Thoughtful Thursday ~ Fiction

Fiction becomes a curse when true stories lose their power.

Thoughtful Thursday ~ Bess Streeter Aldrich

Davis Lake, Oregon

“I think that love is more like a light that you carry. At first childish happiness keeps it lighted and after that romance. Then motherhood lights it and then duty . . . and maybe after that sorrow. You wouldn't think that sorrow could be a light, would you, dearie? But it can. And then after that, service lights it. Yes. . . . I think that is what love is to a woman . . . a lantern in her hand.” 

~Bess Streeter Aldrich, A Lantern in Her Hand

Here's a sneak peek at my current knitting project. I'm not the most accomplished pattern designer in the world, so mainly my method consists of entreating the pattern and charts to "please work out!" I'm sure there's a more mathematical way to do this, but I'm afraid it would muddle my brain.

For Today

Craftiness for today

 My latest knitting project has been the Daphne Purse, as seen on the front of Knitting Little Luxuries. I'm using an evergreen color for it, and some old yarn that I've saved for years specifically for this project. I'm over half way done with the knitting now, so hopefully I'll finish it soon!


I'm also working on some sewing projects lately. There's a lap quilt in the works, an apron waiting to be made, and a green blouse with little white flowers to be finished. My Grandma gave me a bunch of fabrics and I can't wait to turn them all into something lovely.

Leafing through the pages

-Les Miserables | Victor Hugo

-Not Regina | Christmas Carol Kauffman

- The Acts

Plans for the afternoon

My Mom and I will be heading over to a friends house to discuss Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot. After that I go over to my Grammy's house to watch a movie with her. Tonight I think it will be the first three episodes of Jeeves and Wooster.


Excited about
I ordered some books recently, and one of them still hasn't come yet, so I'm looking forward to it's arrival. Also, I just ordered some yarn last night, hopefully for a new Classic Kniterature item. I don't order yarn very often, so it really is very exciting! I'm also pleased to be getting my Pampered Chef business geared up again. 






What is your day going to look like?

A Change of Plans for the Challenge

Due to a recent blog post by a photographer/lawyer, I felt some changes needed to be made to the upcoming challenge. Don't worry, it's nothing drastic!

Please go and read "Why I Tearfully Deleted My Pinterest Inspiration Boards"  by DDKPortraits. It discusses the legal issues behind using Pinterest, and why you may choose to opt out.

I myself have decided to opt out. I love Pinterest as much as the next gal, however the thought has plagued me for some time that it's just a sneaky way to be illegal, so this isn't a surprise to me. As much as we value independence, we don't often stop to independently think that maybe what everybody else is doing is wrong. Instead we go along with the flow and pin pictures that aren't ours at all. Instead I will be bookmarking my favorite tutorials with that handy feature that most browsers have.

Anyhoo, in lieu of the Pinterest challenge that happened last month and was about to happen again, I am switching it to "The Inspiration Challenge". Sounds...inspiring...doesn't it?

The new plans are, that the challenge is not limited to Pinterest findings, since we find inspiration all over the web, right? Besides, it's not truly Pinterest where these things come from. I follow several craft blogs, and so often I am inspired by the pictures and projects they post. However, how often do we act upon that inspiration? I usually continue to sit there looking at blogs, and think, "Oh, I'll make that another time." This challenge helps to change that.

The rest of the challenge will remain the same, every day, complete a project and post about it. Feel free to jump in at any time! The simple change just removes the requirement of any specific website, which shouldn't have happened in the first place.

Sound good? I think so! I'm all ready to gear up for this very exciting week, and I hope you are too!

Welcome to the Inspiration Challenge!

Quotes on Friendship

A true friend unbosoms freely, advises justly, assists readily, adventures boldly, takes all patiently, defends courageously, and continues a friend unchangeably.  

~William Penn

Ointment and perfume delight the heart,
And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.

~Psalm 27:9

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

~John 15:12-13

The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are.

~C.S. Lewis

How great victory was that which Jonathon must have gained over himself, when he rejoiced to see David raised above him! He discerned the mind of God in David, and had so learned to delight in God, that he did not see in David one who was to outshine him, but another faithful man raised up for God and Israel.

~Robert C. Chapman

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.

~Romans 12:9-10

It costs to be a friend or to have a friend. It not only costs time, affection, patience, love, but sometimes a man must even lay down his life for his friends. There is no true friendship without self-abnegation, self-sacrifice.

~Unknown


If I take offence easily; if I am content to continue in cold unfriendliness, though friendship be possible, then I know nothing of Calvary love. 
~ Amy Carmichael


When friends stop being frank and useful to each other, the whole world loses some of its radiance. 
~Anatole Broyard

February Photo Challenge ~ Valentines Day

You will find as you look upon your life that the moments that you truely live are the moments you have done things in the spirit of love.

~Henry Drummond

He that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God. God is love. Therefore love. Without distinction, without calculation, without procrastination, love. Lavish it upon the poor, where it is very easy; especially upon the rich, who often need it most; most of all upon out equals, where it is very difficult, and for whom perhaps we do the least of all.

~Henry Drummond

Happiness... consists in giving, and in serving others.

~Henry Drummond

To love abundantly is to live abundantly, and to love forever is to live forever.

~ Henry Drummond

To Mimic the Greats...Be An Influential Writer

I'm learning something about writing lately. Mainly I'm learning it because of the British Literature class I've been taking. The class isn't geared toward writing, although I'm learning much about writing an essay, which is very helpful.

What I am learning though is that many of those fabulous authors that we still revere today are remembered because they wrote with a purpose. There was something that they wanted to discuss or point out to the world, and one of the best ways to do it was in story form.

Perhaps that was not the way the story began. Many times an author began a new novel simply to earn what money he could. Even so, they knew how to manipulate the plot in order to make it worth while for a person to read and that manipulation became a cause.

Below are some books that made a difference because of what they discuss. I have not read all of these books and so cannot recommend them all, but each one is significant (in many cases, world-wide!) for how it covered a current trend or event, or even how it took a stand for a particular belief.

• Uncle Tom's Cabin is decidedly anti-slavery.
• Little Dorrit points out the shortcomings of the government and social society, as well as showcasing imprisonment in various forms.
• A Picture of Dorian Gray gives us a creepy view of morality, or rather, immorality and it's utter selfishness.
• North and South contrasts an industrial northern England with an agricultural south, and represents a transitioning time from the old, traditional ways to the new, progressive approach that came with the industrial revolution.
• Les Miserables explores redemption, and the characteristics of the law and of grace.

There are a few more contemporary novels that portray similar characteristics.

• The Hunger Games also depicts the government and how controlling and dominating it can become.
• One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich centers on oppression from authorities and prison camp survival.
• To Kill a Mockingbird exposes the racist views that were still extremely prevalent at the time of it's writing. (And often still are.)
• Cry, the Beloved Country showed the disintegration of a culture and way of life to native South Africans. 

These books resonate with a truth that appeals to people. These books have made an impact and so have the people who penned them in the first place.

That got me to thinking. So much of what is being written nowadays is written purely for entertainment. Now there's nothing wrong with having a great adventure just for the sake of having an adventure, but the truly great books are the ones that show you something about life while you're having that adventure.

I mean really, do all of those vampire-stole-my-heart stories really have anything to offer us other than a chilling thrill and a hint of danger? No. Not even the junky, so-called "Christian" ones. (Honestly, if you're a Christian you should know better!) In my opinion the whole vampire thing is a fad and will fall away in it's turn in a similar manner to Furbys from the 90's. Granted Twilight will hang around and still be popular as the trendsetter of it's day, but there's nothing about those books that is really going to appeal to people for forever. They aren't important. It's the important ones that have made an impact.

As long as we are on this earth there is going to be a government that we are going to have to deal with.  Oppression, redemption, and change are things that we will always be coping with.

So, the question I begin to ask myself is, will my writing be influential? Are my books pure entertainment? Granted I have a few "just for fun" books lying around for when I'm in a lazy mood, but if I'm really serious about my work, and if I'm really trying to do my absolute best, then making people think and react to my work is something that desperately needs to be considered.

This applies to any kind of writer out there, not just Christians. Fiction or nonfiction, fantasy or contemporary, sci-fi or historical. If you want to be like the Greats, then it's not just a matter of expanding your vocabulary (watch this video!) it's a matter of being influential.

It's the difference between fluff and something to really chew on. It's the difference between a kindergardener's schoolroom and the Library of Alexandria.

One Word ~ 2012

Last year I posted about a fabulous idea called One Word. New Year's resolutions are so hard to remember, keep, or even to remind yourself to look at them and see how you measure up! We always try to make too many, and we fail.

With One Word, you choose exactly that. One Word. It's a word that will hopefully stay with you all year long.

In 2011, my word did pop up all year long. I would go for weeks at a time without thinking of it, and then I would remember and renew my purpose in that area. More often than not I was reminded of it after I had failed in a certain area, and it gave me the determination to try again next time.

Last year my word was "Serve".

That was 2011.

This year my word is "Love".

This is 2012.

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there aretongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 

 ~ 1 Corinthians 13:4:8 

Strong Esteem and Lively Friendship ~ A Happily Ever After Story

In the British Literature class I have been taking, we just recently finished reading Sense and Sensibility.  I must say, it has moved up greatly in my opinion, and I can't wait to read it again in a few months, and think on the things that were learned and discussed in class! 

The following composition is the essay that I wrote for this section of the class. It does assume that you have some knowledge of the story, and preferably have read the book. (The book is almost always better!) 

_________________________________________________

In Sense and Sensibility Jane Austen writes,“Marianne Dashwood was born to an extraordinary fate...She was born to overcome an affection formed so late in life as seventeen, and with no sentiment superior to strong esteem and lively friendship, voluntarily give her hand to another!” (pg. 311). Instead of marrying the man that had seemed to fulfill Marianne’s ideals, she chooses to marry Colonel Brandon. Do their characters form the right combination to suggest a happy marriage?  Circumstances and conversations from Sense and Sensibility show that Colonel Brandon is indeed a good match for Marianne Dashwood.

In the story, the characters of several different men are shown, in particular, the two men who are most attracted to the vibrant Marianne Dashwood; Mr. Willoughby and Colonel Brandon. The complete difference between these two men is rather startling. First seen is Willoughby, whose behavior seems polite, respectful, and who appears to be absolutely perfect for Miss Marianne Dashwood. He rescues Marianne after her fall and brings her home, then “apologized for his intrusion, by relating its cause, in a manner so frank and graceful...” (pg. 36). Sir John Middleton declares he is “a pleasant , good-humored fellow” (pg. 37) . Willoughby is seen as one who delights in having a good time, and is as passionate about poetry and music as Marianne. Unfortunately it is soon evident that these observations merely scratch the surface, and are simply a veneer over the core. Willoughby displays that he is not thoughtful of others when he speaks to and of them. Elinor notes that he would say “ too much what he thought on every occasion, without attention to persons or circumstances” (pg. 41) and that 

“the whole of his behavior from the beginning to the end of the affair, has been grounded in selfishness. It was selfishness which first made him sport with your [Marianne’s] affections; which afterwards, when his own were engaged, made him delay the confession of it, and which finally carried him from Barton. His own enjoyment, or his own ease, was, in every particular, his ruling principal.” (pg. 288)

This selfishness drives all of Willoughby’s actions and  behaviors. The things he does are done merely because at the time it pleased him to please others. 

Colonel Brandon is more quiet and reserved than his rival. Only once does he behave in a way that irks any of his companions, and that is when he deserts the party that is to go to Delaford. His sense of duty and honor require that he leave to take care of his ward, but this idea of staunch attention to responsibility and care is unrecognized by many of Brandon’s companions. Fortunately, this event does not bias most opinions of him. Edward Ferrars, who although not intimately acquainted with him, gives the Colonel a favorable report by saying “Colonel Brandon seems a man of great worth and respectability. I have always heard him spoken as such, and your brother I know esteems him highly. He is undoubtedly a sensible man, and in his manners perfectly the gentleman.” (pg. 238) Colonel Brandon never causes grief to his friends, and in his behavior to others there is nothing to censure. He is prudently aware of the needs of those around him. Unmistakable differences like these automatically place Colonel Brandon in a higher class than that of his disreputable rival. Proverbs 12:8-9 says, “A man will be commended according to his wisdom, but he who is of a perverse heart will be despised. Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant, than he who honors himself but lacks bread.” Colonel Brandon always shows wisdom in all his endeavors, and by the end of Sense and Sensibility he is happily situated, although he was previously looked down upon. In the case of Willoughby, though, his selfish heart does exactly as the Proverb says and honors himself. In the end, his reward for pleasing self is to be despised by those who thought him to be their friend, to be disinherited by his cousin Mrs. Smith, and to be “forced” to marry a woman of fortune to secure a comfortable future.  These contrasts of selfishness and selflessness, foolishness and wisdom, clearly show Colonel Brandon to be the better man.

Will Marianne’s marriage with Brandon be happy? After all, according to her the Colonel “has neither genius, taste, nor spirit” (pg. 43). Isn’t Willoughby more suited to Marianne in this area, despite his poor choices? What of similarity of  interests and pursuits? Isn’t that a very important subject to consider before matrimony? It is true, that having common interests makes things easy for both parties. If both love to ride horses then the couple can enjoy many hours together. Jane Austen records that Marianne and Willoughby “speedily discovered that their enjoyment of dancing and music was mutual, and that it arose from a general conformity of judgement in all that related to either” (pg. 40).  Later Marianne and Willoughby spend much time together doing the things that they both love.  It has been shown in many marriages, however, that though there is some compatibility in interests, it is not completely necessary for lasting felicity. A husband and wife can be completely supportive of each other’s hobbies without being entirely enthusiastic about it for themselves. If a gentleman likes riding horses but his wife does not, she can still delight in discussing his ride, his horse, the weather while riding, and in seeing his enjoyment of the ride. Edward and Elinor can be another example. Elinor is quite fond of drawing, but Edward, as Marianne puts it, “admires as a lover, not as a connoisseur” (pg. 15). Edward is not very intrigued by drawing in general, but so long as it is connected with Elinor, he is a content admirer. So even if a marriage involves interests that are not mutually attractive to both people, it is entirely possible for a couple to support one another. 

Finally, Colonel Brandon and Marianne Dashwood have many positive qualities that will promote a happy marriage. It is seen in Sense and Sensibility that they have a mutual respect and 

admiration for each other. At the beginning of their marriage she had, “no sentiment superior to strong esteem and lively friendship” (pg. 311), and only a few paragraphs later it is said that “Marianne could never love by halves; and her whole heart became, in time, as much devoted to her husband as she had once been to Willoughby” (pg. 312).  It is well known know that Marianne’s attachment to Willoughby had been prodigiously strong, assuredly this new affection will not easily be broken, now that she has been more circumspect in her choice. On Colonel Brandon’s side his regard for Marianne is obvious, for it has been seen throughout the book. Before Marianne takes ill, Elinor notes that the Colonel had “looks of anxious solicitude on Marianne’s feelings, in her head, and throat...” (pg. 251), and “she could discover in them the quick feelings, and needless alarm of a lover” (pg. 251). Brandon has loved Marianne consistently through all of her many ups and downs. Leadership qualities, and follower abilities are also noted in the pair. Colonel Brandon is obviously a leader. He was a military officer, and as such would be required to lead those under him. He has also shown a decisive authority in the unfortunate circumstances of his ward, in his patronage of Edward Ferrars, and finally in the others who must be under his care at Delaford. The abilities that the Colonel shows in these circumstances combine, showing that he can and will be an admirable authority in his home as well as out of it.

As for Marianne, she has learned that many of her opinions and ideas are not as wise as they should be. She shares about her behavior with her sister and says “ I compare it with what it 

ought to have been. I compare it with yours” (pg. 283). She had been hasty, headstrong, and blind to any warnings she received from her family and friends. To contrast Marianne’s foolishness, Elinor is shown, in her cautious approach to how she becomes acquainted with Lucy Steele and in her carefulness of the feelings of others. Marianne finally admits that there were others with more wisdom whose example and advice she should have followed. Also, she probably recognizes in the Colonel those leadership qualities that have been mentioned, and realizes that she can depend upon him.    

When comparing Colonel Brandon and Willoughby it is shown that the former is a man of honor, and the latter a scoundrel. The importance of having common interests in a marriage has been pondered, and while found to be a bonus, it is not absolutely necessary. Colonel Brandon is seen to be a great leader who takes his responsibilities seriously, and Marianne has realized her mistakes and has learned from the lessons that both her mistakes, and others, have taught her. She has learned to take advice, and is more willing to be guided by those who truly have her best interest at heart.   After all of these characteristics have been deduced, and after the respect and respectability of both parties is made clear, it can be decided that, yes, Colonel Brandon is a very good match for Marianne Dashwood, and that they will live a long and happy life together. 

All quotes are from the Barnes & Noble Classic version of Sense and Sensibility.

In Which I Share about Books, Etsy Shops, and Thoughts for a New Blog Design

>>I finished reading Sense & Sensibility. It was so good to discuss it with friends and to look at it a whole lot more deeply than ever before! If you have never been a part of a book club or class of some kind, I definitely recommend it. As for Sense and Sensibility, it has grown a little dearer, and a little more understood.

                                                                         Source: en.wikipedia.org via Kirana on Pinterest

>>For the same British Literature class that I mentioned above, I have just started reading Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens. I'm only on chapter fourteen, but already I'm truly enjoying it! There has been much walking about in the streets of London, and discovering of people in darkish, hidden alleys. For some reason that is one point of the novel that is greatly intriguing me at this moment.

>>Prayers would be appreciated for my dear friend Hannah and her family. Her little brother, Noah is quite sick and in the hospital right now. Updates can be found at the blog by clicking the button below.







>>Turris, my NaNo novel just hit 15,000 words yesterday. I'm slowly making my way up the word count ladder, excitedly reaching each new point in the plot. It's interesting to note that a video game is playing a major part! Playing solitaire on my computer when I'm supposed to be writing is also playing a major part.

>>I have seen this artists work before, but I just found her Etsy shop and have fallen in absolute love! Theaterclouds takes gorgeous and whimsical 3D photographs using her own artwork. Stunning! Definitely go check out her shop. Oh, and you have to see my favorite print in her shop, "Take me where I want to go".

>>Service to others has been a topic that has been popping up in my mind all year long, but especially right now, as I'm doing my best to help serve some of my family members with a project. Being a servant is not something I'm particularly good at, but I'm learning a lot, and trying to practice more every day.

                                                                               Source: flickr.com via Eyebright on Pinterest

>>I have to admit, I am once again contemplating a newer, cleaner blog design. Something along the lines of Pastor's Girls's Ponderings or Beautiful Blank Pages? What do you think?


What are some of your thoughts?

The Comforter has Come!

I was trying to cheer myself up earlier today, so I started singing some hymns and children's songs that I knew. Singing always make my spirits rise!

One of the songs that came to mind was "The Comforter has come". It's a lovely, encouraging song.

The Comforter has come, the Comforter has come!
The Holy Ghost from Heav’n, the Father’s promise giv’n;
O spread the tidings ’round, wherever man is found—
The Comforter has come!

As I was thinking about the lyrics, though, I realized that this song is not just about comforting the weary, weak, and afraid. It's not just a song we sing when we are sad or we feel as though life has hit us a hard blow.

No, this song also speaks of triumph, joy, and hope. It speaks of eternal victory!

I had one more thought about the lyrics though. Not only does it bring comforting news, but it demands that if we have found the news wonderful, then we are to share it with the world. Spread the tidings 'round! We have been healed, now share the source of that healing. We have been given a gift, now we must pass it on to others.

It's an exciting charge, but also a solemn one. How well am I doing at this? Not very well. I am embarrassed to think about it, quite frankly. It is definitely something that I need to work on, with help from the Lord. 

Just a Thought for the Day...

                                                                             Source: None via Eyebright on Pinterest

Quotes about Strength

We recently went to the Sequim Olympic Game Farm in Washington, where we saw lions, and tigers, and...oh, I won't go into all of that.

I took more pictures than the ones here, but these are the ones that I liked best. I chose these quotes about strength, because both of these animals, the bison and the bear, seem to have that quality in abundance. While their strength may chiefly lie in their physical abilities, we can work to become strong in many areas of our Christian walk such as prayer, controlling our tongues, serving others, and seeking to glorify the Lord in all that we do.

Is it not He who gives the bison and the bear their strength? It is fitting that we, too, should draw our strength from Him.

"Do not think that love in order to be genuine has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies."

~Mother Theresa~

"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength."

~Corrie Ten Boom~

Read more about our adventure at the Olympic Game Park at Sagerats Scribbles!

George Washington and the Cherry Tree ~ Despite the Myth

I'm quite certain that all of us have grown up hearing the inspiring story of our first President, George Washington, when he was a boy. He chops down his father's prized cherry tree, and upon being questioned, admits to his guilt, using the thereafter famous words, "I cannot tell a lie".

It's a story that always made a slight impression on me, although I never really acted upon that impression and tried to excuse myself out of bad behavior. Still it's a good story.

I was helping my younger brother to read it the other day, when my other  brother piped up and announced, "By the way, they found out that the cherry tree story is just a myth."  At first I was quite indignant about this, but as I got to thinking about it, I realized that I had probably heard that bit of news before, and just forgotten about it.




Source: google.com via Tim on Pinterest

Thinking it would be interesting to research the matter a little, I did a quick online search, and on the couple of links that I clicked on, it did seem to be true. [1]

Now, I'm not saying that I did extensive research, or that I believe these people to know what they are talking about, but I was given the general impression that the tale is either highly exaggerated or false. This is apparently because of a man called Parson Weems who was Washington's first biographer. [2]

Again, from the extremely brief reading that I did on the matter, I seemed to discover that Weems was a man who liked to exaggerate things, and color the facts to suit his purposes. If that was the case, it's rather ironic that in this way he decides to create a tale that promotes honesty.

Now, I have not found this to be proven, and although Washington is not a personal hero of mine, I am certainly not questioning his integrity. No, the whole reason I'm writing this is because of a matter that I have encountered before.

"It's too good to be true. It's not real"


Not only with the story of the Cherry Tree, but also with G.A. Henty books, one or two Louisa May Alcott books, E.D.E.N. Southworth, and I'm sure there are others, I have actually thought myself, or been told that they aren't worth reading because the characters are too good, too well-behaved, or too innocent.

I now disagree. These books are totally worth reading and enjoying! It is blindness on the part of our culture that refuses to see merit in goodness, especially what appears as over-the-top virtue. I do see merit, however. Every time I read a book like that I feel motivated and inspired to become better! I want to overcome my faults, do good to others, and strive longer and harder to be all that God wants me to be!

So despite it's debatable origins, I still like the story of the Cherry Tree. Despite the author's exaggeration or creation, it is still a story that we can embrace because of it's obvious portrayal of truth and honesty. Although the Henty characters are almost perfect in every way (not to mention almost identical in personality), I still love a good Henty adventure not just for a exciting setting, but also for a hero that I can look up to and admire. Jack and Jill, by Louisa May Alcott still happens to be one of my favorite books, despite the fact that children don't behave that way (at least not now!), because it describes good morals without being preachy and patronizing.

Yes, I love them, and will continue to do so. I love being inspired to be more than "good enough", and I enjoy putting my mind on sweeter and better things than what one usually finds in todays society.

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." ~ Philippians 4:8

These books and stories may all be fictional, but the qualities that make them worthwhile are true.

[1]Washington's Cherry Tree: Legend or Fact?, George Washington: Cherry Tree (Wikipedia)
[2]Parson Weems )Wikipedia

1 Corinthians 13 - Love

I was debating about finding a new meme to participate in for this post, but decided against it. I love meme's as much as the next person, but for me they can often become a cop out, instead of actually using brain power to come up with a good post.

I have been thinking about love a lot lately. Don't jump to conclusions about me and my life please, because I am merely talking about love as it is defined in 1 Corinthians 13 and how it relates to my relationships with my siblings, parents, and friends. It's a pretty amazing passage really. Especially the really practical part of it, verses 4-7.

Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

It seems like a lot to remember, but I think the main thing that we should remember is that this is a description of true love. Although these are things that we can try to implement in our efforts of loving those around us, they will only naturally fall into place if the love for that person is already growing in our hearts.

Conversely, love is a choice that can be made every second, not a random act of fate or destiny. Even if we have met the most annoying and challenging person in our acquaintance, we can certainly choose to love them whether we get warm, fuzzy feelings or not.

Finally, true love comes from our Heavenly Father. If we have His love, then it will spread out through us to touch those we come in contact with.

So, those were just some thoughts that I had on the subject. Nothing profound I'm sure, but I thought I would share what I have been pondering of late.

Blessings!

I Have Watched Les Miserables

I wanted to write a lovely post with pictures of the...oh, wait. I haven't told you yet.

Georgie and I watched the 25th Anniversary Edition of Les Miserables last night. We have heard about it from so many blog friends, and so we finally decided to try it out. 

So, as I was saying, I was going to write a lovely post with pictures of my favorite characters and such, but I couldn't find a website that offered very good screencaps, and certainly not of the people I wanted. Sorry guys, it's just another text-only post.

I know, I know, you want me to get down to the nitty-gritty. Did I like it? Did I love it? Did I hate it? Well, not exactly.  When we first started, I did find it a little hard to follow along, and so was constantly annoying Georgie with questions like, "So, what's happening?" I would also state, "I'm confused". However, the confusion died away soon enough, and I began to follow the lives of the characters a little better.

Just as a warning, these thoughts and impressions are based solely on the musical. I have not read the book, so I don't know how similar or dissimilar the two are. If my impressions are wrong, then forgive me! :)


One life that you follow is that of dear, sweet Cosette. My impression of her was that although she was beautiful and adorable, she lacked a little something...I'm still not sure what it was, but I discarded her as sappy heroine. This may be subject to change after I read the book.

Marius. Although I felt that his choice to stay and fight for a cause he believed in was the right one for him, the whole time he was going on about his love for Cosette and I decided that they were both perfect for each other. A sappy hero for a sappy heroine. Please don't throw any rotten tomatoes.

Now that I've mentioned two characters that I didn't care for, I'll move on to a character that I liked much better, but still not as well as others. Eponine, as far as I know, is not linked with the Thénardiers, as it is in the book. If does show in the musical, then I missed it. I might have to watch it again! I have read on the internet that Eponine is actually their daughter and that she is not very nice to Cosette (horrors!), but, with her unfortunate parentage, its not as though you can blame her 100%. Yes, I liked Eponine. I thought she was pretty (Yay for Samantha Barks!), spunky (although not very wise), and she loved a guy who loved somebody else, and even helps him pursue his dreamed of happiness with Cosette. That's enough to make me admire anyone. Oh, and her hat was super cute.

My favorite character is an obvious choice. Jean Valjean, the main character, around whom much of the story revolves. In his youth he made a poor choice in order to help his starving family, and paid for it by 19 years of hard labor. He saves Cosette from a horrible life with the Thénardiers, raises her as his own, and forges a life for himself despite the recurring appearance of his nemesis, Javert.  He is a strong character, who wars with himself to decide what is right, in a world where everything has been turned upside-down. (Thanks, French Revolution.)  Other than that, I really can't say what made me like him. I think perhaps it is because you are supposed to like him. And I do.

Finally, my other favorite character was Javert. I haven't talked to very many other Les Mis fans, so I don't know if this is normal or not. I found him to be relentless character who firmly believed in what he believed in. Javert represented the law and to him, he was doing what was right and necessary to uphold those standards, and to try and keep his country from dissolving into complete chaos. That is what I admired about him. He is NOT a revolutionary, he has STRONG morals, and he also has a human heart, which is briefly glimpsed.

Overall, I liked it. I can't truly say that I love it yet.  I think that Georgie liked it more than I did, but I will say again that my opinions are subject to change. Who knows? Maybe if I watch it a few more times, I love it as much as everyone seems to! Or maybe if I read the book, I'll love it even more!

As a final, parting gift, as I was looking for Les Mis pictures, or anything that I could put into this post to break it up a bit, I found something really cool. It's a website called Enter the Story.com, and it takes classic works and turns them into games that you get to play in. The surprise is that the Les Miserables game is FREE! I downloaded it and had to tweak a few of my computer's settings to make it work, but I can't wait to get further into the story and see if it's any good as a game.

I'd love to know your thoughts on the story, whether you've watched a musical or film version, or whether you've read the book!

Quote from the book

You speak now like a brave man and an honest man. Courage does not fear crime, and honesty does not fear authority. ~ Javert

Quotes from the concert

I love him, but everyday I'm learning. All my life, I've only been pretending. Without me his world will go on turning. A world that's full of happiness that I have never known. ~ Eponine

Monsieur le maire, I know you to be a kind man, but this...  

A kind? A kind man? When I was in prison I was as ignorant and mean and devious as these men here, but not kind. And I wish I could keep my mouth shut and let this poor wretch suffer for me, but... continue with your investigation, monsieur, you will find further proof that I am Valjean.

The Mid-Blog Crisis has Finally Happened!

I have been thinking lately, that many of the posts I have shared on here have been kind of pointless. In the grand scheme of things they aren't really going to matter.

The problem is, I can't think of anything to write about that does matter that hasn't already been covered a thousand times on other blogs.  I often catch myself doing or learning something that I think "This would make a great blog post!", but then I wonder what the reasoning behind my wanting to post it is.

There are several possible answers.

• I want comments. Try as hard as I might, I can't get away from the trap of rating my blog by how many comments I get. I constantly tell myself that it doesn't really matter, but my emotions contradict my mind and that complicates everything.
• It would be a popular post. This falls right in with the first one. If you want to make it as a blogger, but you aren't yet, then the desire for popularity is going to pop up some time. Unless of course you are just naturally fabulous and attract followers like flies to old fruit. Sorry for the icky comparison, but it's true. I am constantly thinking that blogging about the wacky organization of my sock drawer (pah!), will be wildly popular and draw in new followers and comments. It's another trap.
• I could enter it in a meme. Don't get me wrong, I love meme's just as much as the next average blogger, but aren't they a wonderful excuse for not posting real content? Don't worry, I'm not going to give up Capture yet (is anyone really worried?), but if your blog is all memes and and no substance, it's a kind of like lazy blogging. (This is not to say that I will not enter some fabulous memes, but if I do I need to make sure I have a balance of good hard stuff, and fluff.)
• It makes me look like a good person. Wow, doesn't this hearken back to the Pharisees? Sheesh, I'm almost scared of how much I think that some times.  This is one of those traps that is very, very difficult for me to avoid. I see those bloggers out there who post inspiring and encouraging articles, and desperately want to be one and hope that posting things like this will make it happen. Wrong.
• Last but not least, I want to share something that I have learned in the hopes that it will edify and encourage others. How often do I actually post something with this in mind? I'm honestly ashamed to say, and this is where this particular post comes to a head.

Folks, I guess I'm going through that mid-blog crisis that I have seen many bloggers go through before. You reach a certain point where you realize that you aren't really going somewhere anymore. Somehow along the road you got sidetracked and now have to ask for directions. Some people just quit, which is totally understandable. Priorities are priorities after all. Your kids are definitely more important than your blog.

Some people take a break and re-evaluate their blogging purpose. Sometimes this leads into quitting the blog world, and sometimes the person will come back renewed and on fire.

This is where I'm at. I'm no longer sure of my blogging purpose, and in fact I've never really known it. I don't necessarily want to take a break, but I definitely need to re-evaluate.

So, I'm asking for your advice. What has helped you in your blogging adventures to redirect things back to something that is honestly helpful for others? What would you suggest to help decipher and choose right reasons for posting about something? Do you really care how often your favorite bloggers post? You still eagerly anticipate their posts, even if it has been several weeks since the last one. Sometimes it would be better to forget quantity and concentrate on quality, I think.

My sister, Georgie, has already suggested leaving off the tacky questions, but in this case, I think they're okay. I really want to know your answers.

Oh, and by the way, this post was supposed to be a bit melodramatic. Just so ya know.



Proverbs 3:6
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

In the Word and at the Feet of God

What a good thing it is when circumstances or necessity drives a man to where he should have been in the first place: in the Word and at the feet of God.

One Word - 2011

Contrary to what I said earlier in the year, I did come up with some resolutions.  One of them is to read a bunch of books.  I mean a bunch.  As in, more than 68, because that is how many I read in the year 2008 and my reading has gone down drastically since then.

I made other goals as well.  Knitting goals, business goals, personal goals...so forth and so on.  Who knows whether I will achieve any of them or not.

Yesterday I read my friend Anna's blog, Oooooh la la, and she posted about various and sundry things, which are always pleasant and make me smile.  One of the things she posted about, however, did not make me smile, but made me excited instead.

One Word.

Already I can see the amazing sense in this.  Goals fail.  How often do you even remember the goals that you have made?  Even throughout one day?   I know I don't.  I wake up in the morning, feeling inspired to do good things, speak kind words, and give selflessly, but the instant I hear the small patter of feet come running from the other end of the house, my resolutions fade away and I'm as grouchy as can be.  Talk about a major disappointment, on all sides.  Yeah, I can beat myself up over that.

I read about One Word yesterday morning, and although yesterday wasn't one of the greatest days I've ever experienced, by far, I remembered my one word throughout the entire day. Especially when I was grouchy.  Ouch.

My word is SERVE.

Granted I will not always do what I should, or listen to reason, or be kindly and offer myself to others as a helper, but as I already said, I remembered my word all day long, and I'm willing to bet that I'll remember it today, too.  I want to serve.  I will fail miserably, but I'll probably do better than if I had followed the normal customs and just thought about a year-long goal for a couple of days in January.  This is a daily reminder.

New Year's Resolutions can be powerful tools if we choose to use them, but how much more powerful will the choice of One Word be? 

My Awesome Year in Review!

Well, here it is, the new year.  Yet, I'm not terribly excited.  I'm not sure why, but I guess I forgot about New Years, that it is a celebration, and that a new year with no mistakes in it yet is on it's way.  I didn't make any resolutions, although I could very easily throw a few out there.  I'm afraid they wouldn't be very...heartfelt, though.

Instead, I would like to recap what has happened to me and my family in the last year.  It has been utterly amazing, and I still can't believe it really happened in such a short space of time.

• We went on a family trip to Cincinnati and had great fun, although we weren't convinced that it would make a perfect family vacation spot. 

• We said goodbye to all of our newfound friends in Kentucky, people we had only known for not even a year, packed up all of our stuff, and headed out west again.
• We were fortunate enough to be able to visit our dear Sam and her family again on our way! As I have said before, that was definitely a highlight of our adventurous trek.

• We moved to Idaho.
• We cleared out a heap of Greasewood to make a nice yard for our motorhome.

• I moved in with my cousin, another friend, and their foster-child, as well as seven Schnauzers.

• I helped to build a completely covered porch, and did a lot of work on it!
• I traveled to Astoria with my Great Aunt.

• We (as an extended family) went camping.
• Then (as a single family), we went to the coast!

    

• I got my first car!
• I hugged my kitty.

• I went camping again, and had a blast.
• Pip, SmartyJones, and I went to a historical martial arts demonstration/competition and enjoyed our silly selves to the max.
• I have been learning to trust.
• I traveled to Reno, Carson City, and Virgina City (Nevada).

• I became a Pampered Chef Consultant.
• I bought my first really, truly, expensive yarn. It was originally $12 something, and it was in the clearance bin, plus I got 40% off.  I gave it away at Christmas time, because I couldn't decide what to do with it!
• I came up with an idea for my handcraft business.

So, that's it in a nutshell.  Actually, now that I get to the bottom of this post, I have come up with a resolution. I need to blog more!  I love blogging so much, but my mind almost always draws a blank. *sigh*

Happy New Year, my dear friends and companions!  Blessings!