The Real Housewives Of Paddan Aram...

Day Five: Genesis 29:1 - 34:31

I am now half-way through Genesis. :)

This portion was very interesting for me to read. As I read, I can see that times are changing. In the beginning everyone was so innocent and kind. People are now starting to scheme and plot.

I think it is super sweet how Jacob felt about Rachel. Jacob worked (for Laban) a total of fourteen years to win Rachels hand in marriage.
Meanwhile he also earned (undesirably) Leahs hand in marriage.

I have to be honest. My heart goes out to Leah. All she wanted was acceptance, and affection. When she was finally able to have a child, she was convinced that Jacob would now love her. She was wrong. Rachel became so jealous, (she was barren) she sent her maidservant to lie with Jacob, just to get back at Leah. Then Leah became jealous (see a pattern forming?) and had more children. Then Rachel became jealous (seriously I'm not kidding) and finally was able to conceive one for herself.....Joseph.

Brotherly Love.

I almost started to cry when Jacob and Esau finally reconciled. Even though the Bible did not make it out to be a huge deal. I think that God was trying to get the point across. That they were both too big of men to say "I'm sorry". But at the same time they were both too sensitive to turn the other cheek. I was very happy (I really didn't see it coming though).

"Someones In the Kitchen with Dinah..."
I feel very close with Dinah. She seems like she was often caught in the middle of family affairs. I imagine her as a very loving and caring person.
Shechem "violated" Dinah. This broke my heart. So naturally her brothers (Jacobs sons) Simeon and Levi ( in the spirit of good ole' southern raisin') were extremely angry to hear about this. They told Shechem that if he and all the men of the city were to be circumcised, they would Let him wed Dinah, and that they would marry the women of the land. When the men were still very sore from the circumcision, Levi and Simeone killed every male in the city. (and thats the night the lights went out in Georgia).

Even though killing is never ok. It touches me how much Simeon and Levi cared for Dinah. I think that Jacob did a good job raising his children. He was a very good dad, although he was never a very good son. I think his way of making up for his stubborness as a child, was showing his love for his wifes and children as an adult. Even reconciling with his brother was a huge step.

This (from what I have read so far) is the first example of forgiveness between family (even though there were small examples with Adam and Eve as well as with Noahs family).

This blog is helping me in so many ways right now. I am so happy that I can now see how God is trying to work in my life, and where he is planning on taking me. I am so happy! :)

PS: I am soooo sorry everyone that I wasnt at The Avenue Church this morning! I overslept! :) See you next Week! Really!

Next Time.
Kale