Goals Update: May

May absolutely flew right past me.  The older you get, the faster time passes.  I'm not so sure I like that...this month has been truly whacked out; I was sick, then visited the wonderful world of Disney (I promise I will post some pictures and stories sometime this month), and then promptly developed a lovely sinus infection.  All that to say: don't expect too much from my goals report.

Become a faithful member of the 5 am club. Not while I'm sick, and not while I'm on vacation.  So, that was a no-go, friends.

Memorize 52 verses. What happened to May being Memorization Month?  It went out the window, apparently.  I've got nothing for you.

Memorize (the first half) of the book of James. Nothing, but the husband is trying to help me with this one now.  I might actually make some progress if my hubby whips me into shape.

Continue in the SWI program. We don't have classes over the summer, but I have registered for classes for the fall.  And I get to hang out with my SWI Mafia over the summer, so that should count as something.

Read through the Bible. I am so far behind; it's quite ridiculous actually.  I have no excuses except that I am lame.

Continue to think through our family traditions. This goal had good intentions, but the way I phrased it is rather idiotic.  It's not very measurable, now is it?  No.  Geez, you would think I never learned all about SMART goals when I was eight years old.  But, I have thought about family traditions- just haven't implemented any of them.

Communicate with our family (and friends) more. I did an excellent job of communicating with my mother this month- since I got to see her for a whole week!  Other than that, nothing too stellar.  I've talked to a few people, but again, I really need to work on calling my grandparents at least once a week.  I love talking with them; they are an absolute hoot.

Build up our emergency fund. Move on to the next one, please.

Make a huge dent in our car loan. We made two extra payments in May.  As I keep telling myself: slowly but surely....

Cut our grocery bill. I did an excellent job with this one this month...since we were on vacation for a whole week and had a Disney Dining Plan, courtesy of Dr. Mom... :)

Develop a consistent and workable cleaning schedule. Most of the house stays pretty clean, although I really would like to be better at this.  The problem is that when I get home, I only want to do one of the following: read, watch BBC World News, obsess over getting out of the country at some point this year, or watch something else produced by BBC (truly, I love them).  So, as you can see, it's a motivational issue for me.

Read 30 books. I think I completed five this month (even though I posted more reviews- those were from previous months).  I have almost completed the 30 books for the year, although I still have many left on my 2010 Reading List.

Scrapbook. ...(yeah that's right.  My entire update concerning this goal is an ellipses).

Continue blogging. Most of my posts this month were book reviews, which is okay because I am almost caught up with my book reviews.  However, I promise to bring you a wider variety in the following months.

And dang it, friends, if you haven't signed up for Swagbucks, do.it.now.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

What a delightful, delightful read! The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is told through a series of letters to and from an author in London in the years immediately following World War II. Juliet is looking for the subject of her next book, but the subject ends up finding her! A resident of the island of Guernsey in the English Channel writes a letter to Juliet when he sees her name and address on the inside of a book he finds. The two begin corresponding, and Juliet is fascinated as she learns the history of Guernsey, which had been occupied by the German military since 1940. The residents of Guernsey are starved for information from around the world, as all media was blacked out by the Germans during the occupation. Juliet does her best to update the residents of the island, and in the process begins to learn about the lives of those who call Guernsey home. Shortly after making the first connection, she is exchanging letters with several members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, a group formed originally as a front for meeting past the curfew the Germans instigated on the residents of Guernsey. Over the course of several years, this small group of people, who were not necessarily friends to begin with, eventually develops not only a bond with each other, but a true love of literature.

Juliet eventually travels to the island, where she meets her friends in person and also begins to unravel more of the mysteries surrounding the Society (including the origin of the name) and the island. As she struggles to find the focus of her book, Juliet finds herself becoming more and more involved with the islanders and their lives.

The book is so well-written and is incredibly engaging. If you love reading, you will enjoy the subtle (and not-so-subtle) references to literature. I shall leave you with one small excerpt:

"Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad books."

Indeed, it does!

Schindler's List

One of my favorite movies is Schindler's List.  It is a film I believe everyone should see at some point in their life.  The acting is spot-on, the music is beautiful, and the cinematography is haunting.  It is a rather difficult film to watch, but it deals with a rather difficult issue; I think Spielberg made the decision to keep the film slightly (and more than slightly in certain points) uncomfortable throughout its duration.  It is so easy for Hollywood (and authors) to glorify stories into dramatic movies about World War II and the Holocaust; it's harder to deal with the grit and grime of what actually happened.

Schindler's List is based on a book of the same title by Thomas Keneally.  Though it is advertised as a novel, it is the result of Keneally's research on the life of one of history's most unlikely heroes: Oskar Schindler.  Having seen the film multiple times already, I produced a clear mental image of the scenes in my head as I read the words.  Keneally does an excellent job of providing detailed background information about Oskar's family and childhood, as well as the development of his character as he relates the story of how one man saved hundreds of lives during one of man's most brutal regimes.  Keneally thoroughly researched his book, speaking with many of the Schindler survivors; the book was originally published in the early 80s and so many of the Jewish individuals who worked for Schindler were still alive. 

If you are unfamiliar with the life of Schindler, I highly suggest you read the book or watch the movie (or both).  The story of Oskar Schindler should be an example for all of humanity in that if there is something so clearly wrong in the world, we must fight however we can.  Schindler was not an overly moral man, but he did not fail to act in the face of evil; let us not fail to do the same.

She Walks in Beauty

Bethany House recently sent me this book to review as well (kudos to them for their great blogger book review program); I thought it would be just like all of the other easy-read historical fiction books, but this one definitely had a little more substance to it!  She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell is the story of Clara Carter, a young debutante in the Gilded Age of New York City.  Her aunt is determined that Clara should make a good match and in doing so, save the family's honor.  Clara, however, longs for more than just corsets and balls for her life; she wants to go to university, to see the world, and to experience life before she hands over her dreams and wishes to a husband.  She realizes, however, that as a woman she has few options and is obliged to follow her aunt's advice and secure a proper marriage proposal from an eligible heir.  But when she meets the heir's brother, he begins to show her that she does not have to abide the expectations others place on her. 

What was really interesting about this book was that the author did not shy away from addressing the less 'desirable' aspects of life in the late-Victorian age.  She brings to light the chasm between the haves and the have nots and specifically focuses on the immigrants of New York City.  Clara soon discovers the book How the Other Half Lives by Jacob Riis and calls into question not only how her life affects others but also what she is called and required to do for those who are less fortunate.  Truly, Mitchell does a great job of subtly discussing these issues; hopefully individuals reading this book will be interested in these issues as well.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Behtny House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Adopted for Life

We've had Adopted for Life on our bookshelf for a while now, and I am so pleased I finally sat down to read it.  Dr. Moore is actually one of Isaac's professors, and I can assume just from the way Isaac talks about his classes with Dr. Moore that the man is one of his favorite professors.  Last semester, Dr. Moore's lovely wife Maria, was my leader for my Discipleship class for SWI.  Love her.  Love him.  Want to steal their boys from them.  They are simply a wonderful family living their lives with Gospel-intentionality.

It's fitting Dr. Moore wrote Adopted for Life at this time; there seems to be more of a focus in the Christian community on adoption and orphan care than ever before.  I know so many couples and families who are adopting domestically, adopting internationally, adopting through the foster system, providing orphan care...the list of ways in which people are involved in orphan care goes on and on.  In short, it's a pretty highly-publicized topic now.

This book is simply wonderful.  Dr. Moore not only discusses the logistics of adoption, but begins by focusing on how believers are truly adopted into the family of God and what that realization should mean for us as we contemplate our role in adoption.  He discusses some of the more sticky ethical dilemmas as well.  On the whole, the book is remarkably well done and presents a unique perspective- one that is thoroughly research and yet thorough person.  Truly, I have at least half of the book dog-eared.  Even if you have never thought about adoption in any specific way, I would recommend this book.  You won't necessarily finish the book and feel the call to adopt because not everyone is called to adopt.  There may be many people who do have this experience, but the book is more about growing closer to the Lord as we realize we are His family- adopted as His sons and daughters.

Wuthering Heights

Good Golly, Ms. Molly! How in heavens I made it through four years of intense English classes at good 'ole Booker T. and never read Emily Bronte's classic, I will never know. Seriously. I have half a mind to call up those teachers (uh...I still keep in contact with some of my high school teachers...yes, I am quite a dork) and chew them out about this...or rather not. They did a wonderful job of introducing me to some of the finest literature ever penned, and I am very grateful for them. Truly, I had awesome English teachers, and I can freely say that now without others assuming I'm just looking for brownie points.

And how in the world it has taken me this long to read this novel, I will never know either. Man, what is wrong with me? Seriously, Wuthering Heights is true literature. Before I began this classic, my friend Jess mentioned that the obsessive love between Cathy and Heathcliff may very well have been the basis for the relationship between Bella and Edward in the Twilight saga. You can read all those Twilight books all you want, but characters like Heathcliff never fade.

Set in the brooding moors of Yorkshire (that's in the north of England, for those of you who don't wish you were born a Brit, like Jess and I do), Bronte tells the story of a young orphan boy found on the streets and brought home by a wealthy father of two children, Hindley and Cathy. Cathy and Heathcliff form an unbreakable bond, while Hindley tortures Heathcliff at every opportunity. As Cathy and Heathcliff face the expectations of society, they find themselves being torn apart. As the events unfold, Heathcliff plans his revenge on the world, and the innocent are involved at their own price.

Interestingly enough, apparently the Bronte sisters did not enjoy Jane Austen's works (they both published after her). Their styles are very different from one another, but I do appreciate both. Authors don't seem to produce works like these anymore, so it's important to appreciate them to their fullest extent.  There are also several film adaptations of the book. I watched this one a few weeks ago; it's pretty well done, although the screenplay does not follow the novel precisely.

Hearts Awakening and Sixteen Brides

I love these little novels that literally require no brain power to read.  It is great to simply relax with a book at the end of a long day.  Bethany House publishes some good historical fiction to that account.  I received both of these books on the same day from their blogging program and had a hard time choosing which one would help me unwind first.

Hearts Awakening by Delia Parr is set in the pre-Civil War era in Pennsylvania.  Elvira Kilmer, known as Ellie, is a spinster with little hope for a marriage and family.  She needs work to survive and is recommended to be the housekeeper of a widower with two young boys.  Jackson Smith owns an apple orchard and works hard to provide a living for his family, but scandal surrounding his first marriage threatens his standing and reputation among the community.  As he and Ellie become acquainted with one another, their relationship shifts into one of mutual understanding, but remains full of mistakes and misunderstandings as they work together to raise Jackson's children. 

Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson follows a train of young Civil War widows who head west to Nebraska in search of a new beginning.  Promised free land by the Homestead Act, they find they have been misguided by the man who brought them to the frontier with such hopes.  While many of the women return to the East, five decide to settle in the small town of Plum Grove.  Together, they claim their land and begin to build anew, leaning on each other for strength and support.  The community embraces them in their endeavors, and soon the women are more involved in the lives of Plum Grove's residents than they ever imagined.

I thought both books were sweet, albeit a little hokey.  For a while, I thought Sixteen Brides might recommend itself as quite a surprise, but the book quickly shifted to the relationships between the widows and the eligible men of Plum Grove.  These books are certainly not on the level of Austen, Gaskell, and Dickens, but they never claim to be.  Still, both books deal with more than just a cheesy romance between the characters.  The authors integrate life lessons of faith and love throughout the books.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Behtny House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

When Broken Glass Floats

Yet again, I have a slew of book reviews to post. So prepare yourself to read nothing except my thoughts on a variety of books over the next few days...

As I just mentioned, I like to read a variety of books throughout the year, but I always end up reading at least a few about issues pertaining to refugees and international policy. Many refugees have written memoirs about their experience, including individuals who survived the horrors of World War II to individuals who fled their homeland simply because they were of a different ethnicity or religion than the people in power in their country. Even though I make it a point to read at least a few of these books every year, I also have the chance to talk with my clients and learn about their often-harrowing experiences. It can be a bit overwhelming at times, but it is important to be aware of the suffering around us so that we can be called to appropriate action.  The International Rescue Committee prepared a list of films and books concerning the refugee issue.  Check it out here.

You may remember that earlier this year, I read a book about the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. Admittedly, this particular bit of history is not often the focus in the typical high school classroom- at least, it wasn't in any of my high school history classes- and I was never very much interested in the people of Cambodia anyway. Yet when I look back, I find it quite sad that I know so little about certain areas of the world. It is good that I read the book earlier this year so that I can understand a little more about the genocide in Cambodia. If you need a little bit of background as to the actual events, read my post about First They Killed My Father.

When Broken Glass Floats: Growing Up Under the Khmer Rouge is a similar memoir. Chanrithy Him's father was an educated man, and when the Khmer Rouge took over, they were forced to flee their home. Him's memoir echoes much of what I read by Luong Ung. Those individuals who worked for the government were not spared; people who were "city dwellers" were forced to move into rural areas and to work on farms or sent to labor camps. Food was scarce and conditions were harsh. By the time the Khmer Rouge fell in 1979, half of Chanrithy's family was dead, the children left as orphans. This memoir conveys the completely desperate situation in which millions of Cambodians lived for years, but Chanrithy's story ends with hope and reminds us that we must do the same.

I Think I May Be Obsessed...

I borrowed this movie from a friend on Tuesday night, watched all four hours of it on Wednesday night, promptly purchased the DVD on Amazon after its completion, and then made Isaac watch the first episode with me before we went to bed.  And today I bought the book- yes, bought...I haven't bought a book for myself in a long time, but believe me, I am sure Gaskell's work is well worth it.  Then I came home and made Isaac watch the remaining three hours of the movie...and yes, I asked him if he wanted to watch it again with me not five minutes after the end.  He wishes you to know that he did not, in fact, watch it with me again...but I am fairly certain I will watch at least part of it before the weekend is over.

If you love period pieces as much as I do, you will love this movie...and if you live near me, please feel free to pop on over.  I would be more than happy to watch the movie with you...again.

Here is an unofficial trailer I found to further my obsession for your enjoyment.



PS- The music is phenomenal...

Long Time, No See

No, I'm not dead.  I'm just recovering from a super packed and amazing vacation visiting this guy (and his pals):

Don't worry, I'll post some stories and pictures soon...

Bible Jumble For Kids

Tyndale Books sent me this book the other week, and I finally got a chance to sit down and flip through it. Bible Jumble For Kids is pretty thick and chalk full of different jumbles designed for children age eight and older. Each of the jumbles (i.e. puzzles) are based on biblical content, and I was surprised to find out just how difficult some of them could be! I love how Scripture is included in each puzzle and is actually the focus of the entire book. In case the puzzle gets too hard for the kid (or you, if you have trouble like I did on a few of them), there is even a box of clues which can help you complete the puzzle and often points you back to Scripture and other biblical concepts.

I think this would be a wonderful gift for any child and would probably be something great to keep him or her entertained during your road trip this summer!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Heart-Broken

I'm not going to get on a soapbox and detail my personal views about energy sources and off-shore drilling and the like.  That's for another time and place.  I will say that I am completely heart-broken over this oil spill and the lasting effects it will have on the Gulf Coast; it is frightening to realize this could "ecplipse the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill in scope and damage."  For those of us who grew up on the Gulf, I think the tragedy reaches a little deeper into our hearts.  The next time I see the snow-white beaches of my childhood, everything may very have completely changed.  The oil slick is now about 70 miles from Florida's coastline, but scientists and residents alike fear that if BP cannot cap the leak, the huge amount of oil will get so large the strong Gulf currents will push the slick straught to the Keys and out into the Atlantic as well. 

I don't exactly know what all the answers are, but I do know that we are stewards of this good Earth the Lord created and He weeps when His creation is in turmoil.  I and many others are weeping with our God at this sight.

For more coverage and pictures, please see The Boston Globe's Big Picture.

May's Focus: Angela Shelton Foundation

You know how some people are so totally passionate about a particular cause that you can't help but take notice? My friend Tracie is one of those people; she is passionate about raising awareness about sexual abuse, educating communities and individuals about this issue, and providing healing to the victims of abuse. Tracie is herself a survivor of sexual abuse, and on Saturday, May 15th she will be hosting a blog-a-thon to raise money for the Angela Shelton Foundation.

In order to truly understand how the Angela Shelton Foundation has changed Tracie's life, you'll want to follow her blog-a-thon since she will be writing her story as part of the event. But for simplicity's sake, it all started with the documentary Searching for Angela Shelton.

A few years ago, filmmaker Angela Shelton decided to travel across the country to produce a documentary. The purpose behind the film was to contact every woman named Angela Shelton in the US and try to interview as many of them as possible in order to get a cross-section image of what the lives of women in the United States look like today. During the process, she found that of the 40 women who shared her name, 24 of them had been beaten, raped, or molested. Twenty-four out of forty.

The project quickly took on a different perspective as Angela, who had also been molested as a child, realized just what an epidemic this actually is today. Some stats for you to consider: one in four girls and one in six boys will be molested before the age of 18.  Every two minutes, someone somewhere in America is sexually assaulted.  One sex offender molests an average of 117 children, most of whom never report the crime. If those numbers don't speak volumes, I'm not sure what will.

Be sure to check out the Angela Shelton Foundation and how you could get involved; it is amazing to see the network of abuse survivors banding together to fight this evil in our world. You can support Tracie and her blog-a-thon by giving here. But first, you might want to start by watching the movie, Searching for Angela Shelton. It's available in its entirety on Hulu; I wouldn't let young children watch the movie, as it discusses some material which is not suitable for them.  Also please be advised there is some crude language in the film.  However, the film does a wonderful job at taking an honest look at this issue, especially as you see Angela Shelton, filmmaker, deal with her experience.

To all the survivors of abuse, including my beloved friend Tracie, I pray the Lord would bring healing to your life and that He would grant justice through His infinite mercy.