Review: From Tablet to Table

I fully expected to love this book.  I expected it to be about turning away from social media and screens (tablet) toward our families and traditions (table).  I was slightly off.

From Tablet to Table: Where Community Is Found and Identity Is Formedis about how the table is central to our faith and families.  It examined the table in different aspects of scripture:  Jesus' emphasis on eating with people, the communion table, the Last Supper, etc.  While I expected a full-length book, this was more of a gift book size: physically small and a quick read.  

Here's what drove me a bit crazy about this book:  it was so full of table analogies and metaphors that I got caught up in spotting them (and being annoyed) and completely lost the flow of the narrative.  The actual word "table" might have been in each and every paragraph of the book.  Oh my.  I exaggerate, of course, but that is what it felt like.

On the other hand, From Tablet to Table was a great encouragement to engage with culture and local community around your table (or at least around food of some kind.)  Mr. Sweet shared many examples of how hearts are open and personal stories are shared more freely around meals.  As someone who loves having people over for meals (even when the house is a mess!), I agree wholeheartedly that the table is a place where true friendship and community is found.  The message is good, the metaphors are too much.

This book was provided to me for free in exchange for my honest review.

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Discipline

I stumbled across this verse this morning in my unexpected quiet time when a friend took the kids to the park for 2 hours! (blessing. blessing. blessing!)

It applies to many things.. when we are disciplined by God, when we discipline our children etc. But this time, I am applying it to my ongoing struggle with eating right and exercise. Doing those are discipline and "suffering" for me. (of course, minor in the grand scheme, but important to my life at this time)

"No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening--it is painful! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs. Mark out a straight path for your feet." Hebrews 12:11-13 NLT

I posted this on my pantry to see every day. I want to live in the "quiet harvest of right living!"