good books. . .an extraordinary life

A few weeks ago my friend Aubrey invited me to her Sunday afternoon book club. . .5 girls, 5 mothers, and me! Treasures of the Snow by Patricia St. John was book of the day- I settled into an obscure spot in Aubrey's sunny living room and simply listened . . . setting, plot, characters, conflict; their talk included the book's theme, forgiveness and redemption; hmmm, it was all so good.

Then we enjoyed treats around the table- treats typical of Switzerland, the setting of Treasures of the Snow: cocoa and hot tea, sliced bread, butter, jam and cheese, and of course, chocolates!

Next it was my turn to contribute. . .for I was the knitting lady
that day-my fingers fumbled attempting to teach five pairs of eager little hands to work the knit stitch- still a worthy pursuit. . .

Patricia St. John's books for children are among my favorites-I read them aloud to my own children and hope to have another time around with the grandchildren. And recently I read Patricia St. John tells her own story, the author's autobiography; Patricia St. John boldly served God as a missionary to Morrocco, Lebanon, Rwanda, to famine torn Ethiopia. . . .on the one hand, I was totally surprised by her extraordinary life, but then, her wonderful fiction is a clear expression of her personal life of devotion to God and to the Gospel.
Patricia St. John was a humble, faithful woman who lived a radical life for God- I want to be just like her. . .
and Aubrey, thanks for the book club invite!