February 25, 2014
Legacy Enough
"I don't know what else I shall leave my son, but if I have left him a love of language, of literature, a taste for Homer, for the poets, the people who have told our story - and by 'our' I mean the story of mankind - then he will have legacy enough."
January 29, 2014
3 Types of Literary Characters
Foil Characters - two different characters that are exact opposites of each other.
Dynamic Character - a character that undergoes a significant personal change in personality and perspective during the course of the story.
Static Character - a character that stays essentially the same for the duration of the story.
Dynamic Character - a character that undergoes a significant personal change in personality and perspective during the course of the story.
Static Character - a character that stays essentially the same for the duration of the story.
Title Swap
We Have Met the Enemy-Oliver Hazard Perry: Wilderness Commodore - By Richard Dillon
Mysteries of Udolpho- By Ann Radcliffe
Miracles and Massacres - by Glenn Beck
All Roads Lead to Austen - by Amy Smith
The Core: Teaching Your Child the Foundations of Classical Education - by Leigh A. Bortins
The Poisoners Handbook - ? (Jesse brought it)
10 Essential Herbs - Lalithia Thomas
Marianne's Regreat
"Do you compare your conduct with his?" (Eleanor)
"No. I compare it with what it ought to have been; I compare it with yours." (Marianne)
January 3, 2014
Little Women by Kim Wilson
Little Women
by Louisa May Alcott
There is no wonder why this book is considered a classic. Although written close to 150 years ago, the characters of the "little women" are timeless. Aspects of their personalities, their strengths, their weaknesses, their struggles, and their accomplishments, parallel that of our own today and that means we can learn from them.
As Jo faces her greatest weakness, her temper, she turns to her mother for guidance. Mother's advice is nothing novel nor dated, but enduring. Dare I say, "classic?" Says Mother,
"My child, the troubles and temptations of your life are beginning, and may be many; but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learn to feel the strength and tenderness of your Heavenly Father as you do that of your earthly one. The more you love and trust him, the nearer you will feel to him, and the less you will depend on human power and wisdom. His love and care never tire of change, can never be taken from you, but may become the source of lifelong peace, happiness, and strength. Believe this heartily, and go to God with all your little cares, and hopes, and sins, and sorrows, as freely and confidingly as you come to your mother."
I loved when the ever patient, calm and collected Mother confesses her secret weakness: her ill temper. She did so in attempt to help her daughter, Jo, learn to control her own temper. What a great mommy. I think it is important that we show our children that we are not perfect and that we struggle with character flaws, just as they do, but that we are striving to be better and overcome them through our relationship with God.
Having a strong relationship with God is a theme throughout this book. It is this that aids Amy in her effort to overcome her selfish nature and learn to think about others more than herself.
Beth's character reminded me of Melanie Hamilton from Gone with the Wind; so quick to give others the benefit of the doubt. Beth's loving nature and positive attitude are covetous and inspiring to me.
Father discovers Meg's personal growth in his observation of her roughened hand.
"I remember a time when this hand was white and smooth, and your first care was to keep it so. it was very pretty then, but to me it is much prettier now - for in these seeming blemishes I read a little history. A burnt-offering has been made of vanity; this hardened palm has earned something better that blisters; and I'm sure the sewing done by these pricked fingers will last a long time, so much goodwill went into the stitches. Meg, my dear, I value the womanly skill which keeps home happy more than white hands or fashionable accomplishments. I'm proud to shake this good, industrious little hand."
I loved reading this book to my children, two of which are boys ages 6 and 8. I was worried at first that they might not appreciate it and be more or less bored out of their minds. Fortunately, they were very interested and it kept their attention the entire 669 pages. We paused our reading many times and had invaluable discussions on significant themes as they were introduced - including but not limited to: faith, forgiveness, self improvement, value of work, service, love, loyalty, evils of gossip, vanity and pride, etc. The lessons we can learn from these "little women," are priceless.
by Louisa May Alcott
There is no wonder why this book is considered a classic. Although written close to 150 years ago, the characters of the "little women" are timeless. Aspects of their personalities, their strengths, their weaknesses, their struggles, and their accomplishments, parallel that of our own today and that means we can learn from them.
As Jo faces her greatest weakness, her temper, she turns to her mother for guidance. Mother's advice is nothing novel nor dated, but enduring. Dare I say, "classic?" Says Mother,
"My child, the troubles and temptations of your life are beginning, and may be many; but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learn to feel the strength and tenderness of your Heavenly Father as you do that of your earthly one. The more you love and trust him, the nearer you will feel to him, and the less you will depend on human power and wisdom. His love and care never tire of change, can never be taken from you, but may become the source of lifelong peace, happiness, and strength. Believe this heartily, and go to God with all your little cares, and hopes, and sins, and sorrows, as freely and confidingly as you come to your mother."
I loved when the ever patient, calm and collected Mother confesses her secret weakness: her ill temper. She did so in attempt to help her daughter, Jo, learn to control her own temper. What a great mommy. I think it is important that we show our children that we are not perfect and that we struggle with character flaws, just as they do, but that we are striving to be better and overcome them through our relationship with God.
Having a strong relationship with God is a theme throughout this book. It is this that aids Amy in her effort to overcome her selfish nature and learn to think about others more than herself.
Beth's character reminded me of Melanie Hamilton from Gone with the Wind; so quick to give others the benefit of the doubt. Beth's loving nature and positive attitude are covetous and inspiring to me.
Father discovers Meg's personal growth in his observation of her roughened hand.
"I remember a time when this hand was white and smooth, and your first care was to keep it so. it was very pretty then, but to me it is much prettier now - for in these seeming blemishes I read a little history. A burnt-offering has been made of vanity; this hardened palm has earned something better that blisters; and I'm sure the sewing done by these pricked fingers will last a long time, so much goodwill went into the stitches. Meg, my dear, I value the womanly skill which keeps home happy more than white hands or fashionable accomplishments. I'm proud to shake this good, industrious little hand."
I loved reading this book to my children, two of which are boys ages 6 and 8. I was worried at first that they might not appreciate it and be more or less bored out of their minds. Fortunately, they were very interested and it kept their attention the entire 669 pages. We paused our reading many times and had invaluable discussions on significant themes as they were introduced - including but not limited to: faith, forgiveness, self improvement, value of work, service, love, loyalty, evils of gossip, vanity and pride, etc. The lessons we can learn from these "little women," are priceless.
Little Britches by Kim Wilson
Little Britches
By Ralph Moody
The book begins with Ralph Moody's (Little Britches) family moving to a ranch in Colorado. They were told, by Cousin Phil, that it was one of the finest ranches in the county and in one year they could make as much money as they'd make in a lifetime at their current residence. Oh yeah, and apparently in Colorado there are "three hundred and sixty-five sunshiny days in a year." It is no surprise that the ranch was not at all what Cousin Phil made it out to be, in fact, quite the opposite. Father called it a "God-forsaken place."
I read this book to my children, and at this point in the story they were furious. They wanted to haul Cousin Phil to jail. They wanted justice! Revenge! Something... anything. We had a good discussion on accountability and taking responsibility for our choices; getting caught up in "get rich quick" schemes and forgoing logic. Is it reasonable to believe that one could make that kind of money in one year? Is it wise to move to a place sight unseen? Is it reasonable to believe that anywhere in the United States could have three hundred sixty-five days of sunshine? And even if that were true, it would be bad, because you need rain for your crops.
I don't know if Mother's response to their unfortunate situation had root in her want to take responsibility for their choice or not, but it is a beautiful response nonetheless. Says Mother,
"The Bible says, 'Trust in the Lord and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.' The hand of God has led us here; we have set our shoulders to the wheel, and we will not turn back."
This was only the beginning of many great conversations with my children about righteous principles such as: integrity, honesty, faith, hard and honest work, perseverance, discipline, duty, patience and more. I really appreciated the part where Ralph accidently catches and consequently kills a pheasant with his steel trap. He had been told previously that you would go to jail for killing a pheasant. His first instinct is to hide the carcass, but soon realizes he needs to tell his father. Father helps him understand that he needs to turn himself in and take whatever punishment may be given him.
Ralph often finds himself in situations where he is faced with ethical decisions to make. As the book progresses, he draws on the memories of previously learned lessons and words of wisdom from his parents to help him make the right choice. He hears his father or mother's voice in his mind and he can't seem to ignore it, so he listens. Isn't this what we want for our children? We want them to learn from their mistakes. We want to help guide them through their childhood as to prepare them to become honest men and women in society. As is the theme in "Little Britches."
By Ralph Moody
The book begins with Ralph Moody's (Little Britches) family moving to a ranch in Colorado. They were told, by Cousin Phil, that it was one of the finest ranches in the county and in one year they could make as much money as they'd make in a lifetime at their current residence. Oh yeah, and apparently in Colorado there are "three hundred and sixty-five sunshiny days in a year." It is no surprise that the ranch was not at all what Cousin Phil made it out to be, in fact, quite the opposite. Father called it a "God-forsaken place."
I read this book to my children, and at this point in the story they were furious. They wanted to haul Cousin Phil to jail. They wanted justice! Revenge! Something... anything. We had a good discussion on accountability and taking responsibility for our choices; getting caught up in "get rich quick" schemes and forgoing logic. Is it reasonable to believe that one could make that kind of money in one year? Is it wise to move to a place sight unseen? Is it reasonable to believe that anywhere in the United States could have three hundred sixty-five days of sunshine? And even if that were true, it would be bad, because you need rain for your crops.
I don't know if Mother's response to their unfortunate situation had root in her want to take responsibility for their choice or not, but it is a beautiful response nonetheless. Says Mother,
"The Bible says, 'Trust in the Lord and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.' The hand of God has led us here; we have set our shoulders to the wheel, and we will not turn back."
This was only the beginning of many great conversations with my children about righteous principles such as: integrity, honesty, faith, hard and honest work, perseverance, discipline, duty, patience and more. I really appreciated the part where Ralph accidently catches and consequently kills a pheasant with his steel trap. He had been told previously that you would go to jail for killing a pheasant. His first instinct is to hide the carcass, but soon realizes he needs to tell his father. Father helps him understand that he needs to turn himself in and take whatever punishment may be given him.
Ralph often finds himself in situations where he is faced with ethical decisions to make. As the book progresses, he draws on the memories of previously learned lessons and words of wisdom from his parents to help him make the right choice. He hears his father or mother's voice in his mind and he can't seem to ignore it, so he listens. Isn't this what we want for our children? We want them to learn from their mistakes. We want to help guide them through their childhood as to prepare them to become honest men and women in society. As is the theme in "Little Britches."
December 17, 2013
Laddie by Robyn Henrie
As I read Laddie, I noticed several themes throughout the book.
The first theme was nature. Little
Sister goes in to much detail in some parts of the book describing her natural
surroundings, how comfortable she is within that environment, and how she
adores God’s creations. I found it interesting that her pets and playmates were
a blue jay and two chickens.
In a couple of places in the book,
Mother and Father either explain to their children or are looking over their
property. They reflect on the beauty as well as the many uses they have gained
from their property. As an example, the
fruit trees they have planted provide food in the fall, as well as beautiful
blossoms in the spring.
The second theme was education, but
more importantly, how and where this education was acquired. Little Sister had
a fairly vast amount of knowledge for a six or eight year old. Her father
taught her all about nature as they walked and worked together around their
property. It sounds like she had a large amount of time to freely roam the
property. She learned to find answers to her questions from Father, and in the
books their family owned. Formal education didn’t suit her; she wanted to be
outside. She learned her lessons in the top of the granary.
Father was well-read through the
books and agricultural magazines he read every evening. Mother gained her
education at the same time her older children were learning and going to
school. Father knew Mother had very little time for studying, and read to her
and discussed with her while she worked. Most evenings were spent with the
children memorizing and then reciting their lessons to Father. I share Laddie’s
opinion that you never ‘finish’ your education. You are learning all the time
until you die.
In addition to school knowledge,
each child had a list of skills to learn according to their gender before
getting married. Mother made sure each of her daughters could care for a home,
and tested those skills as she took a vacation for one month. Father made sure
each son could do all the work necessary for running a farm, and left them in
charge for a period of time.
The next theme was moral character.
There are plenty of examples of hard work, compassion, and conviction. The
parents did their best not to judge those neighbors who worked hard. However,
they made their opinions known to their children of community members who
didn’t work and lived off the sympathies and guilt of their neighbors. Mother
showed compassion by living the principle of doing unto others when she took in
travelers just as she and Father had been taken in when they first arrived in
the community. Laddie showed his conviction to be true to himself in choosing
farming as his profession instead of a lawyer, as the Princess desired. Your
profession does not define who you are.
The last theme was relationships
with other people and also the animals. The most prominent relationship is
between Laddie and Little Sister. He loved her from the day she was born. He
helped her in her learning. He confided secrets to her. They had a special
bond.
Little Sister was very observant of
her siblings, and knew how to interact with each of them. She mentions that
Leon had a different personality, and she was the only one who understood him.
Whereas some members of the
community avoided interactions with other individuals and families, the
Stantons were friendly with neighbors, regardless of status. Laddie went the
extra mile to work his way into the social graces of Mr. Pryor, so he could
date Pamela. My favorite example of relationships is between Laddie and Mr.
Pryor’s dogs, much to the surprise of Mr. Pryor.
This family was very religious. The
parents had a personal relationship with God. Little Sister tells of the time
Leon went after the ‘Even So’ traveler. She would hear her parents pray for
Leon and said it sounded like God was in the room with them. Because of this
relationship, Father was not afraid to tell Mr. Pryor that his opinion God was
a myth was offensive and not to repeat it in his home, even though Mr. Pryor
became very angry.
Although there are more themes in
this book, I focused on education, nature, moral character, and relationships.
December 16, 2013
The Hiding Place by Kami Hymas
The Hiding Place, by Corrie Ten Boom is one of those books that I have to read every few years. It is chalked full of beauty and truth. It is the story of ordinary Christian women living as much like the savior as any two people can. I read this book over and over because it has real life examples of how I want to live my life. The things that I am not brave enough or good enough to do, Corrie and Betsie did. I would hope that I could be that brave, that faithful and that full of Christ’s love. There are many themes in the Hiding Place, but I would like to discuss only three.
First is the theme of Love. The power of God's love can transform any person or situation and we see this over and over in the book. When Corrie loses Karel, her father teaches her that God can transform her love. "Whenever we cannot love in the old, human way, Corrie, God can give us the perfect way." This is then exemplified in her own life years later when she is able to pray for Karel and his wife during the war, “Bless Karel, Lord Jesus," I murmured under my breath. "And bless her. Keep them close to one another and to You." And that was a prayer, I knew for sure, that could not have sprung unaided from Corrie ten Boom. “
And again when her mother is paralyzed and can no longer love in the old way.
Mama's love had always been the kind that acted itself out with soup pot and sewing basket. But now that these things were taken away, the love seemed as whole as before. She sat in her chair at the window and loved us. She loved the people she saw in the street-and beyond: her love took in the city, the land of Holland, the world. And so I learned that love is larger than the walls which shut it in.
It took great love to hide the Jews in their home. It also took great courage, but their courage came from their love of Christ. They were able to risk their lives to save others because they loved Christ more than themselves. They put the needs of others before their own. That is Christ like love.
Betsie especially had an amazing ability to love unconditionally and to see the human need in even her enemies. When they enter Ravensbrook, she sees the guards in a way that Corrie does not. "These young women. That girl back at the bunkers. Corrie, if people can be taught to hate, they can be taught to love! We must find the way, you and I, no matter how long it takes…" Where Corrie "saw a gray uniform and a visored hat; Betsie saw a wounded human being."
I love watching Corrie fight with her natural man and win as she struggles within herself to forgive John Vogel, the man who betrayed their family. But the ultimate example of the power of Christ's love is when Corrie meets one of her captors after the war.
His hand was thrust out to mine. And I, who had preached so often to the people in Bloemendaal the need to forgive, kept my hand at my side. Even as the angry, vengeful thoughts boiled through me, I saw the sin of them. Jesus Christ had died for this man; was I going to ask for more? Lord Jesus, I prayed, forgive me and help me to forgive him.
As I took his hand the most incredible thing happened. From my shoulder along my arm and through my hand a current seemed to pass from me to him, while into my heart sprang a love for this stranger that almost overwhelmed me.
And so I discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness that the world's healing hinges, but on His. When He tells us to love our enemies, He gives, along with the command, the love itself.
The scripture says, With God, nothing is impossible. But I would add, with God's love, nothing is impossible. If we are filled with Charity, we can endure any hardship or situation. Corrie and Betsy transformed their barracks into havens of peace where the spirit could dwell, even amidst the squalor, through God's word and his love. They found meaning and purpose in the worst conditions imaginable and great good came from it. Certainly we can and should do the same in our own homes, in our church and in our communities.
Another prominent theme in the book was trust in God. In all things the Ten Booms put their trust in God. They believed he was at the helm and would conquer all. They were humbly willing to follow his plan and looked at everything that happened as God's will. Their courage was emboldened because of that faith. They were willing to risk their lives because they believed whatever happened was God's will. When the war was about to come to Holland, Father said, "Oh my dears I am sorry for all Dutchmen now who do not know the power of God. For we will be beaten. But He will not." That is a perspective that would help in so many everyday situations, not just in war. If we have the overall view that God will prevail and his kingdom will prevail then the evils of the world and the hardships we encounter can be endured so much easier.
The night the bombing starts when Corrie tells Betsie about her dream, she says "If God has shown us bad times ahead, it's enough for me that He knows about them. That's why He sometimes shows us things, you know-to tell us that this too is in His hands." Betsie exhibits this faith again the night that Corrie gets cut by the shrapnel on her pillow. "Betsie, if I hadn't heard you in the kitchen------"
But Betsie put a finger on Corrie's mouth and says, "Don't say it, Corrie! There are no 'if's in God's world. And no places that are safer than other places. The center of His will is our only safety--O Corrie, let us pray that we always know it!" Honestly, I am torn about this idea. Part of me wants to believe as they do and I think in the church today many do believe this way. I think I do too to some extent. We believe that whatever happens is God's will. That every trial we have is God's will, that if someone dies it is his will, that if there are people living in the world in horrible situations and conditions that it is God's will. That concept can certainly bring comfort during hard trials. But where in the scriptures does it say that? Where in the writings of the living prophets does it say that? Does God really control everything? What about free agency? We live in a fallen world. A fallen world where people choose evil. Where people get sick and die. Isn't our job to do the very best we can to know God's will and to do it? And to endure the trials that come from living in a fallen world? And to seek comfort and find purpose through the Holy Ghost and through trying to do God's will? Not necessarily that everything that happens in life IS God's will. I'm not sure how I feel about this idea and I'm sure many would strongly disagree with me. But I'm just putting it out there as a discussion point, as food for thought. I’m not necessarily challenging the concept fully. I would need to do more study for that.
The last theme I want to discuss is the Ten Booms ability to be grateful in all situations and the perspective it gave them to endure. Some of the most poignant parts of this book came when they were showing gratitude. As Corrie and Betsie were forced to strip down for showers, they were able to find a place to hide their bible and vitamins. They walked back out of the bathroom with nothing on, standing in a long line of naked women and Corrie thought, "And so it was that when we were herded into that room ten minutes later we were not poor, but rich. Rich in this new evidence of the care of Him who was God even of Ravensbruck." It would have been so easy to focus on the bad in their situation, but they chose to feel grateful for the little they were allowed to keep, looking on it as a miracle of God's love. How much happier we would all be if we could do that in our lives- which are not nearly as awful as Corrie and Betsie's were. Even hours later still standing naked in line, Corrie leaned toward Betsie and said to her, "Betsie, they took His clothes too." Remembering that the Savior suffered all for us and felt all our sorrows and pain can be immensely comforting in our times of trial-as it was for the Ten Booms. That perspective helped them and can help us to endure.
My favorite story in the whole book is the story of the fleas. When forced to sleep on a bed covered with fleas, Betsie remembers that the bible teaches us to give thanks in ALL things. She tries to help Corrie understand that the way to endure the hell they were in was to thank God for every little thing.
I stared at her, then around me at the dark, foul aired room.
"Such as?" I said.
"Such as being assigned here together."
I bit my lip. "Oh yes, Lord Jesus!"
"Such as what you're holding in your hands."
I looked down at the Bible. "Yes! Thank You, dear Lord, that there was no inspection when we entered here! Thank You for all the women, here in this room, who will meet You in these pages."
"Yes," said Betsie. "Thank you for the very crowding her. Since we're packed so close, that many more will hear!" She looked at me expectantly. "Corrie!" she prodded.
"Oh, all right. Thank You for the jammed, crammed, stuffed, packed, suffocating crowds."
"Thank You, Betsie went on serenely, "for the fleas and for---"
The fleas! This was too much. "Betsie, there's no way even God can make me grateful for a flea."
"'Give thanks in ALL circumstances,'" It doesn't say, 'in pleasant circumstances.' Fleas are part of this place where God has put us."
And so we stood between piers of bunks and gave thanks for fleas. But this time I was sure Betsie was wrong.
Weeks later, they discover that the reason the guards left them alone and gave them so much freedom in their barrack, freedom to teach the gospel, was because of the very fleas Corrie could hardly muster gratitude for. There are many fleas in our own lives. Hard things, or even just annoying things that we can be grateful for and it would change our whole outlook on life. I know it would for me. I have a tendency towards negativity that I want to break myself of. I want to be grateful in all things, to see the beauty and good in all things. When we can do that, we can conquer as Corrie and Betsie did.
As for us, from morning until lights-out, whenever we were not in ranks for roll call, our Bible was the center of an ever-widening circle of help and hope. Like waifs clustered around a blazing fire, we gathered about it, holding out our hearts to its warmth and light. The blacker the night around us grew, the brighter and truer and more beautiful burned the word of God. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril or sword?....Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."
I would look about us as Betsie read, watching the light leap from face to face. More than conquerors….It was not a wish. It was a fact. We knew it, we experienced it minute by minute--poor, hated, hungry. We are more than conquerors. Not "we shall be." We are!
Many classics are fictional and we will not ever be able to thank the characters in those pages for the ways in which they change our lives for the better. But someday I will thank these two women. I will give them a hug and thank them for the ways in which their story, their courage, their faith and their love changed me and made me better.
First is the theme of Love. The power of God's love can transform any person or situation and we see this over and over in the book. When Corrie loses Karel, her father teaches her that God can transform her love. "Whenever we cannot love in the old, human way, Corrie, God can give us the perfect way." This is then exemplified in her own life years later when she is able to pray for Karel and his wife during the war, “Bless Karel, Lord Jesus," I murmured under my breath. "And bless her. Keep them close to one another and to You." And that was a prayer, I knew for sure, that could not have sprung unaided from Corrie ten Boom. “
And again when her mother is paralyzed and can no longer love in the old way.
Mama's love had always been the kind that acted itself out with soup pot and sewing basket. But now that these things were taken away, the love seemed as whole as before. She sat in her chair at the window and loved us. She loved the people she saw in the street-and beyond: her love took in the city, the land of Holland, the world. And so I learned that love is larger than the walls which shut it in.
It took great love to hide the Jews in their home. It also took great courage, but their courage came from their love of Christ. They were able to risk their lives to save others because they loved Christ more than themselves. They put the needs of others before their own. That is Christ like love.
Betsie especially had an amazing ability to love unconditionally and to see the human need in even her enemies. When they enter Ravensbrook, she sees the guards in a way that Corrie does not. "These young women. That girl back at the bunkers. Corrie, if people can be taught to hate, they can be taught to love! We must find the way, you and I, no matter how long it takes…" Where Corrie "saw a gray uniform and a visored hat; Betsie saw a wounded human being."
I love watching Corrie fight with her natural man and win as she struggles within herself to forgive John Vogel, the man who betrayed their family. But the ultimate example of the power of Christ's love is when Corrie meets one of her captors after the war.
His hand was thrust out to mine. And I, who had preached so often to the people in Bloemendaal the need to forgive, kept my hand at my side. Even as the angry, vengeful thoughts boiled through me, I saw the sin of them. Jesus Christ had died for this man; was I going to ask for more? Lord Jesus, I prayed, forgive me and help me to forgive him.
As I took his hand the most incredible thing happened. From my shoulder along my arm and through my hand a current seemed to pass from me to him, while into my heart sprang a love for this stranger that almost overwhelmed me.
And so I discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness that the world's healing hinges, but on His. When He tells us to love our enemies, He gives, along with the command, the love itself.
The scripture says, With God, nothing is impossible. But I would add, with God's love, nothing is impossible. If we are filled with Charity, we can endure any hardship or situation. Corrie and Betsy transformed their barracks into havens of peace where the spirit could dwell, even amidst the squalor, through God's word and his love. They found meaning and purpose in the worst conditions imaginable and great good came from it. Certainly we can and should do the same in our own homes, in our church and in our communities.
Another prominent theme in the book was trust in God. In all things the Ten Booms put their trust in God. They believed he was at the helm and would conquer all. They were humbly willing to follow his plan and looked at everything that happened as God's will. Their courage was emboldened because of that faith. They were willing to risk their lives because they believed whatever happened was God's will. When the war was about to come to Holland, Father said, "Oh my dears I am sorry for all Dutchmen now who do not know the power of God. For we will be beaten. But He will not." That is a perspective that would help in so many everyday situations, not just in war. If we have the overall view that God will prevail and his kingdom will prevail then the evils of the world and the hardships we encounter can be endured so much easier.
The night the bombing starts when Corrie tells Betsie about her dream, she says "If God has shown us bad times ahead, it's enough for me that He knows about them. That's why He sometimes shows us things, you know-to tell us that this too is in His hands." Betsie exhibits this faith again the night that Corrie gets cut by the shrapnel on her pillow. "Betsie, if I hadn't heard you in the kitchen------"
But Betsie put a finger on Corrie's mouth and says, "Don't say it, Corrie! There are no 'if's in God's world. And no places that are safer than other places. The center of His will is our only safety--O Corrie, let us pray that we always know it!" Honestly, I am torn about this idea. Part of me wants to believe as they do and I think in the church today many do believe this way. I think I do too to some extent. We believe that whatever happens is God's will. That every trial we have is God's will, that if someone dies it is his will, that if there are people living in the world in horrible situations and conditions that it is God's will. That concept can certainly bring comfort during hard trials. But where in the scriptures does it say that? Where in the writings of the living prophets does it say that? Does God really control everything? What about free agency? We live in a fallen world. A fallen world where people choose evil. Where people get sick and die. Isn't our job to do the very best we can to know God's will and to do it? And to endure the trials that come from living in a fallen world? And to seek comfort and find purpose through the Holy Ghost and through trying to do God's will? Not necessarily that everything that happens in life IS God's will. I'm not sure how I feel about this idea and I'm sure many would strongly disagree with me. But I'm just putting it out there as a discussion point, as food for thought. I’m not necessarily challenging the concept fully. I would need to do more study for that.
The last theme I want to discuss is the Ten Booms ability to be grateful in all situations and the perspective it gave them to endure. Some of the most poignant parts of this book came when they were showing gratitude. As Corrie and Betsie were forced to strip down for showers, they were able to find a place to hide their bible and vitamins. They walked back out of the bathroom with nothing on, standing in a long line of naked women and Corrie thought, "And so it was that when we were herded into that room ten minutes later we were not poor, but rich. Rich in this new evidence of the care of Him who was God even of Ravensbruck." It would have been so easy to focus on the bad in their situation, but they chose to feel grateful for the little they were allowed to keep, looking on it as a miracle of God's love. How much happier we would all be if we could do that in our lives- which are not nearly as awful as Corrie and Betsie's were. Even hours later still standing naked in line, Corrie leaned toward Betsie and said to her, "Betsie, they took His clothes too." Remembering that the Savior suffered all for us and felt all our sorrows and pain can be immensely comforting in our times of trial-as it was for the Ten Booms. That perspective helped them and can help us to endure.
My favorite story in the whole book is the story of the fleas. When forced to sleep on a bed covered with fleas, Betsie remembers that the bible teaches us to give thanks in ALL things. She tries to help Corrie understand that the way to endure the hell they were in was to thank God for every little thing.
I stared at her, then around me at the dark, foul aired room.
"Such as?" I said.
"Such as being assigned here together."
I bit my lip. "Oh yes, Lord Jesus!"
"Such as what you're holding in your hands."
I looked down at the Bible. "Yes! Thank You, dear Lord, that there was no inspection when we entered here! Thank You for all the women, here in this room, who will meet You in these pages."
"Yes," said Betsie. "Thank you for the very crowding her. Since we're packed so close, that many more will hear!" She looked at me expectantly. "Corrie!" she prodded.
"Oh, all right. Thank You for the jammed, crammed, stuffed, packed, suffocating crowds."
"Thank You, Betsie went on serenely, "for the fleas and for---"
The fleas! This was too much. "Betsie, there's no way even God can make me grateful for a flea."
"'Give thanks in ALL circumstances,'" It doesn't say, 'in pleasant circumstances.' Fleas are part of this place where God has put us."
And so we stood between piers of bunks and gave thanks for fleas. But this time I was sure Betsie was wrong.
Weeks later, they discover that the reason the guards left them alone and gave them so much freedom in their barrack, freedom to teach the gospel, was because of the very fleas Corrie could hardly muster gratitude for. There are many fleas in our own lives. Hard things, or even just annoying things that we can be grateful for and it would change our whole outlook on life. I know it would for me. I have a tendency towards negativity that I want to break myself of. I want to be grateful in all things, to see the beauty and good in all things. When we can do that, we can conquer as Corrie and Betsie did.
As for us, from morning until lights-out, whenever we were not in ranks for roll call, our Bible was the center of an ever-widening circle of help and hope. Like waifs clustered around a blazing fire, we gathered about it, holding out our hearts to its warmth and light. The blacker the night around us grew, the brighter and truer and more beautiful burned the word of God. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril or sword?....Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."
I would look about us as Betsie read, watching the light leap from face to face. More than conquerors….It was not a wish. It was a fact. We knew it, we experienced it minute by minute--poor, hated, hungry. We are more than conquerors. Not "we shall be." We are!
Many classics are fictional and we will not ever be able to thank the characters in those pages for the ways in which they change our lives for the better. But someday I will thank these two women. I will give them a hug and thank them for the ways in which their story, their courage, their faith and their love changed me and made me better.
November 26, 2013
Freedom Shift - By Jesse Edwards
Freedom Shift
My thoughts on this book are scattered to say the least, maybe because I thought the book lacked focus. I will attempt to make my thoughts understandable here. At first I thought the author was a bit presumptuous in the title, going on a play, in my opinion, of Stephen Covey's paradigm shift phrase. But that is beside the point.
As a book I found it to fail, because by the end the only way I was really able to distinguish which "choices" he wanted us to make was through his repeating them in his concluding chapter. I don't come away from the book knowing exactly what his point is. I understand that he wants us all to step up and do our part, but I think he has a weird way of getting the reader to understand that. He did have some good ideas, and I will comment on the ones I liked, and agreed with.
I agree with his statistics in the beginning that a small group of people can effect great change. That is in the scriptures and is no surprise. To me, at this point in history, seems to be an insurmountable task. My feelings about this can be related back to The Fourth Turning. This time in history is a turning point. We all know that. However, it's a different turning point than in the days of the founding fathers. God was at the helm then. The states had huge disagreements and took a long time coming to conclusions and agreements. I think the only way they actually did end up agreeing was because God had a hand in it. Now, as people are continually turning away from God, God's help is farther from us. Does that mean we shouldn't put forth valiant effort? No. Most definitely not. In fact I believe we should do the opposite, because we have to help the Lord in hopes of preserving the vineyard (don't mind the Jacob 5 reference).
Anyway, on to the 3 choices.
Choice 1: a revolution of Entrepreneurship. I have to admit this was my favorite part of the book and I could not agree with this more. I find it interesting that he uses the term entrepreneurship alone and not a phrase including self-reliance. He does talk about self-reliance and the need for everyone to take care of their own needs. But he uses it as an entrepreneurial mindset, where you innately just take care of yourself.
Having been raised by some of the most entrepreneurial people I have ever seen, and having them encourage all of their children to follow in their footsteps I have strong opinions about this. Society teaches us to go to school, get an education, and get a job which generally implies working for someone else. I used to work for a company and the company went south. I was let go and was at the time the primary benefactor of our family. I had just had Gracie, she was 8 weeks old. I was afraid and didn't know what to do, because naturally as a mother you want to be with your baby. I didn't want to go back to work, but there wasn't any other option. My entrepreneur mother reminded me that I had set out in my education keeping in mind that I would be able to use my degree from home as a mother to bring money in. She asked me what I had to lose, to which I replied, nothing. I decided to give it a go, and found out that what my mother had taught me my whole life was true. You are more successful when you work for yourself. Why? Because you have your best interest in mind. For me I saw immediate benefit. It does all start and end with you, and if you are going to be successful it is up to you, you just have to be willing to take a risk.
I think it would be beneficial if society did go back to a free system where everyone was responsible for themselves. DeMille talks about the socialist beginnings with 401Ks and insurance benefits in the workplace. I agree. It would be good for people to be responsible for their own retirement funds, and their own insurance. He talks about encouraging creativity and thinking skills. I agree. I think the education system has a huge part to play.
I also loved the whole section on producers and how we need to help our families and children become producers. But I have to admit by the time I got to the end of this section I started to feel he was trying to fit too many ideas into one book, and continued to feel that throughout the remainder of the book.
Choice 2: A Rise of the Independents. This part I half agree with and half disagree with. I agree with the idea of having people not associated with a particular party and voting in accord with what they believe in their heart. I also agree with what he's saying about educating yourself about the issues. I don't think you need to be an independent to do that. I also don't think they are the only ones that do. This is where I begin to think he starts over generalizing things. He starts saying it's this vs that which I don't agree with. When you start talking political there is a lot of gray. I also understand that that is the point he's trying to make, that there are a lot of people who don't want to be classified as one or the other, because if you're a republican you must abhor all things democrat. But I also don't agree with being a fence sitter, which is what I think a lot of independents are. They go back and forth, but if they were truly educated then the polls wouldn't flounder so much.
Politics and government will be a hard fix. I think it would take a lot more to fix than to just be an independent voter. Media would need to change, politicians would need to change, funding of politicians would need to change. I understand that he is saying that we need to do our part as voters by becoming educated voters, which is what I will take away from it without getting into how he was trying, in my opinion, to not ruffle feathers with his delivery.
Moving on.
Choice 3: Building and Leading New tribes
There was a lot I like in this section. I have a lot highlighted, maybe because I feel this is one area where what he wrote could be applied and could actually make a difference. The other two choices, I don't feel my personal contribution could change much. But in my "tribes" I feel I could. One thing I liked was where he wrote "It is unfortunate that some people of the purest faith and the most deeply held convictions about peace, charity, freedom, family, etc., seem to have little ability to connect with anyone but those who already share their views… I think this limits their influence for good…" This is a common feeling I've had lately, the need to branch out of my comfort zone and connect with those I may not necessarily share views with. How else would one be able to make a difference in their sphere? This I really did like a lot of this section.
There is a part in the book where he talks about people who are either angry and afraid, or hopeful and helpful. I had a hard time getting through this because I don't feel you can separate people like that. I don't feel I fit into A squared or H squared. I don't think many people are. I also don't like that he states that republicans are only concerned with certain freedoms while democrats are concerned with others. I think most people are concerned with all freedoms, but have different ideas of how to achieve and execute those freedoms. Just because I am conservative doesn't mean that I don't want academic freedom, or freedom of the press, or social justice. My idea of how it should be implemented is just different than liberals.
At the end he stated what he should have stated earlier on. That we need to do our best and improve so that we can be leaders for good. Overall, some good ideas, however, this book seemed somewhat scattered and the flow of it lent to some confusion for me as to where he was trying to lead the reader. But I will take what I liked and try to apply it.
My thoughts on this book are scattered to say the least, maybe because I thought the book lacked focus. I will attempt to make my thoughts understandable here. At first I thought the author was a bit presumptuous in the title, going on a play, in my opinion, of Stephen Covey's paradigm shift phrase. But that is beside the point.
As a book I found it to fail, because by the end the only way I was really able to distinguish which "choices" he wanted us to make was through his repeating them in his concluding chapter. I don't come away from the book knowing exactly what his point is. I understand that he wants us all to step up and do our part, but I think he has a weird way of getting the reader to understand that. He did have some good ideas, and I will comment on the ones I liked, and agreed with.
I agree with his statistics in the beginning that a small group of people can effect great change. That is in the scriptures and is no surprise. To me, at this point in history, seems to be an insurmountable task. My feelings about this can be related back to The Fourth Turning. This time in history is a turning point. We all know that. However, it's a different turning point than in the days of the founding fathers. God was at the helm then. The states had huge disagreements and took a long time coming to conclusions and agreements. I think the only way they actually did end up agreeing was because God had a hand in it. Now, as people are continually turning away from God, God's help is farther from us. Does that mean we shouldn't put forth valiant effort? No. Most definitely not. In fact I believe we should do the opposite, because we have to help the Lord in hopes of preserving the vineyard (don't mind the Jacob 5 reference).
Anyway, on to the 3 choices.
Choice 1: a revolution of Entrepreneurship. I have to admit this was my favorite part of the book and I could not agree with this more. I find it interesting that he uses the term entrepreneurship alone and not a phrase including self-reliance. He does talk about self-reliance and the need for everyone to take care of their own needs. But he uses it as an entrepreneurial mindset, where you innately just take care of yourself.
Having been raised by some of the most entrepreneurial people I have ever seen, and having them encourage all of their children to follow in their footsteps I have strong opinions about this. Society teaches us to go to school, get an education, and get a job which generally implies working for someone else. I used to work for a company and the company went south. I was let go and was at the time the primary benefactor of our family. I had just had Gracie, she was 8 weeks old. I was afraid and didn't know what to do, because naturally as a mother you want to be with your baby. I didn't want to go back to work, but there wasn't any other option. My entrepreneur mother reminded me that I had set out in my education keeping in mind that I would be able to use my degree from home as a mother to bring money in. She asked me what I had to lose, to which I replied, nothing. I decided to give it a go, and found out that what my mother had taught me my whole life was true. You are more successful when you work for yourself. Why? Because you have your best interest in mind. For me I saw immediate benefit. It does all start and end with you, and if you are going to be successful it is up to you, you just have to be willing to take a risk.
I think it would be beneficial if society did go back to a free system where everyone was responsible for themselves. DeMille talks about the socialist beginnings with 401Ks and insurance benefits in the workplace. I agree. It would be good for people to be responsible for their own retirement funds, and their own insurance. He talks about encouraging creativity and thinking skills. I agree. I think the education system has a huge part to play.
I also loved the whole section on producers and how we need to help our families and children become producers. But I have to admit by the time I got to the end of this section I started to feel he was trying to fit too many ideas into one book, and continued to feel that throughout the remainder of the book.
Choice 2: A Rise of the Independents. This part I half agree with and half disagree with. I agree with the idea of having people not associated with a particular party and voting in accord with what they believe in their heart. I also agree with what he's saying about educating yourself about the issues. I don't think you need to be an independent to do that. I also don't think they are the only ones that do. This is where I begin to think he starts over generalizing things. He starts saying it's this vs that which I don't agree with. When you start talking political there is a lot of gray. I also understand that that is the point he's trying to make, that there are a lot of people who don't want to be classified as one or the other, because if you're a republican you must abhor all things democrat. But I also don't agree with being a fence sitter, which is what I think a lot of independents are. They go back and forth, but if they were truly educated then the polls wouldn't flounder so much.
Politics and government will be a hard fix. I think it would take a lot more to fix than to just be an independent voter. Media would need to change, politicians would need to change, funding of politicians would need to change. I understand that he is saying that we need to do our part as voters by becoming educated voters, which is what I will take away from it without getting into how he was trying, in my opinion, to not ruffle feathers with his delivery.
Moving on.
Choice 3: Building and Leading New tribes
There was a lot I like in this section. I have a lot highlighted, maybe because I feel this is one area where what he wrote could be applied and could actually make a difference. The other two choices, I don't feel my personal contribution could change much. But in my "tribes" I feel I could. One thing I liked was where he wrote "It is unfortunate that some people of the purest faith and the most deeply held convictions about peace, charity, freedom, family, etc., seem to have little ability to connect with anyone but those who already share their views… I think this limits their influence for good…" This is a common feeling I've had lately, the need to branch out of my comfort zone and connect with those I may not necessarily share views with. How else would one be able to make a difference in their sphere? This I really did like a lot of this section.
There is a part in the book where he talks about people who are either angry and afraid, or hopeful and helpful. I had a hard time getting through this because I don't feel you can separate people like that. I don't feel I fit into A squared or H squared. I don't think many people are. I also don't like that he states that republicans are only concerned with certain freedoms while democrats are concerned with others. I think most people are concerned with all freedoms, but have different ideas of how to achieve and execute those freedoms. Just because I am conservative doesn't mean that I don't want academic freedom, or freedom of the press, or social justice. My idea of how it should be implemented is just different than liberals.
At the end he stated what he should have stated earlier on. That we need to do our best and improve so that we can be leaders for good. Overall, some good ideas, however, this book seemed somewhat scattered and the flow of it lent to some confusion for me as to where he was trying to lead the reader. But I will take what I liked and try to apply it.
October 23, 2013
King Lear
Fool "If thou wert my fool, nuncle, I'ld have thee beaten for being old before thy time.
Lear "How's that?'
Fool "Thous shouldst not have been old till thou hadst been wise....
Act I Scene V
Lear "How's that?'
Fool "Thous shouldst not have been old till thou hadst been wise....
Act I Scene V
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)