Are you a collector? People all over the world from young kids to adults have a variety of collections. Some hoard t old coins or stamps. While others find pleasure collecting classic cars like Talk Show Host, Jay Leno. Just a block away from our house is the home of a young toy collector who converted part of his family abode into a toy museum called Yexel’s Toy Museum .
I on the other hand, collect non-fiction books and cookbooks. Even if we are in the age of digital media and electronic books, I still choose to have real books. I just love the smell and feel of new books. There’s something comforting about them. What’s so interesting is that I have probably about 10 e-books I haven’t completed yet because I keep forgetting I have them with me. Whereas with real books, I get to see them always that’s why I’m reminded to read them every chance I got.
Ever since my family and I heard of the annual book fair, we made sure that we would be there no matter what happens. Seeing all those books in one place is like being a kid in a giant candy store. I can’t buy all the books I want because of budget constraints, of course, and there is not enough space in the house anymore. In fact, I have another box of old books kept somewhere in the storage area. When the book fair opened this year, our first stop was our favorite Christian bookstore, OMF Lit and got me and Peewee some new reads. The kids were too excited to read their books.
Some of my favorite Christian authors are Max Lucado, Stormie Omartian, J.I Packer, and Barbara Hughes who wrote Disciplines of a Godly Woman, which is my current favorite. Hughes’ book also has a male counterpart called Disciplines of a Godly Man which was written by her husband Kent Hughes. I also love the simplicity of Harold Sala’s books on family.
Included in my book collection are books on pregnancy, breastfeeding, child rearing and child development. I never threw away those books because I know I can easily go back to them whenever I need them. When my mother left for the states, she left her Christian books in the house. So I got them and added them to my reading list.
Then I have another collection which is fast becoming an eye sore to my husband. It’s my collection of cookbooks, recipe books. Ever since I bought my first copy of the Yummy Magazine years ago, I was hooked. I tried almost all the recipes and my family loved it! I have been amused by Yummy’s mini books called the Yummy Books. They’re mini recipe books which are so handy that I can carry them in my bag and take to the grocery with me. Yummy Books have different themes like Weekend Cooking, So-Easy Sweets and Everyday Pasta.
What I like about their recipes is that they’re easy to follow that even a kitchen newbie can whip up something with a spatula and pan. Aside from the ingredients and procedure, the page also has a small boxed area where alternative ingredients are suggested or a trivia about a certain ingredient is shared. I love having friends over for lunch or dinner. I could easily grab any of my Yummy books and plan my menu. These books never failed me so I’ll keep adding to my collection 🙂
chicken something…forgot the name herbed crusted chicken with brown rice
Korean Buffalo Wings Some of my Yummy Books collection
However, these collections are just things. Over time their pages will turn yellow, get torn or even be borrowed and never be returned to me. That’s why I try not to get too attached to them because like anything in this world, they will eventually fade away. But one thing I know we should be collecting and will never fade and that is our time spent with the Word of God. As we continue to walk with Him and meditate on His Word daily, these Words get rooted in our hearts and minds. His Words transforms us and molds us.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
12 I praise you, O Lord;
teach me your decrees.
13 I have recited aloud
all the regulations you have given us.
14 I have rejoiced in your laws
as much as in riches.
15 I will study your commandments
and reflect on your ways.
16 I will delight in your decrees
and not forget your word. Psalm 119:11-16