A Lineage of Grace is a compilation of five smaller stories; each story concerns one of the women who is mentioned in Matthew of the Bible as part of the descendants leading to the birth of Jesus Christ. The five women include, Tamar who was abused by her husband, Rahab the prostitute with faith who lived on the wall of Jericho, Ruth the faithful widow and daughter-in-law who was blessed by God, Bethsheba the infamous adulteress, and Mary the mother of Jesus.
I was already in love with Rivers' work on Redeeming Love and the Mark of the Lion series before I picked this book up at the thrift store. Rivers brings to life the stories of these women keeping true to the passages given to us in the Bible while adding in detail that she must have gained from research into the history and culture of each of those time periods and countries the women are from. Through Rivers' writing, she brings emotions to the characters making them relatable to present audiences. Through their abuse, circumstances, temptations, and flaws, she brings to light one of the leading themes found in the Bible; God used the most unlikely and flawed people to bring Jesus Christ into the world. I would recommend this book to all those who have longed to see the Bible as if they had been there. Remember, however, that the Bible is the only ultimate truth.
Sunday, June 25, 2017
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Khadgar's Escapades
An incident with my dog recently has gotten me thinking.
We got him almost a year ago when we were living in our apartment. We hated to leave him by himself in his cage when we had to go to work, so we tried leaving him in just the bathroom. The little booger took to taking out the carpet under the door and chewing off the door post. Realize that this is a tiny dog slightly bigger than a Chihuahua. Therefore, he has been in his cage when we have been at work until recently when we moved.
My husband put a dog door in our new house, and Khadgar loves his backyard. He was great for about the first week while we left him out, but one time I left him, he apparently was mad. For some reason, he thought it a good idea to tear up his leash that we left on the coffee table. It was in about 7 pieces when I got home. So in his anger, he tore up one of his favorite things that means walks. I found this very ironic that in being mad, he only hurt himself.
I see this lack of logic in children today where they are angry with an authority figure so they end up sabotaging themselves because they did not want to listen to someone who has their best interests at heart. This is also something that we do as Christians when we do not like God's decisions or answers to our prayer. We ignore him, take it into our own hands, and do whatever we want (possibly to indirectly spite Him) only hurting ourselves in the process as we get deeper and deeper into sin. In truth, all of us have at one point been like Khadgar not realizing the effect our actions have upon us. However, just like how we went out and bought another leash for Khadgar, God will never stop trying to help us if we would only wait and listen for him.
We got him almost a year ago when we were living in our apartment. We hated to leave him by himself in his cage when we had to go to work, so we tried leaving him in just the bathroom. The little booger took to taking out the carpet under the door and chewing off the door post. Realize that this is a tiny dog slightly bigger than a Chihuahua. Therefore, he has been in his cage when we have been at work until recently when we moved.
My husband put a dog door in our new house, and Khadgar loves his backyard. He was great for about the first week while we left him out, but one time I left him, he apparently was mad. For some reason, he thought it a good idea to tear up his leash that we left on the coffee table. It was in about 7 pieces when I got home. So in his anger, he tore up one of his favorite things that means walks. I found this very ironic that in being mad, he only hurt himself.
I see this lack of logic in children today where they are angry with an authority figure so they end up sabotaging themselves because they did not want to listen to someone who has their best interests at heart. This is also something that we do as Christians when we do not like God's decisions or answers to our prayer. We ignore him, take it into our own hands, and do whatever we want (possibly to indirectly spite Him) only hurting ourselves in the process as we get deeper and deeper into sin. In truth, all of us have at one point been like Khadgar not realizing the effect our actions have upon us. However, just like how we went out and bought another leash for Khadgar, God will never stop trying to help us if we would only wait and listen for him.
Saturday, May 20, 2017
A Daring Sacrifice by Jody Hedlund
A Daring Sacrifice was a sweet young adult romance novel with underlying Christian themes. Just from seeing the front and reading the back cover, I was hooked upon this story. As a female version of Robin Hood, Juliana was a character that intrigued me immediately. Basically, the story concerns Juliana who is fighting to keep her people alive after her uncle stole the throne and murdered her father. However, her uncle does not know that she is alive or that she is the one stealing from him. Then, Juliana hides in a neighboring territory after barely escaping being caught and ambushes Lord Collin. Their first meeting is humorous from Lord Collin's eyes as he lets himself be robbed. When he later tracks her down and realizes she is someone from his childhood, the love story truly begins. From then on, it is a battle for Juliana to keep her identity hidden from her uncle and keep herself from falling in love with Collin.
What I really liked about this story and about Jody's writing style in general is how she switches back and forth between the two main characters' eyes. Because of this, you truly get to see how the love grows between them, and how the story unfolds from all angles. However, the ending felt too similar to For Love and Honor, which is actually chronologically after A Daring Sacrifice. As a side note, I love how the books are connected by similar characters but how each story is it's own so much so that I can read the books backwards chronologically and still enjoy them.
Despite the similar endings, I still enjoyed reading A Daring Sacrifice as a quick light read. I would recommend this book to my middle school students and anyone who loves short romantic fairy tales.
What I really liked about this story and about Jody's writing style in general is how she switches back and forth between the two main characters' eyes. Because of this, you truly get to see how the love grows between them, and how the story unfolds from all angles. However, the ending felt too similar to For Love and Honor, which is actually chronologically after A Daring Sacrifice. As a side note, I love how the books are connected by similar characters but how each story is it's own so much so that I can read the books backwards chronologically and still enjoy them.
Despite the similar endings, I still enjoyed reading A Daring Sacrifice as a quick light read. I would recommend this book to my middle school students and anyone who loves short romantic fairy tales.
Sunday, May 14, 2017
The Orphan King by Sigmund Brouwer
I had a really hard time getting into this book and after getting through the first four chapters, I was not intrigued to finish it. I had no idea where the book was going or even what to expect from the rest of the book so I stopped reading it. By the first few chapters, if I am not hooked onto the story, I do not force myself to read it. I expect to be connected to the story and characters in a emotional way with the potential conflict being much clearer early on. This story left too much to mystery in the early chapters that did not pique my curiosity. I did not connect with Thomas, the main character, which is something that keeps me interested in a story.
If you are looking for romantic or exciting young adult novels, I would suggest looking elsewhere.
( I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review, and this opinion is my own.)
If you are looking for romantic or exciting young adult novels, I would suggest looking elsewhere.
( I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review, and this opinion is my own.)
For Love and Honor by Jody Hedlund
This is a book that I found while out thrift shopping yesterday. What immediately drew me to the book was the beautiful front cover and the summary on the back of the book. When I got home, I picked up the book, not having read anything from this author, and could not put it down. I stayed up late just to finish it. It has been awhile since a story captivated me enough to take all of my attention for hours, especially as a first year teacher during the last few weeks of school. It was a much needed reprieve from the chaos at school.
What really drew me to the story was Lady Sabine's imperfection. She has a skin discoloration that in the 1300s she has to hide so people do not think that she is a witch. Because of this imperfection, she pushes all potential suitors away, which is something I identified with, especially before I met my husband two years ago. Most girls have some imperfection that they consider to make them less than lovable whether it be physical, mental, or social, making this story relate-able for its teen audience. Connecting to this idea, the story then focuses on how the inside is what makes a person attractive, a lesson that young adults need to hear.
Besides the underlying theme, the story included an interesting plot with twists and turns that I did not expect, comical banter that makes you smile, and characters that come alive with the authors well written words. Overall, I would not hesitate to suggest this book to my middle school students and any other book lovers out there who want an innocent and interesting love story to read.
What really drew me to the story was Lady Sabine's imperfection. She has a skin discoloration that in the 1300s she has to hide so people do not think that she is a witch. Because of this imperfection, she pushes all potential suitors away, which is something I identified with, especially before I met my husband two years ago. Most girls have some imperfection that they consider to make them less than lovable whether it be physical, mental, or social, making this story relate-able for its teen audience. Connecting to this idea, the story then focuses on how the inside is what makes a person attractive, a lesson that young adults need to hear.
Besides the underlying theme, the story included an interesting plot with twists and turns that I did not expect, comical banter that makes you smile, and characters that come alive with the authors well written words. Overall, I would not hesitate to suggest this book to my middle school students and any other book lovers out there who want an innocent and interesting love story to read.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Before You Meet Prince Charming by Sarah Mally
A beautiful book about remaining pure emotionally and physically in a fallen world.
The book is made specifically for girls who may not have been subject to the things of the world yet. It talks about things without taking your innocence. One of the comments in the back of the book sent in by a reader describes this well. It said something to the effect of "It doesn't compromise your purity while talking about purity", (I'd give you the exact words but I already loaned the book out to a friend :) ). But it is also good for young adults like me by giving them a different perspective on life. I learned alot and thought about relationships in a much different way. Some of what Sarah talks about seems extreme compared to this world (but we are called to be in the world and not of it), however I found that it was supported with Bible verses and the truth was enlightening. I really liked the part about it isn't how much you can do before becomming unpure but how many "firsts" you can save for your future husband. I really wish I had read this a few years ago.
My mom actually got it for me for christmas because I was always so sad and mopey that I didn't have a boyfriend like everyone else. Now I see that God has protected my heart from being broken and that I want to give my future spouse my whole heart. I had a hard time reading it from beginning to end because each chapter was like a slap in the face but the good kind of pain that makes you grow in Christ. I recently finished the book and am glad I did. I have been recommending it to friends who I hope will get out of it as much as I did.
In addition, I have always liked reading medival fiction and the little continuation of the short story at the beginning of each chapter was a creative way to keep the reader's attention. The testimonies and real life examples helped you feel like you weren't alone and that purity is possible. Even though the author may not have been married when she wrote the book, the need of hearing this from someone who is there and struggling with the same things you are, is met in a powerful way.
I recommend this to girls who wish to be bright lights in a dark world and to have a Godly marriage someday. I even read in the comments that adult women have gained from this so to them I recommend it too.
The book is made specifically for girls who may not have been subject to the things of the world yet. It talks about things without taking your innocence. One of the comments in the back of the book sent in by a reader describes this well. It said something to the effect of "It doesn't compromise your purity while talking about purity", (I'd give you the exact words but I already loaned the book out to a friend :) ). But it is also good for young adults like me by giving them a different perspective on life. I learned alot and thought about relationships in a much different way. Some of what Sarah talks about seems extreme compared to this world (but we are called to be in the world and not of it), however I found that it was supported with Bible verses and the truth was enlightening. I really liked the part about it isn't how much you can do before becomming unpure but how many "firsts" you can save for your future husband. I really wish I had read this a few years ago.
My mom actually got it for me for christmas because I was always so sad and mopey that I didn't have a boyfriend like everyone else. Now I see that God has protected my heart from being broken and that I want to give my future spouse my whole heart. I had a hard time reading it from beginning to end because each chapter was like a slap in the face but the good kind of pain that makes you grow in Christ. I recently finished the book and am glad I did. I have been recommending it to friends who I hope will get out of it as much as I did.
In addition, I have always liked reading medival fiction and the little continuation of the short story at the beginning of each chapter was a creative way to keep the reader's attention. The testimonies and real life examples helped you feel like you weren't alone and that purity is possible. Even though the author may not have been married when she wrote the book, the need of hearing this from someone who is there and struggling with the same things you are, is met in a powerful way.
I recommend this to girls who wish to be bright lights in a dark world and to have a Godly marriage someday. I even read in the comments that adult women have gained from this so to them I recommend it too.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games series was a compelling story that I couldn't put down. It's about a girl named Katniss who lives in a futuristic North America called Panem. Each of 12 districts are required to give 2 children from the ages of 12 to 18 (one boy and one girl) as "tribute" to the Capitol to play in the Hunger Games. This "Games" is a fight to the death in a ever changing arena where only one of the total 24 teenagers come out alive and live in glory the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, Katniss's little sister Primrose is picked as tribute and Katniss volunteers to go in her place. Katniss's life will never be the same. The story continues as Katniss's struggle with the Capitol results in revolution.
I found this story line to be intriguing the first time I saw the trailer to the movie. After seeing the movie, I was pleased with the intense plot. It was unique with no story like it and that is what drew me to it. I liked that the hero, Katniss, was portrayed as never striking first when confronted with killing other people. Only ever in defense did she strike. I proceeded to read the books and could not stop reading them. Though I do not condone violence to the extent parents are allowing their kids to see nowadays, I do not think all violence is horrible to watch or read. Even the Bible contains violence but it has a point, a lesson to be learned. There is a time and place for everything under the sun. Everyone must choose for himself how much is okay and where the line is drawn. What hurts one person's faith may not hurt another but make sure not to put a stumbling block in front of someone else. You will answer to God for all your choices.
I really think parents need to read the series before allowing their kids to though because topics are discussed that kids and teens might not be aware of and need to talk with their parents about. I also have heard of parents reading the books with their kids and commend them highly for taking an interest in what their kids are reading. If parents have no desire to read the series, then they could at least look up somewhere online, as i'm sure there is, a family review that has the issues, disscussed in the books, layed out before them. This way parents will know exactly what their kids are being subjected to. I might've been able to do that here except that I am trying hard to omit all spoilers.
I comment on the fact that the light and hope, I usually love reading about in books, is missing from this book series but I guess that is part of the point. It is cleverly realistic, sickeningly cruel, and depressingly human. Even the mental stability of one of the main characters declines rapidly in the third book. So I guess the characters aren't the best role models for anybody but they are human and thus not perfect and that needs to be remembered.
As a side note, I loved how close they stuck to the book when making the movie, unlike how Hollywood has butchered other book series. I anticipate the making of the next two movies with impatience and can't wait to see them in theaters.
I found this story line to be intriguing the first time I saw the trailer to the movie. After seeing the movie, I was pleased with the intense plot. It was unique with no story like it and that is what drew me to it. I liked that the hero, Katniss, was portrayed as never striking first when confronted with killing other people. Only ever in defense did she strike. I proceeded to read the books and could not stop reading them. Though I do not condone violence to the extent parents are allowing their kids to see nowadays, I do not think all violence is horrible to watch or read. Even the Bible contains violence but it has a point, a lesson to be learned. There is a time and place for everything under the sun. Everyone must choose for himself how much is okay and where the line is drawn. What hurts one person's faith may not hurt another but make sure not to put a stumbling block in front of someone else. You will answer to God for all your choices.
I really think parents need to read the series before allowing their kids to though because topics are discussed that kids and teens might not be aware of and need to talk with their parents about. I also have heard of parents reading the books with their kids and commend them highly for taking an interest in what their kids are reading. If parents have no desire to read the series, then they could at least look up somewhere online, as i'm sure there is, a family review that has the issues, disscussed in the books, layed out before them. This way parents will know exactly what their kids are being subjected to. I might've been able to do that here except that I am trying hard to omit all spoilers.
I comment on the fact that the light and hope, I usually love reading about in books, is missing from this book series but I guess that is part of the point. It is cleverly realistic, sickeningly cruel, and depressingly human. Even the mental stability of one of the main characters declines rapidly in the third book. So I guess the characters aren't the best role models for anybody but they are human and thus not perfect and that needs to be remembered.
As a side note, I loved how close they stuck to the book when making the movie, unlike how Hollywood has butchered other book series. I anticipate the making of the next two movies with impatience and can't wait to see them in theaters.
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