My Country 'Tis of Thee...

From a post I put on  Facebook July 4, 2015...

"See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the Lord my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people." What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him? And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?
Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them." Deuteronomy 4:1-10...

As I read these verses written by Moses for God's people, I could see where these same words could have applied to those brave men and women who sailed to this great land to begin a new life in a new land. Life that had a foundation on faith and God. That same faith and belief in God that our founding fathers kept near and dear as we declared our independence more than 200 years ago.

Yet somewhere along the way something has happened...God has taken a back seat, and it saddens me to see that. We've become a self-absorbed, afraid-of-offending, cater-to-feelings-rather-than-values country.

Before some of you get your knickers in a knot over that, no where did I say I was a racist or homophobic or anything like that...I can't call myself a Christian and not love all--if I am to be like Christ, I must show charity or love. Just as when I was a sinner, God may not have liked my ways, but he still loved me.

The rest of Deuteronomy 4 goes on to establish God's command (not suggestion or wish) to His people, which began with the basics lined out in the Ten Commandments--which Oklahoma is taking down...so, sad.

My only fear is what will be next? Where will it end?

I am flying my flags today with pride...When I see Old Glory wave, I am reminded what that field of blue and those 13 stripes and those 50 stars represent. I am also reminded of those who bled and died and will die for that "ragged ole flag". I am also reminded of the faith this country was founded on and Who was the center to that faith...

Ya'll can curse me and unfriend me if you like...but for my family, like in the book of Joshua, "as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord".

"The Innocent" Book Review

Waiting for news of her missing Union-soldier husband, Carlyn Kearney is managing to eek out a life--undefined as married or a widow. Two years have passed since the Civil War's end and still, no word on the status of her husband. Without means to keep her home, Carlyn relents and takes refuge in the nearby Shaker village of Harmony Hill for shelter, food and comfort--and protection.

However, Carlyn's past and need for protection follow her to the peacefulness of Harmony Hill. Intrigued by Carlyn's move to the Shaker village, sheriff Mitchell Brodie investigates some shady dealings in his town that begin to involve him and Carlyn in ways he--or she--hadn't planned...

Very intriguing! That is the bust summation I can put to Ann Gabhart's latest work, "The Innocent". I was completely hooked from the beginning. This is the first novel I've read that adds the society of the Shakers as an element in a novel. I've seen the Amish in several, but not Shakers. Very refreshing!

What I related to most was the similarities to the Shaker faith and my own Apostolic faith. There are glaring differences as well, don't get me wrong. But, I could very much relate to Carlyn's upbringing in the Christian faith and then being thrust into the Shaker faith and questioning practices that she was unfamiliar with. I had/have some of the same struggles myself.

Ms. Gabhart seems to really know her scripture as well. The book wasn't "preachy", but you can definitely tell that Carlyn's life was Christ-centered even if she didn't always realize it. This comes through in Carlyn's inner dialogue, memories and questioning of the Shaker faith.

Overall, I felt the book was very thought provoking. It also had some twists and turns that made for some late nights as well. The writing style reminded me of Laura Frantz's works. So, if there are any Laura Frantz fans out there, give this a try! I am definitely looking forward to getting more books from Ms. Gabhart.

Despite how much I enjoyed this book, I had two complaints...First, "Carlyn" at first glance, I kept wanting to read as "Carolyn". Then, I would also think of the comedian George Carlin--not a good mental image to have when trying to picture a young woman in Shaker attire...Second, the ending, which was OK, just seemed too abrupt. I can't really expound more on that because I may give some goodies away. I just wish the ending was more soft after coming of a climactic build. Long enough for me to get my breath back.

(I was given this  book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)