is the title of a new book by Beth Pattillo that I think will be a fun read.
My Lifeway catalog arrived today in the mail, and as I sifted for "things I'd like to have but don't have money for" :) I came across the title of this book. It just seemed to pop-out... thanks to its title. Hmmm... Jane Austen and a twist on her stories... Interesting.
I've seen a few works by others attempting to write novels based on the Classics, but for the first time, I was truly intrigued... Maybe because its genre is Christian Fiction, which I am fairly new to.
Although I'm a "conservative" when it comes to the Classics and don't think they should be altered, hahahaa... I actually think I would like to read this one. What about you? If you appreciate the Classics like I do, would you read a newly-published book that is based on them?
If I buy this novel and actually get to read it, I'll let you know! :)
On every third Monday of January, the United States remembers the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Civil Rights Leader and Activist.
Today, Monday, Jan. 18th of 2010, I didn't go to work because I had the option of being off if I had all my "professional development" hours. Do I have these? Yes, I have met and exceeded the amount of hours needed for me to enjoy a day away from work.
What makes this possible? A federal holiday, MLK Day.
However, this day is a regular working day for most people, and those that are off, usually don't remember the real reason for this holiday because we're all tired and busy planning life stuff.
Some questions ponder in my mind: What if Dr. King was still alive today? How would things be?? How would history be different??? And if he could come back, what would he think about American society today???
A couple of years ago, I remember watching part of a cartoon that made me remember Dr. King's efforts and goals... and it just really made me think... a whole lot.
Although some might feel offended, please look at the bigger picture of the clip below. I think it attempts to answer at least one of my questions: What would Dr. King think of society today if he could be here for just one day? It is not meant to insult or destroy anyone with words, images, etc... Completely the opposite. The intention of the creator of this cartoon, Boondocks, was to pay respect to Dr. King and make us all, (yes, all of us) think about how we are contributing to American society. Are we being responsible members? Do we bring goodness with our actions?? Are we doing all that we can to live good lives???
My motive as a Social Studies teacher and rookie in the blogging world is to hopefully bring awareness to society (meaning my students), as I work with them on a daily basis, encouraging them to be their best, rise above current circumstances, and remain with a grateful attitude at all times.
Unfortunately, we (society as a whole) have lost that vision of living up to the dream that many people who came before us, like Dr. King, worked very hard for. That's just my humble opinion. Trying to find acceptance, wanting to build a better tomorrow so that it could be shared with our coming generations, etc... It's our duty to bring that dream back... that one dream that Dr. King had and worked for until his last day of life in order to see it reality in everyone. But as we think on this today, there are good news: The opportunity remains available. It is up to us as individuals if we are going to make it happen... and once we decide to go for it, we must hold on to it like dear life itself.
In this episode, things are so sad here in the U.S. that Martin Luther King Jr. decides to move to Canada instead. He dies at the age of 91, in Vancouver, B.C. ......Deep... and I'm so glad I get it.
"From the left to the right: Paul Gies, Fritzie Frank-Markovits, Jan Gies, Miep Gies and Otto Frank. Basel, 1971" (Click on pictures for source) Yes, Miep Gies, the wonderful woman that helped the Frank family "survive" up until they were discovered in 1944... by bringing food, supplies, magazines, etc... has passed away today. She was 100 years old.
Absolutely remarkable.
It is truly a blessing to live long and have blessed others in your life.
Survived by her son and three grandsons, all I can think of is:What a legacy.
Thank you, Miep, for having served as a kind reminder to humanity of what is important: To love each other as one loves thyself... and actually live and show that "brotherly" love, agape love.
May God bless your descendants, legacy, and of course, the sweet, kind memory of you!
With tears of gratitude, a girl that says thank you for helping Anne Frank and her family, and showing that unconditional, true love... thank you, God, for Miep. May she rejoice in your presence. :) Amen.
With all due respect and admiration, sincerely yours, Carranza
(Reminder: I'm a 28-year old woman and now teacher, touched by Anne Frank's diary and the events of the Holocaust in 8th grade, spring semester, age 13).
In case you're wondering, here's my "About Me" description:
I'm all about actions and not just talk. What started as a summer
project/requirement has now become a commitment to life-long learning. To me,
every day is a new opportunity to be a better everything! I work very hard on a
daily basis as a teacher to 120+ students... and treasure the few moments I have
to be me. Yes, the dreamer, adventurous, multi-tasker, sometimes too quiet,
appreciative, Carranza :) And at 27, learning and feeling
alive as if I were 17!
The line in pink has changed and will be erased! Why? A few days ago, I turned 28... But I definitely do feel young as if I were 17!!
And noooo, I'm not the one getting married... My time has not yet arrived. However...
Today's Moment in History:Shout out to my friend, colleague, excellent teacher, neighbor across the hall, mall buddy, super "runner" of an athlete, sister in Christ, and sweetheart of a good friend, Christie!!! :) Congratulations girl, God bless you and Taylor as you've gotten engaged!!! How awesome and what a testimony to those of us that are still waiting... LOL :) I am reminded of God's promises and how real & true they are. And THAT is greatness because I see it in your lives.
I'm reminded of scripture: Isaiah 40: 27-31 NIV
27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God"?
28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
When my friend and I were talking on the phone tonight and as she shared with me the awesome news, this passage immediately popped into my mind... And I'm thankful to God because it's a very good reminder to me... and it is God, once again, talking to me. Thank you Father God! Thank you for loving us first... and giving us your grace. Please continue to help me and continue to be patient and merciful to me... I know you are, but please be with me at all times because I need you soooo much. I also ask that you bless this wonderful couple that you have brought together, Christie and Taylor, with everything that they need... and I pray that you give them LIFE and your goodness in abundance! Thank you for their lives, thank you for their example; in your name I pray Jesus, Amen.
I am honored to be called your friend, Christie!!!
Love ya girl!!!! (And love ya too, Taylor!) lol :)
The picture below is my best attempt to reflect a happy, sweet, awesome couple. Although they look lovely, they are not my friends mentioned above. Picture thanks to here.
I'm all about actions and not just talk. What started as a summer 2009 project/requirement has now become a commitment to life-long learning. To me, every day is a new opportunity to be a better everything! I work very hard on a daily basis as a teacher to 120+ students... and treasure the few moments I have to be me. Yes, the dreamer, adventurous, multi-tasker, sometimes too quiet, appreciative, Carranza :)
is the title of a new book by Beth Pattillo that I think will be a fun read.
