Wrapping up "Captivating" by Jon and Staci Eldredge

We finished up "Captivating" last week and I took some time to reflect on it this morning. I have never been so changed in my daily life by a book study before. I feel like I have a new branch with tender green leaves emerging that represent a new understanding and confidence in why God made me a woman - what his intention and purpose is. We learned how Eve was created in God's image, therefore He has a feminine side and created women to radiate it. Too often, as a mom, it gets pushed to the back burner. Who has time to "primp and prime" when lunches need packing, homework needs assisting, and I'm running on less than 5 hours of sleep? This week I had a lighter schedule and was able to linger a little longer getting ready. I painted my nails a few times, soaked in the tub - twice, bought some casual skirts instead of shorts (at Goodwill-frugal me) got a haircut, and picked the frilliest teacup from my mother-in-law's collection. Why not indulge a little in the gift God has been waiting for me to open - my femininity. I hope that my sons can see the difference between what a man was meant to reflect and what a woman was meant to reflect. Jon and Staci say in their book that in the ways of society, "women are taught to be men" how sad is that? If God intended for us women to show his feminine side then why not? It will only bring out the best in us and the men in our lives.

It's not their fault.....more on "Captivating"

I just finished Chapter 5 of Captivating titled "A Special Hatred". Jon and Staci Eldrege explain why it was Eve who was tempted in the garden. Eve was originaly created as a reflection of God's beauty. Not just outer beauty but radiating beauty like a sunset over the mountains. They refer us to Ezekial 28:12-14 where it describes just how gorgeous Satan was (Lucifer) before he fell. He wanted to be the MOST beautiful and his pride led him to go after her instead of Adam. He suceeded in separating her (and mankind) from God, giving her a deep feeling of lonliness (for God) and getting us kicked out of the garden. Often women feel lonely but unsure why or for who? How many of us long to live in a garden like Eden? I'd assume most of us strive during our days to create some sort of Eden out of our lives. They point out that in the Bible Eve was also named "Desolate". Ever feel desolate? Starting to identify with Eve? Satan takes it even further. He attemps to confirm those feeling of loniless, unworthiness in us by manipulating people around us. As often as he is able he leads people around us to make us feel like there is something wrong with us and that's why they leave or withold affection or maybe even reject us. Jon and Staci help us understand that it's like Satan wants to act as the puppetmaster, man and woman the puppets. The good news is that Jesus came to cut those puppet strings. He came to restore us to Eden, to communion with Him, to delight in us. Read Isaiah 62:1-5 and insert your name where it says, "Jerusalem" and see how God promises to rejoice over you. Insert your name in Isaiah 62:4" the Lord delights in ______your name here______.

You are Captivating! That's right - YOU!

Have you ever used that word when thinking about how God sees you? Have you ever wondered what he intended when he made Eve and then you? I am in a ladies study group right now and we are digging deep into the book "Captivating" by John and Staci Eldridge and I am blown away already with the first two chapters. Immediately John and Staci uncover the root of why women crave adventure. They point out that in Gen 1:26-28 (Alter ver) that BOTH Adam and Eve were told to go forth, multiply and conquer the earth. CONQUER! I also see the words "subdue" and "take charge" in other translations of the Bible. The book also explores the order in which we were created. They enlighten us that - first Adam was created, but then something was missing and God created Eve. He revealed through creating her, his relational qualities. He was not finished until he revealed his femininity in her - she was the icing on the cake! Take a minute and imagine God being captivated by you because, He is.

John and Staci also took some time to dive into the Hebrew meaning that is often translated "help-meet". Many of us have heard the old explanation that a woman was created to help her man. Well, in a way, but they dig deeper and come up with a jewel. The Hebrew words "Ezer Kenegdo" were researched by Hebrew scholar Robert Alter and separately by Rabbi Francis Nataf and better translated to mean, "sustainer beside him". "Ezer" can also be translated to mean "lifesaver" and "kenegdo" to mean "alongside". How many times do we fall in love with a book or movie depicting a relationship where one is saved by their "lifesaver-alongside"? How important is that person? I'd say a lot more important than just a handy-helper. You are important ladies! You are captivating lifesavers!