A Table by the Window: A Novel of Family Secrets and Heirloom Recipes

A Table by the Window is a very uplifting story about family, romance, and life. It is listed under Christian Fiction, but without any reference to scripture. The protagonist in the story is Juliette D'Alisa a food writer living in Portland, Oregon. Juliette had grown up in the food business. Her heritage a mixture of French and Italian spoke for itself; parents were proud owners a successful restaurant all of her life. That's where her heart  really is, but she got side tract after working with her brother in his restaurant and falling in love with his sous chef. Even though working as a food writer wasn't Juliette's first love it paid the bills. 

The story starts with the passing of Juliette's grandmother who came from France after the passing of her husband. She opened a pastry shop. Juliette inherited the work table still inhabiting the contents in the drawers. Inside one of the draws she found a photo in a cookbook that looked very much like her brother. The family resemblance was so close it put her on an investigation of who this man might be. 

In the mist of all this, she knows her family would love to see her with someone and she started to feel lonely. This leads her to an online dating service. Something she would have never thought of using, but she ends up meeting Neil, a physician who specializes in immunology and lives in Memphis. Long distant love doesn't really work for Juliette, but after meeting Neil she decides to give it a try. Plus the timing is perfect, because her mother has been diagnosed with cancer. Not just that' but her brother has decided to try his hand at another restaurant business and would like for her to quit her job and join him. 

I really liked this book because it's morally written just right for a christian reader. Neil comes to visit Juliette; he stays at his place, she stays at hers.  The book also has some nice recipes: French Chocolate Cake, Simple Roast Chicken, etc. I can see myself actually using these recipes. I love to cook so it's one of my favorite Christian Fiction's.

The author Hillary Manton Lodge has pinned 14 other books  among them are: Plain Jane, Simply Sara. She graduated from the University of Oregon School of Journalism. She worked at Northwest Palate magazine where she did her internship.

I recieved this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for doing this review. I was not required to write a positive review, all thoughts and opinions are mine.

My review on blogging for books http://www.bloggingforbooks.org/reviews/view/38914

Author's website http://www.hillarymantonlodge.com/blog.html

Read Chapter One http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/SneakPeek_TablebytheWindow.pdf

A Stillness Of Chimes by Meg Moseley

A Stillness of Chimes, takes place in the small town of Prospect, Georgia.  It's history can be attributed to moonshiners and holy rollers; there is also that haunting past of stalkers and the annual Blue Grass festival. Does this give you an idea of what the story is about? Meg Moseley was obviously inspired by the stories centered around small town southern living. Prospect is a place where everyone knows each others business, yet, everyone feels like family whether they are related or not.

The story is centered around, protagonist, Laura Gantt- a mixture between tom boy and feminism- and her three friends: Sean Halloran, Cassie Bright, and her little sister Tigger. The four of them made a pack during their childhood years to always be there for each other no matter what. Eighteen years later, the death of Laura's mother brings the group back together. During this time stories began to surface about Laura's father faking his death ten years earlier. Some people believe the stories, while others choose to ignore, or keep quiet about it. All of this reunites the old flame between Laura Gantt and Sean Halloran. Laura's father Elliott Gantt-a veteran- had been like a father to Sean. Sean had been a victim of abuse by his father, who ends up in jail. Cassie and Tigger have gotten married and they are also dealing with a mother that is out of character; they can't understand why. A lot of secrets and memories surface between friends and family as they work to uncover the truth about Laura's dad being alive.

I like this story because number one it's christian based. Moseley intertwines her characters beautifully as she deals with subjects such as: OCD, death, spousal and child abuse, marriage affairs, marriage life, young love, small town and family life. Without giving away the whole story this is a must read.

A little bit about the author. Meg Moseley now resides in Georgia with her family; she has lived in many other cities and considers herself a Californian. She is a lover of fiction whether she's reading or writing it. She writes for the Altanta Journal-Constitution in the suburban edition.

I recieved this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for doing this review. I was not required to write a positive review, all thoughts and opinions are mine.

God's Bucket List

The inspiration for this book came when Teresa Tomeo was shopping one day and heard two ladies talking about a list of things they would like to do.  She had seen the movie Bucket List and had reached a high level of success in her life.  In the mist of her success she had almost lost everything. To top it all off she had put her career in front of her relationship with God and her marriage. After being let go from her job in the media after twenty years, and not understanding why: she began to do some soul searching.  She thought what if, God had a bucket list consisting of the way he wanted us to live before we die.

This book is based on that what if question. It is about her and her struggles as she tries to figure out what God may want for her before she dies.  She uses her gift for story telling to explore this notion of God’s Bucket List.  She explains that she did have a list in life of things she wanted to achieve and she was pretty successful with all of it.  While gaining everything on this list she almost lost everything that mattered to her.  After losing her job she had a lot of time on her hands. During this time her husband had gone back to church, and God use him to reach Tomeo.  She began to realize that God already designed a bucket list that was individually unique, but the same plan for everyone.  She learned this meant putting God first.   Tomeo discovered that God does have the whole world in his hands and wants to give it to us, but it would to be on his terms.  Once all of this is realized we can enter into God’s bucket list.   In this book Tomeo tries to picture how God would apply such a list.

Jesus Paid It All

 Isaiah 53:5

But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being {fell} upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed. (NASV)

When I started this blog, my first thought for a title was, In My Silent Retreat. As time went on I discovered that, although, a lot of things take place in a silent retreat with Jesus; if he had not done what he did on the cross I would not be doing what I'm doing. At first I used the image, Jesus Paid it All, but it never occurred to me that it would be the title of my blog.

Last Easter I spent a lot of time thinking about Jesus carrying the cross, and what kind of love that must be. The only thing that keeps coming to mind is a soldier, fighting a war for his country. Then God gave it to me. We are all soldiers: fighting for our souls. God gives us a freedom, and when we turn to him Satan is always trying us. At first I didn't know how to fight. I was a baby christian. It came to me, Jesus already paid. I just need to hang out with him. 

This last month I celebrated his birthday early. Everyday I posted something concerning Mary. From her visitation with the angle Gabriel to the birth of Jesus.  I learned something from Mary. Patience is important when giving birth to something. Regardless of what people say about you, stay loyal to God. Mary knew she was giving birth to the one who would one day walk mankind through all obstacles.  So when I'm giving birth to something I hang out with the one who paid it all. He gets me through it.

Christmas 2013

This was a different kind of christmas for me. I didn't recieve a lot of gifts. I did recieve some and no matter how big or small; they were nice. This year was all about Jesus, and Giving. I though about one of my favorite bible verses.

All the way up to Christmas I concentrated on Mary. I thought about all she went though. I thought about her faith. Joseph was about to put her away, but she stood faithful to God. She didn't have all the comforts that are alloted to most women giving birth. Yet she pondered things in her heart. I found myself pondering things in my heart. Guess what, I may never be comfortable. I wasn't comfortable when I truly found Jesus. I stood on his words and I had what I needed. One of which was love thy neighbor. People aren't always lovable, but it's all in learning to give.

I spent this Christmas with a couple that isn't able to get around much anymore. We prepared a nice dinner and opened presents. They enjoyed watching the game, a bible story on the history channel, and talking.  It was nice to get away from things and give of myself. In my pondering, I really found the meaning of Christmas. Give something good. God gave his only begotten son. I could never stand up to that, but I can celebrate it with people who would otherwise be alone. It's not that they have no one. It's just that this time of year everyone is spreading themselves thin. They have their primary family and extended family. By the time a person reaches 90 years old, you become an extendion of the family. They see their families on Christmas eve or a couple days before. This was the best Christmas ever, because the best present is giving, What is better then giving of yourself. After all Jesus gave himself.

Taking Time Out to Thank God.

It all started December 4, I hurried to get my hair and nails done for the christmas party, at church sunday. I looked around me and everyone was in a hurry, too. As I got ready to go the temperature dropped. This is what I woke up to on thursday.

We turned on the television, only to hear that some had lost power-no heat, lights, etc. I started to pray and thank God for all I had. I still had lights, heat, etc.  St. Schlastica Retreat Center could probably take in quite a few families if need be. Then I started to notice; no one was complaining. No one I talked to, no one on television. Those who believed probably prayed for those who didn't believe, as well as for themselves. All of a sudden I started to see God grace. My friend has a tree branch come through her roof.  She never complained. She likes to write her prayers out, and that is what she spent the day doing.  Another lady lived about 45 miles away.  Just about the whole town had lost power. When she called back she was sad, but she never complained.

My Grandmother use to say children should be trained in the way they should go. She believed that if they strayed, they would return. All the people i'm talking about, never once complained. Whether they lost hours at work or had to do doubles; never complained. They all called on Jesus. I was stuck in the house for 4 days. I had plenty of time to reflect. What God showed me was in times like this, people find him and they are able to put their feelings aside and find each other. Thank Jesus for once again another insight. Now, the weatherman said we would get more snow tonight. I can't help but wonder what God is going to show me this time.

A word in the day of the Lord.

 Thanksgiving with The Simpkins

This year I was invited out for thanksgivings. It was such a blessing. I heard the most wonderful  blessing over the food, I had ever heard. Maybe I just payed more attention, because it came from a 90 year old. I have the pleasure of spending time with a couple who have been married for 70 years. They taught sunday school for over 50 years. What a blessing.

The family wanted to capture this moment, because it might not happen again. When Mr. Simpkins began to bless the table, 2 members recorded it with their cellphones. It wasn't' Father thank you for this food we are about to recieve. It was every bit of 5 minutes. Any other time everyone would be upset at having cellphones out at the table. What came across my mind was just how many tables had Mr. Simpkins blessed. there's 365 days in a year; do the math. It came so naturally. He was talking to his father and friend. I could tell that he has a relationship with our heavenly father, and this was a continous conversation that goes on all during the day.

His wife tells a story, that they never missed church for any reason unless they were sick, until recently. They don't get out much anymore.  What dedication. Every once in a while Mrs. Simpkins still has sunday school in her home. She tells a story that she couldn't have taught sunday school without the presence of the Holy Spirit. She talked about preparing herself though reading scripture and fasting. It's a blessing to be in the presence of Elders.  Thank you Jesus for the saints before, now, and after me. I pray that you use me for years to come, just as you did Mr and Mrs. Simpkins.  

I'm sitting here on my computer, and it's  Saturday night. I start going thru communities I've joined. Someone is speaking on John 15:12.

All week long I've been thinking about the importance of God in your life, family, and friends. I have a friend I met through volunteer work. She is in her 70's and devoted her whole life to serving God. We both like to sew.  She told me one day that there was this program that she didn't want to get in because she didn't want to hurt anyone. I got to thinking: if it have not been for people like her, I would have left church a long time ago. I would have settled to worship in my house. I've been praying about this for some time. When people first enter the church they are babes in faith. Their not ready for strong food, they are still drinking milk. We have to rely on the spirit to guide us, so we can guide them. There was a time when I almost left the church, because of criticism, rude remarks, etc. God had his hand on me and I kept coming back, but I have seem people just walk away. I always tell people to pursue scripture and your life will illustrate the fruits. 

Galatians 5:22-23

New International Version (NIV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

Without these you see the flaws, but with these you see the person.  I'm still praying for people who have been hurt in the church to come back.

Good-morning, afternoon, or evening-what ever time of day it is; may it be blessed and used to glorify God. Everyday I weak up and seek God's will, just like so many others. This time God uses my senses. He causes me to hear-listen for him- in everything. Step out in faith from what I cannot see, and believe. He said I want you to stop talking so much and be a good listener. Then use the words I give you.

Just the other day I received bad news on the telephone. God said pay very close attention and you will have the answer. She went into her problem and I listened, then I said a few word and that calmed her. To make a long story short, God showed me that listening is very important. I listened to her and I listened to God. Lest I say God blessed 2 people, who were ready to give up. The lady told me today that God is good all the time. The other person was talking about suicide and before the day was over, was about to smile. He said you really pray. I said no we prayed.

After all way over I started to ponder. A word that God spoke to me more than once, as I sat and thought about these people and how I have been in there shoes. I looked up the word ponder in my concordance. Almost 20 years ago I met a lady who was very obedient to God. She came to my house with The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Of  The Bible. I was just a baby christian, so I looked at it and was amazed at all the words, and said thank you. Now when the Lord gives me a word; my eyes go straight to it.  I found the word ponder in two places.

Proverbs 4:26 Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established.

Proverbs 5:6 Lest you ponder her path of life-Her ways are unstable; You do not know them.

All the Lord ask me to do is LISTEN, be OBEDIENT, and BELIEVE.  Need I say everyone received a blessing. Please listen for God today. It may be through someone, something, or directly to you. When you hear him use that experience to glorify him. Thanks to everyone who prayed for me; I heard him. A friend said to me one day," nothing is wasted. Everything-trade, experience- you will eventually use." Amen.

The lady I helped, I could not judge because I had been somewhat where she is. Needless, to say there were some areas that seemed a little gray. My blessing is I don't have to understand, for God to use me. He understands.