Greater could be greater

I recently read Stephen Furtick's book, "Greater." I was intrigued by the title and the description on the back of the book. Furtick's hypothesis is that we're so paralyzed by the pressure of being the greatest that we settle for being so-so. Instead, we should tap into the strength of God to be greater than we are, however much of little. And I certainly had been feeling so-so recently. Furtick makes some good points, but nothing in the book is revolutionary. We all need to be reminded that God isn't searching for perfection. But the strides we could make if we did just a little more would change the world. I definitely appreciated the achievability of this message, but I doubt I'd pick it up again. Worth a read if you're feeling a desire to move the needle and need some courage to start.

A Season of Tending

I'm no stranger to Cindy Woodsmall, and I'm definitely no stranger to Amish fiction. I know that part of the attraction is my family connection to the Lancaster, PA, area. And while the Amish tend to have a narrow possibility for story lines, Woodsmall always manages to craft an intriguing narrative. This book, her latest, primarily follows Samuel, a young orchard overseer trying to save his farm from financial ruin, and Rhoda, a renowned gardener and canner who has been mistaken as a mystic because of her work with herbs. The story broadens to other members of Samuel's family. However, since this is book 1 in the series, I'm hoping Woodsmall plans to tie up loose ends in subsequent stories. What draws these two characters together is their mutual need for each other. Samuel needs Rhoda's talent to preserve both the orchard and his future. Rhoda needs the orchard to save herself from withering away when vandals destroy her garden. Overall, the story is compelling, especially since Rhoda and Samuel don't end up as love interests. However, the plot has lots of holes, from a mysterious illness Samuel's sister Leah battles, to a mysterious single mother one of Samuel's brothers supposedly supports. Hopefully future installment of the story line will bring all the loose ends together.

From the library of C.S. Lewis

I've struggled through Mere Christianity, Screwtape Letters, and been inspired by countless words from the late C.S. Lewis. He had a way of saying things in a way that captured exactly what you didn't know you were thinking. So, when I found "From the Library of C.S. Lewis," I had to check it out. The book is full of excerpts from the breadth of authors who influenced C.S. Lewis. I was fascinated by how many different types of literature he read. As interesting as it was to read works by a variety of authors, reading excerpts is a bit like reading a verse from the Bible without taking the time to consider the context. And although the sections were divided by topics, since there were a bunch from Chesterton and other writers equally influential, it would have been nice to see their works together. It's still fascinating to see life through the reading glasses of C.S. Lewis, but this book wasn't exactly what I'd hoped.

Finding our way home

These days, there are few books that capture me in their characters from page one. "Finding Our Way Home" by Charlene Baumbich is one of them. It records the story of Sasha, a professional ballet dancer forced into early retirement because of a debilitating injury, and Evelyn, her caretaker. The former is a shadow of her previous self, struggling to find relief from the physical and emotional pain, living a private life characterized by mystery and secrecy. Evelyn makes you smile from the second she enters a scene, and in every encounter thereafter. Few characters have so much energy so fast. Independently, and together, these two women blend their strengths and weaknesses in an endearing way that is thoroughly heartwarming. It's easy to get lost in their corner of the world. I can't think of a better book to kick off summer reading.

Where Lilacs Still Bloom

It's spring, and I'm enjoying my first real garden ever, and it's in the dream house I live in with my sweet husband. So, reading the back of "Where Lilacs Still Bloom" by Jane Kirkpatrick, it seemed like the perfect time to give it a try. At the center of the story are the flowers. Hulda, a German immigrant, lives in a small Oregon town. She has a talent for seeing the potential in plants...first she grafts two apple plants together to produce a new breed that is larger and easier to peel for pie. She next sets her sights on creating a creamy white lilac with 12 petals (they usually have four). Over the decades as her flowers evolve, she shares cuttings with dozens of visitors to start their own gardens. On the East Coast, a young new bride delves into horticulture to unlock a deeper connection with her new husband, a devoted horticulturalist. And in California, an aspiring writer develops a passion for plants to help her column readers better care for their gardens. The climax (and the flowers) bring the three women together, but the end of the book will bring tears to your eyes. Hulda's town is at the crux of two rivers, prone to flooding. When Hulda loses all her lilacs (and her belongings) in a devastating floods, offspring from the thousands of cuttings she shared over the years pour in. Along with her family, Hulda, now in her 80s, replants the lilacs. Just before her death, she uncovers her prized cream lilac with its 12 petals. You can't help but cheer for her. Based on a true story, this book captures you with its tenderness and perseverance. Kirkpatrick is new author to me, and I guarantee I'll read her stories again.

When Work and Family Collide

The past few months, I've been in a tug-of-war between my work life and my home life. I strive for success in my job but, as is the title of this blog, I am logging for the tasks of home. So, when I saw Andy Stanley's latest, "When Work and Family Collide," I was understandably intrigued.

The book is a quick read, only about 135 pages, and it's divided into 2 parts. The first part lays out the issue and Stanley's suggested resolution. The second part uses Old Testament figure Daniel as an example of finding success in the workplace by properly caring for those at home.

As is typically the case with these types of book, nothing was all that revolutionary content-wise, with the possible definition of cheating as depriving something of its rightful place in your priorities. However, as is also typical in books like this, Stanley's examples and careful narrative reminds the reader that better alignment between work and home is achievable, and more importantly, critical.

I'll definitely be applying what I learned and I'd recommend this book to anyone trying to balance life inside and outside the home.

The Scent of Cherry Blossoms

I just wrapped up the latest Cindy Woodsmall book. The Scent of Cherry Blossoms follows two brothers broken in two different ways. One suffers from a physical paralysis as the result of an accident. The other suffers from verbal paralysis, as a stutter keeps him trapped within his own body.

I've always enjoyed Woodsmall's fiction, and this novella is a sweet simple story of choosing love against all odds. The one brother, so broken in both body and spirit, realizes that by pitying himself, he's shut himself off from himself, his brother, his parents, a possible love, and especially, His God.

What a great reminder of how we should look beyond ourselves. When we help someone else, we can help but reap the benefits.