As the 27th chapter of Deuteronomy begins, Moses has assembled Israel on the plains of Moab for a second announcement of their covenant with Yahweh. He outlines the blessings (or curses) the people should expect based upon their faithfulness (or unfaithfulness) to the covenant.
The Sound of Silence – 01/2022
Gwendolyn Peart – 12/2021
Describe yourself using a book title: What Do You Do With a Chance? by Kobi Yamada and Mae Besom and his other book What Do You Do With an Idea? I would describe myself as being inspirational. Sometimes something amazing happens and my confidence grows, oftentimes a chance comes my way and I have an opportunity to do something with it.
What’s the best thing about being a librarian? The best thing about being a librarian is having an opportunity to encourage others to be lifelong learners and avid library patrons.
Think Carefully about Your Ways – 12/2021
“Son, think about what you are doing, or you will lose a finger,” were my words to Kevin Jr., who was holding a hand saw. My 11-year-old son and I were cutting down trees in our backyard and my encouragement was to think carefully about the task at hand.
Robert Burgess – 11/2021
Twitter handle: @RobLeeBurgess
Describe yourself using a book title: This Book Is Overdue!: How Librarians and Cybrarians Can Save Us by Marilyn Johnson
What’s the best thing about being a librarian? I really enjoy helping students become successful so that they can complete their life goals.
Worship Him in Our Zeal and Fatigue – 11/2021
As a long-distance runner in college, there were a couple of times I ran to a different town, which was about ten miles away. The excitement was there to run to the next town; however, fatigue set in so I needed a ride back from a friend.
Jennifer Brady – 10/2021
Describe yourself using a book title: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy I know that sounds weird, but at different times, I am one, or all four of these. I am always asking questions, seeking God’s wisdom, unsure of myself, yet striving to always be kind and to be a friend to all those I meet.
What’s the best thing about being a librarian? In some way, I believe I always wanted to be a librarian. I would help in the library in elementary school, shelving books. I created a library in the local homeless shelter for my Gold Award project in Girl Scouts that remained in operation until the shelter closed 25 years later. It wasn’t until I began my career as a public librarian, and later a health science librarian though that I truly realized how people gravitate to libraries when they are hurting or need a safe space. As a teacher, I believed the best thing was seeing the “ah-ha” moments in a student’s educational journey. As a teaching librarian, I still love those breakthroughs and cherish each one but even more, my cup is filled when a student tells me they come to the library because it is comforting, relaxing, or a welcoming place for them. I love hearing that we have succeeded in creating a space within the library where all of our students feel welcomed, valued, and wanted.
Learning from God’s Foolishness – 10/2021
It’s back-to-school time, one of my favorite seasons of the year. I enjoy this special time of the year when we celebrate learning and the potential for growth in knowledge. As a Christian instruction librarian, however, the season comes with its pitfalls. Self-assured and self-reliant, I flit between classrooms flaunting the ease of using online resources, seamlessly showcasing research skills to students and faculty. Inevitably, thank you notes full of profuse praise follow my visit, which I store in an “atta girl” folder in my email. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but, in a shallow attempt to earn their trust, I sure act like I do when I want to impress faculty and students with my capabilities.
Gregg Geary – 09/2021
Describe yourself using a book title: A Man for All Seasons (a play and film rather than a book but a literary product nonetheless)
What’s the best thing about being a librarian? As someone who is fascinated by just about everything I find librarianship to be a great career to discover and learn about God’s creation and our role in it. I can’t think of a better profession for a generalist with a lot of curiosity. I can’t decide if I would call myself a Renaissance man or just a guy with ADD.
Be Encouraged – 09/2021
In this life, it is a given that we shall encounter problems, calamities, troubles, and pandemics. We have been told that, “… In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NIV). I get comfort from this word every time I look at the news, every time I learn of the passing on of a loved one, and every time I am on the verge of giving up due to the pressures of workplace issues and family predicaments. Losing several relatives within a space of a year led me to reflect a bit, and reading this verse gave me courage to spare a minute or two to help students in similar positions of pressure and loss.
Jodi Brown – 08/2021
Describe yourself using a book title: Curious George Goes to the Library
What’s the best thing about being a librarian? Being able to share my love of reading with my students by introducing them to the wonderful world books have to offer. I love seeing that light bulb go off when they discover how wonderful books are.