Wise Words

Having just received a very lovely email video, entitled "Hot ChocolateHL.pps" I want to include the adorable graphic along with some very wise words. I saw no credits on the video - whoever created it did a lovely job - thank you!





The happiest people don't have the best of everything. The just make the best of everything they have!
Live Simply...
Love Generously...
Care Deeply...
Speak Kindly...
And leave the rest to God.

Remember, the richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least.

Such a lovely reminder for this time of year. Good night

2008 Christmas Tour of Homes

To see the other homes on tour, click on the logo above or HERE. You'll see the hostess' home (Boo Mama) followed by a LONG LONG list of links for other decor tours.

Welcome to our Wisconsin home. This is our second year in this home, and our first "tour."

When you enter our front door, you are in a spacious foyer. The wall directly in front of you holds the chalkboard. The doorway to the living room is pictured to the left, and the coffee bar is the doorway to the right. We love to add personalized greetings to the chalkboard.

The coffee bar is behind pocket doors which are always open. You can grab a cup, and make the coffee right there. The snowman mugs are perfect for cocoa.



Two double bookshelves line the foyer wall next to the living room doorway. The baskets above are lit each night by a ropelight which recesses into the top of the book case. For the holidays we nestled our village into two small shelves of one of the bookcases.

At the corner of the bookshelves is a 4 foot tree, covered with snowmen. Before snowmen were all the rage I began collecting them, and they have multiplied. Smiling snowmen are tucked onto shelves throughout the house. The snowman lamp is always on to welcome you in from the cold.

Across the foyer from the wall of bookshelves is an open staircase to the lower level. This red tin punch mirror is adorned with a hand needlepoint wreath ornament that I made my mother in junior high. She treasured it, and it hung on her dressing mirror year round.


The doorway to the left of the snowman lamp takes you into the kitchen. Greenery on the plate rack holds "teacups and gingerbread" ornaments. All kitchen themed ornaments hang here.


Adding these lights and ornaments above the kitchen sink makes clean up a little more fun. And our dear neighbors actually moved their tree in front of their family room window so that I could see it out my kitchen window. Can you see it in the distance? It's a cheery scene.

Our kitchen Advent Candle is lit each Sunday. This candelabra is more than 15 years old, and is one of many family traditions that we have maintained with our four children.


The living room and dining room are one long room. One end is flanked with a three part china cabinet. The two end units are pictured below. The center unit has frosted, beveled glass doors, and that is where the "Happy Birthday Jesus" is hanging. The Christmas china, on the top shelf of one unit, was a wedding gift some 24 years ago...





The creche, on the bottom shelf, belonged to my husband's grandmother. His father brought back various animals for the scene, hand carved from olive wood, when he traveled to Bethlehem.


The dining room table is often aglow with candle light.


Jingling Bells hang from the chandelier.


Our fireplace is two sided - the mantle on the dining room side holds a large hand painted nativity set.


The tree is always the center of attention. Each of the four kids have an ornament collection in addition to our family ones. Frasier firs are my favorite, but their thin branches are weighed down by December 25!



The tiny plastic nativity scene was purchased when our youngest was 2. (1997) We spent many hours looking for those animals and that baby over the years. This plastic set was well enjoyed by Jake's little hands.

The family room is snowman headquarters. And of course the stockings are hung by that chimney with care.



This Charles Wysocki print is entitled "Pie for the Parson." It was a gift to my father, a retired minister, from a couple in his church - given in 1993. I love commemorating his 50 plus years of ministry with it.

Thank you for visiting! Merry Christmas!

Decadence

If you've been reading here long, you might know that I love a good cup of coffee. Love. We have a great coffee maker that grinds the beans and everything. However, it does take a bit of work to clean out the grinder area, refill, etc etc. I often just opt for a cup of nescafe instant, unless we're having guests.

Until now. I've bought myself a wee gift. I'll have to blame Rush Limbaugh.

While traveling to a client lunch with my boss, we heard Rush raving about the Keurig individual coffee system. Raving. My boss was instantly intrigued. We stopped at a local store, where he purchased one, along with the individual coffee cups. Later I bought one, at SUBSTANTIAL savings, at Sam's Club. The one I bought is pictured here.

You never touch the filters, or the coffee. It is simplicity defined. It's pricier - about 40 cents a cup if you don't get the coffee cups on sale, but I am fine with 2 cups from each pod - the second cup is weaker but still good. My husband can have regular. I can have flavored. Anna had hot chocolate this morning. At the press of a button. In 30 seconds. It's absolute convenience.

My husband, accountant that he is, was balking. So I just ordered him a single cup keurig filter - he can (and will) putter with refilling it with his coffee. I also ordered the spinning rack to hold the k cups - one for me and one for my boss. (Christmas gift for the man who has EVERYTHING)

The kids can make the regular hot chocolate packets. Without a pod inserted, it simply fills the cup with very hot water. Hot chocolate and tea will likely be made like this.

But for my one cup of coffee each morning, and maybe a decaf at night...I'm going to splurge. Bed, Bath & Beyond gives me 20% off coupons weekly, and they sell the pods. So I figure if I can get 1.5 cups out of each pod, each cup is less than a quarter. The pod is tiny - way less waste than a Starbucks cup.

I had my first (and second) cup in the last two hours. I love the ease and the freshness.

Bye Bye Nescafe!

Full Throttle

Christmas is a busy and wonderful season in our home. The days are flying by, but all is quite well. I did miss doing an Advent posting, so must do two today...but I'm forgiving myself as I've had QUITE a month thus far.

• Thanksgiving was, of course, only two weeks ago. We had a picture perfect, heart filled Thanksgiving. The best of my life. My brother, his wife, my dad, we six, and two co workers shared warm fellowship and delectable bird at our dining room table. The evening was filled with our music. Truly, the only word was magical.
• The next day I drove two hours north to sing at a funeral. The first of two funerals that were necessarily squeezed into this full two weeks. My friend's dad - I had to be there for her.
• Saturday we began to decorate in earnest.
• Sunday I drove to Minneapolis for my brother's concert where he sang the bass solos in the Messiah. He told me that my fitting that 12 hour round trip excursion into my season was the best gift he had ever received from a sibling. Is that not worth while? Investing in relationship.
• Monday I drove home, stopping at a central Wisconsin hospital for work. Listened to an amazing and edifying book on CD the whole way, along with The Messiah. Amazing.
• Monday night our worship team practiced in our living room, 45 minutes after I got home!
• Worked all week.
• Friday the 5th was "Dickens of a Christmas," where our quintet sang, some with guitar and much a cappella, for 1.5 hours in our downtown village square. Afterward we enjoyed food and fellowship at the local pizza pub.
• Saturday the 6th we had 20 neighbors over in the evening. Anna, our 16 year old, came through BIG TIME and worked side by side with me all day. She cleaned and I decorated. I kept the hors d'oeuvres simple, and had asked the neighbors to bring something sweet. We truly worked like crazy all day. I kept telling myself that what needed to get done would get done - because I had not procrastinated - there had not been time to do more preparation. By the time the first neighbor arrived, the house was fully clean and decorated. It was SUCH a push, but for me the push is necessary... I am now able to enjoy our Christmas setting all month - and that major job of decorating and deep cleaning was done by the first week end due to that deadline.
• Sunday was full with music practice after church. Later, a friend and I attended a "Messiah Sing a Long," a fabulous experience. A full community orchestra, some amazing soloists, and we - the congregation - seated by vocal part and standing to sing the choral sections. LOVED THAT.
• Sunday night my husband and I and the two youngest spent time with my dad at his nursing home.
• Monday was blessedly a day OFF work. Breathe. Read. Write. Pray.
• Monday night - worship practice.
• Tuesday night - a snow storm cancelled a dinner with friends - worked late to get caught up. Managed to get 330 cards mailed from work - part of the client relations part of my job.
• Wednesday evening - a funeral of a dear 64 year old friend. Lingered at the church, getting caught up with many friends. Very difficult loss, but a celebratory and honoring funeral.
• Thursday evening- led our church's women's Christmas celebration. Sang some carols and shared a brief devotional. Enjoyed warm fellowship.
• Friday - 8 am to 1:30 am...at work or at my bosses home...hostessing the Christmas dinner. 54 people at his home. Catered meal and then a gambling casino with black jack, craps, and poker. Each person received $500 (fake) dollars in chips to play with, and received raffle tickets according to their winnings. WHAT a blast. WHAT an incredible amount of work. I've decided that hosting a party in someone ELSE's home on someone else's behalf is nerve wracking. I wanted everything to be perfect. Thankfully he has a housekeeper who did all the cleaning and had Christmas decor up. I supervised the moving of furniture by a couple young co workers, followed by the table and chair rental set up. Mid afternoon the caterers arrived and began prepping, and also set the tables with rented linens and dishes. I added the "extras" to the tables, and arranged all the centerpieces which became prizes later for the casino night. The hardest part of the evening was figuring out who sat where and with whom - office politics you know. I dressed and readied at his house, and the guests began arriving at 6:30. (The host wisely did not make his return from work until 5:30 pm - he missed all the hard parts!! ) I had previously made 3 large containers of my frozen Christmas slush which was the drink of the night, (spiked or not) and had hired a bartender who arrived right before dinner. She also served wine, beer, soda and limited mixed drinks. WHAT a production. I'm pleased to report a COMPLETE success. I was busy the entire evening, orchestrating the movement of people and chairs and activities. "Mr. Blackjack" began arriving during dinner, and they set up a full casino in the lower level while the party supped on the main floor. I must say, this party WAS a challenge for me, and today I'm still in my jammies at noon, sipping coffee, dozing and recapping the last few weeks in my mind.

I'm very very content. Yes, it's been a blurrrrrr at times, but it's what I want to do at this time of year. The only stressful time, where I really wondered HOW we were going to pull it off , was last Saturday with the neighbors coming and the house not ready. Otherwise it has all moved like clockwork and has been so gratifying and FUN. I am SO thankful for good health and stamina and such a full roster of friends and family. Although I'm completely spent today, I was able to sleep in a bit, and here I am staring at the tree, listening to Boomer snore, and blogging. I hope to post a few dozen Christmas cards today, but if I don't, I don't...

THIS is what the season is to me. It is a challenge, and it is a hustle and a bustle. My goal is to prioritize people. No one else on our block would have hosted the party - hospitality seems to be such a lost art. The neighbors lingered and so enjoyed one another's company. I felt so privileged to facilitate that, and that satisfaction outweighs that day's exhaustion.

Our home is warm and glowing, drawing us to stay in and sip warm beverages. The work of decorating creates that inviting atmosphere, and entertaining is simpler for the month of activity. Some might scale back for simplicity, and that is perfectly right for them, but to create beauty fills me more than it depletes me. It's how I'm wired., and draws me to home.

Last night was a gift to my boss. He has a huge 12,000 sqaure foot home, but when he was married they were never able to pull off such a shindig, and now, divorced, he certainly doesn't do it on his own. He was choked up as he told me what that party, that huge house full of laughter and happy memories, meant to him. I am so honored to spend myself on PEOPLE. Happy memories. I can rest in January! :)

I am in the Word in the Word each morning due to the flexibility of my job, to stay connected to the Lord during this, His season. He is the source of my energy as surely as the electricity lights up the Christmas tree. I'm finally old enough to realize that without Him I can do nothing. (John 15:5) Singing is another time commitment, but our songs are all about HIM. It was exciting to bring Christian carols to a secular setting last week end. And of course at church God is honored by our efforts and the congregation is blessed. What is Christmas without music? How INCREDIBLE to experience Handel's Messiah live with the orchestra, even if sight reading the choral parts was a bit daunting. That afternoon was a Christmas gift I gave to myself.

I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me. Psalm 13:6

The women's gathering was so intimate, filled each of us up. My friend's home was warm and literally glowing with Christmas, the perfect backdrop as the women shared happy memories and we focused on Him. Relationships grew.

This is an amazing December. I feel so blessed to be so blessed. My organizational gifts are being stretched and used. It blesses me to use the voice He gave me. I've nurtured a love for His Word, and am honored to be invited to share that as well. We've celebrated the Advent candle and readings each week as a family too- our children are content and anticipating THEIR time of attention in their weeks of Christmas break. Joey and Emily will be home for a month soon -we have a lot of celebrating left to do!

This year I feel that I am right where God wants me, doing just what He has called me to do, and I stand amazed as I recap it all in type. I'm living in my sweet spot. It's been a blessed month, and it's only the 13th! No regrets.

December is full. To the brim. But not overflowing. It is my heart that is overflowing.

Blogging

Our oldest daughter Emily, age 19, is reading the advent blog daily, along with her roommate and her boyfriend. This SO THRILLS MY HEART that that blog is priority these days. I'll try to post here too now and then, but likely I won't be back here consistently until after Christmas.

WHEW

Just wrote the preceding blog. Next I began my list for today, and also went to itunes to download today's podcasts. I follow three podcasts: Joyce Meyer's, Living on the Edge, and Kay Arthur.

I download them daily (or so) and then listen on the treadmill and in the car. (my ipod plugs into the car stereo system)

As they were downloading, I noticed Kay Arthurs' title from yesterday: Surpassing Peace for the Righteous. I clicked on it, so that I'd be listening to it in the background as I work on my menu and to do list...

Guesss what passage Kay is teaching? ISAIAH 26.

WHEW. God is definitely keeping me in that passage.

Perfect Peace

My dear buddy Margo just called. When schedules allow, we pray together at 7:30 am on Friday mornings. Margo is a mentor in my life, and was one of my Bible study leaders when I was a young mom. Margo and I have history.

She asked if she could recite her "piece" to me over the phone. She has been asked to be Elizabeth on Sunday, to recite some of what Elizabeth may have been thinking, based on Luke 1, and then light the second advent candle. Margo wrote the recitation herself.

Tears ran down my face as I listened to what Margo had written. The story of Elizabeth and Zechariah gives me such hope, as I've written before, and Margo's way with words and her passion for the Truth touched my heart.

Margo's (Elizabeth's) introduction included, "I'm here to tell you that you can have peace in the midst of heartache and pain. You can have peace when your world is turned upside down. And you can have peace when you're waiting with anticipation and hope for what God will do in the future."

THAT is exactly what God has been teaching me through Luke 1.

Yesterday I landed on the verse in Isaiah

Is 26:3 “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You.

This verse so encouraged me, and I tentatively chose it as the theme verse for the fall 2009 retreat I've been asked to lead for our church. How to experience God's peace in fallen world. And today Margo, as Elizabeth, recited that verse to me - the only verse cited in the 3 minute narrative prepared for this coming Sunday.

And so, first thing on a cold and crisp Friday morning in December, God has warmed my heart and whispered in my ear, "Grace, you're on the right track." When God brings thoughts to me as I study His word and talk to Him, and then they are reinforced from another direction, it is a very personal "hug" experience for me. I LOVE it when that happens. God shows me that He orchestrates details right down to what verse I am reading to prove that He is indeed the artist designing the tapestry of my life. Generally I see the underside - a seemingly unrelated mish mash of colored thread. But once in a while, a pocket of joy, He allows me to see the pattern.

At this moment in time I am in perfect peace, because I trust in Him.

Thank you Lord.

My Personality

Yup...that's me. I took this test about 6 years ago and got about the same results. Extrovert/Introvert is a pretty close run, as is Thinker/Feeler.

These tests always amaze me.

Cardinals

My mom loved cardinals. And now I do. I can't help it - I think it's genetic. When a bright red bird arrives on my bird feeder I drop everything. They mesmerize me. A couple mornings ago a small female was on the feeder - must have been a 2008 nestling.

Today at The Clinic (there on business) I wandered into the art gallery on the first floor where there are always interesting displays of (expensive) local art. Today there were a lot of gift items for the holidays mixed in with the art.

I spotted cardinals. In birch trees. I LOVE birch trees. And so this plate came home with me. There is something about it that simply makes me smile. When I have more time I'll do a cardinal display around it on a shelf for the holidays.

I think it's time to put more black sunflower seeds in the feeder...baked, of course. I really do love those cardinals...

Driving

On Friday I drove to Two Rivers, Wisconsin to sing at a friends' dad's funeral. Four hours in the car, alone.
On Sunday I drove to Minneapolis to hear my oldest brother sing two of the bass solos in The Messiah. 1.5 hours with Joey, our oldest son in the car, and then 4 hours alone.
On Monday I drove from Minneapolis to Marshfield, WI, and then home. About 8 hours of driving in the car alone.

AND I LOVED IT.

The CD player held The Messiah - the full 2 CD set, and also Beth Moore's book Get Out of that Pit. What a great great book that is.

Even though I put a whole lot of miles on this week end, I feel as though I worshipped for the majority of them. I actually feel refreshed.

2008 Christmas Tour of Homes

That cute little button to the left signifies that I am going to participate in an online tour of homes. You can read more about it here.

Out on a (frasier fir) limb...

One of my "bucket list" entries is to write and publish a book. And one of the book ideas has been, for years, a book on preparing for Christmas.

I celebrate Christmas in a big way. I love the decor, the music, the cards, the gifts, the special foods, the entertaining....and I tend to do it all. I have it down to a *relatively* stress-free system, and actually ENJOY the preparation as well as the festivities. I have a passion to help women to enjoy the season rather than drown in it. Doing it ALL is so unnecessary -putting Christ back into Christmas is a really good place to start.

In recent years I've found a lot of good advent resources and have realized that perhaps the world does not need yet another Advent book. But the idea is still percolating within me. I've come to realize that I'm gifted in the area of organization, and truly I'd like to share that gift, and incorporate it into my passion for the Word of God.

And so...drum roll please...I'm going out on a limb (time wise and commitment wise) to kick off an advent blog: Advent-ful December is officially open. Each day in December, take a minute to turn your heart and mind upward to find Him in your preparation. It's not going to be linked to this blog as it will be open to the public. No personal info - just Advent. Share it with whomever you like!

Take a peek. The entries will simply be dated - jump in when you can. I'll be writing as time allows, so pace yourself! :) Perhaps I'll post a week ahead...you just never know.

Enjoy. Participate. And may God enrich your Christmas in a whole new way.

Thanksgiving

Psalm 73:25-28

Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You. But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works.

The nearness of my God - for that I am so very thankful.
Amen.

Distractions

So, I got up before 6:30 am, knowing that I needed my hour on the couch with Bible, journal, coffee and Boomer before this busy and wonderful day.

I opened up the new laptop and LOGOS. I am loving this resource more each day, and marking up the NASB95 Bible with electronic colors, adding notes, reading the original languages (word by word...don't be too impressed...)

I decided to investigate a book on prayer and opened Handbook to Prayer by Kenneth Boa. Instantly hooked. Fabulous prayer guide for daily use, complete with three months of guiding through Bible verses and parts of prayer. Whew. Right here at the touch of a button.

Then I thought, hmmmmmm...is Libronix bigger than LOGOS? Libronix is the system of online storage. So I googled Libronix.

That somehow took me to www.librarything.com.

OH OH.

An online cataloging of owned books. It's quick and simple. But I own a lot of books. So far I just added what is sitting right here next to me, but that was enough trouble because from there you can see who else has that particular book on their shelf, read a review, and WORST OF ALL...see what else THAT person has on their shelf.

And there's more. But I put an end to distraction and closed after about 15 minutes.

And now here I am putting YOU at risk because if you love books you're gonna be HOOKED on this new treasure.

Misery loves company.

November Calendar

Happily Noted

It is humbling to see yourself in your children. Sometimes it is nauseating. Occasionally it is gratifying.

This morning as I headed downstairs to the treadmill, I heard water running and checked in the girls' bathroom. Anna had assured me that it was clean for Emily's Thanksgiving homecoming, but I hadn't inspected. I jiggled the toilet knob, and happily surveyed a very clean bathroom. Yes, she got that clean gene from me, but that was not the best part.

On the mirror were two post it notes. Upon closer inspection I saw a devotional quote and a Bible verse. My heart is full. Thanksgiving is real in me this morning. Our 16 year old daughter is imitating what she has seen me do with Scripture. Thank you Lord.

Sad Puppy

Boomer had a softball sized fatty tumor removed yesterday. It was benign, but large and growing. So today I have a very sad and dopey dog.

Snow Covered

We awoke to a world of white. The view from the bedroom window is magical - icing covering the brown of late autumn. Instant transformation.

That's how God sees me, and anyone else who confesses Christ as their Savior.

Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool."

He sees me through the blood of Christ, and He sees me as pure as the driven snow.


2 Corinthians 5:21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.


It is a beautiful mystery. Although I'm still trapped in my sinful flesh, in a sinful world, Christ's work is done and I simply need believe. And obey. Obedience is a part of my sanctification - becoming more like Christ - a process of growth which proves my faith. Obedience is not the way to heaven, but simply provides the landmarks assuring me that I'm on the right path...the only path. It proves my confession of faith.


John 14:15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." [-Jesus]


This world is more beautiful with the covering of fresh white powder. I am more beautiful as I abide in Him and let Him transform me. Obedience has a price, but what I surrender is worthless - dead and brown and withered in comparison. What I gain is eternal life, and peace in this journey.

Let it snow.

Jehovah rapha

Exodus 15:22-27

Ex 15:22 Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness and found no water.
Ex 15:23 When they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter; therefore it was named Marah.
Ex 15:24 So the people grumbled at Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?”
Ex 15:25 Then he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree; and he threw it into the waters, and the waters became sweet.
There He made for them a statute and regulation, and there He tested them.
Ex 15:26 And He said, “If you will give earnest heed to the voice of the Lord your God, and do what is right in His sight, and give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the Lord, am your healer.”
Ex 15:27 Then they came to Elim where there were twelve springs of water and seventy date palms, and they camped there beside the waters.

Jehovah rapha. Is there a more appealing name for God in all of Scripture? Our healer.

It's interesting to read this verse in context. IF you listen to the LORD, IF you do what is right in HIS sight (the only relevant standard), pay attention to His commandments (the Word) and keep His laws...THEN...God will put none of the diseases on you. The bitter waters of the world can be sweet to us when we follow God's leading and do things His way. Or perhaps He'll move us to a safer Elim - and cause us to leave the world's waters. It's His call.

We just like the healer part, don't we? We want to shirk the responsibility for the rest. We want to be able to live however we want, do whatever we please and then run to God to fix the mess.

Let me be clear: physical illness is NOT all due to sin. In John 9:1-3 Jesus explains that a man's blindness is not due to sin. Jesus tells His listeners in John 11:4 that Lazarus' illness "is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.” We live in a fallen world, and with each generation our flesh is farther from Eden, and more cursed with sin... illness happens. That's not my point...

The teaching in Exodus 15 shows a direct correlation between our actions and God's.

Some sexually transmitted diseases are quite obvious results of rampant sin. And yet it's easier to run to the doctor for the Rx than to fall before Jehovah rapha and change our behaviors.

Jehovah rapha's blessing is very real to me, a deterrent to sin in my life in a healthy way. My mother struggled with mental illness and God has used that as a safeguard in my life. When I start to feel oppressed, I do run to my Jehovah rapha, and ask Him to cleanse me again., to heal me. I lean in. My mother's struggle - I can learn from it - a blessing in disguise. Diabetes is a blessing in disguise in a similar way: I eat differently than I would otherwise because I fear the illness and its complications.

Am I guaranteed that if I follow Christ I will not have physical diseases like diabetes, or mental diseases - physiological malfunctions in the brain? No. But I can do everything in my power to eat properly, exercise and rest to avoid diabetic complications. And I can do the same, and more, to safeguard against compromising my mental wholeness.

Action and consequence. Simple, really. And yet we want to take a pill, have a surgery, figure out a way to not have to exercise self discipline and yet be healthy. We want the easy way out, and we want to be in control.

I don't think it works that way.

Grace

Yesterday I read a book. Cover to cover. Start to finish. Grace by Richard Paul Evans. I love a light read now and then, and well...I must admit a fondness for the title.

Sweet story. A look inside the adolescent male mind as the main character, Eric, experiences a relationship with a young female for the first time. I won't tell you the story line, but will tell you that the style is simple - an easy holiday read. But the plot? Nothing simple, nothing easy. It tore my heart out.

Do I recommend the book? Yes, but with the caveat that it becomes a heart rending read about a very difficult topic. In my opinion, it is difficult to marry a light holiday read with a real life issue of this magnitude. It sort of left me stunned...not knowing what had hit, and then it was over. Although it is fiction, the author is doing something about the issue in real time and at his very real expense...a noble and worthy effort.

My jury is out. Has anyone else read it?