This time it was in a RED CROSS SHOP where I found those precious books. I have actually said before, that I find the books I like best in second hand shops. Two of the books – Isobel Kuhn: “Stones of Fire” and Geoffrey T Bull: “When Iron Gates Yield” – are really precious to others also and I ‘lost’ them already. With other words they are now in the possession of other people. And believe it or not, they took them without asking. Never mind!

The BIBLE says in Ecclesiastes 12:12 “Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them.

Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.”

The book “Prison to Praise” by M. R. Carothers was also in the RED CROSS SHOP. In fact I found two copies, one to give away!

I know, it is a very old book. First printing July, 1970; Seventy-fourth printing, 1992. On the front cover of one copy I have it says, “Over 210 weeks National Bestseller.” On the back cover it says,” Many people list it as the most unusual book they have ever read.”

I belong also to those people. I have read it once, but I think I am going to read it again.

* “There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them.” – J. Brodsky

ALSO WRITTEN ON THE BACK OF A REFRIGERATOR!

I remember reading James 1:2,3,4 –

“CONSIDER IT PURE JOY, MY BROTHERS, WHENEVER YOU FACE TRIALS OF MANY KINDS, BECAUSE YOU KNOW THAT THE TESTING OF YOUR FAITH DEVELOPS PERSEVERANCE. PERSEVERANCE MUST FINISH ITS WORK SO THAT YOU MAY BE MATURE AND COMPLETE, NOT LACKING ANYTHING.”

– many years ago in Bangkok in the RONGREEM (Hotel) “EUROPE” in a paraphrased translation of the Bible. That was the first time when these verses became meaningful to me.

I was reminded of this incident in the capital of Thailand again, when I saw written on the back of a refrigerator, “THE ART OF LIVING LIES LESS IN ELIMINATING OUR TROUBLES THAN IN GROWING WITH THEM.”

According to he dictionary the words trial, trouble, grief have all the same meaning!

Sometimes I go even out of my way to have a look what is written on the blackboard here in Kaitaia. It is erected in front of TOPVETS LTD and the address is 17 North Road, Kaitaia.

My question is only, “Why don’t Churches make use of blackboards like that?” Verses from the BIBLE should be written on the blackboard. For example,”COME TO ME, ALL YOU WHO ARE WEARY AND BURDENED, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.”

But it seems to be so difficult to motivate people.