Beach Read Help

We are headed down to my most favorite place in all the world soon and I need some good books to read while my toes are in the sand, mocktail in hand.

Last year, we took Grizz. He was mere weeks post ACL surgery, and I couldn't bear to board him. He loved it. I'm very sad we aren't able to take him this year.

 All that to say, what have been your favorite reads this summer? I feel like I should read something about newborn care, or something, so we know what to do with this baby come February, but some mindless reads would be welcome and much more beachy.

Bueller? Bueller?

Five on Friday

Today I'm linking up my normal Friday Favorites to Hello Happiness' "Five on Friday". I love hearing about things other people love, and love to share my own as well - especially when it comes to food.

(1) Palmetto Cheese Jalapeno Pimento Cheese Spread - This came recommended by two different people, so I knew it would be good. Continuing yesterday's theme of snacks that are good by the lake or pool (or maybe not, since you're in a bathing suit...) this tasted like homemade. The Jalapeno version had a nice kick. I found it at Costco, but I believe it's also sold at Publix, Wal-Mart and other fine retailers.

 (2) Summer Reading - I did so well reading when I was off over Christmas, but I've kind of dropped the ball and spent more time with Parenthood and the Real Housewives. Shameful. It's not like I'm making a jump to the classics, but I think reading always wins over TV. I was so excited when I saw this sequel promoted on the Today show this week. Perfect to download for a pool read...while I eat my pimento cheese.

 (3) Date Night - I. Love. Date. Night. It's such a good chance to eat some good food, and talk with no distractions. I requested Surin this week, and the Thai Noodle and coconut soup are already calling my name. Don't worry...I'll be there shortly!

(4) Summer Nails - I've let me Thursday night manicure habit go the past couple of months, and it shows. I bought one of my favorites, OPI Cajun Shrimp, to motivate me to paint my toes. The fingernails might need some professional treatment this weekend.

And if you have a huge sapphire and diamond ring, and drive a tractor, this is what Cajun Shrimp would look like on you. Thanks, Google Images.

(5) National Running Day - Apparently Wednesday was National Running Day. By some stroke of luck, I actually ran on Wednesday - albeit a 3 miler around the neighborhood. In recognition, one of my favorite running pictures, post marathon. In related news, today is National Donut Day.

Anything else that should be on my reading list, or in my pantry? Hope you have a weekend of sunny skies!

Costly

My Bible study group just finished Tim Keller's "Counterfeit Gods". If you've never read Tim Keller, I would highly recommend it, as any good Presbyterian would.

As with any good book, there were a few parts that resonated with me well past when I closed the pages. Actually, weeks past, which is only slightly annoying, and very telling of how much I needed to hear this passage.

I actually took a picture to send to a friend, because, can't we all relate? Or maybe I'm alone out here on a limb, holding grudges.

At every point in the Bible, the writers are at pains to stress that God's grace and forgiveness, while free to the recipient, are always costly for the giver. From the earliest parts of the Bible, it was understood that God could not forgive without sacrifice. No one who is seriously wronged can "just forgive" the perpetrator. If you have been robbed of money, opportunity, or happiness, you can either make the wrongdoer pay it back or you can forgive. But when you forgive, that means you absorb the loss and the debt. You bear it yourself. All forgiveness, then, is costly.

I think somewhere between the messages of "forgive because we have been forgiven" and "seventy times seven", I have it in the recesses of my mind that I should "just forgive", and it should be easy. I mean, Jesus DIED for our sins, surely I can forgive for fill in the blank. While those statements are true, there was comfort for me in the fact that it's not easy, nor is it supposed to be.

Wrongs require payment, sacrifice- and more often than not, that payment and that sacrifice is made by the one wronged. Sometimes to people who don't ask forgiveness - and a lot of times don't "deserve" it. Ouch.

On the cross we see God doing at the cosmic level what we all have to do when we forgive. There God absorbed the punishment and debt for sin himself. He paid it so we did not have to.

Sound familiar? Keller does a great job of always taking it back to the cross. What Christ did for us on the cross, we are called to emulate, on a smaller scale, in our own lives. It's not fun, or easy, but it's truth.

A nice truth for the thick of  Lent season.

Friday Favorites - Christmas Edition

I could get used to this three day work week. Next week will be brutal, but fortunately, I have a few Christmas goodies to share to make every week better.

1. Olay Pro-X Facial Brush

My mom put this on her Christmas list. I've been eyeing the Clarisonic for some time, but just couldn't bring myself to spring for a $150 facial brush. I thought I would do the 'one for you, one for me' gift game and got one for myself as well. Plus, it was $20 with free shipping. Add to cart, proceed to checkout please.

I clean my face at night with facial wipes, but there's always a little makeup left behind. This gets the last of it off and does a great job exfoliating. I started using it Christmas Eve, and can tell a difference in my skin already. It really has helped my products and moisturizers to work better as well, and my makeup goes on a lot smoother. The reviews on Amazon are great, if you don't believe me. Plus, it's just fun to use.

2. The Kennedys

Last year over Christmas break, we watched the entire first season of Homeland (another favorite. If you aren't watching, you are seriously missing out.) This miniseries was on over Thanksgiving, and it caught my eye. We added it to Netflix for Christmas break. We are three episodes in and are loving it. I would not have guessed Greg Kinnear to be such a great JFK....love him or hate him (JFK, not Greg. I don't think anyone has strong feelings about Greg Kinnear). Great way to pass the grey month of January. After all, it's an EPIC movie EVENT.

3.  Gone Girl

A few people recommended this book, so I was excited to start it over Christmas.

I read it in one day. It was that good. Pick it up at your bookstore, library or via iBooks. However it is you roll, this one is worth the read. Even better if you have some Christmas Blend coffee to go with.

Happy Friday, folks. Hope you have a great weekend mentally preparing for FIVE DAYS OF ALARM CLOCK WAKE UPS. Sigh.

On the Road Again...

Rise and Shine.

That's about as good as it got this morning. Namath got dropped off at daycare while we are spending the week traveling for work.

After 14 hours of flight delays yesterday, I'm sure MS is over the week already. I, on the other hand, am just getting started. No reason the drive can't be educational. Minus the chic lit.

I'm venturing into the world of books on tape. Step back, 1997.



I'm sure by the time I get to south Alabama (I lead a glamorous life), I'll never want processed food again. Let's all laugh together.