What is Freedom Worth to You?

It was my job to give the first lecture for the Key of Liberty class I am co-mentoring.  Our goal was to inspire the kids to want to put forth the effort required to learn about the founding of our country.  The outline titles the lecture "America is your land" and gave a little guidance as to what to include in it.  I found as I prepared that it came out much like a talk, so I typed it up to include here. 

What is Freedom Worth to You?

Over 200 years ago the founding fathers signed their names to a document declaring their independence from Britain.  The document stated that they pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor in support of that declaration.  Those men knew that they would be accused of treason.  “The penalty for treason was to be hanged by the head until unconscious then cut down and revived.  Then disemboweled and beheaded.  Then cut into quarters.  Each quarter was boiled in oil.  The remnants were scattered abroad so that the last resting place of the offender would remain forever unnamed, un-honored and unknown” (Making of America).  The founders sacrificed personal benefit for the good of the country, for freedom.

Robert Morris was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.  He was self-educated, owned his own business and was extremely wealthy.  When Congress went bankrupt, Robert gave $10,000 to feed and clothe General Washington’s militia.  Another time Washington pled with Robert to provide more money.  He borrowed money with his word that he would pay it back.  At the commencement of the battle at Yorktown, Washington needed more money.  Robert raised all that was asked.  Time after time he gave his own resources or used his credit to raise money to keep the militia going.  When the war ended, Robert spent 5 years in debtors’ prison.  He understood the value of sacrificing personal benefit for the freedom of the colonies. 

Francis Lewis was another signer of the Declaration who sacrificed for the good of the country.  He was well educated and had built a successful business.  The British troops were ordered to attack his home and seize his wife.  Soldiers advance from one side and a war ship attacked from the other.  Shots were fired.  The soldiers destroyed books, papers, pictures and furniture, and then captured Mrs. Lewis.  She was thrown into prison, not allowed a change of clothing and only given small amounts of food.  She soon dies from the poor treatment.  Francis lived alone for the next 24 years. 

One thing that these men and the other founders had in common was their education.  They were all well read and had read most of the same books.  George Washington took fencing lessons and devoured books so he’d be quick with a sword and quick with his mind. 

John Adams was bored with school and originally wanted to be a farmer like is father.  His father kept him home for a day, but encouraged him to continue his studies.  Adams later confessed that he didn’t like his teacher.  His father found another teacher and Johan began to study with greater interest.  He discovered that he loved books and loved to study. 

Benjamin Franklin taught himself to read and write.  He father discussed whatever Benjamin was reading.  Sometimes he would read through much of the night.

Even though Thomas Jefferson’s father died when he was 14, he was able to continue his education.  He learned Greek and Latin so he could read works in their original language.  He loved learning. 

The founders taught the importance of education.  Jefferson said, “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.”  Franklin said, “Wise and good men are the strength of the state more so that riches or arms.” 

The declaration teaches that we have certain God-given rights.  The founders also teach that the rights have certain duties and that one of those duties is to stay informed. 

Abraham Clark was another signer of the Declaration of Independence.  He was a successful entrepreneur and a veracious reader.  He was known as the poor man’s attorney because he took cases from people who couldn’t afford to pay.  After the signing of the Declaration, the British captured his 2 sons and put them on a slave ship.  The soldiers told Abraham they would only give his sons only water until he signed a document saying he would take back his signature.  Abraham begged for his sons.  He offered to trade his own life.  The British said they didn’t want him; they wanted him to sign a document saying he would take back his signature.  He talked to his wife.  They decided to gather all their money and possessions and exchange them for their sons.  The British refused to trade saying they only wanted Abraham to sign a document saying he would take back his signature.  He returned to his wife.  They talked and prayed and came to a decision.  Abraham returned to the slave ship.  He told the British, “I will give you my life, I will give you my fortune, buy my sacred honor is not mine to give” and he walked away.

We aren’t asking you to sacrifice all your money or your family.  All we are asking is that you sacrifice some of you time to read these books, to study these documents and to learn these principles so that when you are asked to lead you will be ready.  What is freedom worth to you? 

 

 

Book #58

We finished "Dorothy and the Wizard in OZ" today.  In my last post about the OZ series I mentioned that I wasn't enjoying the books.  I take that back.  This one was much better.  It was creative and fun.  Dorothy falls to the center of the Earth with a cousin after an earthquake and the same the happens to the wizard.  They find themselves in a vegetable land where they are not liked and are kicked out.  Then they travel to a land of invisible people.  Next they luckily escape a land populated by wooden gargoyles.  Finally they are trapped in a cave and are magically transported to OZ by the magical belt of Princess Ozma, where we are reunited with all of the characters from previous books (except Jack Pumpkinhead).  Dorothy eventually returns to Kansas, but the kids and I think she will soon go back to OZ. 

Book #57

I read a book that I didn't really have time to read.  I tried to make sure that I got an hour of "appropriate" reading in first, though, so I don't feel too guilty.  It was the next book in the Last Apprentice series--"Grimalkin the Witch Assassin".  This story was told from her point of view instead of Tom's, the apprentice.  Grimalkin was the witch who helped Tom bind the fiend in the last book.  It was  her responsibility to protect the severed head and keep it from the fiend's followers who wanted to reconnect it to the body.  Grimalkin was dedicated and was able to keep the antagonists at bay for most of the book.  These books really get me thinking about good vs. bad.  Can a witch be good?  If she is fighting for a good cause but uses bad magic, is that alright?  Does the ends justify the means? 

Book #56

Anyone who knows me, knows that I like to read parenting books.  I'm always game for learning something new that will help me be a better mother.  "Shepherding a Child's Heart" by Tedd Tripp is more than just a parenting book though.  The author teaches that "most books on parenting give you advice either on how to shape and constrain your children's behavior or on how to make them feel good about themselves.  Either control or self-actualization is deemed the goal of parenting."  He
goes on to say that this book teachers a parent to look not only at the behavior of their children, but the "attitudes of their hearts."  He wants us to look more at the "why" of a behavior than at the "what".

Tedd Tripp's philosophy applies to both good and bad behavior.  Are we good because we want the recognition or because it is the right thing?  Our bad behavior usually stems from a selfish, prideful heart.  If we change our heart, our behavior will change.  Pride is the universal sin because nearly every sin is related to pride.  It's interesting that at the same time I was reading this book I was reading in Helaman 4: 11-13.  Mormon writes that the wickedness and destruction would not have  happened had it not been for the pride of the Nephites.  In my journal I drew a word bubble with the word PRIDE in the center.  Extending from the bubble are arrows and at the end of each arrow is a symptom of pride: lack of charity, cruelty, contention, desertion, greed, selfishness, mocking, boasting in own strength, not sharing, denying the spirit of prophecy and revelation, murder, plunder, lying, stealing and adultery.  WOW!  That's a long list of things that we might do because we have pride in our hearts. 

I had a hard time with some of the stuff Tedd Tripp talked about in his book.  I thought he was too free with his interpretation of Proverbs 13:24: "He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes."  He says God has commanded us to spank our children.  I disagree with this idea and think that spanking is rarely the right form of discipline.  Even though I didn't agree with everything the author wrote, I really love the idea behind changing the heart.

Books #51-55

The kids and I listened to and read a cute series of books by Patricia MacLachlan.  The first one we've read, but I had no idea there were more.  The first 3 were part of an audio set, then I found the other 2 at the library. 

"Sarah, Plain and Tall" is about a family who puts and advertisement in the paper in search for a wife and mother.  A weird concept to us, but it worked for them.  The oldest child, Anna, tells the story of when Sarah came from Maine to the plains and fell in love with the kids and the father and the land.  You can't help falling in love too.

"Skylark" is again told from Anna's point of view.  Because of a draught, Anna, Caleb, and Sarah go to Sarah's hometown in Maine.  They stay with her aunts for the summer.  Caleb and Anna are afraid that Sarah won't want to return home to Papa. 

"Caleb's Story" is told from Caleb's point of view.  Several years have gone by.  There is a new child in the family and Anna is living and working in town.  We meet Grandfather and learn the story about the farm. 


We read "More Perfect than the Moon" out of  order.  I thought there were just the first 3 books because that was all that was on the audio.  Then I accidently found "Grandfather's Dance" on the shelf at the library so we read it.  There seemed to be a few gaps, but nothing big so we had no idea that we missed a whole book.  Then when I was looking for pictures for this post I learned that there was another book.  I ordered it from the library and we finished it in one day.  Cassie tells the story of her mom's pregnancy.  She doesn't want a "terrible baby" and instead hopes for a perfect gift.  Luckily her wish comes true.

"Grandfather's Dance" is also told by Cassie.  She has a new little brother and the family is preparing for Anna's wedding.  We learn more about relationships. 

Book #50

My sister leant me a book on Saturday and I read it in 2 days--it was a quick, enjoyable read.  The title says it all: "Mafia to Mormon: My Conversion Story". 

Mario Facione grew up in Detroit surrounded by the Italian Association.  He learned the tricks of the trade from his father and easily became part of the mob as he grew older.  He participated in so many scams that I started to feel uncomfortable.  Although his deception is unbelievable, his conversion story is equally amazing.  He saw the hand of God through the whole process.  It was fascinating to see him go from a criminally minded individual to a God fearing man.  What a great story!

Book #49

I chose something fun and easy to read on our recent trip to Utah because I know that finding the time to study while on vacation is difficult.  I read the next book The Last Apprentice series--"Rage of the Fallen". 

I'm not sure what I like about these books.  Maybe the fantasy, maybe the good versus evil, maybe the scare factor, maybe the fact that they are a break from my normal reading.  In this book Tom, the apprentice, his witch friend, Alice, and his master, the Spook attempt to bind a creature from the dark.  In the process, Alice is kidnapped, Tom is attacked and they anger several other dark creatures. 

At one point, the Spook is explaining how the dark began.  He says, "I still believe that the dark is fed by human wickedness.  Human greed and lusts for power make it even stronger and more dangerous.  If we could only change the hearts of  men and women, the dark would be weakened--I'm sure of it.  But I've lived long enough to know that it would be easier to hold back the tides than achieve that.  We can only hope."  I agree with the Spook that changing hearts is the way to fight the wickedness that is creeping ever further into the world, and I agree that it is a hard task.  But I think that it can be done. 

The way to starve the dark is to start with our own hearts.  Then we can increase our circle of influence and help those closest to us.  Confusius once said,

The ancients who wished to manifest their clear character

to the world would first bring order to their states.

Those who wished to bring order to their states would first cultivate their personal lives. 

Those who wished to cultivate their personal lives would first rectify their minds. 

Those who wished to rectify their minds would first make their wills sincere. 

Those who wished to make their wills sincere would first extend their knowledge.

The extension of knowledge consists in the investigation of things.

When things are investigated, knowledge is extended.

When knowledge is extended, the will becomes sincere. 

Then the will is sincere, the minds is rectified.

When the mind is rectified, the personal life is cultivated.

When the personal life is cultivated, the family will be regulated. 
When the family is regulated, the state will be in order.

When the state is in order, there will be peace through the world.

From the Son of Heaven down to the common people,

all must regard cultivation of the personal life as the root or foundation.

There is never a case when the root is in disorder and yet the branches are in order.

 

Changing our hearts begins with having the right information--learning from great people--and then applying what we've learned.  I feel blessed to be surrounded by great leaders who I can learn from and associate with.  I am slowly changing one heart at a time. 



Book #48

I needed some audiobooks for us to listen to on our recent drive to Utah.  I'd forgotten to place a request with our library so we searched the shelves in hopes of finding something worth listening to.  I came across a book called "About Average".  It was by Andrew Clements, a favorite author of ours.  We decided to try it.

There were differing opinions from the passengers in the car.  Jonathan didn't like it--probably because he wasn't a 12 year old girl.  The kids all like it--the girls more than the boys.  I liked it.  When I was a youth (and a little still now) I struggled with the same thing as the girl (Jordan) in the story--thinking I was average.  Everyone around me had visible talents--crafts, musical, dance, athletic, etc.--and I had a hard time seeing my talents.  Like Jordan I saw all the gifts of those around me and wished that I could be more like so-and-so.  The reader can see what Jordan can't see--that she has a lot of gifts and her gifts help others.  She is organized, fun, a good friend, and creative. 

Luckily for me, I had a "reader" in my life to see what I couldn't see.  Actually there are a lot of people who have helped me see the gifts that I have been blessed with.  Even though they aren't the kind that I used to dream of, they are gifts that I am thankful for.  I've recognized that we've all been given different gifts and talents to bless those around us.  If everyone were musically talented, who would sit and enjoy the music?  If we all were dancers, who would organize the performance?  I love the scripture in 1 Corinthians chapter 12 verses 14-20.  "For the body is not one member, but many./If the food shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?/And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?/If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing?  If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?/But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath please him./And if they were all on member, where were the body?/But now are they many members, yet but one body."

Thank you to my parents, my leaders, my husband and my friends for showing me what I couldn't see.  I am not average. 

Book #47

Ever since I attended the TJEd homeschool convention in Salt Lake City a couple of years ago and saw the youth present their scholar projects, I knew that I wanted my kids to be a part of something like that.  I knew that there were a few ways for them to participate in scholar projects--online or commonwealth school--and I felt that a commonwealth school would be the best option for us.  Unfortunately there isn't a commonwealth school close to me.  That meant that I would have to begin my own.  I signed up for trainings and learned the steps to get one started in my community. 

At the same time I was doing this, another mom from this area was thinking the same thing.  She started a gathering project (the first phase) and invited parents to attend.  This went on last year.  We read and discussed books looking for principles of leadership.  I knew that it would still be a couple of years until we were ready to start the founding phase of the commonwealth school . 

In the mean time, I decide to start looking into commonwealth schools in other areas.  There are 2 in the Mesa/Gilbert area (about 1 hour away).  Both Jonathan and I felt that joining one of them was the right step for our family.  He loved the idea of being around like-minded homeschoolers and I loved the idea of getting hands-on training.  I made contact with the 'president' and she helped me get a feel for the school and their philosophy.  I originally volunteered to mentor a love of learning class, but was later asked to co-mentor a scholar class.  Braedi will attend that class with me and the other kids will be in love of learning clubs or core classes.  I also joined to board in hopes of learning more about how to run a commonwealth school (there is soooo much to it). 

There are 2 downsides to the whole thing.  One is the drive.  A drive that far, that early in the morning will be tough on me and the kids.  The other is the day.  The school meets on Thursdays--the same day as our homeschool group.  I decided to tell the homeschool group that I would only be able to commit to one day a month (the day of our book club).  I didn't want to have to stress about getting back to the other side of town in time and I think the commonwealth school will meet most of our social needs. 

Knowing that I had to tell my group about my decision, I started preparing myself to be able to explain what it was that I was doing instead.  I read "The New Commonwealth School" by Analadee Milne and Tiffany Earl.  I learned that a commonwealth school is built by a community of families who want to change the direction of education.  "The mission for our New Commonwealth School is to create an environment in which families of like culture can study the classics and become great citizens through devotion to learning more about and gaining a greater vision of our country and ourselves, and to reinforce our allegiance to our God."  I reviewed common myths about education and read about the phases of starting a commonwealth school.  I have told a few people about what we are doing, but I haven't gotten any questions or comments. 

Though I feel a bit overwhelmed with this endeavor, I know it is the right path for us to be on. 

Book #46

Although we have read the Little House on the Prairie series, I decided to include "Little House in the Big Woods" as the final book for our summer book club.  It has been several years since we listened to it and I've been thinking about reading it again so that the younger kids could have a chance to experience the stories. 

Even though the main characters are girls, the boys still enjoyed this  book.  We learned about time
period and how children were expected to act, and we discussed what it would be like to live then.  For our activity we played a game of charades.  I wrote down several events that took place and gave the kids an opportunity to act them out.  They were allowed to use other people and props.  They had a lot of fun and did a good job.  I wish I had taken videos of some of them. 

The kids and I are sad that summer book club is over, but look forward to started up book club again with our homeschool group in October. 

Book #45

Another book in the OZ series. . ."Ozma of OZ".  After the last book I mentioned that it reminded me of the 2nd OZ movie.  Well, this one is even more like it.  Dorothy returns to OZ and we meet the wheelers and Tiktok and travel with them to the Gnome King to save the royal family of Ev.  We also are reunited with the Tin Woodmand, the Scarecrow, the sawhorse, and Ozma.  The kids are enjoying the series, but I would have been fine if we stopped after the first.  L. Frank Baum's writing style has changed and there isn't much to discuss.  Too bad that there are about 10 books left. 

Book #44

The kids and I really enjoyed reading "The Bronze Bow" by Elizabeth George Speare last summer for our kid book club.  We also liked "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" which we read the year before.  This summer we picked another of her books to read--"The Sign of the Beaver"--and liked it just as well as the others. 

In this story Matt and his father move to Maine and set up a homestead, then the father leaves to fetch the rest of the family leaving Matt in charge.  The journey takes longer than expected and 13 year old Matt is left to have many adventures on his own.  While attempting to retrieve honey from a tree, Matt is attacked by bees.  He is rescued by an Indian chief and his grandson, Attean.  Matt agrees to teach Attean to read, but in the process learns a lot from Attean.  Matt learns that there are two sides to every story.  He starts to see how the indian people feel about the white people hunting on the land.  Matt learns different ways to do things.  He also learns the importance of family. 

After our discussion we ground some corn with rocks and made corn meal.  The kids discovered that it was hard work.  They worked for 10 minutes and only ground about 1 Tablespoon.  We also tasted some hasty pudding--a food that Matt ate until a bear snuck into his house and scattered the flour on the floor.  I had several toppings available, but most of the kids didn't like it any way. 

Book #43

I'm not a salesman, but we all have something to sell--ourselves.  That is what I learned from reading "The Greatest Salesman in the World" by Og Mandino. 

In this book we meet Hafid who is known as the greatest salesman and go with him as he walks down memory lane to the time when he was just a camel boy.  He inherits 10 scrolls that contain the secrets to becoming the greatest salesman.  The first scroll is the instructions and the why, and the remaining 9 contain actions to build good habits.  Hafid read one scroll 3 times a day for 30 days before moving on to the next scroll.  Here are the things I learned from each scroll:

Scroll I - Begin a New Life.  Use the right information and become a slave to good habits. 

Scroll II - Greet Each Day With Love In Your Heart.  Love opposition for what each offers.  Dig for reasons to applaud, shout praise and keep quiet instead of criticizing. 

Scroll III - Persist Until You Succeed.  Prizes come at the end of the journey and you appreciate them more after going through the struggles.  Small, repeated attempts will complete any undertaking--"If I persist long enough, I will succeed." 

Scroll IV - You Are Nature's Greatest Miracle.  I am unique.  I am the only me.  I am here for a purpose. 

Scroll V - Live Each Day as if it Were Your Last.  Forget yesterday and don't worry about tomorrow.  Avoid timewasters and DO. 

Scroll VI - Master Your Emotions.  Understand that emotions change and be prepared to handle each emotion.  When depressed, sing; if sad, laugh.  Give grace for others' emotions. 

Scroll VII - Laugh at the World.  Laughter improves.  Remember that "this too shall pass."

Scroll VIII - Multiply Your Value Every Day.  Set goals and surpass own deeds. 

Scroll IX - Act Now.  Goals, plans, and dreams are worthless unless followed by action.

Scroll X - Pray to God for Guidance.  Ask Him to guide me to "acquire ability to equal my opportunities."

Book #42

I hesitate to write a post on this book. . .I'm not sure what to say or how to say it.  "Leadershift" by Orrin Woodward and Oliver DeMille is "a call for Americans to finally stand up and lead."  It is a book written in story form and gives steps and ideas for the average citizen to become one of the 10% who lead our country in the next shift. 

A lot of us recognize that our county is moving in a downward spiral and feel a need to do something about it, but we just don't know what to do.  This book gives those people something to do.  One suggestion is to read like our founders did.  The founders were not educated men (in a traditional sense) but they all could read and discuss "The Federalist Papers". 

Another thing the authors suggested was being involved on a local level and knowing what is happening.  Tocqueville says something similar in "Democracy in America".  Bear with me; it is a long quote. 

"There are some nations in Europe whose inhabitants think of themselves in a sense as colonist, indifferent to the fate of the place they live in.  The greatest changes occur in their country without their cooperation.  They are not even aware of precisely what has taken place.  They suspect it; they have heard of the event by chance.  More than that, they are unconcerned with the fortunes of their village, the safety of their streets, the fate of their church and its vestry.  They think that such things have nothing to do with them, that they belong to a powerful stranger called "the government."  They enjoy these goods as tenants, without sense of ownership, and never give a thought to how they might be improved.  They are so divorced from their own interests that even when their own security and that of their children is finally compromised, they do not seek to avert the danger themselves but cross their arms and wait for the nation as a whole to come to their aid.  Yet as utterly as they sacrifice their own free will, they are no fonder of obedience than anyone else.  They submit, it is true, to the whims of a clerk but no sooner is force removed than they are glad the defy the low as a defeated enemy.  Thus one finds them ever wavering between servitude and license." 

 

I am taking a constitution class in the fall and this book will be the closing book.  I will read it again at that point.  The hope is that after learning about what the founders wanted, we will want to read something that points us in the direction of change.  It is something that everyone who wants to turn the spiral upwards should read. 



Book #41

We just finished the second book in the Wizard of Oz series called "The Marvelous Land of Oz".  I don't know if you watched the movie Return to Oz when you were a kid, but parts of this book reminded me of that movie--some of the characters and some of the magic.  It made me want to find it and watch it with my kids. 

After writing "The Wizard of Oz" Frank L. Baum said that he wouldn't write another Oz story.  He received lots of letters asking him to write one.  After one letter from a young girl he said that if she could get 1000 people to write saying they wanted another Oz story he would do it.  This story is proof that he lost that bet. 

In this story we see the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman again and are introduced to new characters--Tip, Jack Pumpkinhead, the Sawhorse, the Highly Magnified Woggle-Bug and the Gump.  They travel around the land of Oz in an attempt to save the Emerald City from the army of revolt and search for the rightful heir.  I enjoyed the story, but didn't think it was as well written as the first book. 

Book #40

"Son" is the 4th book in "The Giver" series by Lois Lowry.  This is an interesting series.  "The Giver" was written over 20 years ago and at the end you think the story is over, but in in 2000 Lois Lowry wrote a sequel called "Gathering Blue" and a 3rd book called "The Messenger" in 2004.  Again, we thought that was the end, but just last year she released "Son".  Who knows if that will be the last? 

The story starts in the same place as "The Giver" and ends in the same place as "The Messenger".  Claire is assigned to be a birth mother, but there are complications and after giving birth via C-section she is reassigned to another occupation.  By chance Claire does not resume her daily pill taking and therefore has feelings.  She feels attachment to her baby.  If you've read "The Giver" you understand how different this is for people in this community.  Claire's baby is Gabe, the boy that Jonas (from "The Giver") runs away with.  Claire runs away, too, in search of her son and after much adventure, learning and sacrifice she is reunited with him. 

I've mentioned before how much I love reading books from another character's point of view.  The first part of the story is this way.  I thought that we would get to see how the community survived after Jonas left, but was still pleased with the direction the book went.  Maybe Lois Lowry will write another book that watches the people in the community deal with the memories. 

Book #39

My sister and I like to read books together so that we can discuss them and sometimes having a buddy/accountability partner helps me to finish tough books.  The latest book we read was "Ender's Game".  She read it for a book club and knew that I wanted to review it before I read it to my kids so she asked me to join her.  I love this book, but my kids aren't ready for it. 

It's funny how each time you read a book, you learn something different.  The first time I read it, I was intrigued.  I enjoyed it, but didn't really get it.  The second time I read it, I understood so much better the battle scenes.  This time, the leadership stood out to me.  The way Ender watched others and learned how to be a good leader. 

Some leadership skills I learned from Ender:
1. It isn't how you solve problems, but why.
2. A leader settles their own problems.
3. A leader knows what to do and what not to do by learning from others.
4. A leaders also knows what to do by trial and error. 
5. A leader evaluates their knowledge and understands how to apply it.
6. A leader often takes "the road less traveled."
7. A leader acts like a leader.
8. A leader asks the right questions.
9. Sometimes a leader has to act alone.
10. A leader must "stand strong" even when everything stands against him.
11. A leader gains trust.
12. A leader is not a manager--a leader must be in the trenches.

Ender realized that he had power, but it was "a power born of excellence, not manipulation."  He had respect and admiration from his crew.  He learned how to lead them. 

I don't know if I'll watch the movie.  I'm always disappointed in the changes made, but it might be interesting to see how they do the battle scenes. 

Book #38

"We're off to see the wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of OZ!"  I broke out in song several times as I read this book aloud to the kids.  What a fun story, even thought it isn't the same as the movie I grew up watching and singing along with. 

Dorothy is carried by a cyclone to the land of OZ and befriends some strange characters--the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion.  They make their way to the Emerald City in hopes that the wizard will give them their deepest wish.  The irony of their wishes is that 3 of them already have what they want.  The Scarecrow wants brains, but his ideas along the trip show that he already has brains.  The Tin Woodman wishes for a heart, but he is always kind and thoughtful to all the creatures.  The Cowardly Lion desires courage, but often shows courage and bravery in the face of danger.  Even Dorothy has the ability to get back to Kansas the whole time, she just doesn't know the power is contained in her silver shoes.  The 4 friends go on many adventures and overcome many trials, but in the end, they all get what they want.

I can't remember if I already knew there were more books about the land of OZ or if I learned it from friends who were reading the series.  I decided it would be a fun series to read.  Most of the kids have already read the first book, but I decided to start there anyway for the benefit for the youngest two.  They loved it and all are looking forward to the next book in the series. 

Books #36 and #37

On our recent trip to Utah we listened to and finished a couple of audio books.  The first was a fun one called "The Beloved Dearly".  It was about a clever boy who was always coming up with ways to earn money.  Unfortunately his father didn't like his schemes and forbade him from continuing.  The boy decided to make one last attempt and builds a business burying neighborhood kids' dead pets.  In the process he builds a pet cemetery, learns how to make and keep friends and earns his dad's understanding.  Most of us enjoyed the story.   





The other story was a little more thought provoking--"Bread and Roses, too".  It is a story about the 1912 factory strike in Massachusetts.  It made me think about factory conditions and wondered if strikes could really change them.  I questioned the government involvement and the unions.  I felt sorry for the families, especially the children.  And I felt grateful that we don't live in that kinds of environment.  Mostly Jonathan and I listened to that one, but the kids quietly played or read or listened. 

Book #35

I will often download audio books for the kids to listen to during quiet time.  Awhile ago they began listening to "Maniac Magee", but turned it off about half way through because they didn't like it.  They couldn't tell me why.  After a recommendation from my aunt we decided to try it again, only this time with me reading it aloud so that if there were any questions or concerns I would be there to address them. 

The story is about a young, white boy (Maniac) who runs away and ends up in a small town that is divided--east side blacks, west side whites.  At the beginning, Maniac is unaware of the segregation and lives on the east side with a black family.  But because of racial tension he runs away again.  He bounces from family to shelter to family to shelter, always searching for a place to call home.  He ends up being friends with kids and families from both sides and tries to get them to see that we are all people--no matter the color of our skin. 

Book #34

A young girl named Minli lives with her Ma and Ba in a poor village at the bottom of Fruitless Mountain.  Ma thinks their family has poor fortune.  They work all day in the rice fields and come home to a tiny house to eat a bowl of rice.  Ba tells stories and Ma frowns.  One day Minli buys a gold fish and everything changes. 

Minli begins an adventure to change her fortune.  Along the way she makes a friend, listens to stories, meets interesting people, learns the true meaning of happiness, understands what fortune is, and reunites a family.  Her parents learn to trust Minli, and they also discover that they had fortune all along. 

The kids and I read "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon" by Grace Lin as part of our kid summer book club.  We had a great discussion--each of the kids asking questions or sharing their favorite part of the book.  There was a lot of thinking involved.  After the discussion we played a game.  I was lucky to find this book.  We all enjoyed it and learned a lot. 

Book #33

I love this picture.
A nice visual of what a leader
should be.

"Virtues of Leadership" by William J. Bennett is full of short stories of people from history who were leaders.  Because I am trying to build leaders (myself and my children) it was the perfect book to read as part of our morning devotional.  Everyday for a month and a half, I read one of the stories and discussed briefly with the kids the skills and talents each of the people possessed.  There were stories of Charlemagne, King Solomon, General Washington, and Frederick Douglas.  There were also stories about Florence Nightingale, Margaret Haughery, Harriet Tubman, and many more great leaders.  Some stories we've heard before, but most were new to us.  I like learning about people who set a good example for the people around them. 

Book #32

I love finding random books at the library that are filled with great themes.  "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" is all about seeing the wonders that are right in front of us. 

Eben lives in a small town, but dreams of bigger, more exciting places.  He makes a deal with his Pa that if he can find 7 wonders in their town in 7 days then Pa will send him on a train to visit his cousin in Colorado.  Eben is doubtful that will find any wonders, but he takes the bet and sets out to discover what secrets are hidden in Sassafras Springs. 

The wonders Eben finds are unique.  He realizes that they might not be wonders of the world, but they are wonders to his town.  "I looked down at that tiny Sassafras Springs and I thought about Junior's egg and Lessie Mull's log cabin quilt, Mrs. Saylor's jade bracelet and Aunt Pretty's green glass beads, Eulie Rowan's worn table and Calvin Smiley's ordinary saw.  'I was only looking for big things,' I told [Uncle Alf].  'But a small thing can be a prize too.'" 

The book made me wonder what wonders we can find if we just take the time to look. 

Book #31

"When you teach  your son, you teach your son's son."--The Talmud

 

 

I just finished reading another parenting book that was recommended by some homeschool moms.  "Parenting the Strong-Willed Child" by Kevin Hinckley is a book about "fortifying our youth and healing our prodigals."  Though I didn't care for the writing style (not enough examples and stories) or think it was all that appropriate for me and my children, I did find one nugget. 

 

In one of the first chapters Kevin Hinckley compares King Benjamin's people to the Anti-Nephi-Lehies.  Both groups of people were converted to the Lord, made covenants and took on a new name.  But the conversion of the first group did not carry over into the lives of their children.  So, what was different?  How come some righteous parents have righteous kids and some have rebellious kids?  According to the author there are 3 reasons that helped the Anti-Nephi-Lehies remain strong and help their children gain strong testimonies: Pre-conversion, Complete Transformation, and Laying Down Weapons of Rebellion.

 

The Lamanites were a covenant making and keeping people.  The didn't break oaths and that helped lay the foundation for their future transformation.  This was part of their pre-conversion.  Do I teach my children the importance of personal integrity--doing what you say you will do?  Do I have personal integrity?  Am I building that foundation?

 

Part of having a complete transformation is making life-style changes--living differently from the world.  "If children are to cling to the faith, they must clearly see the differences between a gospel-centered life and how the rest of the world lives.  They also need to see and experience the joy that results from living the gospel."  After their conversion the Anti-Nephi-Lehies didn't see themselves as Lamanites and knew that they would never be Nephites, so they chose a new name to help them remember their covenants.  They removed themselves from old influences.  Do we live differently than the world?  Do my children feel that difference and recognize the peace?

 

After this conversion the Anti-Nephi-Lehies buried their weapons of war and their weapons of rebellion.  "They became a righteous people; they did lay down the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any more, neither against any of their brethren" (Alma 23:7).  They had a change of heart and knew that they couldn't stain their swords again with the blood of their brethren.  They also needed to give up any rebellious actions directed toward God. 

 

Kevin Hinckley says that the story of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies "document[s] a deep conversion by parents and show[s] its subsequent effect on their children."  He showed how important it is for a parent to have a transformed life to keep their children from rebelling.  Even though I didn't like this book, it did make me think and hope that I am fortifying my children and encouraging them to develop spiritual strength to fight off temptations they will face in this world. 

Book #30

Do you wish you were rich?  Most of us do. Do you know how to get rich?  Probably not.  In the LIFE business we teach a concept called "Define, Learn, Do" which says that we need to first define what we want, then learn from someone who has achieved that skill, and finally do what we've learned.  So, if you want to get rich (define), find a self-made millionaire and discover how he got rich (learn) then go out put the principles learned into practice (do).  Or you can read "The Richest Man in Babylon" by Georges S. Clason. 

Arkad is the richest man in Babylon.  Through stories and examples he educates the citizens of Babylon (and the reader) on the 7 rules that one must follow in order to become rich.  He also teaches the 5 laws of gold, shares the secrets for getting out of debt, suggests guidelines for lending money, and teaches the importance of hard work. 

We live in a world of instant gratification--drive-thru restaurants, text messaging, microwave dinners, etc.  But, part of what I learned from this book is that true wealth takes time to accumulate.  "Wealth that comes quickly goeth the same way./Wealth that stayeth to give enjoyment and satisfaction to its owner comes gradually, because it is a child born of knowledge and persistent purpose."  It takes discipline and courage to follow his techniques taught in this book, but I believe that over time it can make a person rich. 

Ashlee

 

 

 

Book #29

I read "The Fourth Turning" for my 5 Pillar class and for a book club.  I started it back in September at the recommendation of my mentor, but stopped after the first section thinking I had gotten what she wanted me to get out of it.  I was a little reluctant to pick it back up--it is a difficult read.  Sometimes I read a difficult book and am so glad that I pushed through because of all the things I learned.  I'm not grateful that I read this book, but proud that I was able to finish it.  I didn't not like the book, but I didn't like it either. 

The authors believe that history is cyclical (as opposed to linear or chaotic) and that there are 4 turnings (High/Founding, Awakening, Unraveling, and Crisis) with similar characteristics that repeat themselves every 80-100 years (a saeculum).  There are also generational archetypes that are found in each turning: Prophet, Nomad, Hero and Artist.  A Prophet is born during a High, Nomads during an Awakening, Heroes during an Unraveling and Artists during a Crisis.  The authors share many examples from history to support the traits of the turnings and the archetypes.  I had a hard time with all the history.  I have a very small memory of learning about some of the events and people but I can't remember the details.  The authors assume that the reader has some historical background. 

There were a couple of things that rang true, though.  The idea that history is cyclical and that we can learn from past cycles.  Edmund Burke warns that "those who don't know history are destined to repeat it."  The kids and I have noticed the truth of that as we study world history.  We've seen patterns and can guess what will happen when a ruler starts acting like a tyrant or when a civilization begins to fight among themselves.  Knowing that history is cyclical can also help us prepare for the future.  Even though our future isn't set in stone, there are things we can predict will happen based on the past. 

Another theme that I liked was the idea that each generation is shaped by the previous generations, and a generation is what shapes the turning.  "Your generation isn't like the generation that shaped you, but it has much in common with the generation that shaped the generation that shaped you."  Each turning has a certain order of archetypes.  The layering of the archetypes is what produces the turning.  Every High has Nomads entering elderhood (63-83), Heroes entering midlife (42-62), Artists entering young adulthood (21-41), and Prophets entering childhood (0-20).  The attributes of each turning have to do with what life-cycle (elderhood, midlife, young adulthood, childhood) the archetypes are entering.  Along with that, people who were Heroes during an Awakening in the Millennial Saeculum have similar characteristics as people who were Heroes during other Saeculums.  The authors have charts and dates to help you figure out what generation you belong to, but they also say "there is not fixed formula for identifying the persona of a real-life generation.  But it helps to look for three attributes: first, a generation's common location in history; second it's common beliefs and behavior; and third, its perceived membership in common generation."   I am on the boarder of two generations--the 13th and the Millennial Generations.  I have characteristics from both. 

This book has been recommended by people that I trust and respect and has been used as a resource by other people that I respect.  For that reason I read it.  Unfortunately I discussed the book with people who hated it.  They had nothing good to say and even thought that the portrayal of historical events was skewed and false.  I tend to put my faith in the first set of people, but the second set of people has made me think:  How can I know for myself if a book is true and giving correct information? 

 

Book #28

"Alas, Babylon" by Pat Frank is an apocalyptic novel from the 1950s in which a small town in Florida is one of the few towns to not be hit by or receive fallout from an atomic bomb.  It is the story of how the people survived.

The book made me think about things like money and leaders and protection.  I also thought about being prepared.  The people on River Road in Fort Repose figured out how to survive right from the beginning.  They seemed to have all the right people and resources.  I (facetiously) made a list of all the important people and things to have around in case of an emergency. 

--A doctor--especially one who knows about the dangers following a crisis. 
--A library and/or books--the people relied on the library as a source of entertainment and information.  They learned about edible plants, where to find salt, how to make and fix things and how to hypnotize. 
--Animals--chickens for eggs, pigs for meat, cows for milk, fish for meat.
--A garden--the people lived off the orange groves, they made whiskey from the corn and sugar cane, and had fresh vegetables during the right seasons. 
--Weapons--to protect friends and family.
--Medicines and herbs
--Items to trade--alcohol, sweets, coffee, cigarettes, toilet paper, honey
--Water--they lived right next to a river and had access to the fish, but they also had artesian water for drinking and bathing. 
--Cars with gas and bicycles
--Radio--they hooked up the short wave radio to car batteries and access to news outside their community.
--Friends and family--they built a small community that relied on each other.  They shared and helped as needed.
--Leaders and hard workers--they each had jobs and had to work hard in order to survive, but someone had to organize their efforts and take charge. 

The people on River Road luckily had all the right things--that is what made the story good.  Though it is not realistic, it got me thinking about what I need to do to prepare. 

Book #27

I just finished reading aloud "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo.  He is the author of "War Horse" and "Farm Boy"--2 books we read last year and enjoyed.  (On a side note--when I'm typing the title of a book, do I underline, use quotes, or italicize?) 

This book takes place in Germany during WWII.  A family adopts an elephant from the zoo where the mom works, bringing it home in the evenings.  One night, while on a walk, their city (Dresden) gets attacked by bombers and they have to escape.  They start walking and take the elephant with them.  Most of the story is about what happens on their long walk from Dresden to where the American troops were. 

Reading the book in the space of a week gave the false impression that their journey was short--only a few days.  But, the reality is that it took them several weeks of walking through snow and rain and always struggling to find food and shelter.  One of the refugees complained a lot.  But on a more positive day she says "If Peter (the navigator they found) was our guide, and Mutti (the mother) was our strength, then Marlene (the elephant) was our inspiration."  She recognized the strengths of her traveling companions.  The comment about the mom resonated with me.  I've been focusing on changing negative thoughts to positive thoughts and I realize how easy it is for me to get sucked into other people's negative thoughts and words.  The mother always said the same thing to the daughter who complained: "Just put one foot in front of the other and we'll get there."  She always tried to be positive.  I appreciated her example.  It's easy to be positive when things are going well, but hard when in the middle of a trial. 

Books #24, #25 and #26

I'm a little behind on my posting so I'm doing 1 big post to catch up. 

The kids and I have been listening to the Little Britches series in the car.  A year or two ago we read the first book in the series and loved it, but our library didn't have any of the other books so we forgot about it for awhile.  Then I reread the book for a book club and the kids got interested in it again.  I was able to find audio downloads of the remaining books.  We have been working our way through the series.  We just finished book #5--The Fields of Home.  In this book Ralph Moody moves to Maine to help his grandfather on the farm.  There is a lot of frustration and a lot of growth in both Ralph and grandpa.  They learn that their way isn't always the best and change can be good.  I love that the stories are all true.






I mentioned before that I like to read a fun and easy book to help me get through the longer, harder books.  I read the next book the Last Apprentice series called Rise of the Huntress.  In this book the apprentice has to fight an evil witch, mostly with out the help of his master.  He is learning more about himself and his friend and his master.

Mr. linden's Library
He had warned her about the book.  Now it was too late.

This next books is one I picked randomly of the library shelf.  The Chronicles of Harris Burdick is a collection of stories by 14 authors.  There is a story behind the collection.  A man names Peter Wenders was mysteriously visited by Harris Burdick.  Mr. Burdick left behind 14 drawings with 14 captions and promised to return with more stories.  Mr. Wenders never saw Mr. Burdick again.  People have looked at the pictures and read the captions and tried to think of stories.  The book contains what 14 authors thought the stories behind the pictures might be.  One day we even tried.  We looked at a picture, read the caption and created a story.  Our stories were very different from the ones in the book.  We enjoyed the variety and found a new author we liked--too bad he doesn't write children's books. 

 

 

Book #23

“I dreamed a dream in time gone by
When hope was high
And life worth living
I dreamed that love would never die
I dreamed that God would be forgiving
Then I was young and unafraid
And dreams were made and used and wasted
There was no ransom to be paid
No song unsung, no wine untasted”

These are the words sung by Fantine in the musical Les Miserables.  To her, a dream was hope, a better life, happiness.  John Eldredge, the author of Wild at Heart, says that a dream is a battle to fight (a better tomorrow and personal rewards), an adventure to live (experiencing new things), and a beauty to win (lifelong companionship).  According to Orrin Woodward in Resolved a dream is an idea that turns into plans which turns into goals.  To me a dream is our desires and wishes.  But, in his book The Dream Giver, Bruce Wilkinson has a different definition of the word dream.  According to his character, Ordinary, a dream is what we do best and what we most love to do. 

Ordinary lives a life much like most people—the same routine, the same friends, the same expectations—but, he starts to feel like something is missing in his life.  He realizes that he has been given a dream and was “made to be a Somebody and achieve Great Things.”  He decides he will leave his ordinary life and take the journey to make his dream a reality.  His journey is filled with discouragement, trials, excuses, and other obstacles. 

I, like Ordinary, have been visited by the “Dream Giver” and know that I have been put on earth for a reason.  I call that reason my mission or purpose.  I tried to compare my journey with his, but couldn’t figure out where I was on the path.  I’ve discovered my mission, but I’m still in the processes of defining what my mission looks like and feels like.  I’ve felt doubts and fears and wondered if and how I will be able to fulfill my mission.  I am blessed to be surrounded by people who support me.  Some may question why I am doing what I am doing, but they don’t try to stop me or persuade me to go a different route.  I know there will be trials and obstacles, but luckily I have yet to face them.  Bruce Wilkins writes, “The place we’re most likely to experience testing is exactly where we struggle most to trust God.”  He also says that if we are facing obstacles then we are on the right track. 

Until recently I never thought about missions or purposes.  If someone asked me what God’s plan for me was I would have said be a mom.  But now I am learning and understanding that God has a plan for everyone and it’s more than learn and grow and return to Him.  It is specific to me and it is specific to each of God’s children.  If I didn’t know about the idea of missions, how many other people don’t know?  Even though Bruce Wilkinson uses the word dream and I use the word mission, the idea is the same.  We all are called to do something.  In the words of Ordinary to his father: “Your dream is here somewhere, waiting for you.  And if you don’t pursue it, something very important won’t happen.”

Book #22

A pretend interview with Drew Brees (quarterback for the New Orleans Saints)

Based on his story from the book Coming Back Stronger: Unleashing the hidden power of adversity

I’m not a sports fan by any means, but the idea of finding positives in adversity intrigued me.  I was pleasantly pleased with the things I learned.  This faux interview contains some of my favorite parts of Drew’s experience.  The things he learned about adversity are things we can all learn. 

 

 

Interviewer: We have with us today Drew Brees, the quarterback for the New Orleans Saints.  Drew recently took his team to the Super Bowl and achieved a great victory.  Now we want to know about his journey.  So, tell us, Drew, did you always want to play football?   

Drew: I loved whatever sport I was playing; growing up I always had a ball in my hand.  Although I played both football and baseball in High School, I really wanted to play baseball.  Even after signing on to play football for Purdue I thought I could focus on baseball and get drafted after college.  Turns out that wasn’t in God’s plan for me. 

 

Interviewer: In High School, you tore your ACL.  You’ve said that that incident changed you; tell us how it changed you.

Drew: That injury was the best thing that happened to me up to that point.  6 months after surgery I was completely healed and physically stronger.  “But for me the real difference wasn’t in my body but in my head and my heart.  I had a new sense of confidence because I knew I had worked hard to fight through the injury.  I’d pushed myself past limits I’d previously thought I could not go beyond.  I was physically, mentally and spiritually tougher because of what I had endured in order to get to that point.”  I was young, but I learned that I should always try to find the positive out of every negative. 

 

Interviewer: You attended Purdue after graduation and after Purdue you were drafted by the San Diego Chargers.  Share some of the things you learned while playing for that team.

Drew: Well, I constantly had to evaluate my attitude toward my teammates and coaches. “Human nature tells me to be angry and resentful and defensive when things don’t go my way—to seek revenge.  I always have to fight that. . . Anyone can see adversity in a difficult situation, but it takes a stronger person to see the opportunity.”  

 

I also learned that I am only as strong as my weakest link.  I had a trainer who helped me to see that I lacked strength in certain areas, and those weaknesses affected how well I played.  My trainer helped me with my diet as well—teaching me that eating the wrong foods made my body work harder to fight against free radicals making me feel fatigued and not able to recover as quickly. 

 

Another thing I learned is that no matter how good you are at what you do, there will always be people who think you aren’t good enough.  I made a choice early on to be motivated by the people who believed in me instead of being goaded by those who doubted me. 

 

Interviewer: After a terrible shoulder dislocation and a yearlong recovery process you were drafted by the New Orleans Saints.  You’ve said that you felt “called” to New Orleans; called to help the city get back on its feet.  Can you tell us what you mean by that?

Drew:  Actually, I believe that “each one of us has a calling for our lives, and it’s up to us to pursue that with everything we have.”  God wanted me in New Orleans.  I and my team knew how important it was for us to give the people of New Orleans something to hope for.   “We knew how much our fans identified with the team.  With that connection, we hoped they could latch on to some of our hope.  We could lead them back to higher ground, where they could get a glimpse of a better future.” 

 

Interviewer: Will you share some of the team building activities you do with your team?

Drew: I realized early on that I needed to change the way I prepared for a game.  I had a ritual that I followed that didn’t include my teammates.  I decided that I needed to be pumped up for them—that put me outside of my comfort zone, but I knew it was important.  The things I do with my team are secret during the season.  I created chants for to us to say before games, we had positive thinking activities, we did team building exercises and anything I asked them to do I was willing to do myself.  We were a team. 

 

Interviewer: What is the best advice you’ve been given?

Drew:  I’ve gotten lots of great advice.  One of my favorites was from a good friend.  He told me “that each morning when you wake up, think about winning the day.  Don’t worry about a week from now or a month from now—just think about one day at a time.  If you are worried about the mountains in the distance, you might trip over the molehill right in front of you.”  So often we worry about future challenges instead of celebrating the daily accomplishments. 

 

Another favorite came from my mentor Tom House.  He told me once after a loss that I was thinking so much about winning that I forgot the process it takes to win.  In anything we do we “need to put as much emphasis on the process as [we] do on the result.”  I apply this advice to all areas of my life. 

 

Interviewer: What advise can you give to your fans?

Drew: We are all going to face trials in our lives.  Those trials make us who we are.  But, it’s not enough to know that, you need to take action.  “Knowledge alone doesn’t change anyone.  You have to get to the point where you not only accept it but own it and put it into practice.”  You need to see those tough times as opportunities for growth.  “Have faith that it is happening for a reason.  And when it comes, you can lean into the adversity, put your shoulder down, push through it, and learn from it.  Through those experiences, God will mold you into the person he wants you to be.  The person you’re meant to be.” 

 

Interviewer:  There you have it folks—an inspiration to us all.  Thank you, Drew, for sharing your insights to overcoming adversity.