The Truth about Grace by John MacArthur

Thomas Nelson allowed me to read and review this book for free. It is written by John MacArthur. This book offers insight into the what is  grace. This has been a misunderstood concept among many Christians. The author offers a understandable definition of grace stating that  common grace doesn't " pardon sin or redeem sinners, but is nevertheless a sincere token of God's goodwill to mankind in general." Sovereign grace or saving grace according to the author is "God's sovereign work." It appears that this grace is God's intervention that transforms the believer's heart. How can a Christian receive God's grace? If we believe that we enter God's kingdom solely by the grace of God than we acknowledge Gods sorereign power and surrender to the good news. We have faith and know that Jesus is the bread of life. We only enter the kingdom through the belief in this spiritual nourishment. A thought provoking book all about grace.

Time Traveling with Tankene ice Mist

Surprised by Laughter The Comic World Of C.S. Lewis

 Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing's free book review program, I received a copy of "Surprised by Laughter - The Comic World of C.S. Lewis " by Terry Lindsvall. This book is like reading a textbook in many ways and has taken me a bit of time to plow through. Definitely not a coffee table book,  the book is written in such a way that a chapter at a time is all I could absorb. I learned about Chesterton and Lewis and their theological ideas about laughter. I especially liked the quote by Chesterton that laughter is " a sacred madness." I agree that to laugh in the face of one's life and  troubles is  good for our souls. Laughter takes us to the world of the spirit. The book refers to C.S. Lewis and his conversion to Christ. There is also a chapter about his wife, Joy who died before her time. There is an emphasis on the spirituality of C.S. Lewis depicted in many of his books. I would recommend this book to people interested in C.S. Lewis's use of laughter and comedy in his writings and in his life. I suggest you read the Narnia series so you are comfortable with the many references found in this book. I also would suggest reading Chesterton and become familiar with his works because they are referenced many times in this book.

Has God Spoken?

Thomas Nelson has allowed me to read and review the book, " Has God Spoken? : Proof of the Bible's Divine Inspiration." for free. Hank Hanegraff, a Apolegetic Theologian, wrote this book to prove to unbelievers about the truth of the Bible as the divine work of God.
I personally knew nothing about the author or his credibility. He presented the case the the Bible is an accurate manuscript of God. He produced many facts to corroborate his claim and made a good case for the divineness of the Bible. Using acronyms to help the reader remember important facts, he also presented excellent arguments about his belief. If you are unfamiliar with the Bible this book is not for you. It would be difficult to follow his thinking. Read the Bible first and than dig in to this book.
People who are schooled in scripture have an opportunity to follow the author's research and make their own decisions. I understood that the disciples left an oral tradition that was eventually written down by scribes and holy people. He suggests that the Bible is an truly accurate rendition of the original words of God. Take your time and read this slowly.

On the deaths of my Dad, Mom and Sister in 2011

"You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair".
-- Old Chinese Proverb

I am thrilled that my Grandson cut down his first Christmas tree with the help of Popo and Dad.

Happy Thanksgiving

I remember sitting aroound the table at Grandpa's as he prepared our feast. Grandma was a little crazy and didn't cook so we grew up thinking all men could cook like Grandpa. Wrong! My Dad made Tortino's Pizza, Cheese Toast and Hamburgers but ask him to try making Sloppy Joes- no way. Mom on the other hand could cook a perfectly balanced and tasty meal that always included a "nice" salad. To this day, I find myself telling my husband, I made him a " nice" salad. Both daughters are great cooks but the best Italian Gravy maker is Trace. Yum. His Italian family always had turkey, ham, meatballs and lasagne for Thanksgiving. Mama Mia!

Purrs, Tankene Ice Mist

That is how cooking went in our family. How about yours?

Sparklewood Morning

Tankene's trilling, scratching, watching-

Chubby's thinking, staring, wanting

Sinatra's trailing, swirling, washing

MaaMaa's brushing, combing, fluffing

Kitty's purring, purring, purring. Asleep.

Purrs Tankene