Saul:The Incredibly Tall, Shrinking Violet

I have been reading through the Bible this year, and I have finally made it to 1 Samuel. I have read about King Saul many times before, but I noticed something different this time. Saul had low self image problems. It says so in 1 Samuel 15:17: " And Samuel told [Saul], 'Although you may think little of yourself, are you not the leader of the tribes of Israel? The LORD has anointed you king of Israel.' "

I have been thinking about this today. 1 Samuel 9:1-2 says Saul was tall, rich, and handsome, yet for some reason, he was never able to see himself as others did.The Bible portrays him as as a disobedient coward consumed with jealousy.

I have always found Saul to be a rather unsympathetic character. He is the antagonist in the story. I have always felt badly for his children who have to pay for his misdeeds. But, after reading what Samuel says to him, I wonder how often that can be said about me. How often does God look at me and say, "Jill, even though you may think little of yourself, haven't I anointed you to do my work?"

I don't want to be like Saul. I don't want to think little of myself and be unable to do the things God has anointed me to do. I don't want to be so busy looking at what others are doing that I am unable to accomplish His work. I want to see myself as God's child, chosen for his purpose, to do his will.

Thankful Thursday

unexpected gifts

being able to share God's word with my children

patio furniture

picnics

Book Review: The Pirate Queen

Recently I read The Pirate Queen by Patricia Hickman. I was given this book for free by Multnomah Publishing Group for the purpose of review. I really wanted to love this book, but I didn't. The premise was interesting. A southern socialite decides to leave her husband after 27 years of marriage because of his cheating. On the day she is planning to leave, he comes home and tells her he is dying.

The book deals with life and death, regret, forgiveness, redemption, and salvation. The writing is beautiful. Unfortunately, I just was never able to make a connection to the characters or the story. I expected to cry at the end, but I didn't. I didn't really feel anything for these people. I was also disappointed in the spiritual aspect of the story. It seemed  a little wishy-washy, and lacked any real answers. I got the impression the characters were searching for God, but so little time was spent on the search that I didn't buy into any decisions that were made regarding salvation and eternity.

 The Pirate Queen was a quick read, and the plot moved along nicely. Ms. Hickman has a lovely way with words. I just wish the characters and plot were a little more developed. I would give it a C-.

Penguins, Digestion, and Thankfulness

Another busy week is almost over. The girls have had a good week back in school, and Adam has been finishing up the tennis season in Ponte Vedra at districts.

Anna and I did a small unit study on food, nutrition, and digestion yesterday and today, and I am amazed at how intricate our bodies are. Did you know if our stomachs were not lined with mucus they would digest themselves? I'm glad God is detailed oriented! Next week we study penguins and the Arctic. I love penguins, so this should be fun. I checked out almost every book the library had on the arctic. I am hoping to end the week with March of the Penguins. I hope it isn't too sad. I don't do well with nature documentaries. They make me cry.

 Next week is a big week. Elin will be turning 14 on the 16th! That kicks off the official birthday season of the Hoke family. I will pretty much be baking cakes and cooking favorite meals from now til the end of may. Can't wait.

Here is this week's Thankful Thursday list:

long talks with Adam

a dogwood tree in bloom

being shown my flaws so I can correct them

laughing girls

my stomach lining

I would love to know what you are thankful for. And if you know of any great penguin resources, please share them!