Book Review: Out of the Ordinary by Jen Turano

    Gertrude Cadwalader leads a most interesting life. Living as a paid companion to the peculiar

Mrs. Davenport, she struggles with more than her fair share of mishaps, miscommunications, and

missing items! Having given up hope of marriage, due to her unfortunate family history, she

chastises herself for developing feelings for the wealthy Harrison Sinclair. Though the two enjoy a

playful friendship, both assume that the other wants no more than to be friends. Through several

hilarious encounters, the two grow closer, but will they ever share their true feelings for each other?

    I thought this was a really cute book. It was hilarious in parts, and a very relaxing read. It was a

bit hard to get into since I had not realized it was part of a series, but after a few chapters I caught up

without having to read the other books. Once you grow to love the characters, there is no turning

back! Jen Turano has a way of writing that makes you laugh when her characters laugh, cry when

they cry, and blush when they get embarrassed! Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone

who enjoys a light-hearted, funny book with a robust vocabulary, this book is for you!

This book was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for my honest review

Book Review: Heart on the Line by Karen Witemeyer

 

In the small, female-only town of Harper's Station, Grace Mallory is working as a telegraph operator. Barely having escaped death, and a witness to her father being murdered, she now finds herself trying to stay hidden. Meanwhile, over telegraph, she becomes acquainted with the kind and gentle Amos Bledsoe. After receiving a message implying that Grace could be in mortal danger, he quickly travels to her aid, despite being the only single male in the town.

    This book was a very enjoyable read for me, although somewhat predictable. I thought the characters were all likeable, and it was an interesting premise. I have always been a big fan of Karen Witemeyer because she always has adorable stories, relatable characters, and she keeps her books clean. I would recommend this book if you like historical fiction, especially Westerns. Honestly, the majority of Karen Witemeyer’s books are such cute love stories. Though it was fairly predictable, it was still a really enjoyable read. Overall, I would recommend this book to almost anyone 16+. Enough suspense to keep you turning the page, but not so terrifying you can’t sleep after reading it. It’s a price you can’t beat, and a pleasant read, so pick one up if you enjoy reading!

This book was given to me by the publisher free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion.

r my honest opinion.

Book Review: The Promise of Dawn by Lauraine Snelling

Outside of Two Harbors, Minnesota at Sunrise

 Rune and Signe Carlson only wanted a better life for their family when they moved from Norway, but now, they are doubting their decision. Despite toiling endless hours to help with their uncle Einar's land, they are only met with harshness: the harsh attitude of their uncle, and the harsh weather of Minnesota. Beginning to doubt God’s plan, they must work through pain and the unexpected to come to a new dawn.

     I really enjoyed this book. Believe it or not, this is the first book of Lauraine Snelling’s that I have had the pleasure of reading. I fell in love with the characters; so well developed that they were! This book has a very engaging plot. Though not a suspenseful read, I found the plot to be unique for historical fiction. I could relate with the characters with ease, and not just because I currently live in Minnesota! That persevering spirit of a pioneer in this book, the endurance to push through hard times, is not only powerful in and of itself, but also when we look at it as an analogy of our pilgrimage in this life towards the next.
      Overall, I was incredibly blessed by this book. Relating to kindred hearts, as well as engaging wholeheartedly with the storyline, I would absolutely recommend this book! I always appreciate a clean, well-written, and captivating read.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Blind Spot by Dani Pettrey

Blind Spot, the third book in Dani Pettrey's series “Chesapeake Valor”series, is a gripping tale about terrorism, murder, and police work. Set in Maryland, this story follows Declan Grey, a mind-over-matter FBI agent, and the one burdened with shutting down a terrorist attack on Baltimore. As he races against the clock to find out where and when this attack will take place, he also is fighting his feelings towards Tanner Shaw, his friend and co-worker in the case. Only time will tell if justice is served and the terrorists are stopped.

    I really enjoyed this book. Having read all of Dani’s books up to this point, I am consistently impressed at her ability to make me fall in love with a character through development and details. This book was really unique to me, with all of the unique details and descriptions. I can definitely tell that the author’s home is in Maryland! I was constantly googling different places mentioned in the book. Dani is an eloquent author, able to bring you to a specific place just by her phrasing and description.

     I was incredibly impressed by both the storyline and character development. It isn’t easy to keep readers coming back for more, but I can tell you most assuredly, I will not stop until I have read the rest of the books she has yet to write! I am always impressed by Pettrey’s ability to pull you into a romance story, all while emphasizing the importance of staying pure until marriage. It is fantastic to find an author you can trust will have a clean, Christian worldview, a suspenseful, page turning mystery, and characters that have very realistic lives and emotions. If you like books with plot twists, engaging characters, and a hopeful paradigm, I would highly suggest EVERY book that Dani Pettrey has written!

Dani is having a stellar giveaway of Blind Spot and several other fantastic goodies! Here is the link: http://www.bhppromos.com/blindspot.html

This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Don't Force It: Satanic Furniture and Resting in God

Believe it or not, a piece of furniture can be possessed by one, if not a legion of demons. Before you question my theology, let me explain:

    A few days ago, I was tasked with putting together a desk that I had bought from Amazon.com. Kris had an identical one that he had put together back in June. He warned me, no, begged me not to buy the same one. He kept muttering something about “not enough glue” and “bad instructions.” I had watched him try to put his together for a few hours, but I figured after watching him, putting together my own would not be nearly as difficult. Twas not so.

    After receiving the demon-desk in the mail, I quickly opened the box and began my journey on this perilous road. The first instructions were simple, elementary even. Every piece of particle board fit exactly where it was supposed to, coming together well. Then, all hell broke loose.

To fit the pieces together, one has to twist this little black circle just so, or the screws wouldn’t fit into it. Seems easy? Guess again. If you were a millimeter off, instead of the satisfying “click” that was given at the beginning, all I heard was the misery of incorrect placement. Four agonizing hours I spent on the last two pages of instructions, while the first six pages had been accomplished in about twenty minutes. If one side worked, the other wouldn’t.

Fed up with the desk, I tried to force one of the pieces to fit. Not only did I fail in my attempt, but by pushing it I knocked four different pieces out of alignment. As I was struggling with murderous thoughts, a new, non-homicidal thought popped into my mind.

“If you have to force it, it’s wrong.”

Now, I knew I shouldn’t force it, but when one is impatient, anything goes. As I continued to try and finish assembling the atrocity that was my desk, I kept pondering this thought. How many times have I tried to force something that just wasn’t working? Whether a relationship, job, school, or other opportunity, sometimes I’ve forced something rather than trusting God to bring the right thing to pass. Don’t misquote me in saying that perseverance is wrong. Perseverance is not only right, but is a key attribute of trusting God. If we trust that God has good plans for us, and can bring us where we need to be, then we can trust that we won’t have to claw our way to get there.

I’ve seen so many girls and guys who are pining after someone, feeling so strongly that the relationship would be right, forcing their way into that person’s thoughts by sheer willpower. I’ve been that person before. There is a strong desire in each of us to be in control. We don’t want to be single, we don’t want to be hidden, we don’t want to be reliant on God.

    In Philippians Paul says,

“I am sure of this: that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 1:6, ESV

     We can trust with absolute certainty that God will kindly lead us where we need to be, revealing His goodness to us, without us striving, grasping, and clawing for what we desire. Certainly, there will be times in our life where we have to fight for something: we must persevere in our marriages, endure in times of trial, combat the lies that God won’t come through.

   

      There is no safer place than in God’s will. If we can trust that God is faithful, kind, and good, if we can trust that He will never fail us, then we can have peace. How many times have I frustrated myself by trying to force something? How many heartaches could’ve been avoided by trusting that His plans are greater than mine?

    Dear friends, learn from my mistakes: Don’t force it. If something is forced, it won’t work right. If you are in a season of waiting, of being hidden, of watching others walk into a life you’ve wanted, trust in God’s plan and timing. Trust that He’ll finish what He started in you. He is not cruel, He will not taunt you. He cares about where you are, He sees you. You aren’t hidden. He will complete the work He started in you, draw near to Him daily, lay your griefs and fears at His feet. Fight to trust Him. Ask about His plans for you. Don’t force your way and your understanding, lean on His, and for goodness sakes, don’t buy a desk off of Amazon!

“Strength of my heart, I need not fail,

Not mind to fear but to obey,

With such a Leader, who could quail?

Thou art as Thou wert yesterday.

Strength of my heart, I rest in Thee,

Fulfill Thy purposes through me.”

― Amy Carmichael

Book Review: Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer

    Recently, I was given the opportunity to read an advance copy of the book, Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer. Obviously, being chosen to review one of my favorite author's books was an honor I happily accepted. I wanted to read this book before i even knew what it was about, but once I did know the plot, I was even more eager to read it. This is Sawyer's first contemporary title that does not follow an Old Order Mennonite character. While I was optimistic that this book would be as good as Sawyer's previous novels, I was blown away by how much I loved this book.

     Focusing on three different generations, a grandmother, daughter, and granddaughter, this book was unlike any other I have read. This book was flashing between the characters points of view, focusing on both the past and present, all the while seamless in presentation, and never confusing. That alone is a feat!

    While I love nothing more than a good mystery, often I have to sacrifice suspense in exchange for a hope-filled story. Such is not the case for "Bringing Maggie Home." Not only was I captivated by the mystery and the search for answers, I was delighted by the relatable characters, the hope-filled pages, and Christ-centered story. I have rarely found a book I love enough to read more than a couple times, but this book is sure to be read many times over.
   
     In the book, there is tension between Hazel and Diane, the grandmother and her daughter. I was brought face to face with the reality that I had unforgiveness towards my great-grandma for many of the same reasons Diane was frustrated with Hazel. In this way, the book was healing to me, helping me to see hurts and frustrations in my own heart that I hadn't realized were there. After reading this book, I have a new gratitude for my great-grandma, and I am so grateful to have seen through fiction what actually could change my heart. What an incredible book that it can bring healing I didn't even know I needed!
 
     Overall, I am blown away by Bringing Maggie Home. As much as I have loved Kim's past books, this one is by far her best yet. I would recommend this a thousand times over. The perfect mix of suspense and resolve, and full of poignant realities such as the toll of hidden fear and harbored bitterness, and how Christ is the only one who can fix us. If you like mysteries, love a great story, and can read, buy this book!



















Thanks to Kim and the publisher for giving me a copy to read and review!

Five Reasons to Marry a Calvinist

Nearly five months ago, I married a Calvinist. GASP. I am most definitely the least confrontational person you’ll meet, and I had pledged my life to someone whose theology was debated openly. I mean, there are entire Facebook pages dedicated to just debating Calvinism. Yet, after five months of attending a Calvinist church, five months of asking a myriad of questions to my dear husband, and after reading Romans 9 more times than necessary, I have come to believe that everyone should marry a Calvinist. Though the reasons are many, here are my top five:

1. Theology

Calvinists, by nature, are theologians with references. Feel free to question what they believe because they will most likely have a bible-based answer. My husband Kris loves theology more than almost anyone I know. That may be due to the fact that he is a calvinist, or it could just be that he is incredible. Or both.

Now, there is much debate about the correct interpretation of theology, but rest assured that no one loves theology as much as a Calvinist, while I am sure that there are Calvinists who love theology more than they love God, in my limited experience, they genuinely are studying the Bible to see the beauty of Jesus.

2. Unpretentiousness

My husband is one of the most humble people ever. No really. The knowledge of total depravity, and complete reliance on God should mark every Calvinist with humility. Last summer, as Kris and I were discussing our views on theology I didn’t even know existed (Like did God cause the fall? I have no idea. I never even thought of that question) I was amazed at how gently he answered, and how often he quoted scripture. Like, I know scripture, but he KNOWS scripture. He was never harsh, never acted like a know-it-all, and was always super attractive.

Keep in mind, if you marry someone who loves the Bible, then you better not quote anything out of context. Unless you’re a really funny wife who quotes things out of context when your husband is studying to distract him… What a benefit, to marry someone who really does treasure the Word. Oh, the joy of having someone who is not afraid to question wrong interpretations of scripture, all in the pursuit of living out Psalms 27:4.

3. Library-enthusiasts

Need a free date night? No one will appreciate a well-stocked library more than a Calvinist. Be forewarned however, if your library doesn’t stock enough books on the desert fathers, or is lacking in selection of books authored by Charles Spurgeon, you will have a very very very short date.

4. Incredible Focus

Obviously, anyone who reads books by ancient authors is bound to be a very focused person. Calvinists are constantly digging into new learning material, articles, blogs, books, youtube sermons, you name it. Sometimes I’ll read Kris’s theology books over his shoulder, and I recognize maybe half the words. Ok, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but still, when we go to the library, I go to the fiction section, and Kris goes to the “Obscure authors from the 1200s” section.

Calvinists are really good at concentrating, and as a result, are usually incredibly articulate, especially when explaining to you why the movie “Luther” is not only a valid date-night option, but also a far superior  choice, as opposed to popular rom-com “While You Were Sleeping.” Sigh.

5. Piper is a Calvinist

John Piper is a like, 15 or 16 point Calvinist I think (Kris said he is actually just a 7 point Calvinist, but I don’t remember it that way). That’s more than enough reason to marry a Calvinist. Don’t believe me? Listen to this sermon jam

Now, I must be fair. I have met many people of God who love the Bible, and are full of humility, and were as far away from John Calvin as Paul was (I’m just making a joke all you who are about to start throwing epistles at me) and they would be great matches too. Really, the utmost desire in our hearts should be to see the beauty of Christ. If we are able to marry someone who also desires to see His glory on the earth, then BOOM. Match made in heaven (or not, if you don’t believe in “the one”) So go my dear friends and marry a sweet Calvinist, although I already got the best one.

Book Review: "The Ebb Tide" by Beverly Lewis

Cape May "Diamonds"

   

    Read in less than 48 hours, I would consider this book a new favorite. To be fair, Beverly Lewis's books nearly always have me neglecting dishes, cooking, and laundry. Most of her books have been read in under a week, a few in less than a day. This book did not disappoint.

    The story is centered around a young Amish woman, 20-year-old Sallie Riehl. Wanting to travel, she puts off her baptismal classes until she can satiate her wanderlust. Perhaps by providence, she accepts a job as a nanny in Cape May for the Summer. It is in Cape May that she wrestles with her Amish heritage. As she finds her heart is torn between the outside world and her family, she knows she must come to a decision about the faith she holds dear.

   I think this book is among my favorites from Beverly Lewis. Although the “Abram’s Daughters” series is my all time favorite, “The Ebb Tide” comes in as a close second. Though this book is not set in the idyllic Lancaster county, it’s location is equally captivating. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Cape May, New Jersey. I so appreciated the vivid detail, and I felt as if I was actually there.

    One of the most interesting parts of this novel is that it is one of the first I’ve read where I saw the beauty of being an “Englischer” as opposed to being Amish. I was gently encouraged in my faith, seeing some of the negatives of being Amish for the first time. Though there are certainly several advantages to being Amish, this book showed me that there are also disadvantages (and not just being unable to use air conditioning!)

Overall, I thought this was an incredibly beautiful book. With an enjoyable storyline, relatable characters, and a God-glorifying storyline, this is one of my top books so far this year.

    

On Mother's Day...

"Never could it be possible for any man to estimate what he owes to a godly mother." -Charles Spurgeon

      I have had the great honor of being surrounded by godly mothers. As I grow older, I realize it is a wonder and a rarity to never question the support you'll receive from your family. I can't imagine how different my life would have been if even one of these women had not been a believer.

I am grateful for my mom, who always taught me to finish what I started, and to give without condition.
I am grateful for my mom-in-law Shannon, for welcoming me into the family so easily, and for serving her family so well.
I am grateful for my grandma Cheryl, for teaching me to give my best to people and to do all things well.
I am grateful to my great-grandma Irene, for showing me how to be hospitable, and the joy of a handwritten letter.
I am grateful to my grandma Marcia, great grandma Pearl, and great-great grandma Haws who gave me an example of a life well lived, of seeking the Lord until the day you see Him face to face, and living your entire life loving God and people.

       I am in disbelief that I have not one, but several mothers in my life, pointing me to Christ, and teaching me about His beauty.

     Happy Mother's Day to every Mom out there, serving God by raising up your children to love Him. What you do has lasting impact, for generations your children will reap the blessing you've sown. The hours and days you've poured out will receive the harvest you're due.

      May you be reminded of the faithfulness of God on this beautiful spring day, and if you have  a mother who has blessed you, don't just buy her a card. Buy her three and make sure that they are funnier than the ones your siblings buy.

Happy Mother's Day!

Our Story: A Tale of God's Faithfulness

       Where to begin. Kris and I have been so blessed, looking back at the story God has written for us. I know from the outside, it seems like we dated and were married in a matter of months. Actually, that is what it seems like from the inside too. So, for those of you wondering what the heck just happened, I wanted to share bits of our story here.

Coffee for Days

     "Would you be able to meet for coffee?" It seemed like such a simple text. Kris and I, though friends since the first day of school, had become great friends on the New York ministry trip. I replied that I could meet, we set a date, and I anxiously awaited the day. On that fateful coffee meeting, Kris kindly encouraged me in my pursuit of the Lord, and gently let me know that he was consecrated. Though we had both been asked numerous times on the trip if we were a couple, we continued to deny, deny, deny. After completely reassuring Kris that I had "no feelings for him besides friendship," we parted ways, promising to text often.

     Later that day, my conscience reminded me that honesty was the best. So I texted Kris saying that I  "may" have feelings for him besides just friendship, but knowing that he wasn't ready for a relationship, I was totally not fine just being friends. Kris touched my heart by saying, "Libby, I so enjoy your friendship, but your heart is more important to me. If it is too difficult for you to remain friends without me crushing you, then we don't have to be friends."

     So, I just enjoyed texting him as a friend, until two days later when he called *another* coffee meeting. I was so confused. I thought, "He already says he only wants to be friends, what more could he possibly want?" I would later find out that he didn't know the reason he called the meeting either. During the meeting, he said a swirl of different things: he was moving to Minnesota, he thought we were compatible, he didn't want to curse us with long distance, he wasn't consecrated anymore. I was so confused at the end, I went home and sent him a book-like text.

      I, in honesty, told him it seemed like he was gathering my opinion on long-distance relationships. He responded that though the idea had "crossed his mind" he never thought that long distance relationships worked out. I, in a moment of unbridled confidence spoke of the several long distance relationships that I had seen work out well. We agreed to meet for coffee in a couple days to discuss it. Then after that coffee meeting, we decided we wanted to meet in another couple of days to talk some more. One hour coffee meetings turned into three hours, and three hours turned into six. We met almost every three days for about a month, before I had to go back home to Colorado for the Summer. When I left, I had the hope of a relationship at Summer's end; we had decided to "test out" long distance over the Summer, and make our decision before he moved up to Minnesota.

                                                A Facetime Summer and a Stud Boyfriend

     We agreed to call each other once a week, and text each other at least twice week. (We wanted to start out with achievable goals. ) The first phone call lasted three hours, which was an incredibly long amount of time for two people who disdain telephones. We texted each other every second of the day, and we decided to read a book together so that we could talk twice a week instead of once. The first month was filled with discussion of theology, love languages, boundaries, and every other logistical thought possible.  We grew so much in friendship, talking for 5-8 hours on the phone twice a week. We decided we wanted to "officially" start our relationship as quickly as possible after we started school.

     He came down to visit one time in the Summer, and guys, he was so incredibly sweet, he was so fun to hang around, so gentle to my siblings. Plus he is a studmuffin. At the end of the Summer, he took me on our first official date (We later decided all of our coffee "meetings" were indeed dates, but you know, "intentional friendship") He surprised me by taking me to a murder mystery dinner theater in downtown KC. We both lost the competition because we were cheesily staring into each other's eyes the whole time. I'm dead serious SO MUCH CHEESE. We had to say goodbye later that week, as he started his journey up to Minneapolis to attend Bethlehem Bible College and Seminary. I missed him so bad. We both despised the fact that we had lived less than a mile from each other for 2 years, yet had never realized that we liked each other. Now we were going to be hundreds of miles apart. Two weeks later, after a beautiful video of each of our family members encouraging our relationship, he surprised me at my house in KC. After asking me to officially be his girlfriend, we both went out for a lovely day of coffee and Houlihans chicken. 

A side note: I fully believe that Houlihans' stuffed chicken breast is a vital part of any romantic relationship.

     Every other week it seemed, we were each driving four hours to see each other in Des Moines, Iowa: The midpoint of our locations. Now, we wanted to be together all the time, so we made this drive a lot, and when we weren't driving, we were facetiming for hours a day, to the point neither of us were sleeping (you know, since we still had "homework" and "classes" and "jobs") After a couple months of this, we made a decision that would change all of our plans. We decided to get married before the next semester of school. GASP. Although neither of us wanted to elope, we decided to have a very small wedding, have receptions later, and not have to spend any more time apart. 

The Engagement

Guys, I had suspected it was coming. But not on the day it came.

     I woke up on November 22, 2016, and I knew it was my girls day with Kris's sister Katie. I was excited to spend the day doing girly things, albeit disappointed to not get any time with Kris. We get into Sedalia (a town near Kris's house) and Katie tells me she has something for me, and then hands me an envelope from her purse. On the envelope is written, "Clue 1" SQUEAL.

     Inside was an adorable poem Kris wrote for me, leading me to a salon to get my hair done. Then, I received a clue to get a massage, and get my makeup done. (All of this is prepaid, because Kris saved forever. Oh my gosh guys) Then, after lunch, I got a mani/pedi, and journeyed the 1.5 hours from Sedalia to KC. There, after changing into my favorite dress, I was shocked to see a limo pull up.

OH MY GOSH.

     So, me and Katie get in the limo. At this point, I'm completely ecstatic. When the limo pulls up to IHOPU, I knew exactly the classroom to go to. Walking in, I go straight to room 110, the classroom where Kris and I took a class together on the book of Daniel. When I enter, the lights are dimmed, Kris comes and hugs me, and says he has a story to tell me.

     He tells me the sweetest story you've ever heard, and you should ask me about it in person, because it is too special to just type out.

Then, he gets down on one knee, says, "I love you, will you marry me."  I said yes.

    Now, circling around to one year of being best friends, I can't even contain the joy I have. God is SO faithful to us. He really cares. He saw me and Kris, friendzoning each other freshman year. He planned out our coffee "meetings" He knew when we'd get married. He is so kind.

   It's so interesting, looking back on this past year. At the time, everything seemed to go at half speed, yet here we are, married, and the waiting is no longer remembered. My brother-in-law Keegan, in his toast to us said that we've now seen where "the waiting meets the promise." I am so profoundly aware of the promises fulfilled in my marriage to Kris. All the waiting, saving, trusting met the promise of His faithfulness. God is so good.

WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU LIBBY

     Wow. That's all I have to say about the past 3 years. Are you wondering where I've been? I'm not nearly conceited enough to think that my absence been thought about. Nonetheless, I'm back, and thrilled to be here on the old blog once again.
      I bet you are wondering why on earth I stopped blogging. I bet you have just been treading water for month, hoping I will start writing book reviews again. Therefore, I shall give you what you are longing for, a full explanation on my whereabouts this past couple of years.
     First things first, I went to a Bible college. For 2 1/2 incredible years, I studied theology, took voice lesson, furthered my piano playing abilities, and met many incredible people at the International House of Prayer University. Between reading school books, taking tests,
hanging out with friends, and going to classes, I rapidly abandoned all hobbies. Blogging was the first activity to be cut out: when you're writing so many papers, extra-curricular writing is no longer fun.
      You may be wondering, "Gee Libby, why the heck did you do 2 1/2 years? That's a really weird number!" My dear friend, you are correct. No one does just 2 1/2 years. Except me. For I am unique, and something more important came up... I'm MARRIED!

I am celebrating 5 months in June of being married to this fantastic man! Now, I am here in Minnesota for him to attend college and seminary. I am so blessed. God has been so faithful to me, and I can't wait to see what He has planned!

Ruth the Moabitess: A Heritage of Grace

(Source:pinterest.com)

          The book of Ruth is the tale of a Moabitess widow, leaving everything she knows, and traveling with her mother-in-law Naomi to an unknown land. While gathering food for her and Naomi, she happens upon the field of a man named Boaz. Through the prompting of Naomi, Ruth offers herself as bride for Boaz, so that he might be her “kinsman redeemer*.” After convincing Ruth’s nearest relative to renounce his duty to her, Boaz marries Ruth, and they become the great-great grandparents of King David, from whose bloodline Jesus came. The question is, why would God allow a gentile woman to become part of the lineage of Jesus?

Throughout Biblical history, we often see the Lord commanding Israel to set themselves apart from the pagan nations surrounding them. From the moment when God first prophesied of the coming Messiah (Genesis 3:15), we see generations of genealogies, and the anticipation of the “seed” that would crush Satan’s head. This Redeemer is the only hope for humankind; if Satan can exterminate the seed, he will win. This is why God was adamant about keeping the Israelites set apart from the world. Often, when Israelites would intermarry with people who were not Jewish, the false gods from other spheres of the world would be accepted by the Israelites as well. Many times in the Bible, we see God order the complete decimation of pagan people groups (Joshua 6:24-25, 8:24-29, as well as many other times) Why then, after fervently protecting the Israelite’s purity, would God allow Ruth, a Moabitess, to not only marry an Israelite, but to become part of the lineage of Jesus?

          The very beginning of the book of Ruth holds what I believe is the key to understanding why Ruth was allowed to be in Christ’s bloodline. Ruth 1:16-17 says,

          “…For wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge;

Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die,

And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me.”

          In this verse, Ruth is not simply insinuating that she is willing to serve Naomi’s God, she is claiming that He will be her God as well. This is significant. To be willing to leave everything you have ever known, to go to an unknown land, to an uncertain destiny, and to love, serve and obey a God that your mother-in-law just claimed has been unkind to her (1:13) is the type of devotion that ravishes God’s heart.

I believe that when God sees a heart so willing to disavow its former life, goals, and dreams to pursue His heart, it mesmerizes Him. He not only accepted her into His family, He grafted her into the very bloodline of His only Son. Only He could have orchestrated the resplendent love story of Ruth and Boaz. For Ruth to, by “chance” find Boaz’s field, for Boaz to desire to be her kinsman redeemer, and for her to have the obedience to her Mother in Law to go to the threshing floor is proof to me of a God who is moved by our obedience.

So where does this leave us? As gentiles, we are always grateful that Jesus died to save all humankind (John 3:16), but have we ever considered that God placed a gentile woman in the ancestry of Christ? The truth we ought to take from the story of Ruth is this: God’s love for us is not based on anything we are. Christ died for us while we were dead in our sin. He was the ultimate kinsman redeemer. His heart is moved when we surrender all in obedience to Him. When we abdicate the throne of our heart, and relinquish the tight hold we have on our dreams, our plans, and our future, then He grafts us into a family with a far superior future, reigning with Him for eternity!

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”     -Galatians 3:28

*If a woman’s husband died without her having a son to carry on the father’s name, the dead husband’s next-of-kin (usually a brother) would be the kinsman redeemer. The duties of a kinsman redeemer are to marry the widow, and when she bore a son, the child was to carry on the name of the deceased, as well as receive an inheritance. This practice is described in detail in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. As is witnessed in the book of Ruth, one could reject the widow’s request.

Sabotaged: 10 Questions I Would Ask Reef McKenna

In Dani Pettrey’s newest book Sabotaged, the final installment of the Alaskan Courage series, Reef McKenna and Kirra Jacobs are in a race against time to find a kidnapper. This book has such well-developed characters, and a fantastically thrilling storyline. This book was absolutely incredible, and the only thing I disliked about this book is that it is the last book of the Alaskan Courage Series!

      At one point in the book, Kirra and Reef have to make an eight hour drive to Seward. Now, if you have ever been in a car with someone for an extended amount of time, you know that awkward silences are inevitable. Now, if I were Kirra, I would have spent some of that time getting to know Reef a little better. Here are 10 questions I would have asked Reef on an eight-hour drive, and what I imagine his answers would’ve been.

1.       What is your favorite breakfast cereal?

Reef: Well, I am more of a sausage and pancakes kind of guy, but I do remember this one cereal I used to eat when I was little, Captain  Munch? No, Captain Crunch. The one with the little berries in it. That was definitely my favorite.

2.       If you could talk to one person, living or dead, for one hour, who would it be?
Reef: I have always thought it would be cool to talk to Gunnar Kassen. I always thought it would be so incredibly stressful to have to deliver a life-saving serum through Alaska!

3.       What is your favorite board game?
Reef: Definitely Risk. My siblings don’t even like to play with me anymore, since I can get so competitive

4.       Is there any worship song you can’t get enough of?

Reef: There are so many great ones, but honestly, one of my favorites is “In Christ Alone.” It is a constant reminder of Christ’s faithfulness to me.

5.       If you could only read one book, eat one food, and watch one movie for a year, what would you choose?
Reef: As far as a book, I would choose the Bible. What other book can you read again and again and still find new revelation? Obviously, I would choose Lasagna for my food. There is nothing better in the middle of a cold winter snowstorm than to come home to a hot plate of lasagna. As far as a movie, I would have to say Vertical Limit. No movie keeps me quite as close to the edge of my seat!

6.       Favorite restauraunt?
Reef: Near Denali, there is a small town called Talkeetna. There is this fantastic restauraunt called the Denali Brewery. Everything is delicious, but the absolute best thing on the menu is their sweet potato wedges. Crunchy on the outside, and soft, but not mushy on the inside, and it is served with this spicy mayonnaise sauce. One of the most delicious things I have ever put into my mouth

7.       Who do you look up to the most?
Reef: My brother Cole. He has remained so strong in the Lord, even after our parents died, and he is such a good husband and father.

8.       Do you have any irrational fears?
Reef: I can’t stand frozen chimichangas. I know it’s weird, but I got sick off of one once. Threw up all night. Frozen is fine. Chimichangas are fine. Frozen chimichangas are terrible.

9.     Favorite animal?
Reef: I have always loved eagles. To be able to soar above storms, above what other people think, that would be incredible.

10.   What is your favorite scripture?
Reef: Hmmm, there have been so many that have impacted my heart this past year, but I would have to say that my favorite one is Psalms 25:6-7,
“Remember, O Lord, Your tender mercies and Your lovingkindnesses, for they are from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; according to your mercy remember me, For Your goodness sake, O Lord.”
     This scripture has been such an encouragement to me, that the Lord sees me through the lens of His mercy, all my past transgressions, all my future, everything is seen through His lovingkindness!

Who else woudn't mind getting stuck with Reef on an eight hour drive? I am sure he would be an incredibly interesting person to talk to!

Dani Pettrey is an amazing author, I was so blessed to be able to work with her through all five books in this series. Although I was heartbroken to finish this series, I know that Dani's next books will surely be just as good as this series. If you have never read any of these books, I urge you to pick up a copy next time you are at a bookstore, or you can even order one online!

Book Review: Take This Cup by Bodie and Brock Thoene

A young boy, named Nehemiah, has been prepared for a glorious purpose. Trained by his Rabbi from a young age, he know that someday he has been called to be cupbearer to the one true King. Will the day come sooner than anyone can imagine?

I loved this book. I read the entire thing in two days. Again and again, Bodie and Brock Thoene have constructed a gorgeous story, based on threads of tales in the Bible. I do not know how they manage to weave together these beautiful tapestries they call books. Using bits of several stories in the Bible, they create an intriguing tale based on fact. I will never stop reading their books!

This book specifically was so touching to see how Jesus reacted to a little boy, and all of the children to be precise. One of the hardest things that Bodie and Brock successfully do is to so beautifully describe Jesus.

I can’t think of a single thing I would have changed about this book. It was so beautifully described, and at the end, everything was so wonderfully resolved, I am pretty sure I cried at least twice! Bodie and Brock are SO good at not leaving loose ends in their books. I can’t wait until the next book comes out, the first two were fantastic.

Overall, I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who wants a fresh look at the Bible stories they have grown up hearing, it changes the way you read the Bible when you know the backstory. Obviously, their books should not be read the same way we read the Bible, but their books are a great tool to better understand the time and context of the Bible. If you have not read their books yet, be sure to pick this one up!

I received this book for free in exchange for this review.