These pictures didn't turn out the way I had hoped, so blame the existing gaps in my computer literacy. I decided to talk a little about the "new" Anne Rice, for those of you who haven't followed her recent life.

A couple of years ago, I came across the book, "Christ the Lord, Out of Egypt", by Ms. Rice. My original thought was, "Oh, great, now Jesus was a vampire grappling with his sexual identity." For some reason, I read the author's notes before I bought the book. She described herself as a lapsed Catholic, who always knew she would write a book about Jesus. Her original intent was to investigate and write a book to justify her lost faith. She discovered that much of the so-called "higher criticism" was as biased as any research she had ever seen. She continued her research and finally wrote this statement: "I finally concluded that Jesus was who He said He was." Consequently, she returned to the church, persuaded her atheist husband to renew their vows in the church, and began her new journey.

I'm sure she was a great writer before, but her subject matter didn't really interest me. Not so any more. The first book, "Out of Egypt," is told through the eyes of the 12-year-old Jesus. Much is what Protestants would consider apochryphal (in the first chapter, he kills one of his playmates and brings him back to life!), but it's a great portrayal of the One who was wholly man and wholly God. He's struggling with identity as any 12-year-old would, and I just was constantly blessed by the book.

The second, "Road to Cana" was an account of his life leading up the the wedding in Cana where he performed his first recorded miracle, the changing of water to wine. One story line is again one that some will have trouble with, for a young lady in Nazareth was in love with him and he with her. He had to ultimately leave her to fulfill his calling, but this story line kind of validates the scripture that states, "He was tempted in EVERY way...." How can he relate to the temptations that are common to all if he didn't experience them in his human body?

She has apparently written an autobiography of her spiritual re-awakening (the title escapes me at this point), but her 3rd work of fiction is one I am reading now, and even though I'm only a few chapters in, it's already my favorite. It's called "Angel Time" and it's the story of a contemporary 28-year-old contract killer who is given the opportunity by an Angel to use his skills to rescue rather than kill. That's all I've read so far, but the insight into the thought process of God's messengers has been very enlightening. I posted this quote on my FB status, and I want to do it again here. He's invited Toby (the killer) to help him, Toby hasn't made his decision yet, and Malchiah, the angel, says, "Let me make it clear: because I choose a mortal for my purposes, that does not mean the mortal is going to agree to come with me. Finding such a one as Toby is hard enough, persuading him to come with me is even harder. You'd think it was irresistable, but it's not. People swindle themselves out of Salvation with great regularity." (italics mine). What a great picture of the doctrine of free will. God loves us all, but doesn't demand that we love him back.

I usually read when I go to a restaurant, but I've decided to leave this book at home, to read it without any distractions, less I miss some of the best it has to offer. I have fluffier books to take with me when I'm just looking to have something to do while eating.

So, if you've seen the new Anne Rice books but have had doubts about reading them, let me put them to rest. She reaffirms the cornerstones of the Christian faith: God loves you, sent His Son to die for you, and will go to any lengths to bring you home. If you decide to pick up one of the books, prepare to be blessed.