In The Beginning…

In the beginning …… of the year, we set our resolutions.  It is a time old tradition.  I could go into the history of setting resolutions, but it is just as easy for you to “Google it” than for me to cut and paste all the history.  Turning over the new calendar seems to inspire us to turn over a new “you”.    TV ads have been running to help us achieve those goals.  Ads to quit smoking, lose weight, get in shape all have been in high rotation. What resolution have you set for the new year?

The top 10 resolutions, according to “About.Com” are: 

1.  Spend more time with family & friends    

2.  Get Fit                                                                  

3.  Lose Weight

4.  Quit Smoking

5.  Enjoy Life More

6.  Quit Drinking

7.  Get Out of Debt

8.  Learn Something New

9.  Help Others

10.  Get Organized

I think I could adopt many of these goals – except the quit smoking thing; I really like my cigars.  (Just kidding.)  But in God’s plan for my life, I think these would all happen.  If, as Christians, we are to live more like Christ, would any of these be a natural by-product?  I would imagine so.  If we go into the new year with the mindset to honor God, and grow spiritually, you would study the Bible more.  By studying the Bible, you would also want to seek God’s will in your life. 

So, in setting my resolutions for the year, wouldn’t it make sense to:

1.  seek God –  Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:4

2.  ask for His wisdom – If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.  James 1:5

3.  rely on Him – I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 1 Timothy 1:12

4.  and always, always, give God the Glory –    So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.   1 Corinthians 10:31 

and remember to – Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:  He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.  Psalm 37:5-6

Dogwood – A Book Review

Dogwood  By Chris Fabry

About Dogwood (from the Author)

I wrote a story about the small town I’m from in West Virginia, changing the name to Dogwood. There are some really great people in small towns. But small towns have long memories and in this locale, the people have a hard time forgiving Will Hatfield for what he did. Still he returns, intent on pursuing the only woman he has ever loved — only to find there is far more standing in his way than lost years in prison.

Karin has buried her shattered dreams by settling for a faithful husband whose emotional distance leaves her isolated. Loaded with guilt, she tries to raise three children and survive the best she can.

The secrets of Will and Karin’s past begin to emerge through Danny Boyd, a young boy who wishes he hadn’t survived the tragedy that knit those two together as well as tore them apart. But the trigger that will lay bare their past and force them to face it is the unlikely figure of Ruthie Bowles, a withered, wiry old woman whose prying and persistence forces unexpected consequences.

I really love the story of Dogwood and hope you will as well.

 

My Thoughts:

If you know anything about me, you know that I am an avid listener of ‘Chris Fabry Live!’  I started listening a little over a year and half ago, and was instantly hooked.  Chris is real and open about his life and family, and is just himself on the radio.  I could go on and on about how he picks great topics, and guests, but they are not necessarily the latest current topic or the author that is making the rounds because they have a new book out.  His topics are relevant to today’s Christian and are sometimes just a chat over the back yard fence.   So, when I heard he wrote a book, I had to read it.

The story is told in first person, by several characters.  Chris’s southern upbringing comes out in this story set in the small town of Dogwood, West Virginia.  As I read the story, I cheered for and hated each character throughout the book.  As with any small town, Dogwood is a usual small town where everyone knows everyone; and everyone knows your past, present and future.

Will has spent his time in prison and is ready to go back to his hometown and pickup his life where he left it 12 years ago.  Unfortunately time does not stand still, people move on, and he is being judged by his past.

Karin is living with her second choice in life, and trying to make the most of it.  Or is she really happy with this choice?  She seems to be somewhat numb to her life.

I completely enjoyed this book, and couldn’t put it down.  I was drawn in on the first page and did not expect the ending of the book.  I try to figure the ending of the book, and the surprise at the end was a WOW!  This book won a Christy Award, and I completely agree.  It is well written, the characters are likeable and hateable, and the ending is a WOW!