Pearl in the Sand

Title: Pearl in the Sand

10th Anniversary Edition

Author: Tessa Afshar

Publisher: Moody Publishing

Synopsis :

Can a Canaanite harlot who has made her livelihood by looking desirable to men make a fitting wife for one of the leaders of Israel? Shockingly, the Bible's answer is yes.

Pearl in the Sand tells Rahab's untold story. Rahab lives in a wall; her house is built into the defensive walls of the City of Jericho. Other walls surround her as well--walls of fear, rejection, and unworthiness.

A woman with a wrecked past; a man of success, of faith...of pride. A marriage only God would conceive! Through the heartaches of a stormy relationship, Rahab and Salmone learn the true source of one another's worth and find healing in God.

My Review:

The cover of The Pearl in the Sand is beautiful, especially with the placement of the scarlet cord. I enjoyed reading this fictional account of Rahab's story. I love how the author fills in the details of what could have happened. Afshar is true to the Biblical details that the story is based on, yet adds a lot of details to make an incredible novel. While an obvious work of fiction, this book has quite a few profound moments.  It had me wondering if certain parts were from the Bible, or if they were from the author's imagination. It made me want to reread Rahab's story in the Bible, to understand better the difference between fact and fiction.

At one point in the book Joshua says, "Like Noah's flood, this part of our history is constrained to a season. This is only a short part of our story. It is meant to reach an end." While this fit the situation in the story, it also gave me hope for the current season we are in. It is constrained to a season and will only be a short part of our story, praise God!

Another  section of the story was Salmone thinking and realized that "Beneath the layers of godly obedience and faith, here still lay this unconquered chasm of self-will. He wanted to be be his own master. He wanted to bend God to his own desires." Ouch, how often do we want the same thing?

This is an incredible story of redemption, hope and healing. Readers will relate to Rahab's doubts about herself and self-worth. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, and stories based upon people from the Bible

I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review, but was happy to do so. All opinions are entirely my own.

Christmas Traditions

 While 2020 has taken a lot from us, there are some things that it can't take from us. Like our traditions. In my Thanksgiving post I talked about how when our kids were little we had to make new traditions once we moved overseas. Christmas was the same way, our tradition was usually to be with family somewhere. But, once we were overseas it was expensive to travel all the way back to the states for Christmas, so we didn't. One of the traditions that we started with our kids (and with their friends that were like family) was to have new pajamas for Christmas. We still continue that tradition, although somewhere along the way it became a family tradition, instead of just something for the kids. I would try to get them near Thanksgiving, and would give them once we put up the tree. Some years the Elf on the Shelf brought them. I don't remember when it became a family tradition, but this year our pajamas arrived later than previous years, but we still have family pajamas. We will wear them throughout the season, but will have pajama day on Christmas day, wearing our new pajamas for Christmas pictures and just to have a relaxing day.

Another tradition we started along the way was a new Christmas ornament each year. We would typically try to get something that represented that year...so we have Christmas ornaments from Africa, Singapore and Greece for our tree, we have book ornaments, a passport ornament etc... so you will see pictured below the most appropriate ornaments that we found for this year 😁

We would normally still travel around Christmas, but be home for Christmas day. It looks like the virus will disrupt our travel plans for this year, but I know that regardless of what we end up doing I plan to be focused and cherish the moments. Because, if 2020 has taught me anything, it is to cherish the moments, they are ever changing, and a lot of things are out of control, but my reactions don't have to be, and I can be fully present with my loved one. Regardless of anything else, the reason we celebrate Christmas has not changed, nor will it ever change. Nothing can take the true meaning of Christmas away from us. Things can steal our joy, if we let them, but nothing can steal the true meaning of Christmas.

What Christmas traditions do you have? Have you had to change much for this year? Are you starting any new traditions (I thought about it, but something has already nixed that idea too 😬). I would love to hear about your traditions, especially if you add any new ones!!

Fabulous Friday 12/11/20

 This week has flown by. The first few days were rough and I was struggling, but I am thankful that today is Friday and we have made it through another week. Isn't that what it feels like sometimes, that instead of living we are just "making it through?" I am trying to be intentional and live every moment, be in the moment, but I don't always succeed, and it definitely feels like a week I made it through. I don't know how things are in your little corner of the world, but I imagine your news is similar to mine...the Covid numbers continue to rise, government officials continue to add restrictions, that most people will not follow, yet complain about, there doesn't seem to be any good news, and things are tense and stressful. Does that sound about right? Despite it all, I hold onto the hope that God is in control, none of this takes Him by surprise, I can only control myself and my reactions, and I can still find reasons to be thankful and grateful. So, things that are making this Friday (and week) fabulous:

It's Friday (redundant I know, but it means we are almost done with the work week)

I have bought all my Christmas gifts!!

We are all healthy

God answers prayers

I picked up my grocery order this morning

I have gotten a lot of little projects done this week

I have started using my new planner

Coffee

I mailed out most of my Christmas cards (I love sending them out!)

The sun is out

Wednesday night lesson went well at Church

Our new Christmas Ornaments arrived yesterday

Working on making one of my dreams come true

 We are enjoying our evening devotionals together, learning so much from the hymns

We are getting closer to Christmas break!!!

Kayla is out of quarantine!

I got some good deals shopping last Saturday

I got book mail this week

Quality family time this week

Chats with friends

We are in a modified stay home order, and not a full shutdown

What are you thankful for this week?? I would love to hear from you in the comments below!

How May I Offend You Today?

Title: How May I Offend You Today?: Rants and Revelations from a Not-So-Proper Southern Lady: Susannah B. Lewis

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Synopsis:

 
Don’t know how to respond to friends’ political rants on Facebook? USA Today  bestselling author Susannah B. Lewis (creator of  Whoa! Susannah ) is back with another hilarious take on what so many people are thinking but are afraid to say aloud.

Hear Susannah’s hot takes on everyday topics such as:
Public displays of affection
T shirts with indecent images
And of course… politics
Millions of online fans have flocked to Susannah B. Lewis's hysterical, take-no-prisoners rants about her pet peeves in everyday life. Now, in How May I Offend You Today?, Lewis turns her trademark humor to ordinary events that work her nerves--from people who wear t-shirts with indecent images to public displays of affection in the plumbing aisle of Lowe's--while keeping a wry eye on herself and her own temptation to vent grievances "like a teenage girl in overalls and Birkenstocks."

Weaving together anecdotes from her distinctly Southern life with frequent references to the Bible, what she calls "our manual for living," Lewis says what many of us have thought, and in the process encourages us to stand firm in our views. The witty-yet-down-to-earth banter and uplifting, inspirational message of How May I Offend You Today? gives readers everywhere the boost necessary to make it through even their most trying days.

My Review:

How May I Offend You Today? by Susannah Lewis caught my attention from the title. I had no idea what the book was about when I decided to read it (I know, not the best way to pick a book), but seeing that is was Christian I knew it would be clean, and I am drawn to sarcasm and dry humor. I had not read anything from this author before and am interested in learning more about her.

This book does not disappoint. The author discusses many topics that are relevant today, saying what most people want to say, but refuse to say. Or, if they do say it, they say it quite rudely, which Lewis does not do. However, she is quick to admit that she is not perfect and shares many stories of when she did not get it right. There is humor, mixed with strong Biblical truths, and many instances of God's grace. The author shows how she has grown from the mistakes she has made, and shares in bits and pieces of how God has changed her since He saved her. 

I think the thing I appreciate most about this author is that she unapologetically shares her views, making no excuses. She does not believe in walking on eggshells and the everyone should get a trophy mentality. She also believes that when punishment is deserved it should be implemented. This is something that is seriously lacking in today's culture, so it is refreshing to see an author share so transparently about the struggles in her home. Again, no one is perfect, and she is not trying to say that she is.

This book is an easy read, pretty light-weight book, but it had deep moments too. Times when I felt an "ouch" or tug in my spirit. It really makes you stop and think if you are being Christlike in your interactions with others.

The only downside that I had with the book, is that sometimes I felt that the book fell flat. I think having a bit more dialogue in places would have been beneficial. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves humor, sarcasm and quick wit. Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishing and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to give a positive review of this book, but am happy to do so. All opinions are entirely my own.

 

Ashamed

Have you ever felt ashamed? I am sure that if we are honest, at one point in time or another, all of us have felt ashamed. 

Ashamed is defined as "feeling shame, guilt or disgrace," which is the definition I am focusing on for the sake of this blog post.

 I have struggled a lot with 2020, and the reactions that people have had to the events that have been thrown at us. It finally took me a while to narrow down the overall feeling of discontent that I was having and then to identify it. It was shame! Now, you might be wondering what I have done to feel ashamed...and honestly it is not so much as to what I have done, but hopefully you will see where I am coming from by the end of this blog.

When the pandemic hit, we were all taken off guard.

 It was something new, different and definitely not pleasant. 

We were suddenly in quarantine, safer at home, and in a perpetual state of waiting. While all in this together. Waiting for an end that we thought would be pretty quick, but obviously the outcome has been much different. While this was not fun, it was okay. We were all healthy (in my house) and we were making the most of a difficult situation. I was trying to stay positive, but I was floored by the amount of negativity on social media feeds. I was stunned by actions that "Christians" took and posts that "Christians" posted. I could not believe that my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ would post such things and do such things. They were things, that as a Christian myself, I could not wrap my head around.

See, I am a Christian and I have always proudly identified myself as one. Did you know that when the term "Christian" first came into being, it was used in a derogatory way? It was at Antioch that the name "Christian" was first associated with the disciples of Jesus Christ (Acts 11:26) and is only used two other times in the Bible (Acts 26:28 & 1 Peter 4:16).  According to the Beacon Bible Commentary, "Christians themselves did not yet use this designation, but wore it as a badge of the highest honor when their enemies applied it to them (p298)." Honestly, I think we are getting back to that, and I can see why, but it breaks my heart.

See, when this pandemic hit, the ones shouting and complaining the loudest, were Christians. They did not agree (loudly) with decisions being made. (I truly did not see such things from my "non-Christian" friends) 

I saw posts of memes about our President, posts about our Governor, posts about closings, lies,  masks,  it all being political, and everything else related to this pandemic. I know you saw them too. 

Then, some churches got together and sued the Governor for closing churches, saying that it was taking away our religious freedoms. Now, whether I agree or disagree with those in authority (President, Governor, Mayor etc), it is my responsibility to show respect and submit to their authority (Hebrews 13:17). The only way that I am not to listen to them (as a Christ-follower) is if they go against God's Word. The leaders were doing the best they could with the information that they had, everyone was learning at the same time. I would not want their job, it is a hard job. I respect their authority and was listening to their recommendations. I did not agree with the Churches suing the Government. The Government did not close down Churches to take away religious freedoms, they closed Churches because they closed pretty much all places that people gather for longer periods of time, for the safety of the people. It had nothing to do with religion. (We can and should worship God ANYWHERE). Once the Church won this lawsuit many churches here in NC quickly reopened, while churches all across the country and around the world remained closed. Christians were rejoicing to have won this lawsuit, yet I was struggling. I didn't agree with the lawsuit in the first place, and I did not agree with the rejoicing, when so many churches could not open their doors, and many are still closed today. (Other states have attempted the same lawsuit and lost). Please hear me, I am not upset that I am back in Church, I love going to church, but I was upset about the method that made that possible. (I was also dealing with snide remarks about me because of how long I was out of Church (from people in the church), along with being fussed at because I was going back to church!!) I was upset about the behavior of the "Christians."

I do not want to go into more specific ways that I saw "Christians" behave, things they said, etc., because I am not trying to call  specific people out. But it took me a while to realize that I was ashamed of being a Christian. I did not want to be identified with the Christians that were calling out the unfairness of all that has happened over the last 10 months. I did not want to be identified in the same group as those who kept posting posts that were meant to be divisive. Christians are called to unity and that is not what I have seen in the last 10 months. It truly breaks my heart. 

I have never been ashamed of being a Christian, but now I am. Because I know that as a true Christian it is my responsibility to be faithful in whatever situation I find myself in, to help move others toward Christ. If I am not doing that, then I am driving them further away from Christ. And that is what I feel these posts have been doing. This is why so many people don't want anything to do with Christians, because they do not think that Christ would act like that. Let me tell you, He wouldn't. Side note:I am not perfect, and I do not always get it right. I can look back on my behavior when I was a new Christian, and my understanding was that Christianity was about the rules. So, I was very legalistic, and I am sure I pushed people away from Christianity and Christ. Now, I know that it is about a relationship with Christ, not about rules, and hopefully my behavior is not still pushing people away from Christ.

Where in the Bible do you see Jesus talking negatively about anybody???? (spoiler alert, we don't)

Did He agree with everything His governing authorities said? Probably not. 

But, was He respectful? Yes. 

Was He hateful? No. 

If we are to be more like Christ, then we are to act like Christ. What would Jesus do? You know what He would do. As Warren Wiersbe says, "The believers in the early church suffered because they were Christians (1Peter 4:16). Dr. David Otis Fuller has asked, 'If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evident to convict you?' A good question! And the answer is a matter of life or death." (Be Dynamic p165)

I am a Child of the King. I want to be a light in this dark world. I want to be more like Christ. I want the fruits that I produce in my daily live to be reflective of Christ. I do not want to be ashamed of the word "Christian," but you better believe that I will be using different terminology, at least for the foreseeable future.

I will leave you with the words of William Barclay, from The New Daily Study Bible: The Letters of James and Peter, also speaking about 1 Peter 4:16, he says that Christians should not enter into the undertakings which do not befit the Christian life. That means Christians must not take an interest in things that are alien to the life that Christians should lead. He states, "It is Peter's instruction that if Christians have to suffer for Christ, they must do so in such a way that their suffering brings glory to God and to the name they bear. Their lives and conduct must be the best argument that they do not deserve the suffering which has come upon them, and their attitude to it must commend the name they bear." (p300-301).

If we bear the name of Christ or Christian we are to bring glory to that name. Are you? 

Top Reads for November 2020

As an avid reader I feel lost if I am not reading a book. I had a day in November where my Goodreads account said that I was reading 0 books. I had NEVER had that happen to me. I had finished up all the books that I was reading and hadn't figured out what I was planning to read next. It was really weird.  Can anyone relate?? Please tell me I am not alone!!

Even now, I think my account says I am reading 3 books and that feels low to me 😂 Usually I am in a couple of studies as well as reading for fun, but I decided to try and slow things down as we are reaching the end of the year. I read or finished reading 26 books in the month of November and I am going to pick my top four from the month and give a brief synopsis, followed by my review.

Title: The Dress Shop on King Street

Author: Ashley Clark

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Series: Heirloom Secrets #1

Synopsis:

 Harper Albright has pinned all her hopes on a future in fashion design. But when it comes crashing down around her, she returns home to Fairhope, Alabama, and to Millie, the woman who first taught her to sew. As she rethinks her own future, secrets long hidden about Millie's past are brought to light.

In 1946, Millie Middleton boarded a train and left Charleston to keep half of her heritage hidden. She carried with her two heirloom buttons and the dream of owning a dress store. She never expected to meet a charming train jumper who changed her life forever . . . and led her yet again to a heartbreaking choice about which heritage would define her future.

Now, together, Harper and Millie return to Charleston and the man who may hold the answers they seek . . . and a chance at the dress shop they've both dreamed of. But it's not until all appears lost that they see the unexpected ways to mend what frayed between the seams.

My Review:

This book is incredible. It very delicately touches on racial issues and decisions you could not possibly imagine having to make. At the very beginning I was a little lost with the introduction of characters, but after the third chapter when all the main characters in the family line were introduced, it was much easier to keep them all straight. The author effortlessly takes the story line between two time periods, only to weave an incredibly beautiful story of hope and ultimately redemption. There are a lot of deep emotions in this book, heartache, loss, but also an amazing hope. The way the author weaves Harper and Millie's stories together will keep you turning the pages until the very end. I found myself reading slower toward the end because I did not want this book to end. This did not feel like a fiction book, but more of a true story. It will make you feel all kinds of things. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a very well-written, engaging fiction. I think whether you are a historical fiction fan or not that you will enjoy this story. This is one that I will remember for a long time. Thank you to Bethany House Publishing and Net Galley for making it possible to read this book. All opinions are entirely my own.

Title: Her Amish Wedding Quilt

Author: Winnie Griggs

Publisher:  Forever

Series: Hope's Haven #1

 Publication date: Expected Dec. 15, 2020 

Synopsis:  Spirited, forthright, impulsive -- everyone told Greta Eicher she'd have to change her ways if she ever hoped to marry. Then her best friend Calvin, the man she thought she would wed, chooses another woman. Now Greta's wondering if the others were right all along. Her dreams dashed, she pours her energy into crafting beautiful quilts at her shop and helping widower Noah Stoll care for his adorable young children.
Noah knows it's time to think about finding a wife. When Greta offers to play matchmaker on his behalf, Noah eagerly accepts. After all, no one knows his children better. But none of the women she suggests seems quite right, because, unexpectedly, his feelings of respect and friendship for Greta have grown into something even deeper and richer. But will he have enough faith to overcome the pain of his past and give love another chance?

My Review:

This was my first time reading a book by Winnie Griggs. I really enjoyed her engaging writing style. From the first paragraph of the book I was sucked in and curious about what was going to happen next. This was a quick, easy read, despite the fact that it is over 300 pages. I love Greta's feisty, out-spoken temperament and that she holds true to who she is, despite the fact that she was often told to change her ways. While she is out-spoken, it is never in a rude, abrasive way. She is sweet, kind and extremely caring, especially to those she loves the most. Noah has a more abrupt personality, but truly cares for his children, and those around him, yet not in obvious ways like Greta. They both have major hurts that they need to overcome if they hope to have a chance at a loving relationship. While this story moves at a steady pace, there are plenty of surprises along the way to keep it from being predictable. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes reading about the Amish, anyone who loves clean romance stories, and anyone with a love of Christian fiction. While some are turned off by books that are labeled "Christian" this book does not have a preachy, offensive feel to it. The characters do mention God and His will, but again, not in an in your face way. Thank you to Forever publishing and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book, in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review, all opinions are entirely my own.

Title:Head in the Clouds

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 

Synopsis: 

 Adelaide Proctor is a young woman with her head in the clouds, longing for a real-life storybook hero to claim as her own. But when a husband-hunting debacle leaves her humiliated, she interviews for a staid governess position on a central Texas sheep ranch and vows to leave her romantic yearnings behind.
When Gideon Westcott left his privileged life in England to make a name for himself in America's wool industry, he never expected to become a father overnight. And five-year-old Isabella hasn't uttered a word since she lost her mother. The unconventionality of the new governess concerns Gideon--and intrigues him at the same time. But he can't afford distractions. He has a ranch to run, a shearing to oversee, and a suspicious fence-cutting to investigate.
When Isabella's uncle comes to claim the child--and her inheritance--Gideon and Adelaide must work together to protect Isabella from the man's evil schemes. And soon neither can deny their growing attraction. But after so many heartbreaks, will Adelaide be willing to get her head out of the clouds and put her heart on the line? 

My Review: 

 Such a charming story, I loved it. There is mystery, suspense, adventure, an unlikely courtship and a child who does not speak...the beginning was a little predictable, but after that the story really exploded. A great read for anyone who likes a cozy, clean romance story, historical fiction, a book with all the feels, truly loved it.

Title: Autumn Skies

Author: Denise Hunter

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Synopsis:

 Facing the past is easier if you don’t have to face it alone.

The Bluebell Inn is turning a profit, and it’s time for the Bennett siblings to sell it and move on. Only Grace has plans to stay in the small lake town of Bluebell, North Carolina, where she hopes her growing outfitters business will save her from the loneliness of her siblings’ departure and the persistent sense of unworthiness in her life.

A gunshot wound resurrects the past for Secret Service agent Wyatt Jennings, and a mandatory leave of absence lands him in Bluebell. There he must come to grips with the tragedy that altered his life fourteen years ago.

When Wyatt books a room at the Bluebell Inn, sparks fly between him and Grace. She volunteers to be his mountain guide, and he soon opens up to her, drawn to her strength and sense of humor. But both are reticent to talk about the survivor’s guilt they each carry, and when their pasts finally collide, their budding romance might not survive the truth.

My Review: 
I really enjoy reading books by Denise Hunter. They are well-written, engaging and hard to put down. This one was no exception. I started reading it and I was immediately surprised and thought that I had started reading something by someone else. She started out with a character that is a secret service agent, which was completely unexpected and not her normal character. I appreciate that an author can still surprise you, and is creative enough to write about characters in a way that you wouldn't associate as typical for them.

This is the third book of the Bluebell Inn Romance series, and while they do all go together, it is not necessary to have read the first two before this one (although I would recommend it). This could be read as a stand-alone and still be an enjoyable story.

I love that this series is set in North Carolina and follows a set of siblings. The first two stories are about Molly and Luke, and this one is about Grace.

I loved reading Grace's story and how it eventually intertwined with Wyatt's. There are so many different elements in this story; romance, suspense, humor and the overarching theme of the grace of God. I read this book in an afternoon. I have not devoured a book that quickly in an extremely long time.

I highly recommend this book (and series) to anyone who loves reading clean, inspirational fiction.

********

Now, can I geek out for a minute? Denise Hunter liked my review on Goodreads!!!! It is AMAZING to me that an author would take time to read the reviews on their books, and then like them (I don't recall having this happen before), and it really brought a smile to my face! I don't write my reviews for someone to "like" them, much less receive any acknowledgement from the author. I write them because I LOVE to read and hope that people will read my reviews and that the review will encourage someone else to want to read that book. 

Have you read any of these books? If so, tell me what you liked or didn't like about them. What are your top reads from November? I would love to hear from you, I am always looking for my next great read 😊

Thanksgiving 2020

 When our kids were little we always traveled to family for Thanksgiving, usually Indiana to see my family. Once we moved overseas we realized that we had no family traditions, (or the tradition was we always traveled 😜). We did not want the kids to grow up thinking that we did not have family traditions. So, we decided to start a tradition of decorating our Christmas tree on Thanksgiving day, while the food was cooking. It would give them something to do while waiting on the yummy food. Many years later, that is still our tradition and one that I love.  Here are pictures from this year's Thanksgiving Christmas decorating 😀 We even put a few decorations outside for the first year ever. They are in reverse order and I am too lazy to fix them, LOL! Enjoy. What Thanksgiving traditions do you have? When do you "normally" decorate for Christmas?