Great Reads

I stumbled on a really great series thanks to my handy dandy Kindle a while back and it's just too great not to share!

The first book, "The Centurion's Wife", takes place just after the death and resurrection of Jesus. The disciples and followers are reeling, and followers of The Way are growing exponentially.

The story focuses on the lives of a down on her luck Roman with Judean roots (Leah) who is working in Pilate's household and a Roman Centurion. There is, of course, a love story element, but it isn't a huge part of the book. The excitement of that time and the coming of the Holy Spirit is just awesome.

The second book, "The Hidden Flame" , focuses in on the life of Abigail and other followers of The Way in Jerusalem. They are being persecuted, yet followers of The Way are growing in number. It's a tense and exciting time!

We continue to follow the life of Alban (the centurion) and Leah, as well their good friend Linux (another Roman centurion). Will the Judean and Roman leadership crush the followers of the Way?

In the third installment, "The Damascus Way", followers of The Way are on the run from Jerusalem where they have become unsafe. Abigail and her young daughter, along with many other believers move and the Holy Spirit moves with them, changing hearts all along the way.

Will Abigail find love again after losing her husband? What will happen next?

A book that should not be missed...

Figuring Life Out - One Thousand Gifts from Jacob Forrest on Vimeo.

Yummy Mysteries!

Moving out to Pisgah Forest last month we made a troubling discovery: the Dish satellite TV and DVR that we had come to adore was no longer an option. Apparently the dish needs to actually talk to the satellite to get the aforementioned adored programming. Living in a forest kind of puts a damper on that, so we're back to fuzzy basic cable. Nothing like watching fuzz on a big screen TV. No siree, it's the tops...

Which is why I've been reading more again. And this is a good thing. I think my brain was beginning to rot a little bit trying to stay up late catching all of my recorded programming. It was a bit silly really. I've also been cooking more, since I find that all of these culinary mysteries have such scrumptious recipes I really cannot pass them up!

Two of my recent reads have been a few more from Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swensen series-- Key Lime Pie Murder and Carrot Cake Murder. The heroine is a Minnesotan cookie baker with her own shop. She is 30+, lives alone with her cat, Moishe, and has two or three boyfriends at a time. She also is a technophobe, which is highly annoying to me! In this first book she just gets her first cellphone (it's written in 2007) and is totally clueless about them. My GRANDMA had a cellphone before then! Good grief! Anyway, on to the books.


Key Lime Pie Murder takes place during the annual county fair where Hannah Swensen (cookie maker extraordinaire) is one of the judges for the baked goods competition. As you can imagine there are oodles of rich recipes from all of the winners--not for the calorie counters among us! In fact, when I saw the recipe for fried candy bars I decided that I ought to return the book to the library immediately before I became tempted with a treat that may add several inches to my waistline all on it's own!



The storyline is much the same as Fluke's other books: Hannah stumbles upon a dead body and races her half-boyfriend (she has two), Mike the detective, to solve the mystery. One of the more annoying aspects of the series is the whole two boyfriends thing. I mean, really, WHO would put up with such a ridiculous scenario?! She also has another out-of-town guy that we met in a previous book who likes to send her (and her silly cat) gifts. But, I'll give it to Fluke. I keep reading... hoping that someday Hannah will join us in the real world and choose one. Or better yet, all the boyfriends will give up on her and live happily ever after with someone who isn't quite so cruel!


Carrot Cake Murder takes place later that summer in Lake Eden when Hannah's business partner, Lisa, has a huge family reunion. Replay the tape-- Hannah stumbles on dead body. Hannah and half-boyfriend, Norman, race other half-boyfriend, Mike, to solve the mystery. Hannah is put in harm's way and is valiantly saved by the boyfriends. This is not higher reading, but it does entertain this Mommy who is interrupted often... maybe even several times a page!


All that said, there are some really yummy recipes in here! Last night I couldn't resist these brownies, and if you're a Michigander with easy access to dried cherries you shouldn't miss it either! They were DELISH! So here's the recipe, minus all of the superfluous notes "Hannah" likes to add in:


Black Forest Brownies


4- 1oz squares semi-sweet chocolate
3/4 c. butter
1 1/2 c. white sugar
3 eggs, beaten
1 tsp. cherry extract (or vanilla)
1 c. flour, packed
1/2 c. pecans, chopped
1/2 c. dried cherries, chopped
1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Prepare a 9x13-inch pan by lining it with a piece of foil large enough to flap over the sides. Spray the lined pan with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Microwave the chocolate squares and butter, stirring periodically, until melted. (~90 seconds)
4. Stir the sugar into the chocolate mixture. Feel the bowl. If it's not so hot it'll cook the eggs, add them now, stirring thoroughly. Mix in the cherry extract.
5. Mix in the flour and stir until just moistened.
6. Mix in chopped nuts, cherries, and chocolate chips. Spread the batter into your prepared pan.
7. Bake at 350F for 30 minutes.
8. Cook the brownies in the pan on a metal rack. When they're cool grasp the edges of the foil and lift the brownies out of the pan. Put them face-down on a cutting board, peel off the foil and cut them into brownie-sized pieces. Store in an airtight container.

Two, two, two books for one!

Something I failed to mention in Monday's post is that I kind of threw out my back (again) last Thursday morning. I was doing something extremely dangerous and hazardous--pulling a box of cereal off the top shelf of our kitchen cabinet. Thankfully, Kay was here so I was able to lie down a lot and give the strained muscles the rest they needed. So, I had a little bit of down time. Actually a lot. Suffice it to say, I ended up reading TWO books last week. Two pretty think ones!

The first book in Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series, A Voice in the Wind, was on the top of my stack. This book came highly recommended by several of you and also others that don't read this fantabulous blog (imagine that!).

I have to admit that this was a tough read for me. I'm not sure if it was the totally foreign time period or the repulsive behavior of the Roman citizens. I could not drum up concern or love for the characters for the first 75% of it. Even Hadassah seemed out of reach. As a Christian in the United States we have never had to suffer the persecution that was an every day occurrence and danger for her. As a result, Hadassah's faith was much stronger than mine. She was forced to lean on God for his leading in every situation. She was forced to weigh the balance in every conversation of wanting to share the Truth, but fear for her life.

As I was reading, God reminded again and again to pray for those brothers and sisters in Asia and Africa who face this same danger and persecution unto death daily. I've been prompted to ask for my own testing, that my faith may be strengthened. I think we can be certain that testing is coming, even to America, in the not so distant future.

So, my final analysis is that it's worth the read. It's not necessarily a fun read, but a good one. I picked up the second book in the series at our church library this Sunday and look forward to reading how God continues to work among these broken people.

And now for something completely different!

The next book in my pile was the second book in the Twilight series, New Moon by Stephenie Meyer. This book was a roller coaster ride that just didn't quit.

After a seemingly innocent incident, Edward and his family decide to leave Forks and Bella behind; certain that if they stay they will only be hurting her. After they leave, life is anything but boring, as Bella forges deeper friendships with some and leaves other friends behind. She's never able to get over the loss of Edward and begins doing riskier and riskier things in order to hear "hallucinations" of his voice. Bella's final daredevil act results in a domino effect adventure that takes her all the way to Europe.

I was entranced by the book from cover to cover and didn't want to put it down for anything this weekend! Needless to say, I've already put the next two books in the series on my queue at the library! Hopefully I don't have to wait too long otherwise I may be dragging the kids to Barnes & Noble for some extended play time at the train table!

Happy reading everyone!

The Friday Night Knitting Club

It seems I've been enjoying a lot of really great books lately and I have another one to share with you today. The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs was one of those great stories that will make you laugh and cry. I found myself really caring for the characters and when I hit that last page I was wishing the story wasn't over. Here's a synopsis from the book's website:

A single mom in her 30s, Georgia juggles the Walker & Daughter knitting store with raising her spunky teen daughter, Dakota. Georgia's customers gather to work on their latest projects and chat about love, life, and every thing. The members of the club are as varied as the yarn in the shop: There's Peri, a pre-law student turned hand- bag designer; Anita, a silver-haired uptown matron; Darwin, a somewhat aloof grad student; K.C., an out-of-work editor looking for inspiration, and Lucie, a television producer with surprises up her sleeve. Soon their quiet Fridays are shaken up: Georgia's ex wants a role in Dakota's life –and possibly Georgia's as well. Cat, a former high school friend, uneasily renews her bond with Georgia. And when the unthinkable happens, the knitting club realizes they've created a sisterhood.

I discovered today that Knit Two, the sequel to The Friday Night Knitting Club, goes on sale on Nov 25! I know what I'm putting on my Christmas wish list!

The Host

Ruby and I have succumbed to our first cold of the season--probably due to our insanely busy schedule the last few weeks! My solution to the problem has been to ignore all housework and do minimal cooking so that I have time to read... and read... and read. (And rest of course!) So, here we are with another book discussion!

I read this 600+ pager in less than a week--it's really that good. I don't know how many of you have been sucked into Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series (I've only read the first book), but this is Meyer's first book for adults. That being said, it isn't raunchy or anything, just a bit more advanced plot ideas than her teenage series--and not at all about vampires. This one is still sci-fi/fantasy material though, so if you aren't crazy about that genre, you probably aren't interested.

The Host is about an alien parasitic species that implants themselves into the brains of host bodies. The "souls", as they are called, have populated at least nine planets and are always scouting out new ones. The main character, Wanderer, is implanted into one of the few remaining true humans left on earth, Melanie. This is Wanderer's ninth life, each spent on different planets, in different species, but this time she experiences something she never has before--Melanie fights back. She doesn't cease to exist, as the other hosts have, she fights to keep information from Wanderer in the beginning, but eventually they become allies as Wanderer starts to love Melanie's brother and partner as much as Melanie herself and wants to find them. This is just the beginning of a long journey for Wanderer as she learns about love and what it means to be human.

I really enjoyed this book and could hardly put it down over the weekend! Even though it's fantasy and not a "real" scenario at all, it still gave me some food for thought. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a little bit of sci-fi. It's not intense, there's a great plot line of family, love, and relationships. There's also a little bit of thinking involved, but not too much!

I've ordered the first book in Francine River's Mark of the Lion series that several people have recommended to me. I'll let you know when I get through! Until then I've got a few more good reads I'm working my way through. As always, I love your comments!!

The Scarlet Thread

Since I'm trying to put a bit more of "me" into this blog and not all just kid stuff, I thought I'd mention another great book I've read this last week. I'm totally hooked on Francine Rivers' books and really liked this one, The Scarlet Thread, more than most. I almost said I enjoyed it, but it isn't really an "enjoyable" story. It's one that really digs into problems that are common in marriages today. Too often, marriages are built on a foundation of passion or love alone. Alternatively, they can be relationships based on achieving a goal: children, a big house, etc. All of which are important parts of marriage, but will not hold a marriage together on their own.

In this story, Sierra and Alex Madrid marry young after having been high school sweethearts. As an interracial couple, both sets of parent were initially opposed to the marriage, but eventually came to accept their children as the family grew. Problems began for Alex and Sierra for several reasons, first, they were not rooted in a relationship with God and second, they didn't understand or know each other very well. The years that are recorded in the book are difficult to read about, but the way that God works is so touching and brings a lot of hope.

Jared and I are taking a marriage class at church this semester. It's been good, but tough. I think that as the kids grow and schedules get busy, it definitely becomes more difficult to put the time and effort into your relationship that you should. One of the things that our teachers have hammered home, though, is the importance of your foundation. You must be rooted together in your faith and you must agree that this marriage is until death do us part--no ifs, ands, or buts.

Anyone else read a great book lately? Have a comment on this one? I'd love to hear what you have to say!

Opinions anyone?

I don't know if anyone ever looks at my Shelfari Shelf (on the sidebar), but if you do, you might have noticed this book, The Shack by William Young. I started reading it a few weeks ago and was bawling my eyes out from about page 2. The thought of losing one of my kids in some violent way (or any way at all) really challenged my thinking. How would I react to something like this. Would I blame God or lean on Him?

The Shack challenged a lot of gut feelings I've had about God. Am I going to keep God on His throne (where He rightly belongs) or allow Him to become intimately close to me (where He also rightly belongs!). I totally resonated with Mac's statement that he always thought the whole pearly gates, golden roads thing sounded a bit boring compared to the beauty here. God just did such an amazing job creating this universe that I can't imagine anything better. The explanations and descriptions given in this book, while not fact, gave me a different insight at what heaven might be like... totally amazing, never a let down, and most importantly a place where I'll be with Jesus. He'll always have the time for me personally that I need. While I know in my head that this is true now, it is harder to hear His voice and feel His touch here.

As much as I appreciated some aspects of the book, there were others that I totally disagreed with. As much as I believe that God loves and welcomes everyone on earth to come to Him, I do believe that it's explicitly clear in the Word that the only way to heaven is through Jesus (John 14:6). There are not many roads leading to God, only one.

This book has caused a lot of stir, all of which I was totally oblivious of until after I started reading the book. If you've read it, what did you think? If you haven't, what have you heard?

Beloved

I have been reading a lot of Francine Rivers books lately (which you already know if you ever look at my Shelfari shelf on the sidebar. Anyway, I really love how Rivers constantly uses the word, "Beloved" when the Holy Spirit is prompting people to remember or do things. Each of us is truly the Lord's "beloved"--a concept that blows me away every time I consider it.

I've been feeling a bit "beaten down" lately and just really not liking my reactions to various situations. It has been a battle for me not to sit up at night analyzing all of the things I just don't like about this sinful me.

This song we sang at church just hit home in a big way for me today. It's an oldie but goodie by Charitie L. Bancroft (1863), though the tune we used is a bit more jazzed up than the original...

Before the throne of God above, I have a strong and perfect Plea;
a great High Priest whose Name is Love, Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands, my name is written on His heart.
I know that while in heaven He stands no tongue can bid my thence depart...
no tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair and tells me of the guilt within,
upward I look and see Him there Who made an end to all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died my sinful soul is counted free,
for God the just is satisfied to look on Him and pardon me...
to look on Him and pardon me.

Before Him there the risen Lamb, my perfect spotless Righteousness,
the great unchangeable I AM, the King of glory and of grace.
One with Himself I cannot die. My soul is purchased with His blood,
my life is hid with Christ on high, with Christ my Savior and my God...
with Christ my Savior and my God.

That second verse resonated with me so much-- "SATAN tempts me to despair and tells me of the guilt within"! Why can't we leave these things at the foot of the cross as God wants? It sure is hard to change without that first critical step. I don't have anything really inspirational to say about some huge victory over sin, but for those that are in the trenches with me, I hope that this song touches you and encourages you to move forward as it has for me. We are His Beloved, it's time we start acting like it.