Books

So I have been really into these two books lately. They are a series of two, I don't know what that would be called in book terms but in music terms it would be a duet. Anyway, the story is a fictional adaptation of the story of Leah and Rachel from Genesis, except this is set in 1790s Scotland, and the story is about Leana and Rose. Their father's name is Lachlan, a character made after Laban, and the fair suitor is James, who is Jacob of the Bible.

What is interesting about this story is that it portrays Leah's perspective. We never really think about how it might have felt to be the older daughter, who traditionally is to be married off first, to be so obviously held in second place under the oh-so-lovely Rachel. All the Bible really says about her is, "Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was lovely in form, and beautiful." (Gen 29:17) Which could mean, all that was wrong with her was she had BLUE eyes. We blue-eyed girls know how sensitive our eyes can be to the light, and imagine living in the desert where the sun is out in full force, and reflecting off the ground all day. I'd probably be considered weak-eyed too. But Rachel, since she was so lovely, probably means she had dark eyes, skin, hair, all that was desirable to that people at that time. Remember, these people are essentially Arabs, who are darker skinned than us white folks. Anyway, darker was better, and God forbid Leah be born with sensitive blue eyes. She couldn't help that she wasn't loved by Jacob, although she tried very hard, considering all the bairns she had.

I haven't finished the second book yet, but I know what happens. Jamie gets Rose. Though how the author is going to get around the whole two wives and two maidservants thing, I'm not sure yet. It is just really neat to get a new perspective, and historically-based fiction is a darn good way to get it.

The books are called "Thorn in my Heart" and "Fair is the Rose" by Liz Curtis Higgs.

And on the subject of historical fiction, my favorite authors of all-time are Brock and Bodie Thoene (Tay-nee). I've learned a lot about the actual history of the Bible times and the Middle East struggles by reading their books. I feel like I always have a different perspective than the person who teaches any Bible study I ever hear on the subjects I've read about. Rarely do I share it, but I think it. If called on though, I feel like I could give good arguments.

pigs

I've been thinking about this tonight. Thought I would share.

While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son." But the father said to his servants, "Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." So they began to celebrate.

We all have this choice. It's either this or the pigsty, right? I don't know, I just don't get why so many people choose the pigsty.

Carly's Parent Commitment Service

We got to take Carly up on the big stage today and tell everyone in the congregation that we promise to bring her up in a Christian home. Meaning: tell her about Jesus, take her to church, and go to church ourselves. Here are a few pictures from that fun experience! She was such a good girl on stage, completely mesmerized by the lights, and all the people. I loved seeing her on the big screens. Such a cute girl!!

Family Picture:

One with Bro David:

Carly this morning.. she looks pretty smug, huh?

Yes, I made her dress. And her bow. It turned out really cute and just perfect for the occasion! I didn't get a great picture of her it in though :(

Genes

I think I may have inherited the worry gene. I just had a strange feeling that felt almost like an anxiety attack, that tightening in the chest feeling and need to get some fresh air RIGHT NOW. Slightly dizzy, and then it settled into a pit in my stomach and commenced the gurgling. I know, yes, family members, this sounds eerily like a milk-induced GI attack, but alas, I have been controlling my diet for several months now, and no accidental ingestings of late. So back to the point. I now believe that it is possible to worry yourself physically ill. I have accomplished it today.

What was I anxious about you ask? That, my friends, is a private matter, and the reason I will probably suffer in this private little hell for my lifetime. It is genetic, I am convinced.

I care about stuff.

Lately I've been feeling the need to write down the things I care about. Maybe it's the race for president that has made me actually realize that I actually care about issues. So, it's time for me to grow up, and claim the things I believe.

Let me start by saying I believe in Jesus. I believe Jesus was born of a virgin, so that he could live without sin. I believe that he did this willingly, and knowingly, so that he could give himself up as a sacrifice for all humankind.

I believe in a loving God. I believe God created this world for the enjoyment of His favorite creatures: humans. I believe that everything we do in life should be an effort to please and give RESPECT to the One who created us and everything around us.

I believe these things. Call me a religious freak. Whatever. But these beliefs are the basis for all other things I might blog about, so just know that's where I'm coming from.

Disclaimer: this is MY blog. I can express my opinions on it. Don't try to debate me. I'll just delete your comment.