Thief of Corinth

Is there anything more delightful than a good book on a rainy day?  Or even a good book in any weather at any time.  I would say no.  I’ve had the pleasure of reading for review another of Tessa Afshar’s books and once again she hasn’t disappointed with the content.

Thief of Corinth is the story of Ariadne, her family, friends, and enemies comes to life in the ancient city of Corinth.  Early in life, she is moved to Athens when her mother divorces her father.  She is abused and unloved in that situation and determines to go back to Corinth as a young teen.  Traveling with her brother, she arrives in Corinth at the home of her father and the adventure begins.  Life decisions, good and bad, of all the characters, fill the pages.  Unrequited love, a woman competing in the Isthmian games, the lifestyle of the incredibly wealthy unfold before your eyes.  In the end, this is a story that is totally relatable.

This book is filled with quotes from the Ancient Philosophers.  Rather than being just more words they add a credibility to the story. Plato – “When men speak ill of thee, live so as nobody may believe them.”  My favorite quote from the book is not of the Philosophers but of the author – “The problem with wisdom is that it is devoid of comfort.”  (pg. 170)

Thank you, Tessa Afshar, for such a delightful way to spend a rainy day.

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Wanted: Volunteers to be Christians

Thought provoking post from Butch Dean. He’s worth the follow friends.

Butch Dean's avatarWordsmith's Desk

Wanted: Volunteers to be Christians

No experience necessary…immediate openings.

Training provided by the Holy Spirit

Must be willing to learn the following:

pray for your enemies…

forgive those who do you wrong…

love one another…

turn the other cheek…

die for your faith…

forsake everything for Christ…

suffer for Christ’s sake…

surrender all to Christ…

give all the glory to God…

deny self and follow Christ…

All this and more await you.

If interested, repeat after me…

“Jesus, I want to serve you. Forgive me my sins and lead me to everlasting life. Abide within my heart and help me to walk with you as a Christian.”

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Tea Time #1

There is nothing like a really good cup of tea.  It can be hot or cold.  It can be with someone or all alone.  I can drink it in a car. I can drink it on a plane.  (My apologies to Dr. Seuss)  I like it straight or sweetened with honey.   I like leaves and herbal. loose leaf and bagged.  It doesn’t matter whether I use a cute tea cup from my collection or a mug.  My favorites are Queen Anne from Harney & Sons, Winter Spice from Twinings, Ginger Peach from Republic of Tea, and… and…  and…  and…

I really, like scones and tea sandwiches.  But, I don’t eat wheat so I’ve had to find and create recipes that really work for me.  Here’s one for Banana Nut Scones that uses a mix of rice and almond flour.  Yummy in my tummy. (Sorry Shrek!)   Instead of bread on my tea ‘sandwiches’ I use lettuce or cucumber slices or corn tortillas.  Delicious!!  Of course, fresh fruit and veggies are always on the table.

Best Ever Banana Nut Scones

  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 1 cup brown rice flour  (1 cup of oatmeal will work, too.)
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 tsp. baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 F.  Lightly spray (I use coconut oil.)  a round cake-pan (Use ceramic or glass – like a pie pan.)  Blend until smooth.  Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.  Cool completely!  Cut into traditional pie pieces.  Spread with maple butter, or cream cheese, or clotted cream, if you have it.

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

 

I Am Woman…

I am woman, hear me roar… LOL  Every time I think of this subject these words cross my mind and make me smile.  Yes, I can be a roaring lioness at times. But, I am more than that. I am passionate about being a woman and becoming all that I can be for my Jesus.  I am also…

 

Isaiah 43:1b  Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

 

 

John 15:16  You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

Matthew 6:14   For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

 

 

Jeremiah 31:3   I have loved you with an everlasting love.

 

Romans 12:6   We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. 

 

… and so much more!

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

This post is joining an awesome group of bloggers for 5-Minute Friday.  Come join us!

A Prayer For You

 

 

I know the peace and joy that comes when the Father wraps His arms around me.  I want you to know it too.

Thank you to my sweet cousin Pearl, who sent me a different version of this prayer, which I’ve adapted for you.  What a blessing she is!

May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie