Read Online Alaskan Summer by Marilou Flinkman - Free Book Online Page A

had in weeks.”
    “That’s because you live on junk food,” Laurette accused.
    “Let’s get the dishes done so you can read to me,” Ruth suggested. She turned to Ryan. “Laurette reads the Bible to me every night. Sometimes we talk about the things she reads.”
    “I tried to read the Bible, but I don’t know where to start.” Ryan put a stack of dirty dishes next to the sink.
    Ruth beamed. “You’re welcome to join us. We learn something every day.”
    Ruth’s childlike manner charmed Ryan. He could understand why Rette was so protective of this sweet old lady.
    “How about if Rette and I do the dishes?” At her nod, Ryan offered to escort Ruth to the living room. He settled her in her chair and tucked a lap robe around her legs.
    He stopped in the kitchen doorway. Rette bustled about, putting the food away. The overhead light made her cap of curly hair shine, tempting him to run his fingers through the chestnut tangles. She had changed from her work clothes into plain gray sweats. In his eyes, she was beautiful.
    She caught him watching her and blushed. “Will you dry the dishes for me?”
    “Thought you’d never ask.” He picked up the dish towel.
    “You’re welcome to stay while I read to Ruth, but please don’t feel obligated.” She looked up at him, her gaze begging for understanding. “It’s become a habit, and she loves it.”
    “Don’t you think I could learn something?” He put down the plate he held. “Rette, you’re different. You’re always upbeat, kind, and understanding. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you lose your cool. Is it your faith that gives you that positive attitude?”
    She stood with her hands in the soapy water. “I love Jesus and trust Him to take care of me.” She looked up with a lopsided smile. “I do get upset. Usually it’s with myself for not giving a problem to Him and leaving it there. I try to take it back and solve it myself. Doesn’t work that way,” she explained.
    “Isn’t it selfish to ask Him to take on my problems? How can I feel good about doing that?”
    “When we have tasks at work, you assign them to someone else. That’s not being selfish. Can’t you think of it as delegating your life problems to Jesus?”
    “Seems kind of presumptuous if not hypocritical for me to say to Him, ‘I’ve kind of ignored You for a long time, Lord, but now I want to dump my problems on You, okay?’ Don’t you think?” He picked up another plate to dry.
    “Maybe you could just talk to Him.”
    “You mean pray?”
    “Yes, you could call it that. I just carry on a conversation with Him. Jesus is my friend.”
    “I don’t know Him well—you know, intimately. I accepted Him as my Savior when I was a child, but I never took the time to get close. Not real proud of that. I think that makes it harder now. I’ve got no excuses.”
    “That’s what forgiveness is all about, Ryan. Get to know Jesus Christ. Learn to trust Him and your life will never be the same.”
    “I still don’t know where to begin,” Ryan said quietly. His heart beat in double time. Am I ready for this?
    “I’d like to share my faith with you.”
    Her voice held warmth that sent a glow through him.
    Laurette dried her hands on the edge of the towel he held. “Let’s get started.” She took the stack of plates he’d dried and put them in the cupboard.
    Ruth dozed in her chair but perked up when they joined her. “I have the books right here.” She patted the end table next to her chair.
    Laurette held out a small pamphlet. Ryan took it, wondering what it had to do with reading the Bible.
    “This is the daily guide we’ve been following. There are lots of different ones. Ruth likes this one; it’s published quarterly. Every day there are readings from the Old Testament, New Testament, and Psalms. Then there is a short devotional based on one of the Scriptures.”
    “So you don’t just let the Bible fall open and read that page,” Ryan said respectfully.
    “I