tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135903272024-03-07T20:47:27.865-06:00IntermissionA break from the drama of life to breathe deeply, read closely, and live fullyJeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14195076731575607511noreply@blogger.comBlogger707125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13590327.post-79667524414510901152017-05-02T14:53:00.000-05:002017-05-02T14:53:18.313-05:003 Things I've Learned - Twelve Years LaterHello, dear friends.<br />
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When I started this blog in 2005, I had 3 children under the age of 6. It's hard to remember what that life was like. Pictures tell me it was filled with toy cars, Legos, PBS, and enough chicken nuggets to build a small fort. <br />
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<em>Our crew -- year unknown...2010? But we were obviously happy because, I mean...see what we're eating?</em></div>
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Today, I have 4 children under the age of (almost) 16. Our lives are full of cords and their chargers, books, Apple TV, sports equipment, and still...sadly...chicken nuggets. Sometimes. <br />
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I love looking back at <a href="http://jeanniereid.blogspot.com/2005/07/my-three-sons.html" target="_blank">posts like this</a>, where it was all I could do to get a small moment of alone time. I was simply treading water at times, keeping my head above the waves, desperate for friendship and connection in the midst of raising little people. (Here's a hilarious <a href="http://jeanniereid.blogspot.com/2005/08/favre-forever.html" target="_blank">old post</a> where I ponder the future of a very famous athlete...so embarrassing...)<br />
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We're out of the dizzying years of toddlers and preschool, and in the thick of teen brains and school-age drama. Here's a collection of what I've learned, or rather, what I think is important to remember.<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>1.) There is no EASY child.</strong> </span><span style="color: black;">I hate it when people say kids are "hard" or "easy," as if children are a Geometry test. Every child is a challenge because every child is a unique and interesting set of DNA. We decide somehow that children are "easy" when they are obedient, quiet, and do all the thing WE want them to do. Pretty sad, really. Instead, I've realized that every Mama has her own journey to travel. I will not look with pride or envy at a journey that is not my own. I will link arms with you, friend, and do my best to listen and love you as you go.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>2.) Auto-pilot is not for marriages.</strong></span> My husband and I did not have a regular date night, nor did we have extravagant yearly outings. All we did was take a date every now and then, and every now and then, we got away from the kids for more than one night. It was oxygen for our marriage. We sent silly texts to each other. We smiled at each other across the room. We didn't argue in front of kids (well, not too much...) and we tried to be playful and affectionate at all times. It hasn't been perfect and we mess up a lot, but it's still good. Very, very good.<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>3. Sometimes just being there really is all you need to do. </strong></span><span style="color: black;">Wait, seriously? Just be there? Yes. Just be in the kitchen, the car, at the game. Be there and be nice. When they are ready to talk, you are available. You'll live your life and they'll watch you. They will learn and they will grow and they will become these cool people who make you laugh so hard at the kitchen table, you can't breathe. </span><br />
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I read a lot of books. I prayed a lot. But I think I needed to relax a little more, laugh a little more. These days are shorter than you think. Enjoy them, Mama.Jeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14195076731575607511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13590327.post-87452802642425884532015-12-01T16:01:00.000-06:002015-12-03T21:16:08.676-06:00What I'm Into (November 2015)Oh, hello! I'm copying <a href="http://www.modernmrsdarcy.com/">Modern Mrs. Darcy</a>, who does a little monthly update on what she's reading, watching, cooking -- whatever is just floating her little boat at the time. Here's my version...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What I've Been Reading...</span><br />
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One of my new favorite authors is now K.A. Holt - a middle-grade author of novels in verse like <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/House-Arrest-K-Holt/dp/1452134774/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1449005046&sr=8-2&keywords=house+arrest"><em>House Arrest</em></a> and <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Rhyme-Schemer-K-Holt/dp/1452145709/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449005018&sr=8-1&keywords=rhyme+schemer"><em>Rhyme Schemer</em></a>. Both books have boy protagonists who struggle with being labeled a "bad kid." Great for any age, but especially 5-8 graders.<br />
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I finally read a classic I've always wanted to read! <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Mice-Men-John-Steinbeck/dp/0140177396/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449005269&sr=8-1&keywords=of+mice+and+men"><em>Of Mice and Men</em></a>! I absolutely loved <i>East of Eden</i>, which felt like the Mother Book of All Books, but I'd never read this tiny novel. I was stunned by the ending, which I think was the punch Steinbeck wanted. I wish I'd read this book in college and had the opportunity to discuss it with people much smarter than me. Let me know what YOU thought of the book - please!<br />
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Another favorite this month was <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Nest-Kenneth-Oppel/dp/148143232X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1449005379&sr=8-2&keywords=the+nest"><em>The Nest</em></a> by Kenneth Oppel. This one pleasantly surprised me. I can't even really describe it, except to say it's about a little boy struggling with good and evil. And wasps. Just read it.<br />
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As always, I put EVERYTHING I'm reading on the <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/">Goodreads</a> website, so "friend" me to see all the books I'm reading and have read this year. (I'm trying to read 100 books in 2015; I think I'm going to make it!)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What I've Been Listening To...</span><br />
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Tori Kelly became my best friend this summer with her album <em>Unbreakable</em>. Wow. But just when I got tired of those songs, she came out with "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsbcKoRAiF4">Hollow</a>" - a single I'm loving with lyrics that feel more spiritual than most songs she's written.<br />
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Now, this is where you'll really think I'm crazy, but I found an old chorale piece from my college days - "All That Hath Life and Breath Praise the Lord" on iTunes. It time-travels me back to a place in my life where I was singing EVERY.DAY. and I really miss that. Especially singing REALLY HIGH. That was fun. Here's a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMDyH457pgg">video</a> of a choir singing it. It's not MY college choir, but it's strangely similar...<br />
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And since it's that time of year where I dig through my old holiday music, I jam out to old Whitney Houston <em>Preacher's Wife</em> soundtrack, the Jackson Five Christmas album, and Israel & New Breed's <em>A Timeless Christmas.</em> Christmas means soul music, people.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Where I've Been in the World...</span><br />
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I was so blessed to head over to Minneapolis for the<a href="http://www.ncte.org/"> NCTE</a> Convention (English Teacher Nerd Fest, as a particular son of mine called it.) My friend Kristyn (4-6 grade teacher) and I ate at the <a href="http://www.meltingpot.com/">Melting Pot</a>, walked the SkyWalk 100 times, listened to <a href="http://www.loislowry.com/">Lois Lowry</a> (author of <em>The Giver</em>) talk about childhood and reading, and yes, met the most amazing writer on the planet: Kate DiCamillo:<br />
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Kate wrote <em>Because of Winn-Dixie, Flora and Ulysses, The Magician's Elephant, and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane</em>, among several others. I still can't believe she spoke to me and took a picture with me. It was a pretty amazing moment. (See Facebook/Insta :)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What's Keeping Me From Losing My Mind...</span><br />
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How are you heading into December? Worried? Anxious? Excited? I'm a little of all three. We are in the thick of basketball with 4 children, but I'm thankful for each day. I don't need to hurry; there are enough hours in the day for what matters most. <br />
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If you don't normally do an Advent study, consider <a href="http://www.shereadstruth.com/">She Reads Truth</a>! It's an app and a website that help me stay in God's Word on a daily basis. That's the one book I read everyday, no matter what! <br />
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Your turn-- What are you into lately?<br />
<br />Jeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14195076731575607511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13590327.post-76752071256437560072015-09-30T10:38:00.002-05:002015-09-30T10:41:28.519-05:005 Things I Learned in SeptemberI'm linking up with sweet <a href="http://www.emilypfreeman.com/" target="_blank">Emily P. Freeman</a> today, as she invites other bloggers to share what they learn each month. Go read her books, for crying out loud! She's a favorite.<br />
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This past week, I've tried to decide what I've learned this month, how to share it here. Here they are in no particular order:<br />
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<u><strong>1. Sip, don't guzzle.</strong></u> I seem to be "guzzling" lately - reading too fast, eating mindlessly, speeding when there's no need ('cause sometimes there IS a need, right??), and simply losing my ability to focus. This is never good for my soul. I can almost feel it drying up and wrinkling when I go this pace for too long. Thankfully, the Lord brought a book into my life that stopped me "mid-guzzle." <em><a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Sacred-Year-Soulscape-Contemplating-Befriending/dp/084992202X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443627625&sr=8-1&keywords=the+sacred+year" target="_blank">The Sacred Year</a></em> by Michael Yankoski is the kind of book you sip one rich word at a time.<br />
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I didn't realize how much multi-tasking I was really doing until I read this book, which led to a hurried soul, unable to rest in the Lord. I will be taking my time with this one.</div>
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<u><strong>2. Give room for the Holy Spirit.</strong></u> I am learning that, too often, I try to be the Holy Spirit to my children. What I mean is that I try to control their decisions, their convictions, (and anything else I can control, let's be honest) which results in them relying on ME instead of GOD. <br />
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If I can't help them listen to HIS voice, I inevitably insert my own. I am not God. I am not the Holy Spirit. Dear child, you must know Christ on your own. For example, I really wanted my oldest to make a particular decision that I believed would be so good for him. It would help him grow and develop as a believer. Instead of pushing him, I was delighted to see God truly help him come to this decision on his own. Without my interference! What do you know?!<br />
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Lesson learned. Back off, Mama, and pray more.<br />
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<u><strong>3. One Password is All I Need</strong></u><br />
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There is no way on God's green earth I can keep track of all these usernames and passwords, people. And is it just me, or is it a little disconcerting when everything starts to go digital?! A paperless society is coming, folks, and may the odds be ever in your favor. </div>
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Well, in the meantime, let the <a href="https://agilebits.com/onepassword" target="_blank">One Password App</a> help you out. I put in ONE BLOOMIN' PASSWORD and I'm in. This is where you can store all your other username/password combos. Cool.</div>
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<u><strong>4. Preaching is Actually Fun.</strong></u> This past week, I presented a message at our JH/HS retreat for school. I was a little nervous, but excited to share. I mean, teaching is basically like preaching, right? Well. Sort of. I found myself thinking about the message constantly, and feelings of doubt and anxiety kept me from falling asleep some nights. <br />
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But the actual preaching itself? Pretty exciting! I love the way the Lord moves and works in ways I never anticipated. I think everyone should preach at least once in a lifetime -- it certainly changes the way you view your Pastor!<br />
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<strong><u>5. Selfies vs. Shark Attacks</u></strong><br />
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It's official: more people have died in 2015 from taking selfies than from shark attacks. <a href="http://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/seflies-more-deadly-than-sharks-2015/" target="_blank">This article</a> goes into more detail, but it's the random bizarre fact that won't leave my brain. We have officially been killing ourselves by being obsessed by ourselves. Mercy.<br />
Jeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14195076731575607511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13590327.post-23040773607186635042015-09-08T19:03:00.000-05:002015-09-08T19:34:38.239-05:00This One's For Torny<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">{"Torny" is what I call Nathan Tornquist. I know it's weird, but there are many Nathan's in my little world, so that's what he became, somehow.}</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nathan is a student and friend at the school where I teach. This year, he should be enjoying his Junior year, playing soccer or shooting hoops, or just being a normal teenager. Instead, he's laying on his couch at home, patiently waiting for a miracle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Around February of this past year, Nathan contracted mono. He went home and never seemed to get any better. He suffered from extreme headaches and fatigue, which kept him from simple tasks like reading, walking, and everyday life. That began his life of doctor visits, medications, and confusion about what was really going on. (You can read more at his <a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/nathantornquist" target="_blank">CaringBridge</a> website)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">At the time of this writing, it appears he may have Lyme's disease that has gone untreated for a very long time. We continue to hope and pray along with his parents that this will end soon for Nathan. It's been a long, dark process of questions and tears. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Parents, can you feel this pain with me? Do you understand how difficult it would be to watch your son or daughter suffer and not be able to fix it? Some of you know. Some of you get it.</span> <br />
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I've had sick children in my house, even to the point of a <a href="http://jeanniereid.blogspot.com/2007/11/longest-week.html" target="_blank">trip to the Cities</a> for further testing, but nothing - NOTHING - like this. So, instead of really leaning in and praying for Nathan, I honestly stopped remembering to pray for this young man. It was too confusing and painful to think about. <br />
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But early this summer, Nathan sent me a Facebook message. A simple note reaching out for prayer and encouragement. It haunted me. It reminded me of one of my greatest fears: the suffering of my children. As I was driving after receiving that message, I felt like God said clearly to me, "Fight for Nathan." Three words. I had no idea what that meant, exactly, but I couldn't NOT do anything anymore. <br />
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I emailed 3 other people and asked if they would help me "fight" for Nathan. It simply meant we would commit to visiting with Nathan on a consistent basis, just going to his home to talk, pray, sing, read scripture, and encourage him. Can I be honest? I was scared. But all 3 people said "absolutely." <br />
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Hanging out with Nathan has shifted something in me. I go there to encourage him, to pray and talk about what he's going through, but I leave with a new sensitivity and understanding of what it means to FIGHT.<br />
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<strong>Fighting, in the spiritual sense, sometimes means simply SHOWING UP.</strong> It means, "I'm here. I don't know what I'm doing, but God does, and I know He's a good God." Listen, I have <em>never</em> been good at compassion and empathy. When my kids fall, I am a "<em>eh, shake it off, kid"</em> kind of Mom. This is WAY out of my comfort zone, which is definitely a good thing. <br />
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Would you pray for my Torny? </div>
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Would you simply listen for who God might be telling you to fight for? </div>
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And what if YOU are in the battle and your arms are weary? Pray for a few soldiers to come alongside you. <strong>Fighting is what soldiers do.</strong> </div>
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<br />Jeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14195076731575607511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13590327.post-85321383661824605362015-05-20T12:36:00.003-05:002015-05-20T12:36:50.920-05:00Books for Reluctant Readers <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You might be wondering if tweens/teens actually read anymore.</div>
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I mean, they have Xbox, smart phones, and Netflix, right? Books can be very easy to ignore. But I'm here to happily report: they ARE reading. In my experience as a teacher, I see this age group as passionate and engaged with books. There is hope for the future of America. Amen and Glory!</div>
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Here's the thing: it takes a lot of time and energy to find good books for kids. Not everyone has hours to peruse Amazon or Barnes and Noble, but for me? It's probably the best part of my job! I've seen these books win over teens time and time again, so, I'm delighted to share with you.</div>
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When you bring them home, don't offer him incentives or nag, just set them on the coffee table or on his dresser and say NOTHING. In fact, it might help to say, <em>"Ya know, these might be too mature for you, but I thought I'd risk it."</em> (Insert evil laughter)</div>
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I have intentionally thought of boys when writing this post, but girls have also loved all of these titles.</div>
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So in no particular order:</div>
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1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Homelanders-Andrew-Klavan/dp/140168694X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1431975585&sr=1-1&keywords=homelanders+series" target="_blank">The Homelanders</a> Series by Andrew Klavan - There are 4 books in this series about a boy on the run. The link I have here is for all four books in one volume, which might be a bit much, but it's a great value!</div>
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2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Michael-Vey-Prisoner-Cell-Book/dp/1442468122" target="_blank">The Michael Vey Series</a> by Richard Paul Evans - I cannot recommend these books enough. Boys and girls both have loved these books about an ordinary kid with extraordinary powers. There are four books out right now, but the final series will be seven books total.</div>
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<u>3. </u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/False-Prince-Book-Ascendance-Trilogy/dp/0545284147/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1431976399&sr=1-1&keywords=the+ascendance+trilogy" target="_blank">The Ascendance Trilogy -</a> by Jennifer Nielsen - These might be more fun for younger teens (grades 5-8) but they have been a winner every time. If they like these books, check out her latest title in a different series called <em>The Mark of the Thief.</em></div>
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4.<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Steelheart-Reckoners-Brandon-Sanderson/dp/0385743572/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1431976662&sr=1-1&keywords=steelheart" target="_blank"> Steelheart</a> by Brandon Sanderson - This author is unbelievable. He's been writing in the Fantasy genre for many years, but now he's breaking into more Adventure/Action writing. This book would be more for older teens. </div>
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5. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/World-Without-Heroes-Beyonders/dp/1416997938/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1431977784&sr=1-4&keywords=beyonders" target="_blank">The Beyonders</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fablehaven-Brandon-Mull/dp/1416947205/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1431977855&sr=1-3&keywords=fablehaven" target="_blank">Fablehaven</a> Series by Brandon Mull - These books are for fans of fantasy and adventure. Also, don't miss his new series, <em>Five Kingdoms</em>.<br />
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6.<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Outlaw-Ted-Dekker/dp/1455578533/ref=sr_1_11?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1431978135&sr=1-11&keywords=ted+dekker" target="_blank"> Outlaw</a> by Ted Dekker - If your older teen hasn't read any Ted Dekker, now is the time! Dekker has so many great novels to choose from that are filled with great truths told through compelling (and sometimes downright creepy) stories.<br />
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<strong><u>Summer Reading Tips for Teens:</u></strong><br />
<ul>
<li>Institute a "tech-free" time each night. Maybe by 9:30/10 PMall screens go off and the books come out. </li>
<li>Get your teen to the library once in awhile, or head to Barnes & Noble for a quick check on what's new.</li>
<li>Reading on a screen is okay, but I think it usually leads to other games/distractions. Fill your house with books, so there are no excuses!</li>
</ul>
Jeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14195076731575607511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13590327.post-53096827028782088052015-02-27T14:58:00.001-06:002015-02-27T14:58:07.986-06:003 Favorite Books From February<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is a huge sigh of relief that comes at the end of
February for me. My soul shouts:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i>YES! We made it! The coldest
months are behind us and even though there could be a few cold days ahead, they
will succumb to the inevitable, delightful Spring. </i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Amen and Amen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are a few of the best books from the frigid month of February.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wait. First of all, if you haven’t watched a Kid President video, I’m sorry.
Stop everything you’re doing and watch this: </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6Y6BKWQvu8EaiM0E587i5nDlTYr_68Ek3HI1FvfS3aWzvbyv58yY-tVl_8lyJXUywOBvQCAdZSqGYYrhJvIsWHEhAW1xABMYpqgAgNHBFVg_rkJPy0JJaF8OA5vvgglyJG73eQ/s1600/kid+president.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6Y6BKWQvu8EaiM0E587i5nDlTYr_68Ek3HI1FvfS3aWzvbyv58yY-tVl_8lyJXUywOBvQCAdZSqGYYrhJvIsWHEhAW1xABMYpqgAgNHBFVg_rkJPy0JJaF8OA5vvgglyJG73eQ/s1600/kid+president.png" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I promise, it’s probably the best thing on the YouTubes and Googles combined. I simply adore him and the message. I’ve been intrigued
by him from the start, so I had to read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kid-Presidents-Guide-Being-Awesome/dp/0062358685" target="_blank">The Kid President’s Guide to Being Awesome</a>, of course. It’s filled with stories about people who are doing awesome
things like helping kids read in poor communities, giving away eyeglasses, and
handing out cupcakes to homeless people. It’s impossible to read this book
without feeling inspired.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDN7TzFGma9ohpgHRrPHzindZ4gMvABeQyyydZ2uGjfUC3xauKvVLmMrzWvd-l7iH4KlV04IrqL9bozo1xFwJ_l53ceG5WU9B_75HKfBoWb7-5Qq16hf3qhYGgZoEIwDdm-LO-Q/s1600/good+news.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDN7TzFGma9ohpgHRrPHzindZ4gMvABeQyyydZ2uGjfUC3xauKvVLmMrzWvd-l7iH4KlV04IrqL9bozo1xFwJ_l53ceG5WU9B_75HKfBoWb7-5Qq16hf3qhYGgZoEIwDdm-LO-Q/s1600/good+news.png" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Good-News-Weary-Women--Do/dp/1414395388/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1425069664&sr=1-1&keywords=good+news+for+weary+women" target="_blank">Good News for Weary Women</a> by Elyse Fitzpatrick was another
encouraging book - lots of highlighting and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">YES</i></b> in the margin. I
appreciated her no-nonsense way of taking my attention to the scriptures to
find my identity and not Christian culture. Sometimes we see other Christian
women and think – <em>Oh, should I be doing that? Or this?</em> Christ’s sacrifice for
me makes me righteous. NOTHING. ELSE. I needed that.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRIK5QSZ4o9t_7WrOJ6HxyotKTBXrSBu9kJMsakLKu5n7g5Q9qvFDSN33TjfQzPWo78xqPWvFShWQsYthuoPv8i3mQBqhMfFnMAxmHkdT24Zf9WqT1SuefG0qOA3Ab2yEVwh_7A/s1600/okay+for+now.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRIK5QSZ4o9t_7WrOJ6HxyotKTBXrSBu9kJMsakLKu5n7g5Q9qvFDSN33TjfQzPWo78xqPWvFShWQsYthuoPv8i3mQBqhMfFnMAxmHkdT24Zf9WqT1SuefG0qOA3Ab2yEVwh_7A/s1600/okay+for+now.png" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You know I love getting good books for my classroom and I
found GOLD this month with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Okay-Now-Gary-D-Schmidt/dp/0544022807/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1425069701&sr=1-1&keywords=okay+for+now+by+gary+d.+schmidt" target="_blank">Okay For Now </a>by Gary D. Schmidt. Oh my goodness. This
companion book to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wednesday-Wars-Gary-D-Schmidt/dp/054723760X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1425069740&sr=1-1&keywords=the+wednesday+wars" target="_blank">The Wednesday Wars</a> is nothing short of genius. I loved it
because it broke my heart and put it back together again. No biggie.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Other books I read this month: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fourteenth-Goldfish-Jennifer-L-Holm/dp/0375870644/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1425069773&sr=1-1&keywords=the+fourteenth+goldfish+by+jennifer+holm" target="_blank">The Fourteenth Goldfish</a> by
Jennifer Holm (middle grade fiction), <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-My-People-Are/dp/1414391730/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1425069800&sr=1-1&keywords=home+is+where+my+people+are" target="_blank">Home is Where My People Are</a> by Sophie
Hudson (memoir), <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Honest-Truth-Dan-Gemeinhart/dp/0545665736/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1425069827&sr=1-1&keywords=the+honest+truth+by+dan+gemeinhart" target="_blank">The Honest Truth</a> (middle grade fiction)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Your turn! What books have you read lately that I need to know about?</span></div>
Jeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14195076731575607511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13590327.post-89571581410532561872015-01-12T19:30:00.001-06:002015-01-12T19:30:51.260-06:00Six Books That Blew My Mind (Part II)<script charset="utf-8" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fintermissio00-20%2F8010%2F4c936af1-135f-45aa-ba22-9d06c81b5426&Operation=GetScriptTemplate" type="text/javascript"> </script> <noscript><a HREF="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fintermissio00-20%2F8010%2F4c936af1-135f-45aa-ba22-9d06c81b5426&Operation=NoScript">Amazon.com Widgets</A></noscript>
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Well, howdy! Welcome to Part II of the six books that blew my mind. This post isn't about books I've just read in the last year, they are the books I've read over my lifetime that I cannot recommend enough to you. Scroll down to see the first three, <em>The Gift of an Ordinary Day, Montana 1948</em>, and <em>The Gift of The Sea</em>. Here are the rest!<br />
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4. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kill-Mockingbird-Harper-Lee/dp/0446310786/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1420860941&sr=1-1&keywords=to+kill+a+mockingbird+by+harper+lee" target="_blank"><em>To Kill a Mockingbird</em></a> by Harper Lee<br />
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<strong>What drew me to this book...</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
It almost seems cliché to even put this book on the list, but I would feel dishonest if I didn't write about it here. It really is a life-changing book.<br />
<strong></strong><br />
In 1996, fresh out of college, I was required to teach this novel. I was embarrassed that I'd never read it before myself. But I cracked it open, and finally realized what all the fuss was about. <br />
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This book is not only an excellent story about a girl, her father, and a small town in Alabama. This is a story about what it means to be human and walk on this earth with people who don't happen to look like you or live like you. <br />
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<strong>The book moved or changed me by...</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
exposing the deep racism of the our country, especially in the south, in the 1930s and 40s. It made me laugh, cry, get angry, and fall in love with literature all over again. And, miracle of miracles, the movie adaptation is just as excellent as the novel. I think everyone reads this book/watches this movie wanting a Daddy like Atticus, no matter how wonderful your Daddy was. (Oh Gregory Peck! Actor of the ages!)<br />
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<strong>One quote or section that stands out to me from this book is:</strong> (This is the scene in the courtroom that always makes me weep. The verdict has been read and almost everyone has left the courthouse. Everyone except Scout, her father Atticus, and the black people in the balcony.)<br />
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Scout (Jean Louise)describes the scene:<br />
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<em>"Someone was punching me, but I was reluctant to take my eyes from the people below us, and from the image of Atticus' lonely walk down the aisle. "Miss Jean Louise?" I looked around. They were standing. All around us and in the balcony on the opposite wall, the Negroes were getting to their feet. Reverend Syke's voice was as distant as Judge Taylor's: "Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father's passin'."</em><br />
<em></em><br />
5. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Gift-Unwrapping-Story-Christmas/dp/1414387083/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421109665&sr=8-1&keywords=the+greatest+gift" target="_blank">The Greatest Gift</a> by Ann Voskamp<br />
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<strong>What drew me to this book?</strong><br />
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This is a "Christmas" book for the advent season, but I think a person could read it and enjoy it any time of year. I read Voskamp's first book, <em>One Thousand Gifts</em>, but I was more moved by this book for some reason. I think I appreciated the build-up to the coming of the Savior and the way she opened up my eyes to parts of scripture in a new light.<br />
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<strong>The book moved or changed me by...</strong><br />
<br />
helping me slow down this past advent season and really worship Christ. My December is usually just bonkers: basketball season starts up, the house needs to get "Christmas-y" and I feel the pressure to buy gifts and send out cards, and...oh, you know. A Mama's Nightmare in 3-D. <br />
<br />
But this book seriously helped me rise above all that. I wanted a Christmas where Christ really was the center. Could it happen? Yes, but it's a daily battle! It was in the journaling response section after each daily reading that helped center my thoughts on Christ instead of my lengthy to-do list. (I hope that Voskamp's future books have this sort of set-up...)<br />
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<strong>One quote or section of the book that stands out for me:</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<em>You don't need to climb mountains named I Will Perform.</em><br />
<em>You don't need to climb mountains named I Will Produce.</em><br />
<em>Every mountain that every Christian ever faces, the Lord levels with sufficient grace: The Lord Will Provide.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
6. <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Daughters-Novel-Nicole-Baart/dp/1439197385/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1421110885&sr=1-1&keywords=the+beautiful+daughters" target="_blank">The Beautiful Daughters</a></em> by Nicole Baart<br />
<br />
<strong>What drew me to this book?</strong><br />
<br />
I'm so excited to tell you about this author. I have enjoyed her previous novels like <em>Far From Here</em> and <em>Sleeping In Eden</em>, but this book (which hasn't even been released yet!) is by far my favorite. I have a friend who is reading it right now, but I'll try to remember as much of it as possible for you.<br />
<br />
I had connected with the author, <a href="http://www.nicolebaart.com/" target="_blank">Nicole Baart</a> on Twitter and she'd been so kind as to send some goodies to my classroom for my students who love her books. I won this book through Twitter when Nicole was giving away advanced copies. <br />
<br />
I completely DEVOURED it. <br />
<br />
There are several layers and stories going on at once, and it kept me guessing until the very end. It's the saga of best friends who lost touch with one another and reunite through a series of tragedies. I especially loved the vivid descriptions; I feel like I've been "in" this book, if that makes sense.<br />
<br />
<strong>This book moved or changed me by:</strong><br />
<br />
I want to be clear that this isn't "Christian fiction" -- I'm not even sure I know what that genre really means. The story doesn't end with a neat, clean finish. Life is messy. Relationships are complicated. Faith can be hard to hold onto. I do know that Nicole loves the Lord, and writes through that lens. But she's not afraid of hard topics such as sex trafficking or abuse or doubt. <br />
<br />
She writes bravely, which translates into a glimmering diamond of a novel.<br />
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<em>I'm sorry; I don't have a quote to share because I don't have the book at the moment.</em><br />
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<em><strong>Look for it in late April!</strong></em></div>
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Jeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14195076731575607511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13590327.post-50165401711743359692015-01-11T18:27:00.000-06:002015-01-11T18:27:02.476-06:00Six Books That Blew My Mind (Part I)There is no denying it: I am a zealous book lover. <br />
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I'm not sure when my love for reading turned the corner from "simple enjoyment" to "slightly obsessed." I'll think about it and save that for another post.
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<br />
Today, I simply want to share THE six books that made my head explode. I had to choose from all the books I've ever read, so this was a challenge; but when I narrowed it down to the books I actually had in my possession, it made it easier.<br />
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These were the ones I held close to my chest after finishing and thought, "Wow. THAT is why we read. THAT is the beauty of the written word."
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<br />
And then I immediately wanted everyone else I knew in the whole wide world to read it, too.
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This post got pretty lengthy, so I've decided to break it up into two parts -- three books per post.<br />
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<script charset="utf-8" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_cw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fintermissio00-20%2F8010%2F4c936af1-135f-45aa-ba22-9d06c81b5426&Operation=GetScriptTemplate" type="text/javascript"> </script> <noscript><a HREF="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_cw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fintermissio00-20%2F8010%2F4c936af1-135f-45aa-ba22-9d06c81b5426&Operation=NoScript">Amazon.com Widgets</A></noscript>
(Hold down the arrow buttons to see various covers)
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1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gift-Ordinary-Day-Mothers-Memoir/dp/0446409499/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1420858761&sr=1-1&keywords=the+gift+of+an+ordinary+day" target="_blank"><em>The Gift of an Ordinary Day</em></a> by Katrina Kenison<br />
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<strong>What drew me to this book?</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
This is the memoir of a mother of boys, just like me. Her writing makes me feel like I'm sitting down with a good friend, encouraging me in my life as a mother.<br />
<br />
<strong>This book moved me or changed me by...</strong> <br />
<br />
helping me see the beauty of a simple day and to make the most of the time when my children are home.<br />
<br />
<strong>One quote or section that stands out to me from this book is:</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<em>"I want to live with a sense of abundance in the here and now, knowing that what we have is exactly enough. Instead of wishing that my sons cold be somehow other than they are, I want to remind myself to see, everyday, what is already good in each of them and to love that."</em><br />
<br />
(Isn't that GORGEOUS?)<br />
<br />
2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_7?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=montana%201948&sprefix=montana%2Cstripbooks%2C364" target="_blank">Montana 1948</a> by Larry Watson<br />
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<strong>This book moved or changed me by...</strong><br />
<br />
The elegant, simple beauty of well-written story. This is a compact, rather short novel filled with treasure. It's the story of a 12-year old boy coming of age one summer. I was completely mesmerized by the writing and the narrator.<br />
<br />
<strong>One quote or section that stand out to me from this book is:</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<em>"The harshness of the land and the flattening effect of wind and endless sky probably accounted for the relative tranquility of Mercer County. Life was simply too hard, and so much of your attention and energy went into keeping not only yourself but also your family, your crops, and your cattle alive, that nothing was left over for raising hell or making trouble."</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<strong>One thing the author does that makes this book so compelling is...</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
The author chooses words so perfectly. It feels as if there is nothing "extra" in the story and every sentence is exactly as it should be.<br />
<br />
<em>3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_17?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=gift+from+the+sea+by+anne+morrow+lindbergh&sprefix=gift+from+the+sea%2Cstripbooks%2C187&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Agift+from+the+sea+by+anne+morrow+lindbergh" target="_blank">Gift from the Sea</a></em> by Anne Morrow Lindbergh<br />
<br />
<strong>What drew me to this book...</strong><br />
<br />
I had seen this book recommended over and over again, and when I read it, I realized why. Lindbergh reminds women of the importance of solitude and inner quiet. She steals away to an island where she writes, walks the beach, collects shells, and ruminates what it means to be wife, mother, woman. <br />
<br />
<strong>This book moved or changed me by...</strong>awakening my desire to truly quiet my spirit DAILY.<br />
<br />
<strong>One quote or section that stands out to me is</strong>...there are so many! It's hard to choose, but here's one:<br />
<br />
<em>"Mechanically, we have gained, in the last generation, but spiritually we have, I think, unwittingly lost. In other times, women had in their lives forces which centered them whether or not they realized it; sources which nourished them whether or not they consciously went to these springs. Their very seclusion in the home gave them time alone. Many of their duties were conducive to a quiet contemplative drawing together of the self."</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em></em><br />
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What about you? What books are blowing your mind these days?</div>
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STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT THREE BOOKS!</div>
Jeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14195076731575607511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13590327.post-40831365793985721872015-01-07T22:26:00.000-06:002015-01-07T22:26:23.720-06:00Where I'm FromThis week, I started a month-long writing course called "Discover the Power of Your Voice" by <a href="http://www.allisonvesterfelt.com/" target="_blank">Allison Vesterfelt</a>, the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Packing-Light-Thoughts-Living-Baggage/dp/0802407293/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1420689221&sr=1-1&keywords=packing+light" target="_blank">Packing Light</a>.<br />
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I found out about this class on Twitter, and just couldn't shake the feeling that I should go for it. Immediately I heard opposition. You know what I'm talking about? That inner bully that gets all up in your face?<br />
<br />
I had to mentally karate chop the voices yelling, <br />
<em>"You don't have time for that!"</em><br />
<em>"You'll only feel more guilty and overwhelmed!"</em><br />
<em>"You aren't good enough!" </em><br />
<br />
(I'm not the only one who hears these voices, right? RIGHT??)<br />
<br />
After the in-my-head karate session, I signed up, paid the fee, and prayed I would follow through well with this. I've got a nasty habit of jumping in with excitement, but getting distracted or discouraged in the middle and not finishing well.<br />
<br />
So, let's at least start off on a good foot and get this first assignment onto the old blog, shall we? I suppose the grand test will be if you see the LAST assignment, and not just the first.<br />
<br />
The first assignment is a poem called "Where I'm From." After some brainstorming about my childhood, here is the poem that came to the surface. The beauty of this exercise is that it truly helps you remember who you are and what brought you to today.<br />
<br />
As Allison writes in the workbook, <em>"...I find as we begin to think consciously about these experiences, messages, and images, we gain insight into who we are becoming as a writer and what we want to say."</em> Agreed!<br />
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WHERE I'M FROM</div>
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I'm from Ivory Soap, swinging kitchen doors, </div>
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Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies</div>
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I'm from big bowls of popcorn in front of the TV</div>
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a black cat sneaking around your feet</div>
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I'm from singing around a piano, harmonies rising like the sun</div>
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big laughter that can't be contained</div>
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tickling, poking, and picking</div>
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until you can't take it anymore</div>
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but you hope it never stops</div>
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I'm from Del and Marge and Harold and Vernita</div>
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Blessed Assurance and Just As I Am</div>
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I'm from </div>
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<em>Remember who you are</em></div>
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<em>Good Lord willing</em></div>
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<em> Turn off the light</em> </div>
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<em>Call me when you get there</em></div>
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I'm from big Sunday dinners and pork chops on the grill</div>
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Peanut butter toast and cheap chocolate ice cream</div>
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I'm from the middle of nowhere</div>
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and the middle of everywhere that matters</div>
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the places where love and joy take root</div>
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and grow into something so strong</div>
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Jeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14195076731575607511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13590327.post-83676806368041724982015-01-06T15:49:00.000-06:002015-01-06T15:52:59.916-06:00Disturb Us, Lord (Sir Francis Drake - 1577)A prayer for the new year...<br />
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<br />
Disturb us, Lord, when<br />
We are too well pleased with ourselves,<br />
When our dreams have come true<br />
Because we have dreamed too little,<br />
When we arrived safely<br />
Because we sailed too close to the shore.<br />
<br />
Disturb us, Lord, when<br />
With the abundance of things we possess<br />
We have lost our thirst<br />
For the waters of life;<br />
Having fallen in love with life,<br />
We have ceased to dream of eternity<br />
And in our efforts to build a new earth,<br />
We have allowed our vision<br />
Of the new heaven to dim.<br />
<br />
Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,<br />
To venture on wider seas<br />
Where storms will show your mastery;<br />
Where losing sight of land,<br />
We shall find the stars.<br />
<br />
We ask you to push back <br />
The horizons of our hopes;<br />
And to push into the future<br />
In strength, courage, hope, and love.Jeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14195076731575607511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13590327.post-23015656606809190552014-12-05T10:17:00.003-06:002014-12-05T10:18:58.622-06:00Charlie Brown Speed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If it's almost Christmas time, you can bet we have <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Charlie-Brown-Christmas-Ann-Altieri/dp/B001K2JE9K/ref=sr_1_3?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1417796181&sr=1-3&keywords=charlie+brown">Charlie Brown Christmas</a> music playing at some point in our house. A certain family member has even been known to panic if we start to decorate the tree without this soundtrack running in the background.<br />
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I think it's the simple sweetness of this movie and this music that gets me every time. It makes me want to stop and drink hot chocolate while staring at the twinkling tree, instead of running through a drive-thru and rushing to one more basketball game, which is what usually happens.<br />
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This year, I can't change the schedule or change the fast food meals, but I can change my attitude. I can take time each day to look my children in the eye and tell them I love them. I can stop snapping my fingers at them and speak with grace.<br />
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I can refuse to do every. single. thing. on my Christmas to-do list. <br />
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I want Charlie Brown speed, but if I can't have that, I can at least keep my heart warm and tender to all things Advent. That's the Christmas I want.<br />
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<em>How about you? What helps you "slow down" during December?</em><br />
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<br />Jeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14195076731575607511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13590327.post-832856289853522902014-11-19T16:34:00.001-06:002014-11-19T16:35:48.192-06:00Make-up and MirrorsIn the latest issue of <a href="http://www.wng.org/" target="_blank">WORLD magazine</a> (Nov 15 2014), Andree Seu Peterson writes about vanity and the heart's condition in her essay, "The New Photos."<br />
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Like many magazines, WORLD includes photos of the writers with their work. In this particular issue, it was time to update after five years of the same photo. Peterson laments this fact:<br />
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<em>"What's bothering me is that my last picture in WORLD was pretty nice because it happened to be a good day when the photographer came. My hair was uncharacteristically thick and I had not lost my right incisor yet, and the blue shirt made me look as if I had azure eyes instead of dishwater color."</em><br />
<em></em><br />
I can relate to Peterson. Aging is something that sneaks up on a person like a common house cat. You know the cat is in the room, but you are still surprised when you feel him weave his way between your feet or purr behind your chair. <br />
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You knew this was coming, but still.<br />
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Every year as a teacher, I get the same mug shot as all the students. It's slightly agonizing. There is no make-up or special mirror to change what the camera records. This is who I am. This is reality. Will I obsess over the details and cringe at the inevitable signs of aging? Or will I embrace my moment in this journey - my age and all the experiences I've had - and "laugh at the days to come?" (Proverbs 31, oh yeah!)<br />
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I want to laugh. <br />
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I want to look at that mirror and smile at the woman I've become, no matter how many lines she has on her face.<br />
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And as for my photo on this blog? You'll have to decide if it's really me or not...Jeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14195076731575607511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13590327.post-44895059536063597172014-10-23T15:13:00.001-05:002014-10-23T15:13:07.511-05:00You Are Enough<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I work with many teenage girls on a daily basis, so I am always looking for books and writers that speak "their language." </div>
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<a href="http://www.kateelizabethconner.com/">Kate Conner</a> is hitting the center of the target with this one: <em><strong>10 Things for Teen Girls</strong></em> is a book I wish I could put in the hands of every one of my girls.</div>
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And if you are someone who strives to love teen girls by speaking truth into their lives, check this out for yourself:</div>
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What books are encouraging you right now in your circle of influence?</div>
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<br />Jeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14195076731575607511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13590327.post-37017190007997845412014-10-14T15:33:00.001-05:002014-10-14T15:33:36.085-05:00Interview with Brock Eastman - Part 2<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for sticking around for Part 2 of this interview with author Brock Eastman, author of <em>Howlsage</em>, one of the favorites in my classroom!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dpJCbIw41jYMcyWT0KgVfT17APmRrqGNkhLU3LGFhautvhHbX4zbk9GmgIaNOoDhaz3W2Bonp3tKENnyviY180R33mN3LsNExwAtwIG4XMf9L7F_a0_LaNJ_hQ_dF7ss_8Z3pQ/s1600/howlsage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dpJCbIw41jYMcyWT0KgVfT17APmRrqGNkhLU3LGFhautvhHbX4zbk9GmgIaNOoDhaz3W2Bonp3tKENnyviY180R33mN3LsNExwAtwIG4XMf9L7F_a0_LaNJ_hQ_dF7ss_8Z3pQ/s1600/howlsage.jpg" height="320" width="222" /></a></div>
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As of this writing, it looks like the KickStarter campaign is 90% funded right now with just over a day left! If you haven't checked it out, click<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/258946671/sages-of-darkness-book-series-fighting-demons" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">here</span></a> to see how you can help get some great books published!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUabtzqHp6qdnqkL5X9BJNsQbqh_YqnDp8LCN0w93t6-NEIPDg-M18udzD-l5431WT7ULODH0FexgDaklpAQnWZPjTrgQ1rF46OCZNa7C8BvzlcNvf3rJ7gCRvwI-hKyNBpLmWA/s1600/sages+of+darkness.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUabtzqHp6qdnqkL5X9BJNsQbqh_YqnDp8LCN0w93t6-NEIPDg-M18udzD-l5431WT7ULODH0FexgDaklpAQnWZPjTrgQ1rF46OCZNa7C8BvzlcNvf3rJ7gCRvwI-hKyNBpLmWA/s1600/sages+of+darkness.png" height="118" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Here is the rest of my interview with Brock -- </span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">5.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">How
has KickStarter changed the book/publishing world?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Crowdfunding platforms like KickStarter have
done something really amazing and exciting for the publishing world, or for that
matter, creators in general. KickStarter brings the consumer and the creator
into a partnership unlike before. In the case of book publishing, authors rally
their readers with exciting opportunities and special editions of their latest
series. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In this way series that might be turned down by a publisher come to
life because an author’s readers get behind it and fund the creation, which
might include editing, typesetting, cover creation, printing, and distribution.
It’s true teamwork. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Most books come to be because an author’s
work somehow finds itself out of an agent’s slush pile and onto their desk,
then the agent takes the work to a whole lot of publishers and hopefully the
manuscript and proposal find their way in front of an acquisitions team, which
then selects what books will get published, finally it goes through extensive
editing and will be given some sort of promotion to get it on to bookstore
shelves. It involves a lot of competition and a lot of people’s opinions.
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But with Crowdfunding the author and their readers create something together.
<strong>The readers will always remember they helped make it happen and therefore the
series means even more to them, and the author will always be grateful to their
audience who made it all possible. It really is a win-win for everyone.</strong></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">And that’s why I chose to launch a KickStarter
to finish Sages of Darkness. <em>HowlSage</em> came out back in 2011, and my readers
have been left in the lurch since then waiting to read what happens to Taylor
and Ike. I’ve received so </span></o:p></span>many questions and comments in regards to the series and the next book, that it was finally time to do it. But I needed funds to commission the editing of the books, so I turned to KickStarter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The fun thing is, I got to come up with all sorts of rewards for my readers that get them involved in the creation. From something as little as $5 to get your name listed in the back of the book, to $250 and having a minor character named for you, or even $750 to have one of the remaining two books dedicated to you. There are of course many other rewards, like e-books, paperbacks, and dust jackets of the series as well as Skype conversations and Novel Proposal reviews. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">6.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">What
authors do you currently enjoy reading?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The last book I read was <em>The Rule of Three</em> by
Eric Walters, but I also like Patrick Carman (<em>Skeleton Creek</em> and <em>Thirteen Days
to Midnight</em>), Donita K. Paul</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> (<em>Dragon Keeper Chronicles</em>),
Veronica Roth (<em>Divergent</em> trilogy), Aaron Becker (<em>Journey and Quest</em>), Frank
Peretti (<em>This Present Darkness</em> and <em>Piercing the Darkness</em>), and also Carl
Hiaasen (<em>Chomp</em> and <em>Hoot</em>.) But really I am so busy editing and writing, that it
can be hard for me to dig in and read a book. I tend to get so into a story I
can’t stop until I am done.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">7.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Any
advice for young authors?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Number one: JUST FINISH!</strong> I think the biggest
problem I see is kids have great ideas, but they don’t want to write the whole
story. One chapter isn’t a book; ideas on paper aren’t a book--you need to
write the story from beginning to end. Don’t even edit the first time; just
write your whole story from start to finish. When you have the full story, it’s
easier to pull it apart and revise it into a great story. It’s like most
anything you buy, version 1 is usually not as great as version 2 and 3. But
version 2 and 3 wouldn’t be possible without a complete working version 1. There will be plenty of time to go back and clean it up. JUST FINISH!</span></span></span></div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’d add, don’t let your first critique get
you down; don’t let <strong>any</strong> critique get you down. Use criticisms positive or
negative to dig in and make your story better. I received some hard criticism
when I first started writing; I took it to heart and stopped writing.
Eventually I shook it off and continued to finish my book. And what do you
know, I got published. I believe that if you tell the story God wants you to,
then it’s going to find its home with a publisher. If God is in it,
success will follow.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Jeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14195076731575607511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13590327.post-39491788234847400612014-10-09T14:21:00.000-05:002014-10-09T14:24:41.807-05:00Interview With Brock Eastman - Part I<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbUdz40yYuVFyZlsqMDgJvw8Zmz7J46cr_zgn2D_X47a3AknmAvQyQVPecXlDzSi_KRvdrdmPUKKyqYF63lpq-7-07C78ZIETx033F_jzV2aCUKgLnOGv_HMcG5q5uzBYsXptSg/s1600/3DRisk.png" height="200" width="126" /></div>
<br />
Years ago, authors were like characters in their books -- people who seemed real, but untouchable.<br />
<br />
Enter the world of 2014, my friend. I can tweet, email,<strike> stalk</strike> an author and actually get a human response.<br />
<br />
This is what happened with writer Brock Eastman. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbDIimArAeKBBj04NIY3_SyZTKxBES3tXGqhkt5OQskdypLlNTJn_JlaMiDR6t2DYbRRFtTR_ZBdkpTlx5fNjpQNH2coZ-hN8cdap1FuzSRexI_0xtf_p7avnSWGIrkpxnkdNww/s1600/brock+eastman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbDIimArAeKBBj04NIY3_SyZTKxBES3tXGqhkt5OQskdypLlNTJn_JlaMiDR6t2DYbRRFtTR_ZBdkpTlx5fNjpQNH2coZ-hN8cdap1FuzSRexI_0xtf_p7avnSWGIrkpxnkdNww/s1600/brock+eastman.jpg" height="320" width="218" /></a></div>
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<em>He just looks like he's got a story to tell you, doesn't he?</em></div>
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You may know his work from Focus on the Family books such as The Quest of Truth series.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWXSSZxgkxRvasUImRONBlfHcnsm3jl39CVoPWuh10CZodBXqrgVHvB1KQ0e8JxW8YkrPP49rWoXom4pKzyiT8Wl3r_j-5625MBqS-6F0j-jz5ws63SK9DviDx1Deo_LQU_TuSA/s1600/3DTaken.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWXSSZxgkxRvasUImRONBlfHcnsm3jl39CVoPWuh10CZodBXqrgVHvB1KQ0e8JxW8YkrPP49rWoXom4pKzyiT8Wl3r_j-5625MBqS-6F0j-jz5ws63SK9DviDx1Deo_LQU_TuSA/s1600/3DTaken.png" height="200" width="124" /></a></div>
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These books are great adventures for the middle grade years.</div>
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A few of my students read another book by Eastman called <em>Howlsage</em>:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZcgtX7wmWBFS2YaM9XCR4E8oetvcCprh-SiniqhmxvrI-ix-un0rmC56D5ijQ0rjtq3DfweEasuoOCMZLwQHjzUiYQZMCo9Cc-bHG5-RxvTqmoqIsHBrM_cofWv91tv-OYaXxA/s1600/howlsage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZcgtX7wmWBFS2YaM9XCR4E8oetvcCprh-SiniqhmxvrI-ix-un0rmC56D5ijQ0rjtq3DfweEasuoOCMZLwQHjzUiYQZMCo9Cc-bHG5-RxvTqmoqIsHBrM_cofWv91tv-OYaXxA/s1600/howlsage.jpg" height="320" width="222" /></a></div>
They loved it! And when my students get excited about a book, I do my best to connect with the author and let them know. I made sure to write a quick review on Amazon and connect on Twitter. <br />
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Here are a couple excerpts from my Amazon review:</div>
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My students couldn't wait to read the next book in this trilogy, but when I realized that the books weren't available yet, I discovered we could play a part in helping Brock publish and finish the set.</div>
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The publisher of the Howlsage book made a decision to no longer publish fiction. So as a writer, Brock had to find a way to publish them himself. His Kickstarter Campaign is almost 70% funded. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are only a few days left in his </span><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/258946671/sages-of-darkness-book-series-fighting-demons?ref=nav_search" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Kickstarter Campaign</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> - would you consider helping? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Brock was kind enough to answer a few questions for me and my students. Here is the beginning of this interview: </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">1.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">What
kind of books did you read when you were in school? </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span> </div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">This is a big regret for me from my school
days. I really didn’t read much at all. I read required books and my Bible, but
that was primarily it. I missed out on so much and it wasn’t until college and
the Harry Potter series that I fell in love with reading. Now I have bookshelves
filled with books I have read and books I can’t wait to read. <strong>Seriously--to any
kid reading this, read books. If you aren’t, you’re missing out on a lot of
amazing adventures through the wild world of your imagination.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">2.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">When
and how did becoming an author happen for you?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Well, I was officially published in 2011 with the
release of Taken, but it was in 2005 when I wrote the manuscript for Taken and
Risk (The Quest for Truth) as one book called Evad that I became an author. I
say this because being an author is more than getting a contract and having
your book printed and sold. It’s about committing to writing a story from
beginning to end. How I became an author is simply put an act of God. <strong>When I look
back at my path to publishing, there’s no way I could have done without it
being part of God’s plan</strong>. From choosing my career in marketing, to writing a
100k word manuscript in 2005 with no plans to publish, to marrying my wife and
moving to Colorado where I worked for Focus on the Family, and then got
involved with Adventures in Odyssey and marketing kids’ products, which taught
me about publishing and opened up lots of doors and relationships for my book
to become a reality. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">3.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">What
does a “normal” day for you look like as a writer?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, I, like many, have a full time job. I
currently work for a wonderful ministry called Compassion International. This
job keeps the lights on and my family fed. My family comes before writing so
when I’m not working, I’m spending time with them. Then in that small
percentage of time I have left over, I write, and I write like a madman. <strong>I like
to just let my imagination flow down from my brain and through my fingertips to
the keyboard</strong>. After I’ve let myself explore and capture the story, then I go
back and revise and edit. So when I write it’s intense and involved, it’s a lot
of coffee and soundtracks. Sometimes I’ll write until 2 in the morning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<em>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></em><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">4.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">What
do you do when the story just isn’t coming together?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I just sighed when I read this question,
because it’s a tough reality when it happens. When the story doesn’t come
together, it can really slow me down or discourage me. Because I write by the
seat of my pants and write rapidly, a disruption can cause me to take long
breaks from the story as I try to ponder what to do next, or how to fix the
problem. Though I have developed a few methods to help with this, some are
short, some are long. The short ones are going and watching a movie or
television show completely unrelated to the topic of my story. Playing with my
kids also helps; their imaginations are inspirational to me. Some longer
commitments are digging into a good book that I’ve been waiting to read (again
unrelated to my story topic) or sometimes I’ll switch gears and start planning
or writing an entirely new book. <strong>If you could see the amounts of starter stories
or ideas I have, you’d know I’ll be writing until I’m 120.</strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em></em></span></span> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What books is Brock currently reading and what advice does he have for young authors?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><strong>~~STAY TUNED FOR PART 2--COMING SOON~~</strong></em></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Brock's </span><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/258946671/sages-of-darkness-book-series-fighting-demons?ref=nav_search" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Kickstarter Campaign</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> - Let's go!</span></span></div>
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-AKIsMV1TSh4%2FVDVI98dGw6I%2FAAAAAAAAHy4%2FdUysoqpMfx8%2Fs1600%2F3DTaken.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWXSSZxgkxRvasUImRONBlfHcnsm3jl39CVoPWuh10CZodBXqrgVHvB1KQ0e8JxW8YkrPP49rWoXom4pKzyiT8Wl3r_j-5625MBqS-6F0j-jz5ws63SK9DviDx1Deo_LQU_TuSA/s1600/3DTaken.png" -->Jeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14195076731575607511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13590327.post-82184937257592127782014-05-29T13:00:00.002-05:002014-05-29T13:00:52.337-05:00What I've Learned This Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's getting crazy up in here. </div>
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There are only days left of school, family weddings and graduations looming around the corner, and it's been in the mid-80s for a few days in a row. We might be a little distracted, people.<br />
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I recently took students to the Walker Art Center, namely the sculpture garden. Have I mentioned how GORGEOUS it's been outside? <br />
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I would like to say learning outside is highly underrated.<br />
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<em>Spoon Bridge - Walker Sculpture Garden</em></div>
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It takes all my self-control not to skip around in the sunshine.</div>
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As my students reflect over the school year through various projects, it's only natural for me to reflect, too. Here are the top THREE things I learned over the 2013-2014 school year.</div>
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<u><strong><span style="font-size: large;">1. If You Give Them Books, They Will Read -</span></strong></u> I instituted a huge read-fest this year with my students. I required my 7/8 graders to read 15-20 books and my 9-12 graders to read 20-25 books. Over the summer, I accumulated as many books as I could, and planned on getting more.</div>
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I read <em><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Book-Love-Developing-Stamina-Adolescent/dp/0325042950/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400614202&sr=8-1&keywords=book+love+penny+kittle" target="_blank">Book Love</a> </strong></em>by Penny Kittle and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reading-Wild-Whisperers-Cultivating-Lifelong/dp/047090030X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400614235&sr=8-1&keywords=reading+in+the+wild+donalyn+miller" target="_blank"><em><strong>Reading in the Wild</strong></em> </a>by Donalyn Miller (The Book Whisperer, as she's better known in teacher circles.) I was so pumped, but unsure what to expect from my students.</div>
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I was blown away. I'm not kidding when I tell you that some of my students read 100+ books. <em>On their own</em>. They inspired me, astounded me, and motivated me to keep looking for titles they would love. </div>
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Now I know almost every single student's "book personality." I know Kenzie will want romance and Brandon will want military. I know Chris will want fantasy/adventure and Tim wants action and suspense. It's so fun to find a book and know the exact kid to match it with.</div>
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When they leave my classroom, I will have given them the tools to become life-long readers, and that makes me eternally happy. It all started with collecting books in my classroom. We have an AMAZING school library here, but unless I have great titles <em>at their fingertips</em>, they won't be as excited about reading.<br />
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Here are a couple of my students' favorite trilogies:</div>
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<u><strong><span style="font-size: large;">2. There Is Enough Time -</span></strong> </u>I used to think there was not enough time in the day to do everything I wanted to do or to be everything I wanted to be. I'd whine about how I didn't have enough time to make dinner or finish laundry or read or write on this here blog o' mine.</div>
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The thing is: that's an excuse. There's enough time. I have as much time as the next person, and I am the only one who really gets to decide how to use it. Like I said to my students today:<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">I've never looked back on my life and thought, </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Man, I wish I'd watched more television .</span></em></strong></div>
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I have enough time. I might not manage it as well as I should, but there is enough of it.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><u>3. Act the Way I Want to Feel</u></strong> - </span><span style="font-size: small;">This is something I think I first realized in my 20s, but then I forget and have to remind myself. If I want to FEEL happy, I need to ACT happy. If I want to FEEL energetic, I need to ACT energetic. For some reason, this works! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">For example, after school is a classic bad time for me. I'm snippy, frustrated, and just plain tired. But when I smile and act silly <em>intentionally</em>, suddenly I become lighter in my mood and am generally more pleasant to be around! (This thought is also talked about more in a great book by Gretchen Rubin called <em><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Happiness-Project-Aristotle-Generally/dp/006158326X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400615887&sr=8-1&keywords=the+happiness+project+by+gretchen+rubin" target="_blank">The Happiness Project.</a>)</strong></em></span><br />
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I dare you to try this. I'm always amazed when it actually works.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What about you? What have you learned this year?</span></div>
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Jeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14195076731575607511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13590327.post-36362588500765191672014-05-02T12:58:00.001-05:002014-05-04T19:14:04.758-05:00What I Read in AprilI am coming to you LIVE from the first week of May, where I am pondering the reading I did over the past month. Here is the skinny:<br />
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Let us first begin with the children, since after all, they are our future. (Sing it, Whitney!) <br />
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<em><strong>Fortunately the Milk</strong></em> by Neil Gaiman is a funny, clever story about a father going out for milk and coming back with a raucous good story about the adventure he had while holding onto the milk for dear life. The illustrations really make this book, I must say. My kids giggled reading it, so there you go.<br />
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My favorite pigeon is still up to mischief in this latest from the genius that is Mo Willems: <strong><em>The Pigeon Needs a Bath!</em></strong> My 7-12 grade students love it when I read these pigeon books. Someday, I hope to have the complete collection. They also said this was probably the best pigeon book out of all of them! Good to know!</div>
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Blessed fiction - that escape from reality. I read <em><strong>Mrs. Poe</strong></em> by Lynn Cullen, which was a bit of a departure for me. I don't usually enjoy historical fiction or "old-fashioned" novels, if that makes sense. But I am intrigued by Edgar Allen Poe and his life, so this was fun for the English teacher side of me.<br />
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If you enjoy suspense and romance, this book is for you. Taking snippets of reality from what we know of Poe, the author suggests a connection between the infamous writer and another woman who captures his attention. Although I wouldn't recommend it to my students, I enjoyed the suspenseful pacing and description of the time period.<br />
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I would say my favorite books this month were in the non-fiction category. <strong><em>Notes from a Blue Bike</em></strong> by Tsh Oxenreider and <strong><em>Restless</em></strong> by Jennie Allen.<br />
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Pretty safe to say I loved both of these books -- these are women I understand and connect with.</div>
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<a href="http://www.tshoxenreider.com/" target="_blank"> Tsh Oxendreider</a> takes us on a journey with her family across oceans and continents, trying to live life ON PURPOSE instead of chase a middle-class syllabus of predictability. Although we all can't travel like Oxenreider's family did, we can learn to stop reacting to our circumstances and start creating the life we desire.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zLqkgfO_5ejurGCJB_OK_dpPj2gP_JGirjQo-eZQEYEwEJxbiObVft3uF-8-svllWHnXCSggf0UcWjQ6xtGcmDB1slL3TVb-oUyBlxfbxeyLcMfwarIc6Jd3MjI1dcnXglebAg/s1600/restless+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zLqkgfO_5ejurGCJB_OK_dpPj2gP_JGirjQo-eZQEYEwEJxbiObVft3uF-8-svllWHnXCSggf0UcWjQ6xtGcmDB1slL3TVb-oUyBlxfbxeyLcMfwarIc6Jd3MjI1dcnXglebAg/s1600/restless+2.png" /></a>Have you ever wondered how to make sense of your life's journey? Do you feel restless in your faith, wondering where to go from here? Restless by <a href="http://www.jennieallen.com/" target="_blank">Jennie Allen</a> helps readers line up all those loose threads of our lives to see a bigger picture. </div>
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This is a book to mark-up! YES! As I filled in the pages with different moments, places, and people, I could see my purpose coming into view much more clearly than before. It confirmed some callings in my life, and opened my eyes to other possibilities.</div>
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This is a great book to do with a friend or a small group because sometimes we're too close to our own lives to see a pattern. A good friend can come along and give us a new vision. </div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">YOUR TURN:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><em><strong>What have you been reading lately? Are your kids into a series right now or have a favorite picture book?</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><em><strong>Stay tuned! I feel a book giveaway coming on!</strong></em></span></div>
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Jeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14195076731575607511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13590327.post-55717355327486285502014-04-29T20:10:00.001-05:002014-04-29T20:10:10.557-05:00How Does One "Teach" Worship?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is the first year we have had a class called "Worship Band" at the marvelous <a href="http://www.willmarccs.org/" target="_blank">school</a> where I teach.</div>
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When we first started talking about this class, we weren't completely sure what it would look like or what our goals were. It was clear that we wanted students to grow musically and spiritually. But how would that happen?</div>
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We introduced them to new artists like <a href="http://marshill.com/music/artists/dustin-kensrue" target="_blank">Dustin Kensrue</a> and <a href="http://www.gungormusic.com/" target="_blank">Gungor</a>. We gave them books like <a href="http://www.worshipmatters.com/" target="_blank">Worship Matters</a> by Bob Kaufflin. We prayed. We brought in guest speakers who have been leading worship for years.</div>
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It's never been perfect, but beautiful things have happened. We have talked about what it means to <a href="http://www.garythomas.com/books/sacred-pathways/" target="_blank">enjoy the presence of God</a>. We have laughed, gotten frustrated, surprised each other, and laughed again.</div>
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When we stand together and worship the Lord, there is a spirit of joy and freedom that only comes from the moving of the Spirit. We have found beautiful things rising out of the dust.</div>
Jeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14195076731575607511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13590327.post-641341563493900852014-04-23T06:08:00.000-05:002014-04-23T06:08:22.644-05:00Inspiration in a CaveYou need to know Amanda and Abner. They are the married duo that make <a href="http://www.johnnyswim.com/" target="_blank">JOHNNYSWIM</a>.<br />
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I know, what kind of a name for a band is JOHNNYSWIM? There are several stories online to suggest where the name came from, but I don't know if I believe any of them. It doesn't matter in the end, anyway. They could be called DUCT TAPE DISCO and I would still love this music.(Quick, someone take that band name. That's gold.)<br />
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I heard about them through <a href="http://www.bradytoops.com/" target="_blank">Brady Toops</a>, who posted much praise after one of their concerts. I took a listen on iTunes and grabbed the little EP "Heart Beats" right away. (Yes, you need this. Now.)
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How can you not love a couple who love Jesus and can play/sing like this?! I think one of my favorite parts is her swaying in joy at the beginning. :)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6bp1TMxgg2g" width="480"></iframe><br />
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This video is from the Bluegrass Underground - a sweet venue in the Cumberland Caverns of Tennessee. How beautiful is that?<br />
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I'm giving you a heads-up because new music - Diamonds - comes out on April 29th. Do yourself a favor and pre-order on iTunes to get the songs "Diamonds" and "Home." <br />
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Happy Wednesday, everyone!Jeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14195076731575607511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13590327.post-4186701552686978222014-04-12T17:43:00.000-05:002014-04-12T17:43:16.030-05:00Turning Anger into Action<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What's made you flaming angry lately?</div>
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Did you slam the steering wheel? </div>
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Write a passionate letter?</div>
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Vent to your Mama?</div>
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HOLLA?</div>
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Whatever it was, follow the path of that anger until you find out what is at the core. And guess what? </div>
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There's your passion, sister. </div>
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Here's what really burned my cheese recently: some statistics I found on the <a href="http://www.literacyprojectfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Literacy Project Foundation</a> website:</div>
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<strong>70% of U.S. adults have not been in a bookstore in the last year.</strong> </div>
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(Please go support Barnes & Noble if you've ever loved me at all.)</div>
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<strong>6/10 households do not buy a book in a single year</strong> </div>
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<em>(WHAT?!?)</em></div>
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<strong>44% of American adults do not read a book a year</strong> </div>
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(I blame Netflix.)</div>
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<strong>42% of American college graduates never read another book (for pleasure) after college.</strong> </div>
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(Now I'm weeping...)</div>
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<strong></strong> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxq09Mjgip_SRD4yhhQw7EccF5ti31NcKJ-G6EfD4HIvFjwOTJV_3EiO-PeJuN1afOqPnj9e3R39JwevAL9hhi2wJJjNbXjN2gRHV3XpbntKB-ZIKGwz1n2ezg3hfCIHH25X_y2w/s1600/bbury.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxq09Mjgip_SRD4yhhQw7EccF5ti31NcKJ-G6EfD4HIvFjwOTJV_3EiO-PeJuN1afOqPnj9e3R39JwevAL9hhi2wJJjNbXjN2gRHV3XpbntKB-ZIKGwz1n2ezg3hfCIHH25X_y2w/s1600/bbury.jpg" height="320" width="235" /></a></div>
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These are the facts and they make me sad. This is why I do what I do. Parents who don't read have children who don't read. The cycle continues until a reader is built. My classroom must be a place where students can develop into the readers I know they can become.</div>
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Kids begin loving books and stories, but by the time they come into my classroom, most of them have lost that love. They haven't been surrounded by great books. </div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">They haven't had anyone who cared enough to find the books that would light them up inside.</span></strong></div>
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Disclaimer: I know that in the grand scheme of love and life, finding books for your kids seems like another task on your never-ending <em>To Do List To Be An Awesome Parent.</em> (Can we just agree to throw these away, please?) The pressure to do this job well is overwhelming and I am not on a mission to pile on another bag o' guilt.</div>
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<em>The thing is: it's easier than you think</em>. Go to the library. Read books in front of your kids. Buy books. Go to Goodwill and buy a bunch. Talk to the teachers and librarian.</div>
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If you put a lot of good books around kids, they WILL read. Maybe not at first, maybe not with joy, but they will read. I've seen it happen over and over again.</div>
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Those statistics shocked and angered me into a greater passion for what I do as a teacher. If something is making you angry, perhaps it is the fire you need for action. </div>
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We need your fire - light up the world with the passion that makes you come alive.</div>
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<strong>Your turn: What's made you angry or passionate this past week?</strong> </div>
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Jeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14195076731575607511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13590327.post-4383140491881150882014-03-11T13:12:00.004-05:002014-03-11T13:12:44.223-05:00Forgiveness, Freedom, and Ted DekkerIt seems like there is always a student of mine reading a <a href="http://www.teddekker.com/" target="_blank">Ted Dekker</a> book!<br />
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I've only read<em> House</em> (written with Frank Peretti) and <em>Thr3e, </em>but it took me a long time to recover! My students love the suspense and gripping mystery in Dekker's books and keep me up-to-date on which ones to get into my classroom library.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49wkYn-rkwVaVpLhQ2s_LUVX3e8IeKZl1NYUC1ux_VMSCOIpl-OZM12j5EcoaMW75EMzXggBVUCAL4NdW2TxDYu9tQEBn85ScYet4vQbvy_do4JZfy73WFEy4lutejl4X1D8LzQ/s1600/house+by+dekker.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49wkYn-rkwVaVpLhQ2s_LUVX3e8IeKZl1NYUC1ux_VMSCOIpl-OZM12j5EcoaMW75EMzXggBVUCAL4NdW2TxDYu9tQEBn85ScYet4vQbvy_do4JZfy73WFEy4lutejl4X1D8LzQ/s1600/house+by+dekker.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLXeUvzGxXnlUmppXPq3v_TceS4397_W5fIcZE6SfewHZ-1kUsg7Lm-LBETCPe1jqs_KYBkvhHmBBh0_3yhcQD6ujhDueQF8yE0M5TTy76bynntmNzyXXbxb2x1xDV05ZDRF4oQ/s1600/three.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLXeUvzGxXnlUmppXPq3v_TceS4397_W5fIcZE6SfewHZ-1kUsg7Lm-LBETCPe1jqs_KYBkvhHmBBh0_3yhcQD6ujhDueQF8yE0M5TTy76bynntmNzyXXbxb2x1xDV05ZDRF4oQ/s1600/three.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvoX86U2AzjXVAutOC0h0OoMn3wpzm4917mLL2PxVbLJ17Y9I-WAanyElAmjRBm-fIG7NGoa0JIuehJlypHqQxuBjHKEnRfe150B2-ZZCt_GRo6EbhoIK2M4XcMT6rniyxy3m9eQ/s1600/circle+series.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvoX86U2AzjXVAutOC0h0OoMn3wpzm4917mLL2PxVbLJ17Y9I-WAanyElAmjRBm-fIG7NGoa0JIuehJlypHqQxuBjHKEnRfe150B2-ZZCt_GRo6EbhoIK2M4XcMT6rniyxy3m9eQ/s1600/circle+series.png" /></a></div>
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His most popular among my students is probably the Circle series with the titles <em>Black, Red, Green, </em>and<em> White.</em><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">His newest book, <em><strong>Water Walker</strong></em>, comes out on March 18th.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wouldn't you love to read an excerpt for free?! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Go to: </span><a href="http://www.theoutlawchronicles.com/download"><span style="font-size: large;">www.theoutlawchronicles.com/download</span></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFd3515yN705aBKhBoOo5WvPCIbY8NW4GKHQ08NIUiQICB1Up3q-kLs1nQNTRQjYhYTz7SthcQfeq9AupJ_qlkB-Gs8KP44AZXCVYNLbQMpl5RNedM3M1gV0sB7LZwRqaKQGRQQ/s1600/water+walker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFd3515yN705aBKhBoOo5WvPCIbY8NW4GKHQ08NIUiQICB1Up3q-kLs1nQNTRQjYhYTz7SthcQfeq9AupJ_qlkB-Gs8KP44AZXCVYNLbQMpl5RNedM3M1gV0sB7LZwRqaKQGRQQ/s1600/water+walker.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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Dekker's book explores the theme of forgiveness and the freedom that is found when you give that gift to someone else. It makes me think of the times in my own life when forgiveness has been a gift that I've withheld. I have kept my bitterness in my pocket and held tight to my pain as if that could be a healthy choice.</div>
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Choosing to be whole and healthy means letting go of the rocks in our pockets, so to speak. We drop them into the dust, and make the decision to forgive the hurt and pain. </div>
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<strong><em>If Christ offered forgiveness from the cross, who are we to think we shouldn't offer the same?</em></strong></div>
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Holding on to hurt binds us up and keeps us from full, abundant life. We have the key to the chains. We can unlock these shackles and forgive. It doesn't excuse or erase what has happened, and it doesn't make it okay overnight. </div>
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It's the beginning of freedom.</div>
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I can speak from experience - forgiveness isn't always a one-time event. I have had to choose forgiveness continually when my mind goes to the hurt, like a song being played on "repeat."</div>
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<strong><em>What about you? How has forgiveness changed you? How has BEING forgiven changed you?</em></strong></div>
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Jeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14195076731575607511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13590327.post-24995352658061605222014-03-06T11:55:00.000-06:002014-03-06T11:55:04.170-06:00The Boy on the Porch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXV8yqvMbF2t3bcq98wBNPsDb_WAMiXWu-ycHF5CqbfCgPNcYYVuvTWs3R3PzTPVfSPTt0dvC1Ii5aWSYjny-CrmBk8kkaAFD-QNSDKIjq8InSLWQB3xbF7QC7YL81NvxYP6Y7Nw/s1600/boy+on+porch.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXV8yqvMbF2t3bcq98wBNPsDb_WAMiXWu-ycHF5CqbfCgPNcYYVuvTWs3R3PzTPVfSPTt0dvC1Ii5aWSYjny-CrmBk8kkaAFD-QNSDKIjq8InSLWQB3xbF7QC7YL81NvxYP6Y7Nw/s1600/boy+on+porch.png" /></a></div>
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John and Marta woke up one morning to find a boy sleeping on their porch. </div>
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They aren't sure what to make of his mysterious ways - he doesn't speak, but only taps to communicate. What he can't SAY he makes up for with ART. He finds joy in painting, playing instruments, and using his imagination.</div>
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When no one comes for the boy, John and Marta are left to wonder: Should we keep him? Put him in school? Report this to the authorities?</div>
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What will become of the boy on the porch and not that he's almost a part of their family, how could John and Marta ever live without him?</div>
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<em><strong>A great read-aloud for any age!</strong></em></div>
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Jeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14195076731575607511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13590327.post-55473952616256895682014-02-27T01:00:00.000-06:002014-02-27T01:00:05.883-06:00THE Book of 2014 (so far)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm a book pusher. </div>
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When I find a good one, I try to let as many people know as possible. </div>
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Here's the one that stole my heart recently:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuL1vmZxobZJx9RD0mX_Ki0QAN7hlDmw6F81v3v1aJZl_1P76ik6K4kKuxzIKpUD016Uqhi2jp8KjIyFI5hFMSzASEWT5B8RwQFoKD-rfj38AoRb1W12M77TGIn4LpBcr89-obw/s1600/counting+by+7s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuL1vmZxobZJx9RD0mX_Ki0QAN7hlDmw6F81v3v1aJZl_1P76ik6K4kKuxzIKpUD016Uqhi2jp8KjIyFI5hFMSzASEWT5B8RwQFoKD-rfj38AoRb1W12M77TGIn4LpBcr89-obw/s1600/counting+by+7s.jpg" /></a></div>
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<em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Counting-7s-Holly-Goldberg-Sloan/dp/0803738552/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393453854&sr=1-1&keywords=counting+by+7s" target="_blank">Counting by 7s</a></em> by <a href="http://www.hollygoldbergsloan.com/" target="_blank">Holly Goldberg Sloan</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7ip2Wg72uQ-ByVBgAJ8Awezf-1GfupuPq70ZNOdQAEzjR4VlU_tNdFi1sLJEnbZXmmthNq4o3xFMa40gJkcKJi_V58_epsEN7Sq_Nw-aFNQa13Myt_FEnPB-MjjeJLGoKbluyA/s1600/7s+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7ip2Wg72uQ-ByVBgAJ8Awezf-1GfupuPq70ZNOdQAEzjR4VlU_tNdFi1sLJEnbZXmmthNq4o3xFMa40gJkcKJi_V58_epsEN7Sq_Nw-aFNQa13Myt_FEnPB-MjjeJLGoKbluyA/s1600/7s+quote.jpg" /></a></div>
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Willow Chance has always been...special. She teaches herself foreign languages and reads medical textbooks - all before middle school. Obviously, she doesn't quite feel as if she fits in with other kids her age. </div>
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A tragedy in her life leads her to an odd mix of people who eventually become like family. Willow is a character I will never forget. I loved her and didn't want to see her story end. I think you'll feel the same.</div>
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I would recommend this book for ages 10 and up! </div>
<br />Jeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14195076731575607511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13590327.post-1895750206597044882014-02-26T17:05:00.001-06:002014-03-01T20:07:30.265-06:00When Should We Stop Reading Children's Books?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm not sure where we got the idea we should be reading books "for our age group." </div>
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Wait. Yes, I do. </div>
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School. Teachers. Parents... I suppose even peer pressure from people who make you feel like a dummy for reading a book technically written for children. </div>
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Books of all kinds bring me pleasure, and I would hate for people to miss great titles because they think they're "beneath" them.</div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><em>A good children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest. - C.S. Lewis</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKKpvJlvLMsUDT7KjUPaOJObY7nmVkkrg0ng8GCZQj5M367LwCn-_Y-3LSvjT3zEEGUGCJxKPKTyhAv9ZBcUc4jFzW2PowkGD6VkkLC3U5GyIrpRJI6tGlm5PCKk0P2zfl6Jvaw/s1600/stack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKKpvJlvLMsUDT7KjUPaOJObY7nmVkkrg0ng8GCZQj5M367LwCn-_Y-3LSvjT3zEEGUGCJxKPKTyhAv9ZBcUc4jFzW2PowkGD6VkkLC3U5GyIrpRJI6tGlm5PCKk0P2zfl6Jvaw/s1600/stack.jpg" height="240" width="320"></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">The author of the beloved Chronicles of Narnia had it right. If you've read those books, you know how much richer they are when read at different stages in your life. These "children's" books have practically become Christian classics. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These are the kinds of books I'm looking for to put into the hands of my students.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I usually ask myself:</div>
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What exactly is the message here? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Will this story still be relevant 10 years from now?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We must know what <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">kinds of stories are being advertised to our sons and daughters, and eventually, our grandchildren.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I want to know what is available for the children in my life and reading from this genre helps me know how to guide them when they need a book for themselves.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Let's be honest-these books are FUN! </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Some of the most pleasurable books I've ever experienced have been written by Kate DiCamillo, a prolific children's author.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Your Turn: What children's books still move you today?</font></div>
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Jeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14195076731575607511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13590327.post-73002252125002361762014-02-24T06:06:00.000-06:002014-02-24T06:06:53.922-06:00Music for MondayI've been loving Ellie Holcomb for a long time now - she and her husband Drew do a favorite song of mine called <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUf4FEiimwg" target="_blank">"Live Forever"</a> (which is what I play when I need a good cry, as if you wanted that information).<br />
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Ellie's new work "As Sure as the Sun" is a little bit of gold. It's mellow and sweet worship for any moment of the day. If you are new to Ellie, check out her <a href="http://www.ellieholcomb.com/">website</a> or this sweet interview below. <br />
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I had no idea she used to be an English teacher! No wonder I love her!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/YWLrLkG-GzM" width="480"></iframe><br />Jeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14195076731575607511noreply@blogger.com0