Gods and Kings...

Nice and busy here, but Saturday was kind of strange. For the first time in longer than I can remember- I could feel boredom setting in. My kids both had an event that day, so once I dropped them off, I really didn't have anything I HAD to do, or WANTED to do. It was slightly panicky. No horses to work, no cleaning to do, no weeds to pull, nothing.
So, I decided to indulge in another treat- and picked up a fiction book I bought a long time ago, but never started reading. It was one of those books you find on the $2 table, that you know sounds good, but if it is a stinker, you won't be out too much.

The title is "Gods and Kings" by Lynn Austin. Wow. I was totally surprised to find so much sound doctrine, encouragement, and Jewish history in one little novel. I wouldn't say it should win a literary award- the writing is mediocre, but the characters are fanastic, and the story touched my heart- because it follows the Bible so closely. Borrow it from me, order it and buy it for yourself, whatever- but you will love it!

The setting is towards the end of King Ahaz's reign, and then focuses on King Hezekiah. It starts with Hezekiah as a boy, and as his father is a total idolater, he is forced at a young age to watch his half brothers be sacrificed by fire to the false God, Molech. Needless to say, it is terrifying. Yet, through his father's wickedness, the story shows how God has already chosen Hezekiah to be the King to lead the Israelites back to Him. Isaiah and Micah the prophet are key characters, as well as Hezekiah's grandfather, the high priest Uriah, and Hezekiah's dear mother.

There has been obviously some fictional license to develop the characters and dialogue, but as I read 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, as well as portions of Isaiah to see how closely the story followed the true events, I was pleased to see the events were right on. And to read as a boy turned King gets saved and brings hope and light to a wicked place- ah! What a great story. Lots of Biblical quotes from the prophets and the Law as well. There are 5 books in the series, and needless to say- I am anxiously awaiting the UPS guy for book 2. :)

Here is an excerpt from the first book. Hezekiah's mother has snuck away to see her father, Zechariah, who is imprisoned for teaching Yahweh's laws to his grandson. Lots happened due to events I would rather you read about (Muhahahaha). What you should know is Zechariah was the High Priest under King Uzziah, Hezekiah's great grandfather. Because Zechariah failed to teach Uzziah God's ways, he has watched Judah be destroyed by the idolatry and evil that first, Uzziah, and now King Ahaz have brought. He starts out in the story a miserable alcoholic who only wishes to die, and now, Yahweh has redeemed him and given him new life:
"How can you be so calm about it? You're being held prisoner for no reason, without even a trial." (spoken by Queen Abijah, Zechariah's daughter, Hezekiah's mother)
"It's all right Abijah. Yes, at first I questioned God throughout the long, boring days and sleepless nights. I kept waiting for Him to vindicate me and to punish my enemies. And when He didn't, I immersed myself in the Holy Torah, always questioning, demanding answers.
But when I read the Book of Job, and I discovered another victim of injustice who demanded answers from God. And do you know what I learned from Job? Yahweh doesn't owe us an explanation for what He does. He's sovereign over all:'Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens- what can you do? They are deeper than the depths of the grave-what can you know? If he comes along and confines you in prison...who can oppose Him?'
So you see? I don't need to know why anymore." (Zechariah's response)

Yeah, ummmm...how many times have I asked "Why?" and forgot that God doesn't owe me an explanation? It was such a perfect time for this reminder, and encouraged my heart Saturday as I wondered "why" on pretty much every aspect of my life.

Thank you, Lord, for great stories that bring you glory. You are an awesome God- and so worthy of our praise. Thank you that BECAUSE you are sovereign, I don't need to wonder and worry.

It is in the genes!

I think I have finally found the cause of my easy addiction to all things fiction- my genetic make up. Hehehe Ahhhh, isn't it wonderful to be able to blame something for my failings? Whether it be over eating, alcoholism, homosexuality, inability to commit, or ADHD- if we can blame it on our parents, it makes it all ok, right? (gag with me if you have heard those pathetic excuses for lack of self control a time or two)

No really, I found the other day that my mother and I actually have something in common, and it was such a neat surprise. My parents surprised us a few nights ago with coming to dinner, and it was so fun to see them here. They rarely come to our house, hardly more than they visited us in AZ, which was once. So when they called and said they would like to come over, we were glad. While visiting, some how books became a topic, and I found out that my MOTHER doesn't like to read anymore because she feels guilty that she is neglecting her other duties. How hilarious is that? I never would have thought it, all my life I have never seen her pick up a book for other than work purposes. But she said once she starts a book, she finds it nearly impossible to put it down, and as a girl, she would hid in closets, under the stairs, wherever- to read and read uninterrupted. Her mom would get so angry because she thought she was sneaking out, or hiding from doing chores. Sounds familiar- now I know why she was so indulgent of my love of books when I was growing up, she never complained TOO much when I would ride my bike up to the summer book mobile- come home with about 15 novels, and disappear for the next few days. My mom would even try to read in closets with out a light, so that no one would see it and come looking for her. It was so funny to picture her like that, a romantic, imaginative girl- knowing she had business to attend to, but unable to tear herself away from interesting characters.
It was a nice memory to share, and I loved the glimpse at my mother it gave me. There are moments where I can see that fun-loving spirit peek out from her, and if it weren't for the worries of life, she might have managed to keep some of the "story-loving little girl" more present in her. This idea has made me determined to stop over-analyzing and stressing about so much, and work on taking each moment, for what ever it is worth- and living IN it. I love my mom, and know that she has taught me many things growing up, and even today, she is a reminder to be generous, to love your family, work hard for your children, and now- to go read some books and enjoy them! I never want to lose my sense of humor, or have worrying be my trademark. There has to be some lightness, and frivolous behavior, once in awhile! For all that we complain, I don't know very many people who have any right to blame their parents for their problems as adults. As a mother, I know we all do the very best we can- and your psychiatrist can take care of the rest. :)

I love this photo- on a snorkeling trip to Phu Quoc, my mom wanted to participate in our fun in the sun, but didn't want to jeopardize her complexion with a tan. So she hitched her skirt up, put Jordan's shirt on her head, and waded into the sea with us!

Maybe once a year...

SO- experiment was... partially successful. I have to say that due to where my life is now- my horrid fiction addiction didn't seem "that bad"- my kids are older and don't seem to care what I am doing as long as I am busy and not bothering them, and I was able to maintain some semblance of normal life while reading my book all day (although I didn't go to bed until well after I should have). That being said, "that bad" equals "bad" in my book, as my kids have heard me say too many times. I found it nearly impossible to think about anything else, or even want to. I LIKE checking out of reality for hours on end, I LIKE great stories, and I LIKE the full range of emotions a good novel provides. And I still like it a little too much. So, I think I will allow myself a taste of fiction on occasion, during winter break when there is nothing else to do, when my kids are gone at camp, or Steve is away for the weekend-times when my complete obsessiveness won't harm anyone but myself. ;) But all in all, I am much too weak of a person, or much too imaginative for my own good, to allow myself the delicious luxury of the fiction world. I find that once I finish a great story, it is very difficult to be satisfied with MY story anymore. It is harder to go about my daily life, participate in ordinary relationships, and muck stalls- when my heart is longing for adventure, and romance, and drama. When I get done with chores, I SMELL like a barn, but my heroines always seem to have the ability to row up river, build a fort, lasso the cattle, and look as perfect as a rose without even trying. Not to mention saving the day and raising perfect children at the same time. I suppose my life has enough catastrophe to keep me entertained. It is more prudent for this dreamer to keep both feet on solid ground and nose in God's word, rather than the land of make-believe where everyone is beautiful and perfect.

Goodbye, books- hello, 2009! We had a wonderful, white Christmas- with lots of love and hugs for the kids, but not enough presents. We got snowed in a week before Christmas, so even though Jordan and Jasmine had to do without a lot on their lists, we had a great time playing in the snow, hanging with the Clark's, and laughing our heads off. We couldn't get out of the driveway to see anyone else for Christmas- but God was so good, and this very bizarre weather came the year that Stef and Nick were our next door neighbors- so we got to spend Christmas with family in spite of the road conditions! Hmmm, how glad I am that there are no coincidences in God's plan! It makes me smile.

This video was pretty funny, I thought I would share. Note that years ago I warned Steve getting me a video camera might be a bad idea. I have a knack for catching people in compromising situations- never intentionally, of course. You see, I just prefer to be behind the camera, so my less than graceful moments are never archived for all history to see...wicked clever, aren't I?

Why fiction might be bad for your health...

So I have pretty much avoided fiction books for the last 13 years because I have this horrible tendency to never be able to put the book down once I start. I have stuck with your lovely theological seminars, self help type, biblical commentaries because for some reason, I have no problem setting those down when needed. Now, of course, it depends on the quality of the novel, but in general- once I start a story, I can't stop- and all else falls by the wayside. Note: I stopped when my first baby arrived, can't imagine why I suddenly realized I couldn't afford to be distracted by my beloved books. :) I still have read the books my kids read over the years, to offer guidance and insight, and make sure I know what might be filling their daydreams, but those can usually be finished in the few hours of quiet before my family wakes. I haven't picked up books "for just me" in years. This last two weeks, with being snowed in, destroyed my carefully crafted resolve, and I have been FORCED to re-read many of my old favorites, and unfortunately, I think the addiction is in full swing again! Alcott, Tolkien, Stowe, Austin,Montgomery, even Shakespeare- have drawn me in this week and absorbed much too much of my attention...and I loved every minute of it! It actually started with the Twilight series a few weeks ago, as I HAD to read the books to censor certain chapters so Jasmine could read them per her request (don't ask why I then RE-READ them 3 times...yeah, all 4), but that seems to have tipped me right over the edge. Now I am horribly tempted to go spend a hundred bucks on Amazon to find more great books, and my question is- can I balance my love of all things fiction, with my other responsibilities? Should I attempt it? Is my life in a place, and my personal growth CAPABLE of moderation when the DRAW... of beautiful monologues, intriguing conspiracies, and lovely scenes that the human imagination paints more vibrantly than any movie set...is so strong? Can I "relish the bouquet without tasting the wine"? Truly, the drive to read "just one more chapter" for me is akin to an alcoholics drive to sit at the bar- or so I am told. Do I have the strength, can I "just say no"? This might be ridiculous to you, but in my list of Top Ten Things Wrong With Me- this is number 8. Is there anything you have been drawn to so much in life you had to quit cold turkey? And if so, did you ever outgrow it, and finally be able to enjoy the pastime, experience, whatever, in moderation? I would love to know. I truly believe God gave us such great imaginations because He has the best one, and I think He LOVES stories, so my love of the stories is not the problem- I don't think- it is my all-consuming NEED to finish it at all costs that terrifies me (picture 16 year old girl driving mother's minivan down populated highway with book in hand because it was "too good of a part to stop"...yeah, terrifying, guardian angels present for said teenager and all other drivers...praise God for His mercy!).

Well, Considering we have another 4 inches of snow on the ground this morning (in addition to the original 3 FEET), I believe today I will be FORCED to pick up another great book and test myself. So ask me this evening if the chores were completed, the children fed, presents wrapped...and what page I am on. Hehehehe