Week 7, Chapters 61-70

[Francesca]

What a great book - looking forward to what RA chooses!!!

[RA]

I couldn’t stop reading so I finished the book. I had to know how Kay Arthur was going to tie all the characters and events together. I never imaged how Sarah would get out of the Auschwitz and where her travels would take her next. Nor did I guess who would end up being her doctor. I hadn’t anticipated the change in Rebecca’s relationship with Sarah. As the pieces of the book came together, I realized I felt a connection to the characters—their hope, despair, determination, love, and forgiveness. I think Kay Arthur did a good job of making each of them real. It is always interesting to me to read or listen to other people’s thoughts on what it will be like when the Messiah comes so I was curious to read the last pages of the book. Susan, thanks for picking this book and beginning the bookclub!

[DiggerAdelgren]

Hello ladies!

I'm gaining speed. I made it to chapter 44 today Although I know it's the end of the book for most everyone else. I guess I'll make a few comments. Being a former Catholic, I was appalled at the way they treated the Jews. I really got lost in all the history. I did not like history and, I think I only studied American History. But slowly I'm learning. We are receiving sermon tapes from our church we attended in Chanute, and the pastor informs us of all the "attacks" against the Jews and the attemts made to make them give up parts of their land. After each attemt he makes mention of something that's happened to the country that has tried; disaters upon parts of the country that killed many people and destroyed houses,etc. He says, "Is this just coinsidence or is God trying to tell us something?" Just some thoughts.
I also keep wondering about this son of Sarah's that's missing, Saul. Does that name sound familiar? I guess it's not the same Saul that became the Paul of the New Testament, or I'm sure you all would have said something. I'm curious if Sarah ever finds him and where. Please, don't tell me!
And about Dusia, I had an immediate picture of Martha when she came in and commplained to Jesus about Mary not helping her. And did her daughter help or did she just do everything by herself, then at the "last minute", when her children were in bed, complain to her father? (not her Heavenly Father) Oh boy, do I relate, even though I don't have a doughter, I sometimes wait until the "last minute" on things, and Eric gets all the complaining. Poor guy!
Oh, and Samuel's escape, wasn't that great! Both times, from captivity and in the cave where Levi saves him. And Sara's protection from God as He uses others to save her from danger. Even "resaving" her when she was to scared to trust those He sent to help her.
Well, that's about all I can think to say right now, so I'm going to scoot. I may even get in a few more chapters while waiting on my dear husband to finish his business on the computor here at the library.

Hasta Luego (until later),

Digger

[Francesca]

I am reading the last chapters very slowly... kind of devouring each word. I have so enjoyed this book and am sad that it is coming to an end.

I have found that this book has whet my appetite to re-read the books of prophesy in the Bible and really examine them. I want things that will potentially happen in our lifetime to cause little triggers when I hear of them... in the same way Sarah, Samuel, and Levi were triggered while discussing changes in the world while on her rooftop.

Anyway, I have a few chapters left and am looking forward to cuddling up in some warm jammies on this rainy night and finishing them!! I hope you are all having a glorious week!!

Love,
Francesca

[Francesca]

Well, I just finished the book and my bawling has finally subsided!! I have decided I must have skim read this book the first time through... I remembered being kind of leery of the ending thinking there was false teaching in the air. I have not been left with such feelings this time around. I carefully read the scripture that prefaced the last chapter. Although I want to now read them in their full context, it would seem that there is possibly some truth to what she proposes as the end for the Jewish nation... any thoughts anyone??!!! I do wish I was a better student of the Word - I might have something "meaty" to say at this point...!

Regardless, this book is a beauty and one I'll cherish reading again in the future... I loved the last sentence... Ms Arthur has been gifted in the area of writing. For any interested, she also has a book titled "With an Everlasting Love". That book shook me to my core and piered my often wicked, faithless heart.

Much love to you all... I am looking forward to reading your thoughts on the end of this book!! I'm also looking forward to going back and re-reading our initial reactions to the book... each character ended up being special to me...


...Here's to placing our first finished book up on the shelf.... bravo!

[Francesca]

This is my last post for tonight... honest!

There is one thing I forgot to mention earlier. I have really come to love the Hebrew names they have for each other... Abba, Imma, Saba, Safta, Ishi, Hephzibah... they have such a beautiful feel to them-- As if when they are said the person is immediately held in such high esteem. Such and ancient language and yet it has touched me in these modern times.

[Kellieara]

I just finished a couple of hours ago! I have been sick this week, and pretty much just lying around, so I should have finished days ago, but honestly didn't even feel like reading. For me, that's SICK!

I enjoyed these last few chapters. The reunion with Saul was fanatastic, and while I was sad that Enoch died (what war was that anyway?...I was born the year it took place and my knowledge of that time is really shady!) I liked the way Ms. Arthur took care of Rebecca, finally uniting the two principle families.

Some of the imagery of the end times was a little lost on me, as I have never been drawn to prophecy. I just trust that all that needs to happen will happen. Still what happens to Israel is very intriguing to me. I may need to do a little more digging here. My one nagging question, similiar I think to Susan's reservations, revolves around Christ's admonitions that He is the way, the truth and the life. Does this not apply to the nation of Israel? Anyone have thoughts about this? It bothered me that the Messiah was never identified as Jesus. I found myself somewhat relieved at the same time because I've grown to care about the characters and wanted them to be redeemed. So, actually, I end the book a little unsettled still...

All in all, I've enjoyed the banter with you all immensely! I look forward to the next round!

[praisegirl]

Hello my sweet sisters & friends!

I must confess these last two weeks have been very hard on the reading schedule so I am still not finished with our book, but I didn't want to go another day without at least saying hello. I am on chapter 64 or 65 I think. When I finish, I'll post my final thoughts.

Rebecca, congratulations on your 2nd place finish in the 5k !!! Well done! Your accomplishment is very inspiring and encouraging to me.

I am at work, so I need to go. I just needed a break for a minute, so I thought I would check in before I was kicked out of the club for non-posting.

Love to all!
Amy

[beccalou]

I'm up to chapter 50 now. The readings been a little slow for me. I've had a lot going on. We've been painting the house etc. getting it ready to put up on the market this Friday!!!

I admit Iwas a little turned off when Ms Arthur did not really expound much on the crucifixtion of Christ.( that really dissapointed me). I realize she did hint at it but I thought she could have devoted at least one chapter to it, following the Jewish history as closely as she's done. So I stopped reading. Also I honestly couldn't find my book for a while too.. In all the mayhem of painting and taking care of two babies it's untelling where my mind is much less my book, but alas I did find it and I've finally finished the reading for week five and I did enjoy it.

I enjoyed the reunion of three dear friends brought about by love, I also enjoyed listening to the apologetic response of Rebecca with her mother. I can definitately relate to that!!! God is so wonderfully good when we allow Him to lead our hearts and our lives.

I'm glad that Rebecca didn't become a converso and that she's allowing God to touch her heart and life and become a true christian.

Well, that's all I have for now. I promise I will finish the book. I just wanted to let you all know where I was. God bless you all and give you a tremendous and happy week.
Love, Reb

[beccalou]

One more thing... I too am with Francesca.... I love the Hebrew names for parents. Imma and Abba!! How great. Although I have to admit I love hearing mama and mommy too!!( Mamaw and papa are some favorites as well.)

[DiggerAdelgren]

Hello! I don't know if anyone will read this or not since we are done with the book. (Oh yes, I finished last week some time-Eric was grateful since I spent two days on the couch doing little else than read.)
I too was very disappointed that Kay did not mention much about Jesus or him being the Messiah, especially since there was so much controversy in Scripture between Him and the Jews. And also with the disciples.
She wrote an excellent story though. I have no idea if it was accurate with history, but it sure opened my eyes. I'm sure Kay did her thorough studies as much as she digs into the scriptures, and through all her Bible studies, she has much wisdom.
I just had one thought for the end of the book that popped into my head that's been drilled into me. "God has no grandchildren"
Speaking of children, we are in the children's section of the library and there are kids who need on the computors, so we are being booted out. Oh well, we'll go downstairs and see if the computors are open yet. See you there as I check out book #2.

Digger