Love Deeply

For Responsibilities class we were to write a paper over on of the books we read in class. I chose The Giver because I love this book. During my paper, I was trying to describe a perfect world and I struggled and struggled to find the words. It was at this point that I realized that my perfect world is one that I am reunited with God. Without Him, my world would be far from perfect. That night I read more in Crazy Love and it discussed this fact. "The critical question for our generation--and for every generation--is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, an with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ was not there?" For the longest time I know that I would have answered truthfully that I would love all those things even if it came without God. Now, I definitely can say NO. I cannot wait for the day that I get to be with Him. in fact, I crave to be with Him. The rest of the book that I read talked about having an astounding love for God. One that radiates to the world, so that we love other people with God's love as well. By loving God we will learn to love other people. God's love does not come from our works but our heart-felt works will come from loving God. Works that we want to do, not works that we feel obligated to do because we are Christians. Something I need a reminder of as I have trouble saying no to things and making myself way too busy at times.

Read for 1 hour 45 mins

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Reading Blog Reflection

I love reading and I've always loved reading. Yet, it always takes a back burner in my life. So, I consider myself a "seasonal reader." I read lots during the summer, Christmas break, etc. but during the school year, there's just no time. This assignment has made me take the time to read. It also made me see that I can fit reading into my busy schedule if I really want to take the time. I also found that reading is a stress-reliever for me (which I greatly need). When I read (a good book) I forget about the long to-do-list I have to complete, the laundry piling up in my closet, and the typical drama in my life. Once I start reading, it becomes incredibly hard for me to stop...I would be perfectly content reading all day long. Unfortunately, the real world calls me back and the to-do-list is waiting there for me when I get back. I know that I will be reading lots this summer. Infact, I already have a list of books started that I want to read over the summer. As far as next school year, unless I have to keep another reading blog up for class, I probably won't consistantly read. In years to come, once again it probably will depend on my busy schedule. Hopefully, I will be able to have the time to read more in the coming years. If not, I know that it will always be there when I need it.

The End

From my previous experience with Nicholas Sparks books, two things can be determined before even reading the book: 1) someone always dies and 2) a sad ending. I was completely surprised by the Bend in the Road. Someone does die but the ending...happy--despite circumstances.

This was a really good book but with my preconceptions with Nicholas Sparks books, I was dreading getting to the end because I don't like sad endings...I don't know a person who does. This book gives the underlying concept of nothing can change the past. Nothing. Not even revenge. It will always be there. The book also shows that love conquers all. That is all that I am going to say about this book because I don't want to ruin the ending.

Overall, great book and I would recommend this to everyone--especially education majors. Now, I have to find a new book to read...it's going to be hard to pick.

Read for 1 hour 30 mins

A Different Story Every Time

I focused my time reading the Bible. I love reading scripture. It gives insight, it encourages, and reminds me of how great and loving God is. One of my favorite parts of reading the Bible is that you can read the same verse at one time and then read it again later, and have a completely different meaning than the first. As my mom has always said,"the Bible is one book that you can read over and over again and still get a different meaning/story each time you read it." Scripture though, can be incredibly confusing as well. You can also read the same scripture over and over again and still have no idea what it means. That is when I seek out my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and see if they have an interpretation that make sense. That is what I love about my small group. The people in my group come from many different backgrounds, denominations, and beliefs. They give insight and opinions about the scripture that I would have never seen. The Bible to this day is my favorite book and I enjoy reading it every night.

2 hours

Imperfection is Best

We had another assignment in Responsibilities to read a book. After the last book that was assigned to read, I would usually be hesitant on the next reading assignment. I've read this book before in the 2nd grade and remember loving it. So I pick up this book (The Giver) and started reading it. I finished it in two days, so it was a pretty easy read. I loved the book. I loved it because it made me realize how great it is to live it this world. Sure, it has it minuses but, we have a lot to be thankful for! The world that the main character (Jonas) lives in is a world that is completely controlled. They have no decisions to make: their jobs are determined for them, their spouse, their children. They have no feelings: love, anger, hate, pain. They can't even see color. While this world allows for perfection and no hurt, they miss out on also so many good things that come with imperfection and pain. I cannot imagine living in a world where I couldn't feel anything or know the love of a family. Jonas is able to receive these memories from the Giver and he realizes too that the people need to be involved with both the joys and hurts in this life. I am glad I read it again, because in second grade I didn't understand a lot of the meaning/ moral of the story that came with it.
Read for 4 hours