Seekerville: The Journey Continues

When I realized today was National Thesaurus Day, I reached for my copy of Roget’s International Thesaurus, blew off the dust and wondered why a favorite reference book had, over the last few years, been ignored on my office bookshelf. Flipping through the pages of my rather aged Fourth Edition advertised to contain 256,000 words and phrases, I had a renewed appreciation for the effort involved in creating such an outstanding tool for writers. Intrigued by a book that continues to be a reliable resource, I wanted to learn about the mastermind who had compiled the first thesaurus.

I found a short biography in my own edition that spurred me to dig deeper into the life of Peter Mark Roget, the physician and scholar-wordsmith who had compiled the first Thesaurus, a name taken from the Greek and Latin words meaning treasure. To attempt—and succeed—at such a huge endeavor (and doing so prior to computers) is a testament to Roget’s hard work and persistence as well as his keen intellect.

Honors and accolades soon followed. He was known as an inventor, created a slide rule and was an avid chess player. At the age of 36, he was elected into the Royal Society, a fellowship of the most learned minds in math, engineering and medicine and served as its secretary for twenty-plus years. He wrote numerous papers on physiology and health, including an extensive study on the animal and plant kingdoms that was highly acclaimed in his day. Additionally, he penned articles for the Encyclopedia Britannica.

Photo of Peter Roget, Roget's international Thesaurus, Fourth Edition, Harper & Row, Publishers, New York, 1977.

Although his achievements were numerous, Roget is remembered for his Thesaurus. Always a lover of language, at age twenty-six, he compiled a list of 15,000 words arranged by meaning that served as the initial draft of his later work. It was only after he retired from a prestigious career in medicine, that he resumed categorizing words and in four years had completed the manuscript.

Published in 1852, that first edition was titled Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases, Classified and Arranged so as to Facilitate the Expression of Ideas and Assist in Literary Composition. The title explained the uniqueness of Roget’s work and how it could be used by writers in any discipline. The first edition was an instant success, and a second edition was published a year later, followed by a third edition in 1855.

Roget continued to add to and enhance many subsequent editions of his work. Before his death in 1869 at age ninety, he was revising the twenty-eighth printing of his thesaurus. His son John took over after Roget’s death, followed by his grandson and eventually Thomas Y Crowell who acquired access to the book in 1879.

Peter Roget's Preface to the First Edition, Roget's international Thesaurus, Fourth Edition, Harper & Row, Publishers, New York, 1977.

Roget’s Thesaurus is not a dictionary, but rather, as the Publisher’s Preface in my thesaurus states, “a grouping of words according to ideas.” Roget divided his words and phrases into categories, such as Abstract Relations, Space, Physics and Matter. Just prior to publication, he added an alphabetized index in the appendix so readers could more easily find synonyms for specific words without having to sort through the various large groupings.

More than 40 million copies of Roget’s Thesaurus have sold over the years, and the book continues to be a valued reference for all wordsmiths. From now on, I’ll keep my copy close to my computer and am determined to use it when searching for that perfect word to enhance my writing. I’m grateful to Peter Mark Roget for the thesaurus he created—a storehouse of words and a treasure for all.

Do you have a thesaurus? Do you use it? What impressed you about Peter Roget?

Happy writing!

Wishing you abundant blessings,

Debby Giusti

www.DebbyGiusti.com

IN A SNIPER’S CROSSHAIRS

By Debby Giusti

An assassin’s loose in Amish country…and she’s not the only target.

When a radio broadcast describes taxi driver Lily Hudson’s passenger as an armed criminal, she becomes his immediate target. Narrowly escaping, Lily accepts Matthias Overholt’s offer to hide at his Amish family farm for Christmas—until evidence reveals the gunman’s plan is tied to Lily’s past. Now to prevent an assassination, Lily and Matthias must unravel a years-old conspiracy…and evade a sniper who has them in his sights.

Order HERE!

The Baptism of Christ by Andrea del Verrocchio and Leonardo da Vinci, c. 1475, Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy. [PD-US]

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said,
"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
He is the one of whom I said,
'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.'
I did not know him,
but the reason why I came baptizing with water
was that he might be made known to Israel."
John testified further, saying,
"I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven
and remain upon him.
I did not know him,
but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me,
'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain,
he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'
Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."

John 1:29-34

The Seekerville bloggers are praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. If you have any special intentions that need additional prayer coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below. 

Please pray for our country and for an end to the problems that plague us at this current time, such as the increased cost of fuel and food and the rise in crime.

God bless you and keep you safe.      

THE OCTAVE DAY OF CHRISTMAS

Adoration of the Shepherds by Matthias Stom, c. 1635–1640, North Carolina Museum of Art. [PD-US]

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph,  
and the infant lying in the manger.
When they saw this,  
they made known the message  
that had been told them about this child.
All who heard it were amazed  
by what had been told them by the shepherds.
And Mary kept all these things,  
reflecting on them in her heart.
Then the shepherds returned,  
glorifying and praising God  
for all they had heard and seen,  
just as it had been told to them.  

When eight days were completed for his circumcision,  
he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel  
before he was conceived in the womb.

LUKE 2:16-21

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF US WITH PEACE, JOY AND LOVE

IN 2023! 

The Seekerville bloggers are praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. If you have any special intentions that need additional prayer coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below. 

Please pray for our country and for an end to the problems that plague us at this current time, such as the increased cost of fuel and food and the rise in crime.

Also, please join us in praying for the protection of our military and for law enforcement officers and border agents.   

We are so grateful for all of you—for your friendship and your support! 

God bless you and keep you safe.     

THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD

Nativity of Jesus, by Botticelli, c. 1473–1475, Columbia Museum of Art. [PD-US]

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus

that the whole world should be enrolled.

This was the first enrollment,

when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town.

And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth

to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem,

because he was of the house and family of David,

to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.

While they were there,

the time came for her to have her child,

and she gave birth to her firstborn son.

She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger,

because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields

and keeping the night watch over their flock.

The angel of the Lord appeared to them

and the glory of the Lord shone around them,

and they were struck with great fear.

The angel said to them,

“Do not be afraid;

for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy

that will be for all the people.

For today in the city of David

a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.

And this will be a sign for you:

you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes

and lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel,

praising God and saying:

    “Glory to God in the highest

        and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:1-14

MERRY CHRISTMAS, DEAR FRIENDS!

    May the Lord bless you abundantly on this joyous day of the Infant Jesus' birth, and may He fill you with Peace, Hope and Love in the year to come.

The Seekerville bloggers are praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. If you have any special intentions that need additional prayer coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below. 

Please pray for our country and for an end to the problems that plague us at this current time, such as the increased cost of fuel and food and the rise in crime.

God bless you and keep you safe.    

Two thousand years ago, the world awaited the coming of the Messiah. As scripture tells us, when Christ was born a star marked the spot over Bethlehem, shepherds rejoiced and Magi payed homage to the King of Kings. All that had been foretold was brought to fulfillment in Christ Jesus, yet many folks failed to recognize him as their Savior and Lord. They expected a worldly king and powerful ruler instead of a tiny infant lying in a manger.

Today, we—like the people of old—anticipate the coming of the Christ Child. Our period of waiting is called Advent and starts on the fourth Sunday prior to Christmas. During this time of expectation, we prepare, once again, to welcome Jesus into our hearts and homes.

The Holy Night, Antonio de Correggio (1489-1534), Dresden, Germany. [PD-US]

Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year, and in spite of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, the days leading to Christmas are a perfect time for reflection. The shopping and decorating, the cards and gift wrapping can wait. Let’s take a few moments to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re going as writers.

Throughout December, the weather where I live fluctuated greatly and the changing temperatures frequently brought fog that clouded the view from my window. Peering outside, I was reminded of our human inability to see beyond the present. We can plan for and anticipate the future, but as finite creatures, we have a clouded view of where we’re going and sometimes even question where we have been.

Adoration of the Shepherds, Matthias Stomer, c1680, Palazzo Madame, Turin. [PD-US]

Without clear vision, we could miss the true meaning of the twists and turns of our lives and all that has brought us to this moment in time. We look too often at that which has not come to fulfillment instead of the positive steps we have taken forward. Like the Jews of old, we misinterpret signs that point to that which is to come. Often, this brings discouragement and despondency and may cause us to give up dreams that are closer than we think to realization.

Perhaps we have set our sights on a certain achievement or goal. It might be a request for a submission or a book contact. It could involve catching the attention of an agent or editor or making a best sellers’ list. It might be to finish a manuscript or write a certain number of pages within the past year. If we haven’t achieved our goal, we may wonder if we are wasting our time and energy on a dream that will never come to fruition.

We’ve said it often here in Seekerville. The writing journey requires hard work and determination. We have to keep moving forward in spite of struggles and rejection. Writing detours happen, but we can’t give up. A wrong turn is not always a mistake, especially if it leads us along a fresh path that ends in a new destination we never would have imagined if we had stayed on the chartered course that seemed so appealing.

Adoration of the Magi, Bartolome Esteban Murillo, 1655-1600, Toledo Museum of Art. [PD-US]

Instead of looking at what we haven’t achieved, let’s find the positive growth—even the small steps forward—we may have previously overlooked. Any forward progression means we’re moving in the right direction.    

As we gather around the manger this Christmas to welcome the Christ Child, let’s give thanks for the many blessings the Lord has bestowed upon us and especially for the many ways he had led us through the fog to a new realization of his love and mercy.

A favorite Christmas Eve appetizer:

Place a block of Philadelphia Cream Cheese on an oblong serving dish.

Cover with fresh crabmeat. A can of crab meat (lump is the best) can be substituted. Drain well before arranging the crab over the cream cheese.

Top with Cocktail sauce: Mix a large spoonful of horseradish (or more) into a cup of ketchup, add salt, mix and spread over crab-covered cream cheese.

Serve with Triscuits or other favorite crackers. Enjoy!

Dear Friends, I’ve been praying for you throughout Advent, asking the Lord to shower you with abundant blessings now and in the New Year!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

Debby Giusti

ww.DebbyGiusti.com

IN A SNIPER’S CROSSHAIRS

By Debby Giusti

An assassin’s loose in Amish country…
and she’s not the only target.

When a radio broadcast describes taxi driver Lily Hudson’s passenger as an armed criminal, she becomes his immediate target. Narrowly escaping, Lily accepts Matthias Overholt’s offer to hide at his Amish family farm for Christmas—until evidence reveals the gunman’s plan is tied to Lily’s past. Now to prevent an assassination, Lily and Matthias must unravel a years-old conspiracy…and evade a sniper who has them in his sights.

 Order HERE! https://www.amazon.com/Snipers-Crosshairs-Love-Inspired-Suspense/dp/1335587330/ref=sr_1_22?crid=4LDG9MPZSI65&keywords=Debby+Giusti+books&qid=1662728609&sprefix=debby+giusti+%2Caps%2C456&sr=8-22

THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT

St. John the Baptist Preaching, c. 1665, by Mattia Preti, Legion of Honor Gallery 6, Belgium. [PD-US]

When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ,

he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question,
"Are you the one who is to come,
or should we look for another?"
Jesus said to them in reply,
"Go and tell John what you hear and see:
the blind regain their sight,
the lame walk,
lepers are cleansed,
the deaf hear,
the dead are raised,
and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.
And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me."

As they were going off,
Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John,
"What did you go out to the desert to see?
A reed swayed by the wind?
Then what did you go out to see?
Someone dressed in fine clothing?
Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces.
Then why did you go out?  To see a prophet?
Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
This is the one about whom it is written:
Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;
he will prepare your way before you.
Amen, I say to you,
among those born of women
there has been none greater than John the Baptist;
yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."

Matthew 11:2-11

 SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT

The Baptism of Christ by Andrea del Verrocchio and Leonardo da Vinci, c. 1475, Uffizi Gallery. [PD-US]

John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea
and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"
It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said:
A voice of one crying out in the desert,
Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths.
John wore clothing made of camel's hair
and had a leather belt around his waist.
His food was locusts and wild honey.
At that time Jerusalem, all Judea,
and the whole region around the Jordan
were going out to him
and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River
as they acknowledged their sins.

When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees
coming to his baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers!
Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance.
And do not presume to say to yourselves,
'We have Abraham as our father.'
For I tell you,
God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones.
Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees.
Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit
will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
I am baptizing you with water, for repentance,
but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I.
I am not worthy to carry his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
His winnowing fan is in his hand.
He will clear his threshing floor
and gather his wheat into his barn,
but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

Matthew 3:1-12

WISHING YOU A JOYFUL AND PRAYERFUL ADVENT

AS YOU JOIN US IN PREPARING FOR THE BIRTH OF THE CHRIST CHILD!

The Seekerville bloggers are praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. If you have any special intentions that need additional prayer coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below. 

Please pray for our country and for an end to the problems that plague us at this current time, such as the increased cost of fuel and food and the rise in crime.

May the Lord bless you and keep you safe.   

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Christ Crucified, Diego Velazquez, c 1632, The Prado, Madrid. [PD-US]

The rulers sneered at Jesus and said,
"He saved others, let him save himself
if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God."
Even the soldiers jeered at him.
As they approached to offer him wine they called out,
"If you are King of the Jews, save yourself."
Above him there was an inscription that read,
"This is the King of the Jews."

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying,
"Are you not the Christ?
Save yourself and us."
The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply,
"Have you no fear of God,
for you are subject to the same condemnation?
And indeed, we have been condemned justly,
for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes,
but this man has done nothing criminal."
Then he said,
"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
He replied to him,
"Amen, I say to you,
today you will be with me in Paradise."

Luke 23:35-43

The Seekerville bloggers are praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. If you have any special intentions that need additional prayer coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below. 

Please pray for our country and for an end to the problems that plague us at this current time, such as the increased cost of fuel and food and the rise in crime.

May the Lord bless you and keep you safe.      

The Dome of the Rock located on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem. [Photo by D. Giusti, 2017}

While some people were speaking about
how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings,
Jesus said, "All that you see here--
the days will come when there will not be left
a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down."

Then they asked him,

"Teacher, when will this happen?
And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?"
He answered,
"See that you not be deceived,
for many will come in my name, saying,
'I am he,' and 'The time has come.'
Do not follow them!
When you hear of wars and insurrections,
do not be terrified; for such things must happen first,
but it will not immediately be the end."
Then he said to them,
"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues
from place to place;
and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.

"Before all this happens, however,
they will seize and persecute you,
they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons,
and they will have you led before kings and governors
because of my name.
It will lead to your giving testimony.
Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking
that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends,
and they will put some of you to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives."

Luke 21:5-19 

The Seekerville bloggers are praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. If you have any special intentions that need additional prayer coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below. 

Please pray for our country and for an end to the problems that plague us at this current time, such as the increased cost of fuel and food and the rise in crime.

May the Lord bless you and keep you safe.