I am moving right along in Genesis and have stopped in Chapter 36.  Thus far most of the chapters have laid out the lineage of our forefathers and the covenants that were made between them and God.  While reading I notice that each person starts out on a mission from God, stops in the middle to do their own thing, then ends up back on the path that God intended for them to be on.

    Throughout Genesis God makes himself known in various ways.  Sometimes through a personal appearance and other times through hidden meaning.  In the days we are living in it is not likely that God will appear in your home and give you face-to-face orders but the signs and advice are there we just have to know where to look.  Many times if we ask for help or answers and don't receive the answer we want we move on to plan B, which is to take someone else advice.  Just a thought, in God's eyes there is no plan B!

I have began an adventure through the Bible with the help of a book called the Daily Walk Bible.  The idea of the breakdown is that you will read and understand the bible in 365 days.  Each new chapter begins with a new "Walk" which describes what you are about to read and it's contribution.  There are also "Inspirations" throughout each chapter to make you really analyze what you are reading so that you can apply it to everyday life.

I am reading in the book of Genesis, of course since that is the first book of the Bible.  Genesis accounts for our whole creation as well as our true ancestry.  I do have to admit that there are more names than facts throughout Genesis but those names are important pieces of history that must be accounted for.

What I have learned/read about thus far is how God's true followers were forever faithful and loyal.  People sacrificed what ever was asked of them.  In Genesis 22 God tests Abraham in asking that he sacrifice his only son, Isaac, as a true testament of his faith.  Abraham was just about to make the sacrifice when God stopped him as God had seen enough and was pleased at Abraham's loyalty.

I stopped and asked myself what was I willing to sacrifice to show God I am a loyal follower.  God does not ask that we sacrifice our first born or trade our possessions, he merely asks for us to be faithful, forgiving, honest, and righteous.  Are we, am I, capable of doing this simple act in turn for God's ultimate prize?

This week I read a short novel by Louisa May Alcott.  The book was The Mysterious Key and What It Opened.  The book is centered around four main characters, Lady Trevlyn (Mother), Hester (Nanny/Nurse), Lillian (daughter), and Paul (various roles). 

The story begins with a pregnant Lady Trevlyn loosing her husband and giving birth around the same time.  The child Lillian grows up not really having a mother figure due to her own being ill and depressed by her husbands passing.  Hester develops a relationship with Lillian that would mirror that of a mother-daughter relationship.  The story begins with Lillian stumbling upon a young boy, not much older than she, asleep on the property.  Hester rushes to find out what is going on and finds out that the young boy, Paul, has been sent to inquire about working for the family.  He begins working with the horses and becomes a riding partner for Lillian.

Throughout the story Paul has a very sneaky and particular demeanor that the house staff cannot pinpoint.  The story leads you in and out of theories as to what motive Paul has in being there as you can tell it's not for the reason he stated to the family.  As time progresses and Lillian & Paul age he begins to tell her that he carries a locket of the women he will one day marry.  Not too long after this Paul disappears without notice.

The family soon dismisses Paul's absence and carries on.  One day while Lillian was visitng a friend she is told of a proposal in the town to a wealthy french man.  Upon visitng this man it is clear that it is Paul but he acts like he doesn't know her.  Soon Paul visits the house and explains that his proposal is gossip and although he does intend to marry it is not with whom the town stated.

Meanwhile the story continues with Paul acting very peculiar until at the very end his motives are revealed.  He was sent to locate a family document that could prove the fortune of a lady back in France.  Once he discovers the information and announces that Lady Trevlyn is not the actual heir to her fortune but the french girl Helen, the story progresses to him confessing his love for Lillian.  The picture he had in the locket was of her and he had intended on marrying her all along.

I have come to the end of my book and it has proven to be a great read.  The last chapter of the book simply recaps what each chapter has to offer.  As I went through chapter 10 I thought about what I had learned from this book and how greatful I am for the assignment that required pleasure reading.  

I think that the most important part of this book was the interviews that were captured.  The people that were included in this book took the worst of a situation and created something amazing, true happiness.  It made me appreciate the life I do have and helped me conceptualize how I want my future to be.

I do believe that my next book will be another self-help as I have enjoyed this one so much.  I will have to search for one tomorrow.