Book Review - Same Kind of Different as Me

About two years ago, I attended a bridal luncheon for a childhood friend.  Somehow, I got into a conversation about books with the groom's grandmother (go figure!).  She asked if I had ever read Same Kind of Different As Me.  I hadn't, and she began to tell me about it - telling me that I had to read it, and I had to contact her and tell her what I thought of it.  Well, the book has been on my to-read list ever since.  I thought my 12 books for 2012 would be a perfect time/place to read it, and she was right - I'm glad I did.

This book tells the story of two men - Ron and Denver.  Ron is a wealthy art dealer with a superwoman wife, two kids, two houses, nice cars - the man has it all.  Denver is completely the opposite.  Growing up in Red River Parish in Louisiana, he did not have much more than a slave - he was a sharecropper who owed everything to "the man."  He started riding trains early in his life, and ended up on the streets in Fort Worth, Texas.

Ron's wife Deborah convinced Ron to go with her to serve at a mission for the homeless in Fort Worth.  Ron reluctantly agreed, and writes about his nervousness at the situation.  I can totally relate to him and his feelings - not that you think homeless people aren't worth your time - but just anxiety about interacting with them.  It's not that you don't want to serve and help them and be a friend - but you're stepping out of your comfort zone - and that is never easy.  Ron writes about this openly, and how God uses this for His purposes.

Denver, at about 60 years old, is a hardened man.  As Ron tries to get to know him, Denver shies away - but Ron persists.  They start their relationship going to get coffee - breakfast, getting to know each other.  These two men, from very different worlds form a bond - based on God, and serving others - together.

Ron & Denver

Many people don't think God speaks to us directly anymore - like He did in the Old Testament.  But this book shows differently.  Deborah and Denver both receive messages from God in a sincere and comforting way.  Deborah is diagnosed with cancer - and Denver is Ron's rock throughout the ordeal.  The bond between these men is amazing and inspiring.  It truly shows God puts people in our life - He handpicks people for us.  Ron did not befriend Denver to "save" him or "rehabilitate" him, out of pity or the selfish desire to help someone.  Denver and Ron both save each other - in different ways.

"...After I met Miss Debbie and Mr. Ron, I worried that I was so different from them that we wadn't ever gon' have no kind a' future.  But I found out everybody's different - the same kind of different as me.  We're all just regular folks walkin down the road God done set in front of us.
The truth about it is, whether we is rich or poor or somethin in between, this earth ain't no final restin place.  So in a way, we is all homeless - just workin our way toward home."

This book is very easy to read - Ron and Denver both narrate it, writing different chapters. Denver's part is written like he speaks, but again, very easy to read.  These men don't sugar coat anything - which makes this book so wonderful.  You get to experience with them their feelings and emotions, and grow with them.  The story jumps off of the page with you, and when the book ends, well, I felt like I had been holding my breath the entire time.  Mark Clayman calls it "The most inspirations and emotional gripping story of faith, fortitude, and friendship...a powerful example of the healing, restorative power of forgiveness and the transformational, life changing power of unconditional love."

That pretty much sums it up - unconditional love.

Monday, Monday

Happy Monday everyone!  Once again, the weekend was too short - we didn't get anywhere near accomplishing everything on our to do list.  But I did catch up on some sleep - and some laundry, so I guess it was a successful weekend!

Austin and I also discovered the ultimate Sunday lunch sandwich - a pimento cheese BLT.  I found the idea on one of my many foodie internet binges, but tweaked it a little :)

I used Bobby Deen's Pimento Cheese Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar
• 1 cup grated Monterey Jack (I used 2 cups Mississippi State cheddar)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon House Seasoning, recipe follows (I used Tony's - because I use Tony's in EVERYTHING)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons pimentos, smashed
• 1 teaspoon grated onion (I used Onion powder)
• Cracked black pepper

Directions

Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add all of the remaining ingredients and beat until well blended. 

Austin cooked the bacon, and I sliced up the veggies.  I toasted some Sour Dough bread, spread the pimento cheese mixture on it, and topped it with bacon, lettuce, and tomato.  It was ABSOLUTELY divine!  I have to have texture in my food, and sometimes plain pimento cheese is too mushy for my taste.  But bacon makes EVERYTHING better!  This is definitely something I'm going to keep around.  Oh, and Mississippi State cheese is the best cheese ever...I'm just saying!

Catchin' Up & Fantastic Food Friday

Happy New Year!  As much fun as the holidays were, I'm glad to be back in my quiet house and to get back into a routine again!  We spent Christmas at Lake Sinclair in Georgia with Austin's family and then spent New Year's at Lake Junaluska in North Carolina with our church's youth group. 

 

 Sunset on Lake Sinclair

Happy New Year!

 Mingo Falls

 Youth Group (I took the pic!)

Near Clingman's Dome in TN

As busy as we were, it was nice to get away - we even got to ski for a day!  But, like I said, it was nice to come home - except for the loads of dirty laundry!!!!

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I've had a cold/sinus infection/miserableness all week, but last night I finally felt like cooking something!  I thawed out some deer steaks, and whipped together some Red Hot Potatoes and Brussels Sprout Hash.  

And I remembered to take a picture - but I need to work on my food photography!!  In my defense, I was very hungry!

Grilled Deer Steak:

This is a weekly staple at our house.  Between Austin, my dad, my brother, and my uncle, we always have TONS of deer meat.  Last night, I marinated the pre-tenderized steaks in Italian dressing, Worcestershire sauce, and Cajun Power.  I let them sit about 1 1/2 hours and then Austin grilled them to perfection!

Red Hot Potatoes:

**I don't have certain amounts for this recipe - so you just have to eyeball it if you want to make more!

I used 8-10 small red potatoes.  Quarters and boil until fork tender.  Drain and return to pan.  Add 3-4 Tablespoons of butter, 1 tsp minced garlic and plenty of Tony's.  Stir together until mixed, butter is melted, and potatoes are coated.

Brussels Sprout Hash: Courtesy of Food Network Kitchens

*Thaw 1 cup frozen pearl onions and cook in a skillet with butter and honey until golden and glazed. Add 1 1/2 pounds thinly sliced brussels sprouts, season with salt and pepper and cook until crisp-tender. Finish with a splash of chicken broth or white wine and a drizzle of honey.

*I used 1/2 of a white onion, sliced, and used chicken broth.

This was a fantastic weeknight dinner - it only took about 30 minutes (except for marinating).  The Brussels sprouts were absolutely to die for.  It was the first time I'd made them, but they will definitely be making a regular appearance on my table!

katie