RAE’S READS

recent posts

about

This year (2025) finds me with 53 years of teaching “under my belt.” I have taught all levels from pre-K “(library lady” or “book lady”–volunteer) to juniors, seniors, and graduate students enrolled in my Advanced Writing class at the university where I have just completed 34 years. My first paying teaching job was junior high, and I spent 13 years with ages 12-13, the “difficult years.” I had some of the “funnest” experiences with this age group. When I was no longer the “young, fun teacher,” I taught in an elementary school setting before sixth graders went on to junior high, teaching language arts blocs, an assignment that was a “dream-fit” for me. After completing graduate school in my 40s, I went on to community college, then university teaching. This past fall I accepted a part-time teaching job at Apogee Gulf Coast Schools in its first year at the Alvin campus. After my Better Half died n 2022, I achieved a lifelong dream: opening a bookstore of my own, Rae’s Reads. A year later, I sold the house we had lived in for 47 years and moved into the bookstore. My goal is to circulate and repurpose books. Just as teaching is “in my blood,” so is a passion for reading, writing, libraries, and everything bookish. This blog will be open to anyone who loves books, promotes literacy and wants to “come out and play.”

WHAT ON EARTH AM I HERE FOR? by Rick Warren

Rick Warren of Saddleback Church (30,000 members) is best known for his book, The Purpose Driven Life, but this 2012 updated version of his “purpose” philosophy is also an excellent, helpful read. Warren deals with questions we all have asked ourselves: “Why am I alive? Does My Life Matter? What is my purpose in life?” This last question is perhaps one of the most important questions that will drive our introspections. Warren states that we should discover our purpose because it will…

…explain the meaning of your life.

…simplify your life.

…increase your motivation.

…prepare you for eternity.

This book deals with the “purpose issue” of The Purpose Driven Life, but includes the little phone “thingies” to scan as well as http://www.whateever.com to go to for each day. Where The Purpose Driven Life was a “40 day spiritual journey,” this one is set up for 42 days as it presents an in-depth examination of the question, “What am I Here for”? Many different translations of the Bible are used, but all answers and suggestions are scripturally based.

I ingested this book, a chapter a day for the whole 42 days, meditating on each chapter’s message throughout the day, and I often came up with my own answers to “So what”? and “What’s it to me”? (I was fortunate our church librarian was generous about due dates and the number of times she allowed me to renew the book!)

This is a book I highly recommend to anyone wishing to add purpose and meaning to their daily Christian walk.

Posted in

Leave a comment