More on Blog Friends:

I spent hours yesterday reading the Thin Threads book that I got from Becky. [Please click here to read my post about buying this book through Becky, and how she will donate to Habitat for Humanity for you if you do.]  It has around 100 short essays about how we touch each others lives, how we deal with adversity, and how we show our love in action.  I haven't finished it yet, but am nearly done. It is awesome.  As I was reading it, I got so many ideas for telling stories of my own.  It got me thinking of those in my past and in my present who have encouraged me along the way.  I was also reminded of the times when I have acted kind myself, and reached out to lift another up.

At the end of one story, there was this quote from Albert Schweitzer:


"Sometimes our light goes out, but is blown again into flame by an encounter with another human being.  Each of us owes the deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this inner light."


When we are part of a good group of people, there are more people to help lift us up.  More folks there to encourage us.  One group that changed my life was my church family at University Street Christian Church in Eugene, years ago.  The church closed in 1995, but I am still friends with lots of those folks through Facebook, thank goodness.  I am also fortunate to be part of a large family who always has my back.

One thing that amazes me about Blogland, is that when my self-confidence is low, or I am having doubts, or am wondering why I even work so hard on this blog ... somebody will leave me a special comment that really blesses me.  With my spirits higher, I'll check out someone else's blog, leave them a positive comment, and the circle enlarges.  Even though many of us bloggers are like nice people at the mall, walking by and giving each other a cheerful smile, or a nod of the head, or holding the door open for the next person behind us; some of us become true friends.  A few years ago, this was not even possible because there were no blogs.  It amazes me, really.

I just want to say that I appreciate all of you.  Those of you who visit once.  Those of you who stop by once in awhile. And, those who don't want to miss a day in the action and drama of our little Mayberry. Thank you!  There are so many blogs to choose from, and I am honored that you spend time here with me.


New Follower:

Lesa over at Baja Greenawalts Cozy Book Nook  is the newest follower of Oregon Gifts!  Lesa's blog features book reviews and all things book related.  It is really a cool website.

This photo is the inspiration for, and header of Lesa's blog.

Because of Lesa's blog, I decided that I had better create a new category of blogs on my sidebar.  I am calling this one "Book Clubs and Book Blogs".