You’ll never guess what book I’m holding right now

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Twilight.

Oh, stop laughing!

I mentioned on Facebook the other day that I wasn’t going to be part of the masses descending upon a movie theater to see New Moon. Who knew from an innocent status update I would be inspired to read a series of YA novels I never, ever imagined I would read? Stranger things and all that, eh?

Joy, a dear friend, fellow homeschooling mom trying to teach her kids the same truths I am, with the good sense to live within sight of Mt. Rainier, commented that she used the Twilight books as a springboard into teaching right v. wrong, not having sex before marriage, etc.

Really, Joy? That was a first. Who has escaped all the hype surrounding Twilight? First the rage of the books, now the films, so this was the first time I knew of someone reading these books to discuss Biblical principals. I do love a good debate, especially one based on a hot book (no, that’s not a Team Jacob or Team Edward reference. Sheesh, people.)

You know me, I like to talk books. I’m not shy to speak my mind regarding my opinions. And as a mother of a pre-teen, voracious reader, I need to know what she’s picked up off the shelf. You can’t judge a book by its cover.

So I’m going to read the entire series, then blog about my findings. I’m basically interested in two questions:

What does the Twilight series teach young people about sex and purity? Do the books promote godly behavior?

I’m leaning toward posting each book separately, but I’ll see how it goes. If I suddenly have deep thoughts bursting from within, I won’t wait until I’ve finished the book.

That’s it for now. I know I’ve been usually quiet here these last few months. I just really didn’t feel much like recording thoughts here; guess I had the blog blahs, if there is such a thing. It’s been awhile since I’ve really felt fired up about writing thoughts about a book. I think Twilight is just the kick in the pants I need to get back into writing here again. Thanks for sticking with me.

Blog book tour: O2 (Breathing New Life into Faith) by Richard Dahlstrom

O2: Breathing New Life into Faith by Richard Dahlstrom

I think it’s really telling when a pastor’s bio on the back of a book promotes his blog, especially a site with a catchy title such as Raincitypastor.

Also from the back cover of O2,

Your physical body needs oxygen in order to survive.  Inhale, exhale… one leads naturally to the other. Inhale too long, and you feel as if your lungs will burst. Exhale too long, and you get light headed. The same rhythm is essential in the life of faith. You inhale life-giving strength from God through things like prayer, study, solitude, and silence. You exhale generosity, hospitality, and service to the poor. If you try to do one without the other, you won’t last very long.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book.

As I was saying…

Preoccupied with homeschooling these days, still trying to find a balance in what to do with the boys, how much to push them, and if they aren’t doing “school”, what should they be doing in replace of it.

So far this fall, we’ve tried letterboxing, started back to Community Bible Study classes and AWANA, resumed Wednesday night church youth programs and various other activities. I enjoy busy, but busy doesn’t write pithy blog posts or get the housework done or let me stare out the window as much as I’d like. I’m a big fan of daydreaming…

Vacation. Never did blog about it here like I wanted. We had a nice time. Did a lot of hiking, biking, beach combing, and swimming. For me, one of the highlights of the trip was listening to Peter – unprompted – read aloud. That was a memory to remember. It wasn’t much, just the packaging from a fast-food toy, but it’s something, right?

And that thought brings me to an quandary that may be to blame as to why I’ve been so quiet here. I’m not sure how much I want to share about my kid’s performance with the 3R’s in a public forum. Will they come to resent it? Will they be embarrassed later in life? I’m glad I had the foresight to not use their real names.

Not sure how I’m going to resolve this dilemma. If any of you have thoughts as to yea or nay in regards as to how the home learning is going, I’d like to know. Do you care if I write about homeschooling or not?

As for reading, I’m deep into three books at the moment. The United States of Argula by David Kamp, Homeschooling on a Shoestring by Melissa L. Morgan and Judith Waite Allee and Family Feasts for $75 a Week by Mary Osten. I’m reading Dinotopia aloud to anyone willing to listen. I need to prepare intelligent thoughts about a book for a book tour by the end of the month. Overloaded is the key word here.

Okay, then. I guess I’m back. All is well here. Normal fall back to busyness.