The first book I finished this month was Song of Redemption – the second book in the Chronicles of the Kings series by Lynn Austin. I find this series to be fascinating. It gives me new incite into what it might have been like for Hezekiah to become king in the time period that he did and how difficult it might have been for him to choose to follow God and remove all of the other worship of gods at this time. As I have said before, I love historical fiction and this really gave me a new perspective on a biblical event. I gave this book 4/5 stars on Goodreads.
The second book I read this month was another historical novel – The Contessa's Vendetta by Mirella Sichirollo Patzer. I read this book because it was a free Kindle download for Amazon prime readers. This story is a retelling of a classic novel Vendetta by Marie Corelli. In this novel, the Contessa is thought to die from a plague and is buried. But she is not actually dead... she escapes from her tomb to discover that she has been duped by her husband and best friend. The story is her first hand account of her revenge. It was an intriguing story that I enjoyed. I gave this book 4/5 stars on Goodreads.
"Marriages either grow or they regress; they never stand still."
The third book I read is The 4 Seasons of Marriage: Secrets to a Lasting Marriage by Gary Chapman, author of The 5 Love Languages (this book was another FREE Kindle download). I read The 5 Love Languages when Daniel and I were engaged. It is a great tool for any relationship in helping you to understand how you are different from your spouse and how to relate to and understand each other's needs. The 4 Seasons of Marriage is a follow-up to this first book and talks about how every marriage goes through the seasons of Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Ideally we want to keep our relationships in the Spring and Summer phase, but inevitably, Fall and Winter will play a part in every relationship. The book offers advice on how to move out of these more difficult phases as well as how to maintain the good phases. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in bettering their relationship, regardless of what season you are currently experiencing. I gave this book 4/5 stars on Goodreads.
As I continue to read The Story I find that I am enjoying reading this particular format of the biblical stories that I have grown up with. I have read through Moses leading the Israelite's out of Egypt and they are currently wandering in the dessert.
FREE GIVEAWAY
In conjunction to reading The Story, I am looking forward to watching the History Channel's new miniseries on the Bible that will begin airing on March 3rd in the 8:00-10:00pm time slot.
From Executive Producers Roma Downey and Mark Burnett comes The Bible — an epic 10-part miniseries retelling stories from the Scriptures for a whole new generation. Breathtaking in scope and scale, The Bible features powerful performances, exotic locales and dazzling visual effects that breathe spectacular life into the dramatic tales of faith and courage from Genesis through Revelation. This historic television event is sure to entertain and inspire the whole family!I am participating in a giveaway through the History Channel to promote this miniseries. If you are interested in winning the companion book to the miniseries, A Story of God and All of Us, please leave your name and favorite Bible story in the comments section (anonymous comments won't be chose. One winner will be chosen at random on March 7.
Would love to win a copy! It's so hard to pick a favorite Bible story - but if I have to, the mommy in me always goes back to the story of Jesus' birth.
ReplyDeleteKim - Thanks for participating! Ever since I became a mother, I relate more to Mary as well. Luke 2:19 is often on my mind.
Delete"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."
I wish I had cable! I'm going to a friend's house to watch the first installment of "The Bible" and if I love it (which I expect I will) I'm going to buy the DVDs for it on Christianbook.com (where it's only $40 right now!)
ReplyDeleteThere are just too many good stories to have a favourite! I think maybe my favourite is Abigail... She rises above her circumstances and does what is best for God's people. But Esther does the same thing! And so does Ruth. Abigail. I'm picking Abigail. But let it be known that I don't like picking favourites here. ;-)
In other news, I've been very interested in "The Story." I'm glad to know you're enjoying it!
Thanks for participating Wanda! I too do not have cable. I am hoping my sister will DVR the series for me to watch later. It is quite remarkable how many women stepped out in faith and did great things during this time period.
DeleteA book I highly recommend is "A Lineage of Grace" by Francine Rivers. It's a compilation of five stories from the Bible - Rahab, Tamar, Ruth, Bathsheba, Mary. The stories are based on Bible fact but embellished to help us understand what their lives must have been like. It's a wonderful book (or "wonderful books," if you read them individually) to help bring to life the stories of these women.
DeleteThanks for the recommendation -- I'll have to add them to my "to be read" list.
DeleteI am enjoying your blog! My favorite bible story is David and Goliath!
ReplyDeleteHey Christina! Thanks for stopping by and checking out my blog. David and Goliath is such a great story – it has always made me feel like I could do anything if David could stand up to a giant!
DeleteMy favorite story is the conversion of Saul/Paul. I have a personal connection to his story. While I did not fully reject Christianity growing up, I didn't actively seek out to learn more about it. As an adult I had a moment when I realized that I felt empty and I recognized that God was speaking to me and allowing me to open up enough to accept Him and learn more about what it would mean to my life to embrace that. My husband and I shared the journey together and we were both baptized at the Easter Vigil Mass in 2010.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing such a personal story Jen! The conversion of Saul/Paul really is a wonderful story. It is amazing how many people that God used that weren't "qualified" to the do the job, yet God worked through them any ways.
DeleteI hadn't heard about the series until Monday, but they look intriguing! I will DVR them for ya!
ReplyDeletePicking a favorite is tough...A favorite Bible story of mine is Ruth. Her story of redemption speaks to me!
-Angela
The story of Ruth is another good one. It took a lot of faith and courage for her to decide to stay with her mother-in-law after her husband died and then to seek the help of Boaz and eventually marry him. Thanks for participating!
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