I thought I would give a book review of the book I just read. My children bought me Beverly Lewis' new book The Parting. I really enjoy reading Beverly Lewis books. I think I like them most because for a few hours I am able to go to a world that is so different from my busy life and slow down with them in the pages. I am not sure - but I think I could live the Amish lifestyle. (I could not adhere to their doctrine - religiously speaking) I do think that their simple life - their slow life and their family life would be a hit for me! With that all said - I really do enjoy Beverly Lewis. 
The PartingNellie Fisher is the main character in this new novel. Her sister died a a young age and as any "premature" death goes - it turned this family upside down. Because of her sister's untimely death questions about life, faith and eternity begin surfacing in different family member's hearts. The Parting is a story about life carrying on through grief and suffering. Life always goes on - and Nellie is growing up too. Courtship age is coming closer and she must make some choices that will effect the very future of the rest of her life. It is a must read!
I love this book because if CLEARLY presented the gospel throughout the book. Sometimes I think that in fiction books the gospel or the main message gets lost throughout the story line. In The Parting, the gospel is clearly presented. I also liked the story because, weaved throughout the book is the clear understanding that true Christianity must separate from ungodly teaching and philosophy. So many times in today's theology you find people who believe that salvation is something that you add to your life. Salvation's is something that changes your life! That concept is clearly seen in the pages of this wonderful story.
I love this book because if CLEARLY presented the gospel throughout the book. Sometimes I think that in fiction books the gospel or the main message gets lost throughout the story line. In The Parting, the gospel is clearly presented. I also liked the story because, weaved throughout the book is the clear understanding that true Christianity must separate from ungodly teaching and philosophy. So many times in today's theology you find people who believe that salvation is something that you add to your life. Salvation's is something that changes your life! That concept is clearly seen in the pages of this wonderful story.
I trust you are able to enjoy the book as much as I did. I think perhaps is is my most favorite book that I have read by this author; because it truly portrayed what living faith in Christ is like - Life Changing!
On a personal note - our dinner with the missionaries went well. I made roast and baked potatoes, steamed broccoli and fresh sliced tomatoes. I also made "Pull apart rolls". I had never made these before - and they were a hit! They were fun to make too. We ended the dinner with Triple Fudge Brownies that were very very good. (if you like brownies that is - I am not too fond of them - but oh well :( )
I trust you had a good day. Thanks for stopping by,Jane
I was able to find a big turkey tray - the kind you use to bring the big turkey to the table while everyone is oohing and ahing about how wonderful it looks. The tray that you always had when you were a child - the one that your mother used every Thanksgiving. It is the very same tray that you find you need on Thanksgiving morning after you are married and beginning your new life as a homemaker. Well - I have had 17 Thanksgivings like that. This year I am going to be prepared! I found a tray at the thrift store and thought I might as well purchase it! I am ready for Thanksgiving.
I also came across a set of dishes. Now, if you ask if I needed another set of dishes- I will act like I did not hear your question; :) because I do not necessarily need anther set of dinner plates - but I did find these to be cute - matched my kitchen and there were 6 of them all together - which you do not usually find in the thrift store. They also were clearance priced at $ .49 a plate. So.... (hopefully you find it as good of a deal as I did :)
I also ran across a set of clear salad plates on the same clearance rack. They also were priced at $ .49 a piece. I thought they were adorable and loved them the most of all of my finds. Clear plates are so versatile. You can use them for any season and they can accompany any other dish set that you have.
My mother in law was with me on my outing and bought me a ceramic watering can that I liked. I think I will put a flower arrangement in it for the spring. It will look cute in my entry way by the side door.
The projects on the house continued throughout the weekend. There is still more house to be painted! The kids, Dad and Grandpa worked at it all this weekend. They made quite a team! 
I was most ecstatic about this new addition:
Steps to my side door. I have been without these steps for 2 years. I have wanted so to have our guests use this door for the main entrance. Instead they have had to use the back door that enters first into the mudroom and then the kitchen. Well, this weekend my father in law made extra brownie points with me by getting my steps up! I was so excited about it. I walked up and down them several times is shear delight of the new gift! Zak thought I was funny and ran up and down them too. Now I will get my side entrance all ready for our guests to enter into a warm and cozy family room. I will try out my new enterance this week - as we are privileged to have missionaries from Mexico coming for dinner.
I trust you had a great Monday. I really love Monday's for they seem to help get everything on track for the rest of the week. Our weeks lying ahead of us are quite busy as we have our missions month in October. I will be preparing meals for missionaries all over the world - - right in the comfort of my own kitchen throughout the month. It will by a busy and tiring month - but one I would not trade for the world!