i finished mountains beyond mountains last night. it's one of those books that i'm sorry to see end. it's also one of those books that i want others to read immediately because i think it is great and i think others would benefit from reading it, but the real reason i want others to read it is so i can talk with someone about it. it's the kind of book i want to read again right now because even though i got a ton from it on the first read, i know there are more layers to it that i want to dig in to. so if you are reading (which would be amazing given i haven't blogged in a while), this is a not so subltle, selfish plea for you to help me and read the book!

one thing i did get on the first read was a phrase that farmer uses a lot. he calls it h of g or hermeneutic of grace. the basic idea of h of g is that when someone farmer knows and whose heart he knows says something that could be taken negatively or positively, he gives them the benefit of the doubt and interprets what they are saying in the positive light. i think that is beautiful and it is on my list of things i want to cultivate in my heart and mind. i wonder how much conflict and drama could be avoided by the existence of an h of g in relationships...

right now i'm in a coffee shop and i'm supposed to be studying for my nutrition telecourse class. i thought if i left my apartment i wouldn't be distracted, yet here i am blogging. i haven't blogged consistently in months. it's amazing what i'll do to keep myself from studying. this is my second semester back in school and i still haven't quite adjusted to the reality that i have homework and tests. some part of my brain is still in denial. the other problem is there is a huge window by the table i chose. there is something about a window in a coffee shop that immediately puts me in a reflective kind of mood. i know that is so pathetically cliche, but it's true. if only it put me in a reflective mood about vitamins, proteins, and the food guide pyramid... but i'm glad i'm blogging. it's good to get my thoughts out of my head and onto the screen.