Friday, March 28, 2014

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Sex, Lies and Betrayal by Kharisma Karpenter


(Back Porchervations disclaimer:  This book contains adult language and situations.)

~~~oOo~~~





"I left the only man I ever loved after killing the one I was with."-Erie Gold.

After taking off from her disastrous double life with Yay, then double crossing him along the way, where does Erie's loyalty truly lie? Bitten twice, Yarnell is out for a vengeance no amount of cream can ever replace. But when these two lovers cross paths this showdown over love and money will leave more than a trail of blood and dollar signs. After fleeing to Mexico, Erie finds herself back in the States, in more than just her enemy reach.

No one is expecting Shawndrell Ford to be released from prison after being arrested so publically. But now that's he a free man his only goal is to get back on top with the help of his partner Greedy. But will his own greed be the cause of their demise?

This explosive trilogy takes readers on a masterful journey through the mindsets of those who entrust everything they know and love into the almighty dollar. And in the streets that have no statue of limitation with more enemies than friends, one of these cash connoisseurs are bound to fall victim to all the Sex, Lies, and Betrayal.


~~~oOo~~~




1.  What or who are some of your inspirations?

The inspiration behind my writing is my mother. She was the first person to put a pen in my hand; I just never put it down. And anyone who knows me knows it gets no bigger than Wahida Clark in my little world. I respect what she's done for literature and giving voices to women who society would have been otherwise cast away. She's proof you can turn a negative into something very much positive.

2.  How did you come up with the concept for Sex, Lies, Betrayal The Façade series?

People call me crazy or they never believe me, but in all honesty it started with a serious case of cold feet. I got engaged at 17 years old and I literally began thinking of everything that could possible go wrong if I considered marriage at such a young age. From there I played with the idea of what I would do in the even that things soured then the pen took on a mind of its own.

3.  Where are some of your favorite place to write?

My all time favorite place to write is at my desk. It's surrounded by my book shelves and its right in front of my window. So every morning I watch the sunrise over both my own little library and the actual library across the street. It's pure solace. If I'm not there, I'm anywhere it's extremely quiet and pitch black so that it's just me and my thoughts.

4.  What are some of your hobbies?

My only hobbies are reading, writing, and collecting rare books and watches. I love the concept of time and what it does.

5.  What are something to have to have a comfortable writing experience?

I have to have Pulp Fiction playing on my IPOD, radio up on blast for 2 hours only, all my notebooks, favorite pen, and strangely enough my grandmother's obituary.

6.  How did you become a published Author with Leo Sullivan and how does it feel?

Mr. Sullivan was one of the many authors who I'd come across when I was simply a reader aspiring to be an author. I kept up with him on paperback then I was introduced to an e book by accident with his name on the top of the cover. Of course, I was hooked and began one clicking everything and I stumbled across some more amazing reads with his name on it and I had to send over my manuscript. Coming from a botched book contract followed by a self-publishing fiasco. Leo is a breath of fresh air. It feels amazing to be able to work with a veteran of his caliber and be recognized for something I loved doing. It's an absolute dream come true.


~~~oOo~~~




Growing up in Maywood, IL, one of Chicago's most violent suburbs, Kharisma Kashmere adapted to reading and writing in adolescence. Spending more time inside than out, she became enthralled with urban fiction and suspense at fourteen. Reading her means of escape from the tumultuous city surrounding her, Kharisma decided to start writing about what she thought maybe going on outside her home. The eldest of eleven children, she remembers sharing her stories with sibling who praised her maturing craft. Her husband whom she met at only eleven years old was the person that brought forth the more creative imaginations she pens today. 

At twenty four, having traveled from Atlanta, Texas, and New York, Kharisma quotes, "I've been blessed to have found a passion so deep for writing; I could have seen the world without ever leaving my room. Her first novel, Sex, Lies, Betrayal: The Facade which she penned in Georgia is only the tip of the iceberg, she states. Today she and her husband reside in the Englewood area of Chicago. And she says there's no place like writing at home.

~~~oOo~~~






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Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Spring Bloggiesta To Do List



First of all, Bloggiesta starts tomorrow, so there is still time to sign up!  Just click the button above for more information and to add your link!

Without further ado:

1.  Update my reading challenge information.  Neither the page nor the reading challenge counters accurately reflect how many books I have read.

2.  Catch up on reviews for books/ARCs I have read.

3.  Complete at least one mini-challenge.

4.  Participate in at least one Bloggiesta Twitter chat

5.  Create my sacred writing space.

I'd probably try more, but with the A to Z Challenge coming up next week, and given that I'm signing up for the Bloggiesta the day before it starts ... 5 is probably (more than) enough to keep my busy.

So tell me, what is one thing you need to do for your blog that's been "on your list" for a while?  Care to join me in accountability for each other during the Bloggiesta?

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Bucket List



(The link goes to the Words for Worms blog, where I found the button, even though it refers to a link-up hosted on The Broke and the Bookish blog, namely, Top Ten Tuesday).

1.  Read every major religious text (Bible, Quran, Torah, Bhagavad Gita, etc).  If I have left out or misquoted the text of your religion, please put it down to my being human and in need of enlightenment.  And feel free to set me straight (respectfully) in the comments. :O)

2.  Attend the Appalachian Writer's Workshop at the Hindman Settlement School (in Hindman, KY).

3.  Amass my own "List of 100 Books Everyone Should Read".

4.  Adapt a favorite book for the stage.

5.  Read one book written by a citizen of each member of the United Nations.

6.  Write a book about a historical figure.

7.  Attend a book signing of one of my favorite authors.

8.  Have a book signing at the Joseph-Beth Booksellers store in Lexington, KY.  (They're the biggest bookstore in our area and my family has spent many happy hours there.)

9.  Self-publish a book.

10.  Traditionally publish a book.

Yeah, that'll about do it.  I better live a LONG time, eh? *LOL*

So, what about you?  What book on your TBR shelf are you most excited to read?

Monday, March 24, 2014

COVER REVEAL: Love's Sorrow by Terri Rochenski



SYNOPSIS:

Hired as a nanny for her cousin’s children, Anne Tearle finds security and a loving family.  The children are a dream, but London society is a world of its own, one where a displaced farm girl has no business being.  But, wealthy rake, Gavin MacKay, helps her to see associating with the upper class might not be as horrid as she first assumed.

Like all things worthwhile, love comes at a price, and the cost soon bestows more anguish than joy.  Lost, but not undone, Anne must find the courage to begin life anew, or succumb to sorrow's unrelenting waves of grief.

About Terri Rochenski:


Terri started writing stories in the 8th grade, when a little gnome whispered in her brain. Gundi’s Great Adventure never hit the best seller list, but it started a long love affair with storytelling.

Today she enjoys an escape to Middle Earth during the rare ‘me’ moments her three young children allow. When not playing toys, picking them back up, or kissing boo-boos, she can be found sprawled on the couch with a book or pencil in hand, and toothpicks propping her eyelids open.

Author Links:


~~~oOo~~~~

Joining the following link-ups:

    A Juggling Mom Motiviational Monday


Friday, March 21, 2014

A to Z Challenge Reveal Blogfest!



I am so excited for today to run around the blogosphere and see what all the #AtoZChallenge tribe will be up to next month!

Last year was my first A to Z Challenge, and my theme was plays in which I had been involved.  Of course, some of the letters are harder to do than others (X and Q, anyone?) and some of the letters I had to use plays that I liked, but had not 'done'.

Since last year, I have done quite a bit of study on the "Proverbs 31 Woman".  For those who may not know, this refers to the verses in Proverbs 31 in the Bible, in which King Lemuel's mother gives him advice.  Verses 10-31 cover things her son, the king, should look for in a woman.

So, this year, my A to Z Challenge theme will be ...

A(ltruistic) to Z(ealous) Qualities of the Proverbs 31 Woman!

So come back on April 1 to check it out!  Join the challenge by clicking the button below - there is still plenty of time to join in the fun!




I'm also sharing this post with my friends at:


It would just tickle me pink to cross-introduce folks from one group to the other, because they have both helped me grow exponentially as a blogger!

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Thursday Thirteen: 13 Things I Could Get Done Today


 
  Thursday favorite things

Thursday Thirteen is a blog link-up hosted at thursday-13.com.  Click the button to see other linkers or to add yours!  I used to participate in this link-up a lot, and then I couldn't find it for a while.  So glad it's back!

Thriving Thursday is a link-up hosted at Serving Joyfully.  I love alliteration and love the inspiration  to thrive on Thursdays (and the rest of the days as well)!

Thursday Favorite Things Hop is hosted at Katherine's Corner, Over 50 Feeling 40, and Vintage Mama's Cottage.  This is truly one of my favorite blog hops!

1.  One chapter of Computer Science.

2.  One chapter of History of the US since 1865.

3.  One chapter of Folklore.

4.  One chapter of World Music.

5.  Clear off my desk.

6.  Dust off my novel outline and nail down the basic framework.

7.  Participate in at least one of the #AZChats on Twitter (1pm/8pm Eastern US)

8.  Make something different for supper.

9.  Write two book reviews...I'm w-a-y behind on these.  (The good news is that I have been reading like CRAZY!)

10.  Write 3 #AtoZChallenge posts.

11.  Walk at least once around the perimeter of our yard.

12.  Sit DS1 in the driver's seat of the van and start that whole process (cause I'm not driving 95% of the way to Texas again...EVER!) *lol*

13.  Get our indoor greenhouse up and going with DD.

Monday, March 17, 2014

RELEASE DAY BLITZ: For the Love of Murphy


For the Love of Murphy
Publisher: Roane Publishing
Release Date: March 17, 2014
Key Words: Adult, Romance, Sweet, Contemporary, Anthology

They say love conquers all, but whoever "they" are, must not have heard of Murphy's Law -- whatever can go wrong, will go wrong.

These five tales of sweet, accidental romance prove Cupid's arrows are a lot tougher than they seem, and sometimes it pays to be unlucky.

No Wrong Turns by Lisa A. Adams
Jessica Brannah is escaping from her last heartbreak with a loaded car and a new address. But, when Murphy's Law finds her stranded in a back country town, she realizes there's no outrunning love.

Falling For You by Michelle Ziegler
Darci’s ready to move on. Too bad the dating pool stinks. Until, a ghost from her past resurfaces—the man she missed out on in college.

Andrew was the one man she’d always loved, but neither of them ever made a move. But, old feelings aren’t the only thing resurfacing of late. Darci’s ex comes crawling back at the most inappropriate time, and with all the testosterone flying, she might not end up with either man.

Coffee and Cufflinks by Annabelle Blume Fresh out of a failed relationship and exhausted by a constant barrage of fiascos at work, Olivia Johnson doesn’t see the man of her dreams standing right in front of her. She tells herself the morning coffee meet-ups with Daren are nothing but coincidence, but even she can’t deny his unequivocal attractiveness. When a night entertaining clients takes a turn for the worst, and Daren shows up where she least expects him, failure starts to look more like fate.

A Slippery Slope by Rebecca Hart
Anne Montgomery is psyched for her girl’s only weekend, despite her friends’ choice of vacation locale—the snowy slopes of Harris Peak Ski Resort—where someone as notoriously accident prone as she has no business being. When Murphy’s Law finally catches up with her, Anne is forced to consider there may be times when it pays to be unlucky.

The Shamrock Incident by London Saint James
Florist, Marissa Carmichael isn’t usually a klutz, but she’s in a hurry and having a bad day. In her haste, she loses her balance and tumbles from the back room of her shop, arms flailing. Her less than graceful entrance halted by a headfirst crash into a display case chock full of silk flowers.

Trey Cleary didn’t think his day could get any worse, until he finds. himself picking the side view mirror of his BMW up from the ground. On a mission to do something about it, he locates the flower shop matching the name on the back of the van that mangled his ‘baby'. But, his car is forgotten when a beautiful woman bursts into the room like an out of control whirling dervish, and takes one mother of a wipeout into the shop’s counter. Coming to her aid brings out the hero in him like no one he’s ever encountered, and leaves him with a need to know more.

For Marissa and Trey, this just might be the one time it pays to be unlucky.
~~~oOo~~~

Purchase Links:

Print:  CreateSpace * Amazon

Tour Schedule
Book Blitz and Tour-wide Giveaway
$10 Amazon Gift card & paperback copy of
For the Love of Murphy
Ends 4/11/2014

~~~oOo~~~

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  Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. No purchase necessary, but you must be 18 or older to enter. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter, and announced on the widget. Winner well be notified by emailed and have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. The number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Roane Publishing's marketing department. 
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Tuesday, March 11, 2014

National Wormhole Week - Space Travel




Genesis 1:8 - And God called the firmament Heaven.  And the evening and the morning were the second day.

*+*+*+*+*

 I'm sure some folks are wondering why I've included a Bible verse at the beginning of my Wormfest posts.  Since I'm not a fantastically scientific or techie type person, I thought the idea of what happened day by day in "Creation Week" would provide a framework from which I could approach this new project.

So since on day 2, the heavens were created, mankind's attempts to conquer (or at least to interact with) the sky seemed an appropriate topic.  Think how much air travel has changed our lives.  We can travel back and forth across the globe in a day, a journey which used to take weeks or months.

But then, what was supposed to be a boon for transportation could also be used as a weapon of terror.

Since that time, we have been into outer space.  Men have walked on the moon and brought back some of its rocks to the earth.  We've seen pictures from Mars and from the outer reaches of our galaxy.

Of course, you run into the problem with human space travel, that some of these places take a long, LONG time to reach.  We're talking years.  It seems like every time we make one "giant leap", we find out how exponentially MORE there is to know, learn or experience.

But space travel has been used by governments to seed the skies with satellites to spy on other countries, and on their own citizens.  What could be used to advance humankind is being used to control it, or to attempt to control it, or to maintain the status quo.

Wow...I'm not usually so "dark" in my thoughts.  So maybe I'll stop there and end with another quote:

"Nothing is either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." (Hamlet, IIii)

Monday, March 10, 2014

Natl Wormhole Week Monday



Genesis 1:5 - And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

~~~oOo~~~

(This post is an entry for the 2014 Second Annual National Wormhole Week, where bloggers from all over wax lyrical about living in worlds different from the one to which we are used.  Click the button above for more!)

Imagine if you will, a world in which electric light and power had ceased to exist.  You wouldn't be reading this right now for one.  I wouldn't be writing this right now (well, your now is my then...or something like that).

We'd be spending a great deal of our time at the lower end of Maslow's hierarchy of needs - securing food, water and shelter.  No more zipping through the drive-through for kids' meals when you are running late, and you probably would be running because none of the computers in today's cars would work.

Also, I wouldn't be here for another reason.  I nearly died during the delivery of my first child.  I saw a video of me the day after the delivery and I looked like the Michelin Man's Mama.  (At the time, DS1 looked like a little conehead.)

It just occurred to me that someone could write a book entitled "14,000 Things Ways Your Life Would Change Without Electricity".  Although they would have to do it before the electricity runs out because otherwise there would probably only be one copy (due to all the handwriting) and it would cost a boatload full of money.)

So, tell me, what would YOU miss the most?  Share in the comments!

Also linking up with:

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

IWSG - Starting Over...Again


Every 1st Wednesday of the month, writers of all kinds from all over 'meet' through the "Insecure Writer's Support Group" (or #IWSG, for short), to learn, to share and to support.  It is also a good sounding board for anyone who writes, insecure or not.  Click the button above and go explore the site!

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I was a member of IWSG before it had it's own dedicated website.  I missed a few times and was *ahem* purged.  I don't have a problem with that.  People in the group shouldn't have to visit blogs that aren't participating.  I may have joined again, and deopped it...again.

But I still subscribe to the IWSG blog.  I still follow lots and lots of bloggers who are part of the group.  I still write.  And I'm still insecure about it, so here I am ... again.  

I let my fears and insecurities get to me every once in a while, and 'knock me down'.  So far, I've always gotten back up.  I figure as long as I do that, I have not failed. :O)

Late in December of 2013, I joined SCADS of online Reading Challenges.  Probably too many, but they all seemed so interesting.  From that, I started doing a fair number of book reviews and book tours, including these two in the last couple of weeks that I have REALLY ENJOYED:


Half of what I write is on my blog.  Half is for my college courses.  Notice what's missing?  Any work on my story or book or play ideas.  The part I'm having the most trouble with right now is just starting.  Does anyone know of any programs that lock your computer to other processes until you have written "x" number of words on your current WIP?

I'm starting an organization challenge next week that will hopefully help me focus more on the work at hand and less on the numerous distractions in my life.

Any tips gratefully accepted.  Also occasions kicks in the...but not with steel-tipped boots. :p

-LuAnn #IWSG 323

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Big Money by Jack Getze




Big MoneyBig Money by Jack Getze
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

(Disclaimer: I received a paperback copy of "Big Money" from Great Escapes Book Tours and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.)

I didn't want to like "Big Money".

Naked women. The main character's penchant for breasts. Not the kind of things I normally seek out when choosing a book.

But the fact is, I enjoyed "Big Money" immensely. It brought to mind film noir, Humphrey Bogart - and basically good guys that get caught up in the consequences of their bad choices. The book cover and the characters ("Bluefish", for one) are extremely colorful, but I 'saw' this story in black and white. Of course, there were occasional splashes of color, like the 'blood oozing from his (Max's) temple".

There are a fair number of f-bombs and sexual situations, but the book is not preoccupied with them. Nevertheless, people who are likely to be offended by this, but enjoy an engaging story, should check their inner censors at the door. On the one hand, I probably wouldn't want my children to read this book, but on the other hand, they see and hear much worse in today's popular computer games.

I was pleased to see that the female characters are not just T&A. They are flesh, blood, brains, hopes, dreams and fears. And so are the male characters. Mama Bones is my favorite female character in 'Big Money'...maybe because she reminds me of, well, me! (We both have a few years on us, but we are still crafty as you-know-what.)

We may never see Austin Carr dining with Mr. Darcy, but there is room for both of them in the restaurant, if you catch my meaning. If you are a fan of film noir, tales of gritty intrigue, you owe it to yourself to read "Big Money".


~~~oOo~~~

About the Author:


Former Los Angeles Times reporter Jack Getze is Fiction Editor for Anthony-nominated Spinetingler Magazine, one of the internet's oldest websites for noir, crime, and horror short stories. His screwball Austin Carr mysteries, BIG NUMBERS and BIG MONEY, are being reissued in 2013 by Down and Out Books, with the new BIG MOJO set for 2014. His short stories have appeared online at A Twist of Noir, Beat to a Pulp, and The Big Adios.




A 31-stop "Big Money" blog tour in 28 days!  That calls for a giveaway, don't you think?  How about TWO?

By simply commenting below, you can be in the running for one of two e-copies of Big Money.  (Somewhere along the line I'll need your email, which will of course, remain private.)

And by entering the Rafflecopter giveaway below, you could possibly wind up with a $100 Amazon gift card!

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Tuesday, March 4, 2014

COVER REVEAL - The Idea of Him by Holly Peterson

Idea of HimPublisher: William Morrow  (April 1, 2014)
Category: Contemporary Fiction/ Women’s Fiction
ISBN: 978-0062283108
Tour Date: April/May, 2014
Available in: Print & ebook, 384 Pages

In the fabulous and intrigue-packed new novel from Holly Peterson, the New York Times bestselling author of THE MANNY, THE IDEA OF HIM explores the dangers of falling for the idea of a person, and why facing reality is more liberating than we ever dreamed it could be. For anyone who’s let the fear of being alone keep them from seeing who someone really is, THE IDEA OF HIM is an inspiring, action-packed story of what happens when we embrace our own power and allow the truth to finally set us free. Allie Crawford has the life she always dreamed of—she's number two at a high-profile P.R. firm; she has two kids she adores; and her husband is a blend of handsome and heroic. Wade is everything she thought a man was supposed to be—he's running a successful newsmagazine and, best of all, he provides the stable yet exciting New York City life Allie believes she needs in order to feel secure and happy. But when Allie finds Wade locked in their laundry room with a stunning blonde in snakeskin sandals, a scandal ensues that flips her life on its head. And when the woman wants to befriend Allie, an old flame calls, and a new guy gets a little too close for comfort, she starts to think her marriage is more of a facade than something real. Maybe she's fallen in love not with Wade—but with the idea of him. Captivating and seductive, told in the whip-smart voice of a woman who is working hard to keep her parenting and career on track, The Idea of Him is a novel of conspiracy, intrigue, and intense passion—and discovering your greatest strength through your deepest fears.

Praise for The Manny: "This is bestsellerland - the manny isn’t one of the popolo minuto. Nope, he’s an about-to-be-millionaire software developer from a neocon background with hot buns and fab abs. Three guesses? A diverting spell in the world of the greedy, The Manny is a genre-bender, sex and shopping and ambition and even a tinge of socialism, and brilliant fun."-Heatseeker Reviews "Peterson offers an amusing take on the mating habits of the Manhattan elite. And while the story holds few surprises, it benefits greatly from an attractive pair of would-be lovers."-Kirkus Review "Phillip's temper tantrums...are surprisingly funny, and a subplot where Jamie chases a trashy but potentially career-making story is strong." - Publishers Weekly "I leapt on The Manny and devoured it in one sitting. It's a riveting portrait of millionaires' life on 'The Grid', full of eye-watering details. And it made me instantly want to hire a male nanny...... for me!—Sophie Kinsella, author of Shopaholic & Baby “Holly Peterson writes about the rich with acute understanding and a drop-dead eye for detail. The funniest, sexiest ride in the limo lane since The Bonfire of the Vanities.” —Tina Brown, author of The Diana Chronicles Holly Peterson

About Holly Peterson: Holly Peterson is the author of the New York Times and international best seller, The Manny. She was a Contributing Editor for Newsweek and editor-at-large for Tina Brown’s Talk magazine. She was also an Emmy Award–winning producer for ABC News for more than a decade, where she cov­ered global politics. Her writing has been published in the New York Times, Newsweek, Talk, the Daily Beast, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and other publications.

Website: www.HollyPeterson.com
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/HollyPetersonny?id=275564372549939&_rdr
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/hollypetersonny
Instagram-http://instagram.com/hollypetersonny 
Pinterest-http://www.pinterest.com/hollypetersonny/pins/

Buy The Idea of Him: Amazon  * Barnes and Noble * Book Depository



Monday, March 3, 2014

REVIEW: Captivated: Beholding the Mystery of Jesus' Death and Resurrection

Captivated: Beholding the Mystery of Jesus' Death and ResurrectionCaptivated: Beholding the Mystery of Jesus' Death and Resurrection by Thabiti M. Anyabwile
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was brought into a church building for the first time when I was three days old.  I am now 52 years of age.  I am still learning the meaning of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.

For these reasons I am excited to have the chance to review "Captivated: Beholding the Mystery of Jesus' Death and Resurrection" by Thabiti M. Anyabwile.  I was provided a copy of the paperback by Cross-Focused Reviews in exchange for my honest opinion of the book.

This is a short book, of five Easter-season sermons given by 'Pastor T', compiled in book form, that gives us different facets of Christ's intercession and sacrifice.

Is there No Other Way?
We have only to look around us to see that worldly influences have distracted so many people, young and old alike.  Jesus gave a very human response to his situation when He asked His Father if there was any other way the Father's plan could be accomplished.  It is very encouraging for someone like me to know that Jesus knows my weaknesses (because He has experienced them Himself) and that He loves me anyway.

Why Have You Forsaken Me?
Have your hopes ever been pinned on something that, in the end, does not happen?  What a letdown!  Of course for most of us, such a feeling of isolation comes at a less serious time than shortly before our deaths.  How hard it seems for us as parents to watch our children go down a path that will lead to hurt feeling or injuries, but know that this is something they must experience in order to progress.  How hard it is for us, as children, to not receive the help we expect from our parents.  What an incredible sacrifice made by God the Father and Jesus for our benefit.

Where, O Death, is Your Victory?
Because Jesus and His Father made this incredible sacrifice and unbelievable gift to everyone, we are able to go to heaven after our physical bodies have died.  But, being human, most of what we see is the 'separation' from our loved ones and we tend to view death as what it takes away.

In March, 2011, I travelled from Kentucky to Utah to visit my 87 year old mother.  Given the infrequency with which I was able to visit, it was clear that this would be the last time I would see her on this earth.  when I left her room for the last time, she was in and out of consciousness.  I bent down to whisper in her ear, "Mom, I love you.  God loves you."

Although, I know of no one who has expressed this theme more eloquently than Chad Watson, a man in my state who expressed his reliance on and gratefulness for God's plan ... after his wife and 8 of his 9 children died in a fire earlier this year.

Why do You Seek the Living Among the Dead?
If this life was all there was, death would indeed be even more of a tragedy than it already is.   The only thing that could be worse would be spending eternity outside of God's presence.

We are not our physical characteristics:  our eye and hair color, height and weight.  We are not our physical conditions: good health, illnesses or injuries.  Those can grow old and pass away.  Our spirits, or who we are, need not be found in the same place as our muscles and tendons.  We may seek for the living among the dead, like the women looking for Jesus' tomb that Sunday morning, but we will not find them there.

Do You Not Know These Things?
This chapter was different for me.  To use a cooking analogy, if the first four chapter-sermons were the ingredients, the fifth chapter contains the directions.  I was glad to have someone finally define the word epistemology, which I had seen many times before in Christian literature, but it was always assumed the reader would know what it meant.

How do you know what is true, what is right?  There are many ways to gain proof.  There is only one way that is infallible.

~~~oOo~~~

Pastor T obviously knows his Bible and can find and use the words to help people find their way in their walk with God.

This is not a book you can read once and put up on the shelf to gather dust.  Personally I would like to have a week or two to study each chapter, to go through and learn (memorize?) the Bible verse references, and to pray about it.  Whether you are non-Christian, newly baptized or a scriptorian, this book as something for you.


View all my reviews

If you enjoyed this review, please feel free to "like" it on GoodReads or Amazon.  Thanks.  I appreciate you!