Desiring Holy Gallantry

 I'm easily overwhelmed, so I thought I would introduce myself with a very concise (and certainly underwhelming) post on recent reads, both finished and current. One of my biggest passions is talking about books (INFP, here) and hearing others' passionately comment on theirs (this is your cue, dear reader to please leave a comment).

So, beginning with the finished (First three):

I ADORE pastorals, both in painting and in writing. They're such a source of relaxation to me, and I savor every bit of natural description. This was my first Hardy finish, and, I can say that it will not be my last. Any Hardy fans recommend a favorite?

This was not an academic choice by any means. It was more of a "return-to-adolescence" decision, and I was not disappointed---mainly (well, pretty much entirely) due to Spooner's excellent and on-point interpretation of Sir Guy of Gisborne. If you enjoyed the BBC Robin Hood show and wish it had ended differently, this book is a satisfying kind of HISHE. 

Now, to more spiritual matters (lest I sound totally heathen here ;). This was my second N. T. Wright read and WOW. I am surprised to say that I enjoyed his illustrations even more than C. S. Lewis's Reflections on the Psalms, which I read some months back. Professor Wright opened up a door of unison in regard to the rhythm and redemption of Creation that I had never comprehended before. The following portion of Romans 8, for example, never quite struck me as quite satisfying. For all of our commendable concern for the salvation of humanity within the Evangelical sphere, we don't seem to discourse much about the first half:

For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God, 20 for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its enslavement to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning together as it suffers together the pains of labor, 23 and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.

Wright dealt with the stream of Creation-redemption binding the Old and New Testaments SO VERY WELL. Especially Chapter Five, "ALL THE TREES OF THE FOREST SING FOR JOY." 

Highly, highly recommend. It's also quite short and sweet. 

I only finished the first chapter on this one so far, but I can tell it is going to be just the antidote I need right now. I had no idea so much from The Magician's Nephew mirrored Lewis's actual childhood. Within, he recounts how, as a child, he pleaded with God to heal his mother, regarding Him without "fear," and more as a magician. This perspective obviously changed as he began to understand the significance of repentance---and Aslan aptly described as "...not a tame lion..."

I have not read much within the Fantasy genre outside of Tolkien and Lewis. I don't think I would have ever picked this book up outside of a fellow homeschooler's raving review. I am SO glad that I did, as the ardent details of Celtic herbs absolutely captivate me! Did you know, for example, that bluebells and willows were considered "fairy-possessions?" Indeed, it was considered fatal to walk through a field of bluebells (even today they are federally protected in many regions) as they are highly toxic, and have been traditionally designated as communication-byways of the fae people. 

Willow trees were vessels in which fairies could speak to people (I am reminded of Mark Twain's Joan of Arc, which specified a witch's tree, and also, The Wind in the Willows). 

In Scripture, the willow tree is a constant symbol of rebirth and renewal.

Such cool stuff (anyone else?). 

Well, that's it for now. Anxiously awaiting to hear from other book-lovers :).