Next week :)

Hi guys! I feel like we've been slacking a bit on the blogging :) haha I'm making great progress on the book and am really enjoying it so far. So, on to the reason I'm blogging.... I'm going to be home next week and would LOVE to get together. We don't have to really discuss the book because I don't think Amanda's going to be there. Let me know what night works for you! Love you all!!!

Bombshell

The book just keeps getting better, it really does. Chapter 21, (pages 277-285), is where it all came out! Talk about a bombshell. Angel reveals a couple of things from her past that I was not expecting. But I'm starting to understand her a little better. But, at the end of the chapter, I'm left hanging! Can't wait to start chapter 22.

I am really trying to figure out how God will speak to Michael through this part and how God will reconcile and redeem Angel and Michael individually and as husband and wife.

There are some very real issues in this book that I could not even begin to imagine. Michael is a good example of how God responds to our sin. I am so grateful that after countless acts of disobedience, God takes me back every time. Every time. Thank you for loving us this much, Lord!

Lindsay

So, I finally started the book yesterday and I really like it so far. I don't have much to say about the book yet but wanted to blog since I can't read the previous blog :)

In my devotions a couple of weeks ago I read Philippians 4:4-8. I wrote it down to memorize it because it is so pertinent for my life right now. Then, wouldn't ya know, that our sermon at church today was over this exact passage... talk about a reminder to put this into practice in my life! I've really been trying to present everything to God - ALL of my worries. Our pastor challenged us to spend 5 minutes writing down things you are thankful, even things as small as a cup of coffee. I'm going to do this and challenge you guys to take the time to do the same this week. I know that can start my list with all of you..... love you all!

Michael Hosea...fact or fiction?

Julie- you might not want to read this. And if you do, don't say I didn't warn you.

I'm having a hard time believing this Michael fellow. I mean seriously! First of all, I'm getting a little annoyed by the different names he uses for Angel. Mara, Tirzah, Amanda...where did Amanda come from anyway? It's like he justs makes them up. I don't know.

I also can't believe that after simply passing her in the street God tells him to marry her. They had no interaction whatsoever and he goes into the brothel and asks her to marry him! A normal human being would not do that. However, since God is the one working through Michael, it would never be something that Michael could do on his own.

It sounds like the people around Michael were also in disbelief and thought he was a fool. I can remember times when I thought that of some people when they were called to do God's work. Did it make sense? No. Was it going to make their life easier? No. It just seemed absurd! If we're really doing God's will, then we may look like fools to the rest of the world. Living radically for God sure doesn't make sense to those that aren't following Jesus.

So I think I need to stop being so skeptical of Michael.

I'm on chapter 17, (page 216), and there is still a lot of story left. Can't wait to read what happens next!

Just so you all know...

...I finished the book yesterday!! Sorry. I couldn't stop. Apparently the 2nd times a charm with this one :). I can't wait to have a discussion with you all! No rush though. Francine Rivers is definitely a different writer than Ms. Kingsbury. I will say that much. I feel as though I thoroughly enjoy and can appreciate the differences in Christian writers. I don't want to give anything away, so I won't say anymore than that.

By the way...where is everyone at in their reading??

Love you all!

Not Really Book Related

The cuss words continue. I don't quite get it, but it is really good. Has anybody else besides Amanda and I started the book?

I have a more personal question for you all. I am thinking of ways to get my business to take off. Not sure which approach to take. I spoke with a lady at Borkholder Dutch Village about having a booth there. It's on my list of possibilities. I would make all kinds of stuff if I had a booth. Home decor, children's clothing, etc... But, I am so scared that nobody shops there and I would come out in the negative. So, question for you all, do you guys ever go there or know of people that do? I would obviously try to market it to people I know etc... If I got the word out that there's a place like that in there maybe the right client-ale would come to see my stuff. Ugh...I'm so torn!! Give me your thoughts!!!

On the positive side, a business owner in Georgia contacted me about buying a couple of my diaper bags to sell in her store. We'll see what the outcome is of that situation. Which brings me around to my next option. I could sell wholesale or on consignment to retail stores/boutiques.

Alright, I'll stop, I would love my beautiful friends opinions!! Thanks!
P.S. Amanda, I have not forgotten about your bag, I just haven't gone to SB to get fabric yet, but next time I do, I'll get your bag done ASAP!!

Oh my, Francine!

Wowsa's!! Am I reading the right book? Is this really Christian? I'm feeling a bit confused by the cussing and risqueness of the whole thing! I feel like I'm sinning by reading cuss words. But, I have to read them to know that they're a cuss word and by the time I figure that out, I've sinned, I suppose. This is a big change from an ole Karen Kingsbury, wouldn't ya say?

Anywho, I have just gotten to the part where Michael steps in. I have not fallen for him yet like Amanda has for the second time around. But, I do really like the book, and it has me hanging on to every last word. I'd rather read than take care of my children. That's probably a problem I should get help for.

Since I have some sort of old fogy version, I don't even have chapters in my book. It's driving me nutso! I like to know my progress in terms of chapters, but have no clue. My book has over 600 pages, since it's in large print. How many pages does the regular book have? I just need to know this for my own sanity.

I'm hoping to pick up my Bible tomorrow and jump into Hosea. Amanda, I think that's a great idea!

Talk to you all later! Love you all! {Jalayne, I love that you comment. It makes you not seem so far away! <3}

OBSESSION

So...if you can't tell by the title of this post, I have a serious problem! I already knew I had a growing weakness for reading sappy love stories, but COME ON! I have actually already read Redeeming Love, so I assumed it couldn't possibly comsume my life a 2nd time. Oh, but it has done exactly that...in full force, might I add. If you must know, I am on chapter 24! Yikes!

Since I have absolutely no idea where you are all at in the book, my lips are sealed regarding the plot and any details. I feel like I have SO much to say, but I definitely don't want to give anything away. So, as soon as you read this, please leave a comment as to what chapter you are on :).

Just a suggestion...I think it would be interesting to read the actual passage out of Hosea that this novel is based on together. Then we can draw similarities of our own. They kind of do that in the book a bit, but I think it would be fun.

One last thought. Can I just say that Michael sounds awfully dreamy!!

I love you all and can't wait to hear what you think of the beautiful soiled dove and the man after God's own heart :).

"No sacrifice we make is too great for the One who sacrificed His all."

Redeeming Love

So, I got our new book today at the church library and had to hold myself back from cracking it open during service :) Jacki Lacher was in the library when I got it and she said she just returned it from reading it again, that seems to be a common theme with this book. Everyone I talk to about it LOVES it and a lot have read it numerous times. Really excited to start reading. I'm having a dilemna though because I just started the second Twilight book and don't know whether to finish that first...ugh! haha



At church we've been doing a series called "Awesome God" and to end the series today we watched a sermon from Louie Giglio (sp?). IT WAS AMAZING. If you ever the chance to see it, I highly recommend it. He talks about our solar system and how incredibly huge or God is. It was so incredible to learn how small we (Earth) are in comparison to the other things God has made. It challenged me to think about the "little" things I worry about. Does it really matter if I don't know where we're going to live in a year? Does it really matter if I don't know what our future holds for us? The God who made the Universe loves me and has me in His hand, why worry? So easy to type out but hard to live out! At the end he talked about how each and every one of us are a miracle because of our complex DNA and how intricate every detail in our body is. It gave a whole new meaning to the verse "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14. You have to see the sermon and all the pictures to fully appreciate where this is coming from. Sorry if I'm rambling, just wanted to share! We serve an AWESOME God who chooses to love us!

Recap of Our First Official Meeting

Well, I feel like this is now an official book club. We made it through our first meeting without a hitch. It wouldn't be the same without chips and salsa. Jalayne, you were missed!

I really enjoyed talking about the book and other more serious issues. The structure was nice for the night. There were some very serious moments. Lots of pondering.

But, there were also moments of love and fun.

Excited about our newest member to Haci night. Hoping we didn't scare her off, and she will return.

We are seriously going to miss this girl.

*Sigh*

Hope you all are about to get your books or have gotten them. I got mine from the library today, in large print, might I add.

I seriously just love you all, and hope you know that. I had so much fun last night!

Book Club Meeting

Hi Ladies!

I thought I would write a quick post since I haven't heard the time and date for our first official book dish. Since Karla can't do Friday, does Wednesday (6pm) work for everyone then or do we want to do something on Sat. (lunch or dinner)? Any thoughts? I am fine with either so go ahead and leave a comment as to what your vote will be.

Can't wait to see you all!
Love,