“Iscariot,” by Tosca Lee – A book Review

I haven’t used this blog for book reviews but I could NOT pass the opportunity to do so after having read “Iscariot,” by Tosca Lee.

This is a book I was hesitant to read but I am so glad I did.

First, I say first as if there will be a second but there really isn’t, I admire Lee’s extensive research that went in to writing this novel.  I love to read historical fiction.  So, her time dedicated to getting details right is impressive.  I think I read she spent about 3 years but I could be wrong.  I simply don’t recall at the moment.

I can also appreciate it when she said she ran away from writing this book but I’m glad she did. I felt the same way about reading it. Some old, stodgy, paranoid Christian in me said I shouldn’t entertain such thoughts that Judas just might be in heaven or that he could be forgiven. I grew up believing Judas was in hell for selling out Jesus but…

I am Judas.

My sin killed Jesus. I put Him on the cross just as much as Judas did.

The Ultimate Display of Love

Today is Easter, a day that believers celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Not only did our Savior die on the cross but he overcame death and rose to life on the third day.  There is hope for all people that death is not the end of this life but a greater one still awaits.

It is an eternal life with no more tears, no more death or disease. God doesn’t force this hope on you.  It is a free gift offered to everyone, even those that hate Him.

I tried to explain to my boys that Jesus is the Son of God and that he came to earth as a human, took the blame for all our wrong doing that we would ever do in our lifetime and paid the price by dying on the cross just so we could be with Him in heaven.

Sure, it was a lot to understand.  The best way to condense the message was by example.  One day, my oldest son did something that warranted a “time out,” which meant standing in the horrible corner with his face to the wall for a few minutes.  Torturous for a then four year old.

The After Party

SO, I have survived the hosting marathon of last week or … has it been two?

Deliriously tired of decorating.

Thrilled with the results but this cuppy will NOT get a cacti flower.

 

I had spent all day, and I do mean, ALL day Friday, baking and decorating the cake and cupcakes.

I had plans for more elaborate cupcakes but THAT wasn’t happening or else Mommy was gonna git cra-Z.

I had already kicked the kids out of the kitchen for daring to talk to me.

 

When I finally said, “I AM finished.”  I was seriously delirious, giddy that the cupcakes came out better than I had hoped.

They actually looked like cactus, sans the flower.  The world and Pintrest would just have to deal.

 

 

 

 

My husband and I love to host parties.  We love having people come over to enjoy good food and a fun and sometimes relaxing time.  Every week we host at least ten families for a bible study. It is our gift.  Todd and I dream up ways to make our backyard, our home – heck every inch of our space an atmosphere of Welcome to any and all who would grace us with their presence.

Another birthday party

I do this for love and making memories.

I’m prepping for my son’s 6th birthday party this Saturday and once again I have grand ideas that I must now execute.

CJ knew the moment his 5th birthday party was over that he wanted a cowboy birthday when he saw a cowboy boot piñata.  I have been coming up with ideas since February.  Menus, cake ideas, decorations and such.  Pinterest here I come!

So I bought the piñata, hunted down a cowboy boot shaped cake idea and this week I began making stick ponies.  Yeah, stick ponies I pinned on Pintrest.  Oy!  Stick Ponies

Me and the Moon

I looked up and saw the tempest night staring back at me.  Its bright eye, the silver moon, was tangled in the naked black branches caught in the act of watching me.

Did you whip the winds into a fury this day to catch my attention?  Did it frustrate you that I did not look for you; that I did not notice?  I saw evidence of your angry fit but I did not speak to you.

And now, I am ensnared in the glow of your gaze upon me.  Your anger has died down and in this quietness I see you for the first time and what a sight you are.  The night a torrid, murky, midnight blue and there you sit a silvery brilliance, unblinking.

We stare, you and I.  Finally, you have my attention.  I am beheld in such mystery.  I am in awe of your beauty.

Look at me!  Your brilliance demands.

And I look

You silence my soul.

You are beautiful – we say to each other

A blush.  A shy smile.  I look away.

But you glare making sure I know… making sure I believe it

Don’t look at me!  Look at you! 

I see you.  You are not invisible.  I see you where you are.  You are beautiful – your words declare it.

 

The Story Behind the Words -

Tell Me

Don’t let this moment in time

Define who you are now.

Hold your head up high

Look em in the eye

Don’t let the world tell you who you are.

You tell the them who you are

by your actions today.

You want to be a thug? A loser? A liar?

Then go ahead and act like one.

You want to be called smart? Responsible? Hard working?

Then be that one.

The choice has always been

and forever will be

Yours.

Who are you going to be?

YOU tell me or should I listen to them?

My Son

Honestly, I never saw this day coming

never contemplated how I would feel

When I look across the room and I see my oldest son changing.

 

He turned eight years old last week

and it was like a light switch.

I’m staring at a young man

who has lived in my presence

under the same roof

breathing in the same air as I

these past eight years,

and I catch a glimpse of the man

he will grow up to be.