Going Through Rough Waters...

These hands hold the joy and dread of time,

Each tick takes me to or past some moment of the 'it'

the fine edge of is, was or will be.

I want more than a moment for all these present tenses

I want a blurring of time for his face, her touch, their tears

to suspend in the infinite space between seconds.

I want to do away with tocks, chimes and alarms,

the flashing red numerals, I want to unwind it all.

Sometime life can throw a few challenges in your path and I find myself praying a little harder these days because of it.
I spotted the above poem (prayer) on a non descriptive hospital waiting room and jotted down the words so as not to forget them. 
I hope kindred spirits will appreciate all it holds!

Have a nice weekend,

Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey, Book review

• Series: Alaskan Courage (Book 5)
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (February 3, 2015)
• ISBN-13: 978-0764211966
• Also available in KINDLE format

SYNOPSIS:


Finally Returned Home, Reef McKeena
Finds His Beloved Alaska Facing Its Greatest ThreatGrowing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now, working together as search-and-rescue for Alaska's arduous Iditarod race, a growing attraction seems to be forcing aside old arguments. Then Reef catches Kirra sneaking from camp in the middle of the night. 

Kirra's uncle, a musher in the race, has disappeared. Kirra and Reef quickly track the man, but what they discover is harrowing: Frank's daughter has been kidnapped. Kirra and Reef, along with the entire McKenna family, are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not only threatening a girl's life--but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen. 


My thoughts:

From the Winner of the 2014 Daphne du Maurier Award for Inspirational Romantic Suspense, Sabotaged is a book you will want to check if you are looking for something to read and relax with!

Dani Pettrey delivers a tale of romance, true love, danger and intrigue and a reminder that God's promises are an undeniable reality in her latest novel. 
You will learn much about the Iditarod, its organization and the many volunteers who dedicate their time and skills to make this amazing race safe yet exciting! Amongst those are our protagonists Kirra Jacobs and Reef McKenna, both members of SAR (Search and Rescue), a vital part of the race as teams and mushers depend on their skills when lost or hurt.

Dangerous times begins when Kirra's uncle disappears then her cousin turns up missing and is believed kidnapped during the race. Both rescuers and the rest of the Reef family are soon involved in discovering why the two young people are being tracked by an assassin.

Heroes, villains and dark secrets mingle with a reminder that when you take the time to listen God will always show you the right path.

After enjoying Shattered  this past year I knew I would enjoy Pettrey' skillful storytelling and I was not disappointed! Entertaining and written with a special eye to details, I appreciate the subtle Christian reminders making this a read for all ages.

5 Stars!


Meet the Author:

A wife, homeschooling Mum and author, Dani Pettrey writes inspirational romantic suspense and she is a huge fan of dark chocolate (my kind of gal!). She loves traveling and the great outdoors (something you quickly realize when reading her novels!).

For more information check her website (HERE)


Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book courtesy of BETHANY HOUSE as part of the series promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

Catch The Wind In Your Sails...

(Source: Reproduction of a Painting by Thomas Kinkade)

"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than those you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbour. Catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

(Mark Twain, Author)

Have a peaceful Sunday,

The Many Expressions Of Love

According to the Ancient Greeks, there are 6 words for Love, each an inspiration for those looking for a soul mate who might answer to their emotional needs or just anyone in need of human kindness!

- Eros or sexual passion
- Philia, or deep friendship
- Ludus, or playful love
- Agape, or love for everyone
- Pragma, or longstanding love
- Philautia, or love of the self

Everyday I learn another expression of love and this one was so sweet I could  not but share it with readers.
Let's begin with a little background story for this:

Two retired priests of different dioceses meets regularly to work on Homilies and over the years have perfected their collaboration. Together they form a formidable team, the first having an unmistakable eloquence, the second a joyful outlook on life. 

Today was a special day for both of these men since an elderly parishioner invited them to her home, presenting them with a four course meal and a welcome fit for kings. The 85 year old lady woke up at 0330 hours to start cooking!

In anticipation, the first man thought to bring the wine and carefully chose a vintage fit for the occasion. The second decided to bring flowers and rode his bicycle to a nearby shoppe to choose the perfect blooms for their hostess. 
An avid cyclist, he rides everywhere in the city like many of his compatriots. However, a quick stop at the newspapers shoppe also meant the bicycle was unattended for a couple of minutes...
And you guessed it, someone saw the bouquet sticking out of his basket and absconded with the flowers! (Shame on you whomever you are!)

Ever the resourceful person however shy he might be, this man went home, found a small bottle in the recycling bin, removed gently the label and went into the garden where he chose one tiny bloom to tuck it in the bottle. A romantic! Aaaahhh!

Imagine the lady's face as she receive this last gift and was told the event leading to this humble gesture! A few tears were not out of place, would you agree?! 

Lesson # 1: Love comes in many forms, and this AGAPE will never be forgotten I am certain! 
Lesson # 2: Never leave your bicycle unattended, even if you are a Priest! Ahem, Father!!

P.S. I am told the shrimp Scampi, the sole, small fried potatoes, cherry pie, Brazilian cake and chocolate mousse were delicious (particularly since the leftovers went home with the two guests!) and so was the wine that went with it. 
Needless to say, the humble bloom resided in the middle of the table!

John, Eternal Love by Dr. Brian Simmons, Book review

• 
  
• Series: Passion Translation
• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Broadstreet Publishing Group LLC (October 1, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-1424549580
• Also available in KINDLE format

SYNOPSIS:

Encounter the Heart of God! The Word is not just dead letters; it is the Living Expression of God, Jesus Christ. The Word came with skin on as the Perfect Man and the living manifestation of the glory of God. 

The Gospel of John is all about this beautiful Christ and believing! This book reveals that Jesus Christ is the Light of the World, the Savior, the King, the true Anointed One, the Living Bread, and the Loving Shepherd. Matthew, Mark, and Luke give us the history of Christ, but John writes to unveil the mystery of Christ. Here, Jesus is seen as the Lamb of God, the Good Shepherd, the Kind Forgiver, the Tender Healer, the Compassionate Intercessor, and the Great I Am. 

Who can resist this Man when He tugs on hearts to come to Him? To read the gospel of John is to encounter Jesus.


My thoughts:

This is a book to discover Folks. It is a very simple fact for me to point out that John's Gospel is all about believing of course but you already know that. 
With the New Testament comes the message that He came, He died for us on the Cross, rose on the third day and saved us. Christ: a healer and compassionate man who loves us sinners. 

Always a fascinating writer, Brian Simmons introduces us to John, Eternal Love and explains how the first four books are biographies portraying the four main aspects of the ministry of the Man from Nazareth.

This translation brings yet another dimension to understanding the truth about the Gospel, the life and miracles which highlighted Jesus' life on earth. And miracles are everywhere in John's Gospel! If the other three gospels are truly historical, his unveils the mystery of Jesus, the Shepherd.
Best of all, Dr. Simmons' translation of the original text tells us how he perceives Jesus' gathering His disciples and how each event of His life lead in fact to His love for us. 

It will not come as a surprise I am certain if I tell you this is once again a great addition to any one's library and certainly any church's. 

5 Stars!


Meet the Author:

After a dramatic conversion to Christ in 1971 Brian answered the call of God to leave everything behind and become a missionary to the tribes. Taking his wife and three children to the jungle of Central America they pioneered church plants for many years with the Kuna people group. 

More (HERE)

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book courtesy of ICON MEDIA GROUP as part of the series promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

A Little Something For All Of Us To Share Today (And Everyday!)

The heart is like a flower - unless it is open it cannot release its 

fragrance into the world. 

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

There Is Still Hope...

(Photo source Here)

As long as there are men willing to take a stand for what they truly believe in, there will be hope for our World.
Pope Francis is such a man and I thank God daily He made it possible for His Vicar on Earth to be heard!
No matter your faith, join him in prayers for Peace please and take a moment to read the article I am referring to (HERE)

The Winter Guest by Pam Jenoff, Book review

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin MIRA (August 26, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-0778315964
• Also available in KINDLE format

SYNOPSIS:

A stirring novel of first love in a time of war and the unbearable choices that could tear sisters apart, from the celebrated author of The Kommandant's Girl 

Life is a constant struggle for the eighteen-year-old Nowak twins as they raise their three younger siblings in rural Poland under the shadow of the Nazi occupation. The constant threat of arrest has made everyone in their village a spy, and turned neighbor against neighbor. Though rugged, independent Helena and pretty, gentle Ruth couldn't be more different, they are staunch allies in protecting their family from the threats the war brings closer to their doorstep with each passing day. 

Then Helena discovers an American paratrooper stranded outside their small mountain village, wounded, but alive. Risking the safety of herself and her family, she hides Sam—a Jew—but Helena's concern for the American grows into something much deeper. Defying the perils that render a future together all but impossible, Sam and Helena make plans for the family to flee. But Helena is forced to contend with the jealousy her choices have sparked in Ruth, culminating in a singular act of betrayal that endangers them all—and setting in motion a chain of events that will reverberate across continents and decades. 

My thoughts:

Pam Jenoff's name has been added to my (ever growing) list of preferred authors with her literary contribution in Grand Central: Original Stories of Post War Love and Reunion. 

This latest title brought once more what I like best in any author's work: sensitivity, historical facts, entertainment and most of all the feeling I have met a kindred spirit. 

I tend to like a WW 2 plot but I look for the hope such difficult moments in life highlights behind the tale (Do you ever wonder what you would do in such circumstances?) and as she has proven in the past Jenoff is a very good storyteller. 

The Winter Guest has all the necessary elements for a story to be remembered long after the last page has been turned, the sort you like to advise a loved one or a good friend to try for themselves in fact. 

Clearly written with elegance and much empathy, here is a story about the many facets of love and the difficulties many dealt with during the second World War. Her characters are finely defined and you have the satisfaction to see a well resolved ending (I do not like those endings that leaves you hanging!).

5 Stars!


Meet the Author:

Pam Jenoff is the author of several novels, including The Kommandant's Girl, which received widespread acclaim, earned her a nomination for the Quill Awards and became an international bestseller. 
She previously served as a Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. State Department in Europe, as the Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Army at the Pentagon and as a practicing attorney at a large firm and in-house. 
She received her juris doctor from the University of Pennsylvania, her masters degree in history from Cambridge University and her bachelors degree in international affairs from The George Washington University. 
In addition to writing, she teaches law school.

For more information visit her website (HERE)

Note: This was a library loan and any opinion is mine only!