Serendipity

February Book Club Selection

2012-01-26T08:00:00.000-06:00

February's selection was recommended by Christy Bledsoe of Swift Church. We will be reading A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers which is the first book in the Mark of the Lion Series. This is a favorite author among the book club so I'm sure we will have no trouble with this one. The book is 515 pages and here is a brief description:

“The city was silently bloating in the hot sun, rotting like the thousands of bodies that lay where they had fallen in street battles.” With this opening sentence, A Voice in the Wind transports readers back to Jerusalem during the first Jewish-Roman War, some seventy years after the death of Christ. Following the prides and passions of a group of Jews, Romans and Barbarians living at the time of the siege, the narrative is centered on an ill-fated romance between a steadfast slave girl, Hadassah, and Marcus, the brother of her owner and a handsome aristocrat. After surviving the massacre of her family and the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, Hadassah is captured and sold to a well-to-do merchant’s family. Brought to Rome, she is pressed into service as a personal slave to hedonistic Julia Valerian. Hadassah struggles to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and to treat her masters in a manner in keeping with His teachings, but she is forced to keep her religious identity a secret in order to survive. Confused and alone, she has only her faith to cling to as she tries to subtly bring God into the lives of her captors. Reckless, impulsive, and villainous, Julia tries to undermine Hadassah at every turn. But Julia’s brother, Marcus, is a different sort altogether. Is it possible for a love between Hadassah and Marcus to flourish considering not only their differing stations in life, but also the gap between Hadassah’s unrelenting faith and Marcus’ lack of belief in anything? Simultaneously, Atretes, a captured soldier from Germania, is forced to become a gladiator. This is the time of Rome's decline and the decadence of a civilization on the verge of self-destruction serves as a powerful backdrop to the Barbarian’s struggle for survival in the arena. (end quote)

I'm really excited as I have heard many great reviews on this book and it's series.An e-mail will be sent with ordering information but I do know that copies are available in the Public Library. The book suggestions have been slow going.... To make this year's book club work I need YOU to e-mail me your favorite books that you think our group will enjoy. Please Please Please, e-mail me your ideas, whether you are a regular attendee or you just read along with us and don't attend the meetings, it doesn't matter!!! I need you to keep this year going. I barely have time to read other than a textbook so I can't do near the research as usual right now. Please call or e-mail me with any questions, suggestions or comments.

February Meeting will be on 2/25!

Happy Reading!

January 2012 Selection

2012-01-05T11:16:00.003-06:00

Happy New Year! It's time to begin another year of Book Club. We are on our 4th year! Can you believe it? As many of you know, I am currently enrolled more than full time in school and work and have difficulty finding time to read anything other than a textbook much less try to pre-screen books. It is with this concern that this years book club selections will be selected by YOU or others in the church who would like to share their favorite selections. Each month the selection will be a featured favorite, still in the category of Christan or Inspirational.

This month's selection is one passed along from Samford Turner, Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of South Alabama. We will be reading The Noticer by Andy Andrews. This does happen to be one that I have read and had been thinking about doing for book club for quite some time. It is inspirational fiction (although you will recognize a lot of truth in it too) set in Orange Beach, AL. The book is 176 pages and here is a brief description:

Orange Beach, Alabama is a simple town filled with simple people. But like all humans on the planet, the good folks of Orange Beach have their share of problems - marriages teetering on the brink of divorce, young adults giving up on life, business people on the verge of bankruptcy, as well as the many other obstacles that life seems to dish out to the masses. Fortunately, when things look the darkest - a mysterious man named Jones has a miraculous way of showing up. An elderly man with white hair, of indiscriminate age and race, wearing blue jeans, a white T-shirt and leather flip flops carrying a battered old suitcase, Jones is a unique soul. Communicating what he calls "a little perspective," Jones explains that he has been given a gift of noticing things that others miss. "Your time on this earth is a gift to be used wisely," he says. "Don't squander your words or your thoughts. Consider even the simplest action you take, for your lives matter beyond measure…and they matter forever." Jones speaks to that part in everyone that is yearning to understand why things happen and what we can do about it. (end quote from Amazon.com)

I'm really excited about this book to start off the New Year, maybe it will make us all notice things a little more often throughout the year. An e-mail will be sent with ordering information but I do know that copies are available in our Church Library and the Public Library.

The Chick-Fil-A meeting was a nice change and we are going to meet there again this January 28th at 830 AM and will meet until 10AM. Invite your friends and family, the more the merrier. If you would prefer us keep meetings at the church, let me know. Your opinion counts, no feelings hurt here!

Now one last thing I need from you. To make this year's book club work I need YOU to e-mail me your favorite books that you think our group will enjoy. Please Please Please, e-mail me your ideas, whether you are a regular attendee or you just read along with us and don't attend the meetings, it doesn't matter!!! I need you to keep this year going. I have provided a list of books we have already read at the bottom of the email so you can see what has already been done.

Happy Reading!

Past Book Selections

2011
January – The Help by Kathryn Stockett
February – The practice of the presence of God by Brother Lawrence
March – Left to Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza
April – Have a little faith by Mitch Albom
May – Heaven is for real by Todd Burpo
June – Under the overpass by Mike Yankoski
July – Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
August – What different do it make? by Ron Hall & Denver Moore
September – The Book of Ruth (The Bible)

2010
January – The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall
February – The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer
March – God’s Smuggler by Brother Andrew
April – A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers
May – Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin
June – The Measure of a Lady by Deanne Gist
July – A shepherd looks at the 23rd Psalm by Phillip Keller
August – Redemption by Karen Kingsbury
September – For One More Day by Mitch Albom

2009
January – Traveling Light by Max Lucado
February – Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
March – Same kind of different as me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
April – The Shack by William P. Young
May – Having a Mary heart in a Martha world by Joanna Weaver
June – The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
July – The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
August – The Five people you meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
September – One Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury

Holiday Break!

2011-09-29T14:44:00.002-05:00

Our book club is on holiday break until January 2012. We finished up our Book Club year this month with a meeting at Chickfila! Jody Beth led a great mini study of The Book of Ruth. THANK YOU JODY BETH!!! We had 6 people in attendance. It was a good meeting and it was nice to have the new atmosphere. Please be sure to give me feedback on what you thought of the meeting at Chickfila, Like or Dislike?

I hope you have enjoyed reading along this year. Here is a list of all our book selections for 2011 just in case you missed one and would like to catch up:

January – The Help by Kathryn Stockett
February – The practice of the presence of God by Brother Lawrence
March – Left to Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza
April – Have a little faith by Mitch Albom
May – Heaven is for real by Todd Burpo
June – Under the overpass by Mike Yankoski
July – Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
August – What different do it make? by Ron Hall & Denver Moore
September – The Book of Ruth (The Bible)

As many of you know I am in school full time right now and I am extremely busy with school work and that absorbs most all my "extra" reading time right now. Please be sure to share with me good books that you have read or read during this time of break from the club. I'm trying to listen to books on CD to get in my non-school related reading. I will probably need a lot of help and suggestions to really get 2012 off to a great start!

I pray that each one of you has found something good and unexpected from our readings this year and have been blessed in some way by being a part of this club. I pray that each of you have a peaceful and wonderful holiday season. Thank you for your participation, attendance, opinions, suggestions and words of encouragement. I truly appreciate each and every one.

Happy Reading!

With Love,
Amber

September Book Selection

2011-08-30T14:55:00.001-05:00

Our September selection will be something we have never done before.... We are going to read the Book of Ruth from the Bible. And luckily no need for a book order or much introduction unless you need help finding a Bible! :)

With every one's crazy busy schedules (especially mine) and as I had difficulty for September, Jody Beth felt God leading her to lead a mini review/Bible Study on Ruth for our Book Club. We touched on reading about the Book of Ruth back in Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers you can click on the title to refer back to the Blog to refresh your memory.

And one more surprise.... At our last meeting of the year on Saturday September 17 at 8:30 AM we are going to meet at ChickFila in Foley. We will have our discussion, led by Jody Beth and you can have some coffee or breakfast as well if you so desire. :)

NOTE: We are not meeting on the last Saturday of September because this is Cursillo weekend. And since we don't have to wait on getting The Book of Ruth, our readers shouldn't have any problem meeting a week earlier. :)

Thanks so much for your participation!!! Remember I LOVE book suggestions and am here if you have any questions or need some other book ideas to read when you finish the monthly book. You can also check out the blog and see what other books I read and review as I try to find books for the club and for my own enjoyment. Happy Reading!

Mere Christianity

2011-08-17T10:39:00.006-05:00

July has passed and we did not have a meeting with everyone having such a busy summer schedule. I haven't heard much feedback on who did or didn't read the book. I know of a couple who couldn't get into it but then others who remarked that they had read the book previously and it has always been a favorite. I wish that when I had first read the book, I wasn't listening to a library copy and could have gone through and marked it up with a highlighter or pencil. There were so many interesting things that Lewis said and the manor of the way he explained things are so simple and real. From an intellectual standpoint, he really opens the door for those who have problems wrapping their minds around Christianity and makes it easier to grasp and understand.

I did have one favorite quote that I remember that I would like to share with you here:

God made us; invented us as a man invents an engine. A car is made to run on gasoline, and it would not run properly on anything else. Now God Designed the Human Machine to run on himself. He himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other. That is why it is just no good asking God to make us happy in our own way without bothering about religion. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from himself because it is not there. There is no such thing. (end quote)

I love this statement and I love the truth of it and the way that Lewis makes it so simple when others try to sometimes make it more complicated. My reading time is becoming increasingly "booked" as I attend classes through Troy University but I do hope to one day go back and read this again now that I have my own copy. I still urge you to read it sometime if you haven't. I also would pray you check out some of Lewis's other writings. Happy Reading!!

When Crickets Cry

2011-08-16T11:53:00.004-05:00

I finished up the book, When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin. This is a Christian Fiction book and is 352 pages. Here is a description of the book from online:

A man with a painful past. A child with a doubtful future. And a shared journey toward healing for both their hearts. It begins on the shaded town square in a sleepy Southern town. A spirited seven-year-old has a brisk business at her lemonade stand. Her latest customer, a bearded stranger, drains his cup and heads to his car, his mind on a boat he's restoring at a nearby lake. But the little girl's pretty yellow dress can't quite hide the ugly scar on her chest. The stranger understands more about it than he wants to admit. And the beat-up bread truck careening around the corner with its radio blaring is about to change the trajectory of both their lives. Before it's over, they'll both know there are painful reasons why crickets cry...and that miracles lurk around unexpected corners. (end quote)

This book was a slow read but a good one. I know that doesn't sound quite right but I really did enjoy the story and the characters. The author went to great care to be extremely descriptive and make sure the reader knew everything necessary about Heart Transplants which is a huge part of the book. I think one of my favorite things was the outlook of the little girl Annie. She is amazingly brave in the face of having to receive a new heart by transplant and her faith is unshakable. She tells one of the other main characters not to worry because, "Whether or not I wake up...I'll have a new heart." Annie knew what was at stake and trusted God to bring her through it all on this side of heaven or not. I love the eternal optimist.

There are also some other themes to help in forgiveness, healing from the loss of a loved one and how much family matters. While this book will not be a book club selection I do hope that if you choose to read it you enjoy the book and keep going. Just because it's a little slow doesn't mean it's not worth your while. I look forward to maybe reading some other books by this author at some point. Happy reading!

Under the Overpass Recap

2011-08-05T13:20:00.000-05:00

Better late than never. I want to write a bit about this book from where I have marked sections that I found interesting. There are three particular ones that I want to bring attention to that God really spoke to me about and helped widen my thinking about the lost and homeless and how we treat them. So many wonderful learning experiences but these are just a few that jumped out at me to write to you about.

1) In Denver, pages 36-39. "If we are the body of Christ-and Christ came not for the healthy but the sick-we need to be fully present in the places where people are most broken." I think that is one of the biggest reminders that many Christian's and non-Christians constantly need to hear. You don't have to wait until your "better" to be good enough to come to Christ. He came to save the sick and the sinners. A page over Mike describes the speakers who come to preach to the homeless. And in a lengthy description he wonders, "Why the speakers so often focused on the "hell, fire and damnation" theme and so little on hope, joy, love, peace, or really anything positive." Mike ponders over why the speakers think that this type of sermon is what is going to help these people who are so down and broken. He uses this example: "Telling someone who is suffering deeply that he's going to suffer more is probably a waste of breath. It's like warning someone who is already starving that they're about to get really hungry. But tell him of the restaurant that serves heaping meals to all who come no matter where they're from or what they look like, and he's more than likely to listen." I have always wondered about those who do preach this theme and if it ever actually works and "scares" people into coming to Christ. I felt like Mike really showed me how wrong that thinking can be and that we could be more effective by loving people to Christ. I know which option I would choose if I didn't already know the Lord...I would be much more willing to listen to the hope than the hell.

2) Now in Portland, pages 96-97. "Sitting there with Sugar man, I felt my carefully established definitions of a Christian crack and expand. Here was an admitted addict and user openly proclaiming Christ in his community and asking how he could serve us." This is the part where Mike is trying to determine what do you do with your definition of a Christian when you encounter someone like this, you end up having to expand your comfort level. He says, "Why do we reject the loving, self-sacrificing, giving, encouraging, Jesus-pursuing drug addict but recruit the clean, self-interested, gossiping, loveless churchgoer? Which one do you suppose Jesus would rather share a burrito with under a bridge?" I don't know about you but that really made me think about the way I judge and treat others.

3)Lastly in San Francisco, pages 134-136. Sam and Mike have just received some left over pizza from a man and are extremely grateful for the leftovers. They discuss how the prayer of thanking God for our food has a whole knew meaning when you are out on the streets. Mike brings up the idea about how we pray for provision but then don't make the effort to get it when God provides it. He made the observation, "What do you think would have happened if the Israelites hadn't gone out and picked up the manna God sent?" "We'd be a lot more hungry if we hadn't asked for that pizza. God answered our prayers for provision, but we still had to ask these guys for it. We still had to 'pick up the manna.'" Then as the conversation continues he said, "It's like asking God to Bless your day, then when He puts a needy, smelly person in front of you that you could really help, you wonder what you did to deserve such rotten luck." It was an interesting conversation about how we ask for things and sometimes God provides just not in the way we anticipated and we still have to receive it... we can't just sit around and do nothing.

At our meeting we talked about so many other wonderful things we learned and the interesting experiences of these men as they lived on the street. If you haven't already, I encourage you to read the book and I pray you are blessed by it and find something unexpected and good! Happy Reading!

They Thought for Themselves by Sid Roth

2011-08-03T10:19:00.000-05:00

A wonderful member of our book club allowed me to borrow this book, They Thought for Themselves by Sid Roth, Ten Amazing Jews. This is 240 pages of true stories by 10 different people who share testimonies of how they came to Christ. Here is a description of the book from online:

What is the connection among these people? How did they end up in the same book? Atheist, Holocaust survivor, multi-millionaire, Media Executive, PhD. They all defied the status quo and thought for themselves. They dared to explore and confront the forbidden. The result? Everything in their lives changes for the better! Author Sid Roth was instructed in a dream to find and interview people who had broken through the mold of their previous experiences to achieve their destiny. These are the people he interviewed. These are their stories and this is your time for your breakthrough! Everyone has a supernatural destiny, but few reach it. Too many want the safe and comfortable life of following the same old roads or fitting in with the same old crowd. How boring! Have you ever wondered if there is something more to life? Have you dared to reach beyond your comfort zone? Only when you dare to think for yourself, will you reach your supernatural destiny. Start today! (end quote)

I love reading personal testimonies like this and seeing the extraordinary changes that God can make in people's lives. And this book is even more interesting since the people giving the testimonies are Jews. According to their religion, they aren't "supposed" to believe in Jesus Christ. The perspective in the book definitely opened my eyes to the culture that I haven't been very exposed to in my life. I loved the personal stories but a few times when the reading gets technical about the Torah and the Jewish traditions, I would get a little lost and it was hard for me to keep interest. But I'm sure to someone who already understands this information and is curious about how these Jews came to believe in Christ on a theological perspective, it can be helpful. At this time, I do not feel that this will be a book club selection but I do encourage others to read it for the incredible testimonies. To God be the Glory! Happy Reading!

The Reagan Diaries

2011-08-02T16:00:00.001-05:00

My grandmother was the one that referred me to this book when it first came out. My grandfather had worked at the White House during Reagan's presidency. I have signed pictures and other miscellaneous Reagan memorabilia at home. After my grandmother told me about this book, I was intrigued. The Reagan Diaries were written by Ronald Reagan and edited by a historian. President Reagan kept a diary during his time in office and we now are able to get a personal glimpse into his day to day thoughts and personal activities that we may not have given to much thought to before. The book is about 784 pages but I happened to listen to it on CD and would recommend that as well. Here is a description of the book from online:

The diaries our 40th president kept while in office—edited and abridged by historian Brinkley (The Great Deluge)—are largely a straightforward political chronicle. Reagan describes meetings with heads of state and antiabortion leaders, reflects on legislative strategy and worries about leaks to the press. He often used his diary to vigorously defend his polices: for example, after a 1984 visit with South African archbishop Desmond Tutu (whom Reagan calls "naïve"), the president explained why his approach to apartheid—"quiet diplomacy"—was preferable to sanctions. Reagan sometimes seems uncomfortable with dissent, as when he is irked by a high school student who presents a petition advocating a nuclear freeze. And he often sees the media as a "lynch mob," trying to drum up scandal where there is none. Reagan's geniality shines through in his more quotidian comments: he muses regularly about how much he appreciates Nancy, and his complaints about hating Monday mornings make him seem quite like everyone else. Brinkley doesn't weigh down the text with extensive annotation; this makes for smooth reading, but those who don't remember the major political events of the 1980s will want to refer to the glossary of names. Reagan's diaries are revealing, and Brinkley has done historians and the broad public a great service by editing them for publication. (May 22) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (end quote)

I do believe in some parts, if I wasn't particularly in the mood to read it, it was hard to get through. I think it gives me a greater appreciation for the man and the life he lead. It's funny how things he talks about back then are still true today. I love how he calls the media the "lynch mob," so true. And I loved so many of his policies that seem like they would work now if anyone would think about history and doing what has worked in the past to help our current economic situation. I also enjoyed the way he would talk about his wife, Nancy. It was very sweet and beautiful in a simplistic way. Well if you like history I think you will enjoy this one, especially if you are a Reagan fan. This will not be a book club selection but I wanted to share it with you anyway. Happy reading!

When God Winks at You by Squire Rushnell

2011-07-27T10:39:00.001-05:00

Earlier this year a good friend let me borrow the book When God Winks at You: How God speaks directly to you through the power of coincidence by Squire Rushnell. This is a non-fiction Christian book with a collection of different stories from people who have received "God-winks." The book is about 240 pages and makes for a quick read. Here is a description of the book from online:

Those extraordinary little events in your life happen for a reason.A coincidence-sometimes a silly little thing-changes the course of your day . . .or even your life. Is it chance, or is God communicating with you?

When God Winks at You is packed with true stories demonstrating that God does communicate with us, making incredible things happen in our lives every single day. As you read the riveting accounts of everyday and famous people-including Tim Conway, Rudolph Giuliani, Billy Graham, and Don Knotts-you will begin to recognize the Godwinks in your own life, both past and present. Through these tangible signposts from God, we receive personalized messages that reassure us, stop us from worrying, chart our path in life, and help us keep the faith.

When God winks, He is reaffirming that there is absolutely nothing about us that He does not know-our every hurt, our every desire.And that to me is very comforting. -Squire Rushnell (end quote)

I loved reading all these stories and it caused me to reflect on some Godwinks of my own that I might have had without recognizing it at the time. I know I have heard others stories before but didn't really have a name to put on it. I am undecided yet as to whether or not this will be a book club selection but I do recommend it. I love being reminded how much God is here for us in all things, big and small. Happy Reading!

Mistaken Identity

2011-07-26T08:00:00.002-05:00

I'm trying to play catch up on books I have been reading outside of the book club. A little while back I read the book Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope by Don & Susie Van Ryn and Newell, Colleen & Whitney Cerak. This is a Christian non-fiction real life story about two families and their worlds colliding. Here is a brief bit about the book from online:

Five lives were lost in a tragic accident involving a Taylor University van, and one young woman, severely injured and comatose, was rushed to the hospital. Families, faculty, students, and communities grieved their losses and joined in prayer and hope as the one young woman, Laura Van Ryn, fought for her life in a hospital bed. The national news spread the story, and people everywhere shared the grief and the hope. Five weeks passed for the Cerak family. Believing they had buried their daughter, the Ceraks clung to their faith and worshipped God through their tears, learning to look forward with hope to an eternal reunion with their lovely daughter Whitney. They spent weeks in mourning and grief, slowly moving toward healing. Five weeks passed for the Van Ryns. Keeping a constant bedside vigil over their precious daughter Laura, they sat and prayed and hoped. They rejoiced at each tiny advance toward recovery. They celebrated each sign of Laura's healing. And then the shock! "Okay, Laura, I would like you to write your name for me," the occupational therapist said. W-H-I-T-N-E-Y. An event that could be seen as pure tragedy becomes a celebration of life's unfathomable gifts and mysteries. (end quote)

This book is about 288 page long and goes back and forth with the story from the point of view of the two families. The book also includes pictures and a message from Whitney. It is truly amazing how these families handled this bizarre mix up and truly only their faith in God could have pulled them through it all. I felt that the book was a bit difficult and awkward to get through at times even though the story was quite miraculous. I haven't felt like it will be a book club selection but do urge you to read and take note from the extraordinary faith of these two families. I believe anyone who may also be grieving the loss of a loved one may find help in healing in reading how these two families handled their confusion and grief.

Happy reading!

August Book Club Selection

2011-07-25T13:00:00.003-05:00

Our August selection will be What difference do it Make? by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent. This is a Christian non-fiction book and has about 224 pages. Here is a description from online:

The more than four hundred thousand readers stirred by the story of Ron Hall and Denver Moore will resonate with the all new, stand-alone true stories of hope and healing offered in this intimate, authentic follow-up to the New York Times bestseller Same Kind of Different as Me. With new "Denverisms" and reflections from Denver on his personal dealings with homelessness and disrespect from others, additional insights from Ron on what we can learn from people unlike us and from those dealing with a terminal illness, and the stories of readers who have been impacted by the book's central themes, this inspirational reader will generate a host of new fans.(End quote)

If you will remember we read Same Kind of Different as me, back in March 2009. The first book was a huge hit with our group and I feel that this follow up will be as well. I especially felt like it was a good follow up book to read after our discussion on Under the Overpass back in June. It truly is amazing the difference one person can make in the life of someone else. I can't wait for you to read it and gain even more "Denverisms."

Our August meeting will be Saturday August 27 at 8:30am-10:00am in Swift's new building. Thanks so much for your participation!!!

Remember I LOVE book suggestions and am here if you have any questions or need some other book ideas to read when you finish the monthly book. You can also check out the blog and see what other books I read and review as I try to find books for the club and for my own enjoyment.

Happy Reading!

Amazed Clay by Wendy McMillan

2011-07-20T17:00:00.001-05:00

I recently finished up a book that I had on loan from a friend for a long time. It was a bit of a difficult read depending on where you are in life at the moment so I kinda had to read it in pieces. Some days I was able to get through it faster than others. The book is Amazed Clay by Wendy McMillan. It is a Christian Non-fiction and tells about her journey in faith. I really enjoyed all the similarities between the potter and the clay. Because of her being a potter herself she is really able to go into details that you wouldn't get from verses in the bible that mention how He molds us. It was very interesting. The book is 139 pages and the author is a local of Baldwin County. Here is a description of the book from online:

Is life so busy that it's flying by and you wonder if you're missing something? Do you wonder what life is really all about? Maybe you just need a little relief from a crazy schedule. Wendy McMillan reveals how she too has lived amongst the screaming distractions of a very busy life and was horrified to find she nearly missed it.

Find real peace, security, understanding, love that never fails, joy, protection, and hope in Amazed Clay. Through the pages of this book, Wendy reveals how she found the treasure of life and offers you her 'treasure map' to the same amazing adventure. Should you accept to go on this journey, your life will never be the same after reading Amazed Clay.

Learn how to have peace of mind when anxiety and worry scream for attention, find joy though the troubling circumstances may not change, and finally understand the purpose of your specific life.

Wendy Langley McMillan is a weekend potter and currently resides in Robertsdale, Alabama, with her husband. She loves to help others be molded by the Master into thriving vessels. (end quote)

I have a few favorite passages that I want to quote and share with you. On page 86, the author is talking about how many of us live in a virtual reality, “We try to fit Him into our lives (schedules) instead of living ours for Him.” Wow. is that not true or what? So often times we go to church and do what we think is right as the author talks about but we only “fit” God time in. On page 88 she says, "He's (the enemy) dropping bread crumbs of busy schedules, service at church, nice homes, good deeds for others, and whatever else he can think of to possibly convince you all is okay while he lures you into dangerous territory." These are not always bad things but when we are too busy "doing things" and miss out on truly getting to know our Father and the role he has for the Holy Spirit in our lives we are missing out. I pray that I can get better at this myself and live my life more for Him than for my schedule.

The author continues on page 99-100 talking about this virtual reality we have made for ourselves and our relationship with God. She talks about a lesson she learned from another Bible Study and it was called, “The Captivity of Activity.” She said the lesson had two main points that were significant for her and I marked this as well. Point 1:“If the enemy cannot tempt us with destruction, he will settle for distraction.” Point 2: “Every day I’ve got a new choice, a choice to get up and in prayer give my anxiety-driven cares (distractions) completely over into his tender care then, trust that my God always protects and fights for what is always best for me.” She says again, “If the devil can’t tempt us with outright destruction, he’ll settle for distraction. The end result is the same.” Whoa. That really spoke to me. I think about all the times I do get distracted and loose sight of God and his plan for me in the sometimes messy day to day activities. I pray that I can become more aware of the tricks and traps that the enemy uses without me even noticing. I pray the same prayer for those of you reading this.

This will not make it on our book club selections but I would recommend the read if after you read the author’s description you feel a tug on your heart to read it. Happy Reading!

July Selection

2011-07-06T15:44:00.001-05:00

A real quick June update, We had 4 people at our June meeting with great fellowship and conversation. Thank you to those who were able to attend and I hope that if you didn't make it, you get to join us another time! :)

Our July selection will be Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. This is a Christian non-fiction book and has about 227 pages. Here is a description from online:

"Lewis seeks in Mere Christianity to help us see religion with fresh eyes, as a radical faith whose adherents might be likened to an underground group gathering in a war zone, a place where evil seems to have the upper hand, to hear messages of hope from the other side" (from the foreword). One of the most popular and beloved introductions to Christian faith ever written, Mere Christianity has sold millions of copies worldwide and its popularity continues to grow. The book brings together Lewis's legendary broadcast talks of the war years, talks in which he set out simply to "explain and defend the belief that has been common to nearly all Christians at all times. (end quote)

This is a book that has been on my reading list forever (with most all C.S. Lewis books) and I take one off here and there. Finally one day I got it from the library to listen to on CD and have to say I really learned a lot and gained a broader perspective on Christianity and am even more thankful that I believe. This book is filled with so many bits of wisdom and wonderful quotes that I can't wait to get my hard copy and a good highlighter.

BUT I have a confession. I didn't want to pick this book for book club. I loved it but knew at times it can be difficult to keep moving forward and just didn't know if you would enjoy it. I told God over the past couple of weeks with time ticking by towards July, that we needed to come up with something different and He kept bringing me back to this one. But I came around to see things his way (which is often how it happens isn't it?) and finally decided yesterday that this is the pick for July. (I even had the e-mail ready to go on a totally different book) I told God that I was going to do what he was telling me and that some in the club may not like the book but that it was OK and that I knew He had someone in mind that needed to read it. So here it is, a bit heavy at times and a push to get thru at points but I think you will be happy that you did read this classic. And I also understand if you skip this month too. :)

Kathy will let you know about a book order if needed for anyone. The library also has copies and there are several different covers available because of the age of this book so don't be surprised if it doesn't look like the one I attached to the e-mail. Our July meeting will be Saturday July 30 at 8:30am-10:00am in Swift's new building. Thanks so much for your participation!!!

Remember I LOVE book suggestions and am here if you have any questions or need some other book ideas to read when you finish the monthly book. You can also check out the blog and see what other books I read and review as I try to find books for the club and for my own enjoyment. Happy Reading!

Love at Last Sight by Kerry and Chris Snook

2011-06-08T14:12:00.001-05:00

I just finished reading Love at Last Sight by Kerry and Chris Shook. This book is excellent and far exceeded my expectations. The book features 30 chapters of quick devotions that are made to help you strengthen the relationships in your life. All different kinds of relationships are addressed so that you can create better more fulfilling relationships with others as well as growing closer to God. The authors use excellent stories and lots of scripture to back up the lessons they are teaching. At the end of each chapter the book features a Love at Last Sight challenge with questions that challenge where you stand in your relationships. This book is one you can read and refer back to time and time again.

At the age of 23, my mom passed away unexpectedly at only 53 years old. Ever since this happened and after growing more in my faith I have been striving to become more of a “Love at Last Sight” person. I never like to leave the house or get off a phone call with any bad feelings going on. I always like everything clear and to be sure that others know how much I love and appreciate them. I don’t always practice this perfect, obviously… but reading this book really helped re-energize me to be better at living like today is your last. I feel like the authors did an amazing job of using scriptures to teach us how God wants us to live our relationships with him as well as others. The stories the authors told were relatable. This is a book I will recommend to others and will continue to refer back to many times for the wealth of wisdom inside. I am so thankful that it was one I chose to review. I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

2011-05-25T13:35:00.003-05:00

Recently I read the book, The Final Summit, by Andy Andrews. This is a work of fiction about a man named David Ponder and his journey to help save the world. David Ponder is a character we met in a previous work of the authors in which he gained extraordinary amounts of wisdom from famous historical people. In this new book, David meets and works with several of these people such as Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill and Joan of Arc, just to name a few. Here in The Final Summit, David is forced to put wisdom to good use as he and several others try to solve what two words will help save the world and get us all back on the right path.

I came into this book having previously read the novel, The Traveler’s gift, where we first meet David Ponder. Having that previous knowledge is not necessary to read The Final Summit but it is helpful. This book followed a pretty simple pattern as the setting and time were all in the same place throughout most of the entire book. Each chapter went thru a repeating cycle of motions as David and the others try to figure out the answer to the two words that can save the world. I did enjoy the conversation between the characters and enjoyed learning pieces of history along the way. I think this is a great book for history lovers since the main character is getting to converse with so many of the amazing people we read and learn about in school. Although repetitious at times, the author did succeed in making me anxious to find out the two words and along the way I was able to gain a wealth of advice and wisdom about life lessons. I felt that the message is encouraging but felt the book still lacked a “wow” factor. It is in fact a powerful positive message that could help a lot of people if they would listen. I would recommend the book to others because the wisdom found here is too good to pass up.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

June Book Club Selection

2011-05-18T20:45:00.003-05:00

Our June selection will be Under the Overpass by Michael Yankowski. This is a non-fiction story and has about 256 pages. Here is a description from the the author's website:

After meals from garbage cans and dumpsters, night after night Mike and Sam found their beds under bridges and on the streets. They were forced to depend on the generosity and kindness of strangers as they panhandled to sustain their existence. For more than five months, the pair experienced firsthand the extreme pains of hunger, the constant uncertainty and danger of living on the streets, exhaustion, depression, and social rejection—and all of this by their own choice. This is their story. Through Mike’s firsthand account, Under the Overpass provides important insight into the truths of the street and calls the younger generation of believers to take great risks of faith to bring Christ’s love to the neediest corners of the world.(end quote)

For quite some time I kept hearing about this book online and had it on my list for awhile. Finally one day I got it from the library, read it and have to say I really learned a lot because of the experiment of these two men. I hope you enjoy it as well.

Our June meeting will be Saturday June 25 at 8:30am-10:00am in Swift's new building.

Thanks so much for your participation!!! Remember I LOVE book suggestions and am here if you have any questions or need some other book ideas to read when you finish the monthly book. You can also check out the blog and see what other books I read and review as I try to find books for the club and for my own enjoyment.

Reminder the May Meeting for Heaven is for Real is THIS Saturday the 21st at 8:30-10:00AM. We are meeting early do to the Holiday weekend! Be sure to RSVP!

Happy Reading!

April Meeting Recap

2011-05-04T15:11:00.001-05:00

Another month wrapped up this past Saturday. We discussed the book, Have a little Faith by Mitch Albom. We had 4 people in attendance. For two people, it was the first meeting of this year they have been able to attend. Don’t ever think it’s too late, show up when you can. We had some great discussion and really marveled at all the wisdom found in this book especially from “The old gray Rabbi.” Here is the link to the discussion questions in case you would like to read them. We all really liked the sermons the Reb shared with Mitch. But in a sermon by Henry, I want to share this great description of Jesus that I had never heard before. “I call him the greatest recycler I know!...Jesus…he lifts me up. He rearranges me. He repositions me. By Myself, I’m no good – But he makes all the difference.” (p. 136) Amen.

I am so glad that so many of you enjoyed the wisdom and testimony of the lives of these men. If you haven’t already, I would love for you to share your opinions of the book. If you enjoyed this book I also encourage you to listen to it on CD. You can get it from the local library. The author reads the book himself and it is a lovely thing to listen to him and hear his admiration for these men. If you still haven't read the book you can always borrow it from someone or check it out from the library. Remember our May meeting for Heaven is For Real will be Saturday May 21st. The meeting date is moved up because of the holiday. Stay tuned for the June book. Remember to send me your recommendations! Thanks for reading along.

May Book Club Selection

2011-04-19T16:04:00.002-05:00

Our May selection will be Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent. (You may remember Lynn Vincent from her assistance on the book we read, Same Kind of different as me.) This is a non-fiction story and has about 192 pages. Here is a description from the the author's website:

A young boy emerges from life-saving surgery with remarkable stories of his visit to heaven. Heaven Is for Real is the true story of the four-year old son of a small town Nebraska pastor who during emergency surgery slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He survives and begins talking about being able to look down and see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room. The family didn't know what to believe but soon the evidence was clear.
Colton said he met his miscarried sister, whom no one had told him about, and his great grandfather who died 30 years before Colton was born, then shared impossible-to-know details about each. He describes the horse that only Jesus could ride, about how "reaaally big" God and his chair are, and how the Holy Spirit "shoots down power" from heaven to help us.
Told by the father, but often in Colton's own words, the disarmingly simple message is heaven is a real place, Jesus really loves children, and be ready, there is a coming last battle. (end quote)

After an overwhelming amount of friends and family recommended this book to me, I knew I had to read it. Luckily a good friend surprised me with a copy to borrow and I enjoyed it immediately and knew it would be our next book.

Kathy will let you know about a book order if needed for anyone. Our May meeting will be Saturday May 21 at 8:30am-10:00am in Swift's new building.

Thanks so much for your participation!!! Remember I LOVE book suggestions and am here if you have any questions or need some other book ideas to read when you finish the monthly book. You can also check out the blog and see what other books I read and review as I try to find books for the club and for my own enjoyment.

Reminder the April Meeting for Have a Little Faith is Saturday the 30th at 8:30-10:00AM.

Happy Reading!

March Meeting Recap

2011-03-28T14:16:00.001-05:00

This past weekend we had our March Meeting where we discussed the book, Left to Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza. We had 5 attendees and had a great discussion about the amazing work God has done in the life of the author. I found a great discussion guide online and wanted to share in case you wanted a few questions to ponder about what you learned from this story and what you will take away.

There is a second book by Immaculee called Led by Faith which continues her story as she rebuilds her life after the genocide. You can read more about this book here on the blog. My copy is currently in the works of being passed around. If you would like to borrow it just let me know and I can pass it on to you eventually. If you still have not read this months selection I urge you to borrow someones copy or get a copy from the library as it is quite an inspiring and amazing story of God's work and presence during this tragic time.

I hope you all are looking forward to our April Selection, Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom. I pray you have a great month! Let me know if you are reading any goodies! Happy reading!

April Book Club Selection

2011-03-24T11:12:00.002-05:00

Our April selection will be Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom. We have read selections form this author in the past. This is a non-fiction story about two religious men with completely different backgrounds. I first told you about this book on the Blog back in Feb 2010 but have been waiting for it to come available in paperback. It only has 272 pages. Here is a description from the the author's website:

Albom’s first nonfiction book since Tuesdays with Morrie, Have a little Faith begins with an unusual request: an 82-year-old rabbi from Albom’s old hometown asks him to deliver his eulogy.

Feeling unworthy, Albom insists on understanding the man better, which throws him back into a world of faith he’d left years ago. Meanwhile, closer to his current home, Albom becomes involved with a Detroit pastor – a reformed drug dealer and convict – who preaches to the poor and homeless in a decaying church with a hole in its roof.

Moving between their worlds, Christian and Jewish, African-American and white, impoverished and well-to-do, Mitch observes how these very different men employ faith similarly in fighting for survival: the older, suburban rabbi, embracing it as death approaches; the younger, inner-city pastor relying on it to keep himself and his church afloat.

As America struggles with hard times and people turn more to their beliefs, Mitch and the two men of God explore issues that perplex modern man: how to endure when difficult things happen; what heaven is; intermarriage; forgiveness; doubting God; and the importance of faith in trying times. Although the texts, prayers and histories are different, Albom begins to realize a striking unity between the two worlds - and indeed, between beliefs everywhere.

In the end, as the rabbi nears death and a harsh winter threatens the pastor’s wobbly church, Albom sadly fulfills the last request and writes the eulogy. And he finally understands what both men had been teaching all along: the profound comfort of believing in something bigger than yourself.

Have a Little Faith is a book about a life’s purpose; about losing belief and finding it again; about the divine spark inside us all. It is one man’s journey, but it is everyone’s story." (end quote)

I listened to this book on CD as well and would recommend it that way too. Albom isn't pushy on either religion but just tells these two different yet inspirational and interesting stories.

Kathy will let you know about a book order if needed for anyone. Our April meeting will be Saturday April 30th at 8:30am-10:00am in Swift's new building. Thanks so much for your participation!!! Remember I LOVE book suggestions and am here if you have any questions or need some other book ideas to read when you finish the monthly book. You can also check out the blog and see what other books I read and review as I try to find books for the club and for my own enjoyment.

**Reminder the March Meeting for Left to Tell is this upcoming Saturday the 26th at 8:30-10:00AM. Please RSVP.. Please let me know if you can come.

Happy Reading!

Practicing the Presence OF GOD

2011-03-14T15:51:00.003-05:00

This past month when we had our meeting to discuss the February Book, The practice of the presence of God by Brother Lawrence, I did not have any set discussion questions. Instead I pulled some from a great resource that I found online that helps you to go deeper into what Brother Lawrence is teaching us in the book. You can find this great free study online by clicking here.

The women I talked to in our group enjoyed this book and found the words of wisdom very helpful in every day lives. Some admitted to having difficulty reading it at first but then later would pick it back up and it was like reading a whole different book. Sometimes this happens and certain books just don't appeal to us when we are in different seasons of our lives or even in certain moods. I know that this book shouldn't be just pushed on the shelf only to end up in the yard sale box a couple years later. But this book should be kept along side your devotionals and bible.

I have found that since I have read this book my life has taken a turn to be even busier which no doubt is God checking to see if I learned anything from Brother Lawrence....? I have found myself determined not to lead such a busy life and I am beginning to organize and prioritize my time. I don't want to look back years from now and wonder where the time went and regret things I missed out on with family and friends. I also find myself praying to God more often and thanking him before I am about to do a task as well as afterwards thank him for the opportunity and the blessing just as Brother Lawrence mentions he would do.

I hope that you have found things that you can take away from this book and that you remember to go back to it often if you find your life taking a busy turn. I thank God for Brother Lawrence and that we could share in his wisdom. Happy Reading!

March Book Club Selection

2011-02-23T09:24:00.002-06:00

Our January Meeting for the help had 4 attendees and we had great conversation! It was so intersting to hear perspectives from women at the meeting who lived in the 60's. Everyone seemed to enjoy The Help and look forward to the movie coming out later this fall.

Our March selection will be Left to Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza. This book is Inspirational non-fiction. It is 215 pages with pictures inside to help you see and understand about her family. Here is a description from the back of the book:

Immaculee Ilibagiza grew up in a country she loved, surrounded by a family she cherished. But in 1994 her idyllic world was ripped apart as Rwanda descended into a bloody genocide. Her family was brutally murdered during a killing spree that lasted three months and claimed the lives of nearly a million Rwandans. Miraculously, Immaculee survived the slaughter. For 91 days, she and seven other women huddled silently together in the cramped bathroom of a local pastor's home while hundreds of machete-wielding killers hunted for them. It was during those endless hours of unspeakable terror that Immaculee discovered the power of prayer, eventually shedding her fear of death and forging a profound and lasting relationship with God. She emerged from her bathroom hideout having truly discovered the meaning of unconditional love-a love so strong that she was able to seek out and forgive her family's killers. The triumphant story of this remarkable woman's journey through the darkness of genocide will inspire anyone whose life has been touched by fear, suffering and loss. (end quote)

If interested you can check out other information about the book and author on her website here. There is also a really good 60 minutes interview on there. I really enjoyed reading about her story. This was one of those books that is really hard to put down and you feel like you have to keep reading constantly. But WARNING, this book contains content that describes tragedies associated with the Rwandan Holocaust which was a bloody and horrific genocide. I think you can compare this book to being similar to The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom to get a grasp on what kind of story we are about to read.

Kathy will let you know about a book order if needed for anyone. This book is available at local libraries. Our March meeting will be Saturday March 26th at 8:30am-10:00am in Swift's new building. Thanks so much for your participation!!! Remember I LOVE book suggestions and am here if you have any questions or need some other book ideas to read when you finish the monthly book. You can also check out the blog and see what other books I read and review as I try to find books for the club and for my own enjoyment.

*********Reminder the February Meeting for Practicing the presence of God is this upcoming Saturday the 26th at 8:30-10:00AM. Please RSVP. ***********

Happy Reading!

Led by Faith by Immaculee Ilibagiza

2011-02-14T08:00:00.001-06:00

I finally finished up the 2nd book in the story of Immaculee Ilibagiza. I told you about the first book back here, called Left to Tell. Even though it took me forever to get through this book it wasn't because of the book itself. Really it was me and my inability to sit and read for so long and I had so many other things being thrown at me. Well when I did get to finishing it I really enjoyed it. She is such an amazing and inspiring woman. Her true story of surviving the Rwandan genocide gives God all the glory. Here is a description of the book from Amazon:

For three months in the spring of 1994, the African nation of Rwanda descended into one of the most vicious and bloody genocides the world has ever seen. Immaculée Ilibagiza, a young university student, miraculously survived the savage killing spree that left most of her family, friends, and a million of her fellow citizens dead. Immaculée’s remarkable story of survival was documented in her first book, Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust.
In Led By Faith, Immaculée takes us with her as her remarkable journey continues. Through her simple and eloquent voice, we experience her hardships and heartache as she struggles to survive and to find meaning and purpose in the aftermath of the holocaust. It is the story of a naïve and vulnerable young woman, orphaned and alone, navigating through a bleak and dangerously hostile world with only an abiding faith in God to guide and protect her. Immaculée fends off sinister new predators, seeks out and comforts scores of children orphaned by the genocide, and searches for love and companionship in a land where hatred still flourishes. Then, fearing again for her safety as Rwanda’s war-crime trials begin, Immaculée flees to America to begin a new chapter of her life as a refugee and immigrant—a stranger in a strange land. With the same courage and faith in God that led her through the darkness of genocide, Immaculée discovers a new life that was beyond her wildest dreams as a small girl in a tiny village in one of Africa’s poorest countries. It is in the United States, her adopted country, where Immaculée can finally look back at all that has happened to her and truly understand why God spared her life . . . so that she would be left to tell her story to the world. (End quote)

This book is 275 pages long and has pictures of hers inside to show you who, where and what she is talking about in the book. I'm not sure if her first or second book would be better for the book club so I suppose we will go with the first one month and others can decide for themselves to continue reading or not. I would recommend this book with the warning that you are reading about a genocide so this book isn't all rainbows and butterflies. Stay tuned this year for our book club selection from Immaculee. Also check out her site here to see more information and an interview she did for 60 minutes. You will be inspired! Happy reading!

Plain Perfect by Beth Wiseman

2011-02-11T14:08:00.004-06:00

This is a christian fiction book that I read after a good friend of mine picked it up as a gift for me. It's called Plain Perfect by Beth Wiseman and seems to be the beginning of a series. Here is what the author's site tells you about the book:

A search for peace in Amish country proves anything but simple for a woman on the run from life…and herself.On the rolling plains of Lancaster County, PA., Lillian Miller is searching for her grandparents’ house…and so much more. After years of neglect and abuse, she’s turning to a lifestyle of simplicity among the Amish to find herself.As she discards the distractions of her former life, she befriends the young boy working on her family’s farm and his attractive widowed father, Samuel Stoltzfus. Despite Lillian’s best efforts to the contrary, her feelings for Samuel–and his for her–deepen. Will Lillian find her faith in Plain living, or will she be forced to return to her former life? Content verified by Amish reader. (end quote)

This book is 320 pages and could be difficult to get into in the beginning. I had difficulty understanding the Amish words so I was frequently having to flip back and forth to find out what the words mean. Midways through the book this got easier as I got used to the words. It is a sad and sweet story about a family reconciled to each other and God. I enjoyed it but it will not be a book club pick. And I do not plan to read any more in this series. If the Amish theme interests you, I would recommend this one since we are told that the author tried to make sure she had her details accurate. Happy reading!

The Help Meeting

2011-02-09T11:46:00.003-06:00

A week ago we had our book club meeting for The Help. SO far I haven't come across anyone who didn't like it in our little group of readers. Everyone I talked to has enjoyed the book and looks forward to seeing what they do with the movie later this year. We had a great discussion about the times and what things really were like back in the 60's in the South. It was interesting as we had woman at the meeting who remembered that time period and lived in different parts of the country so they had a different perspective of the news. It was encouraging to find out from some that they felt the author stayed very true life for this period. It's always interesting to find out that one of our reader's had really lived life like what the author was describing. I don't know why but I am such a lover for older and wiser people's stories and life experiences.

Our group used the reading group guide found on the books website for some jumping off points of discussion. You can find it on the author's site here. One of the questions that the book definitely leaves you wondering about is the last one on the list, "What did you think about Minny's pie for Miss Hilly? Would you have gone as far as Minny did for revenge?" Our group discussed and wondered whether she actually did the "terrible awful" or did she just say she did which equally did the trick to Miss Hilly. I guess we will just wonder.

This is a book that I would read again and I recommend listening to it on CD as well. The actresses that perform the reading are great and at least one or two of them is in the movie as well. This was the author's first book and I hope she doesn't stop here. I personally would like to see more from Kathryn Stockett. Happy Reading!

February Book Club Selection

2011-01-24T14:13:00.004-06:00

Our February selection will be The practice of the presence OF GOD by brother Lawrence. This book is Inspirational and has been voted one of the top 10 books for Christians to read. It only has 96 pages but by no means should be taken as a quick read. Here is a description from the back of the book:

Brother Lawrence was a man of humble beginnings who discovered the greatest secret of living in the Kingdom of God here on earth. It is the art of "practicing the presence of God in one single act that does not end." He often stated that it is God who paints Himself in the depths of our soul. We must merely open our hearts to receive Him and His loving presence, where ever we are, be it in a bustling kitchen or on our knees in prayer. A classic in Christian literature. This edition is abridged and updated, while keeping the essence of the message intact. It contains 4 parts: Conversations, Letters, Spiritual Maxims, and The Life of Brother Lawrence. For nearly 300 years this unparalleled classic has given both blessing and instruction to those who can be content with nothing less than knowing God in all His majesty and feeling His loving presence throughout each simple day. (End quote)

If interested you can check out other extensive descriptions and reviews of the book here at Amazon. Jody Beth let me borrow this book to read and after reading I decided it deserves selection status. Even though it's small I think it's worth taking a look at by everyone. I always like to do a book like this at the start of the new year and this one has lots of great wisdom for today from a man who lived over 300 years ago. Please don't rush through it but take time to absorb the advice he gives.

Our February meeting will be Saturday February 26th at 8:30am-10:00am in Swift's new building. Thanks so much for your participation!!! Remember I LOVE book suggestions and am here if you have any questions or need some other book ideas to read when you finish the monthly book. You can also check out the blog and see what other books I read and review as I try to find books for the club and for my own enjoyment.

***Reminder the January Meeting for The Help is this upcoming Saturday the 29th at 8:30-10:00AM. ***

Happy Reading!

It's Better to Build Boys than Mend Men by S. Truett Cathy

2011-01-18T14:49:00.005-06:00

Recently I read a book by S. Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-Fil-A. I myself have a son and I am always on the lookout for good christian perspective books on raising children. This is a quick read at only 111 pages but offered some wisdom that I hope I don't forget for a while. It was also interesting learning about Mr. Cathy's work with foster children and young boys. I commend him for the work that he has done and continues to do and reach out to others. And yes it makes me love Chick-fil-a even more. :) Here is a description of the book I found online:

Children have plenty of buddies. In an age when kids all around us are growing up without strong, positive guidance from their parents (who are busy, distracted, gone, or choose to be buddies instead of parents) children need someone they can look to with respect to help them build their lives. When he was thirteen years old, Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A, had such a man step into his life: a Sunday school teacher who modeled love, respect, hard work, and discipline. Cathy decided to follow that model, and today he has some 130 foster grandchildren, many of whom have broken their family’s generational cycle of neglect through the encouragement of Cathy and other adults who reached out to them. In It’s Better to Build Boys Than Mend Men, Truett Cathy lays out a simple model for adults desiring to reach out to youth and challenges readers to allow God to work through them to change the life of a child. His book is filled with stories illustrating the principles of discipline, trust, reputation, generosity, common sense, peer pressure, and family stability. Readers who follow their hearts into children’s lives will find that their own lives are enriched as well. (End quote)

I enjoyed reading this book and the advice is not for those with boys alone. The advice can be applied to girls as well. I especially liked his take on teenagers and cars .....but you will have to read the book to get the full story. Let's just say after sharing Mr. Cathy's method with my husband, we both agreed at what a wonderful idea. Hopefully we can hold on to it for when our children are sixteen! This is by no means a selection for our book club but since I'm sharing with you what other books I read, this one is by no means exempt. I would recommend this book if you are a parent, grandparent, mentor to children, etc. Mr. Cathy has a realistic and caring approach to children that I hope you enjoy reading as well. Happy Reading!

Courting Trouble

2011-01-08T08:00:00.003-06:00

If you notice the difference in the blog, I decided that we had the previous background up long enough and wanted a change for the new year... Hope you like it!

Back to business.....Recently I read the book, Courting Trouble by Deeanne Gist. This is a Christian Historical Fiction novel and we had previously read a book by her last year (Info. found here). Here is what the book is about from the author's site:

Whether it's riding bikes, catching snakes, or sliding down banisters, Essie Spreckelmeyer just can't quite make herself into the ideal woman her

hometown--and her mother--expect her to be. It's going to take an extraordinary man to appreciate her joy and spontaneity--or so says her doting oil-man father.Unfortunately such a man doesn't appear to reside in Corsicana, Texas. It's 1894, the year of Essie's thirtieth birthday, and she decides the Lord has more important things to do than provide her a husband. If she wants one, she needs to catch him herself. So, she writes down the names of all the eligible bachelors in her small Texas town, makes a list of their attributes and drawbacks, closes her eyes, twirls her finger, and ... picks one. But convincing the lucky "husband-to-be" is going to a bit more of a problem. Join Deeanne Gist for another unforgettable tale and find out whether Essie's plan to catch a husband succeeds or if she's just Courting Trouble. (end quote)

The book is about 330 pages and the author kept me turning the pages pretty fast. And I have to tell you that I enjoyed the previous book we read more than this one. It was entertaining reading and has a good message about Jesus being all we need in life but it didn't have enough wow factor for me to make it a book club selection for our group. But don't get me wrong, even after saying all that I am still interested in the sequel I just learned about. If you choose a Deeanne Gist book to read, be sure to check out her site as she does have lots of great resources. That is one thing I love about this author, she does research on her writing and doesn't forget about book clubs. I look forward to reading more from her so be sure to let me know if you have read one of hers that was a good pick. Happy reading!

January 2011 Book Club Selection

2011-01-05T16:02:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year 2011!! I pray that there are great things in store for you and yours as we move into another year. This will be the start of the 3rd year of our book club. Two years of so many wonderful books, great conversation and company! Just in case you want to look over all the books we read over the past two years, click here for a list on the blog.

Our January Selection will be The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Here is a description of the book from her site:

Three ordinary women are about to take one extraordinary step. Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her beloved maid Constantine, the woman who raised her, but Constantine has disappeared and no one will tell Skeeter where she has gone.Aibileen is a black maid, a wise, regal woman raising her seventeenth white child. Something has shifted inside her after the loss of her own son, who died while his bosses looked the other way. She is devoted to the little girl she looks after, though she knows both their hearts may be broken.Minny, Aibileen's best friend, is short, fat, and perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. She can cook like nobody's business, but she can't mind her tongue, so she's lost yet another job. Minny finally finds a position working for someone too new to town to know her reputation. But her new boss has secrets of her own.Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed.In pitch-perfect voices, Kathryn Stockett creates three extraordinary women whose determination to start a movement of their own forever changes a town, and the way women--mothers, daughters, caregivers, friends--view one another. A deeply moving novel filled with poignancy, humor, and hope, The Help is a timeless and universal story about the lines we abide by, and the ones we don't. (end quote)

After several recommendations I read the book and thoroughly enjoyed it. I also recommend listening to it on CD as the actors reading the book did a terrific job.

Our January meeting will be Saturday January 29th at 8:30am-10:00am in Swift's new building. Thanks so much for your participation!!! Remember I LOVE book suggestions and am here if you have any questions or need some other book ideas to read when you finish the monthly book. You can also check back at the blog and see what other books I read and review as I try to find books for the club and for my own enjoyment.

Happy Reading!

Years in Review

2010-12-30T09:40:00.003-06:00

Just in case you are new, before we start our 3rd year I have decided to go ahead and give you a list of all the books we have read thus far. Some of the books we had some great discussion on and I did A LOT of writing and others not so much writing was done on my part. For this I apologize but life is busy and sometimes I don't always have the time or a lot to say. Regardless I hope that you find something enjoyable. The books are also listed down the right hand side of the blog with the link to all posts related to that book.

Book Club Year 2009

January – Traveling Light by Max Lucado
February – Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
March – Same kind of different as me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
April – The Shack by William P. Young
May – Having a Mary heart in a Martha world by Joanna Weaver
June – The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
July – The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
August – The Five people you meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
September – One Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury

Book Club Year 2010

January – The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall
February – The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer
March – God’s Smuggler by Brother Andrew
April – A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers
May – Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin
June – The Measure of a Lady by Deanne Gist
July – A shepherd looks at the 23rd Psalm by Phillip Keller
August – Redemption by Karen Kingsbury
September – For One More Day by Mitch Albom

I will mention other books I read that are not a part of the book club selections. Just click on the right hand side that says "What other books Amber is reading" and you will be taken to all those posts. I am getting things ready for January so stay tuned for that announcement! Happy New Year!

Break....almost over...

2010-12-21T15:57:00.002-06:00

I know I never did do an official blog post to state this but most of you know that our club is on a break during the months of October, November and December. I am currently getting a list of books together for 2011 and in the process of making a decision on our January Selection. I have been reading just not as often as I would like to since I have been going back to school at night. Bummer. But it has had me listening to alot more books on CD. I hope to be able to start catching you all up on what I have been reading/listening to soon. If you have any suggestions for a great book club pick, PLEASE share!!!! :)

Thanks for sticking around! I pray you have a very blessed Christmas Season!

Stay tuned for January...

September Book Club Selection

2010-09-02T16:30:00.000-05:00

Wow... our 2010 book club year is coming to a close. Two years of so many wonderful books and great conversation! I can't believe we are announcing the last official book for the year but can't wait to see what the year 2011 will hold for us. As you may remember, we read Jan-Sept and take Oct-Dec off for Holidays. I finally decided on the September Book after reading the recent edition of Homelife Magazine where they featured famous Christian Speakers/Authors and their favorite books. Our September book will be, For One More Day by Mitch Albom which also happens to be a favorite of this past month's author, Karen Kingsbury! This book is inspirational fiction. It is only 208 pages long. Here is a bit about the book from the author's site:

“Every family is a ghost story . . .Mitch Albom mesmerized readers around the world with his number one New York Times bestsellers, The Five People You Meet in Heaven and Tuesdays with Morrie. Now he returns with a beautiful, haunting novel about the family we love and the chances we miss. For One More Day is the story of a mother and a son, and a relationship that covers a lifetime and beyond. It explores the question: What would you do if you could spend one more day with a lost loved one? As a child, Charley “Chick” Benetto was told by his father, “You can be a mama’s boy or a daddy’s boy, but you can’t be both.” So he chooses his father, only to see the man disappear when Charley is on the verge of adolescence. Decades later, Charley is a broken man. His life has been crumbled by alcohol and regret. He loses his job. He leaves his family. He hits bottom after discovering his only daughter has shut him out of her wedding. And he decides to take his own life. He makes a midnight ride to his small hometown, with plans to do himself in. But upon failing even to do that, he staggers back to his old house, only to make an astonishing discovery. His mother -- who died eight years earlier -- is still living there, and welcomes him home as if nothing ever happened. Albom has said his relationship with his own mother was largely behind the story of the book, and that several incidents in “For One More Day” are actual events from his childhood. (End quote)

I read the book a couple years ago and really enjoyed the "what if's" of the story. It really changes your perspective for the here and now, for the future of how you treat and respond to others and the assumptions we all make about our loved ones. You can find this book at your local library. Our September meeting will be Saturday September 25th at 8:30-10:00 in Swift's new building. Thanks so much for your participation!!! Remember I LOVE book suggestions and am here if you have any questions or need some other book ideas to read when you finish the monthly book. You can also check out the blog and see What other books I read and review as I try to find books for the club and for my own enjoyment.

Happy Reading!

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

2010-08-06T08:59:00.002-05:00

Recently I decided to pick up the book, Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert and see what all the fuss is about. Especially with the new movie coming to theaters with one of my favorite actresses, Julia Roberts, I thought I should go ahead and check it out from the library. On one hand I have a friend that LOVED it and on another hand a friend that didn't care for it and couldn't get into it at all. So I decided I needed to make an opinion for myself. In case you are reading this and haven't heard about the book, This is non-fiction story of a woman's healing journey through Italy, India and Indonesia. The book is about 352 pages and to find out what it is about here is what I found off of Amazon:

Gilbert grafts the structure of romantic fiction upon the inquiries of reporting in this sprawling yet methodical travelogue of soul-searching and self-discovery. Plagued with despair after a nasty divorce, the author, in her early 30s, divides a year equally among three dissimilar countries, exploring her competing urges for earthly delights and divine transcendence. First, pleasure: savoring Italy's buffet of delights--the world's best pizza, free-flowing wine and dashing conversation partners--Gilbert consumes la dolce vita as spiritual succor. "I came to Italy pinched and thin," she writes, but soon fills out in waist and soul. Then, prayer and ascetic rigor: seeking communion with the divine at a sacred ashram in India, Gilbert emulates the ways of yogis in grueling hours of meditation, struggling to still her churning mind. Finally, a balancing act in Bali, where Gilbert tries for equipoise "betwixt and between" realms, studies with a merry medicine man and plunges into a charged love affair. Sustaining a chatty, conspiratorial tone, Gilbert fully engages readers in the year's cultural and emotional tapestry--conveying rapture with infectious brio, recalling anguish with touching candor--as she details her exotic tableau with history, anecdote and impression. (end quote)

Well I read the book and have to say that I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed her story, humor and attention to detail for her reader as she traveled through the three countries which I have never been to. And by saying that I liked the book I have to tell you that I do not condone or agree with everything in it. It is one of those things where you just have to agree to disagree and not judge others decisions and just enjoy the story. I like her ability to make fun of herself and the courage that it took for her to do what she did as she tried to put her life back together. I would recommend the book with this warning of keeping an open mind and that just because you read it doesn't mean you have to agree with everything she says, just enjoy the story and admire the tales. There is some cussing and brief intimate sexual detail shared just so you are aware. With all this being said I would definitely read the book again and can't wait for the movie. It will def have to be a girl's night out so I can go see it in theaters. This will not be a book club selection but still wanted you to know about it just the same.

Happy Reading!

August Book Club Selection

2010-07-31T11:36:00.003-05:00

This morning we completed our July meeting for A shepherd looks at the 23rd Psalm by Phillip Keller. We had 4 people in attendance but discussion was great. We all agreed that we are so thankful to be a sheep in our shepherd's care!

We also decided on the August Book Club Selection which will be Redemption by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley. This is Karen's first book in her Redemption series about the famous Baxter family. BUT the only requirement for August is the first book and it's up to you if you choose to continue with the series later. Don't worry it doesn't end in a cliff hanger! :) This book is inspirational Christian fiction and the author's address everyday real life issues. The book is 384 pages long. Here is what the back of the book tells us about this book:

A Betrayal: Kari Baxter Jacobs is furious, hurt, and confused. Her husband, Tim, a respected professor of journalism, is having an affair with a student. Stunned, Kari returns home to the Baxter family to sort things out. But when an old flame shows up, she is more confused than ever.

A Decision: How can Kari forgive her husband? And what about her own revived feelings for Ryan, a man she knows she should avoid? What remedy could possibly ease the pain?

A Hope: The gifted writing team of Gary Smalley and Karen Kingsbury brings us a profound story of redemption. A betrayal. A broken marriage. Will Kari ever love again? A story of love at all costs. (end quote)

I know that several at the church have read this series before but I also know many of you who haven't.I'm hoping more of you haven't! :) I read the book for the first time this past month and couldn't put it down! Remember we read a Karen Kingsbury book last year in September, One Tuesday Morning and you all seemed to love it. I hope that this month's book finds your favor as well. This book has a copy in our Church Library, local libraries and may be at the $5 book store. Kathy will let you know about a book order if needed for anyone.

Our August meeting will be Saturday August 28th at 8:30-10:00 in Swift's new building. Thanks so much for your participation!!! Remember I LOVE book suggestions and am here if you have any questions or need some other book ideas to read when you finish the monthly book. You can also check out the blog and see What other books I read and review as I try to find books for the club and for my own enjoyment. Check it out!

Happy Reading!

A Constant Heart by Siri Mitchell

2010-07-22T16:30:00.000-05:00

This week I finished reading the book, A Constant Heart by Siri Mitchell. This book is about 384 pages of historical christian fiction although the Christian part of the description is quite downplayed. Here is a brief description of the book from Amazon:

"Born with the face of an angel, Marget Barnardsen is blessed. Her father is a knight, and now she is to be married to the Earl of Lytham. Her destiny is guaranteed ... at least, it would seem so. But when her introduction to court goes awry and Queen Elizabeth despises her, Marget fears she's lost her husband forever. Desperate to win him back, she'll do whatever it takes to discover how she failed and capture again the love of a man bound to the queen." (end quote)

This book historically takes place during the time of the first Queen Elizabeth's reign in England. This book was odd for me. It was compelling in the sense that it kept me wanting to turn the pages and see what happens next but at the same time it was lacking. Lots of parts felt repeating and then the end finished up so quickly that it left you wondering why the book took so long to get to the climatic point and then just end. I have to say it was quite interesting learning about the ways of beauty during that time and how it can certainly be compared to the lengths people will go to be accepted among their peers. All in all.. I can't say it was a bad read but I do question the overall structure and quick ending. I was torn as to whether have it as a book club selection or not and have decided not to read it at this time as a group. And whether you decide to pick it up or not, I do hope that you enjoy it as I know others have! To each their own! :) Happy Reading!

Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury

2010-07-21T09:26:00.002-05:00

Recently I read the book, Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury. I was looking about for something for the book club and after a family member recommended this one I decided to check it out. Karen is the author of many many books and this is one of her stand alone titles. This is Christian life changing fiction and about 336 pages. Here is a description of the book:

"Sometimes hope lies somewhere in the shades of blue. Brad Cutler, twenty-eight, is a rising star at his New York ad agency, about to marry the girl of his dreams. Anyone would agree he has it all … a great career, a beautiful and loving fiancee, and a fairy tale life ahead of him—when memories of a high school girlfriend begin to torment him. Lost innocence and one very difficult choice flood his conscience, and he is no longer sure what the future will bring except for this: He must find his old love and make amends. Haunted by the past and confused about the future, he turns to God seeking forgiveness and redemption. Three people must work through the repercussions of a decision made long ago before any of them can look toward a new future." (end quote)

Spoiler alert... what I'm about to tell you tells you what the book offers healing from and I know it doesn't tell you in the description but feel like it's something you should know about going into it. This book deals with healing and forgiveness between a man and a woman that went through an abortion in their younger years. There are several great themes that the author incorporates into the book other than just that and it is a good read. I'm sure that if you or someone you know (man or woman) had been effected by an abortion that this book might help look at things differently and help them in their healing. Our book club won't be reading this at this time but still thought I would share with you in case you are interested! You can check out Karen's site here and see all the comments and reviews. Happy Reading!

June/July News

2010-07-13T09:45:00.002-05:00

This past month we had our meeting on June 26th. We had 4 people in attendance and conversation was great! Everyone in our group agreed that they would recommend the book to others and were interested in reading other books by Deeanne Gist. One thing that was really neat about this author was that several of her books have Christian Book Club discussion guides ready for you! Click Here to check it out. The $5 book store in the outlet mall usually carries several of her books if you would like to read some others. And If you still would like to purchase this book or would want to purchase it for someone else, Kathy may still have one extra if someone hasn't snagged it yet!

Our July book as you already know is, A Shepherd looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller. At the meeting last month I noticed that there were 4 copies available in our church library as well. This is a very short book so it's not to late to pick it up and read it so you can attend our meeting! Our July meeting will be on Saturday, July 31st at 8:30 AM. I know since we are in the middle of Summer this could mean even less participation in the meetings but we are still going to keep going strong. The RSVP system has been working well so when you get your reminders before the meeting, I appreciate your reply. I hope you enjoy this month's book and have a great July! If you have any recommendations, please share them with me! Our June book was another pick from a book club member and we would love to have a pick from everyone! So keep telling me what you are reading! I need some books for the next few months! I hope to have the August book announcement out soon. Thank you so much for your continued participation!

Happy Reading!

July Book Club Selectoin

2010-06-16T12:51:00.004-05:00

A Shepherd looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller is going to be our book club selection for July . Ever since our January 2009 selection, Traveling Light by Max Lucado, this book has been a favorite of mine after learning about it from Jody Beth. At this time Pastor Keith is doing a series on the 23rd Psalm and makes references to this book. I thought it would be fun for us to read along and learn more as Keith does this series.

Here is a description of what the book is about:

"Phillip Keller's unique perspective on the beloved psalm is a genuine classic about how a real-life shepherd views the love Jesus the Shepherd has for his flock. His inspirational insights come from his firsthand experiences in developing and managing sheep ranches." (end quote)

This book by itself is only a little under 200 pages but the amount of insight gained about how much we are his sheep is amazing. This book gave me a whole new understanding of my relationship with God and my need for him. Before I had no idea why we were called his sheep and after reading I learned how much we are similar to them and it's pretty interesting. I wonder if you have ever thought about how much you are like the ways of a sheep?

If you are interested, there is a trilogy of his available that includes this book as well as two others: A Shepherd Looks at the Good Shepherd and A Shepherd Looks at the Lamb of God. The cost for all three books together is around $10.00 since it's combined into one. For our July reading the requirement is only the one main book: A Shepherd looks at Psalm 23. I just wanted you to know about that option. Kathy will be in touch with you all soon about a pre-order. I haven't checked yet, but don't forget to check out the $5 book store and see if they have it in stock. I picked up a copy once from there last year sometime, never know when they may have it in again!

We do hope to see some of you who haven't been in a long time attend a meeting soon. We miss your company and input. Thank you to those of you who faithfully attend!

**Don't forget the June meeting is coming up soon on June 26th at 8:30 am - 10 am in Swift's new building, classroom 2. Feel free to bring your friends and family! We ask that you RSVP back to this e-mail and let me know if you will or will not be attending the June Meeting. I really appreciate it***

And don't forget, any book suggestions are always appreciated. Happy Reading!

Refiner's Fire Series Wrap-up

2010-06-03T14:16:00.005-05:00

Back in the month of May, you may remember, we read the first book in the Refiner's Fire Series. We read, Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin. A lovely lady from our book club had loaned me the three books in the series to read and I have to say I loved them all. These books don't have to read in any particular order because all three have separate story lines that are interconnected by different characters. Each book is a different perspective on the civil war and each is around 400 pages.

Everyone at our meeting loved the book. The most often made comment was about how courageous the heroine in the book Caroline had to be for herself, her slaves and her world in general. I know many of us say, "If only we had THAT kind of courage to follow God's will...." and at the moment we may not feel like we would or do but I think Caroline probably felt the same way much of the time... just at that moment of need when she needed him more than anything, God was there. When our time comes and we want the courage of Caroline, PRAY for God's provision. He is the great provider! Many readers mentioned how much they loved the Southern perspective because so often the South is painted as all slave abusing people when really that probably wasn't the case to classify ALL Southern people that way.

Those in the group that had already read the other two books, loved the whole experience of learning about the civil war this way. If you are interested in reading the other two books in the series I have provided all three in order listed below:

1) Candle in the Darkness (South Perspective): CAUGHT in a nation splitting apart. ANGERED by those who would enslave others. EMBOLDENED by a passion to make a difference. TORN between the one she loves and a truth she can't deny. Here is Caroline Fletcher's story. Candle in the Darkness, Book One in the Refiner's Fire series, tells the story of a timid southern girl who finds her voice as she begins to tell the truth about the atrocities around her. A short stay in the North confirms her abolitionist feelings, but when she returns to the South she finds herself torn between her home, a beloved suitor who doesn't share her feelings, and the principles she knows are true. Standing for right may mean standing alone. Does she have the courage? (end of quote from author's site)

2) Fire by Night (North Perspective): This compelling story of love and sacrifice follows the lives of two very different young women—one seeing the world for the first time and one who has seen too much already. One DECEIVED by a life of wealth and ease, the other DESPERATE to flee her true identity. In a land SHATTERED by war, unlikely heroes test the limits of their strength? And discover that LOVE has a meaning far beyond their imagination.(end of quote from author's site)

3) A light to my Path (Slave Perspective): SHACKLED in a world where authority is not questioned, Where the will is BATTERED as surely as the body, Hope will not be DENIED. But BROKEN chains bring daunting choices: The way of revenge or the way of the SPIRIT.This is Kitty Goodman's story. This powerful conclusion to Lynn Austin's REFINER'S FIRE series brings to a close one of the most acclaimed sagas in Christian fiction ever. Each of the first two novels won Christy Awards for Historical Fiction. Now Austin completes her trilogy with a dramatic examination of the Civil War through a slave's perspective. Riveting, eloquent, and gripping as all of her previous works, it's the conclusion for which you've been waiting. (end of quote from author's site)

I accidentally read them out of order so can tell you that the order is not a necessity. And remember this is coming from someone who does not like it when things are out of order! Nevertheless these books have everything. They are historical fiction with romance, action and inspiration to keep you page turning. I have to say that the first and second were probably my favorites. I didn't think I would like the 2nd at the introduction of one of the main characters but it turned out to be really good. If you haven't told me what you thought of Candle in the Darkness or read the series later, please share with me your likes/dislikes. I love to hear them! Happy Reading to you in June!

June Book Club Selection

2010-05-14T13:52:00.002-05:00

The Measure of a Lady by Deanne Gist is going to be our book club selection for June. This book is historical christian fiction with some romance, which takes place during the San Fransisco Gold Rush. After reading the book and talking to others who have previously read it, I felt this would be a perfect "summer" read. :)

Here is a description of what the book is about:

"Rachel Van Buren arrives in Gold Rush San Francisco with two wishes: to protect her younger siblings and to return east as soon as possible. Both goals prove more difficult than she could imagine as her brother and sister are lured by the city's dangerous freedom and a missionary-turned-gambler stakes a claim on her heart. Rachel won't give up without a fight though, and soon all will learn an eloquent but humorous lesson about what truly makes a lady.

Speak Politely. Even when you're the only respectable woman around, protesting the decadence of a city lost to gold fever.

Dress Modestly. Wear your sunbonnet at all times. Ensure nobody sees your work boots muddied by the San Francisco streets.

Remain Devoted to Family. Protect your siblings from the lures of the city, even against their wishes.

Stand Above Reproach. Most difficult when a wonderful man turns out to be a saloon owner.

Rise Above Temptation. No, not even just a little kiss ....

When these rules become increasingly difficult to uphold,
can Rachel Van Buren remain a beacon of virtue in a city of vice?" (end quote)

This book is 320 pages long with a couple notes from the author telling you about the research she did for the novel to try to make it historically accurate. Many thanks go to book club member Christy Bledsoe for recommending this book. It is a book that can keep you turning the pages pretty fast, It's an easy read that I did not want to put down.

Kathy will be in touch with you all soon about a pre-order. I checked the $5 book store yesterday (5/13) And they did not have this book at this time.

We do hope to see some of you who haven't been in a long time attend a meeting soon. We miss your company and input. The June meeting will be Saturday June 26th.

**Don't forget the May meeting is coming up soon on May 22nd at 8:30 am - 10 am in Swift's new building, classroom 4. Feel free to bring your friends and family! We ask that you RSVP back to this e-mail and let me know if you will or will not be attending the May Meeting. I really appreciate it***

Happy Reading!

The Cross Gardener by Jason F. Wright

2010-05-06T11:53:00.003-05:00

Recently I finished up reading The Cross Gardener by Jason F. Wright. I have read other books of his previously and this story intrigued me as well. This book is a Christian Fiction and about 293 pages long. Here is what I found to tell you about the book from the authors website:

The Cross Gardener is an inspiring story of a man touched by tragedy - and a quiet stranger who helps him rediscover the joy to be found in life, love, and family...John Bevan believed life was complete. Married to his high school sweetheart and father to a young daughter, John finally had the traditional family he lacked as an orphaned child. But that all disappears when a fatal car accident changes his world. Filled with sorrow, John withdraws from life and love. He erects two crosses at the scene of the accident and visits daily, grieving. Then one morning, he encounters a young man kneeling before one of the crosses, touching it up with white paint. Conversations with the mysterious stranger - known to him only as the Cross Gardener - begin to heal John's heart. But only when they undertake a journey together does John truly come to see what he must embrace in this world - from the secrets of his own past to the sorrow of the present - if he is to start his life anew. And only as the journey ends does John divine who his guide may really be. In The Cross Gardner, Jason F. Wright tells a timeless tale that explores the questions we ask when our lives are touched by loss: How do we carry on? Who will show us the way? The answers John Bevan finds may illuminate your world as they did his - for even in our darkest hour, we are not alone. (end quote)

I enjoyed the book for a bit and have to tell you it is a tearjerker but just never felt that "wow" factor. It was an easy interesting read and I'm glad I did read it. It helped me to understand how to empathize with those who put the memorials at roadside accidents. I never did understand why people would do that because it didn't make sense to me but now I have an idea and "get it" so to speak. I'm a little uneasy at the fictional idea of the who the cross gardener is and how things work out after someone dies. I don't think it will be a book club selection for our club for that reason and like I said before if it didn't wow me I'm not going to risk it on everyone else. But like Jason's other book, The Wednesday Letters, I was mediocre about it but another friend loved it. So as always don't take my word for it but discover a book for yourself. If you have lost a loved one, this book just might be helpful to you. Happy Reading!

April/May Book Club News

2010-04-30T16:55:00.001-05:00

This past Saturday we had our April book club meeting with 7 people in attendance. It was a great meeting with good conversation.

We did discuss what to do with the lack of participation in meetings and have decided for now to continue meeting. Many of you only need to read the book and just enjoy knowing you are reading along with others and that is okay. I am just glad that you are enjoying the books and that so many of you have rekindled your love for reading. Then others of you pointed out how wonderful the meetings are because you get to hear other people's perspectives of the book that may make you think about something that you hadn't noticed before. Each and every person brings new insight, thoughts and opinions to the table that are valuable. I appreciate your participation whether you are just reading along or do make it to some of the meetings. I encourage you to try to make it to a meeting if you have never been before and see how you like it. If there are any thoughts or insight you can share as we try to make this club the best it can be, please do so!

I did write on the blog a few times this month but I encourage you to really check out the seek and find section of your books and dig deeper into the scriptures. I pray you distinguish between fact and fiction and that you have enjoyed this month's selection.

Our May book information can be found on the blog here. Encourage a friend to read along with us and bring them to our meeting. This Month's meeting will be on May 22, 2010 at 8:30AM in Classroom 4. The last Saturday in May is Memorial day weekend, so we are having our meeting the week before. There is a session retreat going on at that time but we will have access to Classroom 4. I hope you enjoy reading this month's selection!

Unafraid, Mary's Story

2010-04-28T08:14:00.004-05:00

The 5th and final novella in A Lineage of Grace is Unafraid. This is the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus: "All eternity had been waiting for this moment. She responded in simple obedience to God's call." Here is what Amazon.com tells you about the book:

In this conclusion to Rivers's series about Jesus' matrilineal ancestors (e.g., Unshaken), Mary is not the serene Madonna historically depicted in art. She is instead a willful child, an unwed pregnant teenager thrilled that the long-awaited Messiah will come from her and failing to understand why people won't believe her when she tells them of her vision of an angel of the Lord. Only after God appears to Joseph does he believe and wed Mary. From then on, even though she loves her whole family, Jesus is Mary's sole focus, almost her obsession. Before her faith can become strong enough to endure his crucifixion, Mary must learn that her son was never really hers and that she was the vessel through which God worked his grace. The Christy Award-winning Rivers provides a fresh look at the historical Mary in much the same way Ellen Gunderson Traylor (Mary Magdalene, Mark) and Thom Lemmons (Daughters of Faith series) have done with other biblical figures. A solid addition to all collections. (end quote)

The book about Mary was a great conclusion to the other 4 novellas we read about the women who God used for the lineage of Jesus. It was definitely interesting to read the story from what might have been Mary's point of view. How heart wrenching and confusing it would have been for Mary to watch her son die but amazing for her to have the realization and comfort from God that he was never just her son. He was God's son. And that the dreams that she had for him were nothing compared to what God had planned. When God doesn't answer our prayers and fulfill our dreams he may just have something even better in mind. Again look to your seek and find section of your book to dig deeper into the story of Mary.

I hope you have enjoyed reading A Lineage of Grace and will pass it on and recommend to others. I am so blessed to have had my eyes opened to the Lineage of Jesus and the imperfect women that God used to bring about his Son. I pray you go back to your bible and read over these stories again. I pray that you are able to distinguish between the fact and the fiction and that this reawakens a thirst for the scriptures. Happy Reading!

Unspoken, Bathsheba's Story

2010-04-26T12:48:00.000-05:00

On to Book 4 in A Lineage of Grace where we learn about Bathsheba's Story: "Her beauty stirred the passion of a king. Her pain moved the heart of God." Here is a bit more of a description from Amazon.com:

In award-winning writer Francine Rivers's five-book Lineage of Grace series about women in the family tree of Jesus Christ, perhaps the most compelling installment is Unspoken, the love story of David and Bathsheba. This Old Testament saga of adultery, power, and battles fought both on the field of combat and in the human heart touches on the cost of poor choices, the need for forgiveness, and finding ultimate fulfillment--themes that are relevant today. Rivers writes poignantly of how Bathsheba falls in love with David as a little girl, and of her bitterness when she comes of age and is given in marriage to Uriah, one of David's mighty warriors. Love cannot be commanded, however, and it's not long before the sexual tension between David and Bathsheba reaches its logical conclusion, with disastrous results. Rivers adeptly brings the biblical account to life, portraying the difficult struggles of good people, the corrupting influence of power, and God's love for those who make mistakes--even big mistakes. (end quote)

Reading through this story of Bathsheba and David was new for me as this is a part of the Bible I hadn't ever read or studied. I had a vague sense of awareness of the adultery but that was about it. It was quite a drama filled story.. even without Francine River's help. You can't say the bible is dull! So for me this being the first reading of this story, I was amazed yet again at the power of God's forgiveness and how he took the sin of David and Bathsheba and made great things in his will. Their son Solomon would become king and continue the line of David to our Savior. Over and over again God's love is shown to us and that you are never too far gone for him to make something beautiful of your life. And even if you are like David.. a man after God's heart... and stray away... we all sin and God is there when we recognize it and repent. He works with the mess we have made and can use it to further his will. Even though Bathsheba and David sinned.. they suffered for it.. but were restored to God.

I enjoyed reading what Bathsheba's point of view could have been and what she went through. It definitely shed some light in a realistic way on details that the bible leaves out but that she would have had to endure.. such as all the other wives of David, her family rejecting her, etc. Again I urge you to check out the seek and find section of the story and did even deeper into God's word. Yet again I am connecting the dots on the Lineage of Christ and all the women God used who needed his Grace. Have you accepted his Grace yet? Nothing you can do will ever earn it. Repent, accept consequences and forgiveness and live your life for Christ.

Unshaken, Ruth's Story

2010-04-23T08:30:00.003-05:00

The third novella in A lineage of Grace is Unshaken. This is Ruth's Story, "She gave up everything, expecting nothing, and God honored her." Again another book that reads so quickly. I can't believe I am still so amazed at the way the author adds a little fiction to this classic story and seems to revive it somehow... I'm not sure how to word it... a friend of mine even laughed as she mentioned that she wished the whole bible was written this way. Not to demean the Bible but I guess if you have read it and you read this story you can see what I mean. I love the way the author does the back and forth between perspectives for the main characters. And I love the "what the women were saying.." and "what the men were saying.." parts that show the perspective of the community as the story plays out.

I had heard Ruth and Naomi's story before but never really gone in depth with it. I think I always just assumed that it was about Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and the kindness of Boaz... and didn't ever consider the way Ruth and Boaz ended up together and were included in the lineage of Jesus or that Rahab was Boaz's mother. I just didn't connect the dots. Again this is an example of where God used someone who was not one of the chosen Hebrews to be blessed and become one of his people. The wisdom Boaz, Ruth and Naomi showed at times certainly made me want what faith they would show. We all can stumble in our walks but I just felt like the wisdom in this story was very inspiring. Is there anything that God really showed to you during this story? Is there a character that you identify with more? Check out your "Seek and Find" section of the book and see what God speaks to you. Are you seeking Godly wisdom and counsel when you are in dire times or do you seek worldly wisdom? I pray that we can be like Ruth and seek God no matter what.

Unashamed, Rahab's Story

2010-04-22T08:30:00.000-05:00

Book 2 of A Lineage of Grace is Unashamed, Rahab's story. "A woman with a past to whom god gave a future." I was able to fly through this novella just as easiest as the first. Again a story of the new testament, Joshua, that I had read through several times but never really took in the importance.. the meaning of how God used Rahab.

By then and even today's standards, she was not a woman whom many people would pick out to be used by God. But over and over again in the bible God shows us that his ways are not our ways and that he wants to save those who need the saving! God used a woman...non-hebrew...a harlot.. to bear children who would one day bear the Messiah. It is just SO amazing! God is so good. To those of you who think that you are too bad and that God wouldn't want anything to do with you.. your wrong! God still wants to save you and use you for his kingdom purposes! Not just Rahab but over and over again in the bible he is using those who are "unworthy"... if you haven't noticed NONE of us are!

In the seek and find section, the book reminds us that Rahab's story does not end here. She is mentioned for her faith later in Hebrews and again in the beginning of Matthew. "The outcome of Rahab's story is the honor given to her where she is listed in the lineage of Jesus Christ the messiah: Rahab and Salmon had a son, Boaz. Boaz (wife Ruth) was the father of Obed; Obed, the father of Jesse; Jesse, the father of King David. And from the line of King David (born from Bathsheba) of the tribe of Judah came the promised Messiah." You can see a full listing in your bible or in the back of your book. I just can't express how cool it is that these women were involved in Jesus family tree.

Think about what this story of Rahab has taught you about Faith? Rahab's story didn't end here and yours doesn't either. What changes do you think you need to make after reading her story? Do you want the story to end for you or live on in the Glory of Christ?

"What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see... It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute did not die with all the others in the her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies." Hebrews 11:1, 31

Unveiled, Tamar's Story

2010-04-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

I was late starting A Lineage of Grace because of other books I was in the middle of and trying to get through. But I have to say that doesn't seem to be a problem as I am flying through the book. This is the second book I have read from Francine Rivers and I have to say that it is just as good as the first, Redeeming Love. The first novella in A Lineage of Grace is, Unveiled. It can be purchased as a separate book or together with the 4 other novella's in this months book. This is a story about Tamar from the Old Testament, "Betrayed by the men who controlled her future, she fought for her right to believe in a loving God." Here is the description off Amazon of this book:

Her name meant "date palm," and like her namesake, Tamar hoped to survive the harsh environment she was placed in: to bend but not to break. Rubbed with scented oil and arrayed in wedding finery, 14-year-old Tamar is thrust into a world of abuse, betrayal, and disillusionment when she is given in marriage to an evil, idol-worshiping man. In the face of her suffering, she must make choices: Will she let her new husband, Er, destroy her innocence and corrupt her? Will she leave the religion of the Canaanites and embrace the God of the Hebrews despite the life of misery she is cast into? Or will she fall into despair and become as wicked as her husband and his brothers? (end quote)

You can find Tamar's story briefly mentioned in the book of Genesis but Rivers is such an amazing author that she weaves detail into a story that makes you believe you KNOW this woman. Here God used a women who was not a Hebrew to be used for the benefit of his Kingdom. Jesus came from the line of Judah, through the son that Tamar had with him. What a cool idea for Rivers to highlight these women who had such an impact in God's kingdom. It's one of those duh moments when you think... why didn't I think of that?! haha! I had heard Tamar's story so many times before but always looked over it. When I read the story the first thing I would see is the deceit done to Judah... not that what Judah did in his actions to her were okay.. but after reading the story it definitely changes my perspective. These times and customs were not like the ones we have today but Rivers weaves the story in a way that helps us identify with their emotions, doubts, prayers and feelings.

I enjoy the "Seek and Find" section of the book that includes lots of thought provoking questions and scripture for review. It would be interesting to do a short bible study and go over these questions with others in depth. Because of time constraints we will only highlight so much during our meeting and I won't begin to transfer all this knowledge on here. It's so overwhelming and so abundant in information that I don't even know where to begin. I urge you to really spend time in this section of the book. The author did not go to all of this trouble for you just to skim on over it. Think about Judah and Tamar's story... have you ever felt God left you with no other options? What did you do about it? Are you willing to wait on God to do what is right by you? Do you care more about the opinions and guidance of those around you than God's?

Like so many parts of the Bible and in each of our daily lives, God uses the sins of a repentant people to bring about great things for his kingdom. I leave you with the last line of this book, "May God's word always produce the fruit of obedience and accomplish much in you."

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

2010-04-20T11:15:00.001-05:00

Recently I finished listening to Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. I have several classics on my reading list and when I was looking for something to listen to on CD... this classic came to mind. I have never read any of her famous novels but have seen some of the movies other than this one. So I finished listening to it and have to say I enjoyed it. That is... after my brain caught up with the British accent and the fast elegant talking. At first the reader was talking what seemed to be so fast and then with her accent and elegant dialogue of the time.. I was having difficulties. But I got used to it and enjoyed the book. Here is what Amazon has for a description:

Jane Austen’s first published novel, Sense and Sensibility is a wonderfully entertaining tale of flirtation and folly that revolves around two starkly different sisters, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. While Elinor is thoughtful, considerate, and calm, her younger sister is emotional and wildly romantic. Both are looking for a husband, but neither Elinor’s reason nor Marianne’s passion can lead them to perfect happiness—as Marianne falls for an unscrupulous rascal and Elinor becomes attached to a man who’s already engaged. Startling secrets, unexpected twists, and heartless betrayals interrupt the marriage games that follow. Filled with satiric wit and subtle characterizations, Sense and Sensibility teaches that true love requires a balance of reason and emotion. (end quote)

I enjoyed the setting of the story and reading about scandals that could happen today but handled with so much more grace and care than would be done in today's world. I did enjoy her style of writing and look forward to reading some of her other novels... or listening to them.. just depending on what I have time for first. I think it's very important to read the classics beyond your education in school. If books can stand the test of time and be so wildly popular so many years later that has to say something. You may find the book dull and outdated but I felt it was a refreshing read compared to other works of this time. This will not be a book club selection but I would recommend the book. Happy Reading!

Wrap up of God's Smuggler

2010-04-16T12:25:00.007-05:00

Brother Andrew

(photo source)

This is quite overdue but I can't put the book away and start writing about the next without finishing up. If you read and finished the book you know what happened from where I left off with my writing. We left off with Andrew at school and learning the overwhelming reality of God as provider. As you continue reading through the book there is story after story of obstacles that Andrew would come up against and God would provide a way. A way... for bibles to be smuggled, a way.... for a community to receive hope... A way.. for a car to be provided... much needed funds to appear. And the list goes on and on not just in Andrew's story but in all of ours if you stop to think.

Stop to think about your typical day from the moment you wake up until you go to sleep at night every tiny little thing the Lord provides for you. First things first, he provided that you WOKE UP!!! What a blessing we take for granted that the Lord has gifted us another day here on his earth in our blink of an eye existence. Then continue thinking about your regular morning activities and all that God has provided.. warm water, a shower, a toilet, toothpaste, food, clothing, shoes, water, etc. I could go on with this but I think you know where I am going. Even if you don't feel like your story is as adventurous as Andrew's.... every story is an adventure. Every day God is providing for you. Stop a moment, recognize it and Thank God for it. Think about what you might be able to help provide for others with what God has provided for you... pass it on just as Brother Andrew does.

I pray that this book has left some kind of an imprint on you to commit to be even closer to God and follow his will. The work that God has done and continues to do through Brother Andrew is nothing short of one miracle after another. Brother Andrew founded Open Doors and still is working his Father's will. Andrew is spreading the gospel all over the world and if you are interested in reading more about the work he is doing you can check out the latest book: Secret Believers, What happens when Muslims Believe in Christ. I am glad that the epilogue provided in the book gives you further glimpses into what he is currently involved with. He makes good points that to witness and provide for others you must be with them.. you must be there. You may not be called to be a missionary, but make the decision to be there for those around you and love them and show them love as Christ has loved us. I hope you enjoyed the March Selection and continue to read along with us. Happy Reading!

May's Book club Selection for $5.00

2010-04-15T20:36:00.002-05:00

I checked the local $5 Christian book store at the Tanger Outlet Mall tonight and they had our May Selection. The book was only $5.00 and if you happen to have a 20% off coupon that has been in the local papers recently, you can purchase the book for only $4.34. There were 3 books left on the shelf when I left but the store clerk said that she still had 5 more copies in the back. I hope this helps some of you and that you read along with us. Have a great day!

May Book Club Selection

2010-04-13T08:30:00.001-05:00

Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin is going to be our book club selection for May. This book is historical christian fiction with some romance in there too, which takes place during the Civil War. Here is a description of what the book is about:

"The daughter of a wealthy slave-holding family from Richmond, Virginia, Caroline Fletcher is raised in a culture that believes slavery is God-ordained and biblically acceptable. But upon awakening to the cruelty and injustice it encompasses, Caroline’s eyes are opened for the first time to the men and women who have cared tirelessly for her. Her journey of maturity and faith will draw her into the abolitionist movement, where she is confronted with the risks and sacrifices her beliefs entail." (end quote)

This is book 1 of 3 in Lynn Austin's Refiner's Fire Series. Usually I want to stay away from series books but this first book is too good to pass up and can stand alone on it's own. Many thanks go to book club member Carol D. for recommending this book. Don't be scared by the 432 page count. It is a book that can keep you turning the pages pretty fast. I know so many of you who read way more than one book a month so I am confident you will be able to do it!! Lynn Austin won the 2003 Christy Award for this novel and I truly hope that you find she deserves it in your reading.

**Don't forget the April meeting is coming up soon on April 24th at 8:30 am - 10 am in Swift's new building, classroom 2. Feel free to bring your friends and family!***

And don't forget, any book suggestions are always appreciated. Happy Reading!

Book Club News

2010-04-12T12:02:00.002-05:00

Hello Fellow Readers!

I have decided to start a follow-up message after meetings so that if you missed one you will still be in the know about what's going on with the book club.

Meeting News

At our March discussion of God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew, I am sorry to say that we only had 3 people in attendance. And in case you didn't know, 5 in February and 8 in January. Reading this, you can probably guess that our numbers are diminished. I know that so many read the book but just don't have time for the meetings or maybe the meetings really aren't something that you need. For some, I know it's enough just to have the idea of reading along with everyone. At this time ideas are being tossed around about possibly moving the meetings to every other month or quarterly? Maybe meet somewhere other than the church? Discuss changing time of the month? Nothing is certain, these are just ideas that will be discussed later in the month.

Blog News

When we started the book club the idea was born of having a blog about the book club so that members who couldn't or didn't want to attend meetings could read about the book online and make discussion there. Which became, Serendipity Book Club Blog. At first I was constantly writing about the books throughout the month and every once in awhile someone would comment. But as the year went on the participants dwindled and so did my motivation. I'm not sure how many of you read it, but just want to announce that I will no longer attempt to constantly blog about the book each month. I will still tell you about the other books I am reading and make announcements and write about what we are reading a little bit. But I am officially removing the self-imposed pressure to blog throughout the whole month.

Well that's all the news for today. I hope you are enjoying the April book, A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers. As always please e-mail me with any questions or concerns.

Thanks for being a part of the Serendipity Book Club. Happy Reading!

Andrew's return home and off to school

2010-03-25T14:00:00.001-05:00

Andrew returns home to lots of happenings and welcome from all his family. He attends a tent meeting not exactly meaning to and later finds a thirst for God's word. He begins to read the bible, go to church and allow it to.. in a way consume him. Some friends and family who don't understand worry about him and don't want him to burn him self out or they believe it's just because of the war that he acts the way he does. Andrew finally comes to a time where he prays, "Lord, if you will show me the way, I will follow you. Amen."

After Andrew prays this prayer he share with his friend Kees and others in the village. Kees and him end up attending a Revival where they were called by the pastor to become missionaries. Andrew wasn't sure what got into him or caused him to do it but they started reaching out to those nearest in Witte. He gets a job at a local factory and happens to run into Corrie van Dam, the girl that invited him to the tent revival back when he was in the hospital. They began to work as a team of missionaries at the factory. Helping the women that worked there. The first conversion that Andrew ever saw was a woman named Greetje all because he followed God's will in his conversation with her. Soon after he was promoted and his boss even agreed with his missionary work in the factory. But this work was not all Andrew wanted and decided to finish his schooling. But there seemed to be several roadblocks in Andrew attending school. One day while deep in prayer Andrew finally realized what his problem had been. He admitted that he was always saying Yes to God but saying, "Yes, but I'm not educated. Yes, but I'm lame." Andrew realized he was going to tell God Yes no matter what. The moment Andrew stood up from this prayer and affirmation, he received a miraculous healing in his ankle. And since then it has never bothered him since.

Andrew hit a few more would be roadblocks in his attempt to go to school but he decided to trust God and follow anyway. Andrew got on a train and went off to London to a school he hadn't even been accepted to at the time. Just as he had been told there was nothing available such was the case when he arrived. But God opened other doors to prepare him for when it was his time to attend. Andrew tells us several stories of his time at the Hopkins home and how he was learning to trust God in all things. He went on to school and had to face this even more. He had to completely depend on God to provide for his tuition, his daily needs and even a cake once. God did a work on Andrew that molded him into the person God needed him to be, completely dependable on God.

The stories that Andrew tells us during these chapters in the book are remarkable one after another and not uncommon either. I have heard similar stories before from the person who gets the check in the mail right when the power was due. Or the free bag of groceries right when the last can in the pantry had been eaten. God does provide. He may not provide as fast as we would like him or in the way we would think is best but if we place our complete trust in him he will come through. He is God our Provider. Will you trust in him in all things?

Born Standing Up by Steve Martin

2010-03-25T12:24:00.002-05:00

I just finished listening to this book on CD. This is one that had been on my reading list for some time now and when I was looking for another book to listen to on CD the library happened to have this one. This book is about 204 pages and tells the story of Steve Martin's life of stand up. And instead of repeating information here is what Amazon tells you the book is about:

At age 10, Steve Martin got a job selling guidebooks at the newly opened Disneyland. In the decade that followed, he worked in Disney's magic shop, print shop, and theater, and developed his own magic/comedy act. By age 20, studying poetry and philosophy on the side, he was performing a dozen times a week, most often at the Disney rival, Knott's Berry Farm. Obsession is a substitute for talent, he has said, and Steve Martin's focus and daring--his sheer tenacity--are truly stunning. He writes about making the very tough decision to sacrifice everything not original in his act, and about lucking into a job writing for The Smothers Brothers Show. He writes about mentors, girlfriends, his complex relationship with his parents and sister, and about some of his great peers in comedy--Dan Ackroyd, Lorne Michaels, Carl Reiner, Johnny Carson. He writes about fear, anxiety and loneliness. And he writes about how he figured out what worked on stage. This book is a memoir, but it is also an illuminating guidebook to stand-up from one of our two or three greatest comedians. Though Martin is reticent about his personal life, he is also stunningly deft, and manages to give readers a feeling of intimacy and candor. Illustrated throughout with black and white photographs collected by Martin, this book is instantly compelling visually and a spectacularly good read. (end quote)

I enjoyed listening to it but I had also checked the actual book out from the library so that I could see the pictures he included. It was interesting to hear about his life and I learned alot about him. Like I had no idea it was he who coined the phrase, "Well excuuuuuussseee ME!" How funny!? It was an entertaining quick read/listen and I did enjoy it. If you are a fan of Steve Martin's I would recommend it. He reads the book on CD so I think that listening to it is probably better than reading but I would do like I did.. and get the book for pictures too. It's nice to have the visuals. Def not a book club contender.. but nevertheless wanted to share the review. Happy Reading!

The Mysterious Benedict Society By Trenton Lee Stewart

2010-03-17T16:17:00.004-05:00

In the past couple of weeks I have been listening to a children's book series called, The Mysterious Benedict Society. I first saw this book in the newspaper because the author came to a local bookstore for a signing that the children in the area had won in a contest. I was intrigued by the name and the way the cover looked and thought it might be interesting. Because of my lack of time to read and too many books to read I chose to listen to them on CD from the Library. There are three books in the series and I am unsure if the author will write anymore. The books are fiction and have quite a bit of pages, but like other large children books, Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, I think if the child is interested enough they won't mind the long book. Here is a little summary of each book and it's picture from the books main site:

Book 1: The Mysterious Benedict Society

"Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?" When this peculiar ad appears in the newspaper, dozens of children enroll to take a series of mysterious, mind-bending tests. But in the end just four very special children will succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and resourceful children could complete. With their new found friendship at stake, will they be able to pass the most important test of all? (end quote)

Book 2: The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey

They are back with a new mission: a mind-bending international scavenger hunt designed to test their individual talents. As they search for all the clues and riddles Mr. Benedict had hidden for them, Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance face an unexpected challenge that will reinforce the reasons they were brought together in the first place and require them to fight for the very namesake that united them. (end quote)

Book 3: The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma

"Is this the end of the Mysterious Benedict Society?" Join the Mysterious Benedict Society as Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance embark on a daring new adventure that threatens to force them apart from their families, friends, and even each other. When an unexplained blackout engulfs Stonetown, the foursome must unravel clues relating to a nefarious new plot, while their search for answers brings them closer to danger than ever before. (end quote)

I like how the author wrote the book to make it easy to relate with different children. I also liked that these children were not interested in television to have fun. In the book these children were clever and smart and liked solving riddles, puzzles and mysteries. I would recommend these for your kiddos and hope to have mine read them when they get old enough. Happy Reading!

April Book Club Selection

2010-03-16T12:53:00.002-05:00

A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers is going to be our book club selection for April. This book is fiction based on the real stories of the bible and is a hefty 542 pages. But please take note it is basically 5 smaller books combined into 1. Here is a description of what the book is about:

"In this compilation of the five books in the best-selling Lineage of Grace series by Francine Rivers, we meet the five women whom God chose-Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. Each was faced with extraordinary-even scandalous-challenges. Each took great personal risk to fulfill her calling. Each was destined to play a key role in the lineage of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World." (end quote)

There has been much talk throughout the book club about this book series and it's compilation into one. If you will recall we read another book by Francine Rivers back in February 2009, Redeeming Love. And I believe you will be just as excited about this one as you had with her previous. I know that the page amount seems like alot but do not let it intimidate you. I know so many of you who read way more than one book a month so I am confident you will be able to do it!!

Kathy will be in touch with you all soon about a pre-order. Our April meeting will be in Swift's new annex at 8:30 AM on April 24th. Please let me know if you have any questions.

We do hope to see some of you who haven't been in a long time attend a meeting soon. We miss your company and input. Please talk to me if there is a problem about the meeting time/location or anything that we may be able to help you with.

**Don't forget the March meeting is coming up soon on March 27th at 8:30 am - 10 am in Swift's new building, classroom 2. Feel free to bring your friends and family!***

And don't forget, any book suggestions are always appreciated and remember to participate on the Blog!

Happy Reading!

Brother Andrews Beginnings

2010-03-16T08:30:00.004-05:00

In the beginning of God's Smuggler the authors who worked with Andrew on the story share how he has become a part of their family. Brother Andrew opens his story telling us about his childhood in Holland and how WWII affected his family. The childhood escapades he describes like skipping church and lieing about it and playing tricks on neighbors would cause many never to believe "a boy like that" would grow up to become a famous pastor but amazing indeed how God can change the heart of a person. Brother Andrew goes on to describe his time as a solider in war for Holland and the horrors he saw. He eventually made it out of the war after becoming shot in the ankle. He shares the many raw emotions he felt from his experience and he definitely makes it easy to relate to many people in several different aspects of life. One story I want to highlight in this part of the book is when he was in recovery.

While he is in the hospital recovering from his wound, his mother's bible (whom also had died while Andrew was away at war) is brought back into his sight after spending alot of time in the bottom of his rucksack. He wonders why the nurses (sisters) who work in the hospital are always so happy and they answer him, "with the love of Christ" and urge him to look in his Bible. In the meantime he receives a letter that happens to give him an outline for reading the Bible! He reads through it and begins to wonder if all of this is really true? Before he sets out to leave a sister tells him the story of how a monkey will let go of freedom just to get something they really desire. They are so stubborn they become chained. The sister questions whether or not that is Andy, letting something hold him back from being free.

The same is true for us. What do we allow to hold us back from freedom in Christ? Pride, Self-centered beliefs, money, sin, loss of self-worth, etc.? Do you have something? Brother Andrew didn't fully believe as we leave him here to return to his homeland for the next season of his life but the Holy Spirit did indeed begin to plant seeds.

The Swan House by Elizabeth Musser

2010-03-15T08:30:00.000-05:00

I just finished up reading the 443 page book, The Swan House by Elizabeth Musser. This is a Christian Fiction based on some historical facts and settings. Here is the description from the back of the book:

Getting Past Her Grief Would Lead Her Across Town - To a Whole New World Mary Swan Middleton has always taken for granted the advantages of her family's wealth. But a tragedy that touches all of Atlanta sends her reeling in grief. When the family maid challenges her to reach out to the less fortunate as a way to ease her own pain, Mary Swan meets Carl - and everything changes. For although Carl is her opposite in nearly every way, he has something her privileged life could not give her. And when she seeks his help to uncover a mystery, she learns far more than she ever could have imagined. (End quote)

Months ago a friend of mine referred me to this book back when I first started the book club. Well I am always reading for new options and decided to pick this one up finally. I was originally hesitant because I knew it had a sequel (The Dwelling Place) and wasn't sure if this book could stand on it's own without the next book(s). This is a good sized book and I have to admit has taken some time for me to get through. I felt like the beginning opened strong, lagged throughout spots in the middle then finished up with a bang. Throughout the middle I had to make myself pick the book up and read and thinking that it's not going to be one I would care to read on to the sequel. Then at the end it had me in tears and loving it. I guess in a way now I understand how some felt about Redeeming Love who felt the same feelings. And now I know (when I have time) I will read the sequel. I feel like the author left lots of questions un-answered at the end about all the different people who played such an important role in the life of the main character, Mary Swan. Anyways this will not be a book club selection for us but that's not to say I wouldn't recommend it. When I do get around to reading The Dwelling Place I will def share that with you too. Happy Reading!

Guernsey Sweet Cake

2010-03-11T09:07:00.003-06:00

Recently we finished reading, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer. And we had our meeting at the end of February where I wanted to make a traditional Guernsey dish for that morning. I chose to make a Guernsey Sweet Cake out of some recipes a friend had given me. Her family is originally from Guernsey and she still goes back to visit with those still living there so she had some good ones in her arsenal but me not being as skilled as her, just took the easy way out. And of course I had to share with you.

Ingredients:

6 oz butter (not margarine)
6 oz caster sugar aka superfine sugar (I just used regular sugar)
3 eggs
5 oz self rising four
3 oz plain flour
1 to 2 tblsps milk (I used 2)

Cream together butter and sugar, add eggs one at a time and beat well. Add milk and finally fold in mixed flour. Bake in a 2 Ib. loaf tin or equivalent size for approximately 1 and 1/2 hours at 325. I baked mine in a 8 inch cake pan because I didn't have a loaf tin for 1 hr and 15 min.

I was kinda freaked out making it since I had no clue what it was supposed to turn out like. And after it was done... my thoughts were.. is it like a cornbread? a pound cake?.... hmmm I would have to say it's like a cross between the two. Slightly grainy like cornbread but not really possibly because of me using regular sugar than using superfine... ?? Although a pound cake would be the best comparison because it would probably be real good with some fruit and cool whip. But we just had it plain with coffee and that was good too. So there you have it folks, An easy from scratch traditional Guernsey Dish that you can make on your own if you missed our meeting.

Part 2 of the letters and conclusion

2010-03-05T14:00:00.005-06:00

We have had our meeting for this book this past Saturday and there were 5 of us to chat. A good friend of mine came who's family is from Guernsey and shared pictures, stories and food! (more on the food later) We had a good conversation and were sorry that so many couldn't make it this month but I do know many had trouble getting in to the book's story. But then I know several who really enjoyed it. I think it might be the letter format that bothers some. But oh well, can't win them all! I almost feel ashamed at how little I have written about this book that I claim to enjoy so much but I just can't get into the writing for it. And my apologies for glossing over so many of the smaller story lines within the book but it's no matter now. Let's finish up!

In part 2 of the letters in the book The Guernsey Literary and Potato Pie Peel Society the letters have changed some now that Juliet is on the actual island. We really get to know the people even better and learn their hardships. The author does a great job of really making these people come alive. When I finished reading the book, I didn't want it to stop, I wanted to keep reading about these people because I felt like I really knew them. I have to remind myself that this book is fictional! We have a love triangle that goes on with Juliet and Dawsey and isn't resolved till the end of the book as we read the "Detection notes of Miss Isola Pribby." And I have to say I felt like it was a happy ending. I was happy to see Juliet and Dawsey end up together. I enjoyed the last letter in the book from Juliet to Sidney. I love how when Juliet writes she compares her life to a book and how she describes everything to Sidney in the last letter. The author did a fantastic job of portraying so happy, in love and content Juliet has become.

If you make a visit to the website for the book there are lots of resources there to be used depending on your interest. I got our discussion questions off of the site even though they have them in the back of the books on the chance that someone forgot their book for the meeting or something. Also check out this neat map on Google that shows the island and different pictures of places mentioned throughout the book. After reading this book, Guernsey is added to places I would like to visit one day.

And on the chance you are reading and were not at our meeting but would like to share your opinions on the book feel free to answer some questions from the reader's guide or just tell us what you thought! I have answered in Italics a few with my opinions on the chance you are interested. :)

1. What was it like to read a novel composed entirely of letters? What do letters offer that no other form of writing (not even emails) can convey? I loved reading the book of letters and it really didn't throw me off at all like it has some readers. After a while I stopped paying attention to the dates and other info and would just look at who it was from and to. I still believe in written hand notes and letters as they convey the thoughtfulness and time someone sat down and took to think of you. It conveys someones personality with handwriting and misspellings.. something they actually touched and held in their hands.

2. What makes Sidney and Sophie ideal friends for Juliet? What common ground do they share? Who has been a similar advocate in your life?

3. Dawsey first wrote to Juliet because books, on Charles Lamb or otherwise, were so difficult to obtain on Guernsey in the aftermath of the war. What differences did you note between book selling in the novel and book selling in your world? What makes book lovers unique, across all generations? In the novel during that time period it was definitely alot more personal and people were grateful for the books. In today's time you can be hard pressed to find a book store owner who cares that much about their customers. It is easy to take for granted the mass of books we have at our fingertips.

4. What were your first impressions of Dawsey? How was he different from the other men Juliet had known?

5. Discuss the poets, novelists, biographers, and other writers who capture the hearts of the members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. What does a reader’s taste in books say about his or her personality? Whose lives were changed the most by membership in the society?

6. Juliet occasionally receives mean-spirited correspondence from strangers, accusing both Elizabeth and Juliet of being immoral. What accounts for their judgmental ways? I'm not making excuses but I do think it needs to be remembered that the war was hard on everyone and it was a difficult time and place. Things are much different in today's time. And people may have said and done things they may not have under different circumstances.

7. In what ways were Juliet and Elizabeth kindred spirits? What did Elizabeth’s spontaneous invention of the society, as well as her brave final act, say about her approach to life?

8. Numerous Guernsey residents give Juliet access to their private memories of the occupation. Which voices were most memorable for you? What was the effect of reading a variety of responses to a shared tragedy?

9. Kit and Juliet complete each other in many ways. What did they need from each other? What qualities make Juliet an unconventional, excellent mother?

10. How did Remy’s presence enhance the lives of those on Guernsey? Through her survival, what recollections, hopes, and lessons also survived?

11. Juliet rejects marriage proposals from a man who is a stereotypical “great catch.” How would you have handled Juliet’s romantic entanglement? What truly makes someone a “great catch”? I didn't think Reynolds was a great catch... he didn't care about what Juliet cared about or was interested in.

12. What was the effect of reading a novel about an author’s experiences with writing, editing, and getting published? Did this enhance the book’s realism, though Juliet’s experience is a bit different from that of debut novelist Mary Ann Shaffer and her niece, children’s book author Annie Barrows? I did feel like the book was real and since I am so into books I really enjoyed this aspect.

13. What historical facts about life in England during World War II were you especially surprised to discover? What traits, such as remarkable stamina, are captured in a detail such as potato peel pie? In what ways does fiction provide a means for more fully understanding a non-fiction truth? I think fiction helps a non-fiction event feel more personal and real than a just the facts rendition, which can sometimes be lacking depending on who is telling the story.

14. Which of the members of the Society is your favorite? Whose literary opinions are most like your own? I would have to say that Isola was my favorite. I enjoyed her quirkiness and she just was a likable.. different type of person who didn't care what others thought of her.

15. Do you agree with Isola that “reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones”? I suppose that could be true.. but nevertheless you could say that about all things correct? Watching good movies ruins you for the bad..etc.

I really do hope you enjoyed it. Stay tuned as I will make one more post for this book and share a Guernsey Sweet Cake recipe before starting on March's book. Happy Reading!

Local Author at Gulf Shores Library

2010-03-03T12:30:00.005-06:00

It was brought to my attention recently that a local Christian Author will be speaking soon at the local Gulf Shores Library. I have never read any of his books but nevertheless thought you might be interested. I think it's pretty cool he lives in Gulf Shores! Here is the information copied and pasted from the Library Blog:

"On Monday, March 8th, 2010, best-selling author Gilbert Morris will be speaking at the Thomas B. Norton Public Library in Gulf Shores. One of today's best-known Christian novelists, Mr. Morris was a pastor before becoming an English professor and earning a Ph.D at the University of Arkansas. His best-selling works include the Christy Award-Winning Edge of Honor, Jacob's Way, the House of Winslow Series, and the Appomattox Series. He lives in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with his wife, Johnnie.

During the meeting, Mr. Morris will be discussing his novels and taking questions from the audience about their favorite Gilbert Morris books. Books may be purchased at the meeting and signed by the author. The meeting begins at 6:00 pm and will be in the library meeting room. Light refreshments will be served. We invite every one to attend and bring a friend to what promises to be a very entertaining evening. For more information, please contact Amy Maliska at the 968-1176."

I will not be attending this function but if you do I sure do hope you enjoy it! Have a great week!

Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom

2010-02-26T10:16:00.003-06:00

Recently I finished listening to this book on CD, Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom. I am a big fan of his and love every book he has written so far with this one included. Here is what Mitch's website tells us about the book:

"Albom’s first nonfiction book since Tuesdays with Morrie, Have a little Faith begins with an unusual request: an 82-year-old rabbi from Albom’s old hometown asks him to deliver his eulogy.

Feeling unworthy, Albom insists on understanding the man better, which throws him back into a world of faith he’d left years ago. Meanwhile, closer to his current home, Albom becomes involved with a Detroit pastor – a reformed drug dealer and convict – who preaches to the poor and homeless in a decaying church with a hole in its roof.

Moving between their worlds, Christian and Jewish, African-American and white, impoverished and well-to-do, Mitch observes how these very different men employ faith similarly in fighting for survival: the older, suburban rabbi, embracing it as death approaches; the younger, inner-city pastor relying on it to keep himself and his church afloat.

As America struggles with hard times and people turn more to their beliefs, Mitch and the two men of God explore issues that perplex modern man: how to endure when difficult things happen; what heaven is; intermarriage; forgiveness; doubting God; and the importance of faith in trying times. Although the texts, prayers and histories are different, Albom begins to realize a striking unity between the two worlds - and indeed, between beliefs everywhere.

In the end, as the rabbi nears death and a harsh winter threatens the pastor’s wobbly church, Albom sadly fulfills the last request and writes the eulogy. And he finally understands what both men had been teaching all along: the profound comfort of believing in something bigger than yourself.

Have a Little Faith is a book about a life’s purpose; about losing belief and finding it again; about the divine spark inside us all. It is one man’s journey, but it is everyone’s story." (end quote)

I really enjoyed listening to this book and cried in the car as it finished up. I plan on making this a book club selection for our group as soon as it comes out on paperback because right now it's only available in hardcover. I would recommend picking this one up. It's not very long (only 192 pgs) so it would make for a quick read. Listening to it on CD was only 4 hours. Albom isn't pushy on either religion but just tells these two different inspirational stories. As with his other books I really don't think you will be disappointed. Happy Reading!

Part one of the letters

2010-02-25T15:00:00.000-06:00

Because of the format of the book I haven't had much to say on it this month and my apologies if you are a faithful reader of the blog. In the beginning some say the book is slow going. And I can see that, but I have to say that I didn't have a problem getting into it right away which may be because of how much authors, books, history and the like interest me so. Rather than recount our start and what the book is about which you know if you are reading is jump right in to two of my favorite quotes. I especially love two of the first thoughts Juliet shared with us in her very first letter to Dawsey Adams:

"I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? perhaps there is some secret sort of homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers."

"That's what i love about reading: one tiny thing will interest you in a book, and that tiny thing will lead you onto another book, and another bit there will lead you onto a third book. It's geometrically progressive - all with no end in sight and for no other reason than shear enjoyment."

I love Juliet's English humor that is shown through her letters and her thought process. It is neat isn't it how we end up with books that belonged to those who have come before us and the common interest that we show in them. Amazing how books can bring people together. And I love what she says about one book leading to another. I can certainly agree with that wholeheartedly as I have a reading list because of this process that expands to 150 books plus! Juliet has a job to do for an article for the times and becomes interested in the Literary Society that Dawsey Adams mentions. And so begins the correspondence between her and the members. We learn how the society came about with the unusual name. On the off chance you are interested here's the recipe I found online for a Potato Peel Pie... I would try it at your own risk if I were you! Here it is word for word from the site:

"Here’s a recipe for a potato peel pie, but I warn you, it tastes like paste. The more authentic it is, the nastier. These ingredients will make a very small pie (expand at will):

1 potato
1 beet
1 Tablespoon milk

Peel the potato and put the peelings in a pie pan. Don’t cook the peels, because you’re in the middle of an Occupation and you don’t have any fuel. Boil the potato and the beet together in salty water, but not for very long, due to the fuel problem. Just until you can stick a fork in the potato. Take them out and mash them up with the milk. Pour the glop in the pie pan. Bake at 375 for as short a time as is consonant with digestion (fuel again), say, fifteen minutes.

The finished product will look quite attractive and pink. If you squint, you can almost imagine raspberries. Don’t be fooled. It looks a lot better than it is. However, if you forgot that you were in the middle of WWII and added a bunch of butter and milk and salt, it could be quite tasty. "

Blech! Don't believe I will do any pretending with that dish anytime soon. But this is the truth in what the Island was restricted with, how thankful we should be for all we have today. We learn history of what was going on with the island of Guernsey during WWII through the letters of the Society members writing to Juliet. It is quite amazing reading all these different stories and how books pulled them all together. It is amazing how you could never have been a reader before and all it takes is that one right book to pull you in to the wonderful world of literature. I dare say this has happened to some of you since we started this club as several of you tell me all the time.

It's interesting reading the letters from the individual who is disapproving of the Society and I am glad the author also made this perspective for us. I enjoy the fact that books helped one man romance a woman to be his wife and begin his new love of reading. And with this, I have come to the conclusion that there is nothing you can't do if you are willing to pick up a book and read about it. The letters that go back and forth captivated me and are quite believable. The author gives you a great sense of feeling as if you know these people. We come to the end of Part 1 and Juliet is off to Guernsey to meet all those she has been writing back and forth with and the adventure is just beginning for her.

He Chose the Nails by Max Lucado

2010-02-19T08:30:00.000-06:00

Recently I finished up reading the book, He Chose the Nails by Max Lucado. This is a non-fiction book all about what Jesus dying on the cross means to each of us. I am looking for a book for our group to read during Easter time and so far no luck. I enjoy Lucado's writing and his style but while I enjoyed the book at times it wasn't quite what I was looking for right now. Here is the Amazon review:

Reading a Max Lucado book is as comfortable as having coffee and conversation with a close friend. He Chose the Nails: What God Did to Win Your Heart is signature Lucado: warm, conversational storytelling blended with scripture, humor, and vulnerability. Lucado invites us to understand the symbols surrounding Christ's crucifixion and celebrate the significance of the promises they offer. From the sign in different languages tacked to the cross ("I will speak to you in your language") to the burial clothing ("I can turn your tragedy into triumph"), he speaks of each symbol as a "gift of grace" that reveals God's love for mankind. Lucado takes us to Calvary and shows us our sins nailed between the hand of Jesus and the cross. "You've made some bad choices in life, haven't you," writes Lucado. "You've chosen the wrong friends, maybe the wrong career, even the wrong spouse. You look back over your life and say, 'If only I could make up for those bad choices.' You can. One good choice for eternity offsets a thousand bad ones on earth. The choice is yours." Whether he's bantering around phrases like "the hall monitors of holiness" or crafting a deeper expository on the crown of thorns, Lucado neatly balances the task of making his words accessible to a broad audience while delivering a meaty message on God's greatest sacrifice. Pick up this insightful read, and you'll be glad you made the choice. --Cindy Crosby (end quote)

This book is about 157 page with a study/discussion guide in the back of the book. Lucado has other books centered around Easter that if I have time I may look into for April since I couldn't get one picked for March. I also picked up another book by him called The Great House of God which breaks down The Lord's Prayer but couldn't really get into it. I know that we will do another one of his books for the group at some point but need the time and nudging to come for the right one. He is such a talented author I hope you will consider to read some of his work. He does such a great job of connecting with his reader. Happy Reading!

March 2010 Book Selection

2010-02-18T12:21:00.003-06:00

God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew with John and Elizabeth Sherrill is going to be our book club selection for March. This book is non-fiction based on the real life story of Brother Andrew and is 255 pages. Here is what is on the back of the book:

As a boy, Brother Andrew dreamed of being an undercover spy working behind enemy lines. As a man he found himself working undercover for God. His was a mission filled with danger, financed by faith, supported by miracles. Told it was impossible to minister behind the Iron Curtain, Andrew knew that nothing was too hard for God. Crossing "closed" borders, he prayed, "Lord, in my luggage I have Scripture I want to take to Your children. When You were on earth, You made blind eyes see. Now, I pray, make seeing eyes blind. Do not let the guards see those things You do not want them to see." And they never did. For thirty-five years, Brother Andrew's life story has inspired millions to step out on their own journeys of faith. This young Dutch factory worker's near-incredible adventures testify of God's step-by-step guidance and hour-by-hour provision-available to all who follow His call. Far from being over, Brother Andrew's current adventures are his most challenging yet. In a new prologue and epilogue, his story is carried into the new millennium with an account of Andrew's work in the "closed" societies of Islam.(end quote)

I had a friend of mine recommend this book to me a couple of years ago and so I added it to my reading list. Then one day while browsing in the $5 christian bookstore at the Tanger Outlet, there it was and only $5! I picked it up and really enjoyed reading it. Those of you that read with us last year I want to let you know a good comparison for this type of story would have been last year's selection The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom which also was written with John and Elizabeth Sherrill. If you want you can try the $5 book store but like I said it has been a long time since I got my book there. Our March meeting will be in Swift's new annex at 8:30 AM on March 27th. Please let me know if you have any questions.

**Don't forget the February meeting is coming up soon on February 27th at 8:30 am in Swift's new building. Feel free to bring your friends and family! I will be providing a traditional Guernsey dish to have with Coffee and some pictures of the island to share as well and maybe even a guest to participate in our discussion who's family originated in Guernsey. You don't want to miss it!****

And don't forget, any book suggestions are always appreciated as well!

Happy Reading!

The Ultimate Gift Completion

2010-02-05T15:00:00.004-06:00

"In the end, life lived to its fullest is its own Ultimate Gift." That was our last quote of the book. I know many of you have enjoyed having those little quotes. Such little pearls of wisdom. In the end Jason finds out there was still one gift left in The Ultimate Gift, "..control of my charitable trust fund. Its current value is somewhere slightly over $1 billion." It is a gift to know that Jason wasn't even expecting anything by this point at the end. He truly believed that his Ultimate Gift were all the gifts he had already been given and he was content with that. I think we were all happy to see how this ended up.

We had a good meeting this past Saturday with 8 women in attendance but I know quite a few more than that who read the book and enjoyed it. Everyone seemed to be in agreement on what a "gift" the book was. (pun intended) We all agreed that it could get tiring with the same scenario at the beginning and end of each chapter but that the overall message outweighs the faults. Several women plan on giving the book away as a gift to someone they know. I brought a discussion guide that I found off of the main website for the movie and book. We didn't look at it too much but it was something to take home and review if you were interested with Bible verses that corresponded to different gifts. You can go to The Ultimate Gift Experience by clicking here and see where the different discussion guides can be found as well as several other resources for the movie and book. And let me back up a minute, yes there is a movie as well. I really like the movie even with the differences from the book I still enjoy it. You will have to watch it to see what I mean, regardless the gifts are taught the same, if not in a more emotional way being able to see the actors/actresses achieve them.

And if that still isn't enough for you of The Ultimate Gift, there is a sequel by Jim Stovall called, The Ultimate Life. Here is the description of this book from Amazon:

A profound follow-up to the bestselling book and major motion picture, The Ultimate Gift. When Jason Stevens found out he had to jump through hoops to maybe get an unnamed inheritance from his billionaire grandfather, he was not amused. By the time he'd finished learning the lessons he'd become a different man. Ready to tackle the duties of running a multi-billion dollar trust, he is once again derailed, this time by his pugnacious family. Not content with their cattle ranches and oil fields, his aunts, uncles, and even his parents are determined to see every last dime entrusted to their own self-serving pockets. With none of the reluctance he initially showed for the Gift, he eagerly accepts the challenge and pushes himself to prove not only to his family and the court but also to the world, that with determination and the simple tenets of the Gift, anyone can lead The Ultimate Life. (end quote)

The sequel is just as small and easy to get through as the first book and enjoyable as well. I wouldn't go as far to say it is a must read but nevertheless it's a good way for you to see where Jason went in life after he had completed his gift. I didn't even know a sequel existed until I happened upon it one day in our $5 Christian Book store in our outlet mall, so maybe you too one day stumble upon that deal.

I hope you have enjoyed our January Selection as we start our second year and that you join us for February. I pray that you take to your heart The Ultimate Gifts that Jason learned without forgetting THE ultimate gift God gave us all, His Son. I pray you live the gifts learned everyday and pass The Ultimate Gift on to others because, "what is knowledge if it isn't shared?" Happy Reading!

Day after Night By Anita Diamant

2010-02-02T08:30:00.001-06:00

Recently I finished up reading Day after Night by Anita Diamant. This is a fiction based on Fact book. It is 292 pages long and a fairly easy read. Here is what Barnes and Noble tells you about the book:

This striking novel by the author of The Red Tent is based on a dramatic true story: In October 1945, more than 200 "illegal immigrant" prisoners at the Atlit internment camp in Palestine were freed. The story of this rescue, the friendships it forged, and its aftermath is told through the words of four young women who at first seem to share little except their incarceration. Zorah is a concentration camp survivor; Leonie, a Parisian beauty; Shayndel, an ideological Polish Zionist; and Tedi, a formerly hidden Dutch Jew. As always, Anita Diamant constructs her plot with the dignity and moral force of a biblical story. Fiction that makes history real. (end quote)

We previously read The Red Tent by Anita Diamant in the book club back in 2009. I have to say out of the two I enjoyed The Red Tent more. Day after night was interesting and educating but I felt it was missing a wow factor. It had no problem keeping my attention right up to the end, but I felt like it just kinda fizzled out and had a bittersweet conclusion. Thankfully the author does include an epilogue but I have to say I just wasn't as excited about it as I was with her previous work. She has a couple other novel's out there I will one day probably pick up and try out but for now I need to whittle away at the current stack on my table at home. This will not be a book club selection for us. I did want to warn you that it does use cuss words and can be graphic at times (similar to how The Red Tent was) but it's up for you to decide what this book would mean to you. Happy reading!

The gifts of Gratitude, a Day, and Love

2010-01-29T20:00:00.003-06:00

As we finish up the last gifts we finish up Chapters 12-14 with the gifts of Gratitude, a Day and Love. This will be my last post before our meeting this upcoming Saturday, January 30th, 8:30 AM-10:00AM. I will do my regular follow up completion of the book post next week after we have had our meeting. Let's get to it!

"In those times we yearn to have more in our lives, we should dwell on the things we already have. In doing so, we will often find that our lives are already full to overflowing." Chapter 12, The gift of Gratitude. As with each chapter and gift Red starts off explaining why he chose this particular gift to teach Jason. Red states during this video a statement that couldn't be more true, "I have always found it ironic that the people in the world that have the most to be thankful for are often the least thankful, and somehow the people who have virtually nothing, many times live lives full of gratitude." Red continues to explain how he learned about something that helped keep his gratitude in check, The Golden List. The Golden List is something that Red would do every morning, before he got out of bed, he would think of 10 things he was thankful for that morning. Jason's challenge is to think of a list to provide to Mr. Hamilton and continue the tradition of thinking of your own list each morning. As you have probably guessed Jason makes it through this task demonstrating 10 great things to be thankful. I challenge you to do this if you don't already have some version of The Golden List you do your self in the morning. When you get up think up your own list and thank God for that list and the fact that you just got up another morning!

"Life at its essence boils down to one day at a time. Today is the day!" The gift of a Day is our Chapter 13. Our chapter opens up on Mr. Hamilton reflecting on his friendship with Red. Red comes on the video screen and shares with Jason the task of planning how he would want to spend the last day of his life. Red tells Jason he wants him to discover what he already has, "Why should we wait until the last day of our lives to begin living the maximum day?" Jason returns after a month with his description of his last day. You could say that he def got the point that Red was trying to get across to him and he realized that instead of doing anything really spectacular it's the simple things that are so important. It's the time spent with family and friends that in the big perspective you can't afford to waste or let things go unsaid. Red talks about how the younger we are and we realize the gift of a day the better we are for it. I pray that each of us keeps this in mind day today and that you don't put off things that are important to you or could be important to others.

"Love is a treasure for which we can never pay. The only way we keep it is to give it away." Our last gift, Chapter 14, The gift of Love. Red starts out on the tape reminding Jason with a few more comments concerning the gift of a day, "..probably nothing that you would plan for your last day of life that you couldn't do today or tomorrow. Somehow, I think life's tragedies are made up not as much of the great failures as the simple pleasures and kind gestures missed." Red tells Jason this about his gift of love, "Anything good, honorable, and desirable in life is based in love." Jason's task for this last month is to review all his past gifts and explore how love is a part of each one. Jason returns and is able to correctly reflect on how love was involved in each gift Red gave to him. I won't repeat each one but what he has to say about the final gift, love. "If I were going to really try to define The Gift of Love in tangible terms, I would have to cite as an example what my Uncle Red did for me and gave me during this last year. When we truly love someone else, our love makes us a different person, and it makes them a different person." "My Uncle Red's love for me in giving me The Ultimate Gift, forever changed my life and who I am." It is so encouraging to see this change in Jason considering how he behaved at the beginning of the book. Jason is happy, encouraged and ready to continue living his new found love for life. But.. not to soon... He soon finds out that there is just one more part to The Ultimate Gift. After our meeting tomorrow I will come back next week, go over our last chapter and share some details of the meeting. Hope to see you there! Happy Reading!

The gifts of Laughter, Dreams and Giving

2010-01-27T13:10:00.006-06:00

Today we are going to go through 3 gifts in one post again. Chapters 9-11 are the gifts of Laughter, Dreams and Giving. I hope you haven't gotten too tired of the repeating aspects of the book. Bare with me! Here we go!

"Laughter is good medicine for the soul. Our world is desperately in need of more medicine" Chapter 9 part of the Ultimate Gift is the gift of laughter. Red asks Jason to find someone as an example with the ability to laugh at themselves and their situation and that can be happy through life regardless. Jason brings in Mr. David Reese, a blind man who finds humor in everything. Mr. Reese and Jason met on a train one day and David taught Jason what it means to laugh whatever the problem in your life, even a life long blindness. Mr. Reese tells Mr. Hamilton before he leaves something that would do us all good to remember, "Sometimes in life, you either laugh or cry. And I prefer to laugh." Jason passes this month and moves on to the next.

"Faith is all that dreamers need to see into the future." Chapter 10, The gift of dreams. Red tells Jason he wants to teach him about the gift of dreams because he feels it is probably one of the most important gifts. He tells him,"The gift of dreams allows us to go out and get any other gift we want out of this life." He wants Jason to make a list this month of dreams and prioritize that list and see what he is passionate about, he wants Jason to become a dreamer. At the end of the month Jason came to visit the attorney's office and he shared his big dream. "Somehow, some way, I would like to be able to help deprived young people live a good life. I don't really mean poor young people. I mean young people who have not learned the power and the passion and the values that they can have which will make their lives worth living. Somehow I am going to do for other young people what my Uncle Red is doing for me." After reading that.. I think we all know he passed this month!

"The only way you can truly get more out of life for yourself is to give part of yourself away." Chapter eleven and last chapter we will go over today is The gift of giving. Red starts by telling Jason the following," Conventional wisdom would say that the less you give, the more you have. The converse is true. The more you give, the more you have. Abundance creates the ability to give; giving creates more abundance. I don't mean this simply in financial terms. This principal is true in every area of your life." Jason gives something of himself for 30 days straight, something Red could not have already provided him with. I won't go through and list each one but each day involved the gift of himself doing something for someone else. Jason succeeded and learned what all can truly be given to another person, large and small. The chapter ends with Mr. Hamilton's thoughts, "I was reminded of how a small gift when it is given can be a magnificent gift as it is received."

We are almost done and to our next meeting, only a few more gifts left! I hope you are blessed by them! Happy Reading!

The gifts of Learning, Problems and Family

2010-01-26T14:10:00.005-06:00

Today we are going to go over three chapters together. Because these are so small I decided not to break them up like I have been doing. So let's start with our next gift in Chapter 6, The gift of Learning.

"Education is a lifelong journey whose destination expands as you travel." The gift of Learning is to be learned by Jason on Red's orders at a library in South America. The library is named after Red and houses books that are rarely seen sitting on the shelves. The people in this remote village in South America have such a desire for knowledge that they are constantly reading. Jason who has always had access to such knowledge never realized the impact it can have on someone who is limited in their access to learning and books. Jason gets through his lesson and learns that the desire and hunger for education is the key to real learning. I think Jason's problem just may well be a common one. Those who are born into free education and limitless access to knowledge take it for granted. Where those who a book is like hope are more grateful and anxious to learn more. Hopefully Red has made his point and Jason will be better mindful of the knowledge he takes for granted.

"Problems may only be avoided by exercising good judgment. Good Judgment may only be gained by experiencing life's problems." In chapter seven, Jason is learning about the Gift of Problems. Red tells Jason in the video that he must find 4 people from the 4 stages of life who have problems and learn from them. He tells Jason that he feels like he always handled all Jason's problems so he didn't have to and that he feels bad about it because Jason needs those life skills. He tells him, "When we can learn from our own problems, we begin to deal with life. When we can learn from other people's problems, we begin to master life." Jason sets off to learn a lesson from each situation he meets. He comes back a month later and tells Mr. Hamilton and Miss Hastings his stories. First he met a child, Emily, who is dieing from terminal cancer. Emily was full of life even with her situation and enjoying a simple beautiful day at the park as if nothing could stop her, not even the cancer. Second person Jason met was a middle aged man named Bill Johnson whom was trying to make ends meet for his family. And even though his family were barely scraping by he was happy and had a wonderful outlook on his life. He knew that even though things were not going his way he was still blessed with the time and love now spent with his family. Third Jason found an old man attending his wife's funeral. But rather than being grief stricken he was joyous and celebrating the life she had lived and even there thanking her for all she ever did for him. Lastly Jason uses himself as the example for the young person. He makes the case that no one he met during the month learned as much as he did during this time. He says what lays at the heart of it all, " I finally know that joy does not come from avoiding a problem or having someone else deal with it. Joy comes from overcoming a problem or simply learning to live with it while being joyful." Jason ends this gift successfully and rushes off to go visit a special friend at the park. Have you learned the lesson that problems are going to come but it's up to you to get through them and see the joy you can have on the other side? Don't forget that there is always someone there with you that's not mentioned in the book, The Holy Spirit.

"Some people are born into wonderful families. Others have to find or create them. Being a member of a family is a priceless membership that we pay nothing for but love." Chapter eight and the last chapter we will go through today is the gift of Family. This month Red sends Jason to what would seem an unlikely place to learn about families, an orphanage. Red tells Jason that he thinks Jason may be able to understand after this trip how important families are and the bond that can be formed from love between them rather blood related or not. Jason spends his month as a house parent with lots of boys and does come out better for it. As they leave the orphanage Jason seems to finally understand and he says, "I think family is not as much about being related by blood as it is about relating through love."

Thankfully Jason is moving along and we will get to more gifts on another day. Happy Reading!

The Gift of Friends

2010-01-22T09:12:00.003-06:00

In Chapter 5, The Gift of Friends, the beginning quote is as follows, "It is a wealthy person, indeed, who calculates riches not in gold but in friends." We start the chapter with the old Jason... past couple chapters we had seen the glimmer of a change in heart but at the beginning of this one he's back. He receives Red's mission that he must find an example of true friendship that demonstrates his principles. Red tells him that the people he calls friends are "weak hangers-on." And Red tells a story of true friendship between him and Mr. Hamilton as a wonderful example.

Jason arrives back at the office a month later and tells Mr. Hamilton and Mrs. Hastings a story of what he believes true friendship is between Gus Caldwell and Red Stevens. Jason says this about friendship, "The best I can do is to say that friendship involves loyalty, commitment, and a process that includes sharing another person's life. It even goes deeper than that, but it's hard to put into words." Because of his manor and his story he passes on to the next month with the Mr. Hamilton's approval. It's encouraging to hear Jason is beginning a friendship with one of the people he helped during the money chapter. Another lesson that I believe youth of today need to learn. With bullying at such a high, kids need to know that real friends wouldn't treat you certain ways or use your friendship as a tool against you. Real Friendship is not something that can be paid for.. hence bringing back the saying, Money can't buy you everything! I pray each of you reading this knows the benefits of a true friendship. Have a great weekend!

Cast of Characters by Max Lucado

2010-01-21T08:30:00.002-06:00

I just finished up reading Cast of Characters by Max Lucado. This is the second book I have read by Max, the first being one of my favorites, Traveling Light. We read Traveling Light as our January Selection in 2009. Cast of Characters is one of Max's newer books and I picked it up one day a while back in the $5 book store in the outlet mall. I have just now gotten around to reading it as I am scouting out books for our book club this year. This is a non-fiction book that is 222 pages long with discussion points behind every chapter. Here is what the description states from Max's website:

We find our stories in theirs. We find our hope where they found theirs. In the midst of them all...hovering over them all...is the hero of it all: God. Maker. Shaper. Rescuer of sinking hearts.Do you believe that God can use you to accomplish extraordinary things? If you have any doubts, take a look at the heroes in the Bible. You'll find people like Mary, Peter, David, Joseph and Esther--ordinary people who allowed God to work through them in amazing ways. In Cast of Characters, Max Lucado gleans from several of his best-selling works to present some of the Bible's most interesting lives. Each chapter includes related Biblical text and discussion questions for individual or group study. Come closer to God's heart for you, by spending time with this cast of characters. Cast of Characters contains 22 character studies, profiling both men and women who loved and were loved by God. These heroes—from King David to Joseph, Moses to the Samaritan Woman, Abigail to Lazarus—may be known for their achievements, but Lucado explores how God accomplished more through their failures than their successes. Lucado reveals how these ancient biblical characters are relevant to modern concerns among people such as doubt, rejection, insignificance, purpose, humility, suffering, risk, and consequences. Extraordinary stories are told about the following characters: Mary, Peter, Matthew, The Samaritan Woman, Esther, David, Joseph, and more… (end quote)

I have to say I was not as in to this book as I had been with Traveling Light. Not to say that it wasn't good reading. I did like the way that Max presents you with the related scripture first on a character and then would take their story and make it sound like something going on in modern day times that makes it easier to relate too even though it's still the same story! How wonderful our God is a God of second chances and wants and uses imperfect people like you and I! I do not feel that this book will make it to our book club selections but that's not to say you wouldn't enjoy it. I believe as others have said about Traveling Light that it is a book that you may have to just be in that time in your life for it to be the most beneficial. I have several other Lucado books on my list to read and do hope we will feature another of his again sometime this upcoming year. Happy Reading!

The Gift of Money

2010-01-20T14:00:00.000-06:00

"Money is nothing more than a tool. It can be a force for good, a force for evil, or simply be idle." Thus says the quote at the beginning of our next chapter. Red gives Jason the task to learning about the value of money by giving him $1,500.00 to help 5 strangers. He tells Jason that "All the money in the world won't buy you one more day of life. .... To you money has always seemed like the air that we breathe. There's always more." Because Jason has no idea how a little bit of money can help or change some one's life he must go and give the money away. Once he gives people the money they can focus on real and important issues in their world.

Jason returns at the end of the month and gives the stories of the 5 people he helped with the $1,500.00 and how he even put in $300.00 of his own money to good use. We begin to see even more of a change of heart in Jason as he makes it successfully through another gift. Similar to what Red had Jason do I have heard before where people are given an amount of money at church or something else and told that they can not spend it on themselves but make some one's day. This one particular story told of how when church let out one day they were each given an envelope with $10. The pastor told them before they left to use it for another. One person said that when they were in the Starbucks drive through they gave the cashier the $10.00 and said to pay for as many drinks as it would cover behind her in the line. Just think of what that did for that person (s) that received that unexpected gift. Even a small gesture such as this can brighten some one's outlook on life.

Jason doesn't know the value of money and Red is right to give him the lesson. So often today kids do think that credit/debit cards and ATM's are a money tree and that their parents are made out of it. I think this would be a neat lesson to teach those still learning such as a youth group what the difference money can make when it's shared. Thank you for reading. Next time, Chapter 5, The gift of friends.

The Gift of Work

2010-01-19T11:50:00.000-06:00

The first gift that Jason receives is, The Gift of work. "He who loves his work never labors" I like that quote and it's a good thought, something that I think about often lately as I try to discover what I want to go back to school for, what I want to start a career in. I know that I want to love it. Several ideas have come about but I know that my heart would not be in the right place so therefore it indeed would be a great labor. Like Red Stevens is teaching Jason, good comes from the work we do and I do enjoy it. Yes sometimes the work we do is not enjoyable but it brings me joy to get an honest days work in and provide for my family. Something we may have learned, but most of the Steven's family has no clue about. And something that many people in this upcoming generation are experiencing as well.

We see Jason go through this lesson and come out successful on the other side and we begin to see a glimmer of change. He does the difficult task of putting in fence posts and I think what Gus tells Jason at the end of the chapter is the heart of where this lesson lies, "If you can do this kind of work with pride and quality, you can do anything." Yes, these chapters and lessons are brief but monumental. I can already think of several people who have no idea what the gift of work is all about. May be something simple to you but something that we all need to remember to tell those who will come after us to pass on this life lesson and to pray for those who don't know it yet. Happy Reading!

February 2010 Book Club Selection

2010-01-19T10:55:00.005-06:00

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows is going to be our book club selection for February. I recently finished reading this book, fell in love with the characters and didn't want to see their stories end. I told you about this book previously on the blog here. This book is fiction based on some historical facts (which I know is a book club favorite). It is not considered to fall in the Christian genre of books but it is a book that is sweeping through many book clubs across the country with wondrous praise and I thought that it would make for a great selection for our group too. It is 274 pages and has some discussion information in the back we will use at our meeting. It is written as a series of letters back and forth between the characters. Here is what the Barnes and Noble website has for a description of the book:

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society begins in January 1946, when popular author Juliet Ashton, much like her fellow British citizens, is emerging from the dark days of World War II. As Juliet exchanges a series of letters with her publisher and her best friend, readers immediately warm to this author in search of a new subject in the aftermath of war. By the time Juliet receives an unexpected query from Dawsey Adams, we are caught in a delightful web of letters and vivid personalities and eager for Juliet to find the inspiration she seeks. Dawsey, a farmer on the island of Guernsey in the English Channel, has come into possession of a book that once belonged to Juliet. Spurred by a mutual admiration for the writer, the two launch an epistolary conversation that reveals much about Dawsey's Guernsey and the islanders' recent lives under Nazi occupation. Juliet is especially interested to learn about the curious beginnings of "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society," and before long she is exchanging letters with its other members — not only Dawsey but Isola the vegetable seller, Eben the fisherman, and blacksmith Will Thisbee, creator of the famous potato peel pie. As Juliet soon discovers, the most compelling island character is Elizabeth, the courageous founder of the society, who lives in the memories of all who knew her. Each person who writes to Juliet adds another chapter to the story of Elizabeth's remarkable wartime experiences. Touched by the stories the letters deliver, Juliet can't help but travel to Guernsey herself — a decision that will have surprising consequences for everyone involved. Drawn together by their love of books and affection for each other, the unforgettable characters of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society collectively tell a moving tale of endurance and friendship. Through the chorus of voices they have created, Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows have composed a rich tale that celebrates the power of hope and human connection in the shadows of war. (end quote)

I had heard of this book and ended up reading it because a friend's family is originally from the Island of Guernsey. Her mother was a child during the time of the occupation and had to convince her mother (friend's grandmother) to leave the island before the German's arrived. I love history and the fact that I have a friend that has a connection somewhat to this means I may be a little biased. But overall I felt this was a light enjoyable read. I felt like the author really made the characters come alive. I could picture them in my head. I could even picture the main character in my head played by Emma Thompson if it ever becomes a movie. This book also successfully places Guernsey on my list of places I would like to visit one day. So anyways no big monumental thing to tell you about this book just that it is good. You can visit the official website from Random House here and check it out. Our February meeting will be in Swift's new annex at 8:30 AM on February 27th. I will be providing a traditional Guernsey dish for us to enjoy that morning with coffee.And may possibly be able to have my friend who's family is from Guernsey as a guest with photos. But I'm not making any promises at this time. I sure hope you can make it!

**Don't forget the January meeting is coming up soon on January 30th at 8:30 am in Swift's new building. Feel free to bring your friends and family!**

**And don't forget, any book suggestions are always appreciated as well!**

Happy Reading!

This I Believe

2010-01-15T10:08:00.001-06:00

This I Believe: The Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and Women is a book I finished up over the Christmas Holidays. My office manager had lent it to me thinking I might enjoy it and I have to say I did. It is a series of essays of beliefs that people from all walks of life have written and submitted. This is a radio series on NPR that was started back in the 50's and the book includes some essays of some of the original ones in the 50's too. Click here to go to Wikipedia for a full description in case you are interested in learning more or you can click here to go to NPR's website and see when it comes on the radio near you. Anyhoo this book is 271 pages with discussion questions in back for a book club. Here is the description off of Publisher's Weekly on Barnes & Noble's website:

"In the 1950s, the Edward R. Murrow-hosted radio program This I Believe prompted Americans to briefly explain their most cherished beliefs, be they religious or purely pragmatic. Since the program's 2005 renaissance as a weekly NPR segment, Allison (the host) and Gediman (the executive producer) have collected some of the best essays from This I Believe then and now. "Your personal credo" is what Allison calls it in the book's introduction, noting that today's program is distinguished from the 1950s version in soliciting submissions from ordinary Americans from all walks of life. These make up some of the book's most powerful and memorable moments, from the surgeon whose illiterate mother changed his early life with faith and a library card to the English professor whose poetry helped him process a traumatic childhood event. And in one of the book's most unusual essays, a Burmese immigrant confides that he believes in feeding monkeys on his birthday because a Buddhist monk once prophesied that if he followed this ritual, his family would prosper. There are luminaries here, too, including Gloria Steinem, Warren Christopher, Helen Keller, Isabel Allende, Eleanor Roosevelt, John Updike and (most surprisingly, considering the book's more liberal bent) Newt Gingrich. This feast of ruminations is a treat for any reader. (Oct.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information."

As the description tells you this isn't just about Christian or any other one religions beliefs, although they are included. It is about all kinds of beliefs that we feel, the belief in our neighbors, people, our society, our country, etc. I am considering this book for one of my book club selections but at this time the jury is still out on whether or not I will use it this year. There is a second book of more essays that was published, This I Believe II, and hopefully I will get around to reading that one day too. Happy Reading to you and Have a great weekend!

The beginning of The Ultimate Gift

2010-01-14T13:20:00.002-06:00

Well a new year and lots of new books to read! I hope you have enjoyed your break and have been reading lots of great books that you can give to me for recommendations! This January book selection is one that I was introduced to when I met my husband's family. His Aunt had given him and his brother copies of The Ultimate Gift for Christmas one year. So I saw the book lying around one day and decided to start reading it. I love what his Aunt wrote in the front of his and I want to share it with you as a good pre-cursor to the reading and an idea of why I felt like it was such a good selection:

“If you never pick up another book, please make an effort to read one small chapter from this one on a daily basis. The principles found in this book were ingrained in the children of our family since my earliest memory. Putting them together in a wonderful tale of fiction causes them to be further ingrained. You won’t realize it’s blessing until you delve into it’s written word.”

My husband’s Aunt is known in the family for being good with words and I felt she hit the nail on the head with this one. And when I read the description she writes, the Bible also comes to mind. We are reading about a book that is not talking about The Ultimate Gift to mankind of Jesus, but a gift of values to be passed down between families just as his Aunt spoke of in her note. I feel like this book has a simple easy way of preserving those values to be passed on to a generation that just isn’t getting them. Especially when we are in a culture of such self-involved ideas, I feel that you reading this book may spark you to give it to those younger who may need to hear this story.

Enough of my introduction let’s talk about the beginning of the book for a moment. I like the fact that it gives you just enough background and gets to the point. And I enjoy the quotes that are at the beginning of each chapter. In chapter one we find out who all the players are and a good grasp of what Red Stevens family is like. In chapter two we get the beginnings of what the whole book is about and meet our main character, Jason Stevens. The quote at the beginning of chapter two says, “In the end, a person is only known by the impact they have on others.” This book is about Red Stevens deciding that the impact he had on his family wasn’t a good one, even though they may say different considering their riches. He has decided to leave a better impact on Jason hopefully changing his life forever. We will continue to read and see what the tasks are that Jason must complete to receive his Ultimate Gift. Happy Reading!

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

2010-01-04T14:12:00.001-06:00

Whew.. is that title a mouthful or what, try saying that 10 times fast. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. I recently finished reading this book, fell in love with the characters and didn't want to see their stories end. This book is a fiction based on some historical facts. It is 274 pages and has some discussion information in the back if you use it for your book club. It is written as a series of letters back and forth between the characters. Here is what the Barnes and Noble website has for a description of the book:

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society begins in January 1946, when popular author Juliet Ashton, much like her fellow British citizens, is emerging from the dark days of World War II. As Juliet exchanges a series of letters with her publisher and her best friend, readers immediately warm to this author in search of a new subject in the aftermath of war. By the time Juliet receives an unexpected query from Dawsey Adams, we are caught in a delightful web of letters and vivid personalities and eager for Juliet to find the inspiration she seeks. Dawsey, a farmer on the island of Guernsey in the English Channel, has come into possession of a book that once belonged to Juliet. Spurred by a mutual admiration for the writer, the two launch an epistolary conversation that reveals much about Dawsey's Guernsey and the islanders' recent lives under Nazi occupation. Juliet is especially interested to learn about the curious beginnings of "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society," and before long she is exchanging letters with its other members — not only Dawsey but Isola the vegetable seller, Eben the fisherman, and blacksmith Will Thisbee, creator of the famous potato peel pie. As Juliet soon discovers, the most compelling island character is Elizabeth, the courageous founder of the society, who lives in the memories of all who knew her. Each person who writes to Juliet adds another chapter to the story of Elizabeth's remarkable wartime experiences. Touched by the stories the letters deliver, Juliet can't help but travel to Guernsey herself — a decision that will have surprising consequences for everyone involved. Drawn together by their love of books and affection for each other, the unforgettable characters of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society collectively tell a moving tale of endurance and friendship. Through the chorus of voices they have created, Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows have composed a rich tale that celebrates the power of hope and human connection in the shadows of war. (end quote)

I had heard of this book but finally ended up reading it because a friend's family is originally from the Island of Guernsey. Her mother was a child during the time of the occupation and had to convince her mother (friend's grandmother) to leave the island before the German's arrived. I love history and the fact that I have a friend that has a connection somewhat to this means I may be a little biased. But overall I felt this was a light enjoyable read. I felt like the author really made the characters come alive. I could picture them in my head. I could even picture the main character in my head played by Emma Thompson if it ever becomes a movie. This book also successfully places Guernsey on my list of places I would like to visit one day. So anyways no big monumental thing to tell you about this book just that it is good. And I am considering it for our book club one day. You can visit the official website from Random House here and check it out. Happy Reading!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

(Source)

Whatever your circumstance is today, I hope you have a wonderful day!

Take some time to remember and reflect on why we celebrate this wonderful day.

Merry Christmas!

January 2010 Selection

2009-12-15T11:02:00.004-06:00

It's time to get the book club rolling for 2010 and I sure do hope you all are as excited as I am about starting our 2nd year. The only change is that we will now be meeting in our new facilities at church! Beacon of Life has been good to us but for our 2010 year we will meet in one of the classrooms in Swift's new building. This will make our first meeting for 2010 on January 30th at 8:30 AM.

Our January selection for the book club will be, The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall. This is a small book (125 pages) but has such an enormous impact. You may recognize the name of the book which is also a movie and is just as good too. As we come off the busy Christmas season giving and receiving our material gifts lets take a minute to read about the gifts found in this book. Being what the title of the book is, at first it might lead you to believe we are reading about God's Ultimate Gift to us, Jesus. But the gift the author describes is a gift from one person to another that helped change a life. Here is what the book flap has to say:

Red Stevens was a self-made man who gave his family everything – and ruined them in the process. Now, as his estate of mega companies is divided among greedy and self-serving relatives, one member is singled out for a chance to do something special: Red’s great-nephew, Jason. The Ultimate Gift takes the reader through Jason’s incredible work to gain his Uncle Red’s inheritance through a series of challenges. Every step of the way, there is a lesson for Jason and the reader. It’s a quest for what it means to live life well that has captivated millions of readers throughout the world, and has also become the basis of numerous educational and philanthropic initiatives that build upon the inspiring insights that unfold in this stirring story. (End quote)

This book is an inspiring fictional novel. Please keep this in mind when reading the selection and that in no way are we trying to take away from the gift of Jesus. Because this book is so short I thought I would let you know that there is a sequel that goes along with it that you are welcome to read but it is not required for discussion. The sequel is, The Ultimate Life by Jim Stovall and is equally as short as the first book.

If you are interested in a Pre-order please contact Kathy at the church office. As always local libraries and bookstores have some copies available. I have sometimes seen this one and it’s sequel at the $5 Christian bookstore at the Tanger outlet mall. We welcome you to invite your family and friends to join us in reading. If you have any questions, please let me know. Happy Reading!!

Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan (Whole Series)

2009-12-08T12:04:00.011-06:00

You might remember that I read the first book in this series and told you about it back here. I have since completed reading all 5 books in the Percy Jackson series, squeezing them in here and there between other reads. And I have to say I enjoyed it. I always enjoyed learning Greek mythology and it was interesting to see it all play out in a story. You can certainly tell the writing is for a younger crowd but nevertheless it was a fun read. Here is a list of the series in order:

Book 1 The Lightning Thief (See above)

Book 2: The Sea of Monsters

Book 3: The Titan's Curse

Book 4: The Battle of the Labyrinth

Book 5: The Last Olympian

Of course this will not be a book club selection but if you are interested in these kind of fiction novels I thought I would share. A friend of mine who is also a Harry Potter fan had told me about these and thought I might enjoy them so might as well pass along. If you are a HP fan just keep in mind that the writing seems to be for an even younger crowd. To go to the official Olympians website to check out the different books, click here. Happy Reading!

Dewey by Vicki Myron

2009-11-30T14:38:00.002-06:00

Well I have just (finally) finished up reading Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat who Touched the World by Vicki Myron with Bret Witter. This is a 271 page book of non-fiction about a small town library cat written by the librarian of that small town library. Here is a description from Barnes and Noble of the book:

DEWEY is the heartwarming story of Dewey Readmore Books, the beloved library cat of Spencer, Iowa, as told by his owner and companion of nineteen years, Vicki Myron, the librarian who found him on a frigid January morning when he was abandoned as a kitten in the book drop slot. It is also the story of a remarkable small town, which burned down at the beginning of the Depression, only to rebuild itself, and which was almost shuttered during the farm crisis of the 1980s, before regrouping and rededicating itself to small town American values. Dewey's local charm and worldwide fame became a symbol of hope for this recovering town. Through Dewey's antics, we come to know and love many of the colorful and inspiring people of Spencer. But perhaps the most inspiring person in Spencer is Vicki Myron herself, a single mother who survived the bankruptcy of her family farm and working in a box factory to put two of her brothers through college to become one of the leaders of the Iowa library system. Dewey is one lovable, roguish cat who managed to transform an entire town and inspire people across the globe. (end quote)

It took me a while to get into the book because in the beginning it is alot of background information on the author and the town of Spencer with some Dewey story mixed in. But as I continued through the book it just got better and more entertaining as more items focused on Dewey and the lives he touched. Now... I'm not a cat person... I did grow up with cats but I'm not really the expert here. In my opinion though Dewey was different. And you can tell by the stories that Vicki told that he was so much more than just a cat. Her stories are descriptive and do a good job of painting a picture in your mind. I love when she would write in italics what she thinks Dewey was probably thinking in certain situations. The ending is very sweet and whether you are a cat person or not this story is sure to touch your heart. I almost cried at the end. It made me want to be a Librarian and have a cat when I grow up. ;) This won't be a book club selection but it is a good read. As always share your thoughts if you have read it or plan too. Happy Reading!

Toddler Book Giveaway

2009-11-27T14:11:00.006-06:00

Hello and Happy Thanksgiving! I know it has been awhile since I gave you a book review but it's been slow in the reading department of my life lately. Busy Busy! I wanted to take a moment though to let you know about a book giveaway I am having on my personal blog, LittleMrsDomestic. This giveaway will run until December 8, 2009. You will need to read the post to figure out how to enter. If interested in ordering a copy of the book I also have that information for you.

I hope you and yours are enjoying our time off and are having a great Thanksgiving weekend! Happy Reading!

Every Now and Then By Karen Kingsbury

2009-11-02T13:52:00.003-06:00

I have just finished up reading the last book in Karen's 9/11 series. And I have to tell you I was not disappointed. I enjoyed reading this book and Karen really kept me focused and not wanting to put it down. Like the other books in the 9/11 series this one was just as intense at times. Here is what the book flap can tell you about this story:

A wall went up around Alex Brady's heart when his father, a New York firefighter, died in the Twin Towers. Turning his back on the only women he ever loved, Alex shut out all the people who cared about him to concentrate on fighting crime. He and his trusty K9 partner, Bo, are determined to eliminate evil in the world and prevent tragedies like 9/11. Then the worst fire season in California's history erupts, and Alex faces the ultimate challenge to protect the community he serves. An environmental terrorist group is targeting the plush Oak Canyon Estates. At the risk of losing his job, and his soul, Alex is determined to infiltrate the group and put an end to their corruption. Only the friendship of Clay and Jamie Michaels-and the love of a dedicated young woman-can help Alex drop the walls around his heart and move forward into the future God has for him. (end quote)

This book was 308 pages long but it was an easy page turner. I found myself brought to tears a few times as the lives of the characters are brought back to God and redeemed. I don't want to give away to much but I would recommend the read. Remember if you are just now tuning in this is the 3rd book in Karen Kingsbury's 9/11 series. The first two books were One Tuesday Morning and Beyond Tuesday Morning. I hope you enjoyed our dip into Karen Kingsbury's life changing fiction. If you have any questions or comments, as always please share! Happy Reading!

Your Library Part 2!

2009-10-27T10:58:00.013-05:00

Welcome back for part 2 of your Library! We are going to go over how to place an item on hold using the Baldwin County Online System. Regardless of what branch you are a member of in BC you can use this system online. And you can have books from all over the county sent to your local branch. If you are reading this and you are not in the Baldwin County area be sure to check with your local library because they may have a similar set up.

First we are going to go to the search catalog on the website. You have several different options here. You can search by title of the book, authors last name, etc. and you can search for a book at a specific branch or all branches. Many options! I like to click all branches because I know in just a couple days I can have a book sent to the branch of my choice.

Next I have typed in that I want to search for the book Redeeming Love. I want to search all branches. Click Search and you are on your way!

You will see that our search results pulled up copies of the book and what branches of the Library it is available. If you choose to select this book for hold you will need to check the box on the left hand side (I have circled it in red for you) that says hold request. After you check the box click on where it says Hold Request.

Next the following box will pop up. It will already have marked for you that you want the first available copy. If you need to change that of course do so. You will then need to fill in your patron ID number and PIN number. Mark the branch you want the book sent to when it's ready. I choose Gulf Shores because it is easy for me to run over on my lunch break.

After I type in my information and click the button that says, Submit Request, the following box will pop up with a confirmation that the book is on hold.

And there you have it! We just put a book on hold! I have it set up where when my book becomes available for pick up they send me an e-mail. Talk to your librarian about whatever method is best for you, by phone or e-mail. It can take a couple days for an available book to be ready for pick up at your library or it could take weeks. It just all depends on if alot of other people have it on hold in front of you. Don't forget this method works the same for books on CD, movies and more!

I hope you found this information useful. Again I hope that you take advantage of your local library and save some money! Have a great week!

Beyond Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury

2009-10-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

I just finished up reading the second book in the 9/11 series by Karen Kingsbury. If you will remember we read the first book as our September Book Club Selection. This book is Christian Fiction with some fact as far as events of September 11 are concerned. It is about 303 pages and here is what the book flap tells you:

In this sequel to the bestselling One Tuesday Morning, to Jamie Bryan it is still September 12, 2001. What will move her from living in the past to living the life God has given her today? It's been three years since the terrorist attacks on New York City, but FDNY widow Jamie Bryan keeps waking up to the aching pain of that one Tuesday morning, the morning of September 11, 2001. Determined to find meaning in her grief, Jamie pours her life into volunteer work at St. Paul's, the small memorial chapel across from where the twin towers once stood. In the stream of broken, grieving people who make their way through the church doors, Jamie connects with two men - a firefighter forever changed by the attacks, and a Los Angeles police officer. Unsure and feeling somehow guilty, Jamie opens herself to the possibility of loving again. But what she learns about one man sends her reeling. How can this be God's plan for her life? Now only the persistence of a tenacious man, questions from Jamie's curious young daughter, and words from her dead husband's journal can move Jamie Bryan beyond one Tuesday morning - toward life. (end quote)

I have to tell you that I enjoyed this book just as much if not more than the first one. Karen Kingsbury truly is a talented writer. This one has more of a love story running through it and just seemed more fast paced I guess. I know it may not feel like that for everyone but I really enjoyed it and I look forward to reading the third book. The third and as far as I know last book in the series is Book 3, Every Now and Then by Karen Kingsbury. After I finish this I will be moving on to other books to chop my stack down some more. Stay Tuned! Please share any thoughts! Happy Reading!

Make good use of your Library! Part 1!

2009-10-20T09:23:00.009-05:00

Foley Public Library (picture source)

Now you may have heard this before but I decided rather than take the chance, I would share the information! Have you realized what a great resource your public library can be? Especially in today's economy, rather than buying books or renting movies, check out your local library! You can't beat free membership! Grant it, it is paid for by our tax dollars so really you are already paying for it....you might as well use it!

Alot of people don't realize that libraries are not just a bunch of old books. They have new books that come in constantly. They even have ton's of movies on tape or dvd as well as books on cd or tape. A couple years ago when I learned that the library had DVD's we were subscribing to Netflix online. I sat at the computer one day and went down my Netflix list and found that my library had half the movies on the list. I made myself a list of movies in Word that I wanted to see that were also at the library and then I wouldn't have to use my Netflix movies on ones I could get for free. And even now that we don't have Netflix anymore, you won't catch me spending $ at movie rental places. I can be patient and just wait for the movie at the library to become available. Which you do need to take note, movies at the library can sometimes take a long time to become available as more and more people realize this great source.

I am going to show you the online screens to get to where you can log in to your account on the Foley Public Library Site. Check with your local library if you are not in Baldwin County, Alabama because odd's are yours has something like it. If you are fortunate to have a membership with one of the Baldwin County Libraries you can check out books from any of the branches in the county. What is so great about this is because you can go online and see where a book is available. If it is not at your branch you can request a copy of it and they will send it from whatever branch has it available to your home branch for you to pick up. This usually takes a couple days.

Below you will see a portion of the main screen when you go to Foley's website. Look down the left hand sidebar and you will see several options. Click on the one that says Patron Accounts.

Next you will be taken to a screen that has the following. Here you can click on the "Your account" button and it will take you to where you can sign in.

This is the screen it takes you to that is the same for all branches of the library. Here you can sign in or you can call the number it has for the library to help you set up your online account. It is so easy if you need to call and takes less than 5 minutes. Just be sure to have your library card handy.

Once you are signed in this is what the screen will look like no matter what branch you are a member of at the time. It's very user friendly.

Well that wraps it up for today. Next time I will break down for you searching for a book online and placing it on hold! Easy stuff but sometimes we need visuals! I hope that this has gotten you thinking about using your library and all it's great services. Don't forget that your church may have a free library too. Swift Church does and our librarian has been doing an excellent job of getting it organized. Put some money back in your pockets!

Christ the Lord, The Road to Cana By Anne Rice

2009-10-13T14:29:00.006-05:00

I have just finished up reading Christ the Lord, The Road to Cana by Anne Rice. If you have been paying attention you will note that I finished up all 321 pages of this book much faster than the 1st novel in the series. Here is what the book cover tells you about the book:

It's a winter of no rain, endless dust, and talk of trouble in Judea. All who know and love Jesus find themselves waiting for some sign of the path he will eventually take. After his baptism, he is at last ready to confront his destiny. At the wedding at Cana, he takes water and transforms it into red wine. Thus, he's recognized as the anointed one and called by God the Father to begin a ministry that will transform an unsuspecting world. (end quote)

This is a christian fiction book based on historical fact about the life of Jesus as an adult. This book highlights the baptism with John the Baptist and the wedding at Cana. I got through this book alot faster than I did the previous and have to say I enjoyed it much more. Even though it took me longer to get through the first I do not believe reading one without the other is helpful. I recommend that you read them both even if the first is harder to get through. Again Anne Rice offers an Author's note at the end of the book which is helpful in understanding where she got her story from and how she feels about it. I like that at the end she tells you that if this book doesn't help bring you closer to Jesus then put it away. She does plan to have more books in this series as she continues the life of Jesus and I'm sure I will read them when they come out. I still do not believe this book or the 1st will be a selection for our book club. As always if you have any thoughts and decide to read the book, please share them with us! Happy Reading!

Christ the Lord Out of Egypt by Anne Rice

2009-10-07T09:15:00.000-05:00

I have just finished up reading Christ the Lord Out of Egypt by Anne Rice. You may have noticed that this book was on my sidebar for quite some time as I worked to finish all of its 322 pages and wrap up the Book Club for September. Here is what the book cover and flap tells you about the book:

"Having completed the two cycles of legend to which she has devoted her career so far, Anne Rice gives us now her most ambitious, and courageous book, a novel about the early years of Christ the Lord, based on the gospels and on the most respected New Testament scholarship. The book's power derives from the passion its author brings to the writing and the way in which she summons up the voice, the presence, the words of Jesus who tells the story." (book flap)

"A riveting, reverent imagining of the hidden years of the child Jesus...A triumph of tone-her prose lean, vivid-and character... Christ the Lord is a cross between a historical novel and an update of Tolstoy's The Gospels in Brief; it presents Jesus as nature mystic, healer, prophet and very much a real young boy...Essentially it's a mystery story, of the child grappling to understand his miraculous gifts and numinous birth... As he ponders his staggering responsibility, the boy is fully believable-and yet there's something in his supernatural empathy and blazing intelligence that conveys the wondrousness of a boy like no other... With this novel, Anne Rice has indeed found a convincing version of him; that is fiction that transcends story and instead qualifies as an act of faith." (Kirkus Reviews - book cover)

This is a christian fiction book based on historical fact about the life of Jesus as a child. It did take me a while to get through this book because I had some difficulty getting into it. I am not very educated on the family of Jesus outside of Mary and Joseph so it was a bit confusing to me and I was questioning often if this or that is true or not. I know that we don't know what the days of Jesus boyhood were like but I think Anne, being the talented writer she is, does paint a good picture of what could have been. It wasn't until near the end of the book that I became more engaged in the book and able to get through it faster. I really enjoyed reading the Author's note at the end. Anne Rice provides a bit of her testimony of what brought her to writing about Jesus and I have to say this made me like the book more. I do not believe this book will be a selection for our book club but just because I don't think it's right for the club doesn't mean you shouldn't try it out for your own. I have a few friends that love this book so it's all different strokes for different folks. I am now into the second book, Christ the Lord, The Road to Cana and have to say it is going better so far. :)

As always if you have any thoughts, please share them with us! Happy Reading!

Review of 2009

2009-10-06T14:33:00.002-05:00

We have finished up our book club meetings for 2009. I am looking forward to this well deserved break of October - December. I can promise you I have a few stacks of books sitting around staring me down waiting to be read. Several of you are owners of these books and I promise I have not forgotten. I will keep up the blog with what I am reading during the break and welcome anyone who would like to participate with a review of a book they read. All you have to do is e-mail me. If you come across a good book that you think the club will enjoy please let me know, I love recommendations! You never know, what you suggest may end up as the next month’s book. We will resume meetings in January 2010. Stay tuned in December as details for January are announced. I hope you have enjoyed our year and look forward to the next. I thank each one of you for your participation, recommendations, conversation and company. A Special Thank you to those who selected me to lead our Book Club and Thank you to Beacon of Life for allowing us to use their space for meetings.

Here’s a list of all the wonderful books we read this year in case you want a reminder:

January – Traveling Light by Max Lucado
February – Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
March – Same kind of different as me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
April – The Shack by William P. Young
May – Having a Mary heart in a Martha world by Joanna Weaver
June – The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
July – The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
August – The Five people you meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
September – One Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury

If you have any questions or need anything please feel free to contact me at abookjunkie(at)gmail(dot)com.

P.S. Don't forget to take advantage of the Public and Church library! They are Free!

Last Meeting of 2009

2009-10-02T16:14:00.009-05:00

This past weekend we had our last meeting of 2009. We met and discussed our last book, One Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury. The overall feel is that everyone enjoyed the book and plans to read the two that come along after it in the 9/11 series. (Keep reading for more info.) They said they will definitely recommend it to others! That's always a good sign!

I know I haven't written much on this book at all but as I have mentioned before I just don't have alot to talk about on it. I'm glad the faith of the characters (and lack of it) is demonstrated in this tragic time and that she shows that anything is possible with God. I pray that others will read it whom have been struck by a tragedy and the Holy Spirit might use it to help restore their faith. During our meeting we discussed how/why God could let something as terrible as 9/11 or any other terrible event happen. We of course have no answers only what ifs and maybes. I pray that if you struggle with questions such as these that you are comforted and can gain a sense of peace that even if we can't have all the answers now, God has them. I pray that you trust him with these answers. I want to take a minute to bring up a subject from a past book, The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. Something I didn't comment on the blog at the time, but during the reading of the book there is a moment when Corrie's father talks to her about how our parent carries the burden of knowledge for us until we are ready. Casper Ten Boom says that he wouldn't be a very good father if he allowed his child to carry a heavy burden she wasn't yet ready to carry. Corrie is satisfied with him answering her question like this. I challenge you with this thought, When you are questioning God our Father with whys and what ifs, Why not take a moment and think about what Mr. Ten Boom told Corrie. Do you think maybe God doesn't give us all the answers right when we want them because He is carrying the burden for us? Just something to think about.

If you would like to share what you will most take away from this book please do. I know I have a renewed appreciation for the time I have with my family. I am even more sure now to remember to tell others I love them every moment someone leaves the house. It's very important to tell others how much you love them, don't take it for granted!

I hope that you took time during the month to remember all those affected by the attacks on September 11th. I ask that you continue to pray for our Country as just this past month another attack was foiled by the FBI. I hope this book was enjoyable to you and that you continue on to read the next two, I know I will. I will tell you about them on the blog when it comes time. Here is the information in case you need it:

Beyond Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury: This is the sequel to One Tuesday morning. I myself have not read it yet but wanted you to be aware in case you were interested. The book is 303 pages long and here is the description from Karen’s website:

“In this sequel to the bestselling One Tuesday Morning, to Jamie Bryan it is still September 12, 2001. What will move her from living in the past to living the life God has given her today? It's been three years since the terrorist attacks on New York City, but FDNY widow Jamie Bryan keeps waking up to the aching pain of that one Tuesday morning, the morning of September 11, 2001. Determined to find meaning in her grief, Jamie pours her life into volunteer work at St. Paul's, the small memorial chapel across from where the twin towers once stood. In the stream of broken, grieving people who make their way through the church doors, Jamie connects with two men - a firefighter forever changed by the attacks, and a Los Angeles police officer. Unsure and feeling somehow guilty, Jamie opens herself to the possibility of loving again. But what she learns about one man sends her reeling. How can this be God's plan for her life? Now only the persistence of a tenacious man, questions from Jamie's curious young daughter, and words from her dead husband's journal can move Jamie Bryan beyond one Tuesday morning - toward life.”

Every Now and Then by Karen Kingsbury: This is the third book in Karen’s 9/11 series. I myself have not read it yet but wanted you to be aware in case you were interested. The book is 308 pages long and here is the description from Karen’s website:

“A gripping story of danger and heroism by New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury. Sheriff’s deputy Alex Brady and his K-9 partner Bo, are on a mission to protect the people of Los Angeles. Domestic terrorists are trying to make this the worst fire season in California’s history. Can Alex stop this senseless destruction in time, or will he lose himself in the process? A wall went up around Alex Brady’s heart when his father, a New York firefighter, died in the Twin Towers. Turning his back on the only woman he ever loved, Alex shut out all the people who cared about him to concentrate on fighting crime. He and his trusty K9 partner, Bo, are determined to eliminate evil in the world and prevent tragedies like 9-11. Then the worst fire season in California’s history erupts, and Alex faces the ultimate challenge to protect the community he serves. An environmental terrorist group is targeting the plush Oak Canyon Estates. At the risk of losing his job, and his soul, Alex is determined to infiltrate the group and put an end to their corruption. Only the friendship of Clay and Jamie Michaels—and the love of a dedicated young woman—can help Alex drop the walls around his heart and move forward into the future God has for him.”

Happy Reading!

Time is short

2009-09-24T13:31:00.003-05:00

I know I haven't been a very good blogger this month. I have found difficulty coming up with what to write about with this book. Not to say it isn't a good book with good themes (I wouldn't have chosen it, if I didn't think so). But I just haven't had much to say.

As you read through the book you find out the stories of the Bryan and Michael families. A part of me questions how believable this story is but at the same time I have never been in that extreme situation so who knows what I would have done. I love the way Jake had made notes for Jamie in his Bible and how he would write letters to her in his journal. Something I think many probably don't do or think about doing for their spouse whether they are a believer or not. Or even for your children. I think keeping a journal (Even if not updated everyday) or making notes like that is a treasure that those left on earth when we go home will appreciate forever. No doubt the Holy Spirit used this to reach Jamie and Eric's hearts in our story. I know many people who do keep a faith or prayer journal. I wonder if it will be an inspiration to others after they are gone, but I think I have my answer after reading this book. I keep a journal for my children. I started it when my son was about 3 years old and one for my daughter when she was about that same age. I don't write in it everyday but it is better than nothing. I had read the book The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright. At the time I thought about how neat it would be for my husband to write me letters every week as was done in the book. So much is forgotten as years go by and what a good way to remember. In this book Jake is again the husband writing to the spouse but there is no reason why a wife couldn't do the same for her husband. Grant it when I read this I dream of my husband writing for me but rather than waiting for that to happen, why shouldn't I start writing for him?

I think the biggest thing that I took away from this book is the reminder of how short our time here is on earth. We never know when it could be the last time we lay eyes on a family member. It's a scary and sad thought but a realistic one as well. So often I hear the words about not taking for granted the time we are given but so often it goes in one ear and out the other. This book has helped me to remember that everyday. Not that I didn't before but even more so now am I more aware of being sure of telling people what I think and that I love them. Not that I have any plans to but it makes the thought cross my mind more often, If I were to die tomorrow, Would my family know how much I loved them? Or if one of my family members died tomorrow, Would they know how much I loved them? I think that Jake Bryan was a good example of someone who was sure when he died that those he was leaving knew where he stood with them. Thankfully even though Eric didn't have that peace he got a second chance to make it happen.

I'm sure the people who have endured hardships due to 9/11 and countless other tragedies can give the advice of not taking time for granted. We should all be so smart to wise up to what it means now rather than when it is to late. If you want to, share what you will take away from this book. Will it help you to appreciate how short our time really is here on earth? Will you make more of an effort with those around you? Will you stop letting loose ends hang and tie them up already? Will you break through those emotional barriers and start living your life? Will you stop putting it off and give yourself to Christ?

The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck

2009-09-17T12:30:00.001-05:00

This week I finished up another book, The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck. If you are wondering why I am reading a Christmas Book in September it is because I am trying to find some books to recommend for the book club while we are on holiday break. So, It is a fictional novel with some truth of Beck's life woven through it. The book is 273 pages long and an easy read. Here is what the book flap tells us:

When Eddie was twelve years old, all he wanted for Christmas was a bike. Although his life had gotten harder-and money tighter-since his father died and the family bakery closed...Eddie dreamed that somehow his mother would find a way to have his dream bike gleaming beside their modest Christmas tree that magical morning.What he got from her instead was a sweater. "A stupid, handmade, ugly sweater" that young Eddie left in a crumpled ball in the corner of his room.Scarred deeply by the realization that kids don't always get what they want, and too young to understand that he already owned life's most valuable treasures, that Christmas morning was the beginning of Eddie's dark and painful journey on the road to manhood. It will take wrestling with himself, his faith, and his family-and the guidance of a mysterious neighbor names Russell-to help Eddie find his path through the storm clouds of life and finally see the real significance of that simple gift his mother had crafted by hand with love in her heart. (end quote)

I did enjoy the book for the most part even though it was quite sad in some areas. The message about the sweater and how we treat the ones we loves rings true for all ages. Beck did a nice job I thought of making the emotions of the characters easy to relate to. It is a nice reminder of what we should be doing and how we should be treating others. I did not care for the way it ends. (Not saying it ends bad) And I may just be being picky. If some of the story was true of the authors I felt like it would have been better for him to just tell his story rather than change it around the way he did to make this one. Anyways this will not be a book club selection and I don't know that it will be one of my recommended reads for over the holidays. I felt like in many parts the author was glossing over his faith and the subject of Jesus. In the end you do have a note from the author that clarifies some things which made it better. But of course read it for yourself to make your own opinion. If you have read it and want to share your thoughts, please do so! Happy Reading!

9/11/01

2009-09-11T13:03:00.004-05:00

(Source)

I decided since it is 9/11 today that it's about time I start writing about this month's book. One Tuesday Morning opens with the author telling us how she researched for the book and prepares us for the story. She starts out giving us some background information about our characters so we have an idea of what their lives were like before that terrible day. Kingsbury tells us how this story is her way of grieving through the events. I think she is right, it's a nice way to remember and not lose hope.

In chapter 1 we are introduced to Jamie and Jake Bryan. They are a happy married couple with one child, Sierra. We get to know this family, Jake is a Christian together with his daughter Sierra. Jamie on the other hand is not and doesn't believe or attend church with Jake. The Bryan family lives in New York and Jake is a firefighter in New York City. In chapter 2 we meet Laura and Eric Michaels whom are not so happily married anymore and have 1 son, Josh. The Michaels family is in California. Eric also has a brother who is a main player in our story, Clay Michaels. In the Michaels family, Laura, Josh and Clay are the active Christians as Eric has become a workaholic and allowed it to put a strain on everything in his life. As we continue through the book we will flash back and forth between these two separate families on opposite ends of the country and read how their lives end up intersecting. Chapters 3 through 7 give us some insight as to the beliefs of our characters, the relationships between them and where they all stand in life as September 11th comes crashing down on them.

In Chapters 8-15 the author begins to breakdown 9/11 into a timeline throughout the day of what is happening in the lives of our characters. Jake is a firefighter trying to help those in the 2nd tower. Eric is in a meeting on the 64th floor of the 2nd tower. The story unfolds minute by minute and tells us what happens in the lives of all these people as the terrible events of the day unfold. Jake and Eric's lives intertwine for a brief moment on the stairwell. They realize that they look alike but now isn't the time to dwell on it. Eric continues down the stairs and Jake upwards. We find out that Jake Bryan survives or what the people in the story think is Jake Bryan, really though it's Eric Michaels. Eric has amnesia and those around him recognize him as Jake Bryan and since he has no clue who he is, he goes along with it. The author tells us in the beginning of the book that Amnesia was something that did happen to some with head injuries after 9/11. I think it is good to know this as under normal circumstances it might be harder for someone to believe that this mix up of identification could take place.

We will read on how the lives of these families in our book are forever changed. And this is the truth, real lives of thousands of people were changed that day. Take time today and as you read this book to remember and pray for the families who's lives changed forever. Take the time to pray for all of our service men and women. Remember that God is in control. I pray that you have the faith of Jake Bryan and remember where your real home is always. I wrote a little bit more of an extensive remembrance about this day on my personal blog. You can check it out by clicking here. God Bless the U.S.A.

Inside my Heart by Robin McGraw

2009-09-08T13:03:00.001-05:00

I just finished up reading, Inside My Heart: Choosing to live with Passion and Purpose by Robin McGraw. My office manager had read it and recommended I read it. She graciously brought me her copy to borrow a few weeks ago. This book is an inspirational non-fiction that tells you stories about the McGraw family, the lessons she has learned and things that you can put into place in your life with confidence. This book is 221 pages and here is what the back cover says:

You've seen her on television with her husband, Dr. Phil. But now it's time for a heart-to-heart conversation with Robin McGraw. In Inside My Heart, Robin speaks woman to woman, inspiring you to embrace and celebrate the many roles you play and encouraging you to make deliberate choices that lead to a richer, happier, and more meaningful life. She shares with you the life-changing moments of her childhood years, dating and marrying Dr. Phil McGraw, raising two sons, and asserting herself as a woman in a man's world to show you that you have the power to make choices in your life. In fact, she's convinced that you must choose to go after the life you want. With a deep and abiding faith in God, Robin McGraw shares her story so you, too, can make choices that reflect your own heart's truest priorities and highest goals. (end quote)

To be perfectly honest, I really was not that interested or ready to read this book. But if someone takes the time to recommend something and bring me the book to borrow I am going to read it. Thankfully I was pleasantly surprised. I have enjoyed the book even if the chapters were a little toooo long. (Editor should have done something about that.) But it was good, real good. She is a good storyteller and paints a great picture of the ups and downs that their marriage has had like everyone else. Even being married to Dr. Phil, their life isn't perfect. I also feel like the stories she tells she brings up great points with lessons to be learned. Robins says in the book flap,

"My Wish is for you to perceive as I do, the presence of God within us and around us and feel the love He feels for us all. I want to get you excited about being a woman in this day and time, excited about being the woman that God created you to be. And it's all there for the choosing, because I believe in the core of my soul that how you live, how I live, how we all live as women is largely a matter of choice."

I really enjoyed the stories she tells us about bringing up her children. She brings alot of good points out about the differences between men and women and what different things children will or need to learn from each. She tells us quite a few little stories of things that have happened between her and Phil and her reactions and good ways to handle situations. I like that she reminds women that we have the choice to be in the situation we are in, we have a choice to get where we want to be or sit by letting things move along for us with no input. I am undecided as to if this will be a book club selection for 2010 but I do recommend it! Let me know if you have read it or any thoughts. As always Happy Reading!

Tala and our Conclusion

2009-08-31T15:34:00.005-05:00

We get a couple more flashbacks of Eddies life and he comes to his 5th person, Tala. Eddie doesn't know why she is his 5th person but she explains, he killed her. We find out this is the little girl he saw in the hut all those years ago. There really was someone in there and here she is, his last person. Tala has Eddie wash her scars away with the stone from the river and tells him that his life at the pier was not in vain. But he made good for her because he kept children safe.

Tala also tells him the answer he has been waiting for through all his meetings. He did save the little girl at the ride when he died and it was Tala's hands he felt as he came to Heaven. Here is the question from ReadingGroupGuides.com concerning this part:

-What does Tala mean when she says "you make good for me"? Discuss whether or not Eddie's life is a penance, and why. What is the significance of Tala pulling Eddie to safety after he dies? Why is it Tala that pulls him to heaven and not one of the other four?

Now it is Tala's hands that guide him to one last place. He is back at the Pier filled with thousands of people. The author tells us that, "these people were there or would be because of all the mundane things Eddie had done in his life, the accidents he prevented, the rides he had kept safe, the unnoticed runs he had affected every day." Eddie is finally home with Marguerite, in heaven, his pier. The epilogue gives us a few last details of what happened after Eddie passed away. We find out that the ride eventually re-opened under another name. Dominguez took over Eddie's job. The boy, Nicky, who's key had caused the ride to malfunction that day was the great grandson of Ruby. Eddie waits for the day when he will be one of the 5 people a little girl meets who had been saved at Ruby Pier. And the author wraps up with one of the main themes from the book, "Each affects the other and the other affects the next, and the world is full of stories, but the stories are all one."

I love that at the end of the book the author included a picture of what the real Eddie looked like on his Birthday. I always like stories that have some sort of truth woven into it. I really enjoyed this book and it has actually always been a favorite of mine. I know that this is not the Heaven that I believe in or imagine when I get there, Jesus Christ will be who I see. But at the same time I still like it. I love the characters, the lessons and the creativity. We had a good meeting this past weekend and it really wasn't a favorite among the group but as we had our discussion it seemed to grow on people more.

I think this was one of the better meetings of discussion we have had. We had a good turnout and hearing the stories from the women and what they came away with from the book was inspiring. I am glad that these women were affected by it, even if the book was only an inspirational novel rather than very spiritual. At the meeting, JBM did a great close up of discussion by reminding us that when we really get to Heaven, every tear will be wiped away and we won't have to go through the anguish that Eddie did trying to figure his life out. I hope the book inspires you to do something about the present, what loose ends do you think you might should tie up? None of us ever know the hour we will go Home, let's live each day as if it is our last. Remember that whatever you do in life, it matters. Every little thing that everyone does matters.

There is a movie out that goes along very close to the book. I know you can get it through Netflix & Blockbuster or maybe even your library. I have really enjoyed the movie too. I hope that you enjoyed this month's selection and I look forward to hearing from you if you didn't make it to our meeting. I also look forward to our September book. Happy Reading!

To comment on this post click on "comments" Type in your comment then where it has the drop down box click on "Name/URL" Type in your name, you do not have to have a URL. Then you can preview and post your comment.

Marguerite

2009-08-27T13:33:00.003-05:00

Eddie comes to meet his 4th person, his wife. Marguerite is in the heaven she desired, a never ending supply of weddings. Marguerite looks like she did the day Eddie met her and he is how he was when she died with all the pain and old age. Eddie is so happy to see her that it's hard for him to believe that it's really her.

Eddie and Marguerite spend time together and we get to see some flashbacks before we come to the 4th lesson. Marguerite tells Eddie about how life does have to end but love doesn't, she knows and felt how much he loved her even after she died. She says, "Lost love is still love, Eddie. It takes a different form, that's all. You can't see their smile or bring them food or tousle their hair or move them around a dance floor. But when those senses weaken, another heightens. Memory. Memory becomes your partners. You nurture it. You hold it. You dance with it." Eddie and Marguerite have one last sweet moment together and dance. Eddie asks her to change herself to be the way she was right before she died, He thought she was still beautiful then too. She does and then soon after she's gone.

Here are a couple points from Reading Group Guides.com:

-Why does Marguerite want to be in a place where there are only weddings? How does this relate to her own life, and to her relationship and life with Eddie?
- Discuss why Eddie is angry at his wife for dying so young. Examine what Marguerite means when she gives Eddie his lesson, Why does she say this to Eddie? Do you think he gets it? Discuss whether or not you agree with her, and why.

After Marguerite's time with Eddie we get another flash forward to what's going on after Eddie's death. His friend from work is at his apartment trying to find some papers with an attorney. Meanwhile Eddie is on his way to his 5th person and 5th lesson.

To comment on this post click on "comments" Type in your comment then where it has the drop down box click on "Name/URL" Type in your name, you do not have to have a URL. Then you can preview and post your comment.

Ruby

2009-08-25T12:03:00.006-05:00

We come to Eddie's third person and he is at a Diner in the snow. He sees different people in the diner but one especially surprises him, his father. Eddie is screaming at his father, but no one seems to care. At this time the author takes us through a series of stories to show us the relationship between Eddie and his father. Eddie and his father had a bad relationship but even now Eddie still wants to be able to talk to him. It is here that the third person appears, Ruby, whom Ruby Pier was named for where Eddie worked.

Ruby tells Eddie all about her life and how Ruby Pier came to be. He is confused and does not understand why she is here as his third person and his dad is over in the diner. She explains to him it is so he understands how his father died. At this time all Eddie knows is that his father died from pneumonia because of a drunken stupor he had been in one night. Eddie knows that to take care of his mother when his father passed he had to move and work at Ruby Pier taking over his dad's old job. He never stopped resenting his father for dieing the way he did and the way things turned out. Ruby is here to tell him about what he didn't know about his father but had always assumed and for him to learn his third lesson.

Eddie has held so much hate in his heart for so long over his father. Ruby shows him the real reason that he was wet and caught pneumonia, he was saving a friend's life. Eddie doesn't understand why everything had to happen how it did or why his father acted the way he did. Ruby tells him that the reason the diner is there is for her, to be reminded of her days before the pier. Her father is sitting there and this is Eddie's chance to forgive and let go of all those years of hate. She tells him, "Learn this from me. Holding anger is a poison. It eats you from the inside. We think that hating is a weapon that attacks the person who harmed us. But hatred is a curved blade. And the harm we do, we do to ourselves."

Questions from Reading Group Guides.com:
- Examine whether or not you agree with the old woman when she tells Eddie, "You have peace when you make it with yourself," and why. Consider what she means when she says, "things that happen before you are born still affect you. And people who come before your time affect you as well." How does this relate to Eddie's life? Who are some who have come before you that have affected your own life?
- What is Eddie's father's response each time Eddie decides to make an independent move, away from working at the pier? Examine how Eddie's father's choices and decisions actually shape Eddie's life. Why does Eddie cover for his father at the pier when his father becomes ill? What happens then? Share your own experience of a decision your own parents made that affected your life, for better or for worse.
- Ruby tells Eddie that "we think that hating is a weapon that attacks the person who harmed us. But hatred is a curved blade. And the harm we do we do to ourselves"? What is the significance of Ruby in Eddie's life? Why is this important for Eddie to understand? Is it important for all of us to understand? Why? Discuss whether or not you agree that, "all parents damage their children. It cannot be helped." How was Eddie damaged?

Eddie did forgive his father and let all that hate go. Have you ever or do you have a hate or a grudge you keep burning inside? Is it really hurting the person you are using it against? I think that this moment for Eddie releasing his father and forgiving him was probably like a breath of fresh air and a huge burden taken off of his shoulders finally. Don't you want to have that weight released? Eddie still doesn't find out what happens to the little girl he tried to save when he died. Next we will move on to the 4th person Eddie meets in Heaven.

To comment on this post click on "comments" Type in your comment then where it has the drop down box click on "Name/URL" Type in your name, you do not have to have a URL. Then you can preview and post your comment.

The Captain

2009-08-24T21:15:00.001-05:00

After the visit with the Blue man we get some flashbacks from Eddie's life, we learn about Marguerite and a little about what's going on at the pier where he just died. Then we fast forward to Eddie finding himself where he had been back in his days in the Army. He notices his body doesn't feel quite as good as it did with the blue man, but as it did when he was in the Army. He meets his second person, his old army captain.

They meet up in a tree and exchange a brief catching up. Then the author takes us through flashbacks of Eddie's time in the army and the time he spent with this captain. The most intense part of all when they got out of the prisoner camp. Eddie ends up burned and with a shot knee because he thinks he saw someone in the buildings they were burning down as they escaped. He let the knee injury change his life forever, he believed it ruined his life. The captain gets to the point of this long conversation because he comes clean to Eddie that he was the one that shot him in the knee. Eddie is filled with anger and the Captain tells him to let it all out. The captain explains to him about what he had to do to save Eddie's life. Eddie starts to realize the reasoning behind it all as the captain shares with Eddie how he died. The Captain died saving his men just after he saved Eddie by shooting him in the leg.

This is where Eddie learns his Second lesson. "Sacrifice. You made one. I made one. We all make them. But you were angry over yours. You kept thinking about what you lost." said the captain, and he continued, "You didn't get it. Sacrifice is a part of life. It's supposed to be. It's not something to regret. It's something to aspire to. Little sacrifices. Big sacrifices. A mother works so her son can go to school. A daughter moves home to take care of her sick father. A man goes to war...." The captain continues to tell him how his sacrifice and Eddie's sacrifice were not in vain. He tells him, "Sometimes when you sacrifice something precious, you're not really losing it. You're just passing it on to someone else." The captain is able to receive Eddie's forgiveness for shooting him in the leg and Eddie finally seems to understand why this had to happen to him like the captain said, "I shot you, all right, and you lost something, but you gained something as well. You just don't know it yet. I gained something too. I got to keep my promise. I didn't leave you behind."

Another Question from ReadingGroupGuides.com: Think about Eddie's war experiences and discuss your reactions to Albom's evocation of war. What did Eddie learn by being in war? How did he "come home a different man"? Why did the captain shoot Eddie? Explore what it means when the captain tells Eddie, "I took your leg to save your life." Why does the captain tell Eddie that sacrifice is not really a loss, but a gain? Examine whether or not Eddie understands this, and the significance of this lesson.

Eddie and the captain's conversation finishes up and they talk about the Heaven the Captain has chosen. Eddie also asks in desperation what happened to the little girl he was trying to save when he died but the captain won't tell him anything. Thinking about the second lesson that Eddie learned, Have you ever had to sacrifice something or acknowledged what someone else's sacrifice did for you? Think about the ultimate sacrifice, Christ died for us so that we might live. How often do you remember to thank Him for it?

To comment on this post click on "comments" Type in your comment then where it has the drop down box click on "Name/URL" Type in your name, you do not have to have a URL. Then you can preview and post your comment.