Piano lessons by Abbey

Stop by the store for info on piano lessons.  Abbey Ray, 2006 UT graduate in Piano Performance, is teaching weekly piano lessons in the front semi-private section of the bookstore on a nice Baldwin studio piano.  For any age at any level.   (615) 792-9651

Click the play button below for a sample of Abbey’s music.

the issue that will not go away

There are many important issues being addressed (and some that are not) by the presidential candidates. But in my opinion  there is one totally set apart, because it is a matter of life and death.   The law that allows the death of those who have absolutely no way to even state their case.  Looking at the candidates votes on abortion issues is not just a litmus test.  It is an indication of something deep in their soul.

Even though Obama seems like a thoughtful man, he either hasn’t put much thought into the idea of who must protect innocent life, or he is heavily influenced by the pro-abortion industry lobbyists.  Or maybe he does not really believe the strong must protect the weak, that the able people must protect those who cannot defend themselves.   And of course I realize there is also a woman’s struggle involved.  That’s why I have worked with Crisis Pregnancy centers to help women (and men and families) find workable choices and new directions as well as practical (monetary ) help.    A woman does have some choices, but a pre-born baby does not.  There is no one to speak for him or her.    And there is that slippery slope.  When Francis Schaeffer and Dr. Everette Koop toured the US in the mid 70’s giving very reasonable, intelligent, and prophetic evaluations of our culture, they were laughed at by some for projecting the slippery slope.  A disrespect for life in one area certainly slides down  to other areas.  Killing little babies leads to “letting” handicapped people die and “helping” old folks end their life.   It happens everyday.

So if you haven’t voted yet, look at the voting records.   Should we let that slippery slope continue to lead our country down into the deepest muddy mire…

I am reading Jesus for President

I am reading a book written by someone young enough to be my son.  Shane Claiborne wrote JESUS FOR PRESIDENT to provoke the church and indeed he does. But the first thing that kept me turning the pages in this book was the visual fun of the layout, the graphics, the tac-it-tape-it-up artsy pages. I even found myself turning toward the back and reading it backwards toward to front! (And still getting it.)

Emergents are known for their love of the narrative. Claiborne (and co-author Chris Haw) tell the story simply, the history of mankind and their (our) relationship to leaders, to power, to political involvement. But to get back to basics, to clear out any preconceived notions (even by the church – especially by the church), like most emergents, the authors insist on defining – re-defining – terms. Political is simply “how we relate to the world.” That christians should be more political, with that broad definition in mind, frames Jesus for President with a new – although these ideas are not new – perspective. The book looks at how Jesus was political (and how he was not, using our American definition of political). The next section of the book shows how the church (basically starting with Constantine) has really abused its power. The last major section of the book (and I have not finished every part of it) is examples of Claiborne and friends and others who are exercising their idealistic political (activist) brand of christianity.   Some examples are beautiful and some are a little disturbing.

So when they say this book is to “provoke the christian political imagination,” they are not telling us how to “get into politics.” They are not endorsing a candidate, nor a party (although the more I read, the more it sounds a little like the liberal, anti-Bush rhetoric. They are critical of our materialistic, capitalistic society, but without this economic system, this book would not be what it is – on top seller lists. And at almost $17 for a paperback. Does anyone remember, maybe 25 years ago, when musician Steve Green proved his concern for the have-nots by giving, not selling, his cds?)

What Claiborne is saying is that Jesus and His kingdom are on another level.   Chrisitianity (as in following Jesus” words in the Gospels) is not the same as being American. True, as said in the book, too many people equate being a good christian the same as being a good American and Republican at that. But there are some of us who do know the difference (even though I do get a wonderfully tender feeling in my heart when we all sing “America the Beautiful.”)  Well, even though I may take issue with some of this book, I definitely think everyone should read it.  It is always good to re-evaluate where our allegiance lies. This influential book also reminds me of Winston Churchill’s words, “It is the folly of youth to think they can change the world. It is the folly of old age not to try.”

Book signing and Open House

Deanna Rupp, creator of a cute new baby clothes line (and More!), spent Saturday, the 18th, with us at our Open House.  We had open house because Ashland City was celebrating the near completion of its downtown renovation (Ashland City Renaissance) .  Even though we had very few from that event (which was just outside our door in the middle of the street, and is to be supportive of the downtown, its business and community, etc.), the few who did walk through our open doors were welcomed and also given Deanna’s new book, FLY BY FIREFLY (signed by the author and yes,  FREE) as she shared her purpose of the books and baby line – that we can plant the good seeds of God’s Word into our children’s lives everyday.  The clothes (onesies, rompers, diaper bags) should be here by Nov. 3rd, with reasonable pricing.  Most of the front window this week is all about her creations.  (Check out Deanna’s Link, Baby Gerkins.)

A special thanks to Robert Sayre, a musician new to the middle Tennessee, who played some very enjoyable flamenco guitar as well as a little classical.  He’ll be back!  And thanks to my husband, Lynn, for several hours of fun, inspirational, and just own style of great guitar playing.

book review – Peace Like a River

I kept seeing the book on favorite book lists, and I love the peace that does come from seeing and being alongside a river – I drive along the Cumberland River to work every day. So when I found this book in the used bookstore section of my store, I took it home and as I began to read it, the story was like a river itself. It swept me away, I had to read it so fast that I missed some of the details and the fun western story poetry that the main character’s little sister writes – a story parallel within a story. Not that the author, Leif Enger’s prose isn’t worth savoring. It is , but the story draws one in swiftly. And his characters take shape quickly and easily:

As in To Kill a Mockingbird, the lead character and narrator is a child.  Reuben Land is an 11 year old boy, who has 2 siblings, a wonderful father, but no mother. Peace also has injustices, but is so full of several kinds of real love. I guess it’s a little old fashioned; it has love, romance, adventure after adventure, and faith and miracles. But like I said, it’s so easy just to be swept along in this story.

If Enger’s next book is also written to please his own family (as was also the purpose of William Young’s bestseller, The Shack), it will also be enjoyable and touch something deep within readers’ souls.

Come in and buy this book, and I’ll give you a free bookmark – you probably won’t have to use it very many times if you read it as fast as I did. But it makes a good gift, especially if you pass your book along. If you live as far away as St. Louis, or even Soso, Mississippi, and just can’t make it in, just click on the book …