Book Review: Chasing Fireflies

Chasing Fireflies, by Charles Martin

Have you ever read a book that just really sticks with you once you've finished it? This, for me, was one of those. It chronicles Chase Walker's search for his identity. He grew up in a wonderful foster home but was still searching for where he came from, who his parents were, and his real name. During this search he meets and helps care for a young boy, Sketch, who is in a similar situation. At the center of their lives is Uncle Willee, the man who raised Chase and is fostering Sketch. Willee is a man of many mysteries but is very wise.

The writing is amazing. It rarely mentions God or Jesus, but the book shows the very nature of them. Most of the wonderful quotes come from Uncle Willee's discussions with the boys. One of my favorites, though, is from Willee's speech at his niece's (who practically lived with Willee and his wife) funeral:

"....every day, no matter what I'd painted the day before, I got a new canvas, washed white. 'Cause each night the tide rolled in, scrubbed it clean, and receded, taking the stains with it." (Chasing Fireflies, pg 301).

Isn't that what God does for us?

What We've Been Up To....

We've had a busy last couple of days. A week ago Rick and I celebrated our 9th anniversary with dinner at Flemings. YUM! My birthday was Thursday, and I got to spend the morning at the dr with Andrew (who had a virus, it turns out). Mom was here and got us Panera for lunch and a Ukrops cake. YUM YUM! That evening I had book club. We discussed The Shack so we had a big group.

Shoes I got for my birthday. Aren't they cute?

Friday and Saturday I went on a retreat with the FLO (For Ladies Only) Crew in Williamsburg. We had a blast and got to eat at Chowning's Tavern in Colonial Williamsburg for lunch on Saturday. I came home and enjoyed some down time (Rick and the kids were in Emporia). Later in the evening I went to Ukrops and the cashier told me I looked flushed. I had noticed that it seemed hot in there, but she said it wasn't. So when I got home I took my temp and of course, I had Andrew's virus. So I missed church on Sunday morning. By Monday I was feeling better.

The kids and I have started our "summer activites" this week with Romp N Roll, swimming lessons, and storytime at the library.



The kids all dressed for church on Sunday.