Since I was in the adult class, I can't say exactly what was taught to the kids at my church's Summer Spectacular about Noah. All I can go on is the decorations and the play that everyone attends. Even based only on that there several errors and a little PC blather.
There were no dinosaurs on any of the arks accept for the one my kids and I decorated in the toddler hall. As I was working on this the 9-year-old son of one of the Sunday School teachers told me I was doing it all wrong because everyone knows that the dinosaurs were all extinct long before Noah. I tried to explain politely that I believed they were alive and on the ark.
The animals that were on the big ark display in the atrium included Dalmatians, poodles, and fresh water fish.
It seems to me that while our Senior Minister of the Word was on target for accuracy (he even mentioned that there were no fish or poodles on the ark) the Children's Director obviously didn't think it was important. Or maybe she doesn't agree with a young earth. Or maybe she is ill-informed about the details of Noah's ark having been around the cartoon version of a tiny craft with animals poking their heads out of windows for so long.
It seems to me when something is as scoffed at as Noah's flood that we need to fill our kids heads with realistic images not cartoony goofiness. I really appreciate Answers in Genesis and their newest project: building a life-size replica of the ark completely out of wood. The project is called Ark Encounter.
When I showed my kids the graphic from the website, they were amazed at how huge the ark was compared to people. I would love to take them to Ark Encounter in a few years. I am sure the enormity of the ark will have even more impact in person.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Literal world-wide flood
Our Sr. Minister of the Word gave the Noah lessons all three days of our Summer Spectacular. Several hundred adults were there many of them visitors. I enjoyed it. In part, I enjoyed it because I got an answer to one of my questions: Does this church believe in a literal world-wide flood about 4500 years ago?
The short answer is yes, but we are not discussing the age of the earth or how long man has been on the earth.
He did a good job of sticking up for the fact that the genealogy is of real people who lived 900+ years (as opposed to clan leaders or other mumbo jumbo). He did a good job explaining the local/universal debate and defending the universality of the flood. These were the reasons he gave:
1. It is the simplest reading of the text.
2. Why else would God insist on a boat instead of migration?
3. The year long duration of the flooding/drying process seems out of league with a smaller flood.
4. God promised to never do this again, but there have been many catastrophic floods since then.
5. Jesus and Peter use the flood of Noah's day as an example of God's ability to judge the whole world.
He also mentioned the flood traditions from around the world, and how there would have been plenty of space for all of the kinds of animals. He also pointed out that there would have been only one doggish animal not coyotes, wolves, etc.
Here are some other nuggets of interest that I gleaned.
Enoch means dedication. He started walking with God the year Methuselah was born. Methuselah's name means when he dies judgement comes. Methuselah long life shows God's grace. (FYI, Methuselah died the year of the flood.)
We must have a supernatural worldview not a purely natural one. This is the most rational explanation of the marvels we see around us.
The source of trust is what you are trying to build. What are you trying to build with your life? What does it show that you trust? Build something now that will survive when judgement comes.
Obey even when it doesn't make sense. For example, how can being dunked under water have anything to do with my spiritual life?
Faithful move upstream in a downstream world. Sometimes this might involve moving upstream against even religious people.
God shows he remembers us with deeds (wind to recede the waters), signs (olive branch in the dove's mouth), and his Word (speaks to Noah, gives covenant).
True faith looks for a way to respond to grace.
The short answer is yes, but we are not discussing the age of the earth or how long man has been on the earth.
He did a good job of sticking up for the fact that the genealogy is of real people who lived 900+ years (as opposed to clan leaders or other mumbo jumbo). He did a good job explaining the local/universal debate and defending the universality of the flood. These were the reasons he gave:
1. It is the simplest reading of the text.
2. Why else would God insist on a boat instead of migration?
3. The year long duration of the flooding/drying process seems out of league with a smaller flood.
4. God promised to never do this again, but there have been many catastrophic floods since then.
5. Jesus and Peter use the flood of Noah's day as an example of God's ability to judge the whole world.
He also mentioned the flood traditions from around the world, and how there would have been plenty of space for all of the kinds of animals. He also pointed out that there would have been only one doggish animal not coyotes, wolves, etc.
Here are some other nuggets of interest that I gleaned.
Enoch means dedication. He started walking with God the year Methuselah was born. Methuselah's name means when he dies judgement comes. Methuselah long life shows God's grace. (FYI, Methuselah died the year of the flood.)
We must have a supernatural worldview not a purely natural one. This is the most rational explanation of the marvels we see around us.
The source of trust is what you are trying to build. What are you trying to build with your life? What does it show that you trust? Build something now that will survive when judgement comes.
Obey even when it doesn't make sense. For example, how can being dunked under water have anything to do with my spiritual life?
Faithful move upstream in a downstream world. Sometimes this might involve moving upstream against even religious people.
God shows he remembers us with deeds (wind to recede the waters), signs (olive branch in the dove's mouth), and his Word (speaks to Noah, gives covenant).
True faith looks for a way to respond to grace.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Church like the co-op
What if Sunday school classes at my church were run like the homeschool co-op?
Let me give a little background to this question.
After the previous two posts, I started thinking about other systems that allow for variety and transparency under an umbrella of essential truths. Our homeschool co-op is an example of this. There is a statement of faith that you have to agree to before joining. This is pretty basic evangelical Christian type stuff. Saved by grace not works. Jesus was all man and all God. Jesus lived a sinless life. You get the idea.
Within the families that attend, there is variety under this umbrella. There are "quiver full" families and others that use birth control. There are families that love Halloween and others that abhor it. There are those that abstain from alcohol and those that enjoy a beer or glass of wine occasionally.
When it comes time to decide what classes will be offered the next semester, everyone gets a chance to suggest classes/teachers. Parents put tally marks next to the classes they would like to see offered in their kids' grade level. The classes with teachers and lots of tally marks generally make it onto the schedule.
The class teacher must write a class description before the time to sign up for classes. The description tells which curriculum will be used and more detailed information on what will be covered in class. This gives parents a chance to decide if the class fits with their family. For example, last semester there was a class on movies and world views. The teacher e-mailed out a list of the movies that would be viewed and discussed before the sign up day. Parents that didn't want their kids to watch Avatar (one of the movies discussed) didn't sign their kids up for that class.
So what if my church's adult Sunday school worked this way?
We all have member accounts to log in to the church website. New classes often start in September, so they could have the suggestion process start in April. They could set up a page for suggestions, and each member could log in and leave the name of the class with a brief description and a suggested teacher (themselves or someone else) and class format type (lecture or discussion).
After a couple of weeks of suggestions, that feature could be turned off and each member could vote on up to 5 classes they would like to see offered.
It would take a group of coordinators (just like at the co-op) to figure out the logistics. 300 tallies gets the chapel. 50 tallies gets the library. Questionable subject matter with lots of tallies could be approved or nixed by the elders. Suggested teachers that hadn't taught before could be interviewed or something.
After the logistics process, list of upcoming classes and teachers could be published on the website with a more detailed description of what was going to be covered.
I think there would be several advantages to this system. First, we would get away from age/stage-of-life centric classes. Second, it would be easier to get to know people with similar spiritual interests. Third, you would know right up front what subject matter was going to be presented. Fourth, everyone would have a chance to have some input into what we learn and the format. Fifth, people with a gift for teaching could have a chance to actually teach. There could be practical (parenting, divorce recovery, etc.), wold view (The Truth Project, Resisting the Green Dragon, etc.), and straight up Bible classes (I and II Peter or the miracles of Jesus). Maybe there could even be a class called "Q and A with the elders" where I could ask all of my questions (see previous post).
There would be a disadvantage to this system in one respect. Some people would not want to leave the comfort of going to the same class that they have gone to for years. So maybe this would be better implemented on the class level. Then each class could publish their chosen topic and teacher for the semester. Or maybe a class could suggest themselves in the congregation-wide suggestions by suggesting their teacher and their class perameters and all voting for what they know.
Any thoughts?
Let me give a little background to this question.
After the previous two posts, I started thinking about other systems that allow for variety and transparency under an umbrella of essential truths. Our homeschool co-op is an example of this. There is a statement of faith that you have to agree to before joining. This is pretty basic evangelical Christian type stuff. Saved by grace not works. Jesus was all man and all God. Jesus lived a sinless life. You get the idea.
Within the families that attend, there is variety under this umbrella. There are "quiver full" families and others that use birth control. There are families that love Halloween and others that abhor it. There are those that abstain from alcohol and those that enjoy a beer or glass of wine occasionally.
When it comes time to decide what classes will be offered the next semester, everyone gets a chance to suggest classes/teachers. Parents put tally marks next to the classes they would like to see offered in their kids' grade level. The classes with teachers and lots of tally marks generally make it onto the schedule.
The class teacher must write a class description before the time to sign up for classes. The description tells which curriculum will be used and more detailed information on what will be covered in class. This gives parents a chance to decide if the class fits with their family. For example, last semester there was a class on movies and world views. The teacher e-mailed out a list of the movies that would be viewed and discussed before the sign up day. Parents that didn't want their kids to watch Avatar (one of the movies discussed) didn't sign their kids up for that class.
So what if my church's adult Sunday school worked this way?
We all have member accounts to log in to the church website. New classes often start in September, so they could have the suggestion process start in April. They could set up a page for suggestions, and each member could log in and leave the name of the class with a brief description and a suggested teacher (themselves or someone else) and class format type (lecture or discussion).
After a couple of weeks of suggestions, that feature could be turned off and each member could vote on up to 5 classes they would like to see offered.
It would take a group of coordinators (just like at the co-op) to figure out the logistics. 300 tallies gets the chapel. 50 tallies gets the library. Questionable subject matter with lots of tallies could be approved or nixed by the elders. Suggested teachers that hadn't taught before could be interviewed or something.
After the logistics process, list of upcoming classes and teachers could be published on the website with a more detailed description of what was going to be covered.
I think there would be several advantages to this system. First, we would get away from age/stage-of-life centric classes. Second, it would be easier to get to know people with similar spiritual interests. Third, you would know right up front what subject matter was going to be presented. Fourth, everyone would have a chance to have some input into what we learn and the format. Fifth, people with a gift for teaching could have a chance to actually teach. There could be practical (parenting, divorce recovery, etc.), wold view (The Truth Project, Resisting the Green Dragon, etc.), and straight up Bible classes (I and II Peter or the miracles of Jesus). Maybe there could even be a class called "Q and A with the elders" where I could ask all of my questions (see previous post).
There would be a disadvantage to this system in one respect. Some people would not want to leave the comfort of going to the same class that they have gone to for years. So maybe this would be better implemented on the class level. Then each class could publish their chosen topic and teacher for the semester. Or maybe a class could suggest themselves in the congregation-wide suggestions by suggesting their teacher and their class perameters and all voting for what they know.
Any thoughts?
Friday, June 10, 2011
Examples of unanswered questions
I thought I should clarify the last few sentences of my previous post. "There is no platform to make concerns known. There is no platform for dialogue and debate. There is no platform to share new ideas gleaned from scripture. There is no fellowship in the Word only the dissemination of information and the acceptance of it by the masses."
In these sentences, I am referring to dialogue, debate, fellowship between the masses and the leaders. In a church of 5000 people with about 50 leaders (elders, ministers, etc.), I realize that they can't all sit down and listen to each persons complaint, question, or concern as a group. And I realize that on a one on one basis they are generally willing to listen to and study with individual members. Our leaders are caring, god-fearing people as far as I can tell by my limited exposure to them. The only one I have any kind of relationship with is the Missions Minister because I see him almost weekly as I'm on the missions committee.
I have been thinking/praying about what would be a viable solution to this longing for open and frank discussion. So far my best thought has been a congregational convention. I know that several denominations have conventions. Ours doesn't, but I thought that a congregational convention would be a breath of fresh air to me and would deepen the sense of body and community. I would especially enjoy an open mic session where everyone could ask questions of all the elders/ministers and everyone could hear the response and follow up with questions of their own. I think that this would increase the transparency of our church 100 fold. It would allow members with similar questions to know that they are not alone.
Here are some of the questions I would ask:
Why are we not allowed to actively promote 40 Days for Life as part of our pro-life ministry? (I help found the ministry and I am still fuzzy on the answer to this question.)
How much of our $10,000,000 auditorium renovation is repair and how much of it is upgrade? (In a financial responsibility small group study that was sponsored by the church in the run up to the fund-raising drive, this was one of the guidelines for spending in your family. For example, are we getting a new TV because ours broke or because we want a trendy upgrade?)
How will the Christian university we are starting in Africa be different than a secular university in the areas of science, economics, history, government, etc.?
In the missions committee, we often discuss the "felt need" of a people group as a springboard to a ministry that gives our missionaries an easier tie to the people. I think that one of the "felt needs" of Americans is weight loss. Are we willing to look into being of service to our community in this way?
What are other felt needs of the residents of Tarrant County and how do you see us reaching out to people who feel these needs?
Why is the biggest celebration that goes on at this building on Halloween and called "Fall Festival" instead of at Christmas or Easter? Why are the decorations at Christmas entirely secular with 6 trees and no nativity scene?
When the Wednesday night kids classes were moved to the chapel so the teachers could get their rooms decorated for Summer Spectacular (our VBS), why was Evan Almighty chosen as the movie for elementary students? Is playing a movie that doesn't uphold the Bible as accurate really a wise thing to show impressionable kids? Does this church uphold that a literal world-wide flood happened 4500 years ago? (Our Summer Spectacular theme this year is Noah.)
Why doesn't our church take a stand against evolution by hosting creation science speakers especially when the Institute for Creation Research is only a few miles away?
In a recent sermon, the new minister mentioned that it was a Christian's responsibility to fight global warming, eat organic, recycle, etc. This seems a dangerous road to be going down. Much of the green movement is more concerned about "Mother Earth" than about people especially the poor. Global warming (if it is occurring at all) is not likely caused by people. Can you please explain further what this church's view is of these issues? Would some of the leaders be willing to watch the DVD series Resisting the Green Dragon by the Cornwall Alliance and give your collective opinion in a future meeting?
What are common lies taught to our kids by the public school system and what are some ways that parents can combat them?
I am sure I would have more as the answer to these came in. Some of these questions are recent, but others I have been trying to get a solid answer on for months or years.
Thanks again for your input.
In these sentences, I am referring to dialogue, debate, fellowship between the masses and the leaders. In a church of 5000 people with about 50 leaders (elders, ministers, etc.), I realize that they can't all sit down and listen to each persons complaint, question, or concern as a group. And I realize that on a one on one basis they are generally willing to listen to and study with individual members. Our leaders are caring, god-fearing people as far as I can tell by my limited exposure to them. The only one I have any kind of relationship with is the Missions Minister because I see him almost weekly as I'm on the missions committee.
I have been thinking/praying about what would be a viable solution to this longing for open and frank discussion. So far my best thought has been a congregational convention. I know that several denominations have conventions. Ours doesn't, but I thought that a congregational convention would be a breath of fresh air to me and would deepen the sense of body and community. I would especially enjoy an open mic session where everyone could ask questions of all the elders/ministers and everyone could hear the response and follow up with questions of their own. I think that this would increase the transparency of our church 100 fold. It would allow members with similar questions to know that they are not alone.
Here are some of the questions I would ask:
Why are we not allowed to actively promote 40 Days for Life as part of our pro-life ministry? (I help found the ministry and I am still fuzzy on the answer to this question.)
How much of our $10,000,000 auditorium renovation is repair and how much of it is upgrade? (In a financial responsibility small group study that was sponsored by the church in the run up to the fund-raising drive, this was one of the guidelines for spending in your family. For example, are we getting a new TV because ours broke or because we want a trendy upgrade?)
How will the Christian university we are starting in Africa be different than a secular university in the areas of science, economics, history, government, etc.?
In the missions committee, we often discuss the "felt need" of a people group as a springboard to a ministry that gives our missionaries an easier tie to the people. I think that one of the "felt needs" of Americans is weight loss. Are we willing to look into being of service to our community in this way?
What are other felt needs of the residents of Tarrant County and how do you see us reaching out to people who feel these needs?
Why is the biggest celebration that goes on at this building on Halloween and called "Fall Festival" instead of at Christmas or Easter? Why are the decorations at Christmas entirely secular with 6 trees and no nativity scene?
When the Wednesday night kids classes were moved to the chapel so the teachers could get their rooms decorated for Summer Spectacular (our VBS), why was Evan Almighty chosen as the movie for elementary students? Is playing a movie that doesn't uphold the Bible as accurate really a wise thing to show impressionable kids? Does this church uphold that a literal world-wide flood happened 4500 years ago? (Our Summer Spectacular theme this year is Noah.)
Why doesn't our church take a stand against evolution by hosting creation science speakers especially when the Institute for Creation Research is only a few miles away?
In a recent sermon, the new minister mentioned that it was a Christian's responsibility to fight global warming, eat organic, recycle, etc. This seems a dangerous road to be going down. Much of the green movement is more concerned about "Mother Earth" than about people especially the poor. Global warming (if it is occurring at all) is not likely caused by people. Can you please explain further what this church's view is of these issues? Would some of the leaders be willing to watch the DVD series Resisting the Green Dragon by the Cornwall Alliance and give your collective opinion in a future meeting?
What are common lies taught to our kids by the public school system and what are some ways that parents can combat them?
I am sure I would have more as the answer to these came in. Some of these questions are recent, but others I have been trying to get a solid answer on for months or years.
Thanks again for your input.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
How important are beliefs?
I am not sure how to go about describing my dilemma so you may have to be patient with me as you read. In the churches I attended growing up, there was much emphasis on believing biblical truth especially when it came to how assemblies are conducted and the basics of turning to Jesus for salvation. But there was little emphasis on reaching out beyond the walls of the building. There was little emphasis on life transformation. Someone was considered a "faithful Christian" (as opposed to someone who had fallen away) if they attended the assembly regularly (preferably 3 times a week) and if they agreed with the aforementioned truths.
Of course, there was much fighting over some of the "truths". The most ridiculous one I can remember was when we lived in a small town in Iowa. One tiny congregation refused to meet with the bigger (but still small) congregation because the bigger congregation refused to agree to stop wearing gold based on I Peter 3:3. "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes."
Then a shift occurred. A movement started that was in many ways a breath of fresh air. It started emphasizing "salvation issues" as the truths and basically shucked all others in an attempt to create more unity. With this movement there came a realization that some verses (truths) could be interpreted different ways by rational people (like I Peter 3:3) and there could still be unity among them (you don't have to agree on everything in the Bible to get along). Without common belief in other truths (Jesus died a literal death and rose again in 3 days), unity would be pointless.
Yet, to most people that I know, unity simply means sitting in the same auditorium listening to the same sermons, giving money to the same collection, and possibly supporting the same missionaries. If I start talking about unity, I will get off the main point of this post, but I believe there is more to it than that.
The church I currently attend is the best church I have ever been to. There is an emphasis on letting God transform your life. The congregants are encouraged to get out of the church building and go on mission trips or help tutor kids in low income neighborhoods. These things are sadly missing from most churches I am familiar with. This church also tries to allow for freedom in the small truths. They call it being grace centered. I do not think you would be ridiculed for not wearing gold, but insisting that everyone do so would not be tolerated.
When we first started attending (5 years ago), I had little knowledge and gave little thought to world views. I had never thought about what the Bible had to say about economics or civil government. I never thought much about the dangers of the postmodern idea that people get to decide what is true. I never realized the depth of evil that springs from replacing God the Creator with billions of years of evolution. My own worldview has become stronger over the years. I can see more clearly the destructive fruit of an unbiblical worldview.
So now I am growing more and more concerned that the leaders of my congregation do not share my worldview on many issues (evolution, economics, civil government, etc.). Now my dilemma is: How much does their worldview on these issues matter? How far should one go along to get along? And what about other issues. There is no platform to make concerns known. There is no platform for dialogue and debate. There is no platform to share new ideas gleaned from scripture. There is no fellowship in the Word only the dissemination of information and the acceptance of it by the masses.
So I would love to hear your thoughts (and the scriptures to back them up). Thanks so much.
Of course, there was much fighting over some of the "truths". The most ridiculous one I can remember was when we lived in a small town in Iowa. One tiny congregation refused to meet with the bigger (but still small) congregation because the bigger congregation refused to agree to stop wearing gold based on I Peter 3:3. "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes."
Then a shift occurred. A movement started that was in many ways a breath of fresh air. It started emphasizing "salvation issues" as the truths and basically shucked all others in an attempt to create more unity. With this movement there came a realization that some verses (truths) could be interpreted different ways by rational people (like I Peter 3:3) and there could still be unity among them (you don't have to agree on everything in the Bible to get along). Without common belief in other truths (Jesus died a literal death and rose again in 3 days), unity would be pointless.
Yet, to most people that I know, unity simply means sitting in the same auditorium listening to the same sermons, giving money to the same collection, and possibly supporting the same missionaries. If I start talking about unity, I will get off the main point of this post, but I believe there is more to it than that.
The church I currently attend is the best church I have ever been to. There is an emphasis on letting God transform your life. The congregants are encouraged to get out of the church building and go on mission trips or help tutor kids in low income neighborhoods. These things are sadly missing from most churches I am familiar with. This church also tries to allow for freedom in the small truths. They call it being grace centered. I do not think you would be ridiculed for not wearing gold, but insisting that everyone do so would not be tolerated.
When we first started attending (5 years ago), I had little knowledge and gave little thought to world views. I had never thought about what the Bible had to say about economics or civil government. I never thought much about the dangers of the postmodern idea that people get to decide what is true. I never realized the depth of evil that springs from replacing God the Creator with billions of years of evolution. My own worldview has become stronger over the years. I can see more clearly the destructive fruit of an unbiblical worldview.
So now I am growing more and more concerned that the leaders of my congregation do not share my worldview on many issues (evolution, economics, civil government, etc.). Now my dilemma is: How much does their worldview on these issues matter? How far should one go along to get along? And what about other issues. There is no platform to make concerns known. There is no platform for dialogue and debate. There is no platform to share new ideas gleaned from scripture. There is no fellowship in the Word only the dissemination of information and the acceptance of it by the masses.
So I would love to hear your thoughts (and the scriptures to back them up). Thanks so much.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Unlikely Suitor by Nancy Moser
I really enjoyed Unlikely Suitor by Nancy Moser. From the moment I got my review copy from Bethany House yesterday, I couldn’t put it down.
Before I go on, I really encourage you not to read the back cover. It gives too much away. I think you will enjoy the book much more if you just let the story unfold without being really sure of where it is going. I will attempt to not give too much away either in this review.
This book gives the reader an excellent glimpse into New York City and environs during the late 1800’s. It takes you from the lowly seamstress to the upper crust in Newport. The author shows that despite one’s social station there are common threads running through all humanity. She shows the need to rely on God and yet take the opportunities he gives us.
This book is very well written and well researched. There are even fashion plates in the back that fit the descriptions in the book.
The characters draw you in and make you want to know more about them. Each brings something to the story. The epilogue was especially gratifying with a good amount of closure.
I recommend it to anyone who enjoys Christian historical fiction. 5 stars
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Great New Book
I recently received Paradise Valley by Dale Cramer from Bethany House to review. It was one of the best books I have read in a while. I chose it as a book I would like to review because I really respect the Amish. This book is based on events in the 1920’s when the state of Ohio jailed some Amish dad’s for not sending their kids to the government run consolidated school. As a result, some of the Ohio Amish community seek freedom to raise their kids in the Amish way by moving to Mexico. Mr. Cramer shows how they stick to their beliefs and are willing to sacrifice for them. He shows their love of family and their willingness to work hard. After reading this book, I respect the Amish even more.
The story is focused on one family- The Benders. The Benders have been blessed with 13 children (one dead and one mentally challenged) but not all are equally fleshed out in the story. It focuses on the father, Caleb, and his 15-year-old daughter, Rachel. Though these two are the focus of the story you get glimpses in to the thoughts of many of the other characters.
One thing that I liked about the writing was Mr. Cramer’s truthful style. Strengths and weaknesses are given to all of the characters. He doesn’t sugar coat the harsh realities of the struggles the Benders face, yet this isn’t a heavy book that weighs down the soul. It is almost as though he has opened a window to Paradise Valley as it really was.
This is a first book in a new series about Caleb Bender’s daughters. I read the whole thing in a couple of days. I cared about the characters and wanted to see what happened to them. I also wanted to learn why they made the choices they made. I am really looking forward to the next one!
The story is focused on one family- The Benders. The Benders have been blessed with 13 children (one dead and one mentally challenged) but not all are equally fleshed out in the story. It focuses on the father, Caleb, and his 15-year-old daughter, Rachel. Though these two are the focus of the story you get glimpses in to the thoughts of many of the other characters.
One thing that I liked about the writing was Mr. Cramer’s truthful style. Strengths and weaknesses are given to all of the characters. He doesn’t sugar coat the harsh realities of the struggles the Benders face, yet this isn’t a heavy book that weighs down the soul. It is almost as though he has opened a window to Paradise Valley as it really was.
This is a first book in a new series about Caleb Bender’s daughters. I read the whole thing in a couple of days. I cared about the characters and wanted to see what happened to them. I also wanted to learn why they made the choices they made. I am really looking forward to the next one!
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