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Friday, February 4, 2022

Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel

Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel
Image Credit:  Free Bible Images 

Isaac and Rebekah sent Jacob back to Rebekah's brother's house, the house of Laban, so that Jacob could find a wife.  Jacob arrives safely to his uncle's house . . . but little does he know what's in store for him.  As Jacob arrives, the shepherds were preparing to water their flocks at the well. Laban's younger daughter, Rachel, is a shepherd.  Jacob meets Rachel when she brings her flock to the well.  It's an emotional meeting as Jacob has now arrived at this destination after a long journey and has met Laban's younger daughter.  When Rachel learns who Jacob is, the son of Laban's sister, she runs to tell Laban.  Laban welcomes Jacob warmly.

Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel

Jacob stays and works for Laban.  After a month, Laban tells Jacob,

Just because you are a relative of mine, should you work for me for nothing?  Tell me what your wages should be.  Genesis 29:15

Jacob loves Laban's younger daughter, Rachel.  Jacob tells Laban that he will work for him for 7 years in return for Rachel.  

I can't help but laugh at Laban's response:

It's better that I give her to you than to some other man. Genesis 29:19

Jacob works for 7 years so that he can marry Rachel, but it doesn't seem like 7 years to him because he loves her.

So Jacob served 7 years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her. Genesis 29:20

After 7 years of work, Jacob asks Laban for Rachel.  Laban throws a big feast that night, but instead of sending Rachel to Jacob, he sends Leah.

Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel
This item is available here.

Jacob doesn't realize he has been deceived until the next morning. In those days, it was common for brides to be sent in to their new husbands veiled, and the veils remained in place. This is why Jacob doesn't know it is Leah instead of Rachel until the next morning.

Jacob confronts Laban about his deception.  Laban explains that it is not customary to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older daughter.  He instructs Jacob to remain with Leah for one week, Leah's bridal week.  Then, he will give Rachel to Jacob in exchange for another 7 years of work.

After one week, Laban is true to his word as he gives Rachel to Jacob with the understanding that Jacob must stay and work for another 7 years.

Jacob loves Rachel more than Leah.

God sees that Leah is not loved as much as Rachel, so he blesses her with four sons:  Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah.  (Jesus will be born through the bloodline of Judah, through Leah's bloodline, rather than Rachel's.)

Rachel is jealous of Leah because Leah has had children, but Rachel has not had any children.  Rachel gives her servant, Bilhah, to Jacob so that Bilhah can have children for Rachel.

Bilhah gives birth to Dan and Naphtali.

Leah realizes that she has stopped having children, so she gives her servant, Zilpah, to Jacob so that Zilpah can have children for her.  

Zipah gives birth to Gad and Asher.

Leah and Rachel get into a spat over mandrakes.  Leah's son, Reuben, had gone out to gather some and then brought them to his mother, Leah. Rachel goes to Leah and asks her to give her some of Reuben's mandrakes.  Leah says, "Wasn't it enough that you took away my husband?  Will you take my son's mandrakes too?"

Rachel tells Leah that she can have Jacob for the night in exchange for the mandrakes.  When Jacob returns home from the fields, Leah tells him about the deal.  Jacob stays with Leah.  Eventually, Leah gives Jacob two more sons:  Issachar and Zebulun

Leah also gives birth to a daughter, Dinah.

Finally, God remembers Rachel and gives her a son.  She names him Joseph.

Wow, what a story!  But out of this story comes 11 of the 12 tribes of Jacob.  Later on, these 12 tribes are called the 12 tribes of Israel because God eventually changes Jacob's name to Israel.

The following is a simple chart of all 12 of Jacob's sons and their mothers. It's a freebie for you. Simply right-click and save the image to your computer. (Benjamin is on the chart, but he has not been born to Rachel yet.)

You can read this story from the Bible in Genesis 29 - 30:24 at Bible Gateway here.

Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel


Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel
This item is available here.

Teach the Kids

Jacob's Rachel and Leah Craft from Jesus Without Language

7 Thought Provoking Review Questions for the Story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel from Bible Baton

Who am I? by Kids Korner

Jacob, Rachel, and Leah Pairs Game from Jesus Without Language

Download a PDF for Family Reading from Life Hope & Truth

12 Sons of Jacob Posters from Bible Fun for Kids

Rachel and Leah Coloring Page from Super Coloring

Jacob and Rachel Crossword from Sermons4Kids

Jacob and Rachel Bible Lesson from Children's Bible Lessons

Jacob Returns Home Maze from thecogmi.org

Games to Play When Teaching About Jacob, Rachel, and Leah from Jesus Without Language

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Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel

Jacob was deceived when Laban brought Leah to him instead of Rachel. That was tough, but remember that it was Jacob who deceived his father, Isaac, into giving him his brother's (Esau's) blessing. Our Bible patriarchs were far from perfect, but we learn so much from their stories.  

You can learn more about Jacob's deception in this post:  Jacob Takes Esau's Blessing
Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel
Jacob Takes Esau's Blessing

You might also like:


7 Days of Creation Flip Book for Kids
7 Days of Creation Flip Book for Kids



The Perfect Backyard Barbecue: How to Plan the Perfect Family Celebration

Spring is the perfect time for family gatherings and backyard barbecues! So if you're planning on hosting a barbecue party soon, don't worry - we've got you covered. In this blog post, we will provide tips on how to plan the perfect backyard barbecue party that your friends and family will love. We have everything you need to know to make your party a success, from food choices to entertainment ideas!


The Perfect Backyard Barbecue: How to Plan the Perfect Family Celebration

Photo by Askar Abayev from Pexels

The Perfect Backyard Barbecue: How to Plan the Perfect Family Celebration

1) Plan ahead!

If you want to ensure that everything goes as smoothly, it's important to plan in advance. This means setting up a date for the party, sending out invitations early so guests have plenty of time RSVPing back with their confirmation status (or decline), and making sure there are enough chairs available seating space around tables, if any food will be served outside on them too! Also, decide what type of menu you'll serve beforehand - whether it's going for something traditional like hot dogs or burgers or veggie options such as salads with fruits added into them instead. Other items may include sides such as potato chips/dutches-style fries, and drinks should also not be forgotten when planning. 

2) Food!

Planning a menu for the party can be difficult, but it's important to consider what you'll serve and how much food you will need beforehand. This includes making sure there is enough seating space around tables if any food will be served outside on them too! Also, if your guest list exceeds 50 people, then it might make sense to hire caterers instead of buying everything yourself because they have more experience than us when it comes to catering events such as these." Also, ensure that all guests know about dietary restrictions or allergies ahead of time before arriving, so everyone knows what not to bring into their dish if necessary. This way, we won't have anyone getting sick during our festivities due to eating something that doesn't agree with them." 

3) Entertainment!

When planning a party, it's important to have some form of entertainment. For example, you could plan an outdoor movie night with family or friends by renting one from Redbox and setting up chairs/blankets in front of your TV screen so everyone can enjoy themselves while watching their favorite films together as well (this works best if there are children at the barbecue since most kids love movies).

4) Have the grill ready!

No backyard barbecue party is complete without a grill! If you're not the most experienced when it comes to using one, be sure to ask friends or family members for help in getting everything ready before the guests arrive. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to cook food while people are standing around waiting impatiently for it - trust us, we've been there before!" Also, if you're planning on cooking any meats such as hamburgers or hot dogs on the grill, remember to have buns and all of the necessary condiments (ketchup, mustard, relish) readily available so that everyone can assemble their own perfect burger." Be sure to click here to find out about the newest griddle on the market. 

In conclusion, hosting a backyard barbecue party with family and friends is a great way to celebrate the warm weather and enjoy each other's company.

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The Perfect Backyard Barbecue: How to Plan the Perfect Family Celebration
The Perfect Backyard Barbecue:  How to Plan the Perfect Family Celebration


Thursday, February 3, 2022

How To Take The Stress Out Of Family Cooking

How To Take The Stress Out Of Family Cooking

Cooking for a hungry family always seems to be a stressful experience, as it can take an enormous amount of time, energy and money to make enough meals for a growing brood with their own unique preferences. Sometimes this can be totally overwhelming, and more often than not it seems so much easier to grab a take out or order in rather than preparing a homemade meal, but unfortunately these ultra processed foods lack much if any nutritional value. Thankfully, greasy unidentifiable meat burgers and super sweet desserts don't have to be your go-to to feed your large family, as there are many innovative solutions that you can utilize to take back control over your kitchen so that you can create the tastiest yet healthiest dishes without spending hours (and a small fortune) in the process. So, if you're ready to make your family's tummy's sing with satisfaction, then simply read on to find out more!

 
How To Take The Stress Out Of Family Cooking
Image Credit:  Pexels

Get The Right Equipment

First and foremost, you need to source the right equipment for your kitchen if you want to take the stress out of cooking. Smashing and crashing around the kitchen trying to find a tool, container or pan is going to add unnecessary time and stress to your cooking endeavours, and it may even end up reflecting on the flavor of your dish. Investing in all of the relevant large-scale cooking equipment that you need to feed your family will make the process so much easier, as you can save an enormous amount of time as a result of your purchase! Use an electric mixer instead of your hands for dough, opt for a speedy vegetable chopper rather than faffing about with a knife and use air fryers for large family meals to cut the fat without forfeiting flavor. Having the right equipment on hand can upgrade your cooking game like never before.

Plan Your Meals 

Planning out your meals is one of the best ways to take the stress out of family cooking, as knowing exactly what you are going to cook on each specific day allows you to prepare both physically and mentally for the task that lays ahead. Knowing what meals you'll be eating for the coming week provides you with the opportunity to head to the grocery store to stock up on all of the ingredients you need - this can save so much time and stress, as you won't need to stare mindlessly into the cupboard trying to create a dish with basic ingredients, nor will you need to rush around at the last minute to buy an essential ingredient that you don't have in the house. Planning meals can also provide you with the chance to complete some meal preparation beforehand, as you can use any spare time to get ingredients ready for cooking to save time later on.


Taking the stress out of family cooking has never been such a simple task when you can utilize some of the excellent ideas that have been carefully described above.


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How to Take the Stress Out of Family Cooking
How to Take the Stress Out of Family Cooking



6 Ways to Show Love This Year

6 Ways to Show Love This Year
Image Credit:  Dayspring Cards and Gifts

Love is much more than a feeling. In some circumstances, love is not a feeling at all. We might feel love for someone or something, but love itself is not a feeling. Amber at Dayspring Cards and Gifts helps us learn what love is.

6 Ways to Show Love This Year 

from Amber at Dayspring Cards and Gifts

God loves everyone—and He calls us to do the same selflessly, without expectation of something in return. Love is given utmost importance in His Word. We are expected to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind—and to love our neighbor, too. What is love? The ‘Love Verse’ at 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 is an oft-quoted Scripture that reminds us love is patient and kind; not envious, boastful, or full of pride. How can we apply this in 2022?

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:37-39)

LOVING GOD

You build your relationship with God when you create entries in a journaling Bible or through personal Bible study. The Lord has provided His Word as a means to grow in our faith. Praying regularly, going to church, and spending time with our church family will also encourage us in our love for Him, but there is more we need to do. We may love Him, but how can we truly serve Him if we ignore the most important thing we are commanded: to love? Loving God means loving others—an important detail we must never overlook. God IS love.

...if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:2)

6 Ways to Show Love This Year
NIV Artisan Collection Journaling Bible

LOVE IS BIGGER THAN FEELINGS

Love is more than just an emotion. Feeling can be a part of love—we have romantic relationships, share friendships, and develop a fondness for other people—but does not define it. Love is also action, service, courtesy, and forgiveness. Sending an encouraging card or words of sympathy when someone is going through a difficult time will remind them that they are loved—by God and the people in their life. You don’t have to carry the feeling of love in order to share love with others.

Love is a choice. We can choose to respond thoughtfully in any situation when we allow our decisions to be guided by His love.

Let all that you do be done in love. (1 Corinthians 16:14)

6 Ways to Show Love This Year
Scripture Block with 52 Inspirational Prints

LOVE IS HOSPITALITY

Open your heart—and home—to others this year. Hospitality is not hosting a party to impress everyone on the block, but rather a way to show your love for your family, friends, and neighbors. An invitation to dinner or an evening relaxing by the fireplace with cups of cocoa can light up someone's day. When you provide a welcoming atmosphere and companionship, you share love.

You don’t need to go beyond your means to show your loving care. Meet a need in someone’s life—provide a ride to a doctor’s appointment for an elderly person from your community or send a jacket and packaged meal to someone who may be less fortunate. Offering what you can in someone’s time of need shows the love we are expected to have for our neighbor.

Jesus was able to offer Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus, His unconditional, irrevocable, pure love and forgiveness for her sins. Mary responded with an act that showed her gratefulness to Jesus—she poured out her love and devotion when she washed His feet with her tears, dried them with her own hair, then anointed Him with an expensive perfume. When onlookers criticized the act as wasteful, Jesus reminded them that her great sins had been forgiven through an act of His own love—in return, she provided Him a beautiful gesture of love in the way she was able.

6 Ways to Show Love This Year
Love Big Framed Wall Art

WHEN LOVE IS DIFFICULT

Love can be a sacrifice, as God Himself showed when he sent us His Son. Jesus showed us the same when He went to the cross to die for our sins. Loving somebody may be difficult as well, but Jesus calls for us to love our enemies. Is there an ‘enemy’ in your life who is difficult to love? Perhaps you have an overbearing relative, someone from work you don’t get along with, or a neighbor who just seems impossible.

Loving our enemies doesn’t mean we need to go to a movie together and chat about the work week. It simply means we treat them with respect—regardless of whether they show us respect in return. We must pray to the Lord for strength and guidance in order to fulfill His commandment, especially if we cannot seem to find it within ourselves. Rather than wondering how you can possibly show love to this person, look deeper. Loving our enemies may mean pledging not to cause harm—even to their reputation or feelings. We do not speak ill of those with whom we do not get along, nor do we wish them ill. Loving someone may mean offering forgiveness or withholding judgment.

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. (Luke 6:35)

6 Ways to Show Love This Year
Candace Cameron Bure Love Over All Gift Set

THREE STRATEGIES TO CHOOSE LOVE IN 2022

1) Love through prayer.  He has commanded us to love, but He does not expect us to do it on our own. Pray for His guidance, and He will direct you. Ask God to help you see people through His eyes. Through God, you can gain the strength to love those who may be difficult to love. Humble yourself before the Lord—because sometimes you may be difficult to love as well.

2) Love through action. Love isn’t all service, but it is a large part of it. We serve Him by loving each other, and we can serve others in love. Put love into action: volunteer, help a neighbor with yard work, or introduce someone to the love found in His Word.

3) Love through attentiveness. Family and friends love to feel loved. Offer recognition of the time and effort put into the dinner on the table, concern when they’re unhappy, or words of affirmation when they need some encouragement. Simply being available can show your love in big ways.

6 Ways to Show Love This Year
Love Never Fails Earrings and Ring Dish Gift Set

HOW SHOWING LOVE MIGHT LOOK IN YOUR LIFE:

> Exhibiting patience rather than frustration at the person ahead of you in line
> Offering forgiveness when you feel you have been wronged
> Setting aside time to spend in His Word each day
> Focusing on courtesy in your everyday interactions with strangers and family alike
> Praying for a friend, family member, acquaintance—or someone you don’t get along with

We know how it feels to be on the receiving end of love, so how wonderful it is also to spread love to others. When we consider the gift of God’s unconditional love, we realize how truly lucky we are to be loved by Him. Loving others is how we show Him we are listening and want to do as He does. Not only does sharing love make others feel good, it lifts you up as well. Go into the new year with a heart full of love.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our entire Devotional Library.

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6 Ways to Show Love This Year
 6 Ways to Show Love This Year


6 Ways to Show Love This Year


Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers (Book Review)

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers Book Review
Image Credit:  Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers Press Kit

Redeeming Love . . . the movie is out, and everybody is talking about it.  Well, almost every woman I know is talking about it.  I wasn't aware of this new movie until a few friends expressed interest in seeing it.  When I asked them about it, they told me the basics.  It's a story based on the book of Hosea in the Old Testament section of the Bible.  It's a love story written by Francine Rivers.  I mentioned that before I see the movie, I would like to read the book, so a friend loaned me the book. However, before I began reading the novel by Francine Rivers, I decided that I had better read the original historical event from the Bible itself first.  So I did.

I was disappointed.  Now, it grieves me to say I was disappointed in a book of the Bible.  That sounds downright shameful, so let me explain.  

I had never actually studied the book of Hosea.  I had read parts of it here and there when pastors or Bible study leaders had referred to it.  However, I had never actually studied it.  I expected to read 14 chapters of an amazing love story detailing the relationship of a fallen Gomer who marries Godly Hosea.  

Nope.

Let me say this: The biblical book of Hosea is not a love story. The relationship between Hosea and Gomer is only briefly described. The book is about God's frustration and anger toward Israel. God tells Hosea to marry a prostitute named Gomer. The relationship between the two represents the relationship between God and Israel.  

Hosea marries Gomer out of obedience.  She leaves him to return to prostitution several times.  At one point, Hosea buys her back.  We really don't know much more than that.  We don't know if Hosea ever actually falls in love with Gomer, and nothing about the Biblical story tells us that she ever falls in love with him.  God tells Hosea to marry her.  He does.  She leaves him several times.  He brings her home.  They have kids.  God tells Hosea to show love to Gomer, but showing love is not the same as falling in love.  We really just don't know.

Gomer's habit of leaving Hosea despite his provision for her is a representation of Israel's habit of leaving God to worship false gods despite His provision for them.  

The book of Hosea describes God's anger with Israel and His plan to bring them back to Him. He will allow suffering, let the Assyrian army overtake them, and allow them misery so that they will eventually return to Him. There are fourteen chapters describing this. You can read the entire book here at Bible Gateway.

The Biblical book of Hosea describes God's plan to allow Israel to suffer so that Israel will return to Him. The relationship between Hosea and Gomer represents the relationship between God and Israel. Given this information, we might assume that Gomer eventually is faithful to Hosea, but we are not given this information in the book of Hosea. We have no idea.

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

On the back cover of the novel, it reads:

A powerful retelling of the story of Gomer and Hosea, Redeeming Love is a life-changing story of God's unconditional, redemptive, all-consuming love.

The novel Redeeming Love is NOT a retelling of the story of Gomer and Hosea in the Bible. It simply is not. They are two very different stories. The rest of that claim is true. The story of Angel and Hosea in Francine Rivers' novel IS a story of God's unconditional, redemptive, all-consuming love.

Before you accuse me of nit-picking, I'm not nit-picking, and here's why.

God's Word is holy, true, living, and active. It was written by human men but inspired by a holy and just God. It is never to be misrepresented.

I don't think Francine intended to misrepresent the Bible.  I think she read the Biblical account, and it inspired her to write this novel.  There is nothing wrong with that, but we, as Christians, are to be vessels of truth, so when we see that something in the Bible is not truthfully represented, we need to point that out and take heed.

God's love is unconditional, redemptive, and all-consuming, BUT God is also just.  He will not stand for His Word to be misrepresented, so just note that this novel (as beautiful as it is) is not a retelling of the Biblical story of Hosea and Gomer.

I mentioned that Redeeming Love, the novel, is beautiful, and it is. I liked the book, and I recommend it. I'll get to the things I like about it later, but first, it is important to point out another problem.

God would never have called a saved-by-the-blood Michael Hosea to marry an unsaved Angel, and here's why.

God will never call someone to do something that contradicts His Word.  

Do not be mismatched with unbelievers for what do righteousness and lawlessness share together, or what does light have in common with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14

God, in His Word, tells Christians not to marry a non-Christian.  He will not call someone to do something contrary to His Word, so He would never have called Michael Hosea to marry Angel.  

How do we know Angel is not a Christian?  Because she rejects God and anything to do with Him her entire life.  

Christians and non-Christians often marry. Once they do, they have created a covenant together before God so that the covenant is not to be broken. It is to be God-honoring. There are certain circumstances where someone may be released from this covenant, such as abuse or infidelity. However, God will not call someone to an action that contradicts His Word.

Marriage was handled differently in the days of the Biblical Hosea and Gomer. Hosea and Gomer were under Old Testament Law. They didn't yet have the book of 2 Corinthians. The story of Michael Hosea and Angel in Francine Rivers' novel takes place in the early 1800s. Michael Hosea and Angel are accountable to 2 Corinthians 6:14.

Now that I've revealed those two things, I'll tell you why I liked Redeeming Love, and I think you will, too.

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers Book Review
Get your copy here.

The rest of my review may contain spoilers - just so you know.

Francine Rivers does not hold anything back.  This novel, as beautiful as the story is (now that we've separated it from the Biblical story and assumed that Michael had not understood 2 Corinthians 6:14), is not easy to read in some places.  It's hard.  Angel, unlike Gomer, is a victim of sex trafficking. She didn't get to the age of 22 and decided that she liked sex and realized she could make money doing it.  She was sold into prostitution as a child at the age of 8.  

She is 8 years old.  She is sold to a man who has a thing for little girls.  Let that sink in.

Once sold in, she can't just leave.  She is trapped, and the only likely way out is death.  She has been used and abused brutally her whole life.  

Angel had been born out of wedlock which was not well taken in those days. Her mother had an affair with a wealthy married man.  At the news of the pregnancy, Angel's father wanted her aborted.  Her mother kept Sarah (Angel's birth name) and loved her.  Angel's father had kept them in a cottage where he would regularly visit her mother, but eventually, he deserted them.  Sarah and her mother had to move several times.  Sarah's grandparents wouldn't take them in.  They ended up in a shack where her mother became a prostitute to make money for food and shelter.  

Angel's life is hell on earth until Michael Hosea rescues her.  

Michael takes her to his farm. Angel's past haunts her. She doesn't know Michael, and she doesn't trust him. In her mind, he owns her, just like every man she has ever known.  

Michael loves her anyway.  

She leaves.  He goes after her and brings her back.

This is the beautiful part of this novel, and I couldn't put it down for many chapters from this point on. Michael Hosea represents God's unconditional, unwavering, all-consuming, REDEEMING LOVE for us. Angel represents our sinful human nature, which constantly fights the urge to run away from the God we love—and sometimes we do. Like Michael brought Angel home, God is continuously reaching out to us to bring us home.  

In the end, after Angel's final run away, Michael doesn't go after her.  He wants her to return on her own.  During Angel's last "adventure," she finds her faith in the God that Michael had so faithfully tried to show her.  God shows Angel something He wants her to do.  In obedience, she starts a ministry of sorts to help girls who are just like her.  She teaches them to read, write, cook, and sew.  Then, with the help of local churches, the girls are placed in jobs where they can make a living free of prostitution.  

Eventually, Angel returns to Michael.  She tells him her birth name is Sarah, and they start all over.  

Now, I have to complain again.  At the end of the story, when Angel returns home, she approaches Michael's farm.  She sees Michael working outside. As she approaches him, the husband she hasn't seen or heard from in three years, she begins taking off her clothes.  After about 460 pages of traveling with Angel on her journey to redemption, she strips outside as she approaches the husband she left three years before.  I know he's her husband, but they have not seen each other since.  No communication.  No letters.  Nothing.  Michael doesn't even know where she is for three years, but she strips as she approaches him outside on their farm.  To me, this makes her seem cheap again.  Why not have her approach him with her clothes on?  Have them TALK for at least a hot minute about this situation first.  Save the stripping for inside the cabin at least a few minutes later. Goodness . . . 

A side story throughout the novel involves Michael's brother-in-law and a family that becomes their neighbor.  The brother-in-law gave my heart grief the entire time.  I couldn't stand him for several reasons.  I intended to include a piece of my mind about him in this review, but ultimately, I decided to leave it out.  You'll just have to read the book to get his story.

The very last chapter gives us the rest of the story.  Francine tells us what the future holds for Michael and Sarah.  Redeeming Love is the perfect title for this book.

In conclusion, despite the things that bothered me about this book (and some things that bothered me a lot), it is a beautiful story of God's redeeming love.   

I wouldn't call this book the best I've ever read, but I enjoyed most of it because even though there were "flaws," I think Francine's intention is realized: to point us to the God who redeems. The story of Michael and Angel is really beautiful.

I am getting conflicting opinions about the movie, and now that I've read the Biblical account and the novel, I can see why there is controversy. I do plan to see the film and write a review of it, too. 

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers Book Review
Get your copy here.

Personal Application

Are you haunted by the sins of your past?  

Here is a truth for you.  God can redeem you, too.

No matter what you've done, you are never too far gone for God to reach you.  Your past can't keep Him away.  Like Michael longed for Angel to return home to him, God longs for you to return to Him.  

He's waiting for you.  

You can learn more about how to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior here.  

It's never too late. No height, depth, or width is too high, deep, or wide for God.  

Just come home.

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Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers Book Review

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers Book Review
The Redemption Series by Karen Kingsbury

While studying the book of Hosea, I used my Beautiful Word Coloring Bible.  I enjoy coloring the designs already on the pages, but if you are creative, there is plenty of space throughout the Bible for you to design your own or use the space for journaling and study notes.   I have this version.