Lost in 1812

What is it about inspirational historical fiction that gets women so sappy? Why do these authors sell so many books? Who wants to live in the past? What's the big deal? What does the 19th century have that the 21st doesn't?

Innocence. That's the difference. The women are not brazen. They still *blush*, and they actually wear undergarments (sort of). They are not showing so much skin that the men are blushing. They are not chasing men and throwing themselves at them. They are concerned with being a woman of virtue. They are concerned with being a GODLY wife and mother and with having a godly husband.

These differences make these books appealing to those who feel that we have lost much in this so-called progressive generation. Progression is only good when it makes us better. What we have now is not better, no matter how good we women are at lying to ourselves and each other.

Men have not changed what they want in wives. No one wants to marry the girl who has given herself to everyone and shows no signs of slowing down. They still want something to be left to
the imagination. Most probably think a home-cooked meal is a lovely bonus.

Perhaps we should take a page out of 1812 an reinvent 21st century womanhood with that as an example. It doesn't mean we have to pretend to be helpless or stupid, although it doesn't hurt to make a man feel needed. It does mean we should stop using sexuality to manipulate men. It means we should cover up and guard our tongues. It means we should strive more to be a Proverbs 31 woman, and less like a Cosmo girl. For a good example, read The English Garden
Series by Lori Wick.

God, I Need to Talk

At times talking to God feels impossible. If talking to Him feels impossible, waiting to hear His voice is painful! We have been praying to God for His guidance without feeling that we have any more of an idea. After a while we started to second-guess ourselves. What are we doing wrong? Are we not talking loudly enough?

Then two days ago, while looking for labels, I stumbled on a book that I've had for quite a while. Through the years and a couple of cross-country moves, it's been pushed to the bottom of the pile. Well, in the nick of time, God brought it to the top. It appeared almost like magic. Lord, Teach Me to Pray in 28 days by Kay Arthur.

I'm only 2 days in, but I'm feeling optimistic. Although I've been praying for years, perhaps my skills have gotten a little rusty. The author has begun by focusing on the references to pray in the Bible, and the specific prayers found their. There are discussions about how to pray and what to pray for.

I'm looking forward to sitting at the feet of Jesus through this study. Pray that I persevere and that I am radically transformed by the end of it. I know God can do it, and I believe He will. I will share when I finish. Anything that improves my communication with the Most High is alright with me!

"Love happens when people forgive."

"Love happens when people forgive," is the recurring theme in Oceans Apart. This novel by Karen Kingsbury explores what happens when a husband cheats and conceals the affair for 8 years. When the woman he was with dies unexpectedly, Connor Evans is faced with some very hard decisions. The roller coaster ride that ensues will change he and his wife Michelle forever.

There is forgiveness unlimited that needs to happen. A forgiveness that is divine. There are hurts so deep that we are unable to forgive on our own. When a husband hurts you, God is often the only one who can restore the love and trust you shared.

I've actually read this book twice. The first in paperback, the second on audiobook. The first time, I was deeply moved and very touched by the story. The second time, I was transformed. I learned about forgiveness. True forgiveness. I called my husband and asked him to forgive me for being unforgiving.

There have been things that have happened in our lives, struggles we've had, that I have held against him. I thought I was "over it", but I was wrong. At first I felt justified, telling myself he made poor choices. Everyone makes mistakes. Holding a grudge created an impassable sea of hurt and bitterness. Although my husband has not been unfaithful, perhaps I treated him as though he was a murderer.

I think he had been trying to tell me that, but I was too busy focusing on what I saw as his failure to see what I was doing in turn. But this time, I heard him speak through the words of the author. We are moving forward now. I am learning to focus on his strengths and forgive his weakness. The operative word is learning. I have not arrived. The importance of growth is the basis for a vibrant faith.

The Word of God speaks often about forgiveness and judgement. Since it is mentioned a lot, it must be important. We are told that we can not be forgiven if we do not first forgive.
(see Matthew 6:14-15) If you are holding a grudge and the root of bitterness is growing inside you, embrace Oceans Apart, and allow God to speak to you through this inspirational fiction. Let the healing and restoration begin.

For more on forgiveness, click here.

Creative Zen

As all of you know, I am a voracious reader. What some of you may wonder is how I have time to read so much with a full-time job, husband and two small children. I'll tell you a little secret. Audiobooks!

Several months ago, I purchased a Creative Zen mp3 player. I purchased one with 2GB (although they sell the same model with much more memory), and I've never filled it up. I sometimes have 10 books at a time. It also holds a memory card. It comes in pink and black. It has an FM radio and still plays music, of course. With so many choices, it was hard for me to choose.Many libraries offer online book services. With a library card, you can check out, download and transfer books from the comfort and convenience of your computer. I simply checked the library's site for compatible devices. One thing you need is compatibility with the file format, for example is it an MP3 or a WMA? You must also have the bookmarking capability. Unless you enjoy trying to remember where you were and fast-forwarding every time.

I am fortunate enough to listen to books all day at work. I can connect the Zen to an adapter and even listen in the car. Road trips are more interesting. The work day flies by. I can enter into my own zone and go anywhere the book takes me. I'm so much more content because of it. It truly has been a great blessing to me. Proof that God cares about the little stuff.

So if you love to read, but lack the time, check your local library and see if your mp3 player is compatible. If not, buying a new one is worth it's weight in gold. It's the best $80 I've spent in a long time. It also paid for itself after 2 downloads. Purchasing audiobooks is very expensive. Borrowing them from the library is free. Happy "reading"!

Lessons from the Baxters

Love, sex, prayer, sickness and adoption are just a few of the themes tackled in Karen Kingsbury's (with Gary Smalley) Redemption series of five books about the highs and lows of the Baxter family. I have been encapsulated by this fictional family.

What I love about these books is the wide range of topics discussed. I enjoyed the fact that this Christian family is far from perfect. They struggle with everything from their faith the fidelity. There are doubts about God's existence and fears about contracting HIV from an adulterous affair.

Kingsbury produced a masterful creation. You will fall in love with this family from the beginning and experience every emotion along with them. Stay tuned for much more on these incredible books.