Book Review: Centralia by Mike Dellosso

                                       Book Description:

Peter Ryan wakes up on a typical morning only to find his house empty, his wife and daughter nowhere to be found. His world is shattered after a phone call to a friend confirms the impossible: his wife and daughter died in a car accident he does not remember. Haunted by faint memories and flashes of details, Peter becomes convinced that something isn’t right and begins to question reality. When he discovers a note in his daughter’s handwriting, strange memories begin to surface that cause him to second-guess nearly everything he once believed. Suddenly armed men show up at Peter’s home, turning the mysterious puzzle of his past into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. On the run and unsure whom to trust, Peter has to discover what’s real and what isn’t . . . before he loses everything.

My Review:

Centralia is one of those books I wanted to read in one sitting. The fast-paced, pull-me-through the pages of this psychological thriller kept me wanting more. I rooted for Ryan and couldn't wait to find out what happened, then wanted to read more when I finished. Dellosso knows how to write a story and weave in elements of faith. I loved how he sewed God into the fabric of the story and showed the reader what faith can do. If you enjoy Ted Dekker or Frank Peretti you'll love Mike Dellosso.

Warning: There is violence throughout the story.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Where's the Beauty in Serving?

Galatians:5:13 ...serve one another humbly in love.

To serve. To wait on another person. To be of use. To answer a need. I heard a minister talk about an aspect of service I hadn't heard before. "Job crafting"-- expanding a job in order to make a difference and serve others in a beneficial way. In other words, whatever vocation a job crafter is in, they intentionally look for ways to meet the needs of fellow employees, and find ways to make a difference at work.

I'm busy at work. But according to Paul in Galatians, Jesus expects me to take the time to serve. Maybe something as simple as taking a cup of coffee to an office mate, or sharing a skill with a co-worker. Service is part of obedience to Christ. 

How do I know what someone else needs? Listen, observe, be aware of my surroundings, and I'll see the needs of people.  

Whether you're a stay-at-home mom who takes the kids to plant flowers for an elderly neighbor, the person in the office who knows how to unjam the copier and does it with a smile, or a construction worker who listens to a co-worker at lunch and gives him a word of encouragement, you make a difference.

The examples may sound obvious, but how many times do we get caught up in our projects, issues, or problems, and forget the people around us.

Service requires hearing the message between the words, seeing changes in attitude, and watching actions of other people. Then seek a way to help, no matter how small.

Because no service is too small when done with a caring and open heart.

So Many Socks

Psalm 51:7-10

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
    wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
    let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
    and blot out all my iniquity.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

When my kids were at home the laundry piled up. Keeping jeans, sports uniforms, and oh so many socks clean turned into a daily task. I was thankful when the girls were old enough to help out. One of the challenges of washing clothes still plagues me. Stains. Those daily stains of life can be a real challenge. Ketchup, grass stains, food, even paint. Thank goodness for Dawn dish detergent which worked for most of them.

In the Psalm, David knew his stains ran deeper than his outward appearance, they marred his soul. For him to be totally cleansed he needed God. The only way he'd be whiter than snow was to bow before his Lord. We've all sinned, it is the nature of people to mess up. There's only one way to be cleansed. Jesus. He gave his life as a sacrifice for all of us. I am still amazed that he loves me that much. Years ago I bowed before him, accepted his grace, got baptized, and received the Holy Spirit. Even though I still fall down, he loves me and accepts my repentant prayers. Jesus is the only way to heaven. He's the way, the truth and the light. And living for him fills my life with joy and hope. Praise God for his grace!

Peace

Renewed Interest

Recently, I've picked up my paintbrush again. It's been a long time since I created art on canvas. Hopefully I'll have more to share throughout the year. Finding the time is tough, but brushing the colors across the page is so relaxing.

Do you paint, draw or create other crafts?

Highland Discovery Garden

Tim and I spent some time exploring the Highland Discovery Garden in Glenwood. It is a magical place with lovely flowers, woods and a pond.
 Frog and Toad are friends.

Book Review: Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund

Book Description:

1865
Windmill Point, Michigan

Can She Forgive the Hurting Man Who Costs Her the Role She Loves?

After her father's death, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, women aren't supposed to have such roles, so it's only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper--even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her.

Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle. He's secured the position of lighthouse keeper mostly for the isolation--the chance to hide from his past is appealing. He's not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who's angry with him for taking her job and for his inability to properly run the light. When his failings endanger others, he and Caroline realize he's in no shape to run the lighthouse, but he's unwilling to let anyone close enough to help. Caroline feels drawn to this wounded soul, but with both of them relying on that single position, can they look past their loss to a future filled with hope...and possibly love?

My Review:

I like that Jody Hedlund used a strong female protagonist to set the stage for a story about women who make a difference. There's no doubt that Caroline can do the job of lighthouse keeper, yet she shows her sensitive, caring side to the wounded soldier who is placed in the job she loves. I loved Caroline's two little brothers. They added a sense of playfulness to a serious situation. I enjoyed the twists, turns, and surprises of this well-written tale of courage. If you like historical fiction with romance, you'll love Hearts Made Whole.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of Hearts Made Whole in exchange for a fair review.