example an easier one to follow.

Thank you for your patience and forgiveness. Everyone makes mistakes, and to know that a mom is there that will not judge or hold grudges lends stability and brings about quick repentance.

Finally, thank you for leading by example that motherhood is a wonderful thing. If many girls follow in your footsteps, we can truly mold and change society, one child at a time.

Homeschooling Book Fair

Yesterday was a fun day! After two years of missing the Christian Home Education Fellowship of Alabama's Convention due to being away at dance camp, I was excited to be able to attend this year's homeschool book fair and conference.

The day started early, up at 5:30 a.m. to shower, pack lunch, and eat before heading off for the drive to Birmingham. Arriving at the convention center, it was fun to see the homeschool families abounding all over the place. From large families wearing matching shirts, to the abundance of long hair and skirts, to mothers wheeling large book bags, you knew you were among homeschoolers.

This year Miriam Rebekah couldn't make it, so I was without the friend with whom to walk around and talk. But my family was there, and I enjoyed going to some of the speakers. I heard Michael Farris speak on 3 different subjects, and enjoyed it immensely each time! This founder of HSLDA and president of Patrick Henry College was inspiring, challenging, and funny in his talks. He really gave us a lot of food for thought, and after the session on Parental Rights, Elijah, Dad and I continued discussing it over lunch. All of the legal stuff happening these days is both alarming and fascinating! Praise God for people like Michael Farris that bring important things to our attention. We also enjoyed seeing scenes from the play "The Importance of Being Earnest", put on by homeschoolers in the area and done in a booth to promote their organization, and hearing the Lamb Family play beautifully on their violins.

As we were finishing lunch, some good family friends showed up, and we enjoyed spending the afternoon with them, listening to speakers and browsing through the hall of great books. We got quite a few books I can't wait to read. The only question is, which one do I read first?? =) We had some fun conversations with friends, waiting for parents, in the car, and over chips and Mexican food at Two Pesos restaurant. Before we knew it, it was 8 p.m. and we really needed to start the hour and a half drive home.

The second day of the convention is today, but because of John, Miriam's fiance's weekend visit, we're staying home. It may be a good thing too: otherwise I may have bought even more books! :-)

It only happens once a year, but each time I go, it's enjoyable and refreshing. Just seeing that many homeschoolers in one place is a lot of fun! These conventions aren't just for parents; they're a great place for teens to learn a lot, shop for quality books, and enjoy seeing friends.

Is there a conference/book fair coming to your area? I'd encourage you to go with your family! You'd probably enjoy it immensely!

Or do you already usually go to these events? What are your favorite memories from them?

After the Rain...

He is like the light of morning at sunrise on

a cloudless morning, like the brightness of

rain that brings the grass from the earth.

2 Samuel 23:4

The King is Exalted! pictures

You all may be a bit tired of hearing about The King is Exalted!, but this should be the last post! =) It's been what I've been focused on working on for the last week, so that's the reason most posts have been about it!

I finally uploaded the slideshow and pictures. The slideshow is below. In it you'll see ballet portraits of all the students and groups, and pictures from the dress rehearsal.



You can also view still images, by going to the photo gallery on The King's Praise Ballet or going straight to the different albums to view ballet portraits, pictures from the dress rehearsal, or pictures of us dancing different places. I'll warn you - there's a lot of pictures! I mainly uploaded them all for my students and their families to view, but feel free to look through them if you enjoy ballet photos! The girls were very sweet and pretty, and fun to pose!

A lot of time has been spent on the computer, editing pictures, making DVDs, etc. I will be glad when everything is done! However, it's fun to make these memories so that we'll be able to look back on them in years to come.


DVDs for my students are beginning to stack up! As you've probably been able to tell, the theme colors for it all were those of the rainbow. May the King truly be exalted through it all!

The King is Exalted!

Everything went well on Saturday, praise God! Things went smoothly for the most part, though there were, of course, some mess-ups! The girls danced beautifully, and people seemed to really enjoy it. Thank you to all who prayed!

It's been a really tiring weekend for me, with all that had to be done and all that was swirling through my head. Each night I found it hard to settle down and fall asleep, because a million little things were running through my brain of things to do and remember. But, God was faithful to bring everything together in His time. It's always amazing how, in the end, God helped everyone pull together and remember Scriptures and moves. God is so good!


As we watched the ending slideshow, I distributed a little clump of small roses to each of my students. At the end, some girls presented me with a bouquet of my own! It's beautiful and smells wonderful! Some of my mom's friends who couldn't be there even sent an arrangement of flowers to the church for me. I feel so blessed!


At the end, a lot of people came up to congratulate me and give praise to God. There was a pretty consistent theme throughout their comments, however... "We can't believe you're leaving!" It was a beautiful recital to end with, but it was also really hard for me to know that this is pretty much the end of The King's Praise Ballet... at least for now. I will be teaching a few classes this summer, but not everyone will be taking and we won't be doing a recital. I will miss everyone so much.

Though the recital is over, the work is not finished! I'm now working on making the DVDs of the recital and CDs of pictures that my students ordered. It will be nice to watch it as well, since I was backstage between dances I was in, and haven't really seen exactly how everything finally looked! I'll also try to edit and upload a version of the slideshow and pictures soon to share online. In a week, we'll have a dance family party, to distribute the CDs and DVDs and fellowship together.

To God be the Glory! Great things He has done!

Preparations for "The King is Exalted!"

Yesterday was the dress rehearsal for The King is Exalted! - the spring recital of The King's Praise Ballet. From noon onward, we decorated, took pictures, and did a final run-through of the dances on the stage, making one long and busy day! Each time a presentation rolls around, I'm struck again by how much work goes in to putting something on! Organization for this began in January, finding material and hair things and choreographing dances. As the months rolled by, I finalized line-ups, Scriptures that corresponded to the verses, and found a church building to rent that has a nice big stage (a blessing after the small stage we'd been using!). April just got busier, with each of the 5 classes dancing at a church or park to minister. A few weeks before, I set the lights and finalized who would help with which class. Then there's the picture CD and DVD order forms, and the DVDs to make once the actual performance is done!

Once again, I'm reminded that I can't do it alone. There's been so many people to help things run smoothly. My family has been the biggest support and encouragement, filling in on the little jobs that are needed, Jubilee folding programs, Mom helping decorate, Dad taking pictures, Elijah will videotape, etc. There's moms to help take care of the dancers backstage and make sure they're lined up, there's a wonderful lady that gave of her time and resources to help make the stage look beautiful, and of course all of the parents that make sure their girls are where they need to be on time! I couldn't do any of this without the strength and grace God gives. It's only through Him that I'm even able to begin!

Currently I'm working on a slideshow that will play at the end of the recital, sorting through the 300+ pictures my dad so kindly took yesterday. I thought I'd share a few with you, as a sneak preview. =)

There were group pictures of each of the 5 classes

Sister pictures, as I have quite a few families that have 2 or more dancers enrolled!

Each one got their own special dance portrait

I pray that everything goes well tomorrow, as we present The King is Exalted at 2 p.m. on May 3rd, 2008.

April Reading List

Anna's Books

Recently Read:

• Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare - This play was a little better than the two comedies I read previously, but I still didn't enjoy it all that much. The two lovers act entirely on the spur of the moment, and kiss a little too much! I also did not like how many sexual puns there were in the speeches! However, I probably wouldn't have noticed them except for the explanatory notes that brought them to my attention. I think I'll take a break from Shakespeare, at least for now.
• When Dreams Come True by Eric and Leslie Ludy - Having recently read When God Writes Your Love Story, I wanted to read the full tale of their beautiful romance, and Miriam was kind enough to let me borrow it. This book beautiful recounts, from both of their prospectives, their growing up turning points, and the circumstances that brought Eric and Leslie together. They started out just being friends, never guessing they'd marry the other until God led them step by step. It was wonderful how involved their families were in each step of the way. This is one of the most beautiful and encouraging true romances! The way they honored God and each other was wonderful!
• God's Guidance by Elisabeth Elliot - This little book was a joy to read, as all of Elisabeth Elliot's books are! My dad had and recommended it to me. It delved into the promises, conditions, objectives, and means of the ways God has and does work. It was encouraging to read of God's guidance, "a slow and certain light."
• Let Me Be a Woman by Elisabeth Elliot - I had wanted to read this book for a while, and was thankful for a family friend that let me borrow it. It was so good, I ordered myself a copy to read again! I didn't realize until I began it that it was letters to Elisabeth Elliot's newly engaged daughter so I guess it wasn't exactly intended for a single maiden like me. However, I really enjoyed it and found encouragement in its pages! She calls us to unashamed womanhood, and explores what that means in life and marriage. I'm letting my newly engaged sister borrow my copy, as it probably applies more to her. =)
• Speaking in Tongues by Larry Christenson - This was a book my mom asked me to read for home education. It answered some of the common questions about speaking in tongues, and was interesting and insightful to read.
  
• By Far Euphrates by Deborah Alcock - This historical novel told the story of the Armenian Christian who were persecuted by the Turks in the 19th century. The book was based almost exclusively on true facts (with names changed for protection), as told from a missionary, Ida Mellinger who helped the Armenians in the midst of this tragedy. Their story of steadfast faith in the midst of horrors is inspiring.
• Jack: A Life of C.S. Lewis by George Sayer - This was a well-written biography about the life this great Christian writer. It faithfully told of his life, sad childhood, disillusioned period of atheism, all manner of his writings, his conversion to Christ, marriage to Joy, and eventual death. His life was not perfect, but it was great to see how he rose above obstacles and went on to write great books, including the much-beloved Chronicles of Narnia.
• The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan - I'd started this book before, but had never finished it. Knowing it to be an important classic, I decided to read 30 pages a day for "literature". The book was an old edition, copyrighted 1903 and labeled the "Puritan edition". Some of the formatting was a bit different (it didn't even have chapters!) but I soon got used to it and enjoyed the old language. I now see why this book was often the only one immigrants had besides the Bible. It is a wonderful allegory of the life of a Christian, and has a lot of depth to the characters and discussions. I enjoyed both the account of Christian's journey, and the later pilgrimage of his wife Christiana and their children. Having seen a movie about it and heard "Little Pilgrim's Progress" (a radio drama) over and over again, I enjoyed reading the book!
• Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris - I can't recommend this book enough! Encouraging, funny, and challenging all at once, this is a must-read. Read my full review here.
  
• Enoch's Ghost by Bryan Davis - After finishing the 1st Oracles of Fire series, I looked forward to the second one, and the Harts were kind enough to let us borrow it. Jubilee finished it in one day - that's how exciting it is! Then she let me have it. ;-) I didn't read it right away, because I knew I should finish other books first. =) It was a fun read when I got to it, though! Although I could have easily finished up quickly, I had to spread it out and just read it in small slots when I had the chance. I stayed up a little too late a few nights getting caught up in it though... ;-) He's a masterful storyteller! Some of the things are a little strange - after all, it's SciFi - but it's a great Christian series!
• The Helper by Catherine Marshall - This was another book my mom wanted me to read, and a favorite of my Grandma Nordholm. It was nice reading it and seeing all the underlining and notations she'd made years ago (she's been dead for 7 years). This book went in depth to explain the role of the Holy Spirit in our daily life and church life, and how "He will meet your every need." It was encouraging, yet at the same time challenging to live a life surrendered to the Lord.
• The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom with John and Elizabeth Sherrill - Having grown up hearing about Corrie ten Boom's story and watching the movie, I thought at first that I'd already read the book. But, though I'd read many things about Corrie ten Boom, I'd never read her full story as presented in the book The Hiding Place. It is so powerful! This is a real-life story about God's provision and how, indeed, you can be thankful for everything. Her life of faith and the touching, heartrending story of her sister Betsie will inspire, even as the horrible conditions of the Nazi concentration camps will shock. Because of all she learned through the horrors of prison, Corrie went on to minister to others and bring healing and faith to many.
• Papa Was a Preacher by Aleyne Porter - This is a delightfully funny book that everyone should read! Written in kind of the same spirit as Cheaper by the Dozen, the antics of these 8 preacher's children will have you laughing along. I, who almost never laugh out loud while reading, actually did once or twice with this book! Big families are so much fun!
• Like Dandelion Dust by Karen Kingsbury - I read this as a way to relax over a tiring weekend; thanks to my sister Maria who let us borrow it! It was a beautiful story of two mothers' love, the anguish adoption sometimes causes with having to let go, but the eventual self-sacrificing love of one for her child. It was also a touching story of a young child's faith.
  

Currently Reading:

• An Old-Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott - This book is well-beloved, and this is probably my 5th or more read-through! Every once-in-a-while I just get a longing to read this one again and get encouragement from Polly.
• Favorite Poems of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow - This is a long book of poems, and you can't read that many of them at a time! They've been enjoyable to read!
• Knowing God by J.I. Packer - It's giving me a lot to think and ponder and pray about!
• Phyllis Schlafly: The Sweetheart of the Silent Majority by Carol Felsenthal - Having heard a lot about Phyllis Schlafly, I'm enjoying reading the biography of her life.
  

Miriam's Books

Recently Read:

• Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens - This was such an wonderful book! I loved it! A tale of greed, prejudice, the haughty aristocracy, jealousy, deceit, and patient love. The influence that money can have on man is shown much through the book. The characters were excellently formed and I got into the pages so much that I would have a different feeling about each character. Anger at the arrogance of the schoolmaster and his pupil, disgust at the the greedy and grasping Mr. Wegg, a sigh of hope for Mr. Rokesmith's success. I highly recommend this!
• When God Writes Your Love Story by Eric and Leslie Ludy - When I saw this on Anna's list, I decided I wanted to read it again. When she asked to borrow the following book, I asked for this. It was a good reread. The story of their friendship and courtship combined with scripture and good advice for young people.
• When Dreams Come True by Eric and Leslie Ludy - I went ahead and read this again before letting Anna borrow it. Yes, I do read fast. :) This is a more detailed recounting of the Ludy's life. It begins with the high school days of Eric and Leslie before they knew each other and when they meet. From there, they take you on the journey of their friendship and courtship. It's a beautiful story of God's bringing two people together.
• Passion and Purity by Elizabeth Elliot - Yet another wonderful book. I think this was the second time I've read this, maybe third. It helped me to re-evaluate my beliefs and views on certain subjects and make sure that I'm doing something for the right reasons.
• Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris - I wonder how many reading lists this book will be on this month. =) This book was excellent. It was all I expected it to be and more. I knew that I would be challenged and even convicted in areas as I read this book, but I knew that I needed it. I think that right now God has me doing "little hard things", though sometimes they seem big. But that will take another post. ;)
  
• Aborted Women Silent No More by David C. Reardon - I was glad to finish this book. It definitely wasn't pleasurable reading, but it was very informative. It was hard to read so many blunt facts about abortion and know that they were true. It tore at my heart and I felt tears come to my eyes many times while reading. Other times, I would feel my stomach turn at the atrocities commited in the abortuaries. My heart would cry "Why God! Why do You let this live on in our country, in our world?". I'll never have the same opinion of abortion after reading this book. If you are researching this subject or need to know about it, then I do really recommend this book.
• The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy - I finally got to read this after reading so many recommendations. Starting on a Saturday night, I finished it the next morning. I really liked it! The plot of the story kept you on your toes wondering what would happen next. It's definitely on my read-again-in-the-future list.
• Of Men and of Angels by Brock and Bodie Thoene - I read the first book to this series a few months back and really enjoyed it. The thing I like most about the Thoene's writing is the way they bring history into the tale. This is the sequel to Only the River Runs Free in The Galway Chronicles. It's set in Ireland at a time of great political turmoil. You can almost feel the people's desperation as the English try to take control and run the country. The aristocracy of Ireland see the peasants as only trash that needs to be gotten rid of. It's about the people's fight for freedom from oppression. Some want to gain it through violence and bloodshed, others through the Repeal, a call for freedom through peaceful protestation.
  
  Currently Reading:


• College Without Compromise by Steve and Kris Wightman - This is quite an interesting book. An alternative to college is presented in this book. It's been pushed aside in my reading of other things, but I'm planning on finishing it in the next week or two. It's not a hard read at all.
• The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens - My next Dickens book to work through. This is not quite like his other novels, because it's a culmination of the Pickwick Club's adventures that were originally published in episodes, but later put into novel form.
• Ashes of Remembrance by Brock and Bodie Thoene - The third book in The Galway Chronicles. I think there is four, but I'm not positive. I hope this one is as good as the last two have been.

So, what have you been reading recently?