Rooms

Rooms by James Rubart was a compelling book--an amazing and insightful book outlining one man's struggle to find what world he belongs in. Exceptionally inspiring with just the right amount of action, suspense, romance, mysticism and Truth. Definitely challenges the reader to examine which world they are living in, whose voice is guiding their actions, and the very real consequences each action brings.

On a rainy spring day in Seattle, young software tycoon Micah Taylor receives a cryptic, twenty-five-year-old letter from a great uncle he never knew. It claims a home awaits him on the Oregon coast that will turn his world inside out. Suspecting a prank, Micah arrives at Cannon Beach to discover a stunning, brand new nine-thousand square foot house built just the way he loves.  When bizarre things start happening in the rooms of the home, Micah suspects they have some connection to his enigmatic new friend, Rick, the town mechanic. But Rick will only say the house is spiritual. This unnerves Micah because his faith slipped away like the tide years ago, and he wants to keep it that way. But as he slowly discovers, the home isn’t just spiritual, it’s rooms are a physical manifestation of his soul, which God uses to heal Micah’s darkest wounds and lead him into a new destiny.

Rooms is as great an allegory as Dinner with a Perfect Stranger or Pilgrims Progress.  The mysticism in the book fits the theme.  It makes me want the freedom that God gives and the possibility of an unencumbered life--a definite 5-star book.

fft

Some of my favorite things this past week:

Great Grands showing me their pretty cactus

Great Grands mud cakes are almost done

Littlest Great Grand ready for Auntie's gladuation

All the great grands ready to go

Daughter getting diploma from college president

The graduate and her family

Each week, Hilary listis four statements with a blank for you to fill in on your own blogs. If you want to join the fun and come up with four fill in’s of your own, please email them to her at Hilary(at)feelingbeachie(dot)com. If she uses them, she will add you as co-host to the hop! This week’s co-host is Pickles from Purrfectly Pickles who came up with the last two statements! I REALLY NEED CO-HOSTS, after so many weeks I am running out of statements!

I would LOVE it if you could please help me spread the word about this hop…. So, please tweet, FaceBook share, and add the linky to your post…

This week’s statements:
1. I can really use _an ice cold tea_ right now--it's 6 o'clock and still 100 degrees outside.
2. I like to _read__ my __Kindle___
3. The color of the sky right now is __blue with not a cloud in sight_
4. I get annoyed __at Wal-Mart___ because of __many of the prices aren't marked and there isn't store personnel to help_

Sunday Meditation--Soft and Tender

Soft-hearted instead of hard-headed; that's what love is about

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven  you. (NASB)

Pondering with a Purpose--Leash

 Today's prompt is: Leash

First thought, of course, is the tether thats used for leading something such as a dog.  Or perhaps a child.  I know that many look askance at a parent with a child on a leash, but let me tell you that if you have ever had a young one whose middle name is bullet you know the peace of mind that even though they have some freedom to roam, you still know where they are.  Even as they get older it is hard to release the leash that binds them to you, but it necessary.

In hunting country leash sometimes refers to a set of three, like three foxes or deer.

Leach also infers control, such as having a leach on your temper.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. May is National Blood Pressure Month...what sends yours soaring, either literally or figuratively? What calms you down? When did you last have your bp checked?
I had my bp checked last month by my PCP.  Conflict is sure to raise my blood pressure, I hate listening to or be involved in squabbles.  Music, reading or prayer will calm me down.

2. You just found $1-what do you spend it on? How about 10$ 100?
With a dollar I would buy a bag of ice--it was 107 at my house today.  10$ would get some treats for the grandkids, $100-I would pinch myself to wake me from my dream.

3. Mandatory labeling of genetically engineered (GE) food has been proposed, but not enacted in the US. How much attention do you give food labels before you buy? Are you in favor of labeling if it means an increase in food prices? Is this an issue you've been following and feel strongly about, or is this the first you've heard of the controversy?
I have to pay close attention to food costs, so anything that would increase prices I would oppose.  I really don't think that GE foods will affect me.

4. May 15th marks the birthdate of Frank Baum, author of The Wizard of Oz. At this point in time, are you more in need of brains, courage, heart, or a trip back home? Explain.
I'd take a trip back home--I love revisiting my past, a time of innocence and freedom.

5. "There's no place like home" is an oft repeated line from Baum's book. When was the last time you felt the truth of that statement?
When I returned home Saturday night.  I love the peace and quiet of my house.

6. Steak...yes please or no thank you? What cut do you prefer and how do you like yours cooked? Sauce or no sauce? Besides your own kitchen, where's a place you like to go to get a great steak?
I can live without steak, I prefer seafood.  I hate fat on a steak, or one that I have to chew for half an hour.  If I do order a steak it is usually a rib-eye, and I eat it medium rare with no sauces.  I have had good steak at Durants in downtown Phoenix.

7. When was the last time you were in a genuine hurry?
I hardly am ever in a hurry, as I hate to be late, so I always tend to be early.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Saturday my youngest daughter graduated from college with honors (for the second time--first with a degree in legal studies, now with a degree in computer science)  all this while working full time and raising a family.  She is a special person.