FLAME OF RESISTANCE

I have found a new author to read after. I love historical novels and the FLAME OF RESISTANCE by Tracy Groot is such a book. I found it hard to put down as it kept you enthralled and anticipating the next twist in the plot. 

It is a story of World War II in France. A downed American pilot, Tom Jaeger, and a French prostitute, Brigitte Durand, are brought together in a covert operation with Tom posing as a Dutch officer. The operation is compromised and Tom is captured. There are unlikely heroes  and friendships are forged because people are still people in spite of where you are born and your circumstances. 

The research Tracy did into the conditions of the French during the occupation was very thorough. The narrative is quite believable and in fact some of the characters actually existed as well as the location of real battles.  It was so graphic as to the conditions that I realized how much we in America have been protected from the real ravages of war on our soil. 

I would recommend without reservations this book and intend to read more of Tracy’s books.

I received this book free from Tyndale for an honest review.

JESUS'S 1,000 DAY MINISTRY

1000 DAYS by Jonathan Falwell was a surprise. I admit I was somewhat dubious about reading it with all the controversy surrounding his dad over the years. However, it was a good surprise as I gleaned from it.

Jonathan covers the ministry of Jesus during the last three years of his life up to and including his death and resurrection.  There have been many books and sermons through the years that have attempted to help us to meet and know Jesus, so I was thinking what could he add?

The book is redundant in some places but there are definitely some things to contemplate and that provokes thought.”The rules we create actually obstruct righteousness.” 

He said there are two kinds of hypocrites. The person who appears good on the outside but hides evil in his heart is one we all recognize as a hypocrite. But using Luke 22:33 he also says the one whose heart has been made good but hides the goodness is one.  In essence “..if you’ve experienced the incredible light of God, you don’t go and hide it – that’s hypocritical.”

I came away with much to ponder, note and remember from this book. I do recommend it, especially for a young Christ Follower.

I received this book from Thomas Nelson for an honest review.

A PROMISE KEPT

PROMISE ME THIS by Cathy Gohlke is a book you will want to read. 

It surrounds the voyage of the Titanic that fateful night and how it impacted a boy, a young man, his sister and the families whose lives they touched the ensuing years.

The boy, Michael Duggan, is an orphan whose life prompts him to run away where he meets Owen Allen who is headed to America on the Titanic. Owen has promised to send for his sister Annie as soon as he can. Michael sneaks on board and stows away.  The narrative that ensues is in so many ways parallel to the story of Jesus. It takes many twists and turns before it reaches the conclusion but you will not be disappointed. 

Although this is a novel there are many times where you are stopped in your tracks to ponder what is written. One such time for me is a prayer “What is next, Lord? Show me your path and give me the strength, the grace to walk in it. But do not leave me, Lord. Stay close, for I must lean hard.”

This books was provided for me by Tyndale Publishing.

BEING THERE

I received several comments to my last post about Lindell and our journey with cancer. I am grateful for everyone that read and responded and the kind remarks. I’ve thought often lately about those who have been there for us through all of this. There are those who have made a conscious effort to call often and stay in touch. Your love and prayers are appreciated more than you will ever know.

Your calls to Lindell have boosted him in his low points. When you come to this point in your life you are prone to wonder if anyone was impacted by anything you said or did, if you made a difference. It is good to be reminded that when you obey God, He has the final say and your life was not in vain. 

I know I will from now on make a more concerted effort to not only pray for those who are going through things but also to let them know. We are inclined to not know if we should call, to not want to be a bother, to think we don’t know what to say, etc. It’s not having the right thing to say, its just letting them know you are there. 

Thanks again to all those who have been there!