Book Review: The Mountains Bow Down

Though I retired from reviewing books for 5 Minutes for Books a few months ago, I was excited for the opportunity to read and review Sibella Giorello's latest novel The Mountains Bow Down. I've read the first three books in her series featuring forensic geologist Raleigh Harmon and enjoyed them thoroughly. Giorello writes the type of redemptive fiction I most enjoy: intriguing characters, absorbing plot, refreshing perspective and a mystery that remains so until the final resolution. All that plus a good dose of Southern sensibility and what you have is not your typical Christian fiction fare.

As I said, Giorello's protagonist, Raleigh Harmon, is a forensic geologist working as an FBI agent, an unconventional premise to be sure. Raleigh's character is honestly drawn, with faults and failures that make her both complex and believable, traits important to me the reader (in other words, I have no patience for perfect, plastic heroines). In this her latest adventure, Raleigh finds herself in the middle of yet another mysterious and complicated case, this time while on a cruise to Alaska. Here's the publisher's description:

Everything's going to work out. Time away always makes things better . . ..

That's what FBI Special Agent Raleigh Harmon believes as she boards a cruise to Alaska. A land of mountains and gems and minerals, The Last Frontier is a dream destination for this forensic geologist who's hoping to leave behind a hectic work schedule and an engagement drained of romance.

But when a passenger goes missing and winds up dead, Raleigh's vacation suddenly gets lost at sea. The ship's security chief tries to rule the death a suicide, but Raleigh's forensics background points to a much darker conclusion: Somewhere onboard, a ruthless murderer walks free.

Engulfed by one of her toughest cases yet, Raleigh requests assistance from the FBI and receives her nemesis-perpetual ladies man Special Agent Jack Stephanson. As the cruise ship sails through the Inside Passage, Raleigh has five days to solve a high-profile murder, provide consultation for a movie filming onboard, and figure out her increasingly complicated feelings for Jack-who might not be such a jerk after all.

And that's only her work life. Family offers even more challenges. Joined on the cruise by her mother and aunt, Raleigh watches helplessly as disturbing rifts splinter her family.

Like the scenery that surrounds the cruise ship, Raleigh discovers a situation so steep and so complex that even the mountains might bow down.

I wanted to like The Mountains Bow Down and I did. Is it my favorite Raleigh novel? I don't think so. While there are twists and turns and quirky characters aplenty, I felt the cruise ship as a setting to be somewhat contrived. I missed Raleigh pounding the pavement as it were as she seeks to unravel the case at hand and achieve some degree of respect in her profession, the Raleigh of the earlier novels. Again, that is not to say that this installment isn't an enjoyable read. It is. The ups and downs of her relationship with Jack keeps the reader guessing while the desperation and despair that mark her relationship with her mom keep the story authentic and sympathetic. The mystery is mysterious, the resolution surprising, and Raleigh remains likeable and believable.

I like Raleigh. I like a good mystery. I like a well written story. Though perhaps I didn't like it as much as Raleigh's earlier adventures, I still liked this one alot.

Thanks to Amy at Litfuse for providing a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

Click this link to check out other reviews, not to mention fun stuff like a Facebook party and a cruise giveaway!

On breaking the silence

Two weeks of silence here at the blog and I have to wonder if anyone noticed because, well, I sure didn't. In my defense, last week was Spring Break making this week Spring Break Recovery. No, there was no exciting Spring Break-ish trip to draw my attention away from the blog; rather I spent my off week (as it were) cleaning out cabinets and closets and other equally exciting tasks. That, plus the adjustment to the time change, made for a full week. My husband and I did get away for an afternoon and enjoyed a fabulous lunch at P.F. Chang's followed by the fabulous movie The King's Speech.

It was just the kind of week I needed and I enjoyed. Very much. Being at home, taking care of homey sorts of tasks, slow moving mornings, gorgeous weather, open windows, grilling hamburgers, walks with the dog, my boys playing two-on-two in the driveway, March Madness, corned beef and cabbage with friends, lunch and movie with my husband: it's all good. All blogworthy, to be sure, but sometimes the living precludes the blogging, just as it should.

I have to be honest, an unplanned (and unnoticed) two week blog hiatus makes me wonder about my blogging future. Especially when I break the silence here on the blog by posting a non-post sort of post like this one. I mean, really, I am tempted to delete all that I've written thus far because surely no post is better than a non-post sort of post! And if you only knew how I've struggled just to crank out these three non-paragraphs composing this non-post sort of post...

But, I don't think I'll delete and I don't think I'll pull the plug on the blog as of yet. It is a hobby that I love and I am glad for the freedom to pick it up and lay it down as the whim strikes. In fact, for you curious and eager readers (anyone? anyone?), I will be finishing up the On Bible study series as well as posting a book review in the very near future. So, yeah, the blog, such as it is, lives to see another day (or two)...

Until then, happy Friday, friends!

Friday's Fave Five

My five favorite things of this past week...

1. Our book club meeting last Monday night. I know, I know, this favorite rightly belongs to last week and not this week but since I didn't post a list of favorites last Friday and it is well deserving of a favorite status, I am including it this week. I love open and honest discussion among friends who earnestly desire the glory of God in all things. I also love books like Elyse Fitzpatrick's Because He Loves Me that are clearly gospel-centered and Christ-glorifying. Elyse tells it to us straight and I like that.

2. Slipcovers. Yes, I have cream colored sofas and a puppy, not to mention four sons, so I am glad that I can have clean sofas with the ease of washing a couple loads of laundry.

3. Studying God's Word with a group of serious minded Bible students who love the Savior with a single minded passion. Who am I to lead? Oh, but I am so glad for the privilege. Those women sharpen me as iron sharpens iron.

4. My circle of "internet friends," as I call them. It is amazing to me, as I think on it, how the Lord has been so gracious to use blogging to bring about the kind of friendships I enjoy with women from around the world. I love that I have girlfriends as close as the nearest email that I can consult on things pertaining to motherhood, vacations, theology, books, and what have you. We share a true kinship, my internet friends and I, and I am so thankful for how they encourage me in pursuing the glory of God in all things.

5. It's Friday. It's been a busy and tiring week due both to our schedule and in some part to my own procrastination. I'm glad it's Friday. And it's a sunny Friday, albeit a little chilly. IAnd, looking ahead to next week's favorites, I'm glad next week is Spring Break!

On Bible study, part 2

In a previous post, I began a discussion of foundational principles and motivations for our Bible study group. In other words, what are we after when we study God's Word? What is our focus? What do we hope to accomplish? Why do we do what we do? I told you that I find it useful to cast a vision of sorts, to lay out from the beginning the primary motivations that will drive our study of Scripture.

The first two foundations were the gospel and the truth. Today we will discuss a third. I have adapted these from Susan Hunt's list of foundations for women's ministry as described in her must-read book Women's Ministry in the Local Church. Before we jump in, however, I want to emphasize what may have been assumed yet not clearly stated in the first post in this series: in Bible study it is essential that we study THE BIBLE. We see God's Word as authoritative and sufficient and therefore all other motivations spring from this one fundamental conviction. As author Kathleen Nielson writes in the workbook we are using to facilitate our study, Psalms: Songs Along the Way,

The point is to grapple with the text, not with what others have said about the text. The goal is to know, increasingly, the joy and reward of digging into the Scriptures, God's breathed-out words which are not only able to make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus but also profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, so that each of us may be competent, equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:15-17). (emphasis mine)

So, as I talk about the gospel and truth and these other foundational motivations, at the heart of each of these aspects is a commitment to the study of Scripture and a desire to submit to its authority and instruction.

FOUNDATIONS FOR BIBLE STUDY

1. The Gospel

2. Truth

3. Sound Doctrine

Closely related to truth is our pursuit of the study of sound doctrine. Many, women in particular I think, get a little squirmy at the mention of theology and doctrine; yet theology is at its essence the study of God. Doctrine is then the specific teaching of our theology on various aspects: salvation, for example, or God's attributes. I've made the claim before here in this space: we are all theologians in the sense that how we live reflects our understanding of God, our theology if you will. A false understanding of who God is and how He works in the lives of His people profoundly affects our day to day lives. If I strive and strain and struggle to reach some standard of perfection, convinced that I must achieve and accomplish to gain God's approval, I am essentially denying Him as a God of redemption and mercy and my theology falsely reflects His true nature of grace and the work of Jesus' imputed righteousness and the provision of the Holy Spirit to work in us according to His will.

So, then, sound doctrine is the antitote for error. If we would guard ourselves against the enemies of truth, we will do so by holding firm to sound doctrine, the right teaching of the things of God found in the Bible (Titus 1:9). Paul instructs women in Titus 2:3-5, 

Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. (v. 3-5)

Now, we're not here to be offended by Paul's use of the phrase "older women," nor to debate who among us rightly deserves the title, but rather to emphasize his point that women are to be about teaching other women "what is good." What is good? We see it in the first verse of that same chapter: it is what accords with sound doctrine. I love John Piper's statement that "Wimpy theology makes for wimpy women." I want to be a strong woman of God, yet from the Garden of Eden the enemy has effectively used deception, that lie that we can be in control and "like God," to cause us to question both God's authority and His lovingkindness. As I've already stated, we are all theologians and what we believe about God, Jesus, the Spirit, and His Word is reflected in our marriages, in our homes, how we parent, and every other aspect of our lives. In fact, at the very core of how we view our identities as women is how we view the Word of God. Therefore, it is critical we emphasize sound doctrine. Consider what Susan Hunt says in her book Spiritual Mothering: The Titus 2 Model for Women Mentoring Women,

Sound doctrine is essential for right thinking…sound doctrine will keep [us] from being “tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming” (Eph. 4:14). A well-defined system of doctrine protects us from false teaching. It also helps us maintain balance in the application of faith into life. Sound doctrine keeps us on track and helps us avoid rigid legalism and loose liberalism.

As we gather for Bible study every Thursday morning, this is part of our desire: to grow in the knowledge of sound doctrine through a careful and diligent study of God's Word. We want to know what it teaches us about theology, about God Himself and His character and ways, about Jesus and His work on the cross, about ourselves and our sinful, hopeless depravity apart from His redeeming work in us. We do not want to settle for fluff and froth; rather we seek to press on to the deep things of the Lord, unafraid of difficult issues and heavy questions. Will we have an answer for all that perplexes us? Perhaps not, but as we apply ourselves to the knowledge of God, we have His promise that we will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God for the Lord gives wisdom and from Him come knowledge and understanding (Prov. 2:1-8)! We don't want to be weak women weighted down with a weak and empty theology; we want to be strong women, growing in confidence and stability as we grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We earnestly desire that the Truth of who He is transforms our real, regular, ordinary lives.

There's one more primary emphasis we have decided would frame our Bible study; look for further discussion in a future post.

Trust in the Lord and Do Good

It is a dark and rainy Wednesday. I am alone at the crisis pregnancy center. Without any clients brave enough thus far to venture out in this deluge, I've been working on this week's Bible study lesson. We are studying Psalm 37, a beautiful contrast between the paths of the "wicked" and the "righteous," as well as a confident expression of the Lord's faithful provision on behalf of His people. Through the course of our homework, we were encouraged to list the verbs in the Psalm that describe the Lord's actions and activity. For instance, He knows the days of the blameless, He upholds the righteous, He establishes the steps of those who delight in His way, He will not forsake His saints, He helps, He delivers. Author Kathleen Nielson writes: "Here is our great reason not to fret, but to trust such a God." Oh, yes. And amen. What a God we serve, He who acts on behalf of His people.

This particular Psalm holds great meaning for me as it has offered encouragement to me to persevere at a time when I felt so very weak. The temptation to fret and to anger weighed heavily on me, and it seemed difficult to believe that the Lord would indeed uphold and deliver. In the midst of this struggle a dear friend sent me a bookmark and an admonition: Trust in the Lord and do good (Psalm 37:3). Trust Him, Lisa, when you can't see what He's doing and when you are tempted to doubt His good, perfect, and acceptable provision. Do good when it hurts, when you feel that insidious root of bitterness seeking a stranglehold in your heart, when you are afraid your efforts will be misunderstood, mischaracterized and maligned. Cling to the promises that Psalm 37 grants to those who commit their way to the Lord! Remember that He sees, He knows, He upholds, He helps, and He has a beautiful inheritance for those who delight in Him.

And my friend was right. He has. He does. He is faithful and true to His all His promises which are Yes and Amen in Christ!

I have a friend enduring a very similar heartache. She too struggles to believe, to hope. I told her the same as my friend told me. Trust Him. Do good. In the end, He will show Himself faithful in ways yet unimagined, glory to His name...

Does your heart well up in grief and pain? Are you shaken by difficulties and doubt? Trust the Lord. Pour out your heart before Him. Take it to Him and leave it in His all powerful hands. You can do good even to those who may malign you because He is good and He is sovereign. Trust Him.

The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD;

he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.

The LORD helps them and delivers them;

he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,

because they take refuge in him.  ~Psalm 37:39-40

On Bible study, part 1

Melissa has posed an interesting and thought-provoking question in a recent post at her blog: What makes Bible study, Bible study? Though not directly in answer to her question (you can see my answer in the comments on her post), I thought that I would share some of what we hope to accomplish in the Bible study I lead (which is, I hope, Bible study in its truest sense, or such is my passion and desire).

As I prepare for the start of Bible study, I find it useful to cast a vision of what we are trying to accomplish and what we hope to emphasize. In doing so for our current group, I relied on the wisdom found in Women's Ministry in the Local Church (a must read!!!). Author Susan Hunt lists the following foundational principles for any ministry to and for women and I have adapted them in casting a vision for our little group as well. So, today in this post I will discuss two of the four motivations we've adapted from Susan's list, the other two to be covered in a future post...

FOUNDATIONS FOR BIBLE STUDY

1. The Gospel
It seems so obvious and perhaps a little trite to say that Christ is our reference point but I think it's critical to emphasize a gospel-centered approach to the study of God's Word. Yes, even with a study of an Old Testament book. As we study selected Psalms, a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and what He accomplished will be our goal. This gospel focus may seem surprising, at least in terms of the Old Testament books like, say, Leviticus or Judges. Yet, Jesus Himself on the road to Emmaus following His resurrection taught His two companions; "beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself." (Luke 24:13-34). The things concerning Jesus in all the Scriptures!  Paul says in 2 Timothy 3:16 that "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness." How are we trained in righteousness? Through the gospel! Where do we find the gospel? In all the Scripture.

As Paul reminds the Corinthians (1 Cor. 15:1-5),

Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you— unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.

This is of first importance: the gospel. It is of first importance as we in our little group open our Bibles to examine the Psalms. We want to see the gospel. We want to see the things concerning Jesus. We want to remember and marvel over the good news that Jesus Christ saves sinners like ourselves. The gospel, then, is our focus and our motivation as we study God's Word.

2. Truth
Just a cursory glance at the various book titles in the Christian living section of the book store (not to mention all that purports to be Christian across the internet and television) will confirm: we are surrounded by false teachers teaching a false gospel. We must guard the truth! Let us not be like the women of 2 Tim. 3:6-7,

For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.

I am both sobered and terrified by the description of these weak women who are always learning but never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth! How futile and frustrating. I want to walk in the truth and know the truth. How do we do this? How do we arrive at a knowledge of what is true? By the diligent and careful study of God's Word. His Word is truth (Ps. 119:160, John 17:17). As we seek a deeper knowledge of the Lord through His Word, we will seek the truth and we will be sanctified as we do so, to the praise of His glorious name!

So among our primary objectives as we meet together for Bible study: a gospel-orientation and a wholehearted pursuit of the truth. In my next post I will share two more motivations. Stay tuned!

Status Report, March

Sitting...at my dining room table.

Drinking...coffee, black.

Dreading...resuming cleaning out the garage today.

Realizing...cleaning out the garage is a messier, more complicated, and less rewarding task than originally thought.

Cleaning...out the garage only because we awoke to half the contents of our hot water heater forming a giant puddle over most of the garage floor. Hello, shop vac. Good bye, procrastination.

Staying...home this morning with my number three son who was sick last night. I think his sickness was short lived (as his generally are) but better safe than sorry, I suppose.

Loving...our book club meetings and the honesty that has marked our discussions. Authenticity between friends is so encouraging, whether we're talking about fiction that we liked (or didn't) or wrestling the more difficult subjects of justification and faith. I love my church friends and sisters in the Lord!

Preparing...for Bible study in the morning. We studied Psalm 33 this week and I'm looking forward to talking about the sovereignty of God and the call to worship Him in joy and awe. I love the concluding verses that remind me to wait for the Lord, that He is my help and my shield. My heart is glad in Him because I trust in His holy name! Yes, Lord, let Your steadfast love be upon us even as we hope in You!

Enjoying...my bread machine. I made some rosemary bread last week and it was so good! I'm making soup for supper tonight and think I may attempt the french bread feature.

Welcoming...the hints of spring: the warmer weather, the blooming daffodils. Yes, I still like winter and while I wouldn't admit to preferring flip flops to boots (yet), I am definitely liking the sunshine!

Procrastinating...no longer. I'm heading out to haul the trash from yesterday's partial garage clean out to the side of the road, even as I remind myself I can do all things for the glory of God, it is the Lord Jesus I serve!

Happy March, friends!