Book Review: A Voice in the Wind - Francine Rivers.

I've said it once and I'll probably say it a thousand more times, I apologize for not updating when I say I will. Life has this ability to get away from me, and all of a sudden its almost 4 months after the post that said "check back this friday!". So here's yet another promise that I will legitimately attempt to keep; I'll sincerely try to update more.

So, A Voice in the Wind. Overall, I would like to just begin by saying that I adore anything penned by Francine Rivers. She doesn't sugar coat her writing. It feels real and intentional, and it speaks volumes to me.

Of course, this will contain spoilers, so if you have not read the book, (which I strongly suggest you purchase tomorrow morning as soon as your local bookstore opens) don't read on. I'll be posting my devotions soon. (Yes, I know you don't believe me..)

From the very beginning, Rivers draws you in by captivating your senses. Her writing style is very detailed of the setting without being redundant. I never feel like I have to wonder what the characters and seeing and feeling. Rivers makes sure that that isn't left to question.

The story begins in Judea, during a time when it was basically laid to waste by Rome. The spotlight is on a young Christian girl, Hadassah and her family, quickly being swept away from famine and persecution. Her father martyred for preaching the Gospel, and her family left to survive in Judea. Soon after, her mother passes, almost peacefully, as her body could no longer survive the struggle. This left Hadassah orphaned with her younger sister and older brother.

The plot thickens as Hadassah's home is rummaged by Romans. Her older brother was killed, but for a reason unknown to even the Roman soldier, Hadassah's life and the life of her sister were spared, and they were taken captive to be sold into slavery. Soon after, Hadassah's young sister passed away, leaving her alone.

Rivers outlines the horrific journey of slave trade that Hadassah lived until she was bought by a Jewish servant (she appeared Jewish, but unknown to him was a Christian) for his master's household.

Hadassah was now a slave in the Valerian household. This was a family of high standing in Rome, the patriarch, Decimus, being a prominent trade owner. His wife, Phoebe, was also a woman of gentle heart. The same, however, could not be said for his two children; Marcus and Julia.

Marcus was, what many today would coin him, a player. He had a way with women, and he was not shy about it. His character basically embodies all hedonism of Roman culture. Rivers doesn't leave out how attractive this man is, though..

Julia is sheltered. Her parents have her chomping at the bit for freedom and the taste of Rome. Her older brother's lifestyle does not alleviate this either. Shes been given everything she has ever wanted, but complete freedom, and she refuses to be satisfied until then.

Phoebe's wish was that Hadassah be given to Julia as her personal servant. Julia detested this notion. Hadassah was far from what Julia had in mind, and what her friends had. Little did she know Hadassah's loyalty.

Hadassah's life in Rome is a never ending strand of chaos around her, yet she seems to only draw closer and closer to the Savior with every hardship. She sees Julia through each tantrum with loving care, even when it meant blatant emotional abuse to herself. She loved Julia unconditionally. Could you imagine? What strength!

Julia married twice throughout the story, her first husband, old and marrying her because she looked like his late wife, gave up pursuing her, as she refused to acknowledge him. He then took innocent intellectual interest in Hadassah, specifically the fact that she was a Christian. His interest was merely scholarly rather than spiritual, which broke Hadassah's heart. Even worse, he was killed in an accident when he was en route to the Roman games to protect his wife, Julia.

All in the meantime Marcus, against everything he'd ever felt or thought, was uncontrollably falling in love with Hadassah. Rivers makes it a point for the reader to know that it was not physical attraction that drew Marcus to Hadassah, but something much deeper.

It is important to not leave out another integral character; Atretes. Seemingly unconnected to the other characters, Atretes is a German tribesman, highly honored and feared, who was captured during Rome's seige of Germania. He was sold from slave owner to slave owner, and quickly rose to the most honored of the Roman Gladiators. But his savage heart still beat for Germania...and Roman blood.

Julia's downward spiral began soon after the death of her first husband. Upon a new friendship with an almost cult-like woman Calabah, she meets her second husband, a dark souled, passionate man. Their marriage began as a romantic dream, but as time, and his gambling progressed, their lives turned upside down. He became abusive, once beating Hadassah, who gave herself to be beaten in the place of Julia. Julia also became pregnant, and knowing her husband would in fact abandon her, had an abortion at Calabah's counsel. Nothing seemed to improve in their marriage however, and her husband became more and more threatening, to the point where Julia feared for her life. And again, at the counsel of Calabah, Julia decided to end the marriage by ending the life of her abusive husband by poison.

At the second return home, Julia finds that her father has fallen increasingly ill, and is brought to his birthplace of Ephesus with the family, including Marcus, who would have never left home for anything. Almost anything.

In this time, Atretes was also sold to a ludus in Ephesus to fight.

Once the setting switches to Ephesus, the entire cast goes up in smoke. The patriarch, Decimus passes away, however accepting the gift of salvation from Christ on his deathbed through the testimony of Hadassah. Decimus, with his dying thoughts, places Hadassah's hand into Marcus' showing them his blessing. Sadly, Marcus seems to not fully understand this blessing..

Julia had a long infatuation for the gladiator Atretes, and as an animal on its pray, pounced on the opportunity to be with him in Ephesus. She disguised herself as a prostitute to lure him to her, and finally had a passionate, yet shallow physical relationship with him. He had intention to marry her and bring her to Germania with him when he gained his freedom. She however, wanted to establish her own freedom. While pregnant with Atretes' child, Julia makes a civil marriage to a homosexual friend of hers, so she could live in his home without losing her freedom to a man. Atretes did not understand in the least, and in a feeling of broken pride, rejects Julia and his unborn child.

Marcus planned every detail. He was going to marry Hadassah, for Julia had shown no interest in wanting to keep her as a servant, as her new "husband" detested her. In a passionate proposal, Marcus seeks Hadassah's hand in marriage, saying he "respected" her choice to worship "her god". Hadassah, with unspeakable strength says no to the man she has loved for years. She knew that God had not willed for her to marry an unbeliever. Marcus was furious.

As was Julia. She was furious that Hadassah could "embarrass" Marcus. She was merely a slave! And this time, without the counsel of Calabah, Julia made a grave decision for Hadassah. To send her to the lions in the arena.

Hadassah never fought Julia or her oppressors in this decision. She never doubted or recanted. She strode to the center of the arena and arms stretched to Heaven, sang praises to her Savior, even in facing death.

There is no way to give a "short summary" of this story. Every detail is so precious to the plot and meaning.

Hadassah...I want to be a Hadassah. Her inner monologs show how she felt inadequate to God, how she felt she constantly failed him. But I believe that I can speak for any reader in saying this; Hadassah never faltered. Faced by losing her family, she never cursed God. Faced by serving a monstrous, selfish young woman, she loved her with unconditional love, even when the same woman sent her to die. Faced by having to say no to a marriage with a man she had loved for years, she trusted in God. Even faced by death, she never failed Him.

We all face these to some degree. Hadassah is beautiful example of the faith God craves from us.

If a young Christian girl in the midst of a world falling apart can do it, I think He wants us to know that we can too...

Update!

I will be posting my book review for A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers this Friday! Make sure to check back Friday evening!

Happy 2011!

Oh, the time of new years resolutions. And you guessed it; one of my new years resolutions for 2011 is to keep up with this blog. I am now the "proud momma" of four blogs in total, each dedicated to their respective topics. Though this one, which requires the most effort has coincidentially been the most neglected. My goal, which I have already set up accountability for, is to update this blog at least once a week. That seems reasonable right?

While on the subject of new years resolutions there are three more; to live a healthier lifestyle through exercise and healthy eating, to have a steady daily devotional time, and to improve my grades. I'll provide you with updates throughout the year so I can be held accountable.

I'm looking forward to the blessings of 2011 after the hardships of 2010. Here's to a wonderful new year!

Found: God's Will by John MacArthur

I need to begin with a confession, that if I had not been assigned this book in Theology 104, I probably would have not discovered it. At a mere 61 pages, this book is tiny! I read it in a couple hours this evening, but I did not expect to be quite so impacted by it.

I am willing to make the broad statement that all Christians, at some point in their lives, struggle with the idea of the Will of God for their lives. MacArthur takes note of this, however, provides the reader with a six point plan to knowing the will of God. As follows; "God's will is that you be saved, spirit-filled, sanctified, submissive and suffering . . . If you are doing all five of the basic things, do you know what the next principle of God's will is? Do whatever you want! If those five elements of God's will are operating in your life, who is running your wants?" (54-55)

The book is broken down into seven chapters, the first as an introduction, and the subsequent six in explanation of a principle of God's will. In these subsequent chapters he first introduces the principle, then follows up with not only personal testimony (John MacArthur is not new to the ministry in any way. He has a career full of stories) but with sound scriptural evidence, and a lot of it! Also, it was written without a twinge of denominational bias, which is difficult.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a quick read, yes, but it will have a lasting affect on my spiritual life. I emphatically recommend it!



MacArthur, John. Found: God's Will. Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 1977. Print.

My Sincerest Apologies.

I would like to apologize for the fact that I have neglected this blog for more than a month. As I mentioned in my last post, life is simply extracurricular right now, and in addition to everything that was already on my plate, my sub-term C classes are in full swing; English 101, Humanities 101 and Theology 104. Simple classes, I know, but I'm really focusing on getting my grades up after how much I neglected my studies in the two previous semesters. Sub-term D starts October 25 and I will be taking Youth (Ministries) 201, Education 200 (Principles of Education!) and Psychology 210 (Developmental Psych). Needless to say, I'm beyond excited for the latter two. I feel like I'm finally getting involved in my major, and closer to what God has in store for me. Coinsidentially, as I begin my Sub-term D classes I will be starting as a lead Sunday School teacher for the Kindergarten class at my church. As usual, God gives me everything I need to accomplish what He has in store.

Spiritually, things are beginning to look up. I'm coming out of the dry, barren desert that I was in, and drawing closer to Him, feeling His presence more and more in my life. What I do like about being involved in a Christian college is that my classes, specifically Theology, are growing me so much spiritually. And not only in strengthening my knowledge, but also my desire to draw closer to Him has increased exponentially. Time is my enemy, though, and I have not been half as dilligent about my devotions as I should. If anyone has a reading plan that has significantly impacted their life, please comment and let me know!

There have been some shortcomings this month, specificially in the area of my own body image. It seems like my ability to accept my body has taken two or three steps back. Its become a bit of an obsession with me lately, and possibly the biggest difficulty in my life. Prayer would be greatly appreciated, I've been attacked with this quite a bit this month.

I always promise to write more, and every time I fail. Needless to say, I'm going to make that promise again, and stop waisting my time on the unimportant things (i.e. vegging out on facebook, etc.) and begin writing on a regular basis, which if I manage my time correctly (which may be a challenge in and of itself =p) should be possible. Thanks for the prayers and support.

Long Time, No Post

Its been much too long since the last time I wrote. My apologies. I'll try to update more regularly. My goal is to write every day, but needless to say, we've seen that get a little difficult. Life itself is extracurricular right now. Today is my day off from one of my jobs, and I don't work until this evening, so since I was up so early today, (doctor's appointment) I'm somewhat at a loss of what to do right now. I usually wake up around this time if I closed the night before. Sad part is, I only got three hours of sleep last night.

Somehow, though, I'm in a wonderful mood. I despise getting up early, and I woke up at 7. Doctor's offices irritate me, and I left there in the same high spirits as when I walked in. Its a welcome change. I've been in a rotten mood for the past week. Who knew today would be so great, so much for the rainy day theories!

I guess you could blame my good mood on the fact that some of my family from NV just moved down to live with us. Its like "Cheaper By The Dozen" in here; 4 parents, me (being that awkward stage between teen and adult), 3 teenagers, 1 preteen, and 2 adorable little kiddies =) Add 3 Labs, 2 Chiweenies (heh heh heh) and one hamster to the mix, and you've got a full house. Its so wonderful though. Being around family just makes me so happy.

Spiritually, I'm in a bit of a desert. I'm desperate for God's guidance and fire, but for some reason, I just feel dry inside. I know firsthand from times before, that God does this to draw me closer to Him, but sometimes I just wish it could be like this holy shockwave. In times like this, I feel that God simply wants me to seek Him not because I have to or because I'm scared or hurting, but just simply because I want to out of love and desire for him.

I am, however, in complete awe of how God takes incidents and heartbreaks in my life, and uses what he has taught me through them to help those around me. If you have been a follower of this blog since June, you know my story pertaining to me and my ex, why I left, what God has taught me through it, etc. Two months later, almost to the day, a friend of mine confided in me about a relationship that she was in, and she felt like it was falling apart. She told me her story, and, almost to a tee, it is exactly like mine. I was able to give her advice that I knew for sure and for certain would be best for her, and I was able to give her hope in her situation, because hey, I survived it =)

So that's what God is doing in my life right now. Sorry for the length between updates, I promise to be more diligent =)

Random Update - Too Busy to Write =(

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