The Chamberlain Key

I'm a skeptic.  I will lay it right out there.  When it comes to theological writings, ones that purport to open up the mysteries of the bible, old or new testament, I tend to tread with caution.  Perhaps this is because I was raised and have always been Lutheran.  We believe that the bible is the inspired word of God, written by men, through the guide of the Holy Spirit.  That said, I did find, The Chamberlain Key, written by Timothy P. Smith an interesting read.
Smith writes a real life story about his discovery of a key that is hidden within the old testament, "the Masoretic tradition of textual transmission...(with its)...seemingly fanatical insistence that both the letter count and sequence of specific biblical manuscripts not be altered so much as one letter (Smith). It is through this precise translation with exact spacing that Smith discovers the Chamberlain Key through the use of the Leningrad Codex.  He, with other academics and professionals discover messages that point to and confirm the Christian gospel.
When I first picked up this book, I was afraid it would be much like the Bible Code written by Rips, Witzum and Rosenburg.  Thankfully it is not.  Smith even refers to this book as he also found the book "appalling for many reasons"(Smith).
I do not pretend to know or understand all the the bible offers for both Christians and Jews.  I do believe it is God's word for mankind.  I feel that Smith's book is an unique story, of a man with a strong faith.  My skeptical nature can not condone the book as a new faith text.  I can recommend the text as a good read of a man, who worked hard to share his faith story and journey to delve deeper into God's word.


FTC disclaimer: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.

Truly Inspiring

St. Patricks Day, I walk into the junior English classroom, and on the board is the statement "what in life makes you feel lucky?" students wrote on the board a reason they feel lucky...I wrote one too..
"What in life makes me feel lucky? My job.
Today in junior English, the students presented "Identity Boxes" as a project for the novel study that the class is beginning, Night by Ellie Wiesel.
Being among the amazing students in our school is just one reason that I love my job. Being with amazing teachers is definitely another.  Amber Neighbor is one of the most sincere, intuitive, and inspirational teachers that I have had the  privilege to interact with and been blessed to be in her classroom.

Her love of teaching, and inspiring learning is tangible each and every day.  Today she had her students present "Identity boxes" as a prelude to reading the novel Night.  Each student shared quotes, memories, belief systems, fears, and memorable personal objects that they identified with as aspects of their personalities.  Because she has created a classroom atmosphere where her students feel safe to share parts of their lives with their peers, the experience was one of the most memorable of my career.

  Students that I work with everyday shared snippets of their lives that gave me great understanding into their families and educational experiences.  Each student as an audience member was silent, listening to their peers, and I could see compassion, understanding, and tolerance being fostered by the sharing of thoughts and memories. I am hard pressed to find another educational experience in my career that was as poignant as today.

Thank you for teachers like Amber Neighbor who make learning relevant and tangible, not only for their students, but also for the others they inspire in their lives.  That is what makes my life lucky, working with professionals like Amber, who make me love my job!

The Struggle is Real

There is an internet story that is being shared concerning a boy and a butterfly. I was thinking about the story today because this story seems to exemplify so many things I see in my own life but also those lives around me.

 In the story, the boy has  a collection of butterfly cocoons, most of the cocoons are empty and the butterflies well away on their journey. One is left, it is struggling to exit the confines of the cocoon.  The boy wants to help the butterfly by opening the cocoon and easing its way when an old man comes by and stops him.  He tells the boy to let the butterfly struggle, because this process helps the butterfly gain the strength needed for its long journey ahead in life.

This story exemplifies how I feel about so many things in the world. Struggle is real.  Sometimes struggle involves concrete things like money, food, jobs.  More often, though, struggle involves internal conflicts, such as self-esteem, anxiety, depression, or lack of confidence.  Everyday, many fight the emotions and turmoil, and struggle to keep going, to work their way out of the strife whether it is physical or internal.  Those who make it through are stronger for the process, even if it is exhausting to complete.

I myself have struggled with self-esteem and feelings of confidence.  As a child I was painfully shy, and I have pushed myself to be outgoing, but there are times when  I resort to past feelings and behaviors.  I believe it is my own struggles that have helped me to empathize with others, particularly my students.  "I get it."  I know how it feels to get the details of a project and want to bury my head because the process seems so vast.  That there are moments where I hope that whatever the process is, it will just go away. This can be completely overpowering and I feel frozen in time and must push myself to continue a commitment I have made.  I also understand all types of avoidance behaviors.  I want my students, friends and family to know, I get it, the struggle is real.

But, as much as we want to save ourselves from suffering and experiencing the hurt of the world, both internal and external, it is more important to face the obstacles,  to struggle, because this is how character is built and perseverance is achieved. If we allow ourselves to escape our problems, through denial or other avenues, we are cheating ourself from the growth that comes with the process.

 The same is so for our children, or our students. If we save them from the struggle, expect less, allow them to hide from responsibility, to escape when the internal or worldly problems arise, they will not become the strong adults our world needs.  If we intercede on their behalf when they face a problem, be it homework, relationships, sports, or jobs to make their lives easier, to save them from the pain, to save ourselves from the agony of watching them try and fail, or worse yet watching them not try; then sadly they will not find the internal strength needed to deal with the difficulties that come from living.

Inherently humans want to help each other. Teachers want to help their students find success.  Parents want to help their children grow and mature.  However, let us remember that helping does not mean ending the struggle needed to improve and thrive.  Like the butterfly,  all need to feel the frustration of trying and enduring when things are not easy.  To feel a bit trapped but learning that with perseverance the goal can be achieved. Ultimately to find pride in embracing the struggle, no matter what it happens to be and know that strength comes from the trial.

When God Made you

"YOU, you… God thinks about you. God was thinking of you long before your debut" (Turner). This first line and certain truth is the theme within Mathew Turner's enchanting children's book, When God Made You.  Turner's book, vibrantly illustrated by the artist David Catrow, speaks to the child in all of us.  Turner embraces the fact that each individual is completely different, yet completely planned according to God's perfect plan.  
As an educator, and a Christian, I feel Turner's book, When God Made You, is an important addition to the children's publishing genre.  Turner speaks to the question many children, and adults struggle with, being different and unique yet finding their place in society.  In, When God Made You, the child in all of us feels comfort that "Out of billions of faces from cultures, all races, people God made, from all different places, God new your name"(Turner).  No matter what, each person is part of God's plan for a perfect world. No one is a mistake. No one is less than perfect in whatever body they are born with or abilities they possess.

I was so excited to see this book on the Blogging For Books website.  The title spoke to me and I had high hopes for the content.  I was not disappointed.  Every part of the book is exquisite.  Reading the pages brings smiles to the reader's face and joy to the heart.  I simply can't wait to share this book with adults and children alike.  It is with heartfelt sincerity that I recommend, When God Made You.  Share it with every child in your life, young and old.


FTC disclaimer: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.

Drop Dead Easy Knits

My niece can knit.  She does beautiful work and I admit...I'm jealous.  Knitting has always been a craft that I have aspired to learn.
I have made various attempts. On one occasion my niece's Austrian great grandmother attempted to teach me....she spoke no English, and I learned the word "nein" for no.  Meaning, "no, not like that!"  We had a good time working together, but I did not become the master knitter I had hoped I would. I have had others try to teach me, I can do a basic knit and pearl but,  I want to do more!

I am certain that is why I was excited to see the book, Drop Dead Easy Knits, by Gale Zucker, Mary Lou Egan, and Kirsten Kapur, listed on the Blogging for Books website.   While knitting may still not be easy to me, the book makes the patterns appear very doable.  The illustrations are beautiful and the instructions are straight forward. The items listed are very contemporary in design, and make me excited once again to try to pick up my needles and "click it" until I get it!

I may need to enlist help from my niece, but I am very excited to try some of the patterns from,  Drop Dead Easy Knits.  If you are an accomplished knitter,  I would heartily recommend this book.  You will be ready to get those needles moving and make some stunning pieces.

FTC disclaimer: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.

Home on the Range

Looking for a gentle, heartwarming read for a cold winter day? Then treat yourself to Ruth Logan Herne's second addition to her Double S Ranch Book series, Home on the Range. Herne has continued the Christian mystery storyline of the Stafford family, three brothers who are learning to live their lives through the struggles of relationships and hardships, and ending with the satisfaction of finding love of a woman and life on the Double S Ranch.

Herne's talent for creating strong characters that portray the vulnerability of the human condition makes for enjoyable reading that soothes the soul.
Home on the Range primarily dealing with the story of Nick Stafford and his two girls, Dakota and Cheyenne.  Cheyenne, the older of the Stafford daughters is in third grade, and rebelling from a heart broken by her mother's desertion.  Nick does his best as a single father, raising two headstrong girls, and trying to keep the ranch operating in the shadow of his sick father, Sam Stafford.  The family leans on their newly resurrected faith in God to uphold them in the difficult times. As a therapist for the children, Elsa Andreas enters the picture.  Little does Nick know that Elsa has her own healing to do.  With faith, all heal and help each other.

Herne has a knack for telling a story that is compelling, yet comforting.  Her use of small town characters, real life struggles, and strong faith, engage the reader from page one to the end of the book.  It is easy to recommend Home on the Range as a relaxing adventure to indulge in on a cold winter's day.
FTC disclaimer: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.

Amaro

New Year's Eve is just a few days away and a well planned celebration is just one of the ways to ring in the New Year.  Perhaps trying some alternative liqueurs could bring in the New Year in style.  If this is a goal, then I encourage the reading of AMARO, The Spirited World of Bittersweet, Herbal Liqueurs.  
"Amaro refers to the collective class of Italian-made aromatic, herbal, bittersweet liqueurs traditionally served as a digestif after a meal (Parsons 6).  Brad Parson's book, AMARO, is an informative source to explain the history and enjoyment of all drinks, Amaro.
Living in a rural community, Amaro is not readily available, but that does not mean that the book was not entertaining.  Anyone interested in travel and exotic new experiences will appreciate Parson's research and informative source.  Origins, varieties, recipes, and cocktail offerings are all included in the artful presentation.
I was impressed by the knowledge I gained in reading Parson's book and encourage anyone interested in exotic liqueurs to check it out as well.
FTC disclaimer: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.

What my students don't know...

The school fall semester is quickly coming to an end as the Christmas break approaches.  Students are preparing for first term final exams.  Some are embracing the challenge to continue studying, in a quest to improve their grades and finish strong.  Others are not.  Many of my students are among the latter category. I tutor many students in various subjects throughout the day, working with ones that struggle to excel in their school work.


Last night at church I was overcome with emotion as I prayed for my students.  Both the ones at school and the younger ones in my church class. The thought struck me that my students do not realize their impact on my life.


What my students don't know...


I pray for you:

I am aware that I have only so much influence in guiding you in your work, but I have faith that God will lead you in all the ways that I cannot.



When I leave work I don't leave you here: 

I take my concern for you with me wherever I go. Day and night you are on my mind and I am constantly thinking of alternate ways to teach you to help you understand the material more fully. You keep me up many nights.


I want great things for you:

I see your potential and know you are capable of any endeavor you attempt, if you truly put in the hard work to achieve the goal.   



I work twice as hard to try to make things better for you:

Before I attempt to teach material to you, I study it myself.  Then I study the material again with you. Especially when it is a new concept to me.


When I see you give up on yourself, I cry:
I know you can do the work so when you don't try my heart hurts. I know learning about assignments and projects can be overwhelming. Sometimes just beginning the work can seem like a vast hill to climb.  But starting the process is the first step and if you never start, you can not succeed.  Trust me that you have the ability, don't give up on yourself, I won't.


Sometimes the work does not seem relevant:

Yes the work is hard and you may not directly use the information you learned from passing your class. You may never discuss Thoreau's "Walden," again, or be asked to convert an equation from point-slope form to slope intercept  form in your adult everyday life. However, learning to work hard you will use always.



When you fail, I feel like I fail too:

Because you are important to me, I revel in your successes.  I also feel sadness for your failures.   You matter.


When you are rude to me and others:

My feelings get hurt, but I can't show you that. I must always model the adult way to treat others.


Finally, 

So many ask me if what I do is worth it and I say...yes you are

How to Talk to Your Cat About Gun Safety

Milton Berle, the well-known comedian once said, “Laughter is an instant vacation.” Going into the holiday season and all the “busy-ness” that is involved within the holidays, a laughter vacation will most certainly be appreciated. My suggestion is to obtain a copy of How to Talk to Your Cat About Gun Safety, which I feel is one of the most humorous books that I have read in a very long time. How to Talk to Your Cat About Gun Safety, by the American Association of Patriots, is a satire based on many self-help books. Not only does the book include helpful advice about why an owner should speak to their beloved pet about the hazards of guns and never knowing if one is loaded because there is truth behind the old adage, “curiosity killed the cat.” Also, the book tackles the touchy subjects of abstinence, drugs, Satanism, and other dangers to our feline friends. Many times during my reading, I laughed out loud at the commentary presented in a question, answer based format. Holiday stress can overcome even the calmest individual as parties, family, baking, gift buying and giving and all the other myriad of activities ensue. Give yourself an early Christmas gift and get the book, How to Talk to Your Cat About Gun Safety; you won’t regret educating your cat as well as tickling your funny bone!
FTC disclaimer: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.

Classic German Baking

     I must be honest, when I first saw Luisa Weiss's book, Classic German Baking: The Very Best Recipes for Traditional Favorites from Pfeffernusse to Streuselkuchen,  on the Blogging for Books website I emitted a small exclamation of joy.  Scared my husband, and the dog, but I knew they would forgive me once they tasted all the wonderful creations I would be able to concoct from this beautiful book.
     With a maiden name of Havenstein, German heritage and traditions have always been an interest. Add to this my sister marrying a man who is full blood Austrian,  and subsequently growing up knowing her Austrian mother-in-law, and you get a passion for all things involved in German cuisine.  However, even with the background I have, I have not had the opportunity to explore traditional German baking.
     Thanks to Weiss's incredible book, Classic German Baking, I now have the resource to create many traditional favorites, and I might add that I can't wait to do so.  The book itself is an inspiring piece of art.  The page layouts are appealing and offer easy to read instructions with stunning photos of the various foods.  My first attempt was the time-honored Apple Strudel.  I will admit, I felt a bit of apprehension when I looked at the recipe, three pages of instructions were given, yet as I delved into the process, with the company of my daughter and her dear friend, I found the procedure quite straight forward and easy to understand. The proof was in the strudel, the pastry turned out wonderful: flakey, buttery, sweet, and definitely a new family favorite.
      With Christmas quickly approaching, I hope to try many of the recipes.  Thank you Luisa Weiss for creating a stunning book to create all the German baking of my dreams! I would highly recommend anyone interested in authentic German baking to treat themselves to this gem!
   


FTC disclaimer: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.