Redeeming Love

I finally read the book, folks. After years of people gushing about it and me snobbishly avoiding it, I found it at Goodwill for $1. I thought, "hey, if I am going to read it, these are the conditions I want to do it in." So I bought the book. I read it in a week and half, which to my understanding is about 8 days longer than it takes most people. Sorry, I have a job now.
I didn't hate it like I thought I would (it was only 3/4 as cheesy as I thought it would be). As a novel and a piece of fiction, I enjoyed reading it. I was able to relate to characters and enjoyed the setting of the book. However, certain parts made me very uncomfortable. For those of you who know me, that is probably not surprising. There was great emotional and physical detail that I was surprised to be reading in a piece of Christian fiction. At times I thought I was reading one of those novels with Fabio on the front. But I guess I am far more modest than most, so I just give this warning: careful, ladies, careful...emotional pornography ahead.
Here are my issues with the book. First of all, Angel was far too a sympathetic character to be a picture of Gomer or the church. As I read the book I realized that it was not so much a retelling of Hosea (which is what all those who suggested I read it told me), as it was a totally fictional story with a similar plot basics and points. But, Angel's character is still Gomer/God's people and let's be honest, folks, we are not sympathetic. We are sinners, we live in rebellion. We have no excuse. That doesn't make for a very compelling novel, though. Next, Hosea just didn't seem realistic enough to me. To an extent, sure, but where are his quirks and flaws? Where is his sin? The reader does see him struggle with faith and what God is doing in his life and with relationships, but what sin do we see him struggle with? Last time I checked we all had that little (and by little I mean astronomical) problem. This book spans years of time and all we get is a mention of an occasional struggle with lust. Even his anger is righteous. I'm just saying...can I marry a man like that--one who will never fail in pursuing me and loving me and never sins against me? I know that is what we all want, but biblically unless we marry Jesus then we will be marrying a sinner.
The book was okay, but its danger is that it walks a line of biblical accuracy and artistic freedom that blurs to the point of not knowing where one begins and the other ends. Some of the liberties it takes can definitely sway the reader's understanding of Scripture and that is really dangerous, not to mention that the story plays with emotions, specifically women's. That makes me nervous, because then we set expectations for men that are not only unrealistic, but unbiblical and cause us to set standards for men that are unattainable, ultimately causing us to not respect them.

p.s.-Please don't hate me for critiquing the book.

Grown Up Easter Egg Hunt

Want to know what is stressful? Finding furniture. All I want is a small, black couch, but apparently those aren't made anymore.

However, in light of Easter being last week, I have decided to turn this search into an "Easter egg hunt" or a "Sara needs a couch hunt"...this is going to be the best game ever. Like when the Easter bunny used to hide that one egg where no one could find it. Jokes on you, Easter bunny, I always found it (with help from my parents...who will be here this weekend).

This one is for Jenny

Every place I have lived I have had a place that go to think and rest. I have found my Florida spot. It is beautiful and on the St John's River. I have decided that I need to be by the water. My soul is more at rest there. I'm excited that I have found this place...it makes it more like home.

Speaking of home, I have found the apartment. There has been a little bit of drama during this process, but I found the one today. I'm pretty excited and hope that it all works out. It is an 80's built townhouse that needs a little love, but it feels like home and that is what I am looking for. Also, it has these balconies off of the master and guest rooms that look into a side courtyard with a big tree in it...it's pretty fabulous.

I really like being here and finding that I can build community and seeing the Lord provide for me. It has been a remarkable process and one that I am grateful for. The last year and a half, I have felt like the 400 years between the Old and New Testament-I know God is working, but I just don't see or hear it. Now I see Him, again, and it is reassuring. What can I say, I am not good at the waiting game. I'm really thankful for this church and the welcome that I have received.

Something I find interesting about myself (and maybe this happens with everyone) is that during transition and this whole process of starting over that I start to miss certain things and people. It is really interesting. For the last two weeks I have been missing someone that I haven't talked to in quite awhile. I just want their reassurance and support. It is strange, because I haven't felt that way in quite awhile. I wonder why that is? I guess some people just make me feel more reassured...I don't know.

I started reading Redeeming Love. I've tried to read it a few times and get bored after the second page and then I started judging all these people who have read it and say it is the greatest book. Basically, if you told me you liked the book and you thought I should read it, I put in the category of "cheesy Christian" and ignored your suggestion. (If I did that to you, I'm sorry...it was wrong). Well, I found the book at Goodwill for $1, so I thought, "hey, it's just a dollar...I will read the book and then people will stop telling me to read it." I have only read a few pages, but I'm not bored yet. We'll see.

So here you are Jenny, a little update of random information, nothing too deep or witty, but it is intended just for you (although others are welcome to read this).

p.s. today at Starbucks a random hair stylist hugged me (she said I needed it b/c I was new to town)