Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance

Truly enjoyed this memoir by J.D. Vance, a portrayal of his hillbilly upbringing in Appalachian Kentucky and in Middletown, OH, and how he climbed out of that cycle to land at Yale Law School after service in the Marines.  This book is a riveting read on the brokenness of the white working class, while also establishing the strengths of determination and desire to "break out".
J. D. was mostly raised by his grandma, who was pretty scary!  The dysfunction and character weaknesses in most of the adults in the author's life made me wonder out loud how this young man saw his way to reach for his dreams.  But, as he openly admits, those demons from his past still rear their ugly heads in his "new" upper class life.

Interesting pieces:  1...how Mamaw knew her Bible, but her actions and speech didn't reflect it (same issue most of us have in different ways); yet JD refers to her as his best example of Christianity, and love.  She fiercely loved her family, but could express great hate for others. 2..that kids in JD's type of situation have a better chance of getting into Ivy League schools than upper middle class, but just do not know how to tap into it, and take advantage of the financial aid opportunities.   3...how much the hillbillies hated Barak Obama, as they could not relate--he was a good father, they were not; he looked professional in his suits, they wore overalls; his wife decried bad nutrition- which was the staple of the hillbillies.  "Obama strikes at the heart of our deepest insecurities."  4...the final piece which made huge sense:  all of the people in JD's life that "made it out" of the mentality and abuse of this class were those who married OUT; his aunt, his sister and himself all found love and marriage with spouses who could assist with their fears and life cycles.  They knew how life could be different because they had lived it.

Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton

I am a huge fan of this author.  She pointed me in the direction of some ancient spiritual disciplines with her previous book, "Invitation to Solitude and Silence", several years ago.  It gave me the desire to be more of a contemplative, than a "doer"; admitting that all of my "works" were nothing if I didn't have a listening, yearning heart.

Because of my position on the Navigation Team at church, I picked up this book to "re-boot" as a leader because I had been out of the mainstream of leadership since our departure from full-time ministry in 2013.  Ruth bases this book on Moses' life and leadership, which I love.  I have always been a fan of character studies, and she develops this fully.  Her basic premise is that we not simply give lip service to prayer, but we develop rhythms of solitude (as did Moses) and lead out of those sacred silences.  As we are transformed in the stillness, God gives great freedom to lead.  The chapter on "Finding God's Will Together" was particularly insightful as we head into such a season at our church; but the most compelling was the last chapter "Reenvisioning the Promised Land".  Speaking directly to my heart as I have been struggling with my "next" role; she brings us to Moses' last days, how he stands on the mountain and looks over the Promised Land, which he can't enter.  Am I at the place of utter contentment with where God has me?  Am I longing to be with Him?  Do I really need one more "hurrah"?  Can I simply live these remaining days in serving in simple ways, not being a mover & shaker?  Not called to an activism or "bigger" purpose (such as refugee care?).  Am I done with such things?  I don't know--but the author gives me the challenge to let some dreams go (as Moses let go of his desire to physically lead the people into the land), and lean into Him, resting in areas of service with calm and serenity, not striving or angst.  I Timothy 6:6: "But godliness with contentment is great gain".

Just a building?

Stately and solid on the main four corners of town it sits.  Renovated in 1953 after a fire demolished its upper floors,  it became Kalamazoo Savings and Loan, where my parents secured a $5500 loan to expand our small home in 1957, as more babies were anticipated.  Of course, at age 6, I wasn't necessarily interested in this bank...until a few years later when my mother insisted that each of us kids open an account so we could begin "saving".  It seemed like an austere and pristine place, with high ceilings--it evoked the need to be on your best behavior, and speak in whispers to the tellers as you stood on tippy toes to hand over the money and the "book".

Now as I relax in this same building, "Mezzo Coffee", drinking my tea infused pineapple coconut smoothie; I reminisce.  It was here that I deposited those checks and tips from my work at Judy's Restaurant.  It was here that I emptied my account each fall before heading back to college, tuition payment in hand.  It was here that I returned to apply for employment as a teller after getting married and needing some supplemental income.  It was here that my first pregnancy terminated, as I turned with stricken face to Manager Loretta Kling when my water broke at 13 weeks.

Today our town is mourning the loss of Kathy Misner, mover and shaker of Otsego.  When we returned almost 20 years ago, this building had become Decorator's Plus. It was here that I met Kathy for the first time.  It was here that I came for advice on our new home, insisting that we buy expensive Benjamin Moore paint, much to my husband's chagrin! It was here that I requested Kathy's help to visit my home and give me some new ideas, as she did for hundreds of people.
And now, it is here that I rest and remember.  Sue Cramer named this spot "Mezzo", referring to "middle".  Middle of town, middle of activity, middle of life.  She bought this building from Kathy to carry on the tradition of life in Otsego.  Life in a community of people.  A community that shares history, a community that remembers people, a community that comes together over coffee.
This building has fostered life and community and growth...it is not "just" a building.

The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman

I was excited to read this book, as my appetite had been whetted by advertisements for the movie. After reading the last two WWII novels, this was somewhat of a let down--not because of the great content and the very meticulous recording of details by the author--but because it read like a textbook, a bit devoid of the emotion and feelings of the characters.  It made me realize that I need the "storybook tale" not just the stark facts.
Antonina was a generous and gifted woman, truly humble and unassuming as she went about her very unusual life during WWII in Warsaw.  Her insights about animals and people, her sixth sense of danger, and her ability to courageously speak and act as if she were in a very normal setting--all worked together in her life to save over 300 Jewish "guests" at the Warsaw Zoo.  I particularly enjoyed the human element of the various characters and how they managed to escape the trains or the slaughters by the ruthless Germans.  Over and over, the resilient spirits that God gave to these people, in the face of brutality, oppression and fear; left me in amazement.

April Musings @ Nazareth

An intentional date with Jesus~ three hours of listening, singing, observing, smelling, hearing, touching;  it was walking slowly with a Friend, being in the moment, give and take.  As I headed to the prayer labyrinth on this cloudless perfect day, I came across a dead, brittle lifeless tree...and stopped.  Having just "sat" in John 15-17, my head was full of "the Spirit gives life...if there is no life, there is no Spirit".  What a clear picture of what happens to my soul when deadness creeps in--empty, stark, ready to fall or give up, form but no substance.
My senses were heightened as I continued on the prayer path--and next discovered a half-dead pine. One half seemed to be turned to the sun, with green growth while the other side held barren branches buried in another growing tree.  What are you saying to me, Lord?  Is this also me sometimes?  A kind of half hearted life, desiring the growth--but not always leaning into Jesus?  Sitting on the fence of my blessed life, but not always living the freedom or not straining hard to hear His words more clearly...perhaps leaning into someone else's growth, or into my past years of growth?
OK, Lord--you have my attention!  Anticipating, searching, sitting on the edge of my seat--and there it was:  a perfect tree, full of light green buds shooting out, stretching upward, excited to be fully in bloom soon...as April was turning into May.  Oh wow, can my life be like this?  Is it possible to be so alive to the Holy Spirit that my "blooming" is more visible than I ever realize?  My head so believes this-- that there is abundant & overflowing life, transformed by the Spirit; touch my heart, let me SEE your work, and feel your energy, your LIFE.  Grow me into that green tree.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

As I read books, I am always looking for the reference as to why/how the author titled the book; so assumed that it was named after Isabelle, who was code-named the Nightingale for her many nocturnal ambulatory flights over the mountains to aid British pilots downed in France during World War II.  But this reference was only one aspect of the title.

Sisters Vianne and Isabelle had a rocky relationship, mostly due to the death of their mother in their youth--Isabelle felt rejected by both her sister and father when she desperately needed their love and care.  Because she needed purpose and a "cause" she actively sought how to make a difference in this terrible war, knowing that this was in direct opposition to Vianne's need for security, sameness and protection for her daughter.

As the story plays out, from a flashback perspective of Vianne's memories, it turns out that the daughters and the father all became key players in their opposition efforts to the Nazis--they just were not aware of each others' activities.  Julius used his skills to create illegal papers and propaganda; Izzy choosing to assist hundreds across the border; and Vi, after much loss and hardship, began working with the Church to save Jewish children.

An outstanding read, realizing that "Nightingale" also signifies love and loss --so much loss in each character's life, but reconciliations made to one another before it was too late.   The theme of love recurring: love of family, love of France, love of the church, love of Truth.  Again, I am always wondering if I am strong enough to stand for Truth--would I risk my life or my family's lives to aid and assist, or to stand against our government if they chose against Biblical principles....or would I be blinded and hesitate as did Vianne?

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

This book came highly recommended -- the story of two separate characters during World War II whose lives intersect at the end, a brief interlude that gives great meaning to the guilt ridden Nazi boy-man and great gratitude to the blind French girl.  It's a story of the innocence of childhood, turning into the violence of war; of moral kindness turning into moral collapse; of childhood dreams turning into harsh reality; of the goodness of many who stand up against the evil that is taking over.

I came away with a great sadness for the people of Europe whose families and cities were ripped apart, and a great sadness that the people who could have said so much to one another to help them heal--could not even speak of their memories, as they themselves never healed....I so wanted the Nazi friend of Werner's to tell Jutta what her brother meant to him, and for Marie-Laure to explain to Jutta how Werner saved her life.  How amazing that would have been to Jutta to know Werner came through the war with some goodness still in his heart.  A good story about a terrible time.

The Silent Wife by Angela S. A. Harrison

This was our 3rd book for Book Club, a genre that I don't typically like, reminiscent of "Gone Girl".  It was a back and forth telling from husband and wife (common law marriage), of the slow disintegration of their union.  Even though they each agreed (incorrectly) that they were from normal backgrounds, it becomes clear that those family dynamics were integrally a part of who they became and how they related to one another, just as it happens in our lives.

Because I have an analytical streak, the psychological details were interesting- but the behaviors that came out were chilling.  Neither saw their actions as unusual or detrimental to their relationship; but it became clear early on that they would unravel if not thwarted.  I kept thinking about the verse, "but the Truth will set you free" as these two continued down their slippery slope of denial, secrets and revenge.

A quick, interesting read; but still not my favorite genre...I like happy endings, and this was unsettling.

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai with Patricia McCormick

A simply written story with a powerful message.  A young Pakistani child of 11 who speaks openly about the need for educating girls in her town of Mingora, state of Swat.  A child born of parents who started a school and encouraged this daughter to learn and value education above all.  A courageous girl who continued to attend school and relayed information to the NY Times, even when the Taliban took over Mingora and ordered women and girls to stay in their homes.  A family displaced to Birmingham England when the unthinkable happens --rebel forces shoot Malala at point blank range, grazing her ear, eye and temple.

In this re-telling of her story, Malala makes it so clear that ALL Muslims are not radical, that the Taliban is hated by many groups of Muslims who do not condone their extreme behavior....and that other nations need to be involved in receiving refugees who are fleeing from violence, fear of death, and inhumane treatment of women.

Bahamas Breezes

March 4-11, 2017

A sumptuous dinner with the Mammina’s in their St. John, IN home started our getaway.  Smoked ribs by Ben, and asparagus & Caesar Salad sides by Rose.  Possibly one of the best dinners we will have!!

Saturday found us on a short flight from O’Hare to Nassau.  The cab driver was interesting, giving us some history and his testimony!  He mentioned that the Lord had blessed him, so we asked how he knew Jesus – love when we meet people of another culture who we will see in heaven!  We walked 2 miles to his recommended eating spot, the Fish Fry; which is an area with several restaurant choices on Junkanoo Beach—all authentic Bahamian.  We ordered boiled grouper—cooked in foil with carrots, potatoes, pepper, onions and a little spice.  Also came with mashed potatoes, rice & peas, and cabbage w/ carrots.  It was so delicious—and glad that we smartly ordered one to share!  A wonderful start to our trip.

Sunday: 

After staying in Towne Hotel for the night (needs some TLC, but very authentic!), we headed out exploring the city.  Straw Market reminded us of the Cancun vendors who are so quick to “suck you in”.  Each vendor has their own spot in this open-air building and one grabbed my arm to show me her “wares”—I was able to purchase a lovely Bahamas beach bag, originally at $25—sold for a hard, cold $10 bill – such a deal?  Yikes, I am so not good at turning down these very persuasive people!!   On to the historic Queens Stairs, in honor of Queen Victoria who freed the slaves here on the islands during her reign.  A fascinating history lesson from a local, provided us with yet another view of the way the church made some horrific choices in the past, in regards to choosing profit over caring for human lives.  A highlight was stepping into 2 very different Bahaman church services:  one Anglican with a beautiful singing of the Doxology; another, Zion Baptist where we thoroughly enjoyed the movement, passionate singing and being one of 6 whites in a group of 300 worshipers.  Again, a glimpse of heaven.  Hallelujah! We crossed the bridge to Paradise Island, checked into Harborside Resort and then checked out some eating spots which run anywhere from $ to $$$$$ -- we will be careful!  Split a burger at the American burger spot, a quick walk-through the aquarium, coffee at Starbucks and finished the day watching a free movie at the Atlantis Theatre, Hacksaw Ridge.  Very FULL day – clocked over 6 miles with 14K steps!

Monday: 

Awoke after a restful sleep to hit the fitness center for 25 minutes of biking; then fixed egg wraps in our kitchen.  Headed to our “speel” at the timeshare sales office, hoping to find out some details on our ownership; however there was not much help with that.  Dominique spent the first 40 minutes conversing with us about the islands, his Anglican background, finding Jesus, gratefulness, and the racial issues in America.  Enlightening and enjoyable!  We were able to resist the pressure to buy more vacation pleasures for our family –and walked away with a $100 voucher to enjoy an upscale dinner at one of the $$ restaurants!!  Later that day I read Ann Voscamp’s “Lent to Repent” – where her prayer for the day was for us to repent from “wanting more and keeping up with the Jones”.  So grateful that God has given us contentment, and re-affirmed the decision we made earlier.  It also challenged us to keep our hearts open to His nudges to make life better for some Bahamans by giving out of our abundance rather than hoarding it for ourselves.  Since it was another extremely windy day, we chose to do more walking; checking out the beach area, browsing in the library, finding the Lazy River, eating nachos at Anthony’s and landing in our room early to recuperate.

Tuesday: 

Headed out early to Viola’s, a little open air restaurant on the far side near Atlantis.  Western Omelets and great coffee!  

Back to our resort by 11:30 and spent the next several hours at our pool and hot tub.  Excellent salads at the poolside grill.  Great day of relaxing, a little too much sun for Bill who chose not to put on sunscreen….Enjoyed baked potatoes w/ broccoli and cheese in our room; then leisurely walked to the Marina Village for coffee and a wonderful pina colada cake dessert.  Bill has been off sugar for over 2 weeks and even refused a taste of this—I’m so proud of him.  We sat for an hour enjoying the free entertainment, a one man show with 3 drums, playing a mix of music with various folks stopping to dance.  A lovely, romantic evening!

Wednesday: 

Coffee & breakfast in while praying for Maynard’s three bypass surgery.  After hearing his good report, we headed to the AquaAdventure Park at the Atlantis Complex, where we jumped on the Lazy River, the Crazy River and a short water slide --where Bill jammed his knee/hip as he hit the waterpool at the end.  

Thankful he will see the orthopedic dr. on Monday, hoping for shots in both knees.  Split a reuben sandwich at Murray’s Deli, lounged by one of the 10 pools available to us, and caught the shuttle back.  Being the frugals that we are, we made a delicious pasta supper with leftover onions-feta-balsamic from a previous day’s lunch, adding chicken-mushrooms-bacon from a Quiznos sandwich along with the can of petite tomatoes.  Outstanding!!  Finished off the day watching a 9 pm Junkanoo Parade, festive island dress w/masks, cow bells, brass instruments; then to the Atlantis theatre for a 9:45 showing of The Accountant. 

Thursday:

Leisurely morning, breakfast on the deck.  On to the resort pool to read & people watch.  Tried a pina colada drink, which was as tasty as the Bahama Mama, except a little too much rum made me a bit woozy!!  I am definitely a light-weight.  Lunch at the poolside restaurant, The Point, looking out at the Marina—tried the conch fritters, delicious!  Dinner in, then wandered over near the Marina and found a “Margaritaville” for key lime pie.   A special fireworks exhibit from our deck was a surprise ending!

Friday:

An excellent ending to our sojourn in Paradise Island, a leisurely walk on Cove Beach.  We entered the beach unobtrusively since only Cove guests were allowed on this beach---but so glad we did!! The most beautiful beach we have ever enjoyed.  Not only the many hues of green-blue in the water, but the sandy shoreline was unlittered by seaweed/bark/dirt. Frolicking in the clear water, conversing with a Texan yoga learner, and watching the cruise ships enter the harbor all made for a terrific stroll.  

Re-entering the “legal” area to rest at a pool, we purchased carry out chicken tenders & headed home through the elaborate Marina maze---suddenly discovering that our ever-ready Bahama bag was missing!!!!  Yikes.  A quick race back to the Deli, sending up instant prayers all the way-- –the lonely bag still sitting in an outdoor chair where we had stopped to take a photo.  As the very kind security guard said—“it’s Paradise, mon”; nothing stolen, all credit cards and cash intact!!  I love the Bahamans!  Thank you, Lord.  While Bill napped (we did clock 15,000 steps & almost 7 miles!), I walked back to the Coral Towers to return library materials (a book which I finished and a Yahtze game which went untouched—HA); then we took time to get ready for “Date Night”.  The highly touted “Carmine’s” (of New York) was our destination, where they served family shared portions –way too much food for us—we needed our kids with us!  We behaved ourselves and did not order the pasta specialty, but loved the Caesar salad, the special breads and my third drink of the week, a peach schnaps Beach Cooler!  The shrimp scampi and broccoli were also very good.  A very expensive dinner, compliments of our Vistana voucher.  A delightful day with my special man, a wonderful ending to our romantic getaway in Paradise.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow.  Grateful for rest, refreshment, recreation.