Hi Again Friends!

Yes. I promise. I am still alive and kicking over here. I'm sorry I haven't made much effort to check the beloved blog as of late. I really do like this thing. I've been a bit busy, to be perfectly honest. I have yet to step in a library, let alone attempt to check out or even place the current bookclub book on hold. I have heard good things about the book and do plan to start at some point. So, please, don't count me out just yet.

Dearest Linds - I am truly sorry that you have come to the point of "bursting at the seams". I do believe that I am partly to blame for this. I hope that you can forgive me for my lack of bloggage and readage.

To all you gals - Hopefully we can gather together soon! I miss you.

P.S. Is anyone else reading the book yet? I fear that we need to make more of an effort so as to relieve Linds from her anguish :).

Love you All!

Any Readers?

Ladies, I am bursting at the seams. I have got to talk to someone about this book! Someone please reach out to me.

And have a great weekend!

This one is going to be a thinker...

I've reached chapter 12 in Eat, Pray, Love and I can tell you this much so far...I'm not sure what to think!! (And the chapters are short.) When I picked up this book and turned the first few pages, I thought to myself, "We should not be reading this book. It is in direct conflict with our beliefs. The girls are not going to like this." I'm really not sure what opinion I have of this book.

Elizabeth Gilbert admits that some people may not agree with her at all, and she's fine if we part ways. But I had to keep reading. In this book, she is on a quest to find God, (and Italian men), and in one paragraph I will completely agree with her and think, "She's got it!", but in the next paragraph I'm saying, "No, no, no! That's all wrong, you're going in the wrong direction."

So, in the matters of God, this book will certainly not lack for topics of discussion. I really think that as Christian women we can take Gilbert's writing and sharpen one another. It will make us have concrete reasoning for the way we live our lives and why we chose God over the things of this world. Let me leave you with this thought provoking excerpt from chapter 8:

"I want to have a lasting experience with God", I told him. "Sometimes I feel like I understand the divinity of this world, but then I lose it because I get distracted by my petty desires and fears. I want to be with God all the time. But I don't want to be a monk, or totally give up worldly pleasures. I guess what I want to learn is how to live in this world and enjoy its delights, but also devote myself to God."

Let's have a date!

Hi ladies,

Ok, I've heard from some of you that enough is enough. We have got to watch The Last Song. If you missed the book version, catch up with us and watch the movie!

This Friday, September 24 at 7:30 at my house. We'll get the movie and put this thing to rest.

I guess I'm assuming that Friday works, if not, we'll pick another day.

Also, I'm picking up my copy of Eat, Pray, Love from the library today. Yay!

Book choice

Hi bookclubbers,
Lindsay and I were talking about our next book choice and threw out the idea of reading Eat Pray Love and then (attempting)to see the movie:) let me know your ideas. I'm up for either book. I want to read them both at some point so it doesn't matter to me what we choose!
Hope you're all having a great week!
Julie

Reunite :)

Hello fellow book-clubbers! I am so sad we have lost touch on our blog! We need to improve on our skills, especially since I'm back in Baltimore (AND DIDN'T SEE YOU WHEN I WAS HOME :(( ), I need to feel connected. And we have some exciting things going on within our club!
Dare we start a new book? I know we haven't seen The Last Song movie yet but I say let's move forward. Any book ideas? I know Lindsay and I had thrown out Matter of the Heart by Emily Giffin as an option but I am open to anything. Also, if we are going to have others join us we'll have to contact them.
I love and miss you all! Wish we could get together all the time... I'm dying to give Amanda a hug since her news :) But at least we can connect on here. Have a wonderful day!
Julie

Hello?!

Hello fellow bookclubbers....where are you all?

I miss communicating with you guys on here, I feel out of touch! So, I think most of us are finished with The Last Song (at least I hope) what shall we read next? Lindsay and I talked about reading The Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin, let us know what you think. Also, our group is in high demand and we have had some requests from others to join. Do you we have an application process? hahaha just kidding! I think my cousins Ashley and Brittany might want to join and possibly Brent's girlfriend and Wes's fianceeeeee. Miss you all. Haci soon! I AM HOME!

So long, Last Song

I finished it. Just a minute or two ago, actually. Nicholas Sparks did it again, and brought me to tears. This book was one of his best. I'm not sure what it was about this book, it didn't seem like anything special, but I couldn't stop reading it. I just loved it, and I don't know why!

And that's probably all I can say for those of you who haven't finished/haven't started it yet. I'll just comment on a few other things I found in the book.

Do you notice that we might have a theme here? Well, semi-theme I guess depending on what book we choose next. Like Shades of Blue, this book was set in North Carolina and mentioned some of the same beaches. I think they were Wrightsville Beach and Holden Beach. I'll tell you one thing, after reading both of those books, I want nothing more than to spend weeks on a beach in North Carolina. I've even toyed with the idea of moving there. Maybe I should visit first.....

I've really enjoyed what we've created here. Such a great way to share the love of reading. Because I just can't get enough, I've created a goal for myself that I've kept up for a few years. I have a list of classic literature that I would like to finish in my lifetime. I originally gave myself five years, but I decided why rush? I like to use other books or forms of media/entertainment to inspire where on my list I will go next. If a book is referenced or is a topic in another book that I'm reading or movie that I'm watching, I decide that that will be the next book I read and subsequently cross off my list. In The Last Song Ronnie is reading Anna Karenina. It is a book I don't know very much about, but I can't wait to find out. I just love how the old classics can live on in contemporary literature.

Now I know that you probably don't share in this quest of mine to find dusty old books from the 1800's, but thanks for letting me indulge. I will be sure to refrain from suggesting books from my list as future selections in our book club.

On that note, Happy Reading friends!

To be young again...

I'm in the middle of chapter 12 right now, and Mr. Sparks is keeping my attention. So far this book seems to be unique from his others. Most of the time two people are falling madly in love within the first two days of meeting each other. Those story lines can get a little old, however that could be a little further into the book.

I like how Ronnie isn't a clean cut character and that her flaws are very obvious. And the flaws of her father as well. I think it keeps things interesting.

There is just something about being a teenager in the summer. Somehow when you leave school in May and return in August, you're very aware of how much you've grown up in that short time. Anything can happen when it's summertime! I loved that time of year. Granted, I never did anything that exciting. My summers were spent detassling in the fields of Jasper County and going to county fairs with my friends. And I loved it.

That is really a time in your life when you didn't have much to worry about, and you didn't even know it.

Redeeming Love Wrap-Up

I know, I know, I've been a little MIA around here lately. I FINALLY went through the pictures from the last book club. Here are some snipits from our wonderful evening.

We decided we loved the book. These ladies weren't completely finished, so I had to keep my mouth shut during some of the discussion.

Julie, put her teacher skills to work and let her creative juices fly, ending in this beautiful salsa creation.

We got back to our High School ways, and took some random pics. Remember, all those pics we took on missions trips etc...? They'll always be some of my faves!

Now, we are on to our next book, and I am wondering who has started. I do not have mine yet. But, I WILL get it this week, even if I have to order it off of B&N.

P.S. How much do we love that our dear missionary friend is reading about vampires? She's gotta be the coolest missionary I know. Love you Jalayne! And, can I just get it out there, that we are all totally jealous of Amanda.

Ready, Set, Read?

Is it time to start yet? I imagine us all putting our virtual hands in the center of a virtual huddle and shouting, READ!!!!! haha.

Next read...

Hello Girls!

So, all of us have finished Redeeming Love (what a great book) and can move on to our next read. I'm excited to also get together and talk about Redeeming Love. As for our next book, when me, Lindsay and Erin got together we talked about the possibility of reading Last Song by Nicholas Sparks and then going to see the movie together :) Any objections or different ideas? I'm so excited to go to the library and get my hands on some books. In Indiana we don't have a library card so I don't have that freedom! ha Ok well back to watching Dancing with the Stars :) Subbing for little kindergartners tomorrow... better get my rest! Miss and love you all!!

Next week :)

Hi guys! I feel like we've been slacking a bit on the blogging :) haha I'm making great progress on the book and am really enjoying it so far. So, on to the reason I'm blogging.... I'm going to be home next week and would LOVE to get together. We don't have to really discuss the book because I don't think Amanda's going to be there. Let me know what night works for you! Love you all!!!

Bombshell

The book just keeps getting better, it really does. Chapter 21, (pages 277-285), is where it all came out! Talk about a bombshell. Angel reveals a couple of things from her past that I was not expecting. But I'm starting to understand her a little better. But, at the end of the chapter, I'm left hanging! Can't wait to start chapter 22.

I am really trying to figure out how God will speak to Michael through this part and how God will reconcile and redeem Angel and Michael individually and as husband and wife.

There are some very real issues in this book that I could not even begin to imagine. Michael is a good example of how God responds to our sin. I am so grateful that after countless acts of disobedience, God takes me back every time. Every time. Thank you for loving us this much, Lord!

Lindsay

So, I finally started the book yesterday and I really like it so far. I don't have much to say about the book yet but wanted to blog since I can't read the previous blog :)

In my devotions a couple of weeks ago I read Philippians 4:4-8. I wrote it down to memorize it because it is so pertinent for my life right now. Then, wouldn't ya know, that our sermon at church today was over this exact passage... talk about a reminder to put this into practice in my life! I've really been trying to present everything to God - ALL of my worries. Our pastor challenged us to spend 5 minutes writing down things you are thankful, even things as small as a cup of coffee. I'm going to do this and challenge you guys to take the time to do the same this week. I know that can start my list with all of you..... love you all!

Michael Hosea...fact or fiction?

Julie- you might not want to read this. And if you do, don't say I didn't warn you.

I'm having a hard time believing this Michael fellow. I mean seriously! First of all, I'm getting a little annoyed by the different names he uses for Angel. Mara, Tirzah, Amanda...where did Amanda come from anyway? It's like he justs makes them up. I don't know.

I also can't believe that after simply passing her in the street God tells him to marry her. They had no interaction whatsoever and he goes into the brothel and asks her to marry him! A normal human being would not do that. However, since God is the one working through Michael, it would never be something that Michael could do on his own.

It sounds like the people around Michael were also in disbelief and thought he was a fool. I can remember times when I thought that of some people when they were called to do God's work. Did it make sense? No. Was it going to make their life easier? No. It just seemed absurd! If we're really doing God's will, then we may look like fools to the rest of the world. Living radically for God sure doesn't make sense to those that aren't following Jesus.

So I think I need to stop being so skeptical of Michael.

I'm on chapter 17, (page 216), and there is still a lot of story left. Can't wait to read what happens next!

Just so you all know...

...I finished the book yesterday!! Sorry. I couldn't stop. Apparently the 2nd times a charm with this one :). I can't wait to have a discussion with you all! No rush though. Francine Rivers is definitely a different writer than Ms. Kingsbury. I will say that much. I feel as though I thoroughly enjoy and can appreciate the differences in Christian writers. I don't want to give anything away, so I won't say anymore than that.

By the way...where is everyone at in their reading??

Love you all!

Not Really Book Related

The cuss words continue. I don't quite get it, but it is really good. Has anybody else besides Amanda and I started the book?

I have a more personal question for you all. I am thinking of ways to get my business to take off. Not sure which approach to take. I spoke with a lady at Borkholder Dutch Village about having a booth there. It's on my list of possibilities. I would make all kinds of stuff if I had a booth. Home decor, children's clothing, etc... But, I am so scared that nobody shops there and I would come out in the negative. So, question for you all, do you guys ever go there or know of people that do? I would obviously try to market it to people I know etc... If I got the word out that there's a place like that in there maybe the right client-ale would come to see my stuff. Ugh...I'm so torn!! Give me your thoughts!!!

On the positive side, a business owner in Georgia contacted me about buying a couple of my diaper bags to sell in her store. We'll see what the outcome is of that situation. Which brings me around to my next option. I could sell wholesale or on consignment to retail stores/boutiques.

Alright, I'll stop, I would love my beautiful friends opinions!! Thanks!
P.S. Amanda, I have not forgotten about your bag, I just haven't gone to SB to get fabric yet, but next time I do, I'll get your bag done ASAP!!

Oh my, Francine!

Wowsa's!! Am I reading the right book? Is this really Christian? I'm feeling a bit confused by the cussing and risqueness of the whole thing! I feel like I'm sinning by reading cuss words. But, I have to read them to know that they're a cuss word and by the time I figure that out, I've sinned, I suppose. This is a big change from an ole Karen Kingsbury, wouldn't ya say?

Anywho, I have just gotten to the part where Michael steps in. I have not fallen for him yet like Amanda has for the second time around. But, I do really like the book, and it has me hanging on to every last word. I'd rather read than take care of my children. That's probably a problem I should get help for.

Since I have some sort of old fogy version, I don't even have chapters in my book. It's driving me nutso! I like to know my progress in terms of chapters, but have no clue. My book has over 600 pages, since it's in large print. How many pages does the regular book have? I just need to know this for my own sanity.

I'm hoping to pick up my Bible tomorrow and jump into Hosea. Amanda, I think that's a great idea!

Talk to you all later! Love you all! {Jalayne, I love that you comment. It makes you not seem so far away! <3}

OBSESSION

So...if you can't tell by the title of this post, I have a serious problem! I already knew I had a growing weakness for reading sappy love stories, but COME ON! I have actually already read Redeeming Love, so I assumed it couldn't possibly comsume my life a 2nd time. Oh, but it has done exactly that...in full force, might I add. If you must know, I am on chapter 24! Yikes!

Since I have absolutely no idea where you are all at in the book, my lips are sealed regarding the plot and any details. I feel like I have SO much to say, but I definitely don't want to give anything away. So, as soon as you read this, please leave a comment as to what chapter you are on :).

Just a suggestion...I think it would be interesting to read the actual passage out of Hosea that this novel is based on together. Then we can draw similarities of our own. They kind of do that in the book a bit, but I think it would be fun.

One last thought. Can I just say that Michael sounds awfully dreamy!!

I love you all and can't wait to hear what you think of the beautiful soiled dove and the man after God's own heart :).

"No sacrifice we make is too great for the One who sacrificed His all."

Redeeming Love

So, I got our new book today at the church library and had to hold myself back from cracking it open during service :) Jacki Lacher was in the library when I got it and she said she just returned it from reading it again, that seems to be a common theme with this book. Everyone I talk to about it LOVES it and a lot have read it numerous times. Really excited to start reading. I'm having a dilemna though because I just started the second Twilight book and don't know whether to finish that first...ugh! haha



At church we've been doing a series called "Awesome God" and to end the series today we watched a sermon from Louie Giglio (sp?). IT WAS AMAZING. If you ever the chance to see it, I highly recommend it. He talks about our solar system and how incredibly huge or God is. It was so incredible to learn how small we (Earth) are in comparison to the other things God has made. It challenged me to think about the "little" things I worry about. Does it really matter if I don't know where we're going to live in a year? Does it really matter if I don't know what our future holds for us? The God who made the Universe loves me and has me in His hand, why worry? So easy to type out but hard to live out! At the end he talked about how each and every one of us are a miracle because of our complex DNA and how intricate every detail in our body is. It gave a whole new meaning to the verse "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14. You have to see the sermon and all the pictures to fully appreciate where this is coming from. Sorry if I'm rambling, just wanted to share! We serve an AWESOME God who chooses to love us!

Recap of Our First Official Meeting

Well, I feel like this is now an official book club. We made it through our first meeting without a hitch. It wouldn't be the same without chips and salsa. Jalayne, you were missed!

I really enjoyed talking about the book and other more serious issues. The structure was nice for the night. There were some very serious moments. Lots of pondering.

But, there were also moments of love and fun.

Excited about our newest member to Haci night. Hoping we didn't scare her off, and she will return.

We are seriously going to miss this girl.

*Sigh*

Hope you all are about to get your books or have gotten them. I got mine from the library today, in large print, might I add.

I seriously just love you all, and hope you know that. I had so much fun last night!

Book Club Meeting

Hi Ladies!

I thought I would write a quick post since I haven't heard the time and date for our first official book dish. Since Karla can't do Friday, does Wednesday (6pm) work for everyone then or do we want to do something on Sat. (lunch or dinner)? Any thoughts? I am fine with either so go ahead and leave a comment as to what your vote will be.

Can't wait to see you all!
Love,

Finished :)

So I finally finished the book last night, after being "almost done" for about a week. I ruined it for myself by reading the ending... I promise not to do it again. I really did not intend to but one time my book flipped open to the last page and, oops, there it was. So, needless to say I was a little upset when I read that because I was really hoping for a different outcome. Then as I got further into the juicy details, when Brad went to talk to Emma, it was kind of hard for me to stay focused because I knew the whole time he wasn't going to get back with her. I have to admit I was really pulling for Emma. I am one who HATES change so I wanted things to go back to the way they were, back to Brad and Emma being together. I felt like Emma deserved Brad after everything they had gone through together and for the way she handled herself. Then Laura has to come and blow me out of the water by apologizing to Brad for the way SHE acted. Wow! If that wasn't convicting. It made me think about situations in my own life where I need to be more forgiving and less judgemental. Anyways... we can discuss this at our meeting :) Which, we need to plan. Does next week work? Wednesday or Friday would work the best for me. I guess we could even do next Saturday. Brunch maybe?? Just an idea. As long as we can have chips, salsa and ranch for breakfast of course! ha

One more thought. Just had to share this from my devotions (which I am trying desperately to get back in the habit of doing REGULARLY!). I'm doing a Beth Moore study on David. This really made me think. "Sometimes we stand to learn the most about God from the situations we understand the least." Hard to swallow when I'm a person who wants to have everything under control and planned. God WANTS us to depend on Him, how comforting!!

Love you all!

Red Ragtop

If any of you are familiar with Tim McGraw you might know the song Red Ragtop. It's almost like Karen Kingsbury heard this song and was inspired to write Shades of Blue. (Well that might be a stretch, but the two stories are very similar.) This song just kept creeping in my head as I was reading the book.

I found it interesting that Emma drives a ragtop for one. Also, as she is telling her story to Gavin, she speaks some of the same lyrics in the song. Coincidence? I think not.

Here are the lyrics to Tim McGraw's song, and you can decide for yourself:

I was twenty and she was eighteen,
We were just as wild as we were green, in the ways of the world
She picked me up in that red rag top,
We were free of the folks and hiding from the cops,
On a summer night runnin all the red lights
We parked way out in a clearin in a grove and the night
Was hot as a coal burnin stove,
We were cookin the gas we were had to last

In the back of that red rag top
She said please don't stop


Well the very first time her mother met me,
Her green eyed girl was a mother to be for 2 weeks
I was out of a job and she was in school,
Life was fast and the world was cruel
We were young and wild, we decided not to have a child
So we did what we did and we tried to forget
And we swore up and down there would be no regrets
In the morning light,
But on the way home that night

On the back of that red rag top
She said please don't stop...
Lovin' me

We took one more trip around the sun,
It was all make believe in the end,
No I can't say where she is today,
I can't remember who I was, back then
Well you do what you do and you pay for your sins,
And there's no such thing as what might've
Been, that's a waste of time; drive you outta your mind
I was stopped at a red light just yesterday beside a young girl
In a cabriolet and her eyes
Were green
I was in an old scene

I was back in that red rag top
On the day she stopped
Loving me
I was back in that red rag top
On the day she stopped
Loving me

THE END.

I finished the book at about 1:30am this morning!! I am not going to leave any specific comments or hints as to how it ends...sorry Sheryl. I don't want to spoil it for anyone. I'm not even going to say whether I thought the end result was enjoyable, expected or lacking. We will just have to discuss details when we meet :). Like I mentioned before, I LOVE to read and I fit it in even when I don't have the time! So, if you haven't finished the book before we have our first Binding Book Club gathering, don't fret. I promise I won't give anything away...you have my word.

I can't wait to see you all next week! When are we getting together, by the way?

Ok...final thought. I would like to leave you with this poem...

You want me,
All of me.
I am weak,
You strengthen my soul.
I am afraid,
Your words bring me courage.
I tend to stray,
You hold my hand and gently bring me back.
I am ashamed,
You pour grace over me.
I am discouraged,
You show me your faithfulness.
I am sad,
You put your loving arms around me.
I do not always listen,
You never give up.
I try to change,
You love me,
All of me.


I love you girls!!

I'm in the game now!

Hi ladies! Thanks so much for letting me be a part of your group. Since moving into the area I have yet to develop real friendships so I'm looking forward to what is ahead. I also love books and am always looking for an excuse to read. This is going to be great.

So, I might be a little behind on the blog and the book. I just picked it up from the library yesteday. Before that, I was reading from Julie's book. I'm on chapter 8 and making lots of progress!

Before chapter 7, I was thinking that most of the characters in the book seemed sqeaky clean, (with the exception of Brad and Emma's undisclosed past), which I found kind of annoying. It's hard to relate to characters in a book when everything appears to be so perfect. So when Laura met with her bible study group and the background of her friends was described I was relieved to see that the unfortunate happenings of this world apply to Christian fiction as well. This is not only my first Karen Kingsbury book but also my first Christian fiction book, so forgive my skepticism. But, I am excited to see what is going to happen next.

This is fun.

Lindsay

Emma or Laura

Ok, if you haven't gotten too far into the book you may not want to read this post but for those of us who have.... which girl are you pulling for at this point?

Whenever they're talking about Emma I fall in love with her, can't imagine how lonely she must feel. She lost her mom AND the love of her life, ugh makes me want to cry. I find myself rooting for her saying she deserves Brad more than Laura does, she's been through more with him and has more memories with him.

And Laura, so innocent, oblivious of what is going on. Then she is blindsided by Brad's confession. I want her to have Brad because he's been misleading her all this time and here she is a great Christian girl following God's will for her life and this blows up in her face. I loved how stern she was with Brad after he confessed everything, she didn't just apologize and move on. She told him how hard it was going to be let him go talk to Emma.

Ok I could go on and on but I'll stop. Post your thoughts. I don't know what "team" I'm on. (Kind of like the Twilight series, Team Jacob, Team Edward :) )

Love you!

my first blog :)

Don't really have much to say just wanted to show you that I now know how to blog... thanks to Amanda!! :) I am really enjoying this book and more than that I love that we are staying in contact so easily. It's so fun to check our blog and see what everyone's written. Does any night work for you guys next week to go out to eat to discuss the book? Wednesday does not work for me but any other night. Love you all! Read on!!!!

My First Official Blog Ever!

Well...as you can see by the title, I am not a blogging virgin anymore. I have definitely stepped into a whole other realm here (at least that's how it feels to me)! I am new at this whole, spill your thoughts on a public site, thing. So, if I am doing something wrong or out of the ordinary from the "website world rules and regulations", won't someone please give me a heads up?

About Shades of Blue...Can I just tell you all that I am LOVING this book!! I just started it today, but I couldn't put it down! I read the first 8 chapters in one sitting...Yikes! I do think it started out rather slowly though, and was a bit predictable. But, all in all, aren't all Christian Romance novels fairly predictable? Don't get me wrong...I am not trying to shine a negative light, but it's kind of true. However, I still prefer them over a random secular novel (you just never know what to expect in those). At least with a Christian book, you can assume there will be wonderful (and sometimes more dream-like than believable) ways to see our God work in a relationship between a man and a woman.

So, back to the book. I'm not sure where you are all at, chapter wise, but I definitely have some thoughts on the material thus far. I will try to be sort of vague as to not give away any juicy details, but I'm sorry if I do. I feel as though this book includes scenarios/stories that all women, who have ever had a serious relationship, can relate to. Without making my life an open book here, I can assure you that there are more than a few instances in my past that cause me to cringe with regret. There are even things that I wish I could completely erase from my memory. But that is just not how God made us. It seems as though we tend to remember the very things that we wish most to forget. One thing that we can be sure of though, is that God's grace covers us fully! Not a single person on this earth is perfect. He knows that and wants us to come to Him, to receive His relentless love. Just like Brad is finding out, this is not an easy task. It is very daunting, to say the least. I think I will stop there, for fear of saying too much more about the story line. If I may, I might make just one simple prediction...I think this is going to be a book that I will be shedding more than just the usual happy ending tears. I feel like the situation that Brad is in is such a difficult one, that no matter the outcome, in the end, someone's heart will be badly bruised.

Ok...I am really getting the hang of this!! Anyway, I should probably stop so someone else can add some thoughts too. This club was a great idea and I can't wait to get together and talk about the novel in more detail. Happy reading to you all :).

Love you,

A Bit of a Guideline

We need to superimpose Lindsay. :)

So, now for a little bit of guideline as far as this club goes. Julie and I talked and thought it would be a good deadline to have the first 16 chapters read by around the 23rd. Check your schedules and see if one of those dates right in there would work for our first meeting. Julie is probably leaving around the 11th of March, so we will have our final meeting around that date. Hopefully we can have our book finished by then, but if not, that is just fine as well.

If there are certain areas that you liked or didn't like, and you don't want to forget, so we can discuss, please jot them down in a notebook. I hope we can have a bit of good conversation regarding the book rather than just saying we like it.

I am into the 6th chapter, and am ready for the meat of the book. A few of those chapters in there were a little blah for me. Did anyone else feel this way? Don't get me wrong, they were well written, but I'm just ready for the juicy details. Enough of this love at first sight, first date, etc... I am sure it's about to pick up speed.

You can leave in the comments what day will work for you for our first meeting. A lot of us have busy lives (not me in particular) and we should probably get it written down before all of our dates are full. Until next time... Au revoir!

Say a little or big prayer for Jared and Jalayne, right now. We love you guys!

This is a total afterthought. Click on the picture and just look at my little baby. Oh my goodness. Sorry, I know I am partial, but he is so little and cute! How easily you forget. Didn't want you guys to miss out on the full affect of his cuteness.

Ready, Set, READ!!

Well, I hope most of you have gotten your book. I just picked it up this afternoon at the Christian Book store. I ran in there to only buy the book and use one of my coupons. 33 dollars later, I did end up with the book and a few other miscellaneous purchases.

Anywho, I read the first chapter and really like it so far. But, dang, this looks like a long book! I was hoping there would be more discussion questions, but no biggie. Note to all of you who have not looked at the discussion questions, DON'T do it! Resist every urge inside of you to flip back there, and now I know you will because I have made you curious. The first question gave away some of the book for me.

I'm not really sure how to run a book club or what the format should look like. I guess just start reading the book. If we make it too homeworkish, it won't be fun. We will need to set some dates to get together and discuss before Julie leaves. We can do Haci, and I'm also fine with opening up my house for a night too. We can sit around the fireplace, eat bon bons, and rant and rave about sex, uh I mean, the book. (Lindsay, don't let that last sentence scare you!)

Alrighty, well please write a post whenever you want to about the book. I think this little blog will be fun to keep us all more informed on the book and each other. Heck, write something even if it has nothing to do with the book. I love our friendship and want it to grow even more, so please utilize this tool.

(To write a post, click on the tab "Posting" and it's pretty self explanatory. Make sure the tab to the right is clicked on "Compose." It's easy peasy.)

Welcome!!

Hello ladies! I decided maybe a blog would be easier to communicate through. If not, we can always shut the operation down. I chose the name, The Binding, because I'm hoping this will bind us all even closer together. It's sortof cheesy, but I totally couldn't think of anything else. I'm open to suggestions!! You should all be getting an e-mail inviting you to be an author in this blog. That way if you have something you would like to post, you have the option to write your own little diddy.

I tried to get my book today, but there weren't any in at the library. Totally bummed! Hope you all are in the process of getting yours. Those of you who do have yours, is it true that there are discussion questions in the back?

If you haven't heard anything about the book, here's a little something to wet your appetite:

Shades of Blue
Sometimes hope lies somewhere in the shades of blue.

Brad Cutler, twenty-eight, is a rising star at his New York ad agency, about to marry the girl of his dreams. Anyone would agree he has it all … a great career, a beautiful and loving fiancee, and a fairy tale life ahead of him—when memories of a high school girlfriend begin to torment him.

Lost innocence and one very difficult choice flood his conscience, and he is no longer sure what the future will bring except for this: He must find his old love and make amends. Haunted by the past and confused about the future, he turns to God seeking forgiveness and redemption.

Three people must work through the repercussions of a decision made long ago before any of them can look toward a new future.

Bookmark our blog or add it to your favorites, so that you can get to it easily. If you have anyone else you would like to invite, feel free to do so before we really get into the book.

Welcome to the club!!