Powerful Words

This post is a long time coming...

When he first penned The Book Thief, Marcus Zusak could not have known the phenomenon it would become. Set in Nazi Germany during World War II, Zusak’s novel is tragic, yet it should be cherished. While The Book Thief deals with hardship and heartache, it does so with sensitivity and insight. Zusak’s protagonist, Liesel Meminger, is a young girl whose life is changing. Her parents were communists, and they were taken away from her. While traveling on a train to her foster parents, her brother died. During the course of the novel, her foster parents hide a Jew. Max Vandenburg and Liesel establish a friendship. Adapting to her new life, she develops a need for words. Liesel longs to read; her longing translates into book thievery. In Liesel’s world, these words become very important. Liesel’s story is hard. It is not light; it is not fluffy. It is arduous. With every page, the reader is reminded of the grievous effects of World War II. It is then very appropriate that Death narrates Liesel’s tale.

Liesel’s tale is universal. While Zusak may have written The Book Thief for young adults, adults can enjoy this heartwarming story too. In fact, adults may appreciate it more. Middle-school readers may find The Book Thief too disturbing; the fear and violence may be inappropriate for young children. However, high-school students can (and should) read about Nazis Germany. Markus Zusak’s story may be the perfect combination of a history and literature study for these students. Young women may prefer to read The Book Thief more than young men because of a female protagonist. Though, these same young men may identify with Rudy or Max. As an adult reader, I loved The Book Thief. Initially, I found it hard to warm up to. However, given the chance, The Book Thief charmed me. I am almost sorry that I had never read it before; The Book Thief would have been the perfect addition to my homeschool curriculum.

The Book Thief deals with the bombing of Germany, the Holocaust, and lots of death. While it is terribly tragic, The Book Thief is very moving. Zusak’s prose is dynamic and effective. I cannot help but agree with Max, “The best word shakers were the ones who understood the true power of words” (445). Understanding the power of words is a lesson we should all learn whether young adults or not. 

Learning to Be Joyful for His Name's Sake

"I have seen a limit to all perfection;
Your commandment is exceedingly broad."
Psalm 119:96

I’ve blogged about joy before but never like this...

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Sunday school… even in a time when it’s not popular in the broader Christian circles. Sunday school is a convicting, encouraging, and enlightening time for me. Learning from my elders or teaching my little ones is a blessed experience (who by-the-way, usually know the lesson before I teach it because of their covenant parents, but that's another blog post). Yesterday, the most prevalent element in the adult Sunday school was conviction.


The Larger Catechism’s explanation of the third commandment is beyond all my ideas about the Lord’s name…

Q. 113. What are the sins forbidden in the third commandment?
A. The sins forbidden in the third commandment are, the not using of God's name as is required; and the abuse of it in an ignorant, vain, irreverent, profane, superstitious, or wicked mentioning or otherwise using his titles, attributes, ordinances, or works, by blasphemy, perjury; all sinful cursings, oaths, vows, and lots; violating of our oaths and vows, if lawful; and fulfilling them, if of things unlawful; murmuring and quarreling at, curious prying into, and misapplying of God's decrees and providences; misinterpreting, misapplying, or any way perverting the word, or any part of it, to profane jests, curious or unprofitable questions, vain janglings, or the maintaining of false doctrines; abusing it, the creatures, or anything contained under the name of God, to charms, or sinful lusts and practices; the maligning, scorning, reviling, or any wise opposing of God's truth, grace, and ways; making profession of religion in hypocrisy, or for sinister ends; being ashamed of it, or a shame to it, by unconformable, unwise, unfruitful, and offensive walking, or backsliding from it.

Are you humbled yet? I was and am. The “murmuring and quarreling at” section spoke to my heart the most. Throughout my everyday existence, I am a great murmurer. (And yes, I know it’s not a word.) If there was a trophy for whining, I would win the championship. It’s nothing for which to be proud.

By whining, complaining, and wishing (for another time of life), I take the name of the Lord in vain. I profane the name by my sinful and wicked attitude. God’s sovereign providence is good, right, and holy. Who am I to question His plan? Who am I to criticize? With my attack, my disapproval, and my murmur, I place myself higher than God. I declare that I know the best "good" for my life. Therefore, I deny His word: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

It’s not only complaining about chores, work, and calling. What about people? Do I whine about my parents? My brother? My grandfather? My church? Yes. But, God has established these relationships. What do the scriptures say about God’s providence and complaints?

Elihu’s rebuke to Job rebukes me. "Why do you complain against Him That He does not give an account of all His doings?” Job 33:13

With this judgment, I speak Job’s words of weakness to God. "Behold, I am insignificant; what can I reply to You? I lay my hand on my mouth.” Job 40:4

Although life can be difficult, I should rejoice in what God has laid before me. Doing the laundry, the vacuuming, and the dishes… while studying, reading, and learning… in the relationships with family, friends, and co-workers. Will I keep this commandment perfectly? No. For as Paul says in Romans 7:15, “For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.” But I will by the grace of God “[fight] the good fight of faith” knowing the Jesus Christ will be the one to set me free from the “body of this death.” Therefore, my brothers and sisters, "Consider it all joy." Soli Deo Gloria.

Ah, Flexibility

For the first time in 18 years, I did not have to attend school today. Wow, what a change. It's strange that I'm not cracking the books, writing my notes, and studying every morning. But, today instead, I was able to finish a children's book, work at dad's office, clean the kitchen, cook dinner, and spontaneously agree to help with Cindy's kids and babysit Atticus. God is good! I've missed this flexibility these past 4 years. And now that I see that accomplishment of my formal education, I think that I've been greatly blessed.

My 2nd Sunday School Class

Aren't they sweet?

The Graduation Day Cometh

When this post publishes at 9:00pm, I will be officially done with college. YAY! All that's left is making announcements, taking graduation photos, and getting the diploma framed.

When I think over all I have learned and done, I am grateful. Praise God for a wonderful four years!

John Dewey scares me

"[No] matter what the personal belief of any one about what is desirable industrially and politically, any one who is interested in peaceful evolution instead of violent and bloody revolution will realize the central position held by a genuinely free educational system in the peaceful development of society and will bend every energy to defeat the enemies, now so numerous and so active, of schools that are free in inquiry, in teaching and learning; that are intellectually and morally free, the only genuine kind of free school, which are our boast." ~John Dewey in his essay "Education and New Social Ideals"

Why does he assume that a revolution is coming? And of course, he posits that anyone who opposes his humanistic educational system must want a violent, bloody revolution. Dewey's educational system focuses not on the individual child, but the society at large ---> making children into the cogs of society. So, how is a government controlled, government regulated, government administrated educational system... "free in inquiry"? "Morally free" needs expanded... Are we thinking the 60's mentality? Yikes. Thoughts, anyone?

*Note: Many people I know were/have been in the public educational system. (My parents included) This post should not in anyway reflect on them... This post is designed to engage John Dewey and his education philosophy.

Happy Thought of the Day

As mentioned earlier, I graduate this semester. Whoot! AND, it's only two weeks away. :)

WVU Brunch

Last Saturday was quite the busy day... an event at WVU, dance practice, and Jack's shower. By the end of the day, I was EXHAUSTED! But, busy days make for many blog posts. So without further eloquence...

BIG EAST CHAMPIONS

I had grand plans for a foodie post today... Not gonna happen. The biggest and bestest news always comes first.
Yep. WVU pwns Georgetown. LET'S GO MOUNTAINEERS!

Big East Tournament

LET'S GO MOUNTAINEERS!! Movin' towards Big East Champs!

Late Monday

Today seemed to be one of those days. Maybe you know the ones?
You're perpetually late?
Sound familiar?
Anyone?

Well, despite that strange, late phenomenon, today was a blessed day. I asked a good question in Italian class, had lunch with Dee -- which turned into a several hour visit. Praise God for a friend with whom to pray and share burdens -- went to Open Lab, had dinner with family, and studied the Word. Yes, a blessed day indeed.

Graduation Countdown

God has blessed me so much. Today, I went to the Mountainlair to figure out what I need for graduation. Graduation. Wow. It is so strange to think that I will be a college graduate in just a few short months. I'll wear my cap and gown, move my tassel, and receive my diploma. The culmination of 4 years worth of hard work is just around the corner.

I know that in many ways, I'll miss these days. Not in any way will it be a regretful sadness or longing, but my memories will be a fondness for a wonderful time in my life. It was a time of developing, a time of pursuing knowledge, a time of acquiring skills, a time of gaining friendships, and a time of growing in the faith.

I look forward to the new chapter of my life... All the adventures, excitement, fun, and responsibility that this next phase brings. Let's Go Mountaineers!

ESAME

Tomorrow, I have my second Italian exam... What's my time been like lately? Full of studying Italian vocabulary, grammar, and geography. Woohoo! Test here I come. :-)

The subjunctive will NOT defeat me. :P

End of Semester Finals

This is what the end of Christmastime finals looks like to me...

Got the Studyin' Blues?

Yep, it's finals week once again... Gingerbread and Coffee are the cure. Kiri posted Beth's excellent recipe on her blog a couple of years ago. And I finally got the chance to try it! Yummy. :)

Some Random Thursday Happenings

Last Thursday was filled with lots of busy nothings...

Bored?

Coolest Carpet. Ever. Period.

More Econ... Does it ever end?

Found O'Connor at the Used book sale

What does that mean?

“Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each {of you} with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.” Ephesians 4:25



Embarrassment. Frustration. Anxiety.

Heart pounding. Think… Think… Think… What should I say?

Believe it or not, all the previous thoughts and feelings occurred the first time I was ever asked out on a date. The story goes like this:

I was working at school and one of my guy friends followed me to the back of the classroom. Let’s call him Alex. He then asked… “Would you like to get lunch with me sometime?” Cue the confusion. What was Alex trying to say? Lunch? Is that a date? Or a friend thing? What are the implications? My mind raced a mile a moment…

And my remarkable comeback? “What does that mean?” And yes, I actually said that. Most of you will laugh at my reply. It is obvious now that Alex wanted me to go on a date with him… But in the moment, it was less than obvious. I wanted him to spell out his intentions. He replied to my brilliant comeback, “You know… we would go to the Mountainlair and get lunch.”

This is my problem. Men and Women need to be direct with one another to avoid confusion and hurt feelings. But Alex wasn’t the only guilty one. In my weakness, I gave several lame excuses: my schedule, schoolwork, etc. I didn’t give him the dignity of a direct response.

Either of us could be considered guilty of toying with the other. I was unprepared to respond appropriately; Alex couldn't know if I was interested at a later time. Alex was unprepared to lead in the situation; I couldn't know his exact intentions. Is honesty so hard to come by?

“But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in {the likeness of} God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each {of you} with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.” Ephesians 4:20-25

My challenge to myself and the rest of you (my four dear readers ;) is to speak the truth! No matter how painful… Face rejection. Face humiliation. Face pain. Face sorrow.

To all the Alex(s) of the world: Be clear. Girls aren’t mind readers; no matter how much we think we are.

To all the me(s) of the world: If you’re not interested, say so. Let him move on.

Speak the truth in love.

Peace out, Yo?

No doubt all of you (my three precious readers... tee hee hee) have noticed that I haven't posted in quite some time. I didn't even update you on my comment challenge!! Well, life intervened; God had other plans for me.

Schoolwork (4 papers!!), Daniel's costume, Ball planning, the Ball itself, and regular life have kept me quite busy... Not to mention the Swanky Celtic Thunder concert! :-) And, this means I should have lots of blog material!!!

So coming soon:
Celtic Thunder Pictures
Maid Marian Weekend
The BALL!
Week 2 of my comment challenge
And of course... Your weekly economic tidbit

A Future Teacher & Beowulf

As a former homeschooler and (prayerfully) as a future homschooler, I often think about what I want to teach my children. What curriculum will I use - if any? What books do I want my children to read? What history to I want them to know? What should I learn more about now to help guide them later?

Do y'all think about this?

For my Adolescent Fiction class at WVU, we were assigned Beowulf. But not the one you think. :P I had the pleasure of reading the graphic novel... Here are my thoughts.

Gareth Hinds’ Beowulf could be an integral part of a multi-media English curriculum. While Beowulf is the oldest epic of the English language and is revered by many teachers, it often remains inaccessible to students. Incorporating film, music, and art (such as graphic novels) would help students to appreciate the great poem that is Beowulf.

Hind’s Beowulf follows the original poem very faithfully. Aware of the hideous monster Grendel, Beowulf of the Geats arrives at the homeland of the Danes to destroy the beast. In a heroic struggle, he kills Grendel. However, his fight is not yet over; Beowulf goes on to battle Grendel’s mother and the dragon before his tragic death. Hind’s Beowulf traces Beowulf’s journey, but his audience is quite different from the original poem’s audience. Fans of comic books and graphic novels will be entertained by Gareth Hinds’ Beowulf. Even studious, stodgy English students may find themselves surprised by how much they appreciate Hinds’ graphic version.

Graphic novels never cease to surprise me; I am a word-oriented person, yet I am always captivated by the beauty of the artwork. Imagination is a wonderful gift; readers can create their own images to go with the story. The greatest strength of the graphic novel is the imagination of the artist on the page. Even the font of the text can be inspiring. While reading, I especially loved Beowulf’s fight with the dragon. Seeing the elderly Beowulf stand up for his people really makes the text come to life.

Drawn to the battle sequences, young men are will appreciate Hinds’ graphic version of Beowulf. Young women of diverse tastes (like me) will admire Beowulf despite its gore. Visually appealing, Hinds’ Beowulf is exciting because it is new and different. Most young adults will never get the chance to read a graphic novel in the “standard” English classroom. Perhaps the “standard” English classroom needs to change.

When I was a young teenager, I read voraciously; I also watched an abundance of films. A fair part of these films were adaptations of novels I had read or wanted to read. The films inspired me to read more. Comparisons between the novels and the films made for great discussions. While the text should still be the most important element of the English literature classroom, many types of media could enhance and enrich our understanding and appreciation of the great works of literature.

So what do you think? Is a multi-media approach appropriate? Or should we stick to the text alone?

My Emo look

Before y'all start worrying about my self-esteem or guilt issues -- don't. This isn't what you think. I hardly ever take my hoodies to school in the early fall... It's too warm outside to wear them. But, the Mountainlair seems sub-zero; I FREEZE during lunch.

Having a brother comes in really handy! Daniel always takes a hoodie. Guess who wears it during lunch? I really do look like an Emo kid though. It's three times my size and black. :P

Thank God for brothers, yeah?!