Wednesday, November 25, 2009

American Anthem

"American Anthem" by BJ Hoff

This was three books in one, 550 pages but oh so good! This book has romance, drama, heartbreak, music and nineteenth-century New York all wrapped up with a Christian theme. The story that is threaded throughout is one of struggle, loss but also of hope in the One who sees us through all of our ups and downs. A favorite quote, "The only thing I know for certain is that God's love is beyond our comprehension. In fact, it seems to me that His love is as much a mystery as His will. As to why He does what He does or doesn't do what we think he should do-well, I suppose that's where faith comes in. Sometimes there's simply nothing else to do but trust Him." That is what faith is about, just trusting in the One who created us, that He is going to do what is best for us, even when we don't understand. Another quote, "We are different kinds of people, we Americans. We come from different countries. We share different beliefs, different traditions, different dreams, and different music. But one thing we share in common. We are all God's children, all blessed by His love and His grace. For truly God has bestowed grace to this nation and its people, so that with all our differences, we might yet exist in unity. May we never cease to be mindful that we will exist as a great nation only as we are faithful to our great God." Wow, how our country and it's people need to hear this now. At a time when our differences are tearing us apart and our leaders have stepped away from the God who gave them the ability to lead. May we as believers strive for unity and not be afraid to make our voices heard where they are needed most. A very good book and one that brings tears to your eyes yet joy to your soul.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Fair Game

"Fair Game" by Carol Cox

This was the second book but not really a series. It had a few of the same characters but the main characters were different. I actually liked this book better than the first one. The book is about a girl who moves to Chicago to find her father and some adventure. She ends up finding romance and God's calling on her life. This one was a little less predictable and a little more intriguing. I enjoyed how the main character persevered despite some difficult circumstances. A little more than half way through the book I got hooked and couldn't put it down. A part of the book that made me think was when a man was people watching and saw a young couple that looked so happy strolling along. Then he said, "But if they hadn't made their peace with God, that happiness would only be temporary. Lord, draw them to Yourself. Let their joy be eternal and not based on the here and now." He prayed for perfect strangers, he saw their need for God, that their earthly joy would soon disappear. I want to be the kind of person who sees with God's eyes and prays for all those who need His lasting joy.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Ticket To Tomorrow

"Ticket To Tomorow" by Carol Cox

This is the first book of two. It is a Christian romance mystery. I am not too big on mysteries but this one wasn't a who done it book so I didn't mind. It was an easy read but not totally predictable. I enjoyed the easy banter between the characters and the way that God was threaded throughout the story. A part that hit home for me was about how we as humans judge people when God is the only one who has the right to judge and how when we stand before God it won't matter our status in this world just that we are His child.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

A Severe Mercy

"A Severe Mercy" by Sheldon Vanauken

This book was given to me by my friend, as she is a big fan of C.S. Lewis. This book includes 18 letters to Sheldon from C.S. Lewis. This is a story of a mans journey to Christianity, his love for his wife and his grief in loosing her. It is a touching book of love given and lost. It is an interesting book as to how Sheldon came to research Christianity and thus became a believer. It takes a lot of mind power and thinking to read this book as all who are in it are scholars or writers of some sort but it is good because it does get one to start thinking. Sheldon and his wife make a pact to never let anything or anyone come between their love for one another. It is a beautiful thing that they attempt and even more beautiful when it is God the Maker of love that comes between them. Sheldon deals with his grief in such a touching manner, trying to find the meaning in his wife's death and trying to carry on her love of God. This book is proof that when one seeks God they will find Him and that He works all things, even the death of someone we love, for good.